Highly Anticipated...

I must admit that I am totally psyched to see the new film based on NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLER, He's just not that into You. The No-Excuses Truth to Understanding Guys by author Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo. He's just not that into You has been named a women's daily wake-up call. Well this "Tell it like it is" Book is slated to release a star studded film on Feb. 6Th, 2009. The Film features heavy hitters like Ben Affleck, Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Connolly, Bradely Cooper, Ginnifer Goodwin, Scarlett Johnasson and Justin Long.

Not to mention that one of my great friends and fellow thespians SABRINA REVELLE who was born and raised in Philadelphia but currently resides in Los Angeles is also featured in the film.

Most of you may recognize Sabrina from BET's Hit Show Hell Date (which I myself did a small stint on) shameless plug lol...

I hope you all go out and support the film...

Leah Janell: In My Shoes

Not the answer...

This story has hit home for many people today, for those of you who are unaware here is the story. Ervin Antonio Lupoe who had been recently let go from a Kaiser Permanente hospital in West Los Angeles, killed his wife, Ana, their five children: 8-year-old Brittney, 5-year-old twin girls Jaszmin and Jassely and 2-year-old twin boys Benjamin and Christian. He then took his own life after faxing a letter to KABC Channel 7 and calling the LAPD saying, “I just returned home, and my whole family has been shot.”
A suicide note found at the scene “indicated a business dispute” between Lupoe and Kaiser Permanente West Los Angeles Medical Center. In the faxed note to KABC, Lupoe said he was despondent over an employment situation. Both he and his wife were former employees of the medical center. According to reports, there were grounds for termination that did not come as a result of layoffs. Lupoe and his wife then made a suicide pact:

This is one of the saddest stories that I have ever come across, just to know that these parents thought that suicidal-murder was the best way to resolve their fears of not being able to care for their children is scary. Today when our economy is facing its toughest times, when people are being let go from their jobs daily this is an example of the level people are willing stoop to. I truly believe that this incident, (though it was not a lay off caused to the suffrage of the economy) should set off a light bulb. The government needs to set up means of survival for people effected by the recession. I know a man that is 61 years old who was let go from his job of 30 years in the early part of 2008. This individual who had once brought home 75 to 90 thousand dollars a year, who owns 3 homes, only made 26,000 this year. We as a people have not been prepared for a turn like this and we need HELP. There is no way any tax paying citizen should feel like they have nowhere to turn. What do you think the government could do to assist problems of this nature?

Leah Janell: In My Shoes

She's just like me...

Jamie Foxx has released his latest LP intuition, and it is HOT his first single off of the album featured T.I. and is tilted Just Like Me... Like most R&B music today Jamie leaves us with alot to ponder about on this track. I mean can "MEN REALLY HANDLE A WOMAN WHO DOES ALL THAT HE DOES AND MORE"...Now lets be real "JUST LIKE ME" Isn't saying
she's always at work
Bringing home the bread
putting the kids to bed
shes just like me...
LOL no way, this young lady is just like the average dude, shes in the club popping her own bottles, she knows every male in the room... Somewhere in the song Jamie states "AND I CANT BE MAD". Well I guess he cant be since he's out doing the same thing. But my question to you all is, CAN MEN HANDLE IT? and Furthermore Just because he's doing it does it make it right that we do the same. Ladies lets remember we are always the one who gets the bad name...

Just a few Lyrics...
You, been seeing him, and I know
And I was with her, and you knew about it
But I was too bli-I-ind to see it baby
And you was out here doing
The same thing as me
I wanna ask, has he been by the crib?
Has he been in our, car?
And did you let him, drive?
Cause she's been by the house
She's been in the car
I've even let her push the
Porsche around a couple times
Ohh, we were so the same
I don't know why I can't see it baby
And it ain't a point to feeling blue
You're just like me and I'm just like you

[Chorus: Jamie Foxx]
You're just like me
Shorty all up in the club
Popping bottles of that Bud
Giving all them dudes hugs
And you just like me
She don't know how to act
On the floor back in the back
Man I can't be mad dapslyrics
She just like me-e-ee-e-e
She just like me-e-ee-e-e
She just like me-e-ee-e-e
She just like me...

Leah Janell: In My Shoes

The Family that Preys

This past Saturday my parents and I sat down to watch a Block Buster film, TYLER PERRY'S The Family that Preys. I have this connection with Tyler Perry when it comes to his work. Tyler reminds me of myself he is a man after his own heart. Its like whatever he touches turns to gold. The family that Preys has an all star cast and each actor brings something amazing to the screen. I was more than happy not to find Madea in this film, I'm going to be completely honest here that's where Mr. Perry Loses me, I mean come on I am sick and tired of him cooning around shucking and jiving in this wig and dress. Madea is funny, I will give him that but shes easy to grow tired of. On another note I was so impressed with Sanaa Lathans performance Sanaa has introduced us to her alter ego "The B!tch" and I loved it. She was able to match Robin Givens sassy persona. The Family that Preys is a must see film, if you haven't seen it already rent it at your local block buster.




Leah Janell: In My Shoes

The Do's and Don'ts...

To the proposal...

DO propose in a romantic location, take a trip somewhere that your lady has never been, allow it to be a whole new experience for her.

DO use props when proposing, buy your lady a puppy and attach the box to his collar. Every time she looks at her puppy it will remind her of that big day.

DON'T propose on a holiday, NOT Valentines Day, NOR Christmas, not her birthday either, the day you propose should be about you and your lady. Selecting a date is important and that day should ONLY be known as your anniversary. There shouldn't be any other festivities to celebrate on that day.

DON'T mention what you spent on the ring, or how many carats it is. SAVE THAT FOR THE PRIVACY OF YOUR HOME, its classless for everyone in the room to know.

DO ask your ladies father for her hand in marriage.

DO consult her mother, sister OR best friend before purchasing the ring, one of these ladies will know what your lady is looking for in a ring.

DON'T rush your proposal, make sure the time is right, make sure you have saved enough money. No one wants a proposal on a budget.

DO add the element of surprise tell your lady to dress up and meet you at a new restaurant, have her immediate family & friends meet you there as well as. Order for her so upon her arrival you can pop the question, following that dinner can be served and the rest of the night is for laughing, eating and drinking...

Leah Janell: In My Shoes

She said yes...

Check out the rings these celebs received, WOW some girls have all the Luck...

Many people were surprised at how similar Selita and Mariahs engagement rings from Nick Cannon were... Both rings are extremely beautiful... Mariahs ring sits at 10K...


Check out Ashlee Simpson 5-carat diamond ring...


My personal favorite Vanessa Bryants break up to make ring SUPER SEXY...


Fact: Jayz had an imitation of Beyonces ring created, Beyonce doesn't wear her actual ring on stage or out in the public on a regular basis...


Leah Janell: In My Shoes

The Four C's

When one of my readers told me he needed help finding the perfect engagement ring for his lady, I was more than glad to add my two cents : )

The one thing I have learned about females is that when it comes to rings all they are concerned with is CARAT. Now we smart girls know that there is so much more to a diamond than carat. So fellas when searching for a ring you must remember The Four C's Clarity, Cut, Carat, and Color...

Clarity- While most people are concerned with Carat, Clarity is surprisingly most important. Clarity describes the presence or absence of inclusions (scratches/blemishes) within the diamond. Inclusions interfere with the light that passes through the diamond(like Jay said NO CLOUDS IN MY STONES) The fewer inclusions a diamond has the more rare and valuable it is.

Here's a breakdown of the Clarity Rating Scale

He Loves Me: FL Flawless (shows no inclusions)
Forever & ever: IF Internally Flawless (no inclusions/insignificant surface)
Ring the Alarm: VVS1 Very Very Slightly Included (minor inclusions difficult to see)
This may work: VVS2 Very Slightly Included(minor inclusions slightly see for the trained eye to see)
He Loves Me Not: SI1-SI2 Slightly Included Imperfect (noticeable Inclusions very easy to see)
I Don't: I1, I2, I3, Obvious inclusions by eye/threaten durability

So I bet you thought CUT was the shape "LIKE I SWEAR I WANT THIS PRINCESS CUT DIAMOND RING" LOL SO SILLY...
The CUT determines the brilliance of the diamond, the width and the depth effects how light travels through the diamond...

Carat what size is best
When selecting a carat weight consider your ladies style, the size of her finger, the size of the setting, YOUR BUDGET an most importantly the carat size of her previously engaged girlfriends ring... WHAT, Y'ALL KNOW YOU HATE HAVING THE SMALLER RING :)

CARAT TIP
THE SMALLER THE FINGER THE LARGER THE DIAMOND WILL APPEAR...

COLOR
POSITIVE Diamonds graded J or better are colorless or near-colorless
NEGATIVE The color in diamonds graded K-Z detracts from the beauty of a diamond.

Please visit bluenile.com for more information on making a diamond purchase...

Leah Janell: In My Shoes

Love and Marriage

Love and Marriage
Love and Marriage
Go together like a Horse and Carriage
This I tell you Brother
You cant have one without the other...
Love and Marriage
That was the theme song to one of the funniest sitcoms in the 90s but now its 2009 and boy how have times changed, women are no longer bare foot and pregnant and men aren't the only ones bringing home the bacon.... But my question is NOW THAT TIMES HAVE CHANGED DO PEOPLE STILL LOVE JUST FOR LOVE
In a recent conversation with a girlfriend of mine she stated that "All Men Cheat", and she would rather have a wealthy husband who cheated as opposed to a broke man who cheated. The scariest part of that conversation for me was that I agreed with her. Its weird because I wonder "WHEN DO WOMEN STOP SETTLING" or is that just apart of the deal. What is even more scary is the women who don't settle are often the ones that get labeled. In an recent episode of Real Housewives of Orange County Vicki and tried to convince Gretchen that she should talk to her sickly fiance about what would be left to her in his will. Now I was totally appalled by the fact that these women thought it was even remotely right to ask a man on his death bed about money. But lets look at the flip side, she's living in his house, not working because she is caring for him and God Forbid he passes and leaves everything to his children whom of which she is not the mother of she is left with nothing. So should she settle or boss up and tell homie "LOOK I KNOW YOUR DYING AND ALL BUT PLEASE LEAVE MOST OF YOUR ASSETS TO ME.

So Does Love and Marriage still go hand and hand or is Marriage more of a business arrangement these days...

Leah Janell: In My Shoes

Event Planning 101

How Important is the Cake...

The cake is the end all say all of events, Try to tie your cake into your theme...

This year my grandmother turned 75 and instead of flying her back to her home town of NYC, the entire family brought NYC to her... Even with this Statue of Liberty theme cake...


This past summer my partners and I had a screening for our very first project, "OFF TOPIC" so what better than a cast inspired cake...



In August when I gave my sister and her friends "A little black dress" birthday bash, I thought the guest would love the have a variety of cakes to choose from. So I got 5 different cakes, 5 different flavors, one for each birthday girl...





The best cakes in town...
New York City "SYDNEY'S SWEETS" CONTACT INFO sydneyssweets@aol.com
PHILADELPHIA "Ms. Selinda's Edibles" CONTACT INFO 215 744 2399

Leah Janell: In My Shoes

Nail Polish Color of the Week...

Buy me a Cameo by ESSIE is the sister color to Steeling the scene, its soft, its romantic, and its classic... Buy me a Cameo can be found on the official Essie.com site.

Leah Janell: In My Shoes

Keeping The Dream Alive...

This past weekend has been all about Dreaming...


If you went to see the film Notorious, BIG felt us with one quote that stuck with me... No Dream is too BIG, Sky's the limit...

Monday we came upon Dr. Martin Luther Kings Birthday, only to be proud to see part of his dream being fulfilled...

Today we watched as Barack Obama became the 44th Prseident of the United States of America...


And as for me, Im just a girl chasing my dreams....


Leah Janell: In My Shoes

A Sustainable Style Event...

My little cousin Ashlee who aspires to be a model invited me to her first modeling gig. The event was titled Got Green?, An evening of shopping, cocktails, and informal ECO-FRIENDLY fashion presentation. The mission was to donate recycled clothing to Dress for Success. Nonetheless I was so impressed with the event, Ashlee looked amazing and the recycled designs were fabulous..







Leah Janell: In My Shoes
.

We can't change the world, unless we change ourselves...

I had pleasure of seeing NOTORIOUS last night and I would first and foremost like to say I LOVED IT... As you all know I love to watch films for more than just seeing a new project but as an actress I get a chance to view other thespians and actually learn some of their techniques. So here's my take on what each actor brought to the screen...


Jamal "Gravy" Woolard who plays Christopher "Biggie" Wallace did an amazing job this rapper turned actor, has truly proven himself ready for the big screen. He allowed us to once again open our hearts, eyes and ears to the Notorious BIG. I think I have a thing for BIG BOYS now : )...

"Derek Luke" who plays Sean Puffy Combs made me eat my words, when I first found out that he was casted for the role I just knew that he wouldn't be able to play Puff. But Derek look mastered this role he is an incredible actor and I respect his work 110% in this project.

Angela Bassett who play Ms. Voletta Wallace continues on her path to success she is phenomenal and what she does and that did not start or end with this project. After seeing the film it makes you realize that there is no pain like a mothers pain.

Anthony Mackie who plays TuPac Shakur Anthony has proven himself to be a great actor but I must admit he has fallen short of what I wanted to see. I wasn't impressed with his performance at all...



As we all know Lil Kim was not an active part of this production and she is also not pleased with the way she was portrayed in this film, for starters I feel Naturi Naughton formerly of 3LW did the best she could do with the role. I do feel where Kim is coming from a true bond between her and BIG was not displayed it was purely sexual. Though I feel this project is about BIG, I understand Kim's position each and everyone who BIG ever loved was an active part of this production. From his son to his mother, from faith to Puff, from Cease to D-Roc why not Just include her.

Overall the project was a success I hope we continue to support it especially within these last few days of its opening week, lets try to put BIG where he belongs in that number 1 spot...

Leah Janell: In My Shoes

Snowy Days...

Isn't it such a drag when you wake up in the morning look out the window and see snow. Yikes now image if you already laid out your clothes for work and you have to change your entire outfit because of this sudden change in weather. The alarm clock didn't go off so your running late, and all you can do is think about making some pancakes, hot tea and going right back to sleep... My advice to you is to make the best of any snow day... Remember when you were little and you use to make snow angels. I know, I know we are a bit too old for that now, but try writing a cute little message in the snow, then picture texting it to your lover or friends. I am certain it will brighten up their snow day.






Leah Janell: In My Shoes

Event Planning 101

ALWAYS WOW THE KIDS....

Everyone loves cake and ice cream especially children so recently when I attended a birthday party for my little cousin Laila, I discovered something "cute, different, and tasty" that was a combination of cake and ice cream "CAKE IN A CONE". .

How to make these delicious treats...

* Purchase Assorted colored cones (like the ones you see in the photo's below)

* After you mix your cake batter fill the bottom of the cone with the mix

* Place the cones in the oven to bake under 250 degree oven temperature

* Pay close attention to the cones because they will cook extremely fast, in about 7 to 10 minutes

* After the cake is done remove the cones from the oven and allow them to cool in room temperature

* Place icing on top of each cone and add sprinkles or even a cherry on top to attract the children

As you can see these CAKE'S IN A CONE were a major success, Laila and the rest of her guest enjoyed them...







Leah Janell: In My Shoe's

Ask Leah...

Hey Lady,
I have this problem that i need your advice on, I met this guy that i thought was great I mean he had so many things going for himself great job, masters degree, no children lol. We became friends and were getting to know each other so one day he asked if i had myspace and I told him yes apparently one of my friends on myspace hit him up and they met up and I'll just say things happened between the two of them. He then tells me about it, but then said to me that he doesn't even like that girl and that he wants to get with me. I'm so confused do I cut him off?
Help

OK I'm not sure who's ass to kick first HIS or HER's. For starters LEAVE HIM ALONE, I say this because he was fully aware that she was an acquaintance of yours before he started dealing with her. Now that goes two ways because I am guessing she knew you and him were on the verge of developing something as well. I am more concerned with your friendship with this young lady than you losing a random dude. See the way I see it is BOYS WILL ALWAYS BE BOYS, but true friends are hard to come by. Cut him loose but keep that wild chica close because like the old saying goes keep ya friends close and your enemies even closer. If dude is genuine he will respect you for walking away and staying away all men like a little bit of a chase and in your case lady your deserve to be chased. Now after 6 to 12 months of fleeing him if he would like to take you on an exclusive dinner then I say go for it but only accept that date if he's taking you somewhere that requires him to wear a blazer and a good shoe. YES MA'AM HE OWES YOU BIG TIME...

Let me know what you think, should she cut him off or give him a second chance...

Send your questions to ELEGANT718@AOL.COM and in the subject write ASK LEAH

Leah Janell: In My Shoes

Ask Leah...

Last night I received a text message from a young man asking for advice, so I have decided to implement the ASK LEAH column of my blog. I will never reveal who the person is, but I will look to my readers for advice to help this individual especially if you disagree with the advice I have given. So Here we go.

Hey Leah,
Lets start off by saying I have no swag, secondly I need to know what it is that females like. I have never really had a girl to call my own. And I may need help in that category.
Thanks Your Friend

First I would like to thank you for your honesty, let me start off by saying that SWAGGER is something that people "have" not something you can create. Swag in my personal opinion is confidence, its all in the way you walk, and the way you talk. Your swag is not determined by the car you drive, but could easy be observed by the way you drive that car "If you understand what I'm saying". For example, I adore a man with a laid back swag which means when he's driving he doesn't have his windows rolled down for all to hear his music trying attract on lookers. Swag isn't developed by what you wear but how you wear it... As for your second question WHAT DO FEMALES LIKE lol we wish we could tell you, while we are crying about wanting A GOOD MAN, we sometimes always go right back to the one who did us wrong. I can only speak for myself when I say I am attracted to Bad Boys but all girls want respect, honesty, loyalty and to feel loved don't be afraid to pamper your lady but don't be afraid to tell her NO at the same time, we cant always have everything we want.

To hear more about swagger go to www.nopoundsent.com view the program OFF TOPIC Episode 2 is titled SWAG...

Now its your turn feel free to comment with some advice for my friend. And if you have a question email it to me at Elegant718@aol.com and in the subject write ASK LEAH...

Leah Janell: In My Shoes

CONGRATULATIONS

WELL THE TIME HAS FINALLY ARRIVED SHEENA HAD THE BABY AAKI JR. WAS BORN SUNDAY JAN. 11th 2009 AT 8:15AM HE'S A SMALL BUNDLE OF JOY WEIGHING IN AT 4LBS 11oz... BLESSINGS TO THE PARENTS AND THEIR FIRST BABY...

Leah Janell: In My Shoes

Top 3 ways to keep HIM interested...

Now that I have learned that I have male readers I think its time for me to get their opinion on things. As I have told y'all before I think that I am honestly ready for a relationship so I am trying to figure out if I am on the right track to snag the dude of my choice

Top 3 ways to keep him interested...

Send cute text messages...
There's a dude that makes me smile he doesn't have to say much just the mere fact that he is what me and my girls consider "A WHOLE MAN" puts a smile on my face. So when I hadn't heard from him in a while I sent him a cute text that said
neglect- [ni-glekt] verb
1. to pay no attention or too little attention to; disregard or slight.
___________ has neglected Leah all week long.

Now he thought it was different and it made him laugh, but am I still on the cute BFF side of things?

Momma knows Best
The way to man's heart is through his stomach, at least that's what my mother has always raised me to believe. Now I must admit I am far from one to say women belong in the kitchen but I do think your man should wake up to the smell of some good Ole Turkey bacon every once in awhile.

So what do y'all think should I find out what his favorite meal is and cook it for him...

Talk Sports
So y'all already know I have this down pack I'm a basketball fan to the heart, and I'm trying to learn all about Football, you can sit me in front of any boxing match and I'm glued to the screen.

So the question is does men adore the prissy type or do they like women who are little boys at heart.

I'm leaning on you all for advice ladies share your secrets and fellas don't be afraid to correct us in the areas we are slipping...

Leah Janell: In My Shoes

Event Planning 101

The Baby Shower
Those of you who know me know that I am the QUEEN of planning, Road Trips, Vaca's, Romantic Dinners if you are my girl I have aided in planning a significant event in your life. My most recent event to date, was my girlfriend Sheena's Baby Shower. When Sheena called to give me the news that she was expecting, I was all too excited I don't even recall her asking me to plan her shower, I just did. So I am going to use Sheena's Baby Shower as a guide to teach you all how to plan the perfect Baby Shower...

Location, Location, Location
People love to fantasize, pick a location that allows your guest imagination to flow.
http://www.girlfriendsphiladelphia.com/

The Cake
When Planning a baby shower the cake is extremely important, the cake is a conversation piece, allow a piece of that conversation to go home with your guest and your shower will be the talk of the town for many months to come.


The Food
Everyone enjoys good food, but most importantly people appreciate the presentation. Tin foil pans and aluminum foil covers are a major NO NO. Also avoid full size plates, and paper goods. Silverware and glass plates are a must.


The Drinks
At a Baby Shower things need to remain classy serve your guest all types of wine NO HARD LIQUOR, have your glasses of wine already served in small glasses to keep spills to a minimum.


Thank Yous
Present your guest with a token of your appreciation in a surprise element, I mean when you got your gift it was wrapped so nicely shouldn't theirs be.

and whats inside should be something to make everyone say AWWWWW... Like these personalized M&Ms


The Guest
Don't be afraid to be selective with whom you invite to your events, select an older mature crowd of adults and predominately females to keep the chatter about last nights game to a minimum.


If you follow these guides lines you are sure to end the night with TWO PROUD SOON TO BE PARENTS... As I did...


Thanks Sheena and Aaki for the opportunity...

Leah Janell: In My Shoes