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BV Buzz wanted to know what things helped the pint-sized R&B vocalist with the super-sized voice feel more comfortable on the road.
The Los Angeles-bred singer, whose current CD 'My Soul' (Stax Records) is in stores now, shared her travel essentials with us.
What items are essential for you to travel with?
I have to have my Sprint Blackberry, my Mac laptop, a brush and a comb, makeup and toiletries, particularly my Bath & Bo
dyworks lotions.What do you do to make the road feel like home?
The things that I need on every trip are my Bible, incense and candles from Bath & Bodyworks. Those are the things that make the road feel like home for me.
Which airports are your favorites to travel through?
The airport in Burbank, Calif. is the easiest for check in! The airports in Amsterdam and JFK in New York have the best shopping while you travel.
What's the one thing you would love to travel with, but can't?
My dogs! I would love to have them on the road with me.
For more information on Leela James, visit her online at www.leelajames.com.
BV Buzz travels the globe covering countless events and conducting interviews in an effort to provide you one of a kind content here at AOL Black Voices. We also wanted to share some items we use to make globetrotting a more manageable experience.
WOWee One: One of my favo
rite things to have on the road is the WOWee One! My PC never gets the kind of sound I'm looking for when listening to music, an online radio show or watching one of my favorite TV shows on my desktop TiVo; however this little device packs a big punch and offers the room-filling sound I desire. The rechargeable speaker/subwoofer combo turns whatever surface you place it on - table, desk, floor, chair, window, book, etc. - into a powerful subwoofer for hours of big sound. Its light and travels well. For details, visit www.woweeone.com.Able Planet Noise-Canceling Headphones: Fly headphones are all the rage, and these red plaid Able Planet ones definitely make a bold statement. Whether
a noisy airplane or Amtrak train, these headphone perfectly cancel out unwanted background noise and allow me to focus on whatever it is I chose to listen to. Able Planet's noise-canceling headphones use the patented LINX Audio. They also have interchangeable ear cups enabling to you to have the final say on design as well as a port for a microphone for gaming or Skyping. The Plaid line provides a full rich sound at safer, lower levels, while still allowing users to enjoy the full audio experience at an affordable price. Additionally, Able Planet donates 10% of each sold pair of plaid and pink noise-canceling headphones to breast cancer initiatives. For more info, visit www.ableplanet.com. Ultimate Ears 700: W
hen I want to be a little more discreet with my headphones, I use my secondary pair, Ultimate Ears 700. These small subtle in-ear headphones are made by Ultimate Ears, industry leading producer of in-ear monitors that are used by 75 perfect of the world's recording artists and professional musicians. The micro-sized earphones feature two high-fidelity speakers for each ear, which offer precise and powerful audio sound. Though small in size, they deliver big, noise-canceling sound. They travel well and have adjustable ear sizes as well. For product info, go to http://ultimateears.com/en-us.Ecogear Messenger Bag: Finding a bag that comfortable to trave
l but simple to use for navigation at the TSA checkpoint in the airport is not easy task. But I've found that in the Ecogear Messenger Bag, which includes a laptop compartment that makes getting your computer out a breeze in security. Additional compartments make it easy to organize your personal items in a way that you can store, separate and quickly get to all the things you need to adhere to TSA security requirements. Environmentally friendly, the bag is made of 1680D ballistic nylon backed with EPO, plus the materials are also free of toxins for safe usage. Learn more at www.ecogear-products.com. Targus Laptop Charger: Nothing worse than losing power on your laptop when you have a lot to do. Whether is writing a story or watching a movie, I like to get optimal battery
use out of my laptop. With the Targus Laptop Charger, I never really have to worry about that anymore. I can stay powered up while on the move because this small device will keep my computer juiced but it fits those airplane power outlets. It is half the size and weight of typical AD/DC chargers and is about the size of a blackberry. As the smallest adapter on the market, this charger is ideal for travel and includes 9 laptop tips, one mini-USB tip for cell phones, cameras or other compatible devices and one iPod/iPhone tip. Easily power or charge a laptop and one additional item such as a Blackberry or iPod at the same time. Get more info at www.targus.com/us.King of Shaves AlphaOil Shaving Oil Cooling: Something about me traveling makes my facial hair grow faster. I'm shaving darn near everyday when I'm o
n the road. And since my skin gets irritated if I'm not using the right products, the King of Shaves AlphaOil Shaving Oil Cooling has been a great asset to me. This natural, plant-based shaving oil does not clog the pores, which prevents me from dealing with problematic ingrown hairs. I typically check luggage, however since it is small - a 15ml bottle - it meets even the strictest TSA carry-on regulations. One bottle will work for about 100 shaves. A rich in soothing mix of aloe vera, tea tree oil, grape seed oil and vitamin E feels good on the skin and really helps to keep that barrier between the skin and the blade for a supremely close shave. The totally clear formula allows men to see exactly where they are shaving - perfect for shaping sideburns, goatees and avoiding problem areas (such as razor burn, razor bumps and irritation). Check it out at www.shave.com/shave.Aroma Home Eye M
ask: I often have issues with my sinuses, which occasionally cause me headaches. The best way to begin the process of soothing my head is by using the Aroma Home Eye Mask. Whether for my headache or when I just need to cool down after an extended amount of time in the heat, I pop the eye mask in the refrigerator and let it get cool, lie back and just let it soothe the strain. The eye masks are filled with pure lavender seeds and come in several colors. The little plastic case it comes in makes it easy to travel as well. For details, check out www.aromahome.com.For related stories, read: 'Caribbean King: Tyler Perry Brings Hollywood Hoopla To The Bahamas'
& 'Razzle Dazzle: Michelle Williams Is London's First Black Roxie Hart.'
BV Buzz Picks
Kirk Franklin's 'The Blueprint: A Plan for Living Above Life's Storms'
Seven-time Grammy-winning gospel superstar Kirk Franklin typically offers his message in the music, but in her latest venture 'The Blueprint: A Place for Living Above Life's Storms' (Gotham, $25.00), Franklin puts pen to paper to offer simple life lessons and practical advice in his latest tome. Sharing personal stories of sexual exploration, family challenges, insecurities and faith challenges, Franklin uses laymen terms to convey messages of hope, encouragement and tools for life in this inspiring read. From our inability to celebrate the "non-sexies" to the importance of our getting rid of the "weeds" in our lives, this New York Times bestselling book is the 'Blueprint' for those seeking spiritual guidance without being beaten over the head with religiosity.
Marley Coffee
I'm not coffee drinker, but my colleague is and he just loved the new Marley Coffee line that we received in flavors named after Bob Marley songs like Jammin Java, Mystic Morning and Lively Up! The coffee line, founded by Marley's son, Rohan and his friend Shane Whittle, is certified organic and the beans are sourced of the highest "Class One Specialty Grade." Each blend of coffee is roasted in small batches and bagged on demand to ensure freshness. Whether you're a coffee connoisseur or just looking for another Marley keepsake, this coffee is a steal at $16.99 a bag.
Chevrolet Traverse
Ranked as the most affordable midsize SUV, the Chevrolet Traverse offers the best value for its class. A family vehicle, the SUV won over a friend from church when I drove it. A wife and mother of two - she has a 14-year-old song and is the mother of a newly born infant - the size, space and multiple compartments impressed her at first glance. Additionally, I allowed her to test drive the vehicle in the church parking lot, further impressing her because of its smooth, sedan-like ride and ample acceleration. The Traverse has a 3.6-liter direct-injection V6, which makes 281 horsepower in LS and LTD models, and an extra 7 horsepower in LTZ models. Fuel performance is 17/24 mpg city/highway in FWD model, while the AWD model nets 16/23. Depending on trim, the price ranges from $29,152 - $39,700.
Bishop Carlton Pearson 'God Is Not a Christian, Nor a Jew, Muslim, Hindu'
Bishop Carlton Pearson takes a revolutionary approach to religion in his new book titled 'God Is Not a Christian, Nor a Jew, Muslim, Hindu...: God Dwells with Us, in Us, Around Us, as Us' (Atria, $25.00). Inspired by Archbishop Desmond Tutu's striking words, 'God is not a Christian,' Pearson, a one renowned pastor and protégé of Oral Roberts has returned with a follow-up to his controversial tome, 'The Gospel of Inclusion.' Though Pearson has been publicly ostracized by many of his former brothers in the gospel and has distanced himself from his Pentecostal roots to embrace the New Thought movement, he is persistent in creating a dialogue about the traditional Christian church as we know it. Whether you believe in his teachings or not, Pearson makes some interesting points and his book, if not for anything else, is a great conversation piece.
Hyundai Genesis Coupe
The sleek 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is a new sports car from Korean automaker Hyundai. It's sexy, trendy and available in six trims (details available on website). I dashed around the Nation's Capital in this head-turning two door and it's perfect for city parking, maneuvering through traffic and commanding attention at the valet. It's a smaller car, but Hyundai designed it with enough space and compartments to make it work. The interior is simple and functional. Fuel consumption is estimated at 21 mpg city, 30 highway with the manual, 20/29 mpg for the automatic. Overall, the vehicle offers great performance value at $22,000.
Puma World Cup Collection
Want to feel like you're a part of the World Cup? Well visit your local Puma stores and shop for the Puma World Cup Collection of socks and underwear. The special collection represent four countries; Italy, South Africa, Ivory Coast and Brazil. Both Puma's line of boxers and socks come in assorted colors to match the regions. Additionally, the line is available in a variety of fabrics and developed to be completely comfortable. I've attached images of the boxers. With a price range of $15 (boxers) and $12 (3-pack of socks), the affordable line is a great value as well. Additionally, Puma has designed Italy's 2010 team uniforms.
Jenny B Clothing
From New York City to Hollywood, T-shirts are a staple. Its no wonder that Jenny B Clothing's message t-shirt, created by Los Angeles fashion designer Jennifer Brawley, is the must-have T-shirt of the season for women. Founded in 2005, the line has folks from singer Christina Milian to Ashlee Simpson to Stephanie Pratt ('The Hills') and former Danity Kane singer D.Woods declaring that they are fans. The line features numerous messages chosen by Brawley. Available nationwide at more than 75 stores, the affordably priced tops are the it-girl's must-have of the season!
The Princess and the Frog DVD/Blu-Ray
Walt Disney Animation Studios presents the musical 'The Princess and The Frog' on DVD and Blu-Ray. Both Disney's first African-American and American princess, 'The Princess and the Frog' is a comedy set in New Orleans. Created by the makers of 'The Little Mermaid' and 'Aladdin,' this story puts a modern twist on a classic tale of a young lady named Tiana, played by 'Dreamgirls' star Anika Noni Rose, a frog prince who desperately wants to be human again, and a fateful kiss that leads them both on a hilarious adventure through the mystical bayous of Louisiana. Must-have for kids and adults can enjoy as well.
Chevrolet Malibu
It was the 2008 Car of the Year and remains of the Chevrolets best sellers. The broad-reaching vehicle offers a superior all-American alternative to the many foreign midsize automobiles that have monopolized the U.S. market for years. The Malibu offers the smooth ride of a higher end sedan, but it's affordable at base point of $22,013, which has earned it the number six ranking against 22 models in its class. It's an extremely safe vehicle, boasting a five stars rating - the highest possible score - in every government crash test. On the inside, the two-tone, dual-cockpit design is hip and modern. Fuel performance estimates range from 17 mpg city/26 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined for the six-cylinder Malibu to 22/32/25 for the four-cylinder/six-speed automatic powertrain. Overall, this vehicle has appeal for the single person, families, college kids and every consumer in between.
David E. Talbert's 'Love in the Nick of Tyme'
TV and film actor Morris Chestnut made his stage debut in David E. Talbert's touring musical 'Love in the Nick of Tyme,' alongside singer Terry Dexter, R&B stud Avant, 'American Idol' finalist Trenyce, 'Jamie Foxx Show' star Ellia English and spoken word artist C.O.C.O. Brown. The love story of a salon owner torn between two men - her on-again, off-again musician boyfriend (Chestnut) and charming UPS worker after her heart (played by newcomer Andre Pitre) - is an emotional rollercoaster set to new music created for the production by R&B songstress Vivian Green Official Site.