New Music: Alicia Keys

Alicia @ Fashion Week NY

I've been a fan of Alicia Keys since her first album "Songs In A Minor" in 2001. In less then 10 years she has won more than 80 awards from organizations that have applauded her for her musical talents. Since her last release 2 years ago, she's been focusing on Keep A Child Alive, a non-profit organization she co-founded and serves as the Global Ambassador for. I applaud Alicia for using her voice and star power to help children with HIV in Africa and India. To make a donation or to find out how you can help Click Here.

Recently, I found out and was glad to hear Alicia is back in the studio finishing up her new album scheduled for a November release. Just yesterday she released her new single "Doesn't Mean Anything" that will be available on Itunes 9.22.09. You can check it out here:

Haute.lanta Fashion Week Sep 17-20

As New York is wrapping up there fashion week, Atlanta is kicking off the highly anticipated Haute.Lanta Fashion week featuring designers from the emerging fashion scene here in Atlanta and around the world. For tickets visit http://www.shop.hautelantafashionweek.com/

Full Event Schedule Here:

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2009: Couture Connoisseur
Come and Enjoy an Interesting Concoction of High-End RTW, Haute Couture & Avant-Garde Collections. An Infusion of International Mens and Womenswear Designers Representing Various Countries. Check out the Fashion de Arte Exhibits by Helen Gerro, Aakofii, All Earz Jewelry, Mel Boteri and More! See Fashion Art Courtesy of Emerging Art Scene at The Stacks!

Location: DEFOOR CENTRE, 1710 Defoor Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30318.
Time: Red Carpet Begins @ 7pm. Shows: 8pm-10pm.

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 2009: Objet de'art
Independent, and Emerging Designers will Offer a Glimpse into the Latest Fashion Trends. Check out the Fashion de Arte Exhibits by Aakofii, All Earz Jewelry, Mel Boteri and More! See Fashion Art Courtesy of Emerging Art Scene at The Stacks!

Location: DEFOOR CENTRE, 1710 Defoor Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30318.
Time: Red Carpet Begins @ 8pm. Shows: 9pm-11pm.
TWO HAUTE AFTERPARTIES: Vice Nightclub: 255 Trinity Avenue SW, Atlanta, Ga 30303 or Party at Aja Restaurant & Bar: 3500 Lenox Road, Suite 100 (The Alliance Center), Atlanta, GA 30326

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 19, 2009: The Eco-Chic Style Suite & Tres' Chic
(DAY TIME EVENT: FREE ADMISSION) Presented by Actress Kaira Akita, A Clothes Encounter, & Lamik Beauty! Preview Luxe Consignment Fashion from Top Brands and Designers on Sale October 2009. Indulge in Complimentary Eco-Chic Beauty Makeovers from Lamik and be one of the First to Experience the Ultra-Posh Cowboys & Poodles, the Only Fashion Lounge Concept in the Southeast!

Location: COWBOYS AND POODLES FASHION LOUNGE. 275 PETERS STREET, ATLANTA, GA.
TIME: 1pm-3pm (THIS IS A DAYTIME EVENT: FREE ADMISSION)

SATURDAY EVENING EVENT:
Tres'Chic: Showcasing Urban Chic Collections: Hosted by Bre Duval Featuring Haute Performances by20Rock City! Check out the "Sneaker Wars" Exhibit sponsored by Fever Shoes, Michael Jackson Tribute, Special Performance by Celebrity Choreographer Sean Bankhead, & More! See Fashion Art Courtesy of Emerging Art Scene at The Stacks!

Location: DEFOOR CENTRE, 1710 Defoor Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30318.
Time: Red Carpet Begins @ 8pm. Shows: 9pm-11pm.
AFTERPARTY: Luckie Lounge: 375 Luckie Street, Atlanta, GA 30313

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 20, 2009: Fabri'k
The Fashion Week Closing Presentation will conclude the week's events with a chic ALL WHITE FASHION PARTY and "Swim Kulture" Runway Show Atop the Luxurious Boutique Hotel Palomar.

Location: Tentaively-HOTEL PALOMAR: ROOFTOP, 866 West Peachtree Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30308
TIME: Finale Begins @ 7pm. Party until 1am. (Enter through Pucci Restaurant, Follow Staircase)

DISCLAIMER: SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. PLEASE CHECK THIS SITE REGULARLY FOR UPDATES!

I will post photos from some of the events.

They Really Exist... Housewives In Atlanta

Although I love the drama that is “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” they are giving a new meaning to Atlanta wives, so I wanted to remind everyone they really do have drama free and successful housewives in Atlanta.

                                  Natalie & Derrick Alexander

Meet Natalie Michon Alexander, she is a restaurateur of a St. Louis style Smoked Meats & Seafood Restaurant in Atlanta, Michons. Guess what? She’s a housewife. Natalie has been married to her husband Derrick for 1 & ½ years now and together they have 2 children Carrington Alexander (1 yr Old) & Carson Alexander (3 mos) and she has 6 Step children: Christen (19), Derrick Jr. (16), Tori & Dedrick (14), Devin (12), & Kennedy (6).

Recently I caught up with Natalie to ask her a few questions about life as a married and busy woman and what she thinks about the ladies on RHOA. Here is what she had to say:

NUAL: How do you balance work/parent/spouse relationships and time?
Natalie: Very Delicately! I Am Specific With Work Time And Family Time. I Try Not To Intermingle Them. I Get Up Early While The Kids Are Sleep And Complete Any Work Task That I Am Able To Do At Home -Such As Pay Bills, Make Phone Calls And Email, Etc... I Am Usually Home At A Decent Time To Cook. I Take An Hour Out To Myself In The Evenings For A Little R And R Or Read A Book. After Playing With The Kids For A Little While I Spend Time With My Husband... We May Sit In The Theater And Watch A Movie.

NUAL: What can you do to be a better housewife?
Natalie: There Is Always Something I Could Do Better... Let Me Pick One! I Would Say Be Able To Do The Laundry Myself... I Am Always Missing Clothes! (Teenagers!)

NUAL: What word of advice can you share with other married or engaged couples?
Natalie: Do Not Fight Over Money... Either You Have It Or You Don't

NUAL: Who is your favorite Housewife from the Bravo Housewives Series & Why?
Natalie: I Am A Cross Between Ne Ne And Lisa. Ne Ne's Is Always Consistent. Lisa Is Like Me... Not Into Too Much Drama And Always Smiling. But She Will Get Down To Business When Necessary!

For more info on Natalie’s restaurant visit http://www.michons.com/ and you can follow them on twitter at www.twitter.com/michons

Polished vs. Faux Polish

Although I wore acrylic tips religiously during my high school days, it was never really my thing. The chemicals in the acrylic would dry the skin on my hands and would cause a lot of pain on my thumbs where my skin would peel back. The things we do for beauty and for men “sigh.”

Under “coercion” of my man, a few times last year I decided to try acrylic over my natural nails, with a promise from him of course, to maintain the up keep. No problem at first, but since my nail bed is a little curved the acrylic would always lift around the tip area and I would have all type of debris in between my nail and the acrylic. Boy did that drive me crazy. Eventually, I got frustrated and stopped getting them done even though I liked the look of my French manicured tips.

Ever since I was a little girl I’ve always enjoyed a good manicure. I recall times when my mom would let me get a manicure when she would go, and I wouldn’t touch anything for hours but somehow I would always mess my nails up. Get this, I still do (giggles). Sometimes my grandmother would give me an at home manicure and polish in exchange for me polishing her toes; those were the good old days.

As of late, one of my pet peeves with manicures is that, I really don’t like bold nail colors on my hands. But I feel slighted if I opp for no color at the salon and still have to pay regular price. Often times I pick some sort of shear tone because after a few days it always starts to chip off anyway. Personally I would rather no pilish because I hate to see women with chipped nail polish on. After spending $10- $15 I expect longer wear out of my polish but to no avail, even with the best of top coats polish always wears off my hands really fast.

Now there’s a innovative nail remedy called Minx on the scene, an expensive one might I add. Minx nails are metallic or print nail stickers that are professionally applied to give your nails some serious wow factor. I love all of the design options like there metallic/mirror shades, animal prints, plaids, and other graphic prints that all come in a chip resistant shiny finish.

After doing some research, aside from the visual appeal, I discovered the true benefits of this pricey Minx manicure. Firstly, it's Chip free for up to 10 days (OMG enough for me), secondly there is zero drying time which for someone like me who always have a nail ding that is perfect, and lastly the procedure incorporates a full manicure as you would receive normally. Now for the bad news I called around to get some pricing and here is what I found: $45 for a manicure and $65 for a pedicure. Maybe for some of you that’s a drop in the bucket but for a gal like me that’s a tank of gas, some pull ups for my son, a few groceries and maybe a top from Forever 21.

So although I’m tempted, I’m on the fence at the same time. I’ll keep you posted if I decide to try them out. Here a few pictures of the very Popular Minx nail design that you will start to see more of and hear about.

If your in the Atlanta area I know they offer Minx at Shine Salon & Spa and The Glam Bar Salon both on Peters Street in the Castleberry Hill district and  Polished Beauty Lounge in Vinings. For more locations or info visit Minx Nails.

Photo credits: Minxnail.com, BeautyOrBust.net, Glamnetwork, Urbanhoopla and Nail Magazine

Who is Peeking in Your Window?

Not to long ago, I posted a statement on my twitter that stated “I wouldn’t wish fame on anyone I love.” Many people might not agree with that comment because fame is associated with wealth and popularity. What is also associated with but overlooked is the lack of privacy and scrutiny from any and everybody. I’m sorry but fame is not worth my peace of mind. No one deserves to be treated and poked at like a caged animal, but that’s how we often treat celebrities that share there talents with us that we claim to love.

Knowing that it still amazes me that people still thirst for that level of stardom knowing that one day they may be under the same microscope that stars like Rhianna, Chirs Brown, Serena Williams, Kanye West, Micheal Jackson, Lauren Hill, and Whitney Houston have been under. Can you imagine a day under that type of microscope? Can you imagine the mindset you would need to be able to cope with that everyday?

I mean even when it comes down to the President, everything he says or does is magnified. Yesterday an off the record statement made national headlines. People speculate about the body language of their kids and even his own wife Michelle Obama towards her husband. What she chooses to wear, or what they eat is not relevant to their job performance.

Halle Berry @ the zoo with her daughter & mom

The same goes for celebrities what they do in there personal time at some point should be respected and kept private. If some of your bosses see how you act on the weekend or around our friends and family a lot of people would be out of a job. But it’s not about your personal life its about your performance during work hours. Celebrities and Politicians deserve days off to, even though they choose that life. No one can be on 24 hrs, 7 days a week and not screw up something, right?  So I think we should try to at least keep that into perspective the next time we go to point the finger. Point it back at yourself first, you've probably done something just as bad or maybe even worse.

Amy Winehouse

At any rate I do understand this is a blog, I do have an opinion and I will re-act to something’s these stars do. But I am going to whole heartedly try not to be another negative, finger pointing person on my blog. I will be opinionated and share my views, but I don’t want to cause hurt with my words or interpretation of anyone else’s situation or be the source of there pain.

Bricks Are Built To Last

As many of you know I’m from Newark popularly referred to as "the bricks" or "brick city." The one thing I can agree with is Whitney’s comment on Oprah today “You can’t hold a Newark girl down,” I can honestly attest to that. It’s something about growing up in that city that makes you so strong- a strength that you don’t know you embody until certain situations. Sort of like the bricks the city is known for, they couldn't knock or keep Ms. Houston down.

Whitney @2009 Grammys

I am very proud of Whitney, and I empathize with her and other celebrities like Micheal Jackson, Britney Spears, and Lauren Hill who have been put under major scrutiny for decisions that they have made at the peak of their careers. In her case she was put into a box that she was not comfortable with, and when she started to do what made her happy, she received a lot of backlash from the media and the very people she loved. This interview was very candid, genuine and insightful. I am very thankful to Oprah, who asked very touchy questions, yet Whitney was able to walk away with her dignity.

Some parts will make you laugh; some will make you shake your head, but most importantly you will have clarity on what has been taking place over the past decade of Whitney Houston’s life. I love her that much more after knowing how she emerged out of such turmoil, looking better than ever with a bright future ahead of her. Shout out to her mother, Ms. Cicely for showing up with the sheriff to get her daughter away from her addiction: Bobby brown.

If you missed Whitney on Oprah you can check it out here.


 
Your never to old for your mother to whip you into shape, they only want the best for their children.

Watch Part 2 of this interview and her performance om Oprah.



Photo Source: CBS Network  Video Source: World Star Hip Hop via Rap Radar

Special Delivery

For months I sent out resumes, writing samples, proposals and so much more. I got some feedback but to be honest I was hoping for more. It’s a heavy burden to carry when you have a child relying on you to provide for, a man who is expecting you to be the woman he knows you can be, or being that daughter your parents can be proud of. I’ve heard men say they have the weight of the world on their shoulders, but let me tell you that is an extremely heavy feeling. Things are getting a little better each day, I just have to keep fighting.

After countless hours of deliberation, I finally decided to birth my own blog, so I can be transparent about some of my experiences as well as the things that go on around us all. Writing is actually therapeutic for me, believe it or not. Let’s be honest running a business and a household is not always peaches and cream and sometimes you need a sounding board or simply a place to drift off.

It’s my goal to deliver rich content through interviews and articles that can not only help you through the good times but can comfort you during the bad times. It will definitely be a mixture of all of the things that I like, so you never know what you’re going to get. Some post will be entertaining and some will be valuable tools or insight you can use in your own life. I’m creating my own circumstances now; I’ve wasted too much time on the later. I hope you enjoy what I deliver; suggestions are welcome and please leave comments on the post.

One last thing, I was not an english major in college, but I've always been a creative writer so please don't point out my typos :-) under my post send me a private message.

Thank You and Enjoy!

You Can't Hold A Good Woman Down

Fresh off the news of Janet Jackson's recent breakup with longtime boyfriend Jermaine Dupri and the death of her brother, she had an amazing performance at the VMA's. Janet has definitely kicked things into high gear as if she had much to prove for MJ's memory as for her own sake. The only thing she hasn't done is cut or dye her hair, something most women do after a serious breakup. What she has done is release some new music to let us know that "Ms. Jackson" if your nasty is back. You can take a Listen to Janet Jackson's New Single Shared via AddThis and tell me what you think.

Personally I'm happy that she is picking up the pieces and I look forward to more great music from her. I would love to hear what you think about her new music, and If you think she is on track for a strong comeback?

Free Healthcare & Lethal Hot Wings

For as long as I can remember, taxpayers have complained about footing the bill to house inmates in our failing criminal justice system. However, a group of inmates in Florida's Hillsborough County Jail, are footing there own bill from making and selling their own line of hot sauce called JailHouseFire. JailHouseFire hot sauce comes in three flavors: Original, Smoke and No Escape. Handmade by inmates at the minimum-security jail from peppers grown on prison grounds.

Rather than glossing over the product's roots, the prisoners' marketing of the sauce makes the most of its origins, with slogans like "So Lethal" and "Murder on Taste Bud,” I can honestly taste the heat as I’m typing. The prices are slightly higher than the sauce found on your grocery isle, $7 per 5-ounce bottle or $3 for a 1.5-ounce bottle. The sauces are currently available only online; all proceeds support inmate programs.

When I came across this story I was really amazed at this opportunity that’s afforded to inmates. They attend college for free, get free healthcare, free room and board, 3 meals a day and now they can own businesses. For a moment I was feeling like the outsiders are getting the short end of the wing tip, but I much rather my freedom. Never less this is a beneficial pastime for the inmates but somehow I feel slighted as a taxpayer. Checkout www.jailhousefire.org for more info.

VMA Fashions..The Bad & The Ugly

MTV always bring about plethora of characters at there award shows and tonight was no different. The most popular color of the night was black, half of the attendees looked as though they were going to a memorial service or a vampire roundup. (that actually took place during the show) Being that it was NY fashion week this week, I was expecting some hot and original fashions, but to my surprise the stylist and celebrities either took the runway inspiration to far or they didn't take notice at all.

I'm sure you will see all of the fabulous people on some other sites but I want to highlight who needed to "Try Again"

(From top to bottom Singer Adrienne Bailon- Cheetah Girls, DJ Cassidy, Singer/Model- Cassie, Hip Hop artist-Kid Sister and Reggae Artist- Sean Paul)

These were just a few of my picks for worst dressed, to be honest there was to many to post. My biggest dissapointment of the night was Amber Rose and Kanye West- we've already seen her wear a catsuit a number of times I was expecting her to really bring it on the red carpet. Maybe my hopes were up to high- Oh well, she probally won't be on to many more red carpets with Kanye due to his behavior tonight.

 You can check out the full gallery of red carpet and other VMA pictures @ http://www.mtv.com/

Image source Mtv.com

VMA's....Blood, Guts, and Pantyhose Oh My

The 2009 VMA awards will go down in history, not for the fabulous MJ tribute by the amazing Janet Jackson, but for all of the foolishness that took place after it.

The show opened with an awesome MJ tribute if you missed it chek it out here:

MTV Shows

The foolishness quickly started with Kanye and his outburst during Taylor Swifts acceptance speech. If you missed it check it out here:



Beyonce brought the excitement back to the show with her set. I loved the performance but I truly hope this was the retirement of the "Single Lady" performance live. I love you Bey- you worked that stage I'm just ready for something fresh and new from you. Check it out here if you missed it:

Beyoncé - New Music - More Music Videos

Lady GaGa on the other hand choose some interesting wardrobe choices during the evening, she always pushes the envelope, but the ending of her performance surprised me much more. She ended her performance mimicking a suicide hanging that was rather bloody and Phantom of The Opera-ish. I didn't get it, but a lot of her twitter fans seemed to find this appropriate for her character. Pink also had a questionable performance, it was more like a scene from Circ De Soleil, her vocals were great yet her wardrobe choice and performance left me scratching my head. Check out mtv.com for videos of their performances.

Finally the late arriving JayZ and songstress Alicia Keys brought the show to a close with "Empire State of Mind." They did an amazing job it was my favorite performance of the night.

Jay-Z - New Music - More Music Videos

Video Source Mtv.com & RapRadar.com

They Got a B+ All By Their-self

This weekend I went to see Tyler Perry’s newest theatre presentation, I Can Do Bad All By Myself. Staring Oscar Nominated actress Taraji Henson, Mary J Blige, Adam Rodriguez (CSI), Brian White, Gladys Knight, Marvin Wynans and Tyler Perry as Madea. I’ve been a fan of Tyler’s productions since his stage play days and once again he delivered a feel good movie with controversy, adversity, comedy and spirituality.

Though there were certain parts of the movie that was far fetch such as the over selfish character Taraji played who let a complete stranger move into her basement that she later-quickly married and her mother who was found dead on a bus with out any identification on her way to work, the movie was entertaining.

I was slightly distracted by the obvious less than realistic set partially because I pay attention to scenery details. I also had foresight that most of the production was filmed at Tyler Perry studios. For example Taraji’s brownstone like home was right across the street from mini-mega church and her job was in walking distance of her house. There were always a lot of people in the background scenes in this close knit very colorful community, that at times seemed a bit overstaged. Nerveless the message still came across, I laughed, I praised God and was impressed with most of the makeup, hair and wardrobe styling. I'll admit, they made me want to go get some lashes- and I don't do lashes.

The makeup was good on Taraji and Mary, but for some reason Gladys Knights lip color was the wrong shade and rather sticky in a few scenes. Taraji played a struggling night club singer but her wardrobe and hair reflected that of a more established artist, she was fly to say the least.

Mary J Blige’s character who was also a bartender and singer in the same nightclub was adorned in some beautiful colorful, fun shaped dresses. Her hair was darker and more mature than we are use to Mary rocking, but she still had that "round the way girl" flavor that we love Mary for.

After the climax of the movie things moved along very fast- a little to fast in some areas and slower in areas not needed. You will definitely leave with a smile on your face and anticipating to see what Perry will bring in his next film, Precious, that has a more serious tone. You can say what you want about TP but he has a winning formula that is working very well for him. He always feature local talent from Atlanta, introduces fresh faces and stars highly respectable African American entertainers that you are happy to see on the big screen. I give this movie B+.

Photo source Icandobadmovie.com

Finally- My First Long Sentence

It took almost 28 years but I'm just accepting that I'm not your average lady. I mean I always knew it but I was fighting it for so long. I was never the popular girl, always her friend; I was never the best dressed, even though they liked what I wore; I wasn't the best looking, but I'm cute and they look; I wasn't the girly girl, yet I love pink and red; Sometimes I wear my hair natural, some time I use chemicals; I've worn weaves and wigs but this year I'm embracing my tresses; I don’t have an MBA but I'm going back to finish up my degree; I had a baby out of wedlock, yes were getting married soon; I went to catholic school even though I've always been a Christian; I've been the source of inspiration for many things, don’t know if they will ever tell;

(Giving you  a break--okay)

I love to write, yet I suck at editing; I like to design, though I would never do it full time; I like to shop, but never have enough money; I like to travel, working on doing that more; I like spending time with my family, the good ones and the not so good; I have a lot of fabulous friends and I'm working on being fabulous back; I've had many great opportunities, regretfully I let some pass me by; I've made many mistakes, still learning from some; My favorite magazines are business & fashion because ultimately that's what's most important to me; I love music and movies, they create the soundtrack of our lives; I appreciate the contributions of those before me, and today I decided to do something about it; I'm Not Your Average Lady as you grow with me you will see I never focus on just one thing; Thank you for reading my thoughts, I hope you enjoy the ride.