Miss America pageant's crowning of Miss Nina Davuluri. But while everyone seemed to be into the supposed "controversy" — as if your heritage and melanin levels can be a personal affront— my focus shifted in a different direction.

For me there is nothing more refreshing than a tall glass of iced tea. But I've discovered a new tea fix. Ok, let me dial it back and give you the back story. So there I was minding my business in Whole Foods, when a cold can of Steaz beckoned me, In an effort to eat and live healthier I decided to cut back on sugar, which means

Top Of The Hour was a new episode, with Olivia trying to fix the marriage and save the job of a philandering CEO, who just happened to be a woman.was classic Scandal. Fitz a.k.a. POTUS, made a phone call to Olivia...I believe, "You ruined me", is going down in television history as the break up response. This is what a casual work day looks like. Then there were the high-powered jackets. A gray button up by Armani This is what a casual work day looks like. Then there were the high-powered jackets. A gray button up by Armani

What I really loved about Olivia Pope swimming laps on Scandal, besides the bathing suit and swim cap, is that the image defies the stereotypes. Yes, African-American women rsuccedefies the stereotypes. Yes, African-American women run successful firms, create hit-television shows, and yes, we swim! And the ssful firms, create hit-television shows, and yes, we swim! And the thought that she was swimming as opposed to kick-boxing, her way out of heartache was all the more appealing. will spark a Black Girls Swim movement? Lenny Niemeyer's couture collection and swim cap by Luxury Divas. Her swimsuit is by sAndre Sarda, Audrey collection.

the purpose of a job interview is to make sure that you are the right person for the position. So it's no surprise that some interviewers will throw in a tricky interview question or two. It may seem harmless, even noble to admit that you delayed climbing the corporate ladder for the sake of your kids. Or that because you work for a top firm and were recruited at the highest level, the competition for promotions in your office is...Here's how to respond with your dignity and professionalism in tact.

While talking on the phone with the wind whipping around my head, making it almost impossible to hear. Did I mention this wasn't just any conversation, this was a phone interview for a job. Oh, and did I mention the person on the phone wasn't fluent in English? Trying to build a client list and look for a job is exhausting. So if you've been in my shoes, or are currently job-seeking, starting a businesses, or changing the focus of your career,

LL Cool J is on the cover of the March issue of Essence! What a pleasant surprise. Following last week's Next Chapter interview with Oprah, it was a treat to see the Grammy-winning, trail-blazing rapper and actor on the cover. Whether you love him for his classic hits, or multi-lingual, secret agent moves on NCIS Los Angeles, it's true...the talented actor opens up to Essence about his life as a family man and his love and support for his wife. “I think, at the end of the day, as a man, you should support the woman you’re with. If she’s got a dream, you need to help make that a reality. I’m doing the best I can to do that.” His wife, Simone, describes their marriage in one word—"awesome."