Essence Music Festival 2011: Celebrities in The Belvedere VIP Lounge

Hello Divas!

The Essence Music Festival attracts lots of celebrities.  Celebrities were there promoting their movies, television shows, and music.  Some celebrities participated in informative panel discussions during the Empowerment Summit at the New Orleans Convention center.  And other celebrities came to the festival to have a good time!  Who would not love good music, awesome food, culture, and education all rolled up into one?

Belvedere was the exclusive spirit sponsor of the 2011 Essence Music Festival and sponsored the uber exclusive VIP Lounge located backstage.  The Lounge had two full service bars, comfy couches, and flat screen TVs so the "VIP" crowd could enjoy the show while sipping a Belvedere Intense cocktail.

I was fortunate enough to have access to this Lounge and I spotted some of my favorite celebrities.  Here are some pics:

Garcelle Beauvais

Boris Kudjoe

Letoya Luckett

Letoya Luckett who is currently starring in HBO's "Treme", participated in the Belvedere Charity Celeb Bartending Challenge with Belvedere Ambassador Bevy Smith.  I follow Bevy Smith on Twitter and she is simply fabulous!  Celebrities participating in this challenge created the official drink of the 2011 Essence Music Festival , "The Belve Peach Essence."  Donations from the challenge go directly to The Red Cross of New Orleans.

I tried "The Belve Peach Essence" cocktail and it is a very fruity and refreshing drink.  It consists of:

1 1/2 oz of Belvedere Intense Vodka
3 oz fresh brewed sweetened iced tea
1 oz peach schnapps, and
1/2 oz lemon juice.

Simply shake the ingredients together and pour over ice!

Believe me when I tell you the Belvedere VIP Lounge was the place to be!  People were enjoying "The Belve Peach Essence," socializing, and meeting and greeting their favorite celebs.  And of course, the celebs were having fun too!  I also spotted:


Ledisi (awesome performer!)

Kem

Hosea Chancez, who was also a Belvedere Celeb bartender during the 2nd night of performances.

Tika Supter another Belvedere Celeb bartender.

Lance Gross and Rosci were Celeb bartenders too!

Good times.  Check back tomorrow to get the scoop on my last day in New Orleans!

Toodles!

Fun Fridays! Celebrity Shoe Closets!

Hello Divas!

Today is GORGEOUS!! Today is Fun Friday so instead of talking about recession proof products lets talk about a topic that is decadent and expensive. We can all dream right? lol! I came across this article, on Trendy Shoes Shop and it features over the top celebrity shoe closets. When I become rich and famous, I am going to have to have a room converted into a closet! Now I know we can not all afford hundreds of Manolos and Louboutins, but we can afford discounted shoes at places like Loehmann's, Zappos, and Nordstroms. Check out the article here. I love it!

Toodles!

Photo Courtesy of InSyle Magazine