Something about this Thursday feels a little different.  That’s because this Thursday there will be no Scandal.  I’m going to miss this show tremendously this summer.  And I’m not the only one.  The web is still buzzing about the finale and the lead character, Olivia Pope.  By the way, I’ve been wanting to thank Shonda Rhimes. Because the finale made it “OK” to like a character with a very unlikeable trait, reveal all of her flaws, have her fail and still like her.  That’s writing at it’s finest.

However, as I perused the web to see what other Scandal fans were saying, I came across the Scandal backlash.  Yes there really is such a thing.I found articles comparing women’s Scandal obsession to the NBA, questioning if black women should be “proud” of Olivia Pope, and even comparisons to the loud, crass, immature behavior of women on reality TV.  Well, as I was reading a lot of the articles and comments I wondered if people realized that Scandal is fiction.  Yes, people it’s make believe.  I also think that some of these people don’t really watch the show.

Let me just say that I hate cheating, cheaters, cheating culture (all the songs and cliches about it).  That’s why though I loved the show, I felt some kind of way about Olivia and Fitz’s relationship.  What kept me watching  was the fact that I never saw any indication that Olivia felt it was “right”.  Rhimes and her writing team did a great job at showing Olivia’s conflict about the relationship.  After all it was Olivia who said how horrible she felt about the relationship, it was Olivia who resisted Fitz’s advances, it was Fitz who initially fired Olivia because of his attraction to her, and it was Olivia who compared them to Sally Hemmings and Thomas Jefferson.  Yes, they dealt with the race issue.

I wonder where were all of these people and their concern for the fictional role models of black women when The Wire was a hit.  Were they against interracial relationships when Helen and Tom were together on The Jeffersons?  Were they grumbling about Claire being too career-oriented on The Cosby Show?

When I watch the show what I see is the broader picture which the writers wrapped up perfectly on the finale—Olivia and Fitz didn’t win.  As Cyrus put it, “life isn’t a romance novel.”  We get to see the mistakes this character makes, but never is it portrayed as the “right” thing.  None of the Scandals are portrayed as guidelines for your personal life.  That is why they are scandals.  Every character has a personal scandal—even the Gladiators.  Just think, we’ve seen some near perfect portrayals of black women on screen before—Claire Huxtable being the most notable.

I don’t recall any articles stating a dramatic rise in the number of women becoming lawyers or marrying obstetricians during the run of The Cosby Show.  I also recall a lot of complaints about the successful mother of five being too perfect, not realistic enough, her house was perfect, etc.  More recently there was Nurse Hawthorne (Jada Pinkett).  Her only fault was caring too much.  And what did that get her?  A drop in ratings.  Which is probably why during her third season she had a very uncharacteristic affair of her own.  But it was too late.  The show was cancelled.

While I agree that TV can and often does influence culture, I would hope that no one would cheat because of Scandal any more than they would take out a hit (like Cyrus) on a frenemy or dismember anyone (like Quinn or Huck) because of the show.  And let us not forget that the first lady, the wife, Mellie is no slouch.  She’s just as strong-willed, connected, powerful (in her own way), and scandalous as Olivia.  And I’m not just talking about election rigging either.  Mellie had an affair of her own, if you watch the show carefully.  I’m still wondering if that baby belongs to Fitz.  But I digress.

Scandal is really about a talented and powerful business woman who runs her own crisis management agency.  And while she is at the top of her game when it comes to solving other people’s problems, she doesn’t have a clue when it comes to getting her romantic life together.  That’s not so far-fetched, is it?
While I love Olivia and Mellie (the First Lady), seeing the smug look on Olivia’s face as she once again chose to believe that she’d end up being Fitz’s wife was a cautionary tale to mistresses everywhere.  Her plans foiled.  Reality smacked her in the face.  And she’s moving on without Fitz…for the moment.

Let me know what you think!  Is Olivia Pope a complete turnoff for you?  Or are you a Scandal addict?  Do you think the Scandal backlash is real concern or folks with nothing more to complain about? What did you think of the finale?

Steaz! A Variety Of Delicious Flavors

For me there is nothing more refreshing than a tall glass of iced tea.  But I’ve discovered a new tea fix: Steaz!  It’s green tea in a can and comes in multiple flavors (Blueberry Pomegranate is my favorite)!  Ok, let me dial it back and give you the back story.  In an effort to eat and live healthier I decided to cut back on sugar, which means that when making my home-brewed Luzianne, I’d leave out the sugar.  It took a while, but I got used to it.  I even liked it.  But I soon became bored with it.  The next thing you know, I was back to my classic beverage: Coca Cola—still refreshing, but heavy on the sugar.

So there I was minding my business in Whole Foods, when a cold can of Steaz beckoned me to the refrigerated display.  Ice cold green tea in a can…with fruit flavors.  My only experience with green tea has been hot tea, which I personally could do without.  But “iced” green tea was new to me, so I decided to give it a try.  I started out with Citrus, Coconut (absolutely delicious) and Peach.

Steaz Nutrition Facts

Steaz teas are refreshing and thirst-quenching.  And what’s even better is that it is lightly sweetened, meaning only has 10 grams of sugar per serving and in some flavors (Citrus) it has “zero sugar”.  When you compare 10 grams of sugar per serving to Coca Cola‘s 65g—Steaz is my new real thing!  Now I had one taste tester at my house that liked it but claimed that at $1.49 it was high.  I don’t know if it was the mention of Whole Foods, or the fruit on the can that had them protesting over price.  But my soda fix was costing my $1.69 or better for the grab-and-go cans.  So I think the price is right, no pun intended.  Steaz stays!

Try it and let me know what you think! Tell me your favorite flavor.  Tweet me: @RainyDayDiva You can connect with Steaz, also:  @Steaz

To good health and great flavor!

The last few weeks have been grueling.  Packing, moving, going— just doing a lot.  One thing that kept me going was my Peace Of Mind.  I’m not talking about a state of being (though that helps).  This is one of my go-to products,Peace Of Mind by Origins.  It’s therapy for your senses.  A quick dose of aromatherapy that refreshes, soothes, and calms me.  It’s a blend of basil, eucalyptus and peppermint.

I use it whenever Murphy’s law is in effect, I’m groggy, enduring a stuffy nose, battling a headache, or someone has tread on my weary nerves.  It works!  While it’s recommended that you put it on your pulse points, I like to place a dab in my palm and take a deep breath beforehand.  It’s like a mint for your senses-literally.  That feeling that you get when you have Altoids or spritz cool water on your face—it wakes you up in a cool, refreshing way.  Instead of feeling hyped-up or propped-up the way you do with excess caffeine, you feel…cool and re-energized.

It comes in a small bottle but it goes a long way.  Peace Of Mind ($12) is the perfect secret weapon for your less-stress strategy!

Scandal, Airs Thursdays at 10 p.m. on ABC

A new episode of Scandal always leaves me with a cocktail of thoughts about the show, the writing, and of course, the fashion.  There’s always a shock at the audacity of the clients and their, well…scandals.  A feeling of empowerment watching the tenacity of chief fixer, Olivia Pope and her Gladiators, and a whole lot of, “ain’t this some…,” well you know, the rollercoaster love triangle with Olivia and Fitz.

This week was no exception.  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.  Her house husband was none too pleased to find out about his wife’s past affair on the news.  But after all was said and done, the paternity test taken, and some Gladiator trickery teaming Harrison and Abbi on one assignment and Quinn and Huck on an impromptu stake out, the day was saved.

Olivia Pope Takes An Call from Fitz, President Of The United States

Of course what happened in between time, was classic Scandal.  Fitz a.k.a. POTUS, made a phone call to Olivia, supposedly to call her off of his Supreme Court nominee (the other party to the affair with the lady CEO).  But in reality it was just to hear her voice.  Instead of trying to heal the relationship, he led with, “You ruined me.” Olivia followed suit, “I’m ruined.”  What Olivia doesn’t know, is that he’s a changed man, not because of voting tampering, but because he has committed murder.  But I digress.  I believe, “You ruined me”, is going down in television history as the break up response to Tom Cruises, “You complete me,” in Jerry Maguire.

Armani Buttoned Gray Jacket

Christian Dior Jacket

But true to form, Scandal delivered in the wardrobe and fashion department.  Last night the fashion angle was definitely diversity.  We saw Olivia dressed down, in a camel-toned cardigan layered over a jade green blouse. This!! This is what a casual work day looks like.  Then there were the high-powered jackets.  A gray button up by Armani and a white side tie jacket by Christian Dior.

Samantha takes on Harrison (Columbus Short);Top of The Hour episode of Scandal

And last but not least, we met Samantha, who went a few rounds with Harrison about whether or not she could fire the cheating CEO-Olivia’s client.  Not only did she hold her own with Harrison’s slick talk and man pretty, she did so while rocking a head full of natural curls. To the beauty team of Scandal I say, keep it coming!  We love it.

Scandal airs Thursdays at 10 p.m. on ABC.

Source: Pinterest, ABC.com

Olivia Pope Swims, Scandal episode "Whiskey, Tango, Foxtrot"

After seeing the opening scene of the Whiskey, Tango, Foxtrot episode of Scandal, I don’t think Shonda Rhimes can make Olivia Pope anymore fabulous.  Making her way effortlessly through the pool, our “fixer”, sometimes shero, and fashion muse, is swimming to work off the stress and gain some clarity.  Still she can’t escape looking absolutely gorgeous.

What I really loved about her swimming laps, besides the bathing suit and swim cap, is that the image defies the stereotypes.  Yes, African-American women run successful firms, create hit-television shows, and yes, we swim!  And the thought that she was swimming as opposed to kick-boxing, P-90X’ing, or hammer-jacking her way out of heartache was all the more appealing.

Now does this mean I’ll finally perfect my breast stroke or start the day with a morning swim?  Probably not.  Does it mean that this will spark a Black Girls Swim movement?  I don’t think so.  But it does mean I’m looking forward to swimsuit season and some aquatic hair accessories.  In the first scene she’s wearing a swimsuit from Lenny Niemeyer’s couture  collection and a white Speedo bubble cap. In the second scene, she wears a chic swim cap by Luxury Divas. Her swimsuit is white with navy piping, by swimsuit and lingerie designer, Andre Sarda, Audrey collection.

This is how you look absolutely stunning mid-stroke and underwater. Both swimsuits are available online at NanceyMeyer.com

Lenny Niemeyer Swimwear, Speedo Bubble Cap, Scandal

This is how you look absolutely stunning mid-stroke and underwater. Both swimsuits are available online at NanceyMeyer.com

Andres Sarda Audrey Halter Swimsuit

Speedo Silicone Bubble Cap

Lenny Niemeyer White Swimsuit

Black with White Flowers, Luxury Divas

Source: ABC.com, NancyMeyer.com, ScandalMoments

With this understanding, Girl TD is no longer championing The Game.  You can read why here.

Answering Tricky Interview Questions

Now we all know 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.  But it seems that in today’s tough job market and no shortage of folks looking for jobs, some interviewers are playing dirty.

Case in point: a fellow job-seeker and former colleague called me up frustrated after a friend gave her a heads up that during her job interview she would be asked why she wasn’t further along in her career by now.  Now, when I said she was frustrated, that was an understatement.  She was heated! And understandably so.  Let’s be clear, this woman is no slouch.  She has progressed in her career, she just doesn’t have a corner office.

Basically, what they are asking is, “If you’re all that, why aren’t you further up the ladder, earning more money, etc?”  The purpose of an interview is not meant to insult job-seekers.  They are doing this just because they can.  If you’re ever faced with this interview question, here’s how to respond without blowing the interview or loosing your cool.

It’s tempting to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth with an icy glare, a frustrated tone, a baffled look, or do your best to give a reasonable explanation with an unspoken, “that’s why…sucker!”

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 “fierce” (with a supressed snap).  But don’t do it!

Here’s how to respond with your dignity and professionalism in tact:

Response #1: I certainly hope that I didn’t give you the impression that I’m not satisfied in my current role.  I’m very proud of the work that I’ve done for (name of company).  I stayed in my position because I loved the work and the executive team greatly valued my contributions.  In my current role, I’ve increased revenue by 17%, and implemented changes that have resulted in a savings of $5M.  Actually, it’s at the urging of one of my professional mentors that I’m seeking a new role.  I am confident that I can bring a lasting contribution to this role as well.

Response #2:  Money and titles aren’t everything.  I honestly believe that doing the work that you love and where you can grow and add value are more important.  In my current role I’ve successfully delivered… that is one of the reasons I was interested in your open position here.  I believe that my expertise could benefit your team…

Do you see where we’re going with this?  And if you must, especially if you opt for response #1, a hint (just a grain) of disbelief  at the question won’t hurt (with a smile of course).

Are you in the process of interviewing for a new job?  What have your interview experiences been?

Mobile Phone Interview

A few weeks ago I found myself in a curious and precarious situation.  On one of the coldest days of the year, I was crossing a busy intersection in Jersey City, 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?

“Yes, I have over 8 years of experience with… I’m sorry.  You can’t hear me?  Hold on.”  Repositions phone and scarf, scurries past traffic to median.  ”Yes, I said I have experience…”

Meanwhile, the honking cars and the wind weren’t giving up.  You see I had been playing phone tag with this recruiter and supposedly it was “urgent” that he speak with me.  Ugh!  This has become my life—sort of.  It was just two years ago (it’s been that long) that I was excited, outright exuberant about moving on from corporate America.  But fast forward to today and I must admit that I miss being in the game.

It’s not that I’m not working.  I’m what you would call underemployed.  That phase of starting a new business where your actual dollars don’t match up to your former budget/spending expectations and you spend more time on getting clients than doing the actual work that you love.  Just a few weeks ago, a friend told me, I make unemployment look good.  From the outside it may look the same, but trust me it’s not.  When I first got “the slip” I thought  ”this is going to be like being 16 but with freedom and spending power.”  Being Un— or Underemployed is more like being 16 again with an allowance, but fair game for creditors (some you didn’t even know existed).

Trying to build a client list and look for a job is exhausting.  I find that now more than ever I’m discussing strategies for interviewing, winning over recruiters, and selling your services to clients are the center of my conversations.  So if you’ve been in my shoes, or are currently job-seeking, starting a businesses, or changing the focus of your career, I will be adding this part of my life experience to this space.  I know I’m not alone. There are millions out of work just like me.

In the meantime, stay encouraged, stay flexible, and hold on to your confidence!  If you’re just getting the slip, hopefully this will help.

Beyonce Covers the Power Issue of Vogue, March 2013

The look is retro ’60′s glamour featuring Beyonce with an elegant upsweep for Vogue’s power issue and Kerry Washington’s edgy bombshell vibe for Ebony.  I’m loving the big hair, teased and smoothed out for a soft, yet regal hive ‘do (perfect for Queen B).  Kerry’s long, flowing mane with the volume at the crown reminds me of g0-g0 boots, girl groups, and the leading ladies of the ’60′s (and 70′s) that talked tough, and got the bad guys all in one. I love that image!

What I really like about both of these photos is the makeup—specifically, the eyeliner.  To get the winged eyeliner look you need to decide if you want the soft, understated elegance version like Beyonce’s above, or the dramatic version shown below on Kerry.

For a soft, winged effect:

• After applying your eyeshadow, apply a black, creamy eyeliner, along the upper lash line and wing out at 45 degree angle toward the crease of of your eye lid.
• Extending the line upward makes your eyes appear wider and gives your eyes a lift.

The key with eyeliner is precision, but especially for this look.  You don’t want it to look like dark shadow, or a smokey eye.

To get Kerry’s look with dramatic eyeliner below.

• Apply a thick black line, winging upward toward the crease of your lid at a sharp angle (about 80 degrees).  That’s almost perpendicular but not quite.
• Make sure to apply a lengthening and mascara or a lash strip to your upper lash line to make sure your lashes stand out.

Tip: When applying eyeliner, don’t drag the pencil, the line will not appear  jagged instead of straight.  Take short light strokes for a smooth even line.

Remember, no matter how beautiful your eye makeup, always make sure your brows are done (arched and filled in)!

For more ways to perfect your eye makeup, check out Taylor Chang-Babaian’s book, Style Eyes.  This book has the how-to for every eye makeup look imaginable.

Kerry Washington on set for Ebony Magazine Photo Shoot

Kerry Washington Covers Ebony, March '13

You can watch Kerry’s behind-the-scenes video for Ebony, here.  Of course, you can catch her as Olivia Pope on ABC’s hit show Scandal or get the fashion & recaps here.

LL Cool J Covers March Issue of Essence

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 starring as multi-lingual, secret agent Sam Hanna on NCIS Los Angeles, it’s true: ladies really do love, Cool J. Known for his talent, good looks, and biceps (even Oprah took notice), 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.”

LL Cool J Quotes from Oprah’s Next Chapter:
“Dreams don’t have deadlines.”

When Oprah asked if he were to write I Need Love now, would the lyrics be different?
LL Cool J: “No. That was true forever”

What’s next for LL?  Fans can watch as he hosts the Grammy Awards on February 10 and expect new music as he plans to release his new album, Authentic Hip Hop.

Below, check out LL’s video for his new song, Take It.  Kudos to Essence Magazine on a great cover choice! Thank you.

NCIS Los Angeles airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on CBS.

Source: Essence Magazine, Vevo.com