January 2014

happenings

The Wonderful World of Sprinkles

January 31, 2014

Once upon a time… in a city not so far away… there was a diva named Nikka Shae. On her quest to discover all things fabulous, Nikka would frolic around town in search of delightfully tasty treats. A connoisseur of confectionery goodness (her words of course), Nikka absolutely LOVES cupcakes! So our story begins with our “she-roe” Nikka Shae in search of an enchanted land of cupcake utopia. A place where bittersweet chocolates, natural citrus zests, and a hosts of fresh ingredients dance a tango of deliciousness in your mouth. Legend has it that in this wonderland the rivers flow like sweet cream butter while rolling hills of freshly baked pastries span the horizon as far as they eye can see. This magical land of gourmet goodies was all but a mouthwatering myth until one day, at Lenox Square Mall in Atlanta; Nikka Shae discovered the Wonderful World of Sprinkles.

Far from fairy-tale but just as enchanting, Sprinkles captures the imagination of cupcake lovers and sprinkles it with sweet feelings of childlike delight. Upon entering into the Cupcake Kingdom one can’t help but become spellbound by its charming ambiance. Candy-colored stripes line the walls while a muffin liner cut-through gives curious eyes a peek into the inner workings of the shops bakery. Patrons will delight at the chance to indulge in Sprinkles new Ice Cream and decadent Cookies, while curbing their cupcake cravings with Sprinkles signature treats topped with their trademark modern dot. In addition Sprinkles offers an extensive selection of flavors to satisfy every sweet tooth… There’s even cupcakes for fido! And to add to the shops grandeur, Sprinkles has the world’s first Cupcake ATM located outside the bakery where customers can dial-up their favorite treat whenever their sweet tooth calls. Cupcakes on-the-go… Now why didn’t I think of that?! 😀

Always “first” in cupcake creativity, Candace Nelson, the Queen of Cupcakes and Purveyor of Tasty Treats, brings her uber-chic Sprinkles bakery to Atlanta and delivers an enchanted experience that any cupcake connoisseur (like myself) will enjoy. With a variety of decadent desserts sprinkled with sweet imagination, Sprinkles Cupcakes offers the perfect recipe for fun!

(aka the Connoisseur of Confectionery Goodness)

Sprinkles Cupcakes is located at 3393 Peachtree Rd in Atlanta, Georgia at Lenox Square Mall’s main entrance. Stop by and take your taste buds on a delicious adventure. Also be sure to catch Candace Nelson on Food Network’s hit show Cupcake Wars.

Check out this cute behind the scenes footage from the pre-Grand Opening event at Sprinkles ATL:

style setter

The Look of Love: Sexy Styles for Valentine’s

January 31, 2014

Dressing sexy increases your confidence, especially on Valentine’s Day. Turning up the heat for your sweetheart starts at the neckline. Do you believe in love at first sight? You just might after trying these looks for a racy Valentine’s he will never forget.

Dress – Black Halo Giovanni Peplum Minidress (Neiman Marcus), Pumps – Dolce Vita ‘Kana’ Pump (Nordstrom), Clutch – Horn Clutch (Vince Camuto)

Rocking your red dress is a science; pick the right shade of red to compliment your eye color, hair style, and skin complexion. Red, black, and white are the most popular accessory colors. To spice things up a bit, combine all three colors to create a trendy elegant look.

Dress – Aidan Mattox Sleeveless Faux Leather Cutout Dress (Bloomingdales), Pumps –Sophia Webster ‘Lyla 1’ High Pump (Nordstrom), Ring – Alexis Bittar ‘Lucite® – Neo Bohemian’ Bean Ring (Nordstrom)

Every woman has to own a proper LBD, aka, little black dress. For a sexy seductive LBD, accent your curves with a form-fitting number. Add a splash of color and make it pop by wearing a gold necklace or a well placed accessory.

Skirt – Topshop ‘Bruised Floral’ Print Tube Skirt (Nordstrom), Top – Torn by Ronny Kobo Top – Delilah Peplum (Bloomingdale’s), Bootie – Ted Baker London ‘Alenk’ Metal Cutout Almond Toe Bootie (Nordstrom); Bangle – Nadri ‘Celtic Knot’ Crystal Bangle (Nordstrom)

An alluring pencil skirt always leads to temptation. For an enticing look, mix gold, red, black, and blush hues. You can do this with accessories or by layering your outfit. If you want to really get sexy, wear a solid color with designs accented in another shade.

Top – Theory Lyalka Overlay Top (Bloomingdales), Necklace – Robert Lee Morris Soho 3-Row Necklace (Bloomingdales), Booties – Jeffrey Campbell ‘Barnes’ Bootie (Nordstrom)

What better what way to tease than with faux leather leggings and a sexy top. This fun and flirty fashion combo is feminine yet frisky. An off-the-shoulder sheer top shows just the right amount of skin while leaving the rest to his imagination.

Lingerie – In Bloom by Jonquil Pleated Chemise & Thong Set (Nordstrom), Perfume – Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet Fragrance (Macys), Lipstick – MAC Retro Matte Lipstick (Macys)

Time to get racy and provocative. Reds and blush tones are the ideal tones for this Valentine “treat”. Seduce him slowly with steamy lingerie to make him melt, compliment the moment with a seductive scent, and make your lips pop with the perfect lipstick. Top off the look with a sexy pair of stilettos to lean out your legs.

So stop by the shops at Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza to find the hautest looks to make his your Valentine’s Day unforgettable!

happenings

2014 Salute To Greatness Awards Dinner

January 20, 2014

In observance of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, The King Center hosted its annual Salute to Greatness Awards Dinner on Saturday, January 18. Held at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, this annual black tie gala recognizes national and/or international individuals and organizations that exemplify excellence in leadership and have demonstrated a commitment to the principles and philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Established in 1983, The Salute to Greatness Award is one of the highest honors presented by The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change.

This year’s “Salute to Greatness” Awards Dinner was hosted by Malcom-Jamal Warner and Dawnn Lewis. Honorees include Muhammad Ali, Xerox Inc., Pakistani anti-violence advocate Khalida Brohi and One Billion Rising and award-winning playwright Eve Ensler, with Dinner Chair Lisa Borders, chair of the Coca-Cola Foundation and co-chairs Laura Turner Seydel, Chairperson of the Captain Planet Foundation and environmentalist attorney Rutherford Seydel.

I had the absolute honor of hosting the Red Carpet along with the fabulous Yalanda Lattimore, Editor of DryerBuzz.com. Route TV streamed the Red Carpet experience LIVE as viewers watched the event and Tweeted their questions and comments for the VIP guests. We had a blast with our guests! You can see snippets from the red carpet HERE.

Here are the Honorees for the evening:

2014 Salute To Greatness Award Honorees

INDIVIDUAL HONOREE

Mr. Muhammad Ali

Heavy Weight Champion, Humanitarian, Philanthropist

http://www.ali.com/

Muhammad Ali

CORPORATE HONOREE

Xerox Corporation

& Ms. Ursula Burns, Chairman and CEO

http://www.xerox.com/about-xerox/company-facts/enus.html

2014 Coretta Scott King A.N.G.E.L. Award Honorees

(Advancing Nonviolence through Generations of Exceptional Leaders)

The Coretta Scott King A.N.G.E.L. Award presented during the Dinner. The award is given in honor of and in keeping with the spirit of Coretta Scott King. It recognizes a youth or young adult (ages 12-25) and a youth organization/initiative which exemplifies exceptional leadership in the areas of peace, social justice and nonviolent social change. This award was established and awarded for the first time in 2013.

ORGANIZATION HONOREE

One Billion Rising Campaign &

Ms. Eve Ensler Tony Award-winning Playwright Founder, V-Day
http://www.onebillionrising.org/about/campaign/

INDIVIDUAL HONOREE

Ms. Khalida Brohi

Founder & Director, Sughar

http://about.me/khalidabrohi

Khalida Brohi

Check out some of the highlights and candid captures courtesy of Robin Lori Photography.

Thanks to Route TV for the gracious invite and the opportunity to host the red carpet for this amazing event. I felt so humbled and honored to be surrounded by such an esteemed group of people… People who by their courage and their actions have and continue to impact the lives of others. Congratulations to all of the Honorees and their families!

happenings

Macy’s Celebrates a New Year with a New You Fashion Show Hosted by Actress and Comedian Kim Coles

January 20, 2014

Hey SIMONistas!

I’m so excited… and I just can’t hide it! Why you ask…

Well, on Thursday, January 23rd at 6pm at Macy’s Lenox Square, yours truly will co-host a New Year New You Fashion Show with one of my She-roes, actress, comedian, and uber-fab D-I-V-A, Ms. Kim Coles. Kim is well known for her many comedic roles including the lovable Synclaire James of Living Single and original cast member of the sketch comedy series In Living Color. So you know there will be plenty of fun moments as Kim and I showcase Macy’s latest trends for Missy and Women along with a fashion presentation featuring “Urban Intimates.” And shoppers with a $75 qualifying purchase will receive Kim’s book, “Gratitude Journal” and have it signed by Kim herself. Woo Woo Woo!!!

And the fun is just beginning…

Are you ready for a mini makeover? Stop by and visit the expert stylists from Premier Salons at Macy’s Lenox, the beauty artists from Dior, and get pumped up with the Steel Mill Fitness Team. Also, there will be live smoothie demonstrations by Rachel Stroud, Community Wellness Representative for Good Measure Meals. Do you love the Arts? Enter to win a pair of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater tickets!

So drop by Macy’s Women’s Department on the Lower Level on Thursday, January 23rd at 6pm for a night of fashion, fitness, and loads of fun!

Hey, it’s the New Year… So why not start the year in style at Macy’s!

RSVP: Seating is limited. Please RSVP to www.ColeAtMacys.eventbrite.com or call 1.800.577.1818.

When: Thursday, January 23 at 6 PM

Where: Macy’s Lenox
Women’s Department – Lower Level
3393 Peachtree Road
Atlanta, GA 30324

About Kim Coles:
Kim is an actress and comedian, best known for her role as a cast member on the sketch comedy “In Living Color” and as Synclaire James on the FOX series “Living Single”. She has also appeared on “Frasier,” “Six Feet Under,” “Celebrity Mole,” “The Geena Davis Show,” and “10 Items or Less.” Coles is a published author. Coles also joined other celebrities for a weight loss journey on the VH-1 reality show, “Celebrity Fit Club.” After 16 weeks, she lost a total of 24 lbs, and dropping nearly 4 percentage points in body fat, going from 34.7% to 31%.

About Macy’s
Macy’s, the largest retail brand of Macy’s, Inc., delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at approximately 800 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam, as well as to customers in the U.S. and more than 100 international destinations through its leading online store at macys.com. Via its stores, e-commerce site, mobile and social platforms, Macy’s offers distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy’s is known for such epic events as Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks^® and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade^®, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Macy’s flagship stores — including Herald Square in New York City, Union Square in San Francisco, State Street in Chicago, Dadeland in Miami and South Coast Plaza in southern California — are known internationally and leading destinations for visitors. Building on a more than 150-year tradition, and with the collective support of customers, employees and Macy’s Foundation, Macy’s helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities giving more than $70 million each year to help make a difference in the lives of our customers.

happenings

Girls & Goals 2014

January 19, 2014

Hi Lovelies!

At the start of every New Year we think about what we’d like to accomplish for the year. We set out by making our to-do’s and then we set goals to achieve them. Whether it’s finally starting that workout plan, finding love, balancing family, landing that dream job, managing our finances, or just managing the life that we already have. Yep, the age-old “New Year’s resolutions” will never change. But, how we approach our goals and dreams makes all of the difference. And when you can see your dreams before you, you will see your life’s momentum begin to shift. I truly believe that what we put out into the universe comes back to us in abundance.

The New Year is in full swing and now is the time to dream big and get out our goals for 2014. So today I, along with my Blogger Boos, Kiwi The Beauty and Ally McGlam will host our GIRLS & GOALS goal board party at No Mas! Hacienda & Cantina in downtown Atlanta. We will each share our visions and experiences from 2013 and how those dreams have manifested in our lives. We will also help our guests to also envision their goals for 2014 and share in ways they can make those dreams come true. Of course there will be swag bags, giveaways, great food, and plenty of wonderful experiences to share.

You can follow all of the fun on Twitter and Instagram using hashtag #GirlsandGoals. You can also check back here to see all of the candid captures as they happen LIVE!

@ the movies

Dreams – Available on DVD and in stores on January 28

January 18, 2014

The moving and inspirational urban drama Dreams makes its debut, arriving on DVD (plus Digital Ultraviolet), Digital HD, Video On Demand and Pay-Per-View January 28^th from Lionsgate Home Entertainment. Featuring a stellar urban cast and starring members of the GRAMMY^® award-winning Winans family, Dreams marks the feature film debut of “American Idol’s” Syesha Mercado. The film interweaves four powerful stories of inner city life as Chicago residents fight to overcome difficult circumstances to show that through the pain, dreams still come true. Arriving just in time for Black History Month, Dreams will be available for the suggested retail price of $26.98.

Mia dreams of singing, Quentin dreams of dancing, Paalo dreams of mending his relationship with his daughter and Alonzo dreams of reconnecting with his family. Though they all have dreams, fragments of abuse and failures from their broken past, make the trek up life’s hills hard to climb. Set in an urban metropolitan, Chicago area, four different stories are weaved together in an unlikely manner. With notorious criminal and king of the hill, Donte, lurking in the shadows, what will become of our dreamers? Will they be impeded by life’s difficulties or use these obstacles as stepping stones to achieving their dreams?

Sometimes you can’t move forward in life until you have dealt with your past. Dreams places you in a zone of contemplation. It inspires and makes you question what you are doing with your life. It brings the darkness to light. This urban drama highlights the power of overcoming your challenges and pursuing your dreams with everything inside of you.

Packed with twists and turns, Dreams hits us deep in our hearts, where decisions are made that change lives.

Rooted in themes of forgiveness and passion, Dreams is sure to inspire us all to become something bigger than ourselves.

Watch the official movie trailer:

[youtube V1nB4EegOTY nolink]

CAST

Angie Stone – TV’s “R&B Divas”, The Fighting Temptations, Award-winning R&B Singer
Tommy Ford – TV’s “The Parkers”, TV’s “New York Undercover”, TV’s “Martin”
Terri J. Vaughn – TV’s “Meet the Browns”, Daddy’s Little Girls
Mel Jackson – TV’s “Soul Food”, Deliver Us from Eva
Geoffrey Owens – TV’s “The Cosby Show”, TV’s “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”
Vickie Winans – Award-winning Gospel Singer
Dennis “LA” White – Notorious
Marvin L. Winans Jr. – Award-winning Gospel Singer
and introducing Syesha Mercado – TV’s “American Idol”

DVD SPECIAL FEATURES*

“Dreams Behind-the-Scenes” featurette (*Subject to change)

Lionsgate Home Entertainment presents Dreams. Run time135 minute

@ the movies, freebies

CONTEST ALERT: Win tickets to a prescreening of Universal Pictures’ RIDE ALONG (CLOSED)

January 8, 2014

Hey Lovelies!

It’s officially the New Year, and that means it’s time to start running down your list of resolutions. Well one of my resolutions for 2014 is to laugh more… and I know just where to start…

Universal Pictures latest cult comedy RIDE ALONG will open in theaters on January 17, 2014, and judging from the previews alone I can definitely check laughter off my list of to-do’s for 2014. 😀 From the director of the blockbuster comedy Think Like a Man and starring Kevin Hart and Ice Cube, RIDE ALONG is slated to be the wildest ride of the new year!

Here’s the synopsis: When a fast-talking security guard joins his girlfriend’s brother—a hot-tempered cop—to patrol the streets of Atlanta, he gets entangled in the officer’s latest case. Now, in order to prove that he deserves his future bride, he must survive the most insane 24 hours of his life. For the past two years, high-school rent-a-cop Ben (Hart) has been trying to show decorated APD detective Kurt (Cube) that he’s more than just a video-game junkie who’s unworthy of Kurt’s sister, Angela (Tika Sumpter). When Ben finally gets accepted into the academy, he thinks he’s earned the seasoned policeman’s respect and asks for his blessing to marry Angela. Knowing that a ride along will demonstrate if Ben has what it takes to take care of his sister, Kurt invites him on a shift designed to scare the hell out of the trainee. But when the wild night leads them to the most notorious killer in the city, Kurt will find that his new partner’s rapid-fire mouth is just as dangerous as the bullets speeding at it. John Leguizamo, Laurence Fishburne and David Banner also join the cast of the action-comedy directed by Tim Story. Ride Along is produced by Ice Cube, alongside Matt Alvarez (Barbershop), Will Packer (Think Like a Man) and Larry Brezner (Good Morning, Vietnam).

There’s a saying that “laughter is best enjoyed with friends”, so I want to invite 10 of my viewers to join me on Tuesday January 14, 2014 at 7PM at Regal Atlantic Station for a prescreening of RIDE ALONG 3 days before it hits theaters. Each winner will receive a pair of tickets where you and a guest will join me for this exclusive prescreening event. To be one of my special guests for the prescreening of RIDE ALONG simply leave a comment below with your favorite Ice Cube movie. The first 10 comments will win a pair of tickets!!! All winners will be notified by Friday January 10, 2014. ***Be sure to leave your email so you can be notified!***

IMPORTANT: All winners and their guests should plan to arrive at least one (1) hour before the event to ensure seating.

Universal Pictures’ RIDE ALONG is directed by Tim Story and stars Kevin Hart, Ice Cube, John Leguizamo, Tika Sumpter, Bryan Callen, Jay Pharoah, Bruce McGill and Laurence Fishburne. RIDE ALONG is rated PG-13 and opens in theaters nationwide on Friday, January 17, 2014. Run Time: 100 minutes

COMMENTS ARE CLOSED!!! Thanks to all who participated, and I will see you at the movies!!!

arts & entertainment

3rd Annual Flavors and Colors of Haiti

January 7, 2014

Recently I had the pleasure of attending a fabulous black tie gala celebrating the Flavors and Colors of Haiti. Hosted by the Consulate of Haiti and now in its 3^rd year, this elegant red carpet affair centered on showcasing Haiti’s immensely diverse culture while also providing a great opportunity for Georgia entrepreneurs interested in International Business to take full advantage of the many business opportunities that Haiti has to offer. Held at the Westside Cultural Arts Center in Atlanta, this night of immaculate elegance piqued the senses with a vibrant display of Haiti’s rich culture through art, cuisine, fashion, and music.

Attendees of this elegant affair included both local and International Community Leaders, Business Owners, Industry Talent and Executives, Consulate Heads and Officials, and special VIP guests who enjoyed tantalizing cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in addition to participating in a charity raffle and silent auction. Guests were also treated to some amazing displays of artwork by world-renowned artists Gilbert Young, as well as live entertainment courtesy of the fabulous Farah Lisa. But, the highlight of the evening was the amazing runway Fashion Show. Produced by the fabulous Renee Knorr of My Beauti Network along with Jimmy Moise (Fashion Show Coordinator), the runway fashion showcase featured styles by several of Haiti’s accomplished designers such as Miko Guillaume, Maguy Durce, Phelecia Dell, Daphnee K. Floreal, Hadascha Brutus, and Michel Chataigne, along with designs from featured American Designer Lisa Nicole Cloud. The designs were colorful, lively, and absolutely amazing… and my front row seating did nothing to suppress my love for a fabulous runway showcase! 😉

Photos courtesy of Ralph Williams (E37 Photography) + ATL Red Carpet

The evening culminated with a special message by Haiti’s Consul General here in Atlanta, Mr. Gandy Thomas. Mr. Thomas emphasized the importance of celebrating and embracing Haitian culture while encouraging guests to invest in and support Haitian businesses. And with such a diverse mixture of options on display for Flavors and Colors, it’s abundantly clear that Haiti is definitely open for business!

Thanks to Danica Kombol, Lexi Severini, and Kelly Heisler of Be Everywhere Society for the gracious invite, and to the Consul General Mr. Gandy Thomas and the Haiti Consulate office in Atlanta for hosting this fabulous affair. I had such a wonderful time and I look forward to all that the gem of the Caribbean has to offer.

The Wonderful World of Sprinkles

The Look of Love: Sexy Styles for Valentine’s

Macy’s Celebrates a New Year with a New You Fashion Show Hosted by Actress and Comedian Kim Coles

Girls & Goals 2014

Dreams – Available on DVD and in stores on January 28

CONTEST ALERT: Win tickets to a prescreening of Universal Pictures’ RIDE ALONG (CLOSED)

3rd Annual Flavors and Colors of Haiti

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