iCandi E Newsletter #12

iCandiLand

“Healing”

Forgiveness Healthy Balance A Musical Journey to Healing [1]

November 2011 Featured Articles

Healing

Does He Love Me God’s Elect Lady Healthy Balance Princess Carey A Musical Journey to Healing Shiwanna “Go2Gurl” Chapman Candi Articles Dear iCandi Questions by You answered by MsiCandi Music Reviews J. Antoinne The Conscious Corner Brotha Insight Forgiveness Mayo Woody Bucks with Bux Mega“Bux” Williams Fashion by R.E.D. Lady R.E.D.

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contents Publisher MsiCandi iCandiPro@gmail.com Editor Jamaal A. Bivens Jamaal.Bivens@gmail.com

Featured Bloggers Princess Carey info@wellbanancedbeauty.com Gods Elect Lady dawnofday11@gmail.com

Graphics Southern Stylez Graphics southernstylez904@yahoo.com Leamaj Studioz leamajstudioz@gmail.com

Our Writers

Happy Birthday to Our November Candi Canes

[3]

Millard Morgan Shiwanna Chapman Meghan Williams Jamaal A. Bivens Deanna Brewster Mayo Woody

Dear iCandi

Dear iCandi, Women are always asking “Where the good men at?” Well I’m asking WHERE THE GOOD WOMEN AT? Y’all act like it’s a lot of good women out here. All I meet are the lazy, gold diggers, I don’t need a man, insecure, ghetto type.

Where are all these “good women” that are looking for “good men” at?

Dear iCandi,

I love him, and he loves me, but he has a family and doesn’t know how to get out of his situation.

He’s unhappy. Their relationship is non-existent.

My patience for the whole situation is running thin. What would you do? How would you handle this situation?

Jessie (MD) Hey Jessie, Thanks for being a supporter of iCandi and being brave enough to submit your question. Although a lot of us wouldn’t admit it, this situation is actually very common and it’s not hard to find yourself wanting to be with someone who isn’t available to you. My advice to you is to back off. Let him figure out what he needs to figure out. There are enough broken homes out here and personally, I wouldn’t want to be a reason for another. If he and his partner don’t work out have him look you up but don’t put your life on hold. LIVE!! What’s meant to be will be. If you gain him by sneaking around and doing dirt that will be the same way you’ll lose him. So when he’s ready, I mean REALLY ready, he won’t “talk” about it; he’ll be about it. So back off, LIVE your life and mingle.

What God has for you, is for you. You won’t have to share him Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

He’ll be yours 25/8. I’m not saying you and this man will never be; who knows? Right now the timing is bad and he needs to focus and get his `ish together. Be blessed girl. Remember to keep it iCandilicious.

William (OH) Dear William, Tell your friends, to get with my friend & we can all be friends! (laughs) Obviously we are all looking in the wrong places. I know several GREAT, SINGLE ladies (a few happen to be some of my closest friends), and none of them fit those descriptions that you have described. I’m sure you can find a few flaws in everybody because no one’s perfect. My girls and several of my supporters (that I’ve gotten to know) are wonderful women so I’ll just go with them. They are at WORK! (laughs) During this recession we can’t really afford to be anywhere but work and at home with our babies (those that are parents). You might catch us at the occasional event (Welcome to iCandiLand events are a must) but a lot of us are working 24/7. I want to make sure your eyes are open to the good women as well. Women tend to ignore the good guy because he’s not strutting down the street in his Armani suit and men tend to ignore the “good woman” because she might not be as glamorous as Beyonce’ or Meagan Good. Start giving the lady at the dry cleaners or your favorite restaurant a second look. This could be her second job and you never know how glamourous she can get outside her work clothes. (laughs) Just keep your eyes open William and look beyond the weaves, fake lashes, and booty pads. (laughs) Be blessed Suga!

MsiCandi [4]

What Would You Do.....

If you woke up suddenly because your house was on fire, which three things would you save as you ran outside?

Bobbi Nasia'smommy Acoff My child, my $$$, my phone!

Antwain Thb Hughes I got too many shoes i love so a would grab the bucket and turn on all the faucets lol!!!

@oneals2focus My daughter, who ever else is in my house & my iPhone. lol Renter Insurance would replace everything else. @4EVA305 wallet, Cody (my cat) and car keys.

T He Leo boxers, tooth brush an my boots

Mz'Coco Johnson My daughter My puppie & Me!!!

Nia C MissRnb LouisLouis My box that I keep the items related to my son, my roommate, and my cell phone... oh and I'd stuff my sons box with as much of my jewelry as possible :)

Ray Love Tv,dogs,myself lol in that order

@BrianKeith2039 easy...child 1, child 2, and my music hard

@tightgoincrazy WHOEVERIN THERE mylaptop my money

[5]

@MsShan22 MYSELF, Cellphone, Car Keys

@Nick_Da_Barber my daughter my girlfriend and my clippers

Healthy Balance Written by: Princess Carey We all desire to live a fulfilling life. It is our divine right to do so. It is perfectly healthy to seek complete wholeness in all areas of life. The key to fulfillment is the act of balancing.

Here are a few >ps to help you on your way:

•Eat at least 3 balanced meals a day (at least 2 vegetable servings and 2 fruit servings a day).

•Read upliUing, inspira>onal and informa>ve literature and write down your most in>mate thoughts.

You will be surprised what you learn about yourself in retrospect.

•Reward yourself with a massage, good music, laughter, or personal >me with your significant other.

•Plan an exercise rou>ne or some sort of daily physical ac>vity other than the "norm." For example if you're a dog walker for a living, your body is used to walking, so you may want to find an alterna>ve work out plan…like dancing!

You can easily burn 300+ calories just dancing for about 30 minutes.

•Make >me for your loved ones!

•Make >me for self‐reflec>ng or what some call soul searching through prayer and medita>on.

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•You MUST prac>ce self‐discipline with your spending, ea>ng, and human behaviors in general. Watch how dras>cally life changes when you modify. For example, in ea>ng healthy, one huge bad choice can be fixed immediately, but a few small bad choices create bad habits which leads to weight gain, high cholesterol, hypertension, etc. Remember, being healthy should never be a trend but a lifestyle.

•Stay Posi>ve! Your thoughts can and will manifest into ac>ons!!!!

Princess Carey Founder, Wellness/Nutrition Counselor Well Balanced Beauty Inc. For more information on living a healthy balanced life you can check out Princess at:

www.wellbalancedbeauty.com www.wellbalancedbeauty.blogspot.com or email her at info@wellbalancedbeauty.com [7]

iCandi Radio November Schedule Dates

Event

Host

Topic

Time (est)

Nov 1

Keep it 100

Pastor Vic

Can you be a woman Bishop/Apostle?

8–9:00 pm

Nov 1

New R&B

MsiCandi

New R&B MUSIC (Mainstream & Indie)

9–10:00 pm

Nov 2

Late Night with Lateefah

Lateefah, Bishop & Chill Will

What’s Beef?

11–12:00 am

Nov 3

Let’s Talk Blessings of Beauty

Ashley & Shanna

Embrace your flaws

8–9:00 pm

Nov 4

iCandi After Dark

MsiCandi & The Crew

I’m Pregnant and Single...... Now What!?

10–12:00 am

Nov 6

The Insightful Hour

Brotha Insight & Family

How Can We Save Mother Afrika?

6–8:00 pm

Nov 7

The Whole D*mn Show

Gryndhousz

WILDCARD SHOW WITH RANDOM TOPICS

6–7:30 pm

Nov 8

Keep it 100

Pastor Vic

Can you be a woman Bishop/Apostle? Pt 2

8–9:00 pm

Nov 8

New R&B

J. Antoinne

New R&B MUSIC (Mainstream & Indie)

9–10:00 pm

Nov 9

Late Night with Lateefah

Lateefah, Bishop & Chill Will

Making Love vs. F*cking

11–12:00 am

Nov 10

Throwback Thursday

MsiCandi & Go2Gurl

70s Funk

8–9:00 pm

Nov 11

iCandi After Dark

MsiCandi & The Crew

Dating A Friends Ex. What are The Rules?

10–12:00 am

Nov 13

The Insightful Hour

Brotha Insight & Family

Is College A Conspiracy?

6–8:00 pm

Nov 14

The Whole D*mn Show

Gryndhousz

WILDCARD SHOW WITH RANDOM TOPICS

6–7:30 pm

Nov 15

Keep it 100

Pastor Vic

Is it appropriate to count offerings in front of the congregation?

8–9:00 pm

Nov 15

New R&B

J. Antoinne

New R&B MUSIC (Mainstream & Indie)

9–10:00 pm

Nov 16

Late Night with Lateefah

Lateefah, Bishop & Chill Will

B*tch-*ss-Ness

11–12:00 am

Nov 17

Let’s Talk Blessings of Beauty

Ashley & Shanna

Make The Best Out of Your Situation

8–9:00 pm

Nov 18

iCandi After Dark

MsiCandi & The Crew

Is The Grass Greener on The Other Side?

10–12:00 am

Nov 20

The Insightful Hour

Brotha Insight & Family

Do You Support REAL Black Authors?

6–8:00 pm

Nov 21

The Whole D*mn Show

Gryndhousz

WILDCARD SHOW WITH RANDOM TOPICS

6–7:30 pm

Nov 22

Keep it 100

Pastor Vic

Is it really a sin to drink?

8–9:00 pm

Nov 22

New R&B

J. Antoinne

New R&B MUSIC (Mainstream & Indie)

9–10:00 pm

Nov 23

Late Night with Lateefah

Lateefah, Bishop & Chill Will

What’s your Racial Preference? Dating on the greener side

11–12:00 am

Nov 24

Throwback Thursday

MsiCandi & Go2Gurl

80s Hip Hop

8–9:00 pm

Nov 25

iCandi After Dark

MsiCandi & The Crew

The Rebound! Are You The Rebound Boo?

10–12:00 am

Nov 27

The Insightful Hour

Brotha Insight & Family

Nov 28

The Whole D*mn Show

Gryndhousz

WILDCARD SHOW WITH RANDOM TOPICS

6–7:30 pm

Nov 29

Keep it 100

Pastor Vic

What’s Considered “Good Sex”?

8–9:00 pm

Nov 29

New R&B

Brotha Insight

New R&B MUSIC (Mainstream & Indie)

9–10:00 pm

Nov 30

Late Night with Lateefah

Lateefah, Bishop & Chill Will

S.E.X. Tips Wildcard Show

11–12:00 am

[8]

Who Are Eugenicists & What’s Their Plan?

6–8:00 pm

fanatic. We are selecting 10 contestants to be in the competition. To qualify you need to be a female, own (or have unlimited access to) a digital camera, live in Cincinnati, OH or Jacksonville, FL, and Have a creative mind! submit an entry pic to iCandipro@gmail.com

RE

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4 We are having a competition via internet for iCandi's Facebook Top 0 Model. We want to see who's the most creative picture taking 9

Winner will receive a FREE deluxe photo shoot, have their pictures on the cover of the iCandi worldwide e-newsletter, and be interviewed for our iCandi Lady of the month. most importantly they will hold the title of iCandi's Facebook Top Model.

Last day to submit your pictures to be selected is Nov 4 Competition starts on Nov 6, 2011 Let's Go!!!! Who Will Win??!!

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Music Reviews by J Antoinne Johnny Gill - Still Winning Fontana Records, 2011 It has been fifteen years since Johnny Gill has released an album of new material. He's been around, between his group LSG (with Keith Sweat and Gerald Levert) and various performances and guest spots. Fans have been waiting for Gill to release an album, and here it is. Johnny lets you know that his voice is still there, as he bounces between bouncy cuts and sultry ballads. The first single "In the Mood" almost delivers classic Johnny Gill, with a few falsettos and growls thrown between the lines, while "Just the Way You Are" has that Ne-Yo type of flavor. "Long Long Time" reunites Gill with Keith Sweat and also features Eddie Levert, and it's not too bad of a listen. However, a lot of the songs sound too mainstream, like an old school artist trying to conform to "mainstream" R&B standards, and it leaves an awkward thought in your mind, like if Teddy Pendergrass remade some of Chris Brown's songs. Weird. If Johnny can stick to the ballads, he'll be alright.

(3.25 Stars)(C+) Lalah Hathaway - Where It All Begins Stax Records, 2011 It's such a shame that mainstream America misses out on such fine talent as Lalah Hathaway, because she consistently delivers awesome albums. This album is nothing short of excellent and should easily be amongst a true R&B lover's collection. Lalah has a vocal delivery where she doesn't need to reach for those Minnie Riperton-esque to pull off an amazing song, but can surely reach into her lower register to give sultry, fluid tone. She can even remake her own song and make it more amazing, as she does with "I'm Coming Back", which features the awesome Rachelle Ferrell, and even cover her father's gem "You Were Meant For Me". Even her more uptempo songs give you a real sense of R&B flavor and shows off her amazing vocal delivery, like the head-bopping flavor of "If You Want To" or even "Small of My Back". "Real" R&B singers take note: Sometimes, less is more, and most times, realistic R&B is more important to real R&B fans. Anyone not getting this album is not worthy to be called a real R&B fan.

(5 Stars)(A+)

Gordon Chambers - Sincere Nia Records, 2011 Gordon Chambers has been a mainstay in R&B music, penning some of the most classic songs in R&B history, including Brownstone's "If You Love Me" and Anita Baker's "I Apologize", so it seems only natural that he'd write some amazing songs for his own.

He's already released two grossly overlooked albums, and this third one is pretty darn good in its own right, with some wonderful ballads and slick uptempo cuts. Speaking of the latter, "Coming Back" will make you take notice of its awesome production, and "Sincere" is a wonderfully crafted "mainstream" song that shows you how to make a real R&B song current. However, it's the ballads where Gordon really shines, as evidenced on "In My Room", and even on his take on the song "Missing You" (originally featured on the Set It Off soundtrack with Brandy, Tamia, Gladys Knight, and Chaka Khan), where he doesn't just "remake" the song, he gives it a completely different and fresh sound. A couple of songs on this album might have you reaching for the skip button, but the ballads more than make up for it.

(4.5 Stars)(A) [10]

Kim Burrell - The Love Album Shanachie Records, 2011 One doesn't expect a gospel artist to do a "secular" album, but Burrell does just that.

Don't worry, there's no Millie Jackson-esque raunchy lyrics, but this album still might not be easily accepted by the gospel community, because it’s more “inspirational” than it is “gospel” or even “secular”. Nevertheless, don't let the name fool you; there's still some decent material here. Check out the first single, "Sweeter"; it gets urban radio airplay. as it effortlessly blends R&B and gospel music. Also worth a few listens is the remake of the Clark Sisters' "Jesus Is A Love Song" and the song "Is This the Way Love Goes?" However, "Love's Holiday" and "Love Me In A Special Way" might make you raise your eyebrows, wondering why Burrell chose to remake them.

Also, although this album isn't too bad, it would have been much better as a live CD, because it's the live performances where Burrell can deliver things that are borderline magical, and the studio where it's almost like she's holding back. Nevertheless, there are a few gems here that are worth it. Not a classic album but definitely not trash material.

(4 Stars)(B)

Don't Miss This!

Throwback albums that you probably don't have (BUT SHOULD)

Joe - All That I Am The album that solidified Joe's place in R&B history, this is his best album to date. "All the Things (Your Man Won't Do)" and "Love Scene" are here and worth the album's price all by themselves.

Toni Braxton - Secrets Definitely her best album, as no less than half of the album was released as singles.

"Unbreak My Heart", anyone? Perfect mix of fast and slow joints.

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Does He Love Me? Written by God’s Elect Lady

So I am sitting here just reminiscing on everything that has taken place in my life over the last few months and my mind is blown! God has truly moved in my life and I KNOW that He isn't finished. There is still so much more to come and I am ready! The one area in my life that is finally coming together is my love life.

There was a time when I thought I would die alone because it seemed like everything around me was sour and no guy that had sense would approach me. I was always getting approached by guys that weren't on my level. Many would call them losers, but I just say that they aren't on my level because they are perfect for someone. So I ran into this guy that is unbelievable! You see, I was used to dating or being with guys that really just wanted a piece of behind and maybe hang around for a few, but none took the steps that this guy does. One guy abused me for three years; another was going through a divorce and had a girlfriend with whom he lived with; I even had one that was a "Bishop", and I use that term very lightly because nothing that he did was Godly. You would think he knew how to treat a woman since he preached about it and knew the Bible, but you know what they say; even the devil can quote a scripture. After him, I found myself at a point of solitude.

All I ran into were those guys that didn't meet the expectations that God promised me not only in His word, but what He had spoken to me. Being the strong-minded, independent, go-getter business woman that I am, God knew that it would require a STRONG man to assist me with where I was going because I was going to provide the same for him.

You see, when you know who you are and whose you are, then making the right decision in a mate is never easy. Too many times we get caught up in the looks, the car, and the material things, forgetting that sometimes a simple touch is all we, as women, need. Sometimes all we need is an encouraging word from him, and sometimes all we need is to be secure in knowing that he cares. When you get caught up in the looks and materials of a relationship you find yourself emotionally, physically, mentally, and even spiritually drained. This is not the intent of God for your life. He has promised you that you shall have a man that treats you like the queen that you are. He affirms you even when you are at your lowest of lows. He doesn't have to have sex all the time; sometimes holding you is just enough. He makes sacrifices just for your happiness because he is secure in knowing that you will do the same.

I must admit that I agree with Lyfe Jennings in his new song, "Statistics". Ladies, if you listen to just those simple instructions it will get you started on the path that you need to go. Also, seek God on every man that comes in your life because not all are bad, but again we get caught up in the wrong things. Take a week and study God's promises on a mate, both male and female. One that I like is in Proverbs 18 where it says that HE who finds a wife, obtains favor from the Lord. It doesn't say that the woman, but the male. So date, but allow God to direct your Boaz into your life.

I love you and Be blessed.

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To Read More of God's Elect Lady’s work, check out her blog http://dawnofday11.blogspot.com

PRAY FOR ME

In Our Angels’ Hands WE ARE PRAYING FOR YOU Thomas Chapman (The Legend) Carlos Jeff & Family Berdie Lewsis “Sista Mama” The Barnes Family Karen Daniels Toria & Family Kevin “Kdaddy” Hicks Joanne Williams Nevaeh Mccoy Phyllis Evans & Family Marcus “Skandal Da Rucus Man” Mitchell Jose Aldanondo Robin Smith Ann Smith Lillian Smith Alicia Hearing & Family Matt & Michael Thompson Tila Frost & Family Holly Carrigg & Family Jane Boyles Jennie Mathis Zahbria Thomson Junita Bonner

iCandi Angels R.I.P. In Loving memory of Esther Barnes William & “Candy” King Kandace Pyles Brycee & Cameron Jeff JP James Romano Anna Brown Jerome Swanson James “Jellybean” House Patricia Kirkland Scott Burrows Sr. John Bruce Gilmore Jr. LeRoy Morgan Earic Early Nadene McGowan Reshaud Jackson James Revels Jr. Sally Rowland Jannie Tubbs

[13]

THE CONSCIOUS CORNER

By Brotha Insight

HEAL THY SELF

We as humans don't understand the power we really have. A good friend of mine, from my hometown of Chicago, named Camilla Alford has a restaurant and herb shop called HEAL THY SELF. The one thing I love that she teaches her customers is they have the power to heal themselves. Everything we need to be healed GOD The Creator left right here for us, including healing from the standpoint of eating and doing the right things. We always hear people saying Eat 2 Live and not Live 2 Eat. Well, we say it but we don't live it. When I see the amount of people, not only in this country but around the world, dying from curable diseases, it saddens my heart.

Let's look at high blood pressure. It has been documented which foods we should stay away from to prevent this. Stay off the salts and fatty foods. Fall back off the pork and other meats that clog the arteries. We refuse to listen, but when we get it we are surprised; I'm not. How about Alzheimer’s? This is a disease that has taken out a lot of our loved ones recently, and the numbers are rising. Anyone that knows about this disease knows it attacks the brain and causes severe memory loss. If our bodies are 75% water then that tells me we need to drink a great deal of water, but most cases of Alzheimer’s show these people are not drinking the proper amount of water. It's always good to drink at least eight glasses of water a day.

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If you wanna step your game up you should be drinking half your body weight in ounces. So if you weigh 200lbs you should be drinking 100 ounces of water. Another “so called disease” that is taking out a lot of our loved ones is cancer. There are so many forms of cancer I could talk about them for months on end, but let’s focus on breast cancer.

A lot of women are dying way too early due to this really aggressive disease. There are some causes of this disease that I don't hear people talking about that can save lives.

What about getting your yearly checkup, women? The most radiation you will ever get is in the mammogram machine. It is so toxic and full of radiation it is not even funny. Also, antiperspirant deodorant has a large amount of aluminum in it, and it has been documented that this can cause breast cancer. I don't hear people telling our sistas to stop using this type of deodorant.

I want to encourage you to HEAL THY SELF. If you want to get rid of high blood pressure you know what to do. If you want to prevent yourself or a loved one from getting Alzheimer’s and breast cancer you know what to do. Remember, you have the power to HEAL THY SELF.

Be sure to check out Brotha Insight, Sister Rhythm, & Mr. Blacktastic on the Insightful Hour every Sunday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 pm (EST) www.blogtalkradio.com/icandiradio Also tune in at 8pm (EST) as Brotha Insight has a segment on “Easy Conversation” http://www.wvon.com

PEACE & BLESSINGS BROTHA INSIGHT

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Forgive & Free Yourself Written By: Mayo Woody

It is extremely hard to forgive sometimes when it is our natural instinct to re-coil in self-protection when we experience hurt. It’s not like we naturally overflow with mercy and forgiveness. Sometimes forgiving someone can be a long process.

Some may feel that forgiveness is just a conscious choice, while others may find it extremely emotional and very difficult to do, depending on who the person is who caused the hurt. We typically hold our friends and loved ones to a higher standard when it comes to our feelings, because these are people we feel should love us the most; yet, they cause us the most pain.

As humans we put so much stock in people based on how we feel about them. Just because you would do “anything” for a person does not mean that that person would do “anything” for you, although they say that they will. A lot of friendships and relationships end because one party doesn’t feel like they were shown enough consideration from a friend in a time of need; then, grudges form.

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Now often times more fuel to the fire is added when a person is hurt, because we like to make sure that the other party experience some hurt or discomfort as well. So we say things that we don’t really mean. Or we bring things up that were considered private in public areas. We do this because the forgiveness process has not taken place yet. This is when the saying, “Hurt people, hurt people”, holds very true.

For those of you who have these century old grudges, free yourself. Because I can assure you that the person that you are mad with doesn’t even remember that you are mad anymore. Which in essence makes you your own prisoner. You have to constantly remind yourself that you are upset with that particular person. While that person is freely living and enjoying their life.

“FREE YOURSELF” Remember, pain is inevitable but suffering is optional. Catherine Pulsifer said, “When you find yourself upset, ask yourself this question: Will this matter 5 years from now? If yes, then do something about it, go have a conversation with the person. If not, let it go.” Life is too short to hold grudges, so do yourself a favor: forgive and move on. There are three words that I always use to sum up the word life: “It Goes On.” So Live, Love, Laugh and be free..

There is no easy way to go through this process but there is one thing that I have learned to do which does make it a little more tolerable. I try to keep in mind that people are just people. I know that friends and loved ones are not perfect but I like to think that they all have perfect intentions. This way, when I am hurt by one of them, I can dismiss their mistakes more easily and not hold a grudge.

[17]

#MayGodBlessYourLife…

iCandi Fab of the Month

$$ Bux with Bux $$ It is that time of year where we all get to stuff our faces with good food and surround ourselves with great company. Thanksgiving dinner can be one of the most expensive dinners to a person. You don’t have to use a lot of “moolah” to have an extravagant meal. Some ideas will include being, what many call, a discerning host; if you’re paying attention to your crowd and they prefer white meat; you may benefit from getting a nice size turkey breast. (same great effect). Some people may not agree with this, but you can tell your guests to BYOS (bring your own side); that way different amounts of food will be there and it’s almost like everyone pitched in on the dinner. If you don’t want to change anything and cook up your whole meal, decide who is important to come to dinner (family, friends, or extended family). Once you figure how many people, you can make your list of food and budget around that. Happy Thanksgiving!!! iCandi is thankful for all of our supporters.

From a Cosby kid to a grown a** man with his own family sitcom! Shout out to Malcolm-Jamal Warner and Tracee Ellis Ross on their new sitcom “Reed Between The Lines” on BET. I’ve been complaining about the lack in family television and it’s finally here. Make sure you all check this show out. It comes on Tuesday nights at 10pm EST on BET. It gives me a modern day Cosby Show vibe! I love it!

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Fashion By R.E.D.

Hello everyone (in my Madea voice)! This monthʼs topic is about healing and forgiveness. You already know shopping makes everyone feel a little bit better. Letʼs start the healing process by going for a cute sparkly dress, pictured below, that will bring a smile to your face and holiday party ready. The next items in our healing process are faux fur coats and jackets because itʼs cold in some parts of the U.S., theyʼre chic, and animal friendly. The last piece that always brings a smile to my face is a hot pair of shoes; all about the glitz and glam this season. I hope this inspires some looks for the holidays and for the new year. Remember, itʼs okay to experiment with your clothes; if they donʼt look right they can always go back to the store! (laughs) As always, ttyl and happy shopping!

[19]

A Musical Journey to Healing Written By: Shi “The Go2Gurl”

I’ve been asked to let the icandi world into my life of music for a brief moment.

MsiCandi has asked me a deep question, one that I can spit out a response to but can’t contain to just one answer:

WHAT DO YOU LISTEN TO WHEN YOU NEED HEALING? Wow, really...I mean, the list can go on and on, but it wouldn't be icandi if she didn't make it specific for me, and I wouldn't be me if I didn't have to expand it a little for y’all.

DEATH Now let me be honest here; when I experience death, I normally reflect on the songs that makes me think of that person. For instance, when my grandfather passed away I played Shirley Ceaser; now I’ve always had respect and admiration for Shirley but never really listened to her. But there is a song that I find peace with; just death and dying and just doing the best while you are here.

Ani DiFranco - When I’m Gone

SELF-CONFIDENCE To me there is one person that truly makes me feel like I can conquer the world, see the beauty in others, and look to a better future; that would be India.Arie. She can take you through healing from heartache, teach you to learn from your mistakes, and grow from them and look forward to love and happiness. If I had to narrow a song down for self-confidence it would have to be India.Arie - Strength, Courage, and Wisdom [20]

BREAK UPS Really how can i just narrow this down..breaking up is a cycle. you have to go through twist and turns to finally get to a place where you can breath. sometimes you cant even listen to music AT ALL..but for me..no matter how many cds i can go through and that includes my KEYSHIA COLE- THE WAY IT IS and TONI BRAXTON- SECRETS...i always have to have KELLY PRICE-MIRROR MIRROR

KELLY PRICE-YOU SHOULDVE TOLD ME

WORK At the end of a hard day, week, month, and even a year of work (laughs) sike, but seriously, at the end of a hard day or week, my reward is to turn on the surround sound and listen to some Sade. If you’re lucky like I am I can even listen to her on my record player; YES I SAID IT, MY RECORD PLAYER. I mean really, nothing calms my soul and my spirit like some Sade. She makes everything seem alright. Love the world, all of it, just be alright. (laughs) If I had to pick a song I guess it would be Sade - Pearls

HATERS Last but not least, the list can go on and on but we have to stop somewhere: haters. There are many songs that I can play to knock them haters off, but I must say it’s a CD that rides out and I love every single song. It makes you feel good about someone living their dream, you aspiring to reach yours, and F those who can’t keep up. That good ol’ Bobby Ray. B.O.B. presents the adventures of Bobby Ray. My song of choice would be B.O.B. - Past My Shades

I hope you can open your ears and minds up and step into my world for just a second. I mean I’m not a music guru but music is what gets me through. Love y’all! ~be BLESSED~ Go2Gurl [21]

Sweet Potato Casserole • • • • • •

3 cups mashed sweet potatoes 1 cup brown sugar 2 eggs, lightly beaten 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 cup milk 1/2 cup melted butter

• • • • •

Topping: 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/3 cup flour 1/3 cup melted butter 1 cup chopped pecans

Preparation: Combine first 6 ingredients. Pour into a buttered 1 1/2 to 2-quart casserole dish. Mix remaining ingredients together and sprinkle over top. Bake at 350° for 30 to 40 minutes, until hot and browned.

Serves 6 to 8.

A Word From MsiCandi:

Thanks for checking out this month’s Newsletter. For me, November is a month for reflecting. Look at yourself in the mirror and acknowledge how blessed you truly are. I’m sure some of you have your own struggles but remember someone out there has it ten times worse so hold your heads up high and REALIZE that you are blessed!

Also, remember that forgiving someone is the easy part, but forgetting may take some practice.

Be blessed everyone! Until next month!

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MsiCandi