The Sophisticate Chronicles

From Everyone here at The Sophisticate Chronicles we wish you. . a very Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!!

I became a fan of Drake's after the release of his first studio album "Thank Me Later" but his sophomore album "Take Care" is the reason why I am now a die hard fan. Each track is proof that Drake gave this album his all. He gives something in this album that no other rapper gives and that is bonafide versatility; he fluctuates from rapping to singing and let me tell you, he does a damn good job at both. Take Care is one of those albums that you are able to listen to from start to finish without skipping a song, and that within itself says a lot. Every last one of his tracks are the bomb, but there are two songs that stood out to me the most. Track #1 "Over My Dead Body" which features Canadian singer-songwriter and pianist Chantal Kreviazuk. In this song, Drake delivers something different and refreshing. Chantal sings the hook and its so catchy, I love it, and her sound is so alluring. Superb choice, perfect collaboration! Track #16  "Pra...

Written By: Paul Carrick Brunson for Essence.com  Today’s post is special. In order to get the most researched answers on “relationship pitfalls,” I went to the authorities in the category: the guys over at 100 Red Flags. 100Redflags.com is a website dedicated to helping women understand the little signals they sometimes unconsciously send to men that turn them off and show incompatibility. What I like about these guys is that they’re not just men speaking from their immediate experiences they’ve actually gone out and extensively surveyed “everyday” men over several years instead of just using a sampling of men like other studies often do. I sat down with the founders Bill and Ryan and asked them about the top relationship pitfalls for women and the responses were fascinating. Ladies, are you ready to hear them? Grab a cup of something good to drink and get your read on! (Taking notes is encouraged.) It might be a red flag to him when you… You Wear Too Much Makeup Doing so i...

We've ALL been waiting and here it is!! Off his new album "Ambition" Wale feat Miguel "Lotus Flower Bomb"!! Enjoy!! @TNBeautyQueen

Here is your Sunday "Dose of Soul"!! Common feat Mary J Blidge "Come Close". One lyrical masterpiece. ENJOY @TNBeautyQueen

1839* "Liberty Party", The first antislavery political party was organized in Warsaw, New York. Samuel Ringgold Ward and Henry Highland Garnet were among the earliest supporters of the new political departure. 1894* A. C.  Richardson patents his Casket-Lowering Device. Patent No. 529,311 1913* The First African American elected to the American College of Surgeons was Dr. Daniel Hale Williams. He was also the first* person to perform open heart surgery. 1940* On this day, the Supreme Court ruled in Hansberry vs. Lee. The ruling stated that whites can't bar African Americans from white neighborhoods. 1951*  Janet Colllins, Ballerina became the first African American dancer to appear with the Metropolitan Opera Company. 1955* Caryn "Whoppi" Goldberg was born on this day in New York, NY 1956* Supreme Court upheld lower court decision which banned segregation on city buses in Montgomery, Alabama. Federal injunctions prohibiting segregation on the buse...

Everybody loves a good slice of Sweet Potato or Pumpkin pie around this year. In honor of Thanksgiving we bring you a combination of these two dessert favorites combined into a delicious casserole. . The Sweet Potato and Pumpkin Casserole Ingredients Casserole* 4 pounds sweet potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 2- to 3-inch pieces 1 can (15 ounces) LIBBY'S® 100% Pure Pumpkin 1/4 cup packed brown sugar 3 tablespoons butter, softened 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 large eggs Topping* 1/3 cup packed brown sugar 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon butter, melted Pinch of salt 1/2 cup chopped pecans Directions Preheat oven to 350° F. Casserole* Place potatoes on microwave-safe plate. Microwave on HIGH (100%) power for 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Cool slightly; place in large bowl. Add pumpkin, sugar, butter, salt and pepper. With potato masher, smash until lumpy (cut any large pieces of skin into smaller pieces). Add eggs; smas...

YES Lawd!! Last week one of my childhood crushes was resurrected!! Even though I was like in the 3 grade. .LoL!! I thought this man was the END and all END of CUTE (Yes I use cute because we weren't using the terms "sexy" and "fine" in the 3rd grade.) And TRUST if you were watching TVOne's "Life After" last week, you saw this man is still THEEBomb.com!! Glory!! Anywhoo. .with a little ode to one of the Sexiest men of R&B here is none other than Christopher Williams "I'm Dreamin" off his second album "Changes". @TNBeautyQueen

For the past 3 weeks everyone has been buzzing and of course enjoying the newest flavor to the Ciroc roster. . PEACH !!  It makes any mixed cocktail a HIT!! In time for the Fall holiday season we bring you the perfect Martini for any night out with friends, mixer, and of course PARTY. . The Ciroc Peach Martini  Ingredients: 1 Peach (Sliced) 2 ounces of Ciroc Peach Vodka (May increase to 3 oz if you desire a stronger drink) 1/2 ounce Peach Schnapps 3/4 Cup of Ice Directions: Place Peach slices on sides of glasses. Place all ingredients in Cocktail shaker. Shake well for about 5-10 seconds.  Pour and Serve. @TNBeautyQueen

For the past few months everyone has been on pins and needles wondering if Evelyn Lozada would follow through and not return for the 4th Season of VH1's "Basketball Wives". Welp. .she is BACK. In conjunction with shooting Season 4 she will be working on a new book series "The Wives Association". .and who did she sign this book series deal with you might ask? None other than Lil Wayne and Baby of Cash Money!! LoL!! Interesting Huh? Yeah. .We thought so too!! Turns out Lil Wayne and Baby are the owners of Cash Money Content (Atria an Imprint of Simon & Schuster). Also there is already talks to turn the series of books into movies. What Evelyn Had to Say: “The stories that you hear, what goes on in these relationships, and just being in that circle I decided to let everyone experience a piece of it for themselves by writing this series of juicy novels. By partnering with Baby and Cash Money Content, we have the potential to turn these "novels...