Hang Up and Drive! - Saab 9-3

Best Feature: GREAT on gas

Worst Feature: The turn signal sound was annoying - clack, clack, clack, clack, clack!

Techno Features?: Does the digital clock count?... Well Okay it does have XM radio

Girl Friendly?: Yes

Trunk Space?: Yep, good deal

No. of folks I saw that need to HANG UP their cell phones AND DRIVE?: 4

My Take: This car is fast!!! So when the drivers pulled up to deliver this car I was shocked when I opened my door. I had looked for pictures of this car on the Internet and cold not find any. So relying on my memory, I was expecting to see this angular Saab that I was so used to seeing in past years but I was met with a sleeker, sexy version which absolutely thrilled me.

Okay so there aren't a lot of bells and whistles with the high tech stuff, but this car is GREAT on gas. And boy is it fast! I love the way this car handled. You can really punch it and stay in control. It's scary because if yo don't watch your self you could easily go waaaaay over the speed limit!

This is a real ...shall I say Crazy, Sexy, Cool car. Gotta dig it!

Hang up and Drive! - Cadillac STS

Best Feature: Voice Command System
Worst Feature: Needs a bigger gas tank
Techno Features?: Um yes!! Lot's of them
Girl Friendly?: Yes
Trunk Space?: Oh yeaaaah!
# Of folks I saw that need to Hang Up and Drive!: 7










My Take: Okay so this car was SUPER high tech honey!! Anything more and the car would drive itself...okay just kidding. But really, this car had amazing features that were really great for any business person (that means guys and girls) as well as everyday individuals.The main thing that kept running through my mind as I drove this car was "Safe". I really felt safe in this car. Even something as simple as changing lanes this car gave me that "safe" feeling. You see there's an alert system that lets you know when someone is in your blind spot. A little car icon illuminates in the side view mirror. Perfect! also there's a lane departure warning system. You'll hear a ding sound and an icon will flash on the dashboard if you begin to cross over from the lane you're driving in. The rear parking assist? Fabulous!! the beep, beep sound is a super help. Can you say "safe" honey? The voice command system is a great feature that helps you keep your hands on the wheel. Oh and speaking of the wheel, it heats up too! I could go on and on, this car has a ton of safety features and a whole bunch of bells and whistles. Loves it!!!

More Photos of the Cadillac STS

NABJ Las Vegas - Day One

OK so I'm here in Las Vegas on Day One of the 32nd Annual National Association of Black Journalists convention. First off it is HOT here. The moment I stepped out of the airport all I could think of was how nappy my hair would get because I do not have a relaxer! Just waiting for the hotel shuttle was agonizing. I have no idea how hot is is here but I can tell you I will stay inside the hotel as much as possible.

So far today was registration day with a welcome reception. This is my first year attending and I'm here alone (meaning Chris is back at home in California). My colleagues from the San Diego chapter are here so that's good. I ran into a few of them tonight. I was so happy to see someone familiar because this really feels like a big reunion and I'm the odd-man-out. It seems as though everyone one here knows each other (except me of course). But I'm here to meet new people and do some serious networking. So I'm going to stop feeling sorry for myself, get some sleep and tackle the day tomorrow.

PS - The number one and first question out of every person's mouth is "What do you do"? OK, so I'm not an anchor or reporter, I actually "do" quite a few different things (television, radio, syndicated column etc.). So what do I say to make it relevant to this group? My little "I'm an Etiquette Expert" thing doesn't seem fair well with this group because I keep getting that "deer in the headlights" look as they try to figure out what the heck does that have to do with Journalism. So as I sleep I need to refigure my introduction. Father God, please help!!!

E Style Magazine

Today we launched my new online magazine!! I'm sooooooo excited because it really going to give women a resource for everyday living. Check out my website and read the great articles written by women for women!!

Etiquette Boot Camp

I'm doing an etiquette camp this week for the Palomar College - College for kids program. It's two weeks of camp. This week I have the 2-4 graders and next week is the 5-8 graders. So far the kids are good super young and LOTS of energy!!!

HEPL......just kidding!!

Robin Roberts

I am a member of the San Diego assoociation of Black Journalists. Yesterday we hosted a private reception for Good Morning America co-host Robin Roberts. Robin was in town to deliver the key address for the gradutes of National University located here in San Diego.

This event was real treat because it was such a small group we all had the oppotunity to chat with Robin individually. She gave me some great advice concerning my career in television. Robin was really a gem!

Don't Try This at Home...

Since Chris & I we're set up (it finally took) by my family on the 4th of July, we have a big beach celebration/party every year. I'll show just photos of us so folks don't have a fit about being on the Internet in swimsuits. One more year of a fabulous love life!!!

Don't try this at home folks...

...here's why you shouldn't (my crazy Husband)

Awwwwwwww.....All better now!!!

Special Announcement!!!!!

Today NBC 7/39 launched my webpage entitled "Ask The Etiquette Lady"! I am sooooooo excited because this really is quite awesome and I feel so blessed to be a part of the team. Believe it or not it's been two years now I been working with NBC and I see even more exciting things to come. Praise God!!!!

Oh, PS. Please, please please visit my webpage, click n the "Ask the Etiquette Lady" link and send my your questions!!!! Let's make this page fun and filled with real life Q & A!

Live Free or Die Hard

So last night I went to a screening of Live Free or Die Hard. Ok, so as we know, in most cases it's difficult for a film to come back with a decent sequel but how about coming back for the 4th installment? Quite a feat huh? And a bit scary I must say. Especially when you have an actor that was/is such huge mega star. I mean, how does one go about creating the same fire? Well I have to tell you, the fourth (and I think... who knows) final installment of the Die Hard films really surprised me.

The story was great (kinda freaky though for those folks who like to copy cat). I'm glad there was an actually a story meshed in with the shoot 'em up bang, bang, blow stuff up thing. Yeah, some of the stuff was a bit over the top but hey that's what Hollywood is all about, over the top stuff. The kid in the move was really funny because he was such a dork (movie makers and real folks just can't help making fun of the dork). And kudos to Bruce Wills for being brave enough to er... go commando... with his hair I mean. He didn't shame the "Beautiful Bald Men Club" by trying to cover it up. Ha!! Great story, great flick!

Go see Live Free or Die Hard, it's worth the $7, $8, or $10 bucks (snacks not included).

Rock On!!!

Chris and his band played at the Del Mar Fair.... opps excuse me the SAN DIEGO COUNTY FAIR (they changed the name). Of Course he rocked out for Jesus... go 'head Chris!!!

Chris and keyboard player Cliff Hotten.

Abram Major on drums, and Chris' back up singers Michele and Clinton.

Singer, Michele Mayes, Chris Swann, and singer, Clinton Gorham.

ECHS - Wildcats Forever!!!

Last month I spoke at El Camino High School. I just received the pics from the event. It was a wonderful day with a awesome group of people who really care about the girls in our community. The event was headed by the Vice Principal and my sister in Christ Linda Sanchez. Linda You Rock!!!

The phrase that changed my life. I found it in a magazine, cut it out, put it in my wallet and carried it with me for years... until someone STOLE my wallet while I was in New York!! But that's OK honey, the message is seared in my heart!!!!

You've got to believe it honey!!!!

An amazing moment, an amazing time, an awesome young lady. This was ( as Oprah says) my"A Ha moment"

Moonlight Beach and Belly Up

Chris played at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas for the Switchfoot BroAm. He played Bass his good friend, surf legend Tom Curren. Tom is who brought Chris out here to California. Chris was living in D. C. (where he's from) Tom invited him on tour and they finished the tour here in Carlsbad, CA which brough Chris right here to me! Good lookin' out Tom!!

That night some of the bands were invited to the Belly Up for a surprise performance. Good for my honey!!! So Chris played with Tom Curren at the Belly Up and they opened of Jason Mraz who is also an awesome musician/songwriter (ok, so I caught my husband just barely blinking his eyes. Sorry Baby).

Coronado Bike Ride

Saturday Chris & I went on a bike ride with a group of couples from our church. We rode around Coronado Island in San Diego. Of course the men had to make it a competition coming in to the home stretch. My goodness guys!! Oh well, we still had fun, fun, fun!!

Pops Diner

Last night we went to opening night of the play Pop Diner at the Spreckles Theater. Awesome play, wonderful cast, great music. Catch the play in a city near you!

Me with Champale Parks who plays one of the lead roles in the play.

Grandison Phelps - who plays Pops, me and Leroy J. Barret who plays Gary.

Me and Terri, my best, best girlfriend in the whole wide world!!!

Me and the Mr. joined at the hip.

Women In Business Symposium

Me trying to get my Diva on with the wide belt look.

The Elaine Show was a media sponsor for the "Women In Business Symposium" that took place at the Del Mar Fair Grounds. Here I am at our booth. This was an AWESOME event where all sorts of female entreprenure came together to share, network, create new relationships. All of the speakers were great and I had a blast!!

This is Robin Jay author of "The Art of the Business Lunch.

She's been a guest on our radio show, she was fun. Robin and I have kept in touch and it's she who plugged me in to the WIB Symposium Conference. Thanks Girl!!!!

This is Makeup Artist and Beauty Consultant Karol Young Moses

Talk about Fab!!! This girl really knows her stuff!!! Karol has been my personal makeup artist for years... she brought me out of the stone ages when all I would wear is red lipstick and black eyeliner. Karol worked my booth with me on this day. Thanks honey!!

Ok.... so "you-know-who" had to show up at some point in time!!!

My husband is soooooo wonderful. He came early to help me set up our booth and audio & visual equipment and then again later to help break it down. Gotta love him!!!

Proper Treatment of Service Industry Pros

Today I did my gig on NBC 7/39. This is me and Anchor Bill Menish during a commercial break. We're discussing our "real" view on how much to tip when service is not so good.













This was a great segment because Bill and I have gone back and forth on this tipping thing for nearly two years now and when we do it live it's always a blast!!
Oh Yeah...this is me being silly towards my husband who is behind the camera taking pictures of me.

Knocked Up

Ok so on the same day Chris and I went tot he screening for the movie Knocked Up. The film is absolutely hilarious !!! Oh... my.... goodness. We laugh the entire film. Katherine Hiegl is really good in this.

It's funny because so many sitcoms do the whole bit of the baby's coming let's get to the hospital, but this film takes that scene to a whole other level. Go see it. But it's NOT for kids though, so get a babysitter and go laugh your head off!

Spider-Man 3

Yesterday me and my dear husband went to a press screening for Spider-Man 3. (This photo is not from the screening but I think my hubby is sooooo cute I just wanted you to get a look at him).Now I don't want to give away too much of the movie but I do have a few things to say:

To me, the movie was GREAT!!! Definitely action packed and the fight scenes were awesome. (They even made Kirstin Dunst look cute). The storyline was not bad either and there was a definite message that a lot of people can learn to live by because life is just too short for drama.

Oh, and I can say there were tears in the film. Tears everywhere and with everyone for one reason or another. In fact, I think I can say, at least every MALE character in the film cried. Even my husband and he wasn't even in the movie!!(not to put him on blast or anything or did I just do that?)

Nevertheless, it was an awesome film, go see it enjoy it and get your cry on.

Be Well, Be Glam

SDABJ Scholarship Awards Reception

"Extra" host Jon Kelley, me and my hot hubby Chris Swannn

Hey!

I'm up super duper late because... well I just can't sleep! Nevertheless I had a pretty good weekend for the most part. I recently joined the San Diego Association for Black Journalists. I attended our major event which is a yearly scholarship reception. It was really fantastic! My dear husband Chris Swann performed and I had the opportunity to network with some awesome folks. The event was well planned and executed. We all chipped in and did our part. Great people to work with I'm honored and proud to be a member!

Oh yes!
Jayne McClinton (the Executive Producer of NBC 7/39 Morning news) received the member of the year award. She is a sweetheart and she sooooo deserves it!

The FABULOUS Lorrie Jordan was the MC (reporter on NBC 7/39) I'll always thank her for plucking me out of the mass line for Martha Stewart Apprentice, interviewing me on-air, which is what kicked off my relationship with NBC).

And Jon Kelley was the guest speaker. He was kind humorous and down-to earth. Good guy, great insight very humble.

All in all it was great!

Be Glam!