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Midweek Moves: Why I’m Checking Out Spot Bistro’s Happy Hour

Sometimes you just need a reason to get dressed, step out, and break up the week with something fun. For me, that reason has a name: Spot Bistro, right on South Halsted in Chicago.

This Wednesday, I’m finally heading over to see what their happy hour is all about. I’ve heard the buzz—good food, strong drinks, and a vibe that feels like Englewood showing up and showing out. The fact that it runs from 5PM to 8PM makes it even better—plenty of time to slide in after work, settle down with a plate, and sip slow.

I’m excited because Spot Bistro isn’t just another restaurant; it’s becoming a neighborhood spot with soul. From the seafood gumbo to the bistro burgers, the menu has something for everybody. And let’s be real: a happy hour that serves more than watered-down cocktails and pretzels? That’s exactly the kind of midweek pick-me-up I need.

So this Wednesday, I’ll be there, checking it out for myself. Will the food hit the way I’ve been told? Will the vibe feel like a little midweek party? I’m betting yes.

If you’ve been, drop a comment and let me know what I should order first. And if you haven’t—why not make Wednesday night a thing? Happy hour at Spot Bistro might just be the new tradition.

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Shannon Beador & Her Dad: Love, Drama, and Life Lessons at 96

When it comes to The Real Housewives of Orange County, no relationship is ever simple — and that includes the ones that happen off the yacht and away from the wine glass. Shannon Storms Beador has given viewers plenty of jaw-dropping moments over the years, but one of the most emotional storylines has always circled back to her relationship with her father, Gene “the Machine” Storms. At 96 years old, Gene is still very much a presence in Shannon’s life, and their bond is a fascinating mix of love, complications, and lessons that keep on teaching.

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A Father Who’s “A Handful”

Shannon has admitted more than once that her dad can be “a handful.” And honestly, isn’t that the understatement of the decade? From showing up on Season 15 with his much younger girlfriend to stealing the spotlight at family events, Gene has always had a way of keeping things unpredictable. While many would cringe, Shannon has often laughed it off and embraced her father’s choices — because at the end of the day, that’s family.

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Divorce, Trauma, and Unspoken History

It hasn’t all been laughs and lighthearted one-liners, though. Shannon’s parents divorced when she was in college, and she’s opened up about the fact that both of them were in unhappy marriages when she was born. That alone sets the stage for a complicated father-daughter dynamic. Add in the whispers about how her dad’s behavior shaped her childhood, and it’s clear that Shannon still carries some emotional baggage tied to her upbringing.

Most recently in Season 19, Episode 11, Tamra Barney stirred the pot (as only Tamra can) by bringing up Shannon’s father’s alleged drinking — something Shannon had shared in confidence. That cut deep. For Shannon, it wasn’t just about gossip; it was about reliving a painful part of her past and feeling like her privacy had been violated for storyline points.

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Celebrating Gene at 96

But here’s the twist — despite the drama, Shannon’s bond with her dad has endured. She’s posted touching tributes to him on social media, celebrating his 96th birthday with warmth and love. It’s proof that no matter how complicated the history, Shannon still honors the man who raised her and remains present in her life.

The Housewives world often thrives on broken friendships and public betrayals, but Shannon’s relationship with her dad shows another side: resilience. Even when secrets get dragged out at a cast dinner, the love between a daughter and her father doesn’t just vanish.

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Final Sip

Shannon and Gene’s story is messy, funny, complicated, and full of heart — just like Shannon herself. From divorce scars to daddy drama to heartfelt birthday posts, their relationship proves that family ties in Orange County can stretch, bend, and sometimes almost break… but they don’t disappear.

And let’s be real: if at 96 years old Gene can still stir up drama on Bravo, maybe he deserves his own orange in the opening credits. 🍊

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Dorothy, Broadway, and The Wiz: Stephanie Mills’ StoryStephanie Mills

Dorothy, Broadway, and The Wiz: Stephanie Mills’ Story

Stephanie Mills is synonymous with The Wiz for many theater fans. She originated the role of Dorothy on Broadway in 1975 when she was just 17 years old. Her performance was praised—and attacked. Some reviewers were cruel, saying she was “too short,” even “ugly,” and that “Judy Garland should come up out of her grave and slap me.” Despite this, The Wiz won Tonys and became a landmark in Black theatre.

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Why She Didn’t Play Dorothy in the Film

In a recent interview on Sway’s Universe, Mills addressed the question many have asked: why didn’t she play Dorothy in the 1978 film version of The Wiz? Her explanation boiled down to politics.

Here are some key points:

• She said at the time, she was “just a young … on Broadway, and I didn’t really have music out at the time.” Meaning, she didn’t have the celebrity/stardom leverage that Diana Ross did.
• Berry Gordy, founder of Motown, initially wanted Mills to get the part. But when Ross asked to play Dorothy, she had enough pull to make it happen. Mills agreed that Ross “got whatever she wanted back then.”
• There was also talk of age — Ross was older than the typical expectancy for Dorothy. Mills was younger and already established in Broadway.

So, the decision was influenced by power, name recognition, and business/work politics in Hollywood and Motown—not necessarily a matter of talent or fit, in Mills’ view.

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“I’m a Fan”: Stephanie Mills’ Respect for Diana Ross

What many people wondered was whether she harbored bitterness. The good news: she made clear that she holds no ill will—and she’s a fan.

• Mills said publicly that she was “a huge fan” of Diana Ross.
• She also expressed that she wasn’t disappointed — partly because she got to work closely with Michael Jackson (who played the Scarecrow in the movie) and because Ross was a major force, which made the movie happen.

So, in her telling, she understands the dynamics and leans more toward gratitude than resentment.

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What It All Means

Reading between the lines, Mills offering this perspective does a few things:

1. Reclaims the narrative: She affirms her role and contribution without undermining Diana Ross’s achievement.
2. Illuminates the often unseen mechanics of show business—how decisions get made more on fame, influence, and perceived marketability than just talent.
3. Shows maturity and grace: Instead of complaining, Mills uses the platform to acknowledge what happened, accept it, and still show love—something fans often admire.

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Final Thoughts

Stephanie Mills’ Broadway Dorothy remains iconic. If the film had cast her, things might have been very different—but the fact that it didn’t doesn’t diminish what she did achieve on stage. Her reflections also remind us of how many talented people get sidestepped by “industry politics,” and how fame and power can shift opportunities.

And at the heart of it: Mills doesn’t resent Ross; she admires her. That speaks volumes about her character, and maybe that’s part of what makes her legacy with The Wiz even more inspiring.

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lDenise Richards vs. Aaron Phypers: The Divorce, the Dogs, and the Drama Nobody Ordered

Denise Richards vs. Aaron Phypers: The Divorce, the Dogs, and the Drama Nobody Ordered

Let’s talk about it, because this divorce is giving soap opera, reality TV, and courtroom drama all rolled into one messy casserole. Denise Richards, our forever “Wild Thing” and Real Housewives alum, just turned her real life into a Bravo storyline that Bravo wishes they still had cameras on.

The Divorce Heard Around Beverly Hills

So, Aaron Phypers—aka “Mr. Energy Healing, Sound Bath, and Questionable Job Titles”—filed for divorce this July, citing “irreconcilable differences.” Translation: he couldn’t handle Denise’s fabulous chaos anymore. Denise said, “Oh really? Hold my rosé,” and slapped him with a restraining order, claiming years of abuse.

Aaron, of course, clapped back saying SHE was the abusive one. Now, I’m not saying this is a he-said-she-said situation, but let’s be real: this is giving us more plot twists than a Tyler Perry series.

When Housewives Become House Raiders

The juiciest part? Denise got a judge to give her the green light to storm the marital home and rescue her… wait for it… 15 dogs. Yes, FIFTEEN. Forget Bravo contracts—those pups are her real ride-or-dies. Picture it: Denise rolling up in full glam, U-Haul in tow, like Cruella De Vil but in reverse—saving dogs instead of stealing them. Aaron was legally ordered to stay 100 yards away, probably burning sage in the driveway while Denise carried out designer couches and chew toys.

And let’s talk about that house. Aaron claimed Denise left it looking like a set from *

RHONY: Cast Shake-Up You Didn’t Know You Needed

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RHONY: Cast Shake-Up You Didn’t Know You Needed

After two rebooted seasons filled with tension, ratings woes, and fireworks that maybe went too far (hello, season-15 drama), RHONY is in transition. The cast is shifting, rumors are swirling, and the women are making exits with receipts. Grab your tea, this is messy.

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Who’s Not Coming Back (And Why It’s Drama City)

Brynn Whitfield

• After seasons 14 & 15, Brynn officially walked away. She cited wanting to step back from reality television “for now.”
• Her exit wasn’t low-key either: the finale of season 15 saw her in a high-stakes conflict with Ubah Hassan — accusations flew about implying Brynn used sex to land her spot on the show, following Brynn’s disclosure of a past sexual assault. Many felt the situation crossed lines.
• Brynn phrased her departure as leaving while the show is chaotic yet meaningful: “fan’s show,” though “temporary custodians,” etc. She’s off for now, but you know that means there might be comebacks in the future.

Rebecca Minkoff

• She lasted just one season in a “friend of” capacity and exited early. Reason? Family, her business, putting her energy elsewhere. Also, she later said the fake pregnancy storyline controversy was a misstep.
• The backlash from that storyline was big, and rumors about it soured her time. So she left with gratitude… and probably relief.

Others on Thin Ice / Not Confirmed

• Rebecca Minkoff and Brynn Whitfield are confirmed as out. Jenna Lyons hasn’t signed on yet. Ubah Hassan and Racquel Chevremont weren’t mentioned in early reports about who gets the call back. Erin Lichy, Sai De Silva, and Jessel Taank are reportedly in.
• The whole show is under review by Bravo. People close to production say they’re “casting new Housewives” and that the current cast (as of end of season 15) may not survive as is.

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Who Might Be Returning

• Erin Lichy, Sai De Silva, Jessel Taank have been reported to be asked back for Season 16.
• Jenna Lyons is in limbo — no confirmation yet.

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Who Might Be Joining (Because You Know Bold Moves)

Rumor mill is working overtime. Possible newbies include:

• Sheinelle Jones (Today show host) – though she’s reportedly denied joining.
• Nicole Daisy Toye – Martha Stewart’s makeup artist.
• June Ambrose – celebrity stylist.
• Erika Faye Jones – real estate developer.
• Sarah Wetenhall – owns The Colony Palm Beach and The Hedges Inn in East Hampton.

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What All That Means (And The Tea)

• Bravo seems to want the chaos with a plan vibe: a few holdovers for familiarity, enough fresh faces for novelty.
• The controversies (fake pregnancy storyline, accusations among cast, etc.) probably made Bravo nervous. They need storylines with gravity but less risk of PR disaster.
• Fans have made it loud and clear: chemistry, authenticity, and respect matter. Forced conflict isn’t cutting it.
• It’s possible the next season (if/when it happens) will try to course-correct: new cast, more moderation, more structure around how sensitive topics are handled.

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So, is RHONY going to bounce back or fizzle out? With so many cast changes, I say: buckle up. This reboot-of-a-reboot might finally find its footing — or give us drama for the ages. Either outcome, I’m watching.

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Wendy Williams Steals the Spotlight at LaQuan Smith — Looking Healthy, Strong & Glamorous

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Wendy Williams Steals the Spotlight at LaQuan Smith — Looking Healthy, Strong & Glamorous

Last night in NYC, Wendy Williams made an unforgettable entrance at LaQuan Smith’s fashion show during New York Fashion Week — and she looked radiant. Amid all the headlines about her health and guardianship, Wendy proved she’s still got it, stepping out confident, glowing, and in great shape.

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A Front-Row Comeback

After appearances at Bach Mai and Dennis Basso’s previews, Wendy was invited to sit front row at LaQuan Smith’s Fall/Winter ’25 show. Dressed by Smith himself, she arrived in one of his bold designs — a black and white fur coat over a sassy set: bra, shorts, and sleek shoes. Her presence was met with cheers; she entered the venue to applause and cameras flashing.

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Style & Confidence

What stood out wasn’t just the outfit — though it was fierce — but the energy. Wendy walked in upright, styled perfectly, hair and makeup on point. Her hair was styled with chestnut tones and black highlights, and her makeup was “beat to perfection,” according to sources. She paired the ensemble with her signature flair — accessories, bold statements, and most importantly, a warm smile.

The look wasn’t just glamorous — it felt like a reclamation.

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Health & Spirit

Amid her ongoing health battles — including a diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia and aphasia — Wendy has been under guardianship since 2022. But last night, she wasn’t defined by what she may or may not be going through. Instead, she was defined by presence, by health, by joy.

When asked how she felt stepping into NYFW, Wendy didn’t hesitate: she said she felt like “a zillion dollars.” It’s more than a quote — it’s a statement. One of pride and self-affirmation.

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Why It Matters

In celebrity culture, public appearances often serve as waypoints in a narrative. For Wendy, this moment at LaQuan Smith is more than just fashion — it’s symbolism:

• Agency: She’s choosing to show up, in style, on her own terms.
• Resilience: Despite struggles, scrutiny, and health obstacles, she’s back in the mix.
• Inspiration: For fans who have watched her career, her personal journey — seeing wellness, strength, and style align again is powerful.

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Final Thoughts

Wendy Williams has always been a showstopper — loud, bold, and unapologetically herself. Last night at LaQuan Smith, she reminded everyone why. Healthy or not, she’s a force of fashion, personality, and courage. If this was a warm-up, she’s setting the stage for a major comeback — not just in style, but in owning her life again.

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Blogging Ain’t Free (But It Sure Feels Like It) – Chapter 1 Sneak Peek

So let me tell y’all something — I didn’t start this whole blogging journey thinking I was gonna be the next Oprah. No, honey. I was just broke and tired. I wanted a side hustle that didn’t cost me a dime. That’s how I ended up on Blogger — because it was free.

At first, I was just ranting. Talking about my ex, my bills, Popeyes running out of spicy chicken when I pulled up — you know, real-life stuff. My sister told me, “You still on that computer? You better fill out a job application.” The shade! But I kept typing.

Then came the drama with Google AdSense. They denied me the first time and had the nerve to call my blog “low quality.” Low quality? Excuse me? I got stories, tea, and opinions for days. But I didn’t quit. I kept writing, found my voice, and before I knew it — one of my posts went viral. Over a million readers.

And baby, after 18 months of grinding, I finally got that first check: $988.21. When it hit on the 21st, I danced around the living room like I had just won the lottery. My family? Messy. My brother wanted fifty dollars, my sister wanted a loan, and Mama wanted curtains. But that check was mine, and it was proof I wasn’t crazy for believing in myself.

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✨ That was just a taste of Chapter 1 of my new series: “Click, Pay, Repeat: How My Blog Turned Pennies Into a Paycheck (and Drama Into Dollars).”

I’ll be posting more chapters here on the blog — filled with gossip, family drama, lessons learned, and the real tea on how a free blog turned into a real side hustle.

👉 If you liked this little sneak peek, stick around — Chapter 2 is coming soon.

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