Life After a Break-Up...It is possible!

My co-worker came in the other morning and said that she was up all night with her 17-year old daughter who had been inconsolable after breaking up with her boyfriend. When I asked her this morning if her daughter was doing any better, she said that the poor girl refuses to go to school, refuses to eat, and all she does is sits around crying uncontrollably. Part of me wants to go over to my co-worker's house, pull this little girl up by the shoulders, look her straight in the eyes, slap the heck out of her and tell her, "Darlin', get it together! You are only 17-years old...you will be OK without him!!!" This sounds like the logical thing to do when I'm looking at the situation from the outside-in, but then I remember that there is a part of me that has no choice but to empathize with this girl, because I walked in the same shoes when I was about her age.

Although I experienced my first heartbreak almost 20-years earlier, I remember it just like it was yesterday and my reactions were no different than her's; in fact, I can GUARANTEE you that I probably could have won the Oscar for Best Actress in a Drama (I was dramatic as hell back then, which is probably one of the main reasons the poor boy broke up with me in the first place). However, unlike my 18-year old self who would instantly bust out into the ugly cry each time "End of the Road" came on the radio, I can now look back and realize that life did go on and I ended up being OK without him. If only my 37-year old self could have visited my 18-year old self and slap some sense into my head, I wouldn't have spent a couple of years of my life foolishly trying to do whatever and hurt whomever I had to in an attempt to win someone back who not only effortlessly went on with his life, but most importantly, someone who God did not intend on having in my life the way I thought I "needed" him to be at that time. Unfortunately, I had to repeat this lesson the hard way in other relationships, but I now realize that God did not allow me to go through those times to break me, but to make me stronger!

Like the song says, "breaking up is hard to do," If you're reading this, you have probably already experienced your first break up and understand what it feels like to think your perfect little world was going to crumble right before you, or what it feels like to know every time you think you are physically incapable of producing any more tears, new tears begin to stream down your face. If you still have yet to experience any of this, you will. Either way, you must understand that there is nothing wrong with allowing yourself to go through the mourning period of a failed relationship, but you should trust and believe that there is life after a break up and that you will be br(OK)en without them.

Love, Peace and Sooouuuullllll!!!!!

(AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)

It hurt my heart to hear that on this first day of Black History Month 2012, one of our legendary pioneers passed away at the age of 75. Donald "Don" Cortez Cornelius, was the host and mastermind behind the iconic nationally syndicated dance and music franchise that took us on the "hippest trip in America" every Saturday morning for over 35-years, Soul Train. My fondest memories of Mr. Cornelius and Soul Train were back in the 80's when every black child in my neighborhood would be glued to the television set from 11am - 12pm to see which artist/group were performing and to see which new dance moves the Soul Train regulars were going to introduce while going down the infamous Soul Train line that day. Before my dreams of becoming a Fly Girl on Fox's sketch comedy show, In Living Color, I dreamt of dancing alongside the Filipino chick with the long hair on Soul Train! I remember my best friend and I screaming at the top of our lungs when Ronnie, Bobby, Ricky, Mike and Ralph, aka New Edition, hit the stage to sing, "Mr. Telephone Man". I also remember Mr. Cornelius being one of the coolest cats I've ever seen, besides Shaft and my daddy, of course. Don Cornelius was cool as a fan, and for reasons only he and God know, the man with the velvet voice and perfectly shaped afro, tragically took his own life early this morning in his Muhulland Drive home. Upon hearing about his death, Twitter and Facebook were ablaze with messages from his fans paying homage to the man who helped pave the way for R&B and Hip Hop artists (both Black and White) by allowing them an opportunity to showcase their talents on his stage, when at a time other mainstream shows, such as American Bandstand, were turning them away. Soul Train was also a window into the culture of Urban America for those from the suburbs who were not accustomed to living in a racially diverse community.  If it had not been for his vision, there probably would never have been a BET, MTV, VH1, TV One, Centric, or even an OWN. It saddens me to know that you possibly passed away without truly knowing how much of an impact and influence you had in the shaping of American entertainment as we know it today; however, each time I start up a Soul Train line at a wedding or family reunion, just know, I'll be doing it in honor of you, Mr. Cornelius. May you forever Rest in Peace.

Rediscovering Nikki

Rediscovering Nikki

On December 11, 2010 at 9:43pm, I had what Oprah Winfrey calls a "AHA" moment!  While talking to a very dear friend of mine, I decided that at that exact moment I was going to be my biggest cheerleader! Not that I wasn't going to need encouragement from my family and friends, but in my quest to "Rediscovering Nikki," I came to the realization that in order for me to reach my goal I was only going to be successful if I believed and encouraged myself the most.

The week leading up to my "AHA" moment, I was at a breaking point in my life. I looked in the mirror and did not like who was staring back at me.  Not only in the physical aspect, but the eyes that were once full of life, were instead lifeless.  The optimistic and happy-go-happy Nikki was nowhere to be found. I would put on a huge smile in front of my family, friends and co-workers, but deep inside all I wanted to do was be alone and wallow in my sorrows.  I was depressed because I did not like who I allowed myself to become and who I saw myself eventually turning into if I did not do something to rectify the situation, immediately.  Until my "AHA" moment, I felt a sense of hopelessness, as I did not know where to begin my journey to rediscovering the Nikki that I once knew and loved so dearly!

With the New Year coming up in less than 3 weeks, I could have waited to begin my journey on January 1st like most people do; however, I refuse to live another day with the "new" Nikki and decided to start my journey immediately. I have set small, yet attainable, goals and will chronicle my successes and failures in a private journal, as well as my public blog.  It may not always be pretty, but it WILL get done, because I can do ALL things Christ Jesus who strengthens me (Philip 4:13).  Please take this journey with me as I "Rediscover Nikki!" 

Meals on Wheels...The Great Food Truck Craze!!!

Gourmet Food Trucks may sound like an oxymoron, especially being that less than three years ago these food trucks were affectionately referred to as Roach Coaches to us local Angelenos. However, if you live or work in Los Angeles, you may have seen an increase in the number of food trucks that are parked in front of your workplace or favorite bar/club. In fact, food trucks are so popular that The Food Network has a new reality show called, The Great Food Truck Race w/Tyler Florence, which airs on Sunday nights at 9pm/8c. Seven Roach Coach teams…er, huh, I mean, "Gourmet Food Truck" teams drive cross country and compete to sell the most food in hopes of winning the $50,000 prize at the end of the road trip. The team that makes the least profit in each episode is eliminated. The seven food trucks that are showcased in this "Amazing Race on Wheels" serve foods ranging from banana pudding to escargot! Yes, folks, I said escargot, or for those of you who slept during French class, SNAILS!


I must admit I was very apprehensive about eating from a food truck, because the food trucks that I recall from my childhood days were old, broke down and just looked downright nasty. "Was I going to bite into a roach?" "Do they even wash their hands before they cook the food?" "Do they serve their customers real beef or jackass meat?" These were the thoughts that crept through my mind whenever I saw a food truck. That was until one of my co-workers convinced me to buy breakfast from the food truck that was always parked in front of our office building. She said that she bought breakfast from this same truck every Friday and that they have the best breakfast burrito in Los Angeles, GUARANTEED. "The BEST breakfast burrito in Los Angeles?," I asked, "Yeah right!" That was a bold statement being that there is a hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant on every corner claiming to have the "best" breakfast burrito in Los Angeles. And trust me; we Angelenos know our breakfast burritos. Nevertheless, I was up for the challenge and decided to try the combo breakfast burrito, which consisted of eggs, bacon, chorizo, cheese, and freshly homemade salsa all wrapped up in a warm flour tortilla. "It looks and smells good," I thought to myself, "but, does this bad boy taste as good as it looks and smells?" I bit into the burrito and my taste buds began doing the cabbage patch dance as they begged me for more! OMG, this was the best darn breakfast burrito in Los Angeles and to my surprise, it came from a freakin' Roach Coach!!!

I have been sold on food trucks ever since that warm winter Southern California day! I now consider myself to be a food truck foodie and it is my mission to try every single food truck that roams the streets of Los Angeles. So far my favorite food truck to date is Longboards Ice Cream Truck, which is the uber-chic adult version of the ice cream trucks of our youth. Okay, ya'll get this…the ice cream is shaped like a surfboard on a stick, which is then dipped in your choice of Ghirardelli chocolate (milk chocolate or dark chocolate), and then dipped in your choice of toppings that include almonds, crushed oreos, sprinkles, etc. My favorite flavor is the O.G. (strawberry ice cream bar drizzled with caramel, dipped in milk chocolate, and dipped w/almonds on one side and crushed waffle cones on the other). All of this deliciousness for only $3.00!!! Can't beat that folks! If you are a local and would like to find out when Longboards will be surfing through a neighborhood near you, make sure you follow them on twitter or "like" 'em on Facebook.

Stay tuned as I continue my quest to conquer the food trucks of La La Land!!! I'll keep you posted on which ones make the grade and which ones need to park their truck for GOOD! Also, if you are a food truck foodie and have any suggestions for trucks I need to visit, please let me know.

Until next time, have a FABULOUS evening and I'll talk to you tomorrow!



Ciao,

Simply & Naturally Nikki
**Follow me on Twitter at naturally_nikki**

Set Your DVRs - Part 1

The 2010 Fall Television Season is upon us and I must admit, I am HYPED about all of the shows that are hitting the networks this season, both old and new!!!

One of the new series that I am highly anticipating stars two of the most BEAUTIFUL people to grace the small screen, NBC's Undercovers. The fact that Undercovers is produced by Lost and Alias genius, J.J. Abrams, makes this new series a must-see! 

Undercovers follows the lives of Stephen and Samantha Bloom, a married couple who work as caterers by day and undercover American spies by night. 

Stephen is played by the extremely gorgeous Boris Kodjoe, who is making his small screen comeback.  For you die-hard fans of Showtime's hit series, Soul Food, you will remember Boris in his breakout role as Damon Carter, the love interest of the oldest Joseph sister, Teri.  Boris ironically fell in love with the actress who portrayed Teri, Nicole Ari Parker, and they are now married with two children, Sophie and Nicolas.  Boris' post-Soul Food gigs include the short-lived sitcom starring him and his wife called Second Time Around, the hit action movie, Surrogates, starrring Bruce Willis, and the soon-to-be released sci-fi thriller, Resident Evil: Afterlife.  Boris is also very active with Sophie's Voice Foundation, which is an organization to help raise awareness for children with Spina Bifida, such as his daughter and namesake of the foundation, Sophie.  For more information about this amazing foundation, please visit the website at SophiesVoiceFoundation.org. 

The role of Samantha Bloom is portrayed by newcomer, and equally gorgeous, Gugu Mbatha-Raw.  Born and raised in the UK, Gugu is a talented actress, singer and dancer.  Although Gugu is new to American television, she has made her mark on British television in the hit series, Doctor Who. 

I have three words to describe this show - SEXY, FUNNY, & ENTERTAINING!  So, set your DVRs to record the series premiere of Undercovers for Wednesday, September 22 at 8/7c on NBC.
For exclusive interviews and information, you may follow Undercovers on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook. 

Ciao,

Simply & Naturally Nikki

Follow me on Twitter @ naturally_nikki






  

'Dancing w/the Stars' Season 11 Cast

This is the night we all have been waiting for...the night that the Season 11 'Dancing w/the Stars' cast is revealed, and we can only pray that none of the 12 celebs are as horrific as Kate Gosselin was on last season's DWTS.  The celebs are:

Kurt Warner (NFL Quarterback), Brandy (R&B singer and actress), Rick Fox (3-time NBA Champion of the Los Angeles Lakers and actor), Bristol Palin (her last name speaks for itself), Margaret Cho (comedienne and actress), MTV Reality Celebs, Audrina Patridge ('The Hills') and Mike "Situation" Sorrentino ('The Jersey Shore'), Jennifer Grey (Dirty Dancing actress), Kyle Massey (Disney Channel's 'That's So Raven' and 'Corey in the House' actor), David Hasselhoff (actor), Michael Bolton (crooner),  and the token geriatric celeb of the season, Florence Henderson (you know the mama from the Brady Bunch who had a steamy off-screen love affair w/one of the Brady sons while frying chicken in Wesson oil?!?)

There you go, the Season 11 Dancing w/the Stars lineup!!! It is too early for me to choose my favorite celeb, although I knew at this stage last season that Nicole Scherzinger (The Pussycat Dolls) would go home w/the coveted Mirror Ball trophy, but from the list above, it looks as though we'll have more Kate Gosselins this season than Nicole Scherzingers....Lord, help us all!!!

Simply & Naturally Nikki

Who the heck is Simply & Naturally Nikki?! Well, I am a married mother of two very rambunctious boys (whom I will affectionately refer to as Thing 1 and Thing 2), a full-time college student, and full-time employee...in other words; you can just call me SUPERWOMAN!!! Seriously, I have a crazy-hectic life, so I definitely give all the glory to God, because if it weren't for Him, I would be locked up in somebody's psych ward, sitting in a corner with my thumb in my mouth, singing show-tunes wearing nothing but an adult diaper and one tube sock! Needless to say, I have a lot on my mind; therefore, I decided to start this blog as an outlet. I will blog about everything from my family life, to television/movie/music reviews, to recipes I would LOVE to cook (keep in mind that I CANNOT cook, so, I'm sure there will be plenty of pics of my failed attempts), to the latest news in entertainment, to my fashion hits and misses, to restaurant reviews, to products and deals, and much more! So, thank you in advance for taking this journey into my life…SIMPLY & NATURALLY Nikki!