If You Haven't Seen "Temptation"...Don't Read This...

Opening night, Asia, Chris, and I went to see "Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor."  I must say it was a good movie, but I wasn't impressed (sorry, TP).

***And again, if you have not seen this movie and have plans to, please don't read this.  I will ruin it for you.***

Anywhoo, let's begin with the good: the message was clear. All of the typical "anti-cheating" cliches went through my mind while watching--"the 80/20 rule," "All things that glitter ain't gold," "When someone shows you who they really are, believe them"--and every saying in between.  TP and the team were true to the message.  Judith (Jurnee) had her 80% with Brice (Lance), but Harley (Robbie) showed her that oh-so-sexy 20%, and Judith was out like a light. 

Let's examine the differences in these men.
Brice was great, but he got too comfortable.  Judith's future endeavors weren't top priority.  Brice didn't remember Judith's birthday (second year in a row). Brice was consumed with work.  Brice failed to make Judith feel protected and wanted.  Brice. Brice. Brice (smh).  At the peak of comfort, in walks super sexy, swaggerific Harley, with his big money (enough to buy Judith's endeavors gift-wrapped--HELLO), spontaneity, attentiveness, and animal-like desire and willingness to "protect."  Miss Judith, Southern-bred and naive, denied...resisted...and ultimately fell victim to Harley's pursuit.  His 20% was gleaming like a mo-fo. 

Now, if you're reading this and you haven't seen the movie (God forbid), you're probably wondering, What the heck did Brice have, exactly?  Brice was dedicated and loving.  Brice provided logic and stability.  Brice was cute and corny with a nice bod.  But those concepts weren't enough.  It's one thing to know, another to show.  Judith knew what Brice had for her, but again, Brice got comfortable and did not show her. 

But anyone can get comfortable, and when Harley conquered Judith, his comfort resulted in abuse.  He beat her, he disrespected her, he controlled her.  Judith was just a conquest for Harley, nothing more.  Now, if you know me, I'm not one to victim-blame; HOWEVER, I peeped the warning signs.  In the midst of conquering Judith, Harley let her know in more ways than one that he "loves" dangerously.  He admitted to being crazy!  He did not respect her morals and Christian beliefs.  Above all, he did not give a hot pile of you-know-what for her marriage.  The neon-red warning signs were beaming, but Judith still fell. 

The ending was appropriate, considering the HIV twist.

Beyond the plot, TP stayed true to his morals in the making of this movie.  The movie had sex, drugs, abuse/violence, and profanity, but TP wasn't excessive.  This movie could have been RAUN.CHY.  For example, when Judith and Harley used cocaine, you didn't see them actually snort.  You would see them bend over it, or wipe their noses after, but never actually snort.  Could've been some seriously wild sex scenes and even violent scenes, but TP didn't go there.  Really, he didn't need to.  One could say he played it too safe, but I appreciated the boundaries.  So, two thumbs up in staying true. 

And the movie had its hilarious moments!  You can always count on TP for the funny.

On to the Cons!
The beginning was kind of slow to me.  I feel like too much time was spent on showing the evolution Judith and Brice's relationship.  From the evolution of the relationship (which started at age six btw) to marriage then its stagnant state...It was just too long for me.  Maybe I was just ready for the juice...Don't get me wrong, it was necessary, but lengthy.

Kim K's acting.  I love this woman, but she was just as emotionless as a forehead with fresh botox injections.  I felt like she memorized the lines, but didn't rehearse or attempt to engage the audience through her character.  She was a perfect Ava--an exotic, smart-mouth fashionista--but a little more emotion or personality to the lines would've made me love Ava more.

The movie had some predictable parts.  For example, as soon as Melinda (Brandy) was introduced, I knew she had some relationship with Harley. When she mentioned an abusive ex, I was like, "Yep, Harley's ex."  When Melinda revealed that she had HIV, though?? Definitely surprising. 

I also wish more could've been put into the de-escalation.  Like, I wanted to see a genuine downfall for Harley.  Like, couldn't he have gotten shot? Arrested? Drug overdose? Media humiliation???? I think TP dropped the ball on Harley's character.

Overall, I enjoyed the movie, more so for the message.  Not a typical happy ending, but that depends on the viewer.  There are so many ways this movie could've ended, but I found it to be realistic.  Brice remarried (I don't know many men who would've stayed), Judith came back down to earth, etc.  Nothing too dramatic, just realistic.

But there's my take on it.  I love Tyler Perry, so I look forward to future work.

--DJ

***Grand Opening Celebration for Apricot Lane Starts March 21!!!***

Calling all my Fashionistas!  Starting tomorrow, Apricot Lane Boutique in Huntersville, NC will kickoff its Grand Opening by offering very special deals to shoppers!  Until Sunday, every shopper can take advantage of 20% off store-wide, a free 3Strands bracelet and the chance to win a $500 shopping spree.  Shoppers can also receive a goody bag that includes local coupons.

As mentioned in my last post, the boutique will hold the "Say Hello to Spring" fashion show Saturday, March 23.  Starting at 2 p.m., shoppers can enjoy the complimentary nail polish changes from a local spa and photo-fun in the photo booth (be Instagram ready)!  Also, true Fashionistas can participate in the fashion show, which starts at 6 p.m.  Following the fashion show, join other shoppers for complimentary ApricoTinis at the store.

For those unfamiliar with the location, Birkdale Village in located at Birkdale Commons Parkway in Huntersville, NC.  The boutique is situated between Dressler's Restaurant and Sunglass Hut on the corner of Lindholm Drive and Birkdale Commons Parkway.  Don't forget, the fashion show will be in the fountain area.

Like I said before, Apricot Lane Boutique has a variety of affordable, stylish clothing and accessories.  With celebrity inspired, fashion forward pieces for the everyday woman, you cannot go wrong shopping here.  As a lover of statement pieces, this store is my go-to.  So, on Friday, please believe I will be there to take advantage of the kickoff.  I hope you all come out at some point this weekend and enjoy all Apricot Lane Boutique has to offer.

--DJ

***Apricot Lane in Charlotte***...Why Am I Just Now Finding This???

Last Wednesday, I visited the revamped Apricot Lane located in Huntersville's Birkdale Village.  Under new ownership, the boutique reopened on March 1.  Living in the southern area of Charlotte, it was a lengthy drive in comparison to my normal shopping venues; however, it was beyond worth it.  

First off, the Birkdale Village is absolutely beautiful!  It's what I would consider "cute-sy"... with the white buildings, stores and restaurants all set up like a small, yet spacious town...it has a very comfortable vibe.  Although I don't live close, I'd definitely frequent that area.

I had just left Kirkland's and felt the urge to explore the Village more.  I just knew that I would find a gem there!  Prior to my visit to the Village, I had never heard of Apricot Lane, but the display window with the stylishly dressed mannequins was hard to ignore.  The boutique has an array of reasonably priced, eclectic accessories and trendy women's clothing.  While comfortable and welcoming, I felt like an exclusive shopper!  The store carries very unique, yet fashion-forward merchandise, all of which is strategically organized to lure the shopper into every corner of the store.  Striving to not look like masses, I can go into this store and leave with quality statement pieces.  I purchased a great pair of peacock earrings and a peacock wallet (I love peacock by the way, in case you couldn't tell).


The boutique has great things going on now that I suggest you check out.  Shoppers can enter to win a $500 shopping spree (yes...yes...yes)!  Also, anyone who visits the store can receive a free 3Strands  bracelet in support of AIM's (Agape International Mission) work with survivors of human trafficking.  The 3Strands bracelet, valued at $18, includes a seed from the Sandlewood tree, native to Cambodia, which represents the life of a Cambodian child rescued from sex trafficking.  50% of the profits from the jewelry goes to rescue and restoration of victims.  I have experience working with survivors of sexual assault, so THIS moved me.  The Apricot Lane Triangle NC store owners purchased the 3Strands bracelets to support the cause, and for each bracelet given, the store owners will donate an extra $5 to AIM.  So, if not for any other reason, visit the store and get a bracelet in support of the cause--but I can guarantee that you won't leave without finding something you love!

On March 23, in efforts to kick off the new beginning, it will hold the "Say Hello to Spring" fashion show at 6 p.m. at the runway setup in the fountain area.  Unfortunately, the fashion show falls on a workday for me, so I won't be there, but I'm sure I'll hear great things about it.

The franchisee, Alpha Astra, LLC, has plans to open two additional Charlotte locations, so I'm personally looking forward to that.  Currently, Alpha Astra has this opened this location for the Charlotte area as well as one in Raleigh and Cary, NC. Check out Apricot Lane Triangle NC to learn more about the stores, and show some love and support to Apricot Lane Charlotte on Facebook!







Here are my purchases...and my 3Strands bracelet (I wear it everywhere).

***Apricot Lane gets an A+ from me.

--DJ

The Conversation--by: Hill Harper

I didn't plan to discuss romantic relationships on my blog.  Not that I dislike the subject.  I absolutely love everything about love, but my thoughts on relationships can really overwhelm someone.  Even myself.  Love is easy.  Relationship...now that's a different story.  So, the conversation about the subject doesn't always come too easy for me.

But I recently read Hill Harper's, The Conversation: How Black Men and Women Can Build Loving, Trusting Relationships (2009).  His book made me realize the importance of discussing relationships, especially within the Black community.  Hill wasn't claiming to be an expert on relationships, but he realized that relationships and marriages of today do not have the same substance and longevity of those of older generations (we knew that already, right?).  Following the discovery, he started researching what has caused our relationships issues--deep-rooted distrust, erroneous assumptions and stereotypes, and fear. Unlike most books (which I WILL NOT NAME), Hill wasn't just instructing the woman on her role in understanding, loving (and tolerating) the male species.  He was focused on getting men and women to open up to each other in order to rebuild the state of the Black relationship.  I appreciated the fact that he placed the responsibility of the relationship and its issues on both men and women.  Following interviews, observations, various discussions and such, he concluded that the best way to grow together, men and women must have a conversation with each other in order to better understand and resolve our issues.  A simple conclusion one may say, but it's difficult especially when men and women allow the issues to control (or hinder) the conversation.  We have to trust each other enough to be honest and vulnerable.

Hill explored the anticipation of meeting someone, determining what role the person would play in your life, dating, and the many hurdles you'd face depending on the baggage the other person brings into the relationship.  Hill personalized the book by sharing his fears, mistakes, and budding relationship.  In my opinion, he touched on everything a relationship could face! But don't take my word for it...I think if you haven't heard about the book or read it, it's worth a shot regardless of what stage you're in within your relationship (or lack thereof).

Let me stop here...whew*

--DJ