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The Voice is Back!

The Voice is Back

I don’t know who was more excited that The Voice is back than I was! The Voice premiered Monday night with the original judges: Christina Aguilera, Ceelo Green, Adam Levine and three time champ, Blake Shelton.

Christina and Ceelo left last season to pursue their music and were temporarily substituted with Shakira and Usher. This season, they are back refreshed and ready to win. Christina came back looking stunning, reminiscence of the Genie in a Bottle Christina. Ceelo giving ode to Michael Jackson with an interesting hair cut.

This year looks like it is going to be better than ever. The new contestants came prepared with their A game ready to win!

The standout of the evening was Donna Allen, who’s rendition of You are so Beautiful was clear and strong. The 54 year old had been singing background for Gloria Esteban and decided to let her singing take the back seat to raising her son.

Christina turned her chair with Adam, but Donna picked Team Adam to lead her to becoming the Voice. Nic Hawk came through with his version of Hit Em Up Style by Blu Cantrell. He was animated and fun. The highlight was Nic flirting with Adam, saying ” He might not be able to concentrate with Adam as his mentor”. He chose to become a member of Team Adam.

Former pageant contestant turned pageant coach , Shelbie Z was the first to be on Team Blake, singing Gretchen Wilson’s Here for the Party. The only contestant of the night that Blake secured.

Christina came for the win this year and was ready to get her team together with Matthew Schuler . He was the only 4 chair turn of the night.

Ceelo rounded of the night securing giggly, shy and quirky Caroline Pennell singing Anything Could Happen. Raleigh native Kat Robichaud sung the classic Kiki Dee’s I got the Music in Me which secured her place on Team Ceelo.

Last night was part two of the blind auditions. The judges came focused and kept the audience entertained with the banter. Christina scooped up Jaquie Lee who’s Back to Black by Amy Winehouse was awesome but Ceelo was more mesmerized by her boots, even stopping to take pictures in the mist of judges trying to convince her why she should pick them.

Destinee Quinn, a singer who earned her chops singing in Biker Bars and any where she could also secured a spot on Team Christina.

A standout of the night was not necessarily an contestant but the Grandmother of one. Cole Vosbury’s sung Moving on Up, the theme song for The 70’s sitcom, The Jefferson’s. His song of choice was original but his grandmother stole the show with her sassiness and her claim to be the only woman to turn down Elvis Presley.

Ceelo was the only one to turn his chair around for Cole. Team Ceelo added another to his roster.

Team Blake got Austin Jenckes, whose Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd was the first song he was taught by his father who committed suicide. Blake ended the night with getting Holly Henry, a waitress who had never performed in public, but whose voice was a shoe in to make Team Blake.

EG Daly a voice over actress surprised everyone withe her version of Breathe by Faith Hill. EG has been spending her time voicing some of the biggest childhood shows like Rugrats and was a featured character on Pee wee’s Playhouse. While the other judges were impressed with her past. Team Blake stayed on track and got her to come to their side.

Tessanne Chin came from Jamica to sing Try by Pink. Her powerful vocals left the judges in awe.

I know she is definitely the one to beat this season.

The Voice comes on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Come join me on Twitter @ Angela Yvonne.

Talk with You Soon,

Angela Yvonne

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Review Salsa’s & Beer Mexican Restaurant

Review Salsa's & Beer Mexican Restaurant

I am a fan of international foods. It is just something about the preparation with the herbs and spices that just makes my mouth water and craving more of it. So today was one of those days that I was looking to have something really good to eat. Mexican food is one of my favorite choices, especially if it is close to authentic as possible.

My favorite spot in Fayetteville, North Carolina is Salsa’s and Beer, 519 Grove Street, 910-483-9201. I love this place. For those of you who live in Fayetteville or have been, it use to be a food court and it is located across from Wendy’s and McDonald’s. I tried Salsa’s and Beer for the first time months ago and I was hooked.

When you first come into the restaurant it reminds you of a Cantina, In the middle of the floor they have a salsa bar with different types of fresh salsa for you to try. Our waiter Rigo came to the table with complimentary bean dip and chips. I ordered for my drink, a Tres Generation Margarita with salt. It was so good, with the right amount of tequila.

For the appetizer we ordered the spinach queso . I ask for tortillas because queso in my opinion tastes so much better than with the chips. The queso is made with fresh spinach and you can tell it was made to order.

The entree pictured above was Pollo Loco, A chicken breast with spinach, mushrooms and peppers with queso. On the side was iceburg lettuce with a special dressing, fresh pinto beans with a pico de gallo and spanish rice.

The whole meal was great, fresh and made to order.  The customer service is amazing, The staff is very friendly with the limited English that they speak. The atmosphere is not crowded but comfortable. Hispanic music playing but not too loud where you can’t have a conversation.

My Grade for Salsa’s and Beer: A+

Where is you favorite spot for Mexican food? Tweet me @AngelaYvonne

Adios,

Angela Yvonne

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Dancing With The Stars Premieres with the Perfect Score of 10!

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Monday night was the Premiere Episode of Season 17 Dancing with the Stars. It was amazing! For starters, the concept of the show being a two-nighter during the week has changed. Viewers now have to wait til the following week to get the news of who is staying and who will be dancing down the yellow brick road home! New faces have come to replace vets like Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Anna Trebunskaya .  Real music instead of the cover band singing, as the dancers shake and shimmy was a great surprise.

What looks to be the most well-rounded, amateur dancing cast , everyone brought their “A” game from the beginning.  Brant Daugherty and partner Peta Murgatroyd got the viewers and audience buzzing with the instant flirting and possible showmance.  The standout of the night was Amber Riley known as Mercedes on the hit show Glee. The singer showed that she was more than her incredible voice . Derek Hough was her partner as they did a sassy cha cha leading the night with the best score of three 9’s.

Next was Corbin Bleu, known as Chad in the very successful movie trilogy, High School Musical. As Corbin was introduced , a segment in the movie showed Corbin as Chad saying he does not dance. Last night he DANCED! A beautiful contemporary number with his partner, Karina Smirnoff definitely made him one to watch.

Last but not least, Elizabeth Berkley aka Jessie Spano from Saved By the Bell and Nomi in the cult classic Showgirls proved that she more than the cheesy characters that brought her fame, she was a bonafide dancing queen! Maksim’s little brother Val Chmerkovsky was paired with the graceful dancer in a contemporary number also.

Those three are my predictions of being in the top 3.

Other dancers brought stories of triumphs with them on the show and shocked audience and viewers how well they were as dancers.

Jack Osbourne who is battling MS and the lost of his child , gave a great performance. Remembering Jack from the Reality show , The Osbourne’s on MTV and as Ozzie Osbourne’s son, he has come a very long way. He looked great,healthy and polished. Cheryl Burke, my favorite pro on the show helped usher him into a whole new light. Valerie Harper known as Rhoda and with a career than spanned decades has been diagnosed with a terminal brain cancer at the beginning of the season. The cancer now in remission, gave the actress a new lease on life and surprised many with how light on her feet she really was. Tristan MacManus  partnered with Valerie was welcomed back for his fourth season with the show.

Christina Milian battled  nerves with a cute contemporary dance with her partner, Mark Ballas. I was surprised that she was not in the top as one to watch. I had high expectations, but I think that after this performance she will become a force. Snooki aka Nicole Polizzi has grown up! She is not the Hot Mess she professed to be in her introduction. For a beginner, she definitely held her own with one of the new pro faces, Sasha Farber.

Bill Nye the Science Guy gave a unique performance filled with playing to his strengths. Dancing to “Weird Science” was amusing but the judges were not impressed giving Bill Nye the lowest sore of the night. Bill Engvall, one of the kings of red neck comedy with partner Emma Slater foxtrotted to a score of 18. Although Leah Remini danced her way to a score of 21, her attitude may not be a fan favorite and could possible land her in bottom in weeks to come. And last but not least, Keyshawn Johnson left things to be desired compared to his sports predecessors in other seasons.

Spotted in the crowd: JLo and Casper, the Glee cast, Sharon and Ozzie Osbourne!

Prediction to go Home: Keyshawn Or Bill Nye

Who do you think will win the trophy?

Let Me Know!

Angela Yvonne

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Amazing Hair Product I Found: Dabur Vatika Naturals Black Seed Hair Mask Treatment Cream

Amazing Hair Product I Found: Dabur Vatika Naturals Black Seed Hair Mask Treatment Cream

I have been in the transition phase of growing my hair and becoming chemical free. I am loving all of the trial and errors I am finding to bring my hair back to life. I have been addicted to the hair crack (relaxers) for as long as I can remember. Now that I am on a healthier lifestyle kick, it only made sense to become healthy from head to toe and from inside out!

About a month ago, I was shopping at a Mediterranean Mart and came across this hair product, Dabur Vatika Naturals. I have finally found a product that moisturizes my hair and has brought life to my Sahara desert. Dabur Vatika Naturals has been a saving grace for my Sahara desert on top of my head. They have multiple products for your all hair needs. I have fallen in love with their Black Seed Hair Mask Treatment.

One of the main ingredients for this product is the Black Seed. Nigella Sativa aka black seed has been known for over thousand years for it’s healing properties. Originated from Western Asia but is now cultivated from the Near East to India, the hair mask treatment boasts other ingredients such as amino acids, fatty acids, minerals and carbohydrates . These are main components for protecting, strengthening and help with growing hair.

This hair mask treatment is so easy to use. I just wash my hair, take a scoop of the mask,put it all over my hair , pop a plastic hair cap on and sit under a warm dryer for about 20 minutes. You can also use a hot towel as the label states.

I wash the mask out and my hair feels AMAZING and moisturized. It retailed at $5.99 but I also saw it can be purchased on Ebay and Amazon.

What unique natural products do you use?

Hairs to You,

Angela Yvonne

 

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Farmer’s Market : My Favorite Place to get Veggies

Farmer's Market 3 Farrmer's Market 2 Farmer's Market 4 Farmer's Market(3)I love going to the Farmer’s  Market. Wherever I live, my first assignment is to find where I can get healthy foods. I recently have been trying to eat as fresh as possible to get healthy and to lose a few pounds. Everyone knows the drill , walk the perimeter of the grocery store to eat great! On those aisles,  you will find where the clean eating ingredients are. Apples, Oranges, and Pears, Oh My! There is nothing that tastes better than fresh spinach, kale , collard greens or sweet potatoes.

It costs more to eat healthy than to eat badly ie. Dollar Menus at any drive thru or any weekly special at the favorite pizza place. Eating healthy can break the bank especially if you eat organic. I have the answer to the question of getting on board!

Farmer’s Market are one of the best ways to getting on the healthy train without busting the bank.

My favorite Farmer’s Market is Reilly Road Farmer’s Market  , 445 N. Reilly Road, 910-868-9509.

On any given day you arrive you see rows of fresh vegetables and fruit. For 30 years, this small market has been giving the community varieties of seasonal goodness. Sometimes, if you are lucky, you might get a chance to sample some of their juicy peaches fresh off the truck.  Plump plums, Delicious Apples, Watermelons and the list goes on. Vegetables and Fruits are not the only things found at the market. You can find one of a kind products like seasonings, jams and natural foods made locally or nationally.  One of the major brands carried is the Amish Weddings Food Products. 

Amish Wedding Food Products are all natural food products made in the the Amish Community in Ohio. The name Amish Wedding Food is about traditionally preparing food for an Amish wedding takes about a year to make everything perfect ! I picked up 3 bags of their all natural pastas made from vegetables.

What I would normally spend at my local grocer’s for one bag, I am able to walk with several bags for less that $30 dollars.

Farmer’s markets are best kept secrets  filled with lots of goodies that are organically grown, less pesticides and it just makes you feel good when you bring home your finds.

Where do you discover fresh produce?

Here’s to Great Food

Angela Yvonne

Review on Wasabi Japanese Restaurant

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Today was a great day! We were looking for a quick bite to eat and we stumbled upon Wasabi Japanese Restaurant at 144 Owen Drive, Fayetteville, North Carolina (910)229-3498.

I am a foodie and I am always on the lookout for a great tasting meal! Wasabi Restaurant did not disappoint us. We were greeted by our waitress, Cris who was really cheerful and knowledgeable about the place and food. The special of the day was 20% off of certain appetizers.  I chose one that was not included, the Seafood Dynamite. It had Crab, Octopus, and Shrimp with spicy mayo served baked. It was do delicious. The spicy mayo was not as spicy as I thought, it gave each bite a pleasant surprise. It was fresh tasting and not fishy as you may think. I have never had baked octopus and it made me anxious to try it in other ways.  I give this appetizer : A+

The next dish I tried was a Bento box with Teriyaki Chicken, Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura, California Roll and Fried Rice. The serving size was great, felt like it was customized just for what I would choose if I ate each one separately. The Teriyaki chicken was tossed in a sauce that was not overpowering and felt like more of a compliment versus a coverup. You could tell that it was intentionally made that way. the chicken was cut in bite size pieces and was very fresh and cooked to perfection. I have always been a fan of tempura but never had eggplant, sweet potato fried to a gold color, served with a sweet chili sauce and taste the way it did.( Made me want more vegetables instead of craving more shrimp). Last but not least, the fried rice was a dish that I thought could stand alone. It was fresh tasting, non greasy and you could taste the ingredients which is something I look for when I go out to eat! I give this Lunch: A++++

The atmosphere was really cozy and quaint. Perfect for Happy Hour and Date night.  I give overall an A++++

What new restaurants have you discovered?

Until Next Time,

Angela-Yvonne