Christmas In August...Lollapalooza time!!!!

My people, my people....

If you know me, there are very few things in life that get me excited: free drinks (should I be sad about this?), delish food and LOLLAPALOOZA time in Chicago!!!

Seriously, it's like Christmas in August. Awesome music, funky hipsters (and yes, I mean this literally), and darn fantastic parties. My friends and I literally countdown for this weekend every year. I think we were five seconds from exploding prior to getting our invites to parties (damn, bloggers and their privilege ways).

Well, I was lucky enough to be invited to several exclusive parties over the weekend, so lots to report on  (ahh, to be a broke socialite, cause you already know how I feel about paying to get into parties....totally unnecessary).

First place we sashayed to was the Rolling Stone magazine party at Studio Paris. Oh man, was this a good one. Rolling Stone literally rolled out the red carpet at this one. Belvedere was flowing (a little too much for me :)), the food was plentiful (um, crab legs, anyone) and the company was pretty good. I wasn't neccessarily in love with the band selection, but the DJ duo of Cosmic Kids was sick! Any DJ that plays Stardusts' "Music Sound Better With You" has a special place in my heart. Needless to say, had too much of great time at this party, had to call it an early night.

CK One Powder/Bronzer duo

After some well needed sleep (and a big bottle of Gatorade), on Saturday, we made our way back down to the Rolling Stone party for Day 2 of Lolla World Tour (yes,  I know, lame, but going with it). We def had superb time, but knew it was time to make our way to the party we've been talking about for the past 365 days, the It's So Miami Oasis party at the Hard Rock hotel. This party really is like a vacation away from the Lolla madness outside (standing next to some smelly 19-year old is not my idea of fun, sorry). So, I went with GH (you know who you are) and few other friends and indulged in the fab opps at the party. CK One was one of the sponsors and a wonderfully, beautiful  good one at that. Manicures galore (they flew in manicurists from NY, that's how serious it was) and a layout of make-up that would make the baddest drag queen mad (yes, I did cop the powder/bronzer duo, along with the mascara (which I adore btw)). After our mani session, we headed to some of the gifting suites, where I was able to snag this neon pink watch from Nico Lives (yes, you should get one, only $15 and you'll be ahead of the trend, trust). Like all good things, however, parties must come to an end, as this one wrapped at 6 PM. Minor note: I will say the other highlight of my day was hanging out with my new friend, chef extraordinaire, Mr. Table 52 (google it and the mac and cheese). Man, I thought I could hang, but he totally outdid me.

Childish Gambino at CK One presents Rock The Vote Nights

(photo courtesy of LFB Media Group)

While I did say all good things must come to an
end, guess what....they
start back up again! We headed back to the Hard Rock at 10 PM but this time for CK One presents Rock The Vote Nights (you know it's an election year, kiddies, have to engage the youngins' and excite them about voting). They had some pretty solid performances both Saturday and Sunday night, but my personal favorite were DJ sets from Talib Kweli and Childish Gambino. While neither performed at the venue, both put on a decent set (well, CG may need to keep practicing, no shade cause I was super excited to meet him. Actually, he walked right past me, thought about shouting his name, but that's hood.....right?). Again, the drinks were flowing, but as I learned my lesson on Friday, I stuck to Coors beer the entire night (hey, I had to drink something, right).

You all know I'm trying to limit my ranting, so all in all, I had a pretty solid weekend. Seriously, how could I complain: manicure (with a color that I adore), jukin' to Talib Kweli and crab legs (yes, I know, I'll stop drooling over this), I would say I had a winning weekend.  Until next year....365, 364, 363.....

Talib Kweli at CK One presents Rock The Vote Night
(photo courtesy of LFB Media Group)

Fab CK One manicure (color: Romper Room)

Things I like: The Burning Ear

Morning, kids,


I have a raging headache and I'm slightly annoyed (w/ those we do not speak of at the moment), but the one thing that makes me happy is MUSIC (cue Madonna song; credit to youtube.com/WB site).


I often venture to this great website called The Burning Ear, which features AWESOME (pretty new music) everyday. Lots of remixes to some great songs.


The owners of the TBE describes the site as such "The Burning Ear is a music blog for people who don’t have time for music blogs. TBE sifts through tons of new music and bring the best of the best right here. TBE focuses on new music but we aren’t about the bleeding edge, the next big thing, or the “new” new (There are plenty other music blogs for that). "


The other great thing about the site is that you can download the songs you here for FREE (um hmm, duh, The Broke Socialite Now for a reason). So, open you ears and on your down time take a listen.


My song of the moment from the site: Frank Ocean: Pyramids


Well, back to dealing with this freaking headache...grrr


But let me leave you with video (not from The Burning Ear, but how I get down on a normal basis)

Free Dranks!!!!

IT'S THE SUMMAAAAAA, SNITCHES

Well, well, well. I haven't written an actual "I'm broke, but going out" post in sometime.

So, I'm a terrible blogger and only do it when I feel like it (Awesome Guy (yea he's back, sorta) said I only blog when I'm mad at him...partially true), but this post isn't me ranting about getting robbed or talking about how great JC (which he is btw), but I'm me getting my free drink on (that's bad to write after praising JC, but he forgives :))

On the point of the post, so I kinda got off my game a bit, but guess what, it's summer, bitches, and that means "exclusive" (I still had to wait in line 5 minutes, yea I'm a spoiled, broke brat) parties.

Either, from my grand hustling days running these Windy streets from the youthful age of 22 - 26 (I had to retire, could be the old bitch in the club), my gay husband and I met this pleasant British club manager, who took a liking to us (sure we stalked him for a free drink every time we saw him, but he was always so pleasant).


Note: I don't think I've used names in my post, but seeing that I'm promoting this ish on my social network, assuming the people can use context clues to figure who I'm talking about. If not, help yo' self (I'll give you a break if you're not sitting in Wind all day to know the scene).


I went to this new rooftop bar, which I'm sure all the who's who, wannabee, douchebags and honestly sprinkling in between, some really solid, nice people, will be the summer. It's on top of a hotel I've hung out at before (no hoe ish), and it was pretty cool. So, for easier reading, I'll break down the ambiance (sp)

Drinks:
They were on point. The nice, British man is a mixologist, so it was very apparent that he created the drink menu and taught his staff how to re-create this fab drinks (bless the poor bartenders who probably were working at TGIFridays before this gig, it was apparent, but they tried). My gay husband, "if i were gay" wife, and I enjoyed the rose infused drink the best. We would agreed we would come back, expect the drinks start at $15 (i.e. this is why I go free ish and why the blog is The Broke Socialite Now (hell, if I wasn't broke now, I still don't know if I'm up for paying for a $15 drink, better come, with a date and a free meal).

Environment:
We went to the soft opening (cool enough to get invited to this one, but not cool enough to get invited to really private opening, lost some of "pimping" status due to taking time of to date Awesome Guy again (don't worry, that's now done and gone again), going to work on getting pimping status back). We got there early enough not have to deal with bs (not trying to wait, mad I had to wait 5). Either way, the hosts were super nice, which I appreciated (hope it stays that way). For the most part, it was def the see and be seen, crowd, but def met some really nice people. We had the best seat in house (people were made, lol), but the music was great and our waitress was super nice (hey Soundbar girl).

The only dreadful thing was the outfits the bartenders and waitresses had to wear. Because I like British guy, I won't go too hard, but damn, let's find a better seamtress next time.

Moral of the story:
I would go back for a Sunday afternoon jaunt (hopefully, can garner some free99 drinks), but would bypast any other time (getting too old for douches and thirsty chick (so says the chick who will not pay for a drink, lol).

Either way, couple of shots of our delicious drinks (and yes, we got good and drunk (gotta enjoy those free $15 drinks while you can :))

My taste-ta Rosemary drink

Outside view (this was early before it got uber packed)

Oh, do I even need a caption

Yup, I'm back

Sometimes it takes a little shake-up to get your game back. I'm back, snitches!!!!


More to come soon...

It's been awhile

Ok ok, I know it's been awhile, but it's time for me to start writing again. I'm in a new season and it's time to relish and thrive in this time. So, I'm cheating a bit as I did not write the post below, but that it would be good to share. So, take a read, hope it inspires you:

From Motivationval Messages for Spiritial Growth http://motivationamessagesforspiritualgrowth.blogspot.com/2011/05/staying-steadfast-in-lord.html

STAYING STEADFAST IN THE LORD!!

“I came naked from my mother’s womb, and I will be naked when I leave. The Lord gave me what I had, and the Lord has taken away. Praise the name of the Lord!” Job 1:21 (NLT)

A lot of us if not all can find it easy to praise God when things are going well in our lives, when all that we desire to have is in our midst we call God by many different names. When our health, success, finance, family affairs, etc. are in good terms we find it easy to call God faithful.

But can a lot of us be able to stay steadfast in the Lord when things are not that on our side and say, like Job whom even all that he had was stripped off him and he was left naked and in poor health but still could in the midst of all this affliction call God faithful?

I doubt many turn to acknowledge God in the midst of their season of prosperity as long as the season does not change God is still God in their life, but as soon as things start to go downhill priorities changes.

It doesn’t have to  be like that we need to know to praise God even if there is no food on the table, even when our health are not at their best He must still remain Jehovah El-shaddai in our live. There is a difference between praise and worship and before you can praise God you must come to worship Him first.

Praise is saying “Thank you God  that I have bread on the table for me to eat today!”, Praise is saying “Thank you God that my health is intact!”, Praise is saying “Thank you Lord that there  is peace and harmony in my family!” Praise is saying “Thank you God that all is well in my life!”

But true worship which is very hard for many of us to partake in is saying “Thank you God for this day even if I do not have any bread on the table!” True Worship is saying “Thank you God for today even if I am sick at body and my health is not intact!” True Worship is saying “I thank you God even if things are in a season of lack in my life for I know my season of abundance will come at your own time and not mine!”

Today if you believe in the Word of God and in His promise that “He will never leave you nor forsake you” you need to start showing it by praising Him even if your days seem dark.

In true fact they are no dark you just going through a season of Sabbath, which means is a season of rest which God just want you for Himself away from the busy toils of the world.

 This season that seem like a season of lack of worldly things is a season in which you must be heaping in abundances those of the spiritual for it is when we are separated from the worldly reaches that we can heap the Heavenly things!

 Today thank God for what He has given you a precious day to joy in His presence in as you begin to do that you season of abundance will be knocking in the door as a sign of God’s reward for your faithfulness!

Stay steadfast in the Lord Today keep the faith and never allow it to be shaken by circumstance for God is better than our problems more than we can begin to imagine!

It's been a long time...."

It's been quite some time since my last substantial post. Honestly, haven't really been inspired to write anything. I've been to a couple of really cool events that every broke socialite should try to worktheir way into (Chefs and the City; , MixArts at the James, ballet galas). I mean, honestly, if there is free top shelf liquor, I will find my way, there, LOL.

More importantly, I realize it's been a year since I began to transform my life to honestly just be a better friend, daughter, sister, Christian...overall better person.

I was doing pretty good for awhile, sometimes a**hole, crazy socialite would show up for a special appearance, but no irreputable harm was done (at least I don't think : /).

Recently, however, I'm feeling kind of lost again. Not lost like a wandering soul, causing trouble (though I did a bit of recently, but gives me and my friends a good chuckle), but like whatever "gifts" have bestowed within in me, really are not being used correctly.

This blog was suppose to about all the cool, free places I go and no disrespect to those places and invites, but I'm kind of jaded. How is drinking overly priced, newly launched liquor going to help those in need (a**hole comment alert: it does help my pocketbook though)?

So, since its been a year since I basically "lost my mind to find a new one", I need to challenge myself to get back on track. Not sure how many Hip-Hop heads read this, but if you don't know, "the overweight lover" Heavy D just passed (sidenote: title of the post is a Rakim nod), but his last tweet (fyi: I HATE TWITTER. No point of following me because I personally don't really tweet) was "Be Inspired". That is what I realized I lost, inspiration. After reading that though, I feel it creeping back. So, what I need to do next to be inspired, still trying to figure that out (going wwoof"ing" (thanks guy across the hall) in Europe or just honestly starting my own non-profit helping young girls find/retain self-esteem (yes, I blame boys)), but know this is the time for me to something.

Ok, ok, I'm still going to go to fancy events (yes, I'm a hypocrite, but damn it, I like to drink and take pictures), but know I need to expand myself further than that.

So, here's to another 365 days of trying to figure out what the hell to do with my life (sidenote: really proud of myself I didn't curse horrifically in this post, trying to work on my sailor mouth as well. so difficult with so many idiots around).

Let's end on good note with my new favorite video (this ish should get you and me inspired):

Move on.....

This is the saddest story.....

Epic Rockstar Weekend For FREE 99

Hi all,

Okay, okay, it's been forever since I posted (lots of stuff going on, but more importantly, just lazy), but as my good friend said "This is the epitome of your blog site". So, this one is going to be short and sweet. Please note, I've actually done some other cool stuff, probably should post about that as well....

Topline info:
- Lollapalooza 2011: Aug 3-5
       - Cee-Lo Green, Deadmaus, Foo Fighters, Eminem, Kid Cudi and lots more
- Hard Rock Hotel (Miami Oasis and Express Rocks lounges) During the day time hours Aug 3-5
       -flowing vodka, Qdoba, massages, facials, designer sunglasses, etc
- Belve afterparty (W Hotel)
     - more flowing vodka

Cost of all this to The Broke Socialite: M'NFN FREEEEEEEEEEEEE

Ok, enough with the bragging. I had an EPIC weekend. It amazes me how I get all this stuff for free. Basically, I really was just suppose to go the parties (hey free booze is enough to make this socialite happy), but low and behold, my charming personality (hahahahahaha) scored me a free 3-day pass to concert from some man (to be nice, he's actually turned out to be nice) but BEST yet, after he gave me the ticket...HE LEFT ME THE HELL ALONE. Now that's what I call a amazing weekend (having to put on my girlish charm kills me sometimes. Just give me my drink, food, etc and leave me alone) (and yes, totally sounds bitch-y but ladies (and some gents) can feel me on this one.

Either way, my gay husband came through on the front half, so much love to him. I had a great weekend with friends (new and old) and couldn't ask for more.

So, many highlights to this weekend, but now this one is getting lengthy.

So to sum it up, here is a clip of Deadmau5 performance from the festival (I've saw this performance in a way I never seen it before (total inside joke :))



This photo also sums up Sunday (can't believe I was covered in mud, ewww and yuck (thought I did become a hippy for a nano second)

The Foreign Exchange - The Last Fall

So, my sister from another mother introduced to the group and song and I must say, it is f'ing awesome. Maybe cause I'm in a bit of funk does it sound so memorizing. Either great song and great video (slightly disturbing). Lyrics spoken so true........



01 The Last Fall by The Broke Socialite Now

The Foreign Exchange - Valediction

Another great song....can kick myself for missing them perform this live

07 Valediction by The Broke Socialite Now

It's a been awhile

Hey all,

I know it's been some time and a lot has gone on since the last post (LOTS of work travel, new apartment, PLENTY of fab events). So, I have a ton of posts that I need to get up and out.

This has definitely become an open entry into my life and the things I do and think. Nothing really profound in this particular, more of a kick in the butt for me to start writing again. My gay husband said something to me recently that open my eyes to a realization. He said "you seem real centered now". I now that doesn't really mean a lot, but it really scared the shit outta me. The fear that lies within me is when you are at peace, what comes next. It's the "what comes next" part that terrifies me. For some odd reason, I just can't envision life past peace. And maybe that's my problem, I envision peace as a short term feeling/thought/emotion etc. Now, I've never been a chaotic person (at least I don't think, you'll have to ask all my exes about that), but to be at peace, is chaos to come next? or nothing?

Life is honestly really good right now. Good with family, good with friends, getting better day by day in my relationship with God, so my confusion lies as to why I'm not doing backflips in excitement. You know, I was talking to Awesome Guy (I really need to change his name) and he said something to the effect of "I can dream big now". And as I pondered on that statement, I realized I've never truly "dreamed big". Now, here's the difference, I knew I would do amazing things, but they've all just kinda fell in my lap or just happen. My entire life has been "ok, I'm going to do...." and then I do it and it just happens. Never truly encountered an obstacle. Not saying that I want to encounter an obstacle (or is that what I'm saying, too early to confuse myself), but I've never dreamed of doing something that just seemed out of this world. Maybe that's the problem, I don't dream, I just do and maybe that minimizes my current and future goals.

I don't know. I'm sure today is just a debbie downer type day and tomorrow I'll be "Miss Assurance" again. Either way, I am glad I did this post out. Maybe now my butt will start writing again.

Leave with one of fave quotes:
"First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do" - Epictetus

Hell, maybe I just need a hug

****if you can't tell, I really like cats (I know, totally weird)

Random Post

Because Valentine's Day is so far away and National Pig Out Day (i.e. Thanksgiving) is no where near, this one is for the swine lovers out there:

Enjoy!!!!

Update: My 40 Day Fast I'm getting tired

So, I'm coming towards the end of my fast.

This week is fruits and veggies only. Trying to do right by fast and leave it as that exactly, no processed foods, flour, grains CHESSE (or cheese, how I miss you).

Honestly, I feel like I'm struggling more this week than last. I guess last week because I knew I wasn't eating, I felt okay. This week, however, knowing that I'm only eating fruits and veggies, I AM ABSOLUTELY STARING. (Insight: I actually am not the biggest fan of veggies. Prior to fast the only veggies I would pretty much eat were broccoli, cauliflower and potates (and those were mostly fried)).

I can def feel a change in my body and mind. I def feel a sense of clarity, but I can also feel my body now kicking my a** because I'm depriving it of food.

Honestly, there are times this week when I'm just like forget it. I don't feel like praying, I don't feel like reading the Bible, I was just want to sit and veg (no pun intended) out. But, one of my good friends said something to me that I really took to heart. He said, "It's not like Jesus stop being Jesus for a day".  I thought about it for a sec...that was so true. I'm sure there are days when He was like "Ugh, all these sick people bugging and ish. I just want to take a break" (or at least that's what I would say), but he didn't. He helped all his brothers and sisters. He was tempted left and right, but knew his Father sent him for purpose and it was he needed to fulfill that purpose.

Okay, so clearly, I'm not Jesus (nor do I want to be, sounds like a tough job), but if he could deal with all  that was tossed his way, me not eating meat and cheese is nothing. At the end of the day, will this make me a better person, probably not, but it does allow me to begin my journey on building a stronger relationship with God and Jesus.

So, to all those who don't feel like doing certain things, I say it's okay (one: because I'm a believer of if you're not going to do whole-heartedly, then don't do it at all; two: Hey, He understands. Not the best excuse not to do anything, but he does). Just continue to work on yourself and how you can be a better bro or sis to the world.

Okay, onward to reading my gossip blogs (i know, i know, such a hypocrite, but He's working on me).

Update: My 40 Day Fast

So, a few people inquired how my fast was going, figured I would give an update:

So, I am currently in week 4 of my fast where I only consume liquids.

Weeks 1 - 3 were a little tough, but those were only preparing me for this week. It's amazing how things work and the things you do in spiritual preparation prepare you for obstacles or events you may come up against in your life.

Surprisingly (or not surprisingly, depending on how you look at it) I'm doing really well this week. There are times when I would rather eat my arm, but then I remember why I'm doing this, pray and mediate, and oddly (or not oddly enough) a sense of peace comes over me and I'm not hungry (not saying I'm not hungry 3 hours later, but just pray some more). Also, I'm not cranky (which I just knew I was going to be and also I  really haven't lost any weight, which I'm very surprised about, though I am a bit delirious at times, but oh well).

Either way, I'm doing better than expected. This really makes me appreciate the saying "He never gives you more than you can handle." I know if I can make it through this, it makes anything else seem obsolete and minute.


So, two more weeks to go....I'll keep you updated. Now, back to my grape G2 and Lipton tea :)

Things I like: Dave Chappelle's Making the Band

Clearly, I'm feeling GREAT (copyright Kanye) and nostalgic today (also, have nothing to rant about or offer words of inspiration ("hey it's like that sometime, this sh*ts ridiculous (copyright Yeezy again). So, whenenver I'm having a shotty day, one of my fave things to do is watch The Chappelle Show, especially the outtakes (if you haven't seen them, holler at Netflix ASAP and order).

Either way, this is one of my ultimate fave skits (there are so many, but this one touches my heart).

So, before you enjoy, here are some of my favorite lines from this skit
Wyclef: "You can either make the song or not make the song"
Dylan: "Ya too close to me, man"
Puffy: "This is 100% Cambodian breast milk"

Enjoy!

Also, enjoy "I spit hot fire"
Fave quotes from this part of the skit:
Dylan: "I was sitting courtside at a Knicks game and Stevie Wonder saw me"
Dylan: "Five greatest rappers of all-time: Dylan, Dylan.....Dylan, Dylan, Dylan"

Videos courtesy of youtube

Thing I like: Boondocks " The Return of Stinkmeaner"

An oldie, but a goodie. I so do miss the Boondocks. So hilarious, yet so educational. This is absolutely one of my FAVE episode: The Return of Stinkmeaner. (My fave episode is really hard to find, the one where they make fun of BET, trying to find that episode is like trying to find weapons of mass destruction).

Anyhoo, thought I share this with you all. In a way, it kinda goes along with my trying to turn the other cheek transition in my life. Oh so true, def the part of diffusing a "XXX moment" (you'll get it when you watch the video.

Enjoy yo self!

Wish I could find the entire episode, but youtube finally got smart and took it off their site. :(

One of a few tricks of a Broke Socialite

Well, hello world,


Time for another post. So, I thought about it and realized the title "The Broke Socialite Now" has dual  meanings: 1). I was a broke socialite (spiritually) but I'm trying to put myself back together 2). I really am a broke socialite, hustling these "streets" for premium food and drank, lol. So, I just wanted to put that out there.


Anway, this particular post is about hustling in these "streets". Figured I'd share to tools of the trade.
GOOD READ (Yes, I know it looks long as hell, but promise the pay off is so worth it)


This particular tool can be used for both men and women (a little harder for men, but I've seen it work).


What you need:
- A mentality that "socialiting" (yes, I just made up term, work with me here) is just a game
- A big beautiful smile
- Confidence outta this world
- A solid team around you (i.e. friends who understand the game and recognize what's at stake)


So, today's lesson is how to find a someone with bottle service to get your "free" drink on.

Step 1:
Prior to entering your location, you and your team need to discuss who is the ring leader of the evening. Basically, who's feeling the "flyest" that night, who has the best attitude (this is very important, cause the stank face one of group will totally jack up the entire mission), who ready to take one for the team (ie. who's going to have to deal with the person or persons who we suckered into letting us sit at their table)

Step 2:
Once the ring leader has been decided, you and your team enter location with the attitude that "you built the m'fer and everyone there is your guest". The reason to do this is to automatically make yourself stand out. People love a confident group. PLEASE NOTE: There is a difference between walking in a room with a scowl on your face and walking into a room laughing with a huge smile. Please do the latter

Step 3:
This sort of needs to be done concurrently with Step 2. Scan the room for your "merton" (Note: I'm borrowing this word from my gay husband. There really no good definition for a merton, but kinda like the one random you meet out socializing that you probably have no intention of hanging out with again, but it's a hella funny word, so we're going to run with it).

Mertons come in all shapes and sizes:
"Too Cool For The Room" Merton: some think they are too cool for the room (don't bother with them, more than likely you're already getting ready to hold a pointless convo anyway, nothing is worse than holding a pointless convo with someone who takes themselves seriously)

"Old" Merton: This is someone who really is too damn old to be in club, but who am I to judge. If it makes you feel young, run with it. For the fellas, female Mertons are usually cool, but don't be surprised if she ask if you are looking to get married, this is not the point of free drink searching. Politely decline and run the other direction. Ladies (and other men), old male mertons usually go "daddy" on you and want to start giving you life advice. If you can tolerate, stick it out, but it's a tough one. I suggest doing an "about face" and gracefully walk to the other side of the room. Note: Old Mertons will follow you around your location, so please be aware

"Just right" Merton: This is someone who respects and understands the game. This Merton realizes that this is just a one off thing. They know you have a team of people with you and regardless of gender, they let the whole team join in on the fun. This Merton is usually really nice, can hold a decent convo, and respects that when the bottle is empty, you will leave them and they are okay with that. It's kinda like you actually feel bad, but then you remember this is a game. It's even okay to exchange contact info with Merton as this person has the potential to go from Merton to actual friend.

Note: There are many types of Mertons, these are just a few and this post is starting to turn into an essay.

Step 4:
Give eye contact to the Merton and then keep it moving. . If you followed Step 2 correctly, the Merton has already spotted you and they will seek you out. PLEASE DO NO APPROACH MERTON. This is major "no no", now you look like you're looking for a drink and the whole mission is a bust.

Step 5:
Guaranteed, the Merton will approach you and team within 5 minutes of initial contact. Once contact has been established, proceed to hold a :30 to 1 minute convo. At this point, both parties realize what the deal is and at this point, you and your team should now be escorted to the table. If this does not happen within the time frame, politely excuse yourself from convo cause current Merton is in the way of other potential Mertons who are more than excited to have you join them.

Step 6:
Walk to table, introduce yourself and team to EVERYONE at the table (random chicks or dudes (note: these ppl have a tendency to hate on newcomers, but they're just confused as to how your game is so fly. Educate, if you can), weird friend that sitting off to the side, and all others). At this point, you're pretty much good to go.

Some basic table etiqutte:
- Remember you were invited to your free drinks, however, you did not "put on this", thus you don't have the right to just start grabbing ish and pouring you, the crew and the random homies next to you a drink. Always ask, people appreciate a humble person
- Don't be afraid to walk away. If your goal was to get the crew one free round of drinks, do so and keep it moving. You gotta respect the game and the plan.
- If someone at the table or free drink area gets fiesty at the table with you or anyone in the crew, leave immediately. Someone is just hating on the game and who can blame them.

So, if you made it through this long ass post, very happy for you. Just wanted to share one of the tools of the trade of being a Broke Socialite.  It's actually really easy and if you follow these steps accordingly, you should be enjoying a free night in less than 30 minutes. Please feel free to offer additional suggestions. I'm always learning.

Now, just for ish and giggles, looking like this will not get you  a free night:

Or maybe it will, different strokes for diffent folks.

Disclaimer: You don't have to take this post seriously, really for ish and giggles, however, if you do, it really works. Enjoy yo self!

The Act of Forgiveness

Mark 11:25
And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.

Boy oh boy, I've really been tested recently on this whole "forgiveness" thing. So, going through this spiritual change has been on heck of test. I'm truly trying to take everything in stride and really practice the act of forgiveness. I'm not talking about the "forgive, but never forget" forgiveness or the true, if I'm going to forgive, I'm really going to forgive and not hold it against you.

Just to give you an idea of the "tests" I've been giving on this matter, I've listed below. Mind you, I've encountered all these "tests" in the past 10 days:

1). Awesome Guy decided to tell (mind you, unprovoke, I did not ask for this info) that he is about to start dating his ex-girlfriend again. (NOTE: I really didn't have a problem with him dating the ex, the problem was we were only broken up for 10 DAMN DAYS at this point, but nevermind that)

2). Some unfortunate "brother" of ours (cause we are one big family) decided to break into my car and steal my iPod, 3 pairs of sunglasses (mind you, one of them were my really fave Bulgari sunglasses and if you know Bulgari, you know the sting in my heart (and damn pocket) that I felt)

3). So, I'm embracing this whole "sista" girl look (which I'm loving), however, this new look really shows me how "special" people can be. I've had complete strangers come and pull my hair, yell out car windows "I have a comb for you", and last but not lease "that's what my hair looks like when I wake up in the morning, I just don't know how you do it" (FYI, that is not a damn compliment).

Either way, all these acts could have made me very, very angry (if you know the old me, then you know (please re-read the "Keeping the Crazy in Check" post, you'll get it), however, I realize as I grow, I really have begin to make some turns in life. Did I totally curse the ex out (a little, but hey, I'm not perfect), but I have truly forgiven him for his mistake and we continue to move forward in establishing a "friendship" (that's a whole 'notha post), did I curse the brother who rob me, no, I prayed for him, cause he must be in dire straits, and honestly, I could re-buy all that stuff, so hopefully, it's getting him some good use and finally, for those who made comments about my hair, I prayed for them too. Honestly, when you're that lost and don't even realize the actions your doing are, well, honestly dumb, and a lesser person would have knocked your ass out for touching them, but I'm trying to grow.

Don't get me wrong, there are bits of anger that pop up when I think about those incidents, but if I were to succumb to those feelings, I wouldn't be growing the way that I should be growing spiritually. So, all I can do is pray for them and me and that one day, we can all forgive each other and maybe do some good.

Ok, I'll get from behind the pulpit now, but figured this might be of inspiration for someone cause I do believe when you hold in anger and don't forgive, it really holds you back from being the true asset to the world you are.

So, hug it out and forgive...



Things I like: Second Funniest Blogger Ever - Kid Fury

So, I had NO INSPIRATION to write a blog post last week. Just too dang tired (not too tired to get kick it though, all my Broke Socialite post coming up soon).

Either way, this is one blogger that I like to follow, Kid Fury. He just kind of rants and raves, but he is funny as sh*t. So, check out his video and if you like him, check out his blog: http://sofurious.com/.

This video is kind of long, but funny. The first 5 minutes had me in tears.

My 40 day fast

So, as I've mentioned in several blogpost, I'm going through a spiritual and maturing change. I'll be the first one to admit, I'm not perfect at all and will never be. However, I'm trying new things in my life I have never tried before and fasting is one of them.

Because I am such as extremist sometimes, I have to just jump right in. I've begun a fast that's considered a fast to confront destructive forces from your life (which I have a TON of). See what I have to do below:

March 9 - March 19: Eat all meals before 6 pm
March 20 - March 27: Eat only two meals a day before 6 pm
March 28 - April 2: Eat only one meal a day
April 3 - April 9: Drink only juices, water and/or tea (Note: I'm going to be so PISSED off this week, lol)
April 10 - April 16: Eat only fruits and vegetables before 6 pm
April 17 - April 23: Slowly begin to add meat to your diet

So, clearly, I'm a little scared that:  1). I'm going to lose a TON of weight I don't need to (mind you, I'm a 140 lbs at 5'8, not to bad if you ask me), 2). That I'll pass out (I'm sure this will happen) and most importanty, 3). I won't finish it.

So, bear with me all as I make my way through this. I was already annoyed and hungry by 6:05 on my first day. Any support you could offer would be great or if not, just take bets as to when I'll go off on somebody in a hungry rage (I say the week 4)

So, to happy fasting!

Snuggle Bear Under Attack (damn destructive forces)

I just added this cause I thought it was funny

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