Poetic Since '90: Welcome to Nicole's Blog!

Hey guys,

So I know it's been 2 or 3 weeks since my last post, due to being busy and not knowing what to blog about. Until I come up with some more really great blogging topics soon, I am giving you all an exclusive post. This is a countdown that I hosted back in December of 2010, and after it got recorded due to YouTube restrictions and other factors, the anticipated release in January didn't happen. Below is the download link or if you don't want to download it you can just click the open option to view it on Windows Media Player, or whatever video player you use on your computer.I had sooo much fun hosting and I'm excited that I get the chance to share it with ya'll...ENJOY! =)

Part 1 - Hottest R&B, Rap, & Pop Songs of 2010 Countdown

* Part 2 - (The final part is not available for download at this time, but I definitely anticipate its release in the near future.)

NOTE: In case your wondering what the countdown was for, it was for my portfolio and for music lovers every where at the same time.

Just wanted to let everyone know about a new book that I'm looking forward to reading once it is released in a few months. It's titled 'Priceless Inspirations' by Antonia "Toya" Carter, most known as the ex-wife of rapper Lil' Wayne (also the mother of his first child) and star of BET's hit reality television show 'Tiny & Toya'. It seems like Toya has definitely grown more over the past few years. Some highlights include opening her own clothing store in her hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana and getting engaged to successful business man Memphitz. I'm a big fan of Toya because she seems really humble and I love her style.




The new book is not a tell all as many were wishing for. However she is opening up about her childhood (with a mom addicted to drugs, etc), struggles being a single mom, relationship experiences, strength and more. Toya hopes that young girls and women in general can maybe avoid some of the struggles she encountered, and gain inspiration to strive for positivity in their lives from the book. Lil' Wayne also wrote the introduction to the book. The book is set for release on April 15, 2011, just 4 days before the season premiere of her new reality show 'Toya's Family Affair'(a spinoff to 'Tiny & Toya') on April 19, 2011 at 10 PM EST on BET. You can pre-order the book now on Amazon for $8.96: Pre-Order 'Pricessless Inspirations'

So I want to start my year off with a fresh new look. The look I'm going for is a shorter look that resembles two of my favorite celebs, Keri Hilson and Antonia "Toya" Carter. I love both of their hairstyles, but I like Toya's style the most. By the way, I am not ever dying my hair, just focus on the style! Which one do you think I should do?

Keri...









Toya...

This is my first official post of 2011, my beauty must haves, yyyaaayyy! ☺ These are the products I have been using for years, and some consistently for a few months now. I ♥ all of these products, and plan on continuing use of them for years to come. Hey, if something works, keep using it. When it comes to my beauty must haves, I'm not one of the people who has the "if it ain't M.A.C., it's wack" view of things. I don't have anything against top/high end a.k.a expensive lines like M.A.C., Bobbi Brown and Dior. However, although I LLLOOOVVVEEE skin care/beauty products I refuse to pay more for a name when I can get products that are equally as great or better for less.

For example, for one M.A.C. eyshadow it costs $14.50! O_O However the Sedona Lace palettes that I like (check below), you get 88 colors for about $18-$20. There's no way I'm gonna pay that much for one M.A.C. eyeshadow when I can have 88 colors for a few more dollars. Now I have tried M.A.C. products before like the Studio Fix Fluid once, which is great, but I honestly don't see what all the hype is about.

With make-up on a daily basis I just use a little foundation to balance skin tone or cover up small blemishes, basically a light natural look. With eyeshaw I usually use one or two colors to match my outfit or at least blend with it. I use the mascara to help make my eyes pop. I also use lip gloss (my favorite!) for shine. I don't wear heavy make-up on a day to day basis. The only time I use a lot of make-up (full coverage) is maybe for a party, special event, something where I think it's necessary. The liquid eyeliner and eye pencils are things I play around with on days I feel like it. All of the products are very affordable, so check them out if you can. Enjoy!

SKIN CARE

NOTE: How good you look isn't as important as how well you are. At least to me, which is why skin care is my top priority. My skin condition underneath the foundation, eyeshaw, all the make-up is the most imporant. It definitely helps your natural beauty to radiate through. Anyways, my two favorite skin care products are by Neutrogena that I've been using since I was like 15 I believe. I've tried several Neutrogena products before, but these are my favorites. You can't go wrong with Netrogena, their products are always dermatologist reccomended, affordable, suit a variety of skin types, and most importantly deliver results!



* Neutrogena’s Transparent Facial Cleansing Bar For Acne-Prone Skin - $3



Neutrogena’s Deep Clean Invigorating Foaming Scrub - $8

FOUNDATION

NOTE: My first time using Clinique was when I was 18 for my senior prom. The lady who did my make-up used a powder foundation and I brought their Cherry Bomb lip gloss which was great (smell and last). I loved how they had make-up for all skin colors, their make-up was hypoallerginic, natural looking, long lasting, and made my face feel like I wasn't wearing anything. A few years after that I got into make-up a lot more, and switched to liquid foundation, which I prefer.




Clinique Perfectly Real Liquid Make-Up Shade # 48 - $24

EYE SHADOW

Sedona Lace 88 Metal Eyeshadow Palette - 19.95 @ SedonaLace.com (3 picture views)







Sedona Lace 88 Matte Eyeshadow Palette - 18.95 @ SedonaLace.com (3 picture views)










Covergirl Eye Enhancers 4-Kit In Country Woods # 215 - $6



Covergirl Eye Enhancers 4-Kit In Pure Romance # 235 - $6



Covergirl Eye Enhancers 4-Kit In Tropical Fusion # 205 - $6

LIP GLOSS

NOTE: Victoria's Secrete Beauty Rush line of lip gloss is my all-time favorite!!! One tube can last me about 2-3 months, the smell is AAAMMMAAAZZZIIINNNGGG, the shine ans gloss stays put for a long time so you don't have to re-apply it every two seconds, and the tubes don't fall apart. This is definitely worth the money. Lip gloss is my favorite make-up product to buy by the way.



Victoria’s Secret Beauty Rush Lip Gloss - $ 7 Each or 5 for $20



Covergirl Wetslicks Fruit Spritzers Lip Gloss - $6

MASCARA



Maybelline’s The Colossal Volum' Express Mascara - $6

EYE LINER



Maybelline’s Eye Studio™ Lasting Drama™ Gel Eyeliner - $9

EYE PENCIL

Maybelline’s Twin Brow & Eye Pencils In Velvet Black - $5 (3 picture views)







FINGERNAIL POLISH



Wet N Wild Fingernail Polish - Prices Vary

Hey ya'll,

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!! Yeah, I know I'm 15 days late lol, but I was in lazy mode for a while. Now, I'm back. I'm just writing this message to let you guys in on some updates. It's a new year, so that means new changes. As you can see, I already have a new layout. Coming up next are new posts on random products I like, music, writing, videos, and just anything I care to share. What will no longer be featured as blog posts are my interviews or Talent Spotlight. New interview videos will be posted under the 'Interviews' link at the top of the page, so don't look under the 'Labels' link to the right for them.

This blog served as my official website from February 2010 until around October 2010, so that's what the majority of the older posts from 2010 are related to (interviews). My new official website is: The Official Website of Nicole. That website is more professional, this blog is like my playground, where I express myself to give visitors and supporters a more personal look into my world. Ok enough of my rambling, I'm sure you get the picture by now. I have a lot of exciting ideas for the blog, so stay tuned!

Until next time,

Nicole ☺

The lovely and talented singer and actor most know for her 2007 hit 'Promise Ring' Feat. Ciara, and role in Tyler Perry's 2005 movie 'Diary of A Mad Black Woman' is back! Below you can see the video to her new hit single from her upcoming sophmore album (currently untitled) 'I'll Be There'. It's not an identical remake of The Jackson 5 hit that probably was the first to pop into your head, but it most definitely shares the same theme about unconditional love and support through the many highs and lows that may happen in one's life. Tiffany has a winner with this single...

On November 28, 2010, about a weeks ago, Keri Hilson released her 'The Way You F*** Me' video on WorldStarHipHop.com. The single is the 3rd released from her upcoming sophmore album 'No Boys Allowed' (follow-up to her 2009 platinum 'In A Perfect World' debut), scheduled for release on December 21. As soon as the video hit the net, the controversial video was met with shock by bloggers and music fans all over the net. In the video Keri can be seen refering to herself as a "bad b***h", screaming sexually explicit terms (p***y, f**k me, etc), and most suprisingly dressing in underwear and a revealing top dancing in an EXTREMELY sexual way. Most Keri fans and music fans in general were asking "How did Keri go from the classy 'Breaking Point'(first video released from the album) and 'Pretty Girl Rock' videos (second video released for the album) paying homage to women in music such as the Supremes to this?" Many fans claimed she went this route to create a buzz in order to attempt to sell more records. Many people have now labeled her as a "hoe" and "slut" because of the video, some say she lost their respect, and some say they are no longer fans.

Keri's response to the negative views on the video was "It is racy.I can't allow other people or the media to dictate what I can and cannot do," and "I'm talking about one man in a relationship, I'm not talking about being a slut or whore and being paid to do things." Basically she described that it's how women feel, she was being real, and so on. My reaction to the video was shocked, because I never expected a video like this from Keri Hilson. I'll start on a positive note. I will say that Keri is an adult, so she has the right to say and do whatever she wants. It is true that women can relate to the majority of her music. Also, it's not the responsibility of music artists or celebrities in general to be "role models" for the youth.

One thing I disagree with was the way she was dressed half-naked in the video, dancing in a "promiscuous" way, and being sexually explicit with the song lyrics. Keri also refered to the video as "art," but it was definitely not to me, more like "trashy". I also disagree with some of the people commenting on YouTube, blogs, and other sites saying that video and the song was "sexy". A true definition of a sexy but classy video and song would be 'Unthinkable' by Alicia Keys, 'What's My Name?" by Rihanna Feat. Drake, 'Video Phone' by Beyonce Feat. Lady Gaga, and YES even the 'Single' video by Lil' Wayne. If you are a grown you clearly know what the artists are talking about, however the videos and songs are not outrageously explicit like 'The Way You F**k Me' is. The artists and others in the videos are respectably clothed, and the lyrics are clean (well Weezy drops the F bomb several times, but you can't compare the song or videos to Keri's).

Keri could have expressed herself in a more subtle and respectful way that didn't take away from her class. Being half-naked or practically naked in a music video, save it for your bf or husband. Using sexually explicit language telling everything you like to do or have done to you, save if for your bf or husband. All the overally sexual not "sexy" dancing (that was more like movement to be honest), save it for your bf or husband. There is no need to broadcast it to the world trying to claim it as art as a music artist or as a women period. Some have said that it's a double standard, and rappers talk the same way in their videos and are not criticized. First of all they are criticized for "demeaning" and having half-naked video models in their videos sometimes. Secondly, rappers don't dress half-naked in their videos, so that's probably why they aren't called "hoes" and "sluts", only the girls in the videos " video hoes". Many of them do glorify sleeping with multiple women, and I have heard many people (males and females) say negative things about it.

When you look at some of the most famous, and successful business women in our country and even the world like Oprah, Tyra Banks, Raven Symone, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, they all have class. You can't google their name to see them in too many scandals, half-naked music videos, pictures, or other things. You don't have to do those things to be successful, and should maintain a level of privacy. Most people's parents would be disgraced if they saw their daughter, no matter what age, in a video dressing and acting like that. I would never do something like that out of self-respect, and respect for my family. Also, it's one thing to be a certain way behind closed doors, but the public doesn't need to hear or see all your business.

- Nicole

The video...



Her response...




'Breaking Point' Video:



'Pretty Girl Rock' Video:

1. What were your inspirations to pursue modeling?

- Well there are a few reasons for me wanting to pursue modeling. The main reason is that I grew up with low self esteem, I was always called “fat and ugly” I never had a voice or someone to say that “you are beautiful”. As I grew older I realized that a lot of young girls looked up to me. Also, I have always loved fashion and getting glamorous and easily got the title “DIVA”. So I began looking into fashion shows, contacting photographers, and basically just learning the business.

2. When did you start modeling?

- I have been modeling for almost 3 years now.

3. Who are some of your favorite models and famous women in general that you think really give a good representation of plus-sized models or plus-sized women in general?

- I admire so many women I have a very long list. I love Monique, Queen Latifah, Toccara Jones, Kelly Price, Jill Scott, Chenese Lewis, Mia Amber, Mia Tyler. Every woman I listed is curvy, has lots of class, and has conquered it all. From movies to TV shows, to ripping the runway. I love all of these women.

4. What do you like best and least about modeling?
- I love the fact that you can become someone else in photos, I love the clicking of the camera, I love the runway, I love meeting new people, I love seeing the creative eye of the designer/make up artist, I love when other females say “Girl you representing for US plus size women) I feel so appreciated, I can say there is nothing else like it.

The lease thing about modeling would be other models and them trying to compete with you. It’s mainly like nobody is really happy for you and I feel like we should be happy and support each other. I understand that you may be up against your best friend for a gig but I just feel like what God has for me it’s for me. That’s mainly what just bothers me about modeling.


5. What has been the most challenging aspect of being a plus-sized model? In general?

- The most challenging thing for me was that I didn’t know what type of modeling I really wanted to be in. I was confused if I wanted to cater more to the urban market or stick with fashion, etc. Lately I have been getting a lot of love from the urban market but my heart is runway, commercial work, print work, etc. So that is challenging to me b/c I know where my heart is so do I get the exposure I want or wait my time for the fashion assignments.

6. How do you feel about the media and society not really representing or accepting plus-sized models on a wide scale (TV shows, magazines, runways, etc)?

- I think now that the media is finally accepting us. I know some people have made comments about US Plus models on the runway saying we are a joke etc, but I know a lot of plus models that can out walk any slim model. As a plus model we do have more to prove but in my eyes I don’t mind fighting a little harder.

7. All models go through criticism, sometimes positive and sometimes negative. Some are labeled too skinny, too overweight, alcoholics, drug abusers, untalented, promiscuous, attractive, unattractive, and the list goes on. How do you maintain your strengths despite the negativity?

- I have to say I pray every day for my strength. This is a very hard market and people will have their opinion about you from how you look, dress, and even act. I just try and make myself happy but over all I have been receiving a good response and I feel I am on the right path.

8. What has been your biggest accomplishment so far in modeling?

- I am so proud to say that I did an album cover for a rock band “Turbo Fruit” that was almost a year ago. I have had like 10 features back to back, and also, I just had a journalist follow me for a day and she will be writing a story up about me.



9. What path are you aiming towards with your career (music videos, print, runway, etc)?

- I mainly want to encourage women all over. I want to be a published model, print work, commercial, runway, beauty and glamour model.

10. If you could be featured on the cover or have a multi-paged spread inside any 2 or 3 magazines of your choice, which ones would they be and why?

- I would love to have a spread/feature in Plus Model Magazine, Essence, and Ebony.


11. Any embarrassing or funny stories you have experienced while modeling (photo shoot, etc)?

- YES, this summer I was at a video shoot for a specific rap artist and it was the last scene, it was late and everybody was tired. Well there was a model there and she fell down some steps. It was just really quiet and all of a sudden a huge BOOM!! She got up and kept working. She was a good sport about it. I probably would have cried, but she stayed strong and smiled and was ready to keep working.

12. What is your ultimate goal for your modeling career?

- My goal is to become a published model, I want features everywhere. I want to hit runways for Monif C, Evans Clothing, One Stop Plus, to be a well known successful Video Model, Cover Girl spokesperson, and open a Plus Size Boutique. Honestly I can say the sky is the limit in my book.



13. How do you feel about people with negative perceptions on models in general?

- I try not to focus on anything negative, I may read a comment about a model, and just keep it moving.

14. What advice would you give to young women who want to pursue modeling or are just beginning?

- I would say build a portfolio, do your research google anything you want to know. Just because you are pretty doesn’t mean you have potential to become a model. Learn your angles for poses, network with photographers, designers, etc. Also to have a great attitude!!

15. What are some of your talents and hobbies?

- My hobbies are that I enjoy reading, writing, shopping, I like to play cards, and just relax.

16. What are some of your upcoming projects?

- Right now I am working on a glamour calendar, I am in the works meeting with different agencies. I have 3 that I am looking into. There are a few things right now I am working on but everything is not finalized so I can’t disclose very much information. I just spoke with a representative from Ashley Stewarts and I am hoping for something big to come out of that. Since I am freelance it’s harder to book jobs with these big companies, but I believe in due time some great things will come.

Be sure to follow Kimmi on Twitter!!!

Hey everyone,

Thanks for checking out my blog! For those of you who logged onto my official website Nicolepoetry.net you see that my official website and blog are now different sites. This blog was previous my official website/blog, and the transition occured about 2 or 3 weeks ago. This blog is still under construction, as far as developing a new blog title, tagline, creating new features, along with other things. The blog will still feature my past and future interviews, but the posts for the blog will be on things unrelated to my work (check out my official website for that info) including: music, books, fashion, movies, celebrity gossip, electronics, and basically anything that interests me. Hope you all enjoy the new official website and blog, and please check back often for new content and updates. =)

- xoxoxo Nicole xoxoxo

Nicolepoetry.net had the opportunity to interview model/host/actress Christa Elise Graziano, who was born and raised in Fort Myers, Florida. Many people may mostly recognize this multi-talented beauty from music videos such as 'Money To Blow' by Birdman Feat. Drake and Lil' Wayne and 'Bedrock' by Young Money (Lil' Wayne, Drake, Nicki Minaj, Gudda Gudda, Tyga, Jae Millz, and Lloyd). However, you cannot solely define Christa as a "video vixen". Her accomplishments definitely place her above the label.

When she's not shooting a video with some of the music industry's top male artists like Lil' Wayne, Birdman, Young Money, Ace Hood, DJ Khaled, and Rick Ross-Christa still shines. She is constantly pursing her dreams. A few of her accomplishments from her extensive resume include: runway modeling in the June 2009 Ed Hard Fashion Show, hosting events such as the 2010 Miami premiere of box office hit movie 'Lottery Ticket', being a correspondant for several Scoop The Magazine events such as 'Best of the Best 2010' with attendees like Rick Ross, P. Diddy, Busta Rhymes, Gucci Mane, DJ Khaled, and being featured in top Ethnic magazines such as Jet and Sophisticate's Black Hair.

In this interview Christa discusses how she got her start in the modeling game, her experiences on music video sets with Young Money and other artists, advice for young women trying to succeed in the industry, her most memorable and fun hosting and promotional modeling events, as well as her role in the upcoming 2011 movie 'Magic City' directed by Malcolm Jones, and more.

Be sure to add Christa on Facebook:

Christa On Facebook

Follow her on Twitter at:

Christa On Twitter