The Greatest Local News: A man lost his life savings on a carnival game called Tubs of Fun, and all he got to show for it was an enormous stuffed banana with a beanie and dreadlocks.
Take a Minute: And watch this rocket that shoots up, levitates for a little, and then lands exactly where it launched from — honestly, probably better than we could do jumping in place.
Unsolicited Advice: Mark Sanford, there's a week left; you're going to need a better excuse than, "I couldn't hear."
It's hard to argue that there's a pair of sunglasses more classic than gold or silver Ray-Ban aviators. The only problem is that those metals may bend out of shape while you're spearfishing, kite-boarding, rock-hurling, lion-hunting, and participating in the other extremely macho activities that this summer promises. Actually, it's probably not a good idea to even throw those shades into your man-bag without securing them in their case first.
That's what makes Ray-Ban's new "Light Force" collection truly excellent. They've taken that same iconic shape, and updated it in a "thermoplastic" resin that's not only incredibly light on the face, but also creates a pair of sunglasses that bend, flex, and would be damn near impossible to break. This new material makes the arms are a bit thicker, too, plus you've now got the opportunity to add some color above the collar: The frames and lenses come in complementing olive green, true blue, maroon (as you see above), a sort of charcoal shade, then classic black. All will be available next month, at Sunglass Hut, for $215. So, if you really want to test them out, it's not too late to start planning that safari. (Or, you know, trip to your local city beach.)
The eldest daughter of boxing legend Muhammad Ali is starring in "60 Daus In," a reality series that seeks to expose prison system corruption.
Maryum “May May” Ali isn’t a fan of reality TV. But she chose to be a part of A&E’s new series 60 Days In because she wants to help people.
The 12-part show, which debuts March 10, follows Ali and six other innocent volunteers as they pretend to be inmates for two months in a Jeffersonville, Indiana jail in order to expose corruption and improve the quality of living conditions. Ali, the eldest of boxing legend Muhammad Ali’s nine children, is an activist and social worker for at-risk youths.
“I was invited and when they told me the concept, I lit up a little bit because of my experience with young clients I’m trying to prevent from going to jail. And some of their parents are in jail,” says Ali, 47, who was born and raised in Chicago, but now lives on the West Coast.
“As much as you do this work, you really don’t know what that experience is like,” Ali says. “I felt fairly safe. I knew there was an element of vulnerability for me, so I vetted this program as much as they vetted me. I wanted to get some personal and professional growth from it and I did.”
In order to keep her identity hidden from officers and inmates who didn’t know she was a part of 60 Days In, the former rapper and stand-up comedian used an alias. Ali, who strongly resembles her famous father, also couldn’t tell her family and friends where she was or what she was doing. Producers allowed her to tell one person, her roommate.
She didn’t just lose contact with her family. Ali also lost a lot of comforts we all take for granted. There was a great deal of processed food – which Ali rarely eats – metal frame beds and a large number of poor and uneducated white female inmates with limited exposure to Black people.
“I was the only African American for the most part,” Ali says. “One Black girl came in and out towards the end. I went to high school at a predominately white high school and I have friends of all different races. So I felt confident but in that jail environment, you’re in survival mode. “When you’re the only Black person, you do wonder if a person is doing something for that reason. You have to protect yourself and you don’t know what people’s motives are.”
Ali, who has a mane of well-maintained locs, also had to figure out ways to keep her hair game relatively tight.
“My Shea butter moisturizer spray is like Jheri curl juice for me. If my hair gets dry, it can break off,” Ali says with a laugh. “But they did have a commissary and they have products. So I MacGyver-ed some things and created some moisturizer with some conditioner and pomade and water and ChapStick. I ripped up a T-shirt and used it to wrap up my hair.”
More than anything, Ali says she hopes people learn about the criminal justice system and how everyday people can improve inhumane incarceration through funding and activism. She also hopes viewers see the show as the vehicle for change that it is.
“I really feel honored to do this because of the way it was done,” Ali says. The producers behind 60 Days In also created Behind Bars: Rookie Year on A&E and the Weather Channel’s 3 Scientists Walk Into a Bar.
“They just followed us,” she says. “I wasn’t told what to do or what to say. Nothing was contrived. What people see is 100 percent real and some of us fared better than others based on our decisions. I wouldn’t involve myself in anything pretentious and lie about that. I wouldn’t. I’m glad I did it.”
Editors Lauren Porter and Sydney Scott also talk about Beth and Randall’s flawless marriage on This Is Us. Check out this week’s episode above.
[MUSIC] [BLANK_AUDIO] [MUSIC] [MUSIC] [LAUGH] Yes. Yes. I am the so funky Janelle Monet. The electic lady herself. I mean. Okay, no no. I'm Makho Ndlovu And today on Essence Now, our editors have a few things to say about our new favorite black TV couple, Brek and Randall, from this is us. And, you all, it's Halloween. We've got some great DIY makeup that you can use tonight to celebrate. But right now, it's time for the hotlist, the biggest stories you're buzzing about. Today. [MUSIC] We're all praying for our girl, Wendy Williams. Seriously, this was so scary. During the taping of her live Halloween special Wendy was in the middle of introducing her guest. When her speech began to slur, she started swaying, lost her balance, and eventually collapsed. Now then the show returned from a lengthy commercial break, Wendy explained to her viewers that her Statue of Liberty costume just got a little too hot. Now the show has since released a statement on Wendy social media pages conforming the host is doing just fine. They said, Wendy's feeling much better. She overheated because of her heavy costume, makeup, and lights. She was able to finish the show in true Wendy spirit. Thank you for your well wishes. [MUSIC] Now the entire world may be following this Trump Russia story where three, three of his former campaign officials have been indicted for colluding with Russia. But according to 45 himself, this is all still just fake news. Trump thinks the focus should be instead on the Democrats, specifically lobbyist John Podesta who stepped down from his firm. He tweeted this. The biggest story yesterday, the one that has the Dems in a dither, is Podesta running from his firm. What he knows about Crooked Dems is earth shattering. He and his brother could Drain The Swamp, which could be yet another campaign promise fulfilled. Fake News weak! Meanwhile, one of his boys has already pleaded guilty, for lying to the FBI. Yeah, that's not a real story at all. Nothing to see here, folks, nothing to see here. [MUSIC] So exactly what are the rules for Halloween costumes when you're not black, but you wanna dress up as someone who is? Well, Kim Kardashian found herself in the middle of that debate, after she tweeted a video of herself dressed up as Aaliyah from her Try Again video. And Ramona Childs wrote on Facebook, I'm not a fan of hers but she killed it. White women have dressed up like Tina Turner, Diana Ross or Beyonce and it has never been a problem so why now? Shanni Gillespie says, it may be just a Halloween costume, however with their history of cultural appropriation It comes off like every other time they try to mimic black women. So what do you think? Did Kim kill it as Aaliyah, or should non black people just stay away from dressing as black folks on Halloween? Send us your comment using hash tag Essence Now, because we're talking about it in. Slade or shade, next. It's Tuesday, October 31st, and it's time for a special Halloween edition of Essence NOW. [MUSIC] Welcome to Essence Now. We are the only digital live show where black women come first, and you can watch us every Tuesday at 3 p.m. Eastern on Facebook and Essence.com. I am your host, Macone Devaux, I mean, the one and only Electric Lady, Janelle Monet. Do you see the resemblance. Do you see, do you see it, do you see it? I know it, I know it, I know you see it! Remember, you can talk to us at any time, using the hashtag #EssenceNow. And if you wanna come on the show to sound off on topics with us live, you can just email us at EssenceNow@Essence.com. All right, it's time to get in on some of the week's buzziest topics, where we're either gonna slay Or throws some much needed shade. Joining me in the studio are Essense.com assitant entertainment editor Sydney Scott appearing as Bob Ross, that's very nice. Comedian and actress Michelle Attoh dressed as marshmallow man. Last but not least, we have black girl magic ballerina Scottie Bean. [UNKNOWN] is a digital producer and personality for New York's Hot 97. Hi! Thank you so much for joining us in these costumes, I'm gonna have so much fun today. All right, as I mentioned in the Hot List, Kim Kardashian-West went all out for Halloween, wrapping not one, not two, but three costumes over the weekend. However, there's one look in particular that got the social media streets accusing Mrs. West of, you guessed it, cultural appropriation. The criticism came for the costume of Kim dressed up as the late Aaliyah in her Try Again video. LAGrlCrookdSmle tweeted, legend or not Aaliyah is a black woman and you're not. It's offensive and you shouldn't push this limit. But okay, eye roll emoji. Panelists on the count of three, list Kim K's Aaliyah costume a slade or shade. One two three, lets' go. Hold them up, hold them up. Slayed, shade, slayed, okay Bob we'll start with you. Tell me what you think? Okay, I think she slayed the costume, I get the concern with her like history of cultural appropriation But she didn't do blackface or anything like that. She just kept it simple with the outfit. Okay marshmallow man. Tell me why you're shading Aaliyah. Marshmallow woman. Marshmallow woman! I'm an independent marshmallow woman. I'm not, that's right. Well like you had said Misses Bob, it's sort of like this history of culture appropriation where I'm just like you know, you married a black dude, you have half black kids Like, can't you be somebody else? And I just find it, I don't know why it's so annoying when Kim dresses up as somebody. Cause she did Mrs. Kennedy. remember that? Yes, I remember. Yeah. [LAUGH] This is ridiculous. It's ridiculous, but you're making valid points. You know what I mean? It's annoying and also, for Leah, it's too soon. I think it's too soon. Did you have a problem, Marshmallow Woman, with the, some people call it a brown face. They say that her face was perhaps a little darkened. Do you have an issue with that? I mean, in general, she's always that bronzed, you know what I mean? She always has this self tanning thing, and eating lettuce out of a plastic Container, those are her goto's. [LAUGH] Okay. You know, but I'm just like, the world is watching you. Yeah, black girl, magic ballerina, waltz on in there. It's too soon. What do you think? I think, she's been mimicking black women all her life. I mean, all her life. She slayed the outfit, I love it. I thought it was a great get-together. She really got everything from that video, which is dope. But, she's annoying. Kim Kardashian is annoying, anything that she does is annoying. So we are always annoyed by it, period. And I think that's the only reach. I think we just were reaching to complain about Something about her. But the outfit itself was dope. I like the outfit. Do you think people are just hating because it's- Not hating, cuz she's been appropriating forever. But we call her out on everything, and she's been- Doing it forever. And since she's now been with the black man. She's with the black man and she has half black kids. She now can tell people when to stop being racist. And yeah, she does that all the time. But let this child wear his outfit and shut the hell up. She gotta do what she's gotta do. My question is can she name one Aaliyah song? Song. No she will not. No she can not. Okay, now let's checkout with our girl Kayla, aka Janet Jackson to see what folks are saying on social. Janet girl what are they saying? They are saying that she slayed the costume. All right, Aluchi said I don't see a problem with it as long as she doesn't do black face. Makeba Hatcher says this girl can't do anything without it being a problem, I think she rocked it. Christy Norman said I see all the back soar but we need to stop With the double standard, quit giving $200 anger to $0.50 issues, she said. [LAUGH] Tamika Harris said, Black Twitter, please become critics and lawyers that get paid because y'all doing the most. She did well, in my opinion. I knew the character without the black face being added. And by the way, Kourtney dressed up as Michael Jackson. Right, folks didn't have an issue with that right? Courtney. It's Courtney. So Courtney gets a pass. [LAUGH] I don't see the pass [UNKNOWN] I don't know if I can pass. Okay, all right. So let's move along Chrisette Michele is being criticized and praised for a series of Instagram posts where she revealed she's experienced suicidal thoughts Suffered a miscarriage and was dropped by her record label and that yoga saved her life. Whoa! That's a lot right there. One of her captions, Chrisette also spoke about the backlash that she faced for performing at Trump's inauguration. She wrote: You've spent ten years kicking your own **** to be there for everyone, and subtly no one is there for you? I don't need to be here. Mm, while some applaud Chrisette for being open and honest, others say her posting of photo of what appeared to be the remains of her miscarriage This one too far and she's merely trying to deflect from what many film was justified many criticism for her support of Trump. Panelist weigh in, should we give Chrisette a break and slay her for her vulnerability or this is another case of social media over sharing. In 3,2,1 panelist hold on to your panels. All right, shade, shade, shade, all right- Wow! We'll start with you, Marshmallow Woman, okay? Tell me, Michelle. [BLANK_AUDIO] Nobody's perfect, right? And it's very hard to do it all right all the time. Look at this costume. [LAUGH] You look great. It's okay, it's okay, I made a choice. But I think it's also important to speak on it and try to normalize things that women go through, like rejection, like miscarriage, like suicidal thoughts, like not feeling like you are enough. And I don't know that Instagram was always the place to do it, but if you do have a platform where people do listen to it like, look, we're talking about it now than that's helpful. Because it is TMI but it's also TMI for one person is healing for the next. Damn! Interesting! I can't breathe in all this plastic? Scotty? Do you think perhaps she was trying to deflect? Cause she did face a lot of criticism from people saying about why she performed for Trump. Do you think perhaps there was an element of that in that post? Well, yes. Well I do agree with Michele I do agree if you have a platform and you feel like you're going through something and you feel like,you know people,will feel like they are not alone and you know with your pause I get that I understand it and I understand and I'm sorry for your miscarriage. As far as Chrisette Michele is a person as a whole I'm not here for a period. And her choice shaming that she called. Standing by Trump was choice shaming with black people are choice shaming her and all that BS. I think it's deflecting. Yeah. She's just trying to be the victim of something that. She could just own up to. You could just be accountable and be cool. You know what I'm saying? Hold yourself accountable for the mistakes that you're made, because obviously it was a mistake and I would be cool with it. But since you want to continue to play a victim Them. And then I'm going to shade you today. All the way. It's like what Kevin Spacey did? Right. That's a lot. That's a lot. It's turning into another situation. It is turning into another situation. [UNKNOWN] jump in. Yeah. I do. I feel like she deflected. Like, had she, I'm all here for women sharing their experiences, especially things like this because it's tough. But when she connected it to how people treated her after the inauguration, it was just like this is not the time girl. And who is her core audience? Black women. They're the ones who buy her albums. So, what did she think was gonna happen. She should ask those Trump supporters about her outfit maybe she wouldn't have got chopped. We not the ones girl. Exactly. All those Trump supporters buying it. All those Robert E. Lee fans. [LAUGH] Let's check in with Kayla to, see what social media is saying. Hey, Miss Rodriguez If You're Nasty. Hey. .What them comments looking like. Shade all around for Chrisette, unfortunately. Yondele Benjamin says give homegirl a break she is going through a difficult time. So she tried to have some sympathy. But everyone else is saying Jessica you mean Trump's base isn't your fan base? Christine Chuck said it's career suicide. People warned you when you put the rope around your neck and stood on the shaky chair. Karen Lane says this is the case of having a warped sense of self. She made a miscalculated business decision. Alienated her fan base. Started with her behavior on reality TV. Now she's focusing on her healing, but her music career is done. Ouch. That's a lot. [CROSSTALK] All right. Next up. Let's move right along. Everybody that was anybody in hip-hop and black media attended the Wapsta's wedding. A couple of weeks ago, I think my invite got lost in the mail. But what a lot of folks want to know is were the kids there? Yep. According to the newly married Keyshia Ka'Oir, her and Gucci's children live with them in Atlanta and they've made a conscious decision Decision to keep them out of the public eye. During a recent visit to the breakfast club, Keyshia explains. Gucci and I both have children. We do. It's a situation where I am proud to be a mother, but at the same time I need it to be private. I don't want the kids in the limelight, I don't them on social media, I need them to go to school and just be children. Hm, panelists, does Keyshia Ka'Oir have a point by shielding her children from the public eye? Or is keeping the kids a secret pointless, considering the couple already broadcasted their wedding on TV, and shares the rest Every day on social media. Let me see your panels, hold them up. Here we go, and 3, 2, 1, go, go, go. My God. [LAUGH] Shade, marshmallow woman. [LAUGH] Michelle? Your shading? I'm shading. I mean, what does she do, again? She's a business woman. She's a business woman, but she likes reality life. So if you like reality life, then your show has to be on the platform. So I'm just like, I don't know that you get to pick and chose, unless you're like the EP of your show, right? But, I don't know. I'm just like, if you had another talent besides just being a reality star, then maybe. Ouch. But the Kardashians and a lot of the reality stars do it. They tend to share some things and show some things. So why is she exempt? Well, I think If I am correct, Kanye West does not want Kim to show the kids, because he actually has a talent, and he wants to be famous for other reasons. They do not. That's why Courtney's kids are all over the place. Ouch. Sidney has a lot of shade. Sidney, tell me what you think. All right, sorry, I just screwed this beard in, and it's, like, getting Yea, the beard is very nice Yeah, I think she slayed, because Keyshia and Gucci have decided to be famous. But their kids haven't. Their kids didn't make that choice. So if they don't want their kids in the public eye, that's their decision And you have to respect it. And, also kids nowadays, you grow up in the limelight, some of them are absolutely crazy. So, just pump the brakes. Let the kids have a life. Let the kids be normal kids. I agree with her. Scottie? Yeah, I totally agree. I think if Keyshia's kids or Gucci's kids decide that they want to be out there, then let them be out there on Instagram or whatever it is But some people don't like posting their kids on Instagram, on Twitter and stuff like that, because people are ruthless. Yeah, they are. And rude, and I am not one. I don't have a kid yet, but I know that once my kid is out there. You won't be saying anything disrespectful, it's gonna be a problem. Gonna be a beautiful child. It'll be a problem. But as far as talent is concerned, [UNKNOWN] is a talent. Yes. But [UNKNOWN] could also tell Keyshia hey, I don't my kids anywhere near that TV's great.>>But that's what I'm curious about right? And I'm not even talking about when kids have a hashtag for their name it's like stop. But I mean, this is a televised wedding you know a lot of people are watching.>>This is true but I do think that kids were on the show but we have to keep watching to see. All right. We're gonna keep the Halloween slate or shade party going, As natural hair debate get reignited by Porsha Williams. Okay, now before we get to that, Kayla, tell me what folks are saying. Okay, they're slaying Keyshia and her decision. Sandra Batiste says I can respect her decision of keeping her family private, no one has the right to see your kids if you don't want them to. Cosette Brown says I don't know this woman, but if she's happy, God is love, stay blessed. [LAUGH] Daniela says, I wanna show you my kids pinkie toe, if I were celebrity, because people are mentally off their Rocker, they're more bullies now than ever, so I don't blame her. That is so true, you do have to put, they chose to be famous not the kids, all right, we're gonna keep the Halloween Slater shade party going, as the natural hair debates get reignited by Porsha William. And Tyreece well Tyreece is still being Tyreece. But first our editors explain why Beth and Randal from NBC's This is Us are couple goals. Watch. [MUSIC] [MUSIC] Okay Sid, we need to talk about This Is Us. In particularly, the wonderful, magical, amazing relationship between Beth and Randall. Honestly, if they had their own show, I wouldn't be mad. I would sign up for all the show alerts. I would be on twitter, tweeting my little heart out I would die from embarrassment. The love between them feels so real. It's so authentic, it's so black. It's so black. The only thing that would make it blacker is if she wore a bonnet and he wore a doo-rag. That's the only thing we're missing. Scarf with a bonnet on like "don't talk to me right now." We're fighting, do you see this bonnet? Once it comes on it's not coming off. We do need to touch on their tension cuz the are kind of having a little tiff right now. Yeah, but all couples do. But this is, I feel, like so much. There's so much in this tiff because Randall is like I don't wanna adopt suddenly and Beth is like wait a minute, we got two little girls. I'm trying to like, I don't know. I think they just went through a lot of transition in last season. William obviously was the biggest one, gaining and losing him. And then the whole Kevin sleeping in their basement thing was weird. Beth finding out Randall's secret before he did. Yes. And confronting his mom about it. They just went through a lot last season. So I understand why she is obviously hesitant to make any big changes to their household. << Sure. But I also understand why he is so [UNKNOWN] And wanting to make a change, but, you know, that miscommunication is something that happens with couples. They've been together for quite some time. We still need a back story. We definitely need a back story. I need to know. How they met. Because you know it's going to be good. And fell in love. You know it's going to be good. It's going to be so black. I hope Randall is like, I went to an HBCU, we met on campus, this like really cute. Could you imagine. Let's do that. Homecoming. My god. There's something cute on the yard. I saw across the yard, and then I knew, that would be amazing. [MUSIC] You're watching Essence Now. I'm your host Makho Ndlovu and we're in the midst of a very special Halloween edition of slayed or shade. This is where we take on the week's buzziest topics with our all star panel. And today I'm joined by comedian and actress Michelle Bato. Who is dressed as Marshmallow Woman. Big puff Marshmallow Woman, independent [UNKNOWN] I love it. [UNKNOWN] .com's assistant editor, Sidney Scott, appearing as Bob Ross. And last but not least, we have black girl magic ballerina, Scottie Beam who also moonlights as a digital producer and personality for New York's Hot 97. Thank you for joining us. Yes. Ladies, all right. Let' jump right back in to it. Now, in a recent interview with essence.com, Real Housewives of Atlanta star Porsha Williams revealed that underneath all the wigs and weaves she's natural. But here's the catch. She still relaxes her edges. Here's what she said. I will say Say that when I'm doing a lot of bookings I'll take a little toothbrush on the edges and the perm that I like to use is Just for Me. It's gentle and it's quick. So does Porsha get a slay for having her hair that slayed? Or is trying to call yourself natural when you're still using that creamy crack always a shade? All right panelists 3,2,1 hold up your panels please. That was a slow shade, okay. Scotti, we're waiting- Yeah- Any day now. Okay we'll start with you since you're not sure, what aren't you sure about? I don't understand what's the big deal- Yeah. Cause she puts her creamy crack on her baby hairs Cool. I don't, I don't know what the big issue is. But natural Twitter, in my head, natural Twitter, natural Instagram is really really cliquey to me. And they're so mean! They're not mean! But Michelle is Yes! Can you call yourself a naturalista if you're putting the creamy crack on your edges? I mean, clearly not, but this is the most interesting thing about her, so that's cool. I mean, I don't understand how you put your **** on national television every week fighting. Boobies, titties everywhere, but, you know, you can't have some cute little kinky curls. Yeah. That's so true. So I don't understand. Yeah. Sydney? I'm gonna say slayed because it's her hair, her choice. But I'm worried that would her hair not break off at the point where she relaxed it. Also, no matter how gentle the relaxer is you'll still mess up your hair. True. Just a tip. Very interesting. Okay, now our last story is dedicated to all things Tyrese, who has been very vocal about the custody battle He's currently in with his ex-wife over their ten year old daughter. Now while his ex-wife claims Tyrese abused both her and her daughter, instead of just fighting the case in court and being cordial for the sake of their child, Tyrese resorted to what he knows best, doing the absolute most. So far he's flown a banner over his daughter's school that read Daddy Loves You, checked himself into the hospital under the name, Black Father, wore an all black to a court hearing because he was quote, attending a funeral. And lastly, dedicating Marvin Gaye's hit, Let's Get it On to his own daughter. No. Yep. Let's get it on. Michelle's already saying no. But panelists, are Tyrese's latest shenanigans a slayed or a shade? All right, let's see what y'all were saying. Shade. You don't have stupid. Shade. Shade. Okay. Michelle, I feel like you just going to jump in.- What are we getting on? Child support? What is he doing? Relax! Perhaps trying to [CROSSTALK]- He needs a Xanax or a glass of pinot grigio, a massage. Why is he so extra? Calm down, black father, really? [SOUND] [UNKNOWN], I don't even understand. I can't even understand. Right? I don't even understand Tyrese, period, as far as captions go and anything. But he's just Right, I can't even believe. Why would you? Why Let's Get it On? He's probably going through a tough time. Do you think, perhaps, this is his way of reaching out to his daughter or? I mean, the Daddy loves you banner, not bad. What? That's terrible. That's embarrassing. So embarrassing. Is it her birthday? Yeah, Sydney, you're like, no? It's embarrassing. Tyrese has the ability to do the most and the very least at the same time. Yes. And this is one of those situations where it's just like. Speak about it, boss. Speak on it, [INAUDIBLE] Stop. Yeah. Doing the most with the very least. Okay, now let's check in with Kate, Kayla, who's clearly part of the rhythm nation, to see if social media has any words for Tyrese. Many words. Hey Miss Jackson. Many words. Alright, so some slade, some shade. In support of Tyrese, Janet Williams says her father will do whatever it takes to show his love for his daughter The love between a father and his children are priceless. [UNKNOWN] says by any means necessary. As long as there is no physical or sexual abuse, let the man see his daughter. But some people aren't here for it. [UNKNOWN] says he's losing his mind, shoulda checked into a psych ward. Scilla Coat says he's desperate sad the kids are dragged to the court system because the parents are immature. Poor little girl. Awws! Okay, well ladies thank you so much for joining us and rocking your fabulous costumes. And now if your in need of a unique Halloween make-up look so you can hit a party or two tonight we got you. [INAUDIBLE] My name is Siraad and today I will be creating a Halloween look. I'm going to be turning myself into Black Girl Magic. Of course, I already am Black Girl Magic, as we all are. But I want to just amp it up. Up and show kinda what the embodiment of black girl magic is to me when it comes to beauty and to makeup. [MUSIC] First I'll be using the PAT McGRATH Mothership Kit, which just landed. And then I will line my eyes. And then I also will do it super close to the lash line. [MUSIC] I'm gonna add another little pop of color. I'm gonna do a similar type of thing with pink. So I'm literally just gonna trace this over. And of course, what is black girl magic without lots of glitter? So, I'm just gonna put a little on top of my eyes. And I'm gonna actually use this as, where you would use like a highlighter, I'm gonna use just a little bit of my glitter gel. [INAUDIBLE] we have to rub it in. Otherwise, you might look a little cuckoo. And then I always like to put a little highlighter on the bridge of your nose. So kind of where I have already put a little bit of glitter, I'm gonna go back, just add a little bit of highlight. So Pat McGrath has this pinky color, dust on. So I'm just going to curl my lashes I add a coat of mascara. All types of black girl magic. Give my hair a bit of a jush. And I'm going to add a few more elements. [MUSIC] So yeah, just grab a couple of things that make you feel beautiful. And wallah, black girl magic personified. [MUSIC] [MUSIC] You're watching Essence NOW. I'm your host, Makho Ndlovu, and it's time to check in with you one more time on social. Kayla, you have been combing social media so long, but I want to know what you think. What do you think about some of these topics? Very interesting. As far as Kim wearing that, the Aaliyah costume, I mean it's just Halloween, we can just kind of take a chill pill. I think she slayed it so I'm gonna give it a slay for that one. What do you think? I just wanna know if Kim knows one Aaliyah song. If she knows one Aaliyah song, she can come to the cookout. We may never know. We may never know. Now thanks to all our guests for joining us for a very special Halloween edition of our show. Now remember Any of today's show. You can watch the repeat on Essence.com and see all our videos on our YouTube channel. Remember to tune in next Tuesday at 3 PM for an all new Essence Now. I'm Janelle Monae. [LAUGH] Really, I'm Makho Ndlovu. And thank you so much for watching and have a very happy Halloween. [MUSIC]
Our great range of hand-picked hotels will cater for all tastes. From typical Tuscan hideaways to breathtaking stone farmhouses which have endless views of the Tuscan countryside there really is something for everyone. Whether you are seeking a romantic getaway or require a more spacious room for the whole family, our range of hotels in Tuscany will serve as the perfect base to explore what this wonderful region has to offer.
Buying your first Home is a real significant step in your life, so it is important to get the right amount of help and assistance from the professionals who are here to help you achieve your goals.
Getting the right mortgage is probably the most important element of this process - your home is going to be the most expensive purchase you will make, so its really important not to make any mistakes yourself, as it could cost you a significant amount of money.
So how does the whole process work? There is a process that all clients normally follow, as it follows a very logical process and makes it as straight forward as possible :
Before you have even started looking at mortgages and properties, we would really recommend that you get your paperwork in order and ready.
Identification - We will always need a copy of your Identification and evidence of your current Address. Is your passport in date? Does your Driving Licence have your most current address? If you need a Visa or other documentation to support your ID, make sure you can produce it (and it is in date).
If you can, turn on Paper Statements (rather than Online) - we can use these to help prove your current address as Online Documents cannot be used.
Bank Statements - I you use Online Banking, do you know how to Download Statements? We cannot use Excel Spreadsheet versions, they must be in a similar format to normal Bank Statements, and we will need 3 months' statements for every Current Account you have.
Payslips - We will need the last 3 months payslips, perhaps the last 6 (subject to the lender). If you receive a bonus then make sure you keep those payslips showing when you receive your bonus, commission, overtime, etc. as the mortgage lenders will always want to see them. If you cannot prove this income, you may not be able to borrow enough.
Deposit - As a First Time Buyer you may have either saved your deposit and/or got some help from your family. If you have savings, then we will need bank statements showing your savings, if you have had a Gift then we will need this declared. It's not just to show you have the Deposit Money, but Money Laundering Regulations ask us for the Source of your Deposit too.
With the majority of your paperwork in order, now is the time to enrol the help of a Mortgage broker to advise on all your financial matters. By approaching someone like Essex Home Finance, we have helped hundreds of First Timer Buyers and Homemovers through the same process you are now facing. Tap into our help, advice and assistance, it will really make it less stressful (especially if you have all your paperwork in order!)
We will look to establish how much you want to borrow and can afford, and once we have looked at the market options we can recommend the right lenders and mortgage deals for you. We don't just check with 1 or 2 lenders, but a considerable number of the UK Mortgage lenders, including High Street Lenders, Regional Building Societies and Specialist Lenders - including a number of exclusive deals and cheaper options you won't find by going direct.
Once we have established the right lenders and deals for your needs, we will look to take enough information to obtain a Decision In Principle
A Decision In Principle is an initial agreement from a Mortgage Lender, giving us a good idea of the amount they will lend you based upon your income, and an assessment of what is ‘Affordable’. As Mortgage Brokers we will look to match you to the right Lender or Lenders, and make that approach on your behalf. We don’t need a property at this time, it’s simply to confirm what you can borrow and a credit check is made at this time.
Most lenders provide a letter or certificate that will show that a mortgage has been approved, ready for you to show to an Estate Agent that you can afford to buy a property
With your Mortgage ‘Decision in Principle’ in one hand, your deposit in place, finding a suitable property within your budget is your next move.
The vast majority of properties are now listed online, making it easier than ever to see what is available in the local market, with lots of photos, virtual tours, maps, etc.
Once you have found a property you like, speak directly with the Sales Agent and let them know you have a mortgage already approved - you will probably need to show the Decision in Principle, also give them our details.
Make an Offer on what you would like to buy, and cross fingers you secure the property you would like!
At this stage we will complete a Full Mortgage Application, letting the lender have all the information we have collected from you so far. This will include the property details, solicitors details, all the evidence of income and bank statements, etc.
If it has been a while since the original 'Decision In Principle' then we will need more up to date Bank Statements and Payslips.
We will also take this opportunity to see if a better Mortgage Deal is available, which may be with another lender - leave that to us to check and report back!
This is the time in the process that fees may be payable, subject to the lender - some will need an Administration Fee and/or a Valuation Fee payable on application, or they won't do a great deal. As your Mortgage Broker we will advise you accordingly, and collect card details (Debit or Credit) from you.
Most lenders will only arrange a Basic Valuation Report to help improve the speed of the whole Mortgage Process. Whilst basic, they give everyone a good overview of the condition of the property and expected value.
Once the lender has had a basic report about the property back for review, assuming all is okay the mortgage Lender will then look to issue a Mortgage Offer.
On occasions the surveyor will ask for additional information and reports - for conditions such as Damp and Timber Decay, or if there has been some structure movement. The Mortgage Offer may be delayed pending receipt of these reports (normally at your cost) or it may well be that some funds are retained by the lender, released once remedial work is completed.
At this point the Mortgage Lender will be committing to lend you the money agreed, assuming everything is okay with the property and you (and your paperwork). The Mortgage Offer will confirm the terms on the borrowing, so the amount, monthly payments, rate of interest, fees, etc.
A copy of the Mortgage Offer will be sent to you, your Solicitors and us for review - should we find any issues we will speak with the lender on your behalf.
Your Solicitors will then be able to request the money from the lender once their Legal Checks and their process is completed satisfactorily.
The whole process can take around 10-14 weeks on average, but once that date comes, the experience becomes a more pleasurable one! Money will be requested by the solicitors, paid directly to them and they will ask you for your deposit monies too, plus their fees and Stamp Duty if applicable.
On the Set Completion Date, that money will be sent onto the Sellers Solicitors, and the Estate agents will be able to release the keys - you are now a First Time Buyer!!
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray. Line bottom of pan with parchment paper and coat the parchment paper with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
In a medium bowl whisk together eggs and sugar. Add melted butter, buttermilk, and vanilla. Whisk until combined. Fold in pumpkin.
Divide batter in half. Add the melted chocolate, 1/2 cup of milk, TamarindOH! Sauce & cocoa powder to half of the batter; stir to combine.
Add the two batters to the loaf pan, alternating between pumpkin and chocolate. Using a table knife, swirl through the batter. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Remove and cool in pan for 20 minutes. Remove and cool completely on a wire rack.