#TheQuench: Being Adopted - My Story [Pics]

Talk about a REBIRTH! 

Many don't know, but I was adopted at birth by two beautiful and absolutely giving parents. (One of them my namesake.) 

I'm proud to say, on Good Friday, I was found by my birth mother and my FIVE brothers and sisters. And Easter Sunday, I met them all for the first time! 

There were many tears, LOTS of jokes, and unforgettable memories. We ate, we sang, and we rejoiced. There was relief on both sides. For me, it was knowing that I wasn't a secret. My family found me. Never in my mind, was that option palpable. And yet, a single Facebook message away, here we are. And now, I know that my birth mother had made the only choice that benefited us both.  

I've always known that I was adopted. And though there was always a shadow of mystery shrouding my life, in a way I knew they were there. I say I have the greatest Guardian Angels. (For the tribulations in my life, I knew there had to be multiple angels.)  And boy, was I right!

Now, I have a bushel of nieces and nephews! Family I've never met are pouring in and showing love. We are now complete.

Living to meet the woman who gave me life & introduce her to the woman who let me live is something I've prayed for my entire life. God is good. This day is unreal. And I am blessed and highly favored. 

My journey is far from over.

 As I move forward and allow the dust to settle, the vision for my life is now illuminated. The shaky foundation I'd created for myself- about my history,  has been reinforced. I now know that I come from a long line of strong Bahamian women. We are beautiful, resilient,  talented, God-fearing, and prayerful. Faith surrounded my family and filled the hole in our hearts until we were able to reunite and become whole as a completed work of art.

Hallelujah! 

P.S.: The biggest sign of love was seen through my parents. They opened their home and hearts to my birth family.  Their openness made this experience unforgettable and I've never felt so blessed to have been raised and nurtured by these individuals. 

CARL & VIVIAN WEBSTER: You are my heart!!

My first picture with my Mother

My family (Missing: 1 older brother)

New Music: Ne-Yo Strikes Again With Fourth #1 Album

Do it. Do it.

The leader of the Gentlemen has done it again!  Congratulations to R&B crooner, Ne-Yo, for scoring yet another number one album!

That makes 4 to be exact.

Though the current top selling song is the dance hit "Let Me Love You," one of the more popular tracks is his duet with country star, Tim McGraw, entitled, "She Is." Ne-Yo may very well have a future in country music and he's definitely testing the waters with this one..... 

And since I just finished watching "Oprah's Favorite Things" I have a surprise. Check out the track below.

You get a listen! You get a listen! You get a listen! 

What do you think? Do you like the song?

See original article here

#TechJuice: New Gadget Lets You Feed Your Pet From A Smartphone

Interesting...

Did you know that over 50% of the nation's pets are obese?

This little doohickey is pretty darn handy. I have friends with pets who complain about not being able to feed their furry friends during the day while they work. Well, now they have an answer!

Once connected to the wireless network in your home, you can activate the feeder from anywhere using a mobile app. Feedings can also be automated. The Pintofeed is capable of programming itself, and creating a personalized feeding schedule for you and your furry friend.

If you have more than one furball at home, you can control several Pintofeeds from the same account. Multiple users can also be given access to the same Pintofeeds, ensuring that Fido gets fed even if Mom is out of town.

Once your pet has been fed, you can choose to be notified via SMS, Twitter or even Facebook. 

I smell a perfect holiday gift! These lil buggers are still in the prototype phase, but if its up your alley, you can donate to the cause at Indiegogo. 


See original article here

New Music: Kelly Rowland ft. Lil Wayne "ICE"

Yaaaassss!

Ms. Rowland is feeding the kids and then some!

Whew!

The former Destiny Child's member has teamed back up with local weirdo, Lil Wayne, for another sexy song. This time, she's crooning about ice and all the excitement that comes from using it in creative ways. It's not "Motivation," but the song is solid and the visuals are stunning! Kelly looks amazing and holds her own despite Wayne's absence from the video.

Watch "ICE" below:

What do you think about "ICE"?

#HollywoodJuice: Channing Tatum Named PEOPLE's 2012 Sexiest Man Alive!

Here's a no brainer!

Photo courtesy of PEOPLE.com

Talk about obvy. Of course, Channing Tatum is the sexiest man alive! Have you seen "Magic Mike"? lol  Too bad he's spoken for (married Jenna Dewan in 2009), but still great to look at. 

And look I shall.

See full original article here

#HollywoodJuice: Nick Cannon's "Wild N Out" to Return to TV

Want more Nick Cannon?

The moment few of you have been waiting for has finally arrived! Nick Cannon recently confirmed that after a significant hiatus, his hit show "Wild 'N Out" will return to MTV2 for another season! Nick says:

"I get asked everyday when Wild 'N Out will be back," Cannon said. "I'm thrilled to announce that the show will be making its long-awaited return very soon -- bigger and better. With our show's original cast, everyone from Kevin Hart to Katt Williams,Affion Crockett and Taran Killam becoming household names, I am looking forward to working with MTV2 as we work to introduce the biggest comedic stars of tomorrow with the return of Wild 'N Out."

I'll be honest, I completely forgot that we were introduced to some the really funny comedians through that show. And actually, I'm kinda looking foward to seeing who will be next to hold the "funny man" torch.

SIDEBAR: I wonder if Cannon has his hands in any of the moolah Kevin Hart is currently raking in. That lil guy is selling out arenas left and right on his "Laugh At My Pain" comedy tour. Hhhmmm.....


See full article here

#TheQuench: Nicki Minaj Opens Up About Mariah Carey Feud + Calls Out Barbara Walters

Ahhh yessss...

Ms. Minaj has relaxed, related, and released by finally addressing feud rumors between she and her American Idol co-host, Mariah Carey. On the latest episode of her new E! reality show, "My Truth" she speaks candidly about the beef, its players, and even blasts Barbara Walters for her involvement!

In summation, The Pink Pop Diva declares that what the cameras did not film was Mariah incessantly antagonizing her minutes before the now infamous argument between the two took place. Long story short, Nicki cracks and storms off to prevent any further escalation. Soo, she keeps quiet on it thinking the whole mess will blow over quickly. But alas! Somehow, Barbara Walters gets wind and proceeds to goes on record stating that Nicki threatened MC with a gun and that she is "unpredictable." To that Nicki says directly to the show cameras:

"Am I not good enough for you to get my side, because I'm a little black girl that raps?" she said, addressing Walters directly. "Because if I was J. Lo, you would've called J. Lo's camp. But are we not good enough for you Barbara? 'Cause you wasn't even there when I was on the show Barbara. So I guess I'm not good enough but I'm only good enough for you to tell people I'm 'unpredictable,' when you don't f-----g know me?"

Oh wow! Going in are we? And bringing race into the matter? Ooooowee! I sure do hope Ms. Walters responds. I shall be standing by.

Do you think Minaj had a point or was she being dramatic?

Original article here

#TechJuice: 75 Digital Media Resources You May Have Missed

While doing my daily news peruse, I came across this fantastic article on Mashable.com, chock full of Digi-Media must haves! If you're the type of person who likes to stay ahead of the tech curve, this is for you! The list is iPhone biased, (I'm a bonafide Droid Gal) but there are a handful of goodies that do cross over platforms and can be super helpful.


My favs:

Live Abroad for Free, With a Little Elbow Grease 
Workaway.info lets you search for volunteer work opportunities abroad. You pay for the plane ticket, and the rest is provided in exchange for your work.

Business Card Lights Up When Touched 
The card features a ring of LEDs that light up when it’s touched, making it impossible to ignore.

Flower Pot Doubles as Mini Grill 
The Hot-Pot BBQ not only allows users to grow herbs, but you can also use it to cook your next meal.

Cheers! Now You Can Buy Wine From Amazon [VIDEO] 
Amazon is getting into the wine business once again.

The list is worth taking a look! See below.

Original article: 75 Digital Media Resources You May Have Missed

New Music: Rihanna - "Lost In Paradise"

NUNU from RIRI!!

The second single from the smokin' Bajan beauty has been released for our listening pleasure! First impression: There's this really heavy emo feel to it, but I will say, Rih has most certainly stepped up her game in the vocal department. Yea, I said it.  Props to her.

SIDEBAR: I've noticed that many artists have come to their senses about using pre-recorded tracks during live performances and its pretty darn refreshing! Ms. Fenty performed "Stay," an additional song from her upcoming album, "Unapologetic,"on SNL last week. Watch below the 'Lost In Paradise' track.

Anywho, what do you think? Yay or Nay?

Take a listen below!

 

"Stay" Live on Saturday Night Live

 

New Music: Swizz Beatz ft. Chris Brown & Ludacris - "Everyday Birthday"

SHOWTIME!!

Swizz Beats is back and clearly Ms. Keys has her hubby happier than ever! This new track will refill that need to drop down and get your eagle on girl. Or maybe its just me?

Anyway, being a Miami girl, booty shaking music beats in my heart. And though its doesn't hold a candle to Uncle Luke's original birthday song. It'll do. It'll do.

Chris Brown and Ludacris mesh well with the track and overall, my ears are pleased.

Take a listen below!

To the dance floor!!