Jumping The Broom: Here Comes The Mom

In the upcoming film, Jumping The Broom, the biggest challenge for the bride and groom isn't wedding specifics-it's merging their families, specifically their mothers.  Tradition, preferences, and letting go cast a cloud over the couples plans.  The mother of the groom (Loretta Devine) and the mother of the bride (Angela Bassett) have their own ideas about love, family, and who's going to get her way.

It's not an uncommon scenario, actually.  Many brides (and grooms) have had to tip-toe around mom or face her wrath head on when it comes to planning that special day.  I've heard of everything from the mother of the groom showing up in a wedding gown, to the mother of the bride sashaying down the aisle.

What is the most outrageous, funny, or heartfelt story you have about a mother of the bride or groom? 

Last month Essence magazine held it's fourth annual Black Women In Hollywood Luncheon.  Both Devine and Bassett were honored.  Check out what they had to say about their journey in Hollywood. 

Season Finale Recap!

Well last night's season finale went into overtime!  Forget March Madness, this was The Game you wanted to watch.  In case you missed it, here's what happened.

Now that Malik is dangling just above rock bottom and love-sick over his rehab romance, Jenna, he's decided to mend fences with his mama.  That's right, he re-hired Tasha Mack to manage his career.  Remember in season 3 he not only fired her, but had his body-guards give her a stare down at the club.  Well, Tasha finally has her star client and baby boy back in her bosom  (I bet Irv is spinning in his office).

Season Finale: You're Fired!

Tonight is the night!  The season finale of The Game airs in a little less than eight hours.  Here's a sneak peak of what's in store tonight.  Get the popcorn and hold on to your seats!

Sneak Peak: Jumping The Broom

We are down to the fourth quarter!  Tomorrow is the season finale of the fourth season of The Game.  Not only are we promised a jaw-dropping twist, but BET has also announced a surprise for viewers during tomorrow's episode.

Pooch Hall and Meagan Good, will introduce a sneak peek of Sony Pictures' Jumping The Broom, tomorrow night.  Both Hall and Good have roles in the movie along with Tasha Smith, who guest starred on The Game in season 3 as Chauncey's wife and Malik's stepmother.  

Be sure to tune-in.  You don't want to miss the sneak peak of Jumping The Broom or the season finale.

Scentsational

Febreeze

Before Derwin put a ring on it, Girl Melanie found herself dating and trying to make her way in San Diego.  At one point she was working in a diner, which put a damper on her dating life.  It's kinda hard to look like a dime when you smell like brisket-as OchoCinco so eloquently put it.

It was funny.  But it's happened to the best of us.  You work in an environment that isn't fragrantly pleasant.  You'd love to meet your date or friends after work, but you find yourself smelling like smoke, leftovers or damp files.

Unfortunately many have doused themselves with a heavy perfume which only compounds the problem.  The best way to remedy the situation is to air it out.  A small bottle of Febreeze works wonders for freshening your clothes.   Follow with a clean, fresh or light scent.  This will get you noticed in the right way.

Girl TD recommends the following fragrances for Spring:

Vanilla Exquisite by Anick Goutal

Coach Signature Summer Edition

Fresh by David Yurman

 

Cashmere Mist by Donna Karen

To learn more about what's next and hot in Spring fragrance click here.

Power Players: Salli Richardson-Whitfield

Eloquently and intelligently, she answered the question about the portrayal of black women in reality television….  “…I don’t think it should go away…people seemed to be entertained by [it]…I just believe there should be balance…we have to stop complaining and start creating our own projects….there are other jobs than just in front of the camera…” paraphrased, Salli Richardson-Whitfield when asked by BET’s Ed Gordon about the role of black women portrayed in reality television.

Salli Richardson-Whitfield personifies beauty grace and perseverance without apology or compromise of good solid work.  She is a force in the community of entertainment and for that reason we name her as our Power Player of the Week.

Currently she can be seen in “I Will Follow” a ‎1hr 28min‎‎ - Drama Directed by: Ava DuVernay and casts: Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Tracie Thoms, Omari Hardwick, Michole White, Beverly Todd

Maye is a success. Hot career. Hot boyfriend. But, when her world is turned upside down by tragedy, she must struggle to keep her balance. "I Will Follow" chronicles a day in the life of a woman at a crossroads, and the 12 people who help her move forward into a brave, new world. 

This is a independent film with a limited viewing nationwide so check your local listings and get the word out and get out to see this film.  We asked for quality, we got it so let’s support it! 

Richardson-Whitfield a veteran actress has graced both the big and little screen with roles in: Posse, Low Down Dirty Shame, Star Trek, Antoine Fisher, I Am Legend, CSI Miami, Family Law, House and Bones to name a short few.   Soon she’ll work in a different hat; Producer of the upcoming feature film, Pastor Brown.

Kudos to Salli Richardson-Whitfield for impressing us in front of and behind the camera and walking the talk.  Also you can add to GirlTD's list of fantasy players for appearances on The Game, Season 5.

Making The Grade: Chicago Code

As the off season approaches GirlTD delights in shining the light on other great shows, some featuring current and former Sabers, Sunbeams and anyone connected to the show we love.

Now it is no secret that I am a fan of cop and detectivelike shows.  I've loved them since I was able to view television: Get Christie Love, SWAT, Shaft, Hawaii Five-O and Charlie's Angels to name a few.  And while some of my old favorites have been re-made into modern versions in television and film, a new crop of cop shows featuring some of our favorite Actors have emerged.

Delroy Lindo is amazing as the cool, always calm, collected and calculating Alderman who will stop at nothing to assert his power in the face of wickedness.  He heightens the drama and intrigue and we wait on the edge of our seats to see what's coming next.  We're not surprised that Mr. Lindo is bringing the heat.  Along with a solid background in film, this British born actor has garnered accolades in theater, both home and abroad and television as well.

We loved her in, A Devil In A Blue Dress, The Book of Eli and her breakout role in Flashdance.  Also as no stranger to television, she broke the mold starring in the controversial L Word and  we get to love and see her once again in Chicago Code.  Jennifer Beals as The Superintendant of Police along with Delroy Lindo( The Cider House Rules, Malcolm X) as the convincing, smart and menacing Alderman in a tough and savvy Chicago drama, pits two of our best, against one another with some eye widening moments.

We love the city, the drama, the action and at times the protagonist, antagonist and victims roles' are interchangeable.  This is the making of good T.V.  It steers shy of the ever present, current day cases of Law & Order but offers a fresh explosive perspective on a dance between politicians and law enforcement.  This show is smart and we're drawn in from the beginning because of the balance of action, drama and intrigue.  If you haven't watched, you want to.  They tackle issues of corruption, ethnicity amongst other topics without apology and with ingenuity.  We give Chicago Code a solid B.  It airs on Monday Nights on Fox 9pmest/pst check local guides for listing.

Hey, look a little closer....notice anyone from The Game in the photo above?  Hint:  He was advised by Jason to sue the Mississippi school system....That's right, actor Todd Williams. He played Trent.  The former Saber and Queens born actor is a regular cast member of Chicago Code.  Go Todd!  We're rooting for you.  Go Blue!

Jumping The Broom: Wedding News, Wedding Pics

Jumping The Broom, In theaters May 6

With the release of Jumping The Broom due in May and wedding season being just around the corner, we've got wedding news and this time it's not just in theaters.  Actress/TV Host, Niecy Nash will be walking down the aisle this summer and we're invited.  Well sort of.

Niecy Nash Hears Wedding Bells

Niecy Nash and fiance Jay Tucker have agreed to broadcast their wedding on the TLC network as two-hour special.  That's right, we get to sit down front just like family.  Niecy's friend, fellow actress, Wendy Raquel Robinson (Tasha Mack, The Game) will be one of her bridesmaids.

Tamera Mowry (Right) To Wed

Another bride-to-be is Tamera Mowry.  The Sister, Sister star has confirmed that she too will be making her way down the aisle.  Tamera will become a wife and auntie in one season.  Her twin sister, Tia Mowry (Melanie), is expecting her first child this summer. Watch Niecy and Tamera talk about their big days as told to The YBF, below.




With all this talk of love and weddings, I couldn't help but share some breathtaking photos of couples in love.  Enjoy!

See full photo spread at Angelica Glass, here.

See full photo spread at Munaluchi Bridal, here.

Game Changers

The Game Redeemed! 

Last week’s episode did us proud!  Predictability and Clichés were tossed aside for maturity, self-evolution and awareness.  Sure, enough deception and debauchery, even comedic moments were in the midst but the ‘not so good’, did not dominate or exist this week.

After the threesome madness it was great to see Melanie step up as a friend to Tasha in more ways than one and to accept, impart and pledge the wisdom of devotion and camaraderie to one another. 

After the ridiculous hairstyle, her most extreme ghetto attitude and pothead confusion, it was great to witness Tasha view what being dressed in worthiness, really looks like.  And how good it can look on her.  It was also wonderful to see Tasha being uplifted by the brother she scorned instead of cut down just because she too is “worthy of being saved”. 

Finally, we got to see Parker (Majority Owner’s wife turned  sexual blackmailer of Malik) reveal and begin to heal the truth of her pain—her husband—surprisingly with Malik’s help.  She was freed to set her life on a new course, not without leaving some destruction behind, but hey Malik was bound to get it when it was the most impactful.

This was a really fabulous episode; all of the dots connected, story, setting and flow intact and resonated why we fell in love with the show in the first place.  The trick for Season 5 is getting the show here and keeping the show here: consistency.  Consistency will keep the viewers satisfied and gain new ones by leaps and bounds.

As the season winds down what suggestions would you give the writers and producers for improvement?

Traditions - Jumping The Broom

The buzz is building for the upcoming release of the feature film, Jumping The Broom.  We can only imagine that those who are unfamiliar with the tradition of jumping the broom would want to understand the cultural significance.  Jumping the broom is an African-American wedding tradition that began during slavery.  Not having the legal right to marry, slaves symbolized their love, and commitment to each other by jumping over a broom or branch.  The tradition was witnessed by other slaves, thus acknowledging and honoring the union within their community.

It is believed by some that the act of "jumping" was representative of taking a leap into a new life; one of togetherness.  Other sources speculate that the "jumping" was to indicate a leap to freedom.  Today, some shun this tradition because of its connection to a time in history where African-Americans were not free to choose, honor or acknowledge the person they loved. However, the tradition survives and has seen a reemergence due to the desire to emulate positive customs and traditions of the past.

It is interesting that with so many basic human rights denied, slaves always discovered ways to show each other honor, acknowledge their bonds of love and basic dignity.  Today the media offers few positive images of true love displayed between black men and women.  Whether you like the custom of "jumping the broom" or not, hopefully all of us will once again find ways to celebrate and acknowledge love.

Jumping The Broom, leaps into theatres, May 6!

Photo Source: DC Nearlyweds

Power Players: Debra Lee

Congratulations to Debra Lee, CEO of BET on being included in Elle Magazine's Genius issue for her work in television.  Under Lee's guidance BET has not only revived our favorite show, The Game, but has developed the A-list BET Honors, established a presence in 54 countries, and plans to create more original scripted programming.  

With BET solidifying it's place as a serious contender amongst cable networks, Lee says, "I still think there is an opportunity for more people of color in the business.  Especially women of color."  Girl TD couldn't agree more.  For the complete list of Power Players, pick up a copy of the April Issue of Elle Magazine.  

What a Difference A Dime Makes

When we were first introduced to Melanie's parents, it was Season 1 and it was clear that they were incensed by the choice their daughter made to leave the prestigious Johns Hopkins University. Melanie did this all to follow a then mediocre football player to of all places─San Diego.  “San Diego?” Grace Barnett questioned as if one of the wealthiest and most vibrant cities in the United States was synonymous with San Quentin.  Season 3 left us with the Barnetts still frustrated by their daughter’s choice to not only endure relationship issues of infidelity, out of wedlock parenting among others, but that their pampered princess was to marry this guy─with or without their blessing.  They eventually came around but not because they wanted to.

Fast Forward to Season 4.  Derwin is a superstar athlete and able to provide princess with all of the financial accoutrements she was used to when growing up and more.  He can also provide front row seats to championship final NBA games and record donations for Mom's favorite charity.  Now suddenly all is well with the world?  The Barnetts went from Mother Grace Barnett slapping Derwin in the face so hard and so many times, frozen peas had to be applied to reduce the swelling to: call me Dad, call me Mom and Get your husband more food.  Situation Janay went from: some hoochie coochie to I can’t wait to meet our adorable step-grandbaby.  The grandfather of them all was Dr. Barnett, an impressive cardio-thoracic surgeon revealing his guy crush on Terrell Owens (T.O.) and of all things demonstrating the D-dub?

I believe most desire the parents to to appreciate and/or love their mates.  However, is it really cool that parents can be bought out to do so?  

Have you ever done anything outrageous to get your parent(s) to accept your mate?  

Sunday Dinner: Braised Lamb

Last week when her parents came to visit, Melanie tried out a recipe from Top Chef, braised lamb and pea puree.  While the conversation didn't go so well, it got me to thinking, why do I shy away from lamb when it comes to my dining experience.  When I've had it it's been delicious.  So I went on the hunt for a braised lamb recipe.

Turns out that "braising" involves browning the meat first then letting it cook long and slow over low heat, according to TV chef, G. Garvin.  This is what makes meat so tender that it falls off the bone.

See below for a recipe from Food Network's Danny Boome, Braised Lamb Stew!

Baby-Sitting Blues

So on this past week's episode of The Game, Jason entrusts Tasha Mack to care for Brit Brat a.k.a "Spoiled Brat", while he plays golf.  This child is out of control.  We are talking, Jesus take the wheel!  So on top of smarting off at the mouth, unauthorized Internet charges, and an all-around disrespectful demeanor, she steals from Tasha's purse.  The fact that it was an illegal pharmaceutical (for medicinal purposes) is beside the point.

If you remember, this girl has had sticky fingers since season three, when she stole five dollars from her grandfather.  When Brit Brat denies the theft, Jason takes defends her.  He makes it clear he doesn't spank (read, "take a switch to") his daughter.

Here's what parents seem to forget when they ask you to keep their kids: your rules don't transcend mine.  Sure you may allow your child to raid the fridge, call you by your first name, or stay up past the Mo'Nique show, but not I.  And house rules prevail.  Short of "getting the switch",  I believe Tasha was well within her rights to demand respect and light chores (who doesn't remember organizing the Jet magazines at an auntie's house).

The good news is, Jason had to learn the hard way that every day is father's day!

What do you think? Should a sitter allow the parent's rules to take precedence over their own comfort levels?

Losing Melanie

I am exhausted!  Melanie is wearing me out.  Once again Melanie's insecurities are in the forefront and she's made crazy choices based on those insecurities.

Sure as a married woman, I get it.  It was important to bridge the divide between your husband and your parents.  And what better way to do that by throwing money onto coveted situations; front row seats to the NBA Championships and record donations to your Mom's favorite  charity so she's the Bell of the Ball!  What parents wouldn't want to be bought into believing that your pedigree daughter finally made the right choice by marrying the ball player, albeit in the hospital where his ex-girlfriend gave birth to your "beautiful step-grandson", huh? 

GirlTD is not saying past indiscretions shouldn't be forgotten, forgiven or worked out but my oh my what a difference a dime makes. 

Notwithstanding all of that, we plowed through Melanie's temper tantrum only to have her approach her mother with a serious declaration: "I don't regret giving up my dream to practice medicine...I am committed to building Derwin's dream and this family...".   Really Melanie, your dream is to foster and funnel Derwin's dream--only?  You're giving up your dream, your self and everything about you to throw it into your husband's dream?  Don't you watch Oprah, girl?  Didn't you see the two- part series of Iyanla Vanzant describing the dissolution of her marriage and herself because her marriage was built on all things Iyanla? Like Oprah have we a book for you....

Did you not hear Oprah explain the main reason for her long-term success with Steadman and her friendship with Gayle is because both individuals  maintained their own interest outside of her as well as with her?  I'm not advocating practicing medicine if you don't want to. I am however, advocating to be careful not to lose yourself so far that you don't know where and how to start looking for her.  You will need her, whether you have Derwin or not. 

PS. A clear example of the perils of negating oneself totally, exists in your backyard--meet Kelly Pitts.

Tasha's Tired New Hairdo

Classic Bob Hairstyle Gets A Retro Twist

Tasha's throwback head scarf was not the only hair-raising issue in last night's episode of The Game.  Supposedly her need for a relaxer and new tracks is the reason she was wrapped up like Harriet Tubman when guests, Jason and Magic Johnson, arrived. The real clincher was that her "after" look was a lesson, no-a cautionary tale in the adventures of hair color.

Her new color had just enough murkiness to make you wonder if she was hiding gray.  Unfortunately, I've witnessed this in real life.  Depending on your skin tone and age, going light can add years and give a dull gray, lackluster appearance.

When it comes to hair color, it's not enough to have a hair stylist, you really need someone who has experience (read "expertise") with hair coloring.  There's no way around it.  It's going to cost you.  That is, unless you're game enough to D.I.Y. with an all-over hair color product like  Clairol or L'Oreal.  Highlights are best left to the professionals.

All in all, I think the image above is a better capture of the hair style that Tasha was going for.  The model above is wearing bangs with a shortie fall comb attachment strategically placed to add volume to this classic short bob. It's retro-sexy instead of dated.

What do you think, was Tasha's new cut and color a 'do or a don't?

Tasha Mack Admires New Hairdo- The Game 

Source: Essence Magazine 2/08, Photo: Philippe Salomon

Just Ask...3some Please! A Marriage Killer or Thriller?

Mouths were left agape when in episode 9, Melanie allowed her insecurities about her man and her marriage to surface once again.  Because of a firmly planted garden tool awaiting her husband on his hotel bed and a few nudges from her Sunbeam Sisterhood, Melanie introduced the possibility of a 3some into her marriage without her husband's knowledge or consent.  Now you'll have to watch the episode, to find out how the couple dealt with this issue.

However GirlTD wasn't concerned with the 3some as much as Melanies pattern of insecurity, lack of self-esteem and well -being.  We don’t know if Derwin would have appreciated this addition in the bedroom or not; our problem is that Melanie didn’t give him a chance.  What a man and woman choose together is truly their affair, concern and business but Melanie didn’t consider if she really wanted this and made a choice out of desperation and truncated thoughtfulness.  We suspect however that she wrote a blank check with her head, her heart may not be able to cash.  Instead of having a thorough conversation with her husband about her insecurities and how they may be able to plow through this chapter in their life together, Melanie created a dangerous situation—a steel trap door without a hatch, by introducing a third party candidate into their bedroom and lives.

Now, by no means is GirlTD acting as if asking for a threesome with a stranger egged on by a former stripper who happens to reside in your same social circle is commonplace.  However, surprisingly, I’ve read a plethora of comments exclaiming the outrageousness of the episode and the characters.  I read where one viewer advised that she was done viewing because the action was so out of character.  Was the threesome really the issue or a symptom of a much larger issue--Melanie's self-esteem?  GirlTD also asks, was this choice really out of character or is the character changing and/or the real character emerging?  Whatever the answer, stay true to the story, if it happens in the real world or the world we’re viewing, present it.  Certainly no one screamed X rating when Kelly was viewed doing her boyfriend in the bathroom on the video camera at the engagement party or being sensually fed fruit by her boyfriend on the kitchen floor. And those scenes aired on network television at an earlier time slot.  Oh pardon me and let us not forget when Melanie was "dancing and emphasizing..." and ended up in the bathroom with Dr. McHottie.

So finally we ask,  when will Melanie learn?  When will she act as a woman firmly planted and rooted in her own space opposed to being tossed and turned if the wind subtly changes direction?  That may be a lot to ask of a 20smething year old.  GirlTD can't help but wonder, if Janay would have gotten herself in this predicament?  We doubt not.  Many implications and problems may arise from Melanie's actions, we can only hope that Melanie really ets herself together before it is too late.    GirlTD asks you, alternate sexual lifestyles between a married couple, a marriage killer or thriller?

Fashion Week Favorite

February definitely brought out the glitz and the glam with Fashion Week NY and plenty of awards shows.  After watching all of the live runway action, I couldn't help but think back to the first episode of the new season of The Game, when Janay debuted her pompadour hair style.  GirlTD knew that was a runway look and just a few weeks later, it was definitely a favorite on the catwalk.  Above, Joan Smalls rocks Janay's look for Herve Leger.  Now some may credit this look to Spooki, Snooki from The Jersey Shore.  But in reality, the pompadour has reinvented itself over several decades.  And in the early nineties it even reigned for a while.

Speaking of reinvention, I'm wondering how this "situation" with Derwin, Melanie and Janay is going to play out this season.  I'm definitely team Melanie, but just last night a friend (a married friend at that) felt like Janay had every reason to feel betrayed.  They way she saw it, according to the timeline in season 3, Janay was just a victim of bad timing and circumstances.  What do you think?