Author: adventurousanggg

adventurousanggg http://adventurousanggg.com I will sacrifice it all, to do GOD's will... I absolutely LOVE life and all the adventures that it brings. I hope to inspire, bring people together and make my mama proud.

To iFLY or not to Skydive…

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I’ve contemplated skydiving for the past 10 years, and at this stage of my life I’m on the NOT side of the fence.  There’s a few things that make me hesitate, #1 I don’t want to sh*t myself while riding tandem with a handsome risk-taking hunk.  #2 what do I have to prove, that I’m not scared of heights, I’m fearless or I just do pretty dope stuff?!  That’s typically the story I hear from most people that’s done the real thing.  So to test the waters a few friends and I got sauced up on mimosas and someone randomly came up with the bright good idea to do iFLY.  (DISCLAIMER: I do not encourage any one to try this while under the influence of alcohol or any drugs.  Concentration and following directions are critical for the experience)

Universal City Walk is considered the entertainment capital of LA, it’s full of tourists, SoCal teens and first dates.  When first approaching the iFLY contraption, there was a crowd of folks watching in awe as the instructor put on a show of amazing back flips and tricks.  Once I paid for the experience and signed the waivers, our group was quickly ushered inside to watch a 10 minute video chopped up with instructions and safety tips.  We were given cool one-piece suits, helmets & goggles prior to entering the high-powered skydiving simulation.

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Overall the experience definitely gave me a rush!  However, having a oversized fan forcing you into the air and blowing up your nostrils isn’t the most pleasant feeling.  I had a hard time remembering all the instructions and moves to maintain balance to allow the air to take me higher.  My mind was still a bit hazy and all I could concentrate on is not getting my jaw latched on the fan below.

It just so happened a few friends actually took the plunge to jump out of a plane and shared their experience with me.  Some mentioned the feeling of serenity, awe and just empowerment.  Others was high off the rush and have even started planning their second jump.  Most people that I’ve met, that’s actually leapt off a plane, truly felt it was a life altering experience and highly recommends it.  I’ve honestly amused myself with the idea and may come to a crossroads in my life that may push me over the edge.  Until then, iFLY will do…  In the meantime, feel free to share and even encourage me with your experience of the real thing.

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3 vineyards + 10 miles = 13 ways to get drunk on a bike

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During my exploration of the California lifestyle, I organized a group trip with professional colleagues to team-build and exhale with the Santa Barbara Adventure Company.  We thought it would be a great idea to bike and booze through the beautiful Santa Ynez wine country.  Being a semi-city girl, not riding a bike for over two decades, I had to give myself a pat on the back to make it through 10 miles of easy riding along the beautiful landscape of popular California vintners.

The SBAC staff was young, exciting and very accommodating.  The selections from each winery ranged from light whites to robust reds, with each location offering it’s own special charm.  My absolute favorite was Riverbench Vineyard & Winery, our last stop on Foxen Canyon Road.  This is where I purchased a flavorful rosé that I had the pleasure of sharing with someone special :).  I even had a chance to pick a grape and experience the sweet burst of goodness straight from the vine.

Bike & Booze: 13 ways to get drunk on a bike

  1. Dress comfortable
  2. Wear sunblock
  3. Wear a hat
  4. Don’t wear flip-flops
  5. Be sure to wear protective gear (helmet, elbow pads, etc.)
  6. If it’s been awhile, practice in the parking lot & pace yourself
  7. Stay hydrated
  8. Be sure to refuel with snacks & hearty lunch
  9. Take the time to smell and embody the flavor of each wine selection
  10. Strategize each complimentary full glass of wine (start with whites, then go to reds)
  11. Charm & secretly tip the pourer 😉
  12. Only purchase a bottle that you are in love with
  13. Eat the complimentary crackers in moderation
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100K for the Blend In For What?! movement happening NOW!

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I am so honored to be selected as one of 100K women to represent the Blend In For What?! campaign allowing women to determine our own standard of beauty and owning it.  Please check out the other phenomenal ladies that are a part of this movement.

http://www.blendinforwhat.com/portfolio-page/
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‘Red Tails’ star Tristan Wilds attends JoiStaRR’s ‘Magic Monday’ launch event

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…And I had the pleasure of being in attendance! It was a great night, the launch for JoiStaRR was pulled off quite classy and everything was in abundance. One of my pet peeves is to go to an event and the food runs out or the ‘open bar’ ends at an undisclosed time. But My Block Records definitely held no stops with making sure that ‘Magic Monday’ launched to a packed house of satisfied attendees. The event was buzzing with camera crews filming the premiere season of WeTV’s Mary Mary which is slated for March 2012. The uber-cute and sassy Erica Campbell was just un-phased by the swelling crowd and in some rooms hot & humid conditions. The food was absolutely DELISH, with unlimited servings of jerk chicken skewers, mac & cheese, crab cakes and even cute fun shaped PB&J. I conveniently positioned myself in arm’s length to sample the comforting bites.

Peach Bellini’s topped with Ciroc was the drink of the night. With endless bottles of Ciroc and Moreno, champagne cocktails are always a hit! The cute studio was equipped with an analog SSL board and vintage hardware to compliment, as the patio area was transformed into a seasonably chic lounge with all white furniture and white trees slightly frosted by blue up lighting. To my surprise a youthful Tristan Wilds was spotted looking effortlessly stylish rocking a Tuskegee t-shirt in support of his new film ‘Red Tails’ that opens in less than a week on Friday, January 20th. Also spotted was 90’s vocalist, Shanice Wilson ALL smiles. PJ Morton was in attendance whom JoiStaRR collaborates remixing the Lauryn Hill & D’Angelo classic duet ‘Nothing Even Matters.’ The host of the night, Warryn Campbell is the CEO of My Block Records and a Grammy award-winning producer. He is the husband to Erica Campbell, which they are expecting the birth of their third child.

The night was very eventful with a short performance by JoiStaRR and PJ Morton. Each room was filled to capacity as everyone gathered inside to see the performance. I was able to see a few familiar faces and network with music insiders and artists on the grind. I would definitely rate this event: B- (Due to the flow of traffic in the venue, everyone was cramming into a room that everyone couldn’t fit. The bars did not have variety, Ciroc was the only liquor and the inside bar was stocked with cheap Barefoot wine chardonnay and Cabernet. PLUS, I didn’t meet any cuties).

 

Ms. Badu’s DAMN Birthday JAM – House of Blues Sunset Strip

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First of all, I LOVE Erykah Badu!!!!  I have all her albums and truly believe her music is spiritual and for the conscious soul…  Not many people will agree with me, but I think any music virtuoso will share the same sentiment.  So of course when I got a last-minute invite approx. 2hrs before her Feb. 24th show I was SUPER SICED!  This particular situation was extra special, as a dear friend and mentor hit me up w/ VIP access to attend (so I humbly obliged).

We arrived fairly early and was able to secure prime positioning on the balcony level stage right, without any visual obstruction.  Food of choice catfish nuggets + quesadillas, libation = Makers Mark.  Ms. Badu hit the stage approx. 2hrs later than expected, but DJ Eque kept me partying to infamous 90’s East/West bangers.  The show started in the vain of a jam session with various artists taking the stage, one by one.   There was quite a soulful line-up, such as N’Dambi and Mayor Hawthorne.   Biz Markie and even Dave Chappelle made a surprise appearance.  Chappelle hit the stage and even went in on the keys, Moonlighting the Sonata…

Apparently, Erykah Badu turned 40 this year and I’m literally shocked!  She looked good, of course eccentric but definitely HOT!!!:

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Her performance consisted of a full band, in addition to Ms. Badu on a Roland drum machine…  The set was HOT, but took a little warming up before she really turned it out.  The last time I saw Erykah Badu perform was 2001 at the Soul Beach Music Festival inside the Miami Orange Bowl and I definitely prefer the intimate non-pregnant set best.  She hit my favorite love mantra “I Want You,” the infectious chanting and simplicity of words embodied in the Worldwide Underground album. *whewwwwww*

The night was one to remember, I was in good company and ran into a few familiar folks…  Aside from the chicken bone in my quesadilla and partying a little too hard w/ a gay dude (who knocked my drink over the railing onto some poor soul below), it couldn’t have been any better.  Ecstactic I was able to share the moment w/ Ms. Badu to celebrate her 40th Birthday.

I also want to shout-out a few folks that I had the pleasure of seeing:  Gary Owen (@garyowencomedy) & Laz Alonso (DC native @lazalonso – Avatar & Miracle at St. Ana) were both mesmerized by Ms. Badu’s ass-piring performance.  The homie Eddie Goines (@EddieGoines) the leading man for N’Dambi’s new music video, was with the director Matthew Cherry (@MatthewACherry – whom’s hustle I truly admire).  B’more K (Karron Johnson), always fun chopping it up & talking sh*t.  Ms. Wanzer, I miss you girl!  Paul (@PDiesl), it’s funny how twitter creates alliances.