Essence Festival 2014...20th Anniversary!

Essence Festival 2014

Hi Beautiful People,

It's been 2 month since I went to the Essence Festival and I'm so sorry for the delay in this POST. But better Late then Never!!  I FINALLY got the chance to sit down and tell you about it....and I don't even know where to start!!

All of my Fab followers know that this is the trip I look forward to attending every year. Technically, I wasn't suppose to go this year (I go every other year) But because it was their 20th Anniversary I just had to go!!

Before I left, I told myself that this was my last year and I wasn't going to go anymore...Yeah...I lied, Lmao. I had such a good time how could I not go next year!

Unfortunately, initially planning this trip got off to a rough start.

Drama

First it started with trying to book our flights - prices were ridiculous $600 and higher.  So, in order for us to get a good deal "my infamous traveling buddy" Timi and I had to fly into New Orleans on Friday (instead of Thursday) and then we left on Tuesday (instead of Monday). I initially wasn't happy about these dates but when you only pay $400 for a roundtrip ticket, you just have to Be Thankful.

Timi hooked up our reservations at the W Hotel (on Poydras) and asked for 2 queen beds...but they couldn't accommodate us so we got stuck with 1 King bed. The W Hotel is suppose to be an excellent hotel and they host this event every year, you would think they'd be better prepared. (I don't care if I booked my room late...I should still be able to get my own queen bed "Nikki", Lol). This was another unexpected adjustment I had to deal with. But it really wasn't that bad because our king bed was pretty big. I made the sacrifice because I wanted to know what it was like to have a room at  "The Party Hotel".

We were all set. Flights paid for and hotel room booked. Or so we thought! Of course, we had to have some drama pop off with our hotel. The W had the nerve to cancel our room reservation over some "minor technical shit" that was their fault...ARE YOU KIDDING ME!! Timi cussed (not cursed, lol) them out and they quickly corrected their mistake.

I love it when Timi gets mad because it's comedy!! She doesn't get mad often...she lets me fly off the handle all the time so it's exciting to see her in action when she gets upset (smiley face).

Timi & Sheda in the Building!!

Finally Friday, 4th of July comes and we arrive in New Orleans!!! You know we walked into some "Ridiculouness" when we arrived at our hotel. Who knew the Lobby at the W hotel was going to be OFF THE CHAIN, damn!! Beautiful Men EVERYWHERE!! Timi and I were just trying to get to the Lobby to check-in and we damn near got attacked. Wait a minute let me put my shit down so we can make this an even playing field, Lol (wink).

We attempted to check-in but our damn room wasn't ready (was I surprised, NO) but it didn't matter we were hungry and we needed to eat ASAP so we went to Mother's restaurant across the street. Thank goodness there was no line and we were served quickly. Once we were done we checked into our room, changed clothes and headed down to Bourbon Street.

The Notorious Razoo's

First destination...Razoo's of course! Timi and I made our way through the crowd and headed to the back patio. Timi met a guy and he ended up harassing her most of the night because his ass was drunk and didn't even know it. I was talking to his homeboy and we had a cool conversation. He and I exchanged numbers and kept it pushin. The guys were cool but we weren't trying to settle down too soon it was Friday night and we were on the hunt #OTAND was in full effect.

Sidebar - Now I don't promote the use of the "N" word but sometimes it comes in handy, Lol. That hashtag stands for "Operation Take a Nigga Down", LMAO! We are on a mission to have a great time during Essence Festival weekend. It is inevitable that you are going to meet several different guys that are worthy of your time, which is why we exchange numbers so we can meet up later if we both are free...But I can't make you any promises (wink)! I've said this before and I'm going to say it again. If you haven't been to the Essence Festival you NEED to go...at least once! It's like you're taking a vacation in HEAVEN for 1 weekend...MEN Everywhere!!!

Timi and I went to the dance floor because you know we LOVE to dance. It was hella crowded so we didn't stay long. But before we left the Club I was able to dance with this one guy to 1 or 2 songs. When it was time to go and I tried to leave, my dance partner asked for my number. Hey the night was young and the weekend was just getting started. I had no reason not to give it to him so let the texting begin!

"All White" Day Party!

Saturday Timi and I had to get ready for the Annual White "Day" Party @ Metropolitan Night Club! We were too cute in our All White outfits!! I had some "bad' gold heels I was going to wear but I'm sooooooooo glad Timi convinced me to wear my gladiator sandals because we were on our feet for at least 4 hours dancing our asses off. That Day Party was EPIC! It would have been even better if my other girl friends were there with us but they were on a boat at a different White Party. I'm sure they had a blast too! The "icing on the cake" was that my MCM Omari Hardwick came through to hang out at the party. I got GREAT pictures of him!! Too bad he's married (sad face).

Saturday night we headed back to the room and my intention was to change clothes and keep the party going....but I had to tap out, I was exhausted. Timi kept the party going on my behalf.

Sidebar - Remember, the fine ass guy I met at Essence last year, who lives in Germany. Well he's been textin me since I got in on Friday in an attempt to hook up with me but we haven't been able to get together. He wanted to see me Saturday night but trying to meet up a 3am was just doin too much. I was tired and fell asleep.

Sunday morning came and I was "bright eyed and bushy tailed" and ready to GO! Timi and I met up with Nikki, Abike, Tracey, Nicole, Angela and the rest of the girls at Daisy Dukes for Brunch. Mimosas Baby...keep em comin' ...the food was Delicious. Afterwards  Timi and I headed over to the Sheraton to hang out in their Lobby to enjoy some music and more drinks. Finally I get a text from Germany...  

Quality Time

Germany and I were able to meet up at his hotel and he was such good company! When we got hungry he took me to a restaurant by his hotel. We hung out for hours just talking about any and everything. The conversation just flowed...we had dinner and drank wine. Why can't I get this type of attention & conversation back in L.A.??? I loved hanging out with him and I was sad that it had to come to an end. But he definitely gets brownie points for inviting me to come hangout with him on the east coast after the Essence Festival. Unfortunately, I had to decline the invitation because I had to get back home to take care of some family business... and seeing that I've only been at my new job for 1 year I didn't have that kind of vacation time on the books. But the good news is that he said he will be coming back to the states in a few months. So I'm definitely looking forward to seeing him again. Honestly peeps I don't know where this is going...but I'm going to enjoy the ride! (for as long as I possibly can) Stay tuned (wink).

I met back up with the girls later in the evening at the W hotel and it was CRACKIN'. The Ladies had tables, drinks and men surrounding them...now this is what I'm talkin about. I slid right on in without missing a beat. The DJ was on point, the crowd was tipsy and we were surrounded by EYE CANDY! My girl Nikki asked me..."Where you been?" I said, "getting my hair messed up" We both laughed and high fived! #OTAND. After a few hours the party was winding down and it was time to go eat.

Requesting seats for 12 women at Drago's is no joke at dinner time....but it was FUN!! It was great to hang out with 12 successful women that get along, are supportive, have great conversation, give excellent advice and know how to PARTY!! Dinner was done and we had to keep the party going...on to the next event!

Bourbon Street Shenanigans

Timi went to the Concert that night and met us on Bourbon street "Cause we like to Partaaaaaaay"...and our clique was deep!

First stop - Riding the Bull...now that was FUN! Now of course my girls were "professional" and rode that bull with muthafu*in skillz BUT those other women were Questionable?! Who gets on the bull with a dress on?? Really?? Ass and titties were out and you know the brotha's were using the video on their smartphones! You are now officially "Bourbon famous" as all your business was just posted on Youtube, Facebook, Intagram and Vine. We definitely had a good time as the music was crackin' in the background and we bought a Big Ass Hurricane to keep the juices flowin'.

When it was time to move on we headed to the Strip Club. We just wanted to be nosey and see if the strippers were any good. But we only stayed briefly because we weren't impressed with their dancing or lack thereof. There was one chick on the pole that had glasses on (that wasn't cute she don't believe in contacts??). Then there was another girl that decided to take her top off (she definitely shouldn't have done that, sheesh, I'm still trying to figure out how she got hired in the first place). There were two sistas in there but I only got to see one of them dance and she didn't do much (I was disappointed) So of course I made friends with one of the strippers (the sista who didn't get a chance to dance while we were there) and she gave me the 411 on what the drama was. The girl stated it wasn't her turn to dance so she couldn't go up as of yet. However, she said the other sista that did dance was good at doing tricks on the pole but she was mad that they wouldn't play the music she wanted to hear so she could do her routine. I told the friendly stripper that she needs to talk to her friend and let her know that she should always be practicing her craft no matter what's going on with the music. I also told her that you never know whose in the strip club and they should stay ready at all times. All my girls were ready to throw some dollas but NOT for some lazy ass strippers! We got up out of there quick fast and in a hurry. We had enough shenanigans for the night, made a stop at the Popeye's and headed back to the W hotel. Unfortunately, that was the last night I got to hang out with ALL the girls. Some of the girls were catching their flights on Monday morning/evening and Timi and I were leaving Tuesday evening.

Monday night came and I was chillin in the room. Timi had plans and tried to convince me to go with her but I passed and choose to relax in the room. Truth be told I was ready to go home! I told her have a good time, be careful and text/call me if she needed me and off she went. I was chillin in the hotel room watching a marathon of some of my favorite movies "Four Brothers and Transformers". I asked The W Hotel if they had a microwave I could use to heat up some leftover food I had and they brought one to my room!! Whaaaat, now that's room service!! I was doing what I love to do "BE A BUM" with no responsibilities. Rarely do I get to do this at home because I'm always in the streets running errands. For once I was really relaxing. But I did decide to take this time to send an email to my partner in crime Sarah at the Boys & Girls Club to give her an update on what she missed at the Club since she had been away for 2 weeks on a trip to South Africa with some club kids. Once I wrapped up that email I got a text.

Remember the guy I met on Friday night in Razoo's (my dance partner) he hit me up. It was around 11pm and he asked me what I was doing. I told him I was bored out of my mind and ready to go home but I couldn't do anything about it because my flight didn't leave until tomorrow evening. He offered to keep me company. We sat in his truck and talked and then we moved into the hotel Lobby to continue our conversation. He was real cool. He's a New Orleans native and 6 feet tall but then my mouth fell open when I found out he was 22 years old!! WTH how in the world did I meet this young buck?? He also didn't believe that I was almost 40 years old. But that didn't stop him from trying to push up on me, LOL. All I know is that he was real good company and made my Monday night much better!! I didn't go to sleep until 3am.

Tuesday morning Timi and I were packed and ready to go! This was a real relaxing day. We had a late breakfast at the Rubby Slipper and later that day I dragged Timi to Cafe Du Monde. I love that place! After having a GREAT time in New Orleans we had to head back to L.A. "Home Sweet Home".

Now that you've read my Fabulous Weekend at the 2014 Essence Festival I'm sure you understand why I can't stop going! I'm ADDICTED, Lol. It's definitely something I look forward to every year (until I get a MAN)! I've already picked out the hotel we're staying in next year! We are not staying in the W hotel. It's not all it's hyped up to be! It's definitely a place to go party at but not where I want to rest my head every night.

Although I met some pretty cool guys this weekend. No one has wifed up Sheda yet so you know what that means...

The Adventures of SingleNFabulous must go on!!

Stay tuned for the next Blog COMING SOON (I promise)!! 

It's an update on my Fit and Fabulous Journey!! 

Smooches