Away on Vacay

I am finally going home to reconnect with my family & friends and I decided to leave my laptop in Atlanta but you know when I return I will have oodle upon oodles of pictures to upload.

A bientôt mon ami

(French for see you soon my friend)

Sheckys Atlanta Review

This is my debut youtube video! Can you tell how nervous I am?

Spring Accessories 2012

Floral


The Inspiration Diane von Furstenberg's peppy pattern


Shop It PVC case, Diane von Furstenberg, $48; dvf.com

Global


The Inspiration Balmain's intricate embroidery

Shop It Polyester clutch, Mossimo, $16.99; target.com

Sporty


The Inspiration Isabel Marant's tangerine athletic wear

Shop It Polyester sandal, Zara, $49.90; zara.com

Prints


The Inspiration Stella McCartney's plum paisley

Shop It Boysenberry umbrella, Vera Bradley, $32; verabradley.com

Pastel


The Inspiration 3.1 Phillip Lim's soft colorblock

Shop It Leather purse, Topshop, $32; topshop.com

Sheckys Day!

Today has finally arrived, it is time for women everywhere to unite for a smashing night of shopping, drinking, makeovers, and socializing! I have been counting down for this wonderful day and had a slight dilemma trying to find the greatest outfit to compliment the night! I decided to keep it very causal since at the last Sheckys event I brought out my model side, with a crop top, black leggings, and of course a fascinator.

Beyoncé Launches New Fragrance for the Summer

Summer is still months away, but this year it'll come early when Beyoncé's new fragrance hits shelves. The singer released Pulse last year and this season's breezy perfume called Beyoncé Pulse Summer Edition is set to "capture the essence of a playful, sun-drenched summer day.

"The limited-edition scent has pear and jasmine notes like Pulse does, but also includes fruity and floral tones like ginger orchid, Tunisian orange flowers, sapphire woods and pink pepper. It's set to hit stores this spring and retail for $49–$59.

Are you looking forward to Beyoncé's new perfume?

I wonder what this scent will smell like?

Spring Outfits: 4 Ways to Style a Mint Skirt

I simply adore the mint green color! Its so fun and fashionable for spring! I found this youtube video of Fashion By Ally that gives you ideas on how to style your mint green mini!

Sex and the City prequel: Meet the teenage Carrie Bradshaw

Annasophia Robb as Carrie Bradshaw in

                                                                "The Carrie Diaries"

The first image from Sex and the City prequel The Carrie Diaries has emerged – shame it's just more of the same from a franchise long past its best

The Carrie Daries is a coming of age story, set in Manhatten, from executive producer Amy B. Harris.

Costume Designer, Eric Damam, of Gossip Girl fame is heading the wardrobe on the project.

This looks like a show we will be hearing a LOT more about this summer. Can’t wait!



Happy Monday

You.Are.Amazing.

As. you. are.

Stronger than you know.

More beautiful than you think.

Worthier than you believe.

More loved than you can ever imagine.

Passionate about making a difference.

Fiery when protecting those you love.

Learning. Growing. Not alone.

Warm. Giving. Generous.

Quirky. Sexy. Funny. Smart.

Flawed. Whole. Scared. Brave.

And so, so, so.much.more.

Be Strong. Be Confident. Be You.

Topshop New Lips: Lips in All About Me



There are a few things to consider when trying to pull off the perfect pink pout. The texture must be matte, but still satin-y. The shade should be bright, but not neon. And the formula must hydrate, not dry out your lips. Topshop’s new lipstick in "All About Me" meets all of the above and flatters every skintone. The only other requirement? A good volumizing mascara to balance the look.

Topshop Lips in All About Me, $15, topshop.com

Happy Birthday, Dasia Wasia

(Dasia at 6 months)

(Dasia added her signature scribble at two)

(Dasia at 12)

I can't believe 13 years ago today, I when to school started feeling some thunder bolts in my tummy, not sure what to do I raised my hand and told my teacher because I was 38 weeks pregnant. She replied, "Don't have your baby in class". After that comment I when on with my normal day finished the school day went home had a snack and when to sleep. Later that night something out-of-this-world painful woke me up at 3am. I found comfort in putting my long legs on the wall while my back was on the bed (I know how weird that sounds) the contractions starting coming at 1 minute apart. I would literally wait for a contraction to pass run upstairs to my Mom to talk and make sure I had everything that I needed to go off to Sentara Norfolk General to deliver baby Dasia at the exact same hospital I was born just 15 years earlier.

I remember them checking my cervix and telling me I needed to dilate 4 centimeters before they would admit me, and I was only 2 centimeters. They told me to walk around the hospital but with those painful thunder bolts coming, I knew there was no walking for me so I locked myself in the bathroom, laid my floral hoodie on the floor and stayed there for an hour when the pain was seriously just unbearable, they checked me again low and behold I was 4 centimeters...and the showdown begins...of course I asked for numbing shot in my back to stop the pain (let me just say who ever created epidural anesthesia needs a platinum medal, a star on Hollywood's walk of fame, and a personal thank you from me.

 After I received those amazing drugs, I took a snooze, my nap was interrupted when a nurse decided to check my cervix again and noticed that Dasia was crowning (yes, Dasia was on her way out without the Dr.) So everyone had to rush and get into position to deliver her. I remember someone telling me to push but I was so pain-free from the good drugs that I had to hope I was pushing. Finally at 1:37 on this day in 1999 baby Dasia was born into the world. Ironically, my doctor was not available so Dr. Anderson deliver baby Dasia and my Mom told me Dr. Anderson was her doctor that delivered me.

Look HOT in Spring Trends: Must Haves for Spring 2012!

Spring has just arrived so here is a look at some Spring trends to help inspire you! Floral are so BIG for spring and is always a must have in your Spring wardrobe as well as bold vibrant colors! Cheers to Spring!

$15 Mani-Pedi & Mimosas

Mani-Pedi & Mimosas at Olivia Todd Spa ($70 value), Buckhead

This wonderful deal can be purchased here -> Give me a Mani-Pedi and Mimosa

Included:

•Ice-Cold Mimosa

•Olivia Todd Spa Professional Manicure

•Olivia Todd Spa Professional Pedicure

•Professional Nail Technicians or Manicurist

•Verbal and observational consultation before hand

•100% Satisfaction Guarantee

Details about the deal:

•Cannot combine with any other offer

•Gratuity not included

•1 Per Customer, 2 As Gifts

•Request Your Appointment Here or by calling (404) 255-7992

•Expires 6 months from purchase

Salvatore Ferragamo Launches Signorina At Palazzo Chupi (NYC)

Last night, Salvatore Ferragamo celebrated the launch of their new fragrance, Signorina, at Palazzo Chupi. The evening began with an intimate dinner hosted by Bianca Balti, followed by a party hosted by Rachel Chandler-Guinness, Alexandra Richards, Theodora Richards, and Stella Schnabel. All hosts were dressed in Ferragamo's Spring Summer 2012 runway collection.

[Photo: Rachel Chandler, Alexandra Richards, Bianca Balti, Lauren Remington Platt, Theodora Richards via]

Festivities will continue next Monday, March 26th with the release of Ferragamo's new social media and digital initiative, http://thegirlsabouttown.com/. The site will feature an exclusive look into the lives of the quintessential Signorinas, Bianca Balti, Rachel Chandler-Guinness, Alexandra Richards, Theodora Richards, and Lauren Remington-Platt. The girls will share videos, photos, and texts so that fans can follow their favorite Signorina around town.

[Charlotte Ronson]




 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

Guests included Emma Roberts, Kate Mara, Lauren Remington Platt, Michele Norsa, Luciano Bertinelli, Courtney Love, Anna Sophia Robb, Piere Goyenetche, Piper Perabo, Jessica Hart, Princess Elisabeth von Thurn und Taxis, Rachel Chandler, Domatilla Caratti, Linda Russell, Vincent Ottomanelli, Pierre Goyenetche, Eugenia Silva, Jazzy de Lisser, Leandra Medine, Anh Duong, Alice St. Clair Erskine, Chelsea Leyland, Carlos Mota, Zani Gugelmann, Peter Brant, Michelle Harper, Harry Brant, Michael Avedon, Hannah Bronfman, Charlotte Ronson, Chandra Jessee, Princess Khaliya Aga Kahn, Veronica Webb, Christine Teigen, Rebecca Dayan, Ari Graynor, Anne Dexter-Jones, Lisa Marie Fernandez, Kate Shelter, Leandro Perez, Irina Pantaeva, Irina Movmyga, Andres Serrano, Avery Johnson, Casandra Johnson, Olivia Sandelman, Genevieve Jones, Fern Mallis, Gina Gershon, Coco Summer, Jamie Burke, Mila Dewic, Luigi Tadini, Pete Born, and Heidi Mount.

[Peter Brant, Michelle Harper, Harry Brant]

[Bianca Balti]






 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

[Eugenia Silva]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Let me just say I heart NYC with all my heart they have the bestest events ever in the US! I hope you enjoyed looking at the stellar fab fashionistas at the event. My favorite is Eugenia Silva outfit, its simply ah-mazing!

D.I.Y ♡ DECOR SHELVES!!! - AndreasChoice

I adore DIY tutorials and I am always working on something in my girly pad but these cutesy shelves are uber cute and a great way to declutter space!

Discounted Sheckys Tixs

•

Half off admission for one – choose from March 28 or 29, from 5-10 p.m.

•

Includes goodie bag with samples and products from brands like Aveeno and Goody

•

Shop emerging designers and artisans, sample and learn about a variety of products, and treat yourself to complimentary spa services

•

Complimentary snacks and cocktails will be served

•

Buy now - Limited quantity available!

 

 

Here's the deal: $14 for one ticket to the event, complete with free samples, complimentary spa services and a goodie bag to take home



This year's vendors: Spoil yourself silly by visiting Spoiled Diva and Citrus SkinCare Therapy. Or pick up some new accessories at RareFinz, Bead-a-holic, and Fierce and Fabulous.

Goodies galore: Sip a complimentary cocktail, enjoy a no-charge spa treatment and stash some free samples in your swag-stocked goody bag.

Purchase tickets -> Girls Night Out Event

 

How to Build a Brilliant Team

Ah-mazing article from: Entrepreneur.com

An innovative idea may inspire a new business, but it takes brilliant people to make that business a success. Michael Crom, executive vice president and chief learning officer of Dale Carnegie Training and co-author of The Leader in You: How to Win Friends, Influence People and Succeed in a Changing World, discusses the first step to startup success: assembling your team. Read on for Crom's advice on finding the best people and filling leadership roles--while still saving some cash.


What's the most important position to fill at the outset?

No. 1, you need to assess your own competencies. As the founder, you really should have a very strong vision and clear goals for the company. If you're not able to meet that need, that may be the very first thing you have to fill in terms of leadership roles. You need to look at creating a competency map of what you need for your own company: Very often for startups, fundraising and relationship-building are going to be key. Selling skills, project and management skills--those are ones that come to my mind instantly.

What personality traits should entrepreneurs look for?

It's important to look for people who are real go-getters and are passionate about the goals you have for the company. Also, look for people who have past work experience that's relevant to what you're doing, particularly people who have worked in small companies, because they aren't used to having to worry about other people doing things for them. They're not used to worrying about corporate rules and regulations, which you may not have in a startup, so they can be more independent in their ability to do things, and they don't mind crossing over barriers and doing multiple tasks. Experience in a large company can be valuable, but save those hires for when you're beyond the initial startup phase.


Where can valuable team members be found?


New business owners tend to really love what they're doing and are so excited by it, they live with gusto. That enthusiasm will actually begin to attract people to your team and attract people who want to help--that's a great starting point. You also need to take some time to be active in your community. I even encourage you to do something for people who can do nothing for you; you'll be surprised by how many fellow business owners are attracted to that. Volunteering is a great way to get out and meet people to expand your network. In lieu of that, there are some great social networking resources online: LinkedIn and Facebook, for example, are tremendous tools to help find people with talent.


Do you have any tips for adding staff when the budget's tight?

A board of advisors may be the way to do that. By looking at your own social network, you can often find people who just enjoy being around the excitement of a startup entrepreneur. Look for a diversity of backgrounds when assembling your board of advi-sors; you might look for someone who has a financial background, someone who is a great marketer, a person who is strong on business context, etc.


Your first hires should be people who are different from you. The other thing that I would look for in my first group of hires, or the people who are going to help out at the onset, are people with multiple talents.


~ This article was originally published in the March 2012 print edition of Entrepreneur's StartUps with the headline: Build a Brilliant Team.

Red Carpet Glamour, Courtesy Of Plus-Size Designer, Monif C.

Named best plus-size designer at Full Figured Fashion Week, Monif C.'s is a bone fide pro when it comes to outfitting curves. Her spring '12 collection offers a variety of dresses that are sexy without being too obvious (we're all about killing 'em softly, you know?), and we love it. Can't wait for sunshine? Click here to shop for the collection now, and practice your sashay for when the snow finally melts.


Congratulations to Monif C as she joins designers Eileen Fischer, Michael Kors, Rachel Pally and other reputable names on the Nordtrom.com web site.


Monif is adored by her customers because of her honesty to the brand. Over the years, she has continued to bring wearable, sexy and figure flattering clothing to plus size women of all shapes.

Instyle.com Video How to: Cutting Your Own Bangs

This is a great tutorial on cutting your own bangs. I keep bangs and over the weekend I felt a little compelled to trim my bangs and they turned out really well!

Who is running Memorial Day Weekend?? Beyonce

Brand new resort + Memorial Day Weekend + summer kickoff party + new live show = Beyoncé getting back to business live on stage at Revel. Three exclusive shows with the unstoppable star at the brand new beachfront resort. Sounds like a super fun holiday weekend party plan to me!

Check out the haute new resort http://www.revelresorts.com/

 

Tickets go on sale April 6 http://www.ticketmaster.com/

NBC SHOW CASTING FOR "THE ONE"

NBC is casting for a brand new show for young ladies who are looking for "THE ONE". You must be between the ages of 24-35, a woman of color, you must be SINGLE, a good career, pretty, outgoing and ready for an ADVENTURE.

This new NBC show is the new version of the bachelor and there will be match makers! The show films this summer.

If you or someone you know is interested please have them contact me ASAP and also send me a photo of yourself (with just you in the picture), does NOT have to be a professional headshot just a clear photo of yourself.

NO ACTORS OR MODELS (real everyday people)!

&

We are casting for a NBC Dating Show, I need a single, attractive, African American male between the ages of 27-39, must be at least 5'11 - has a professional job, if chosen must be able to shoot in Los Angeles in June, July and August - no professional Actors or Models. Please contact adelcorcastings@gmail.com

Pollen-Proof Your Life

Pollen counts are based on the amounts of pollen collected at specific sites earlier in the day, or on the previous day.


Forecasts for the coming day are really just informed guesswork, based on the present pollen count, the time of year, the temperature and rainfall over the last few days, and the weather forecast for the next day. At best, pollen forecasts are only as good as the weather forecast.

However, pollen forecasts can be useful in deciding when to start taking antihistamines for hay fever or when to increase your asthma-prevention drugs. The starting times of the different pollen seasons are now predicted quite accurately.

Avoiding Pollen Outdoors


One thing that can really help is to turn on the air conditioning in your car. In a non-air-conditioned car, closing the windows (and perhaps fitting a filter to the air intake) helps a lot.

A good exercise mask will help keep out pollen grains and fragments during peak pollen times. Wearing a scarf over the mouth and nose will also give some protection.

Another option to is smear a little Vaseline just inside each nostril and breathe through your nose only. Much of the pollen coming into your nose will stick to the Vaseline.


Timing Is Everything


Pollen release occurs at different times of day for different plants. Ragweed starts very early, releasing pollen between sunrise and 9 a.m., although damp conditions can delay release until as late as 2 p.m. Grasses release pollen from about 7:30 a.m. onward, but if the ground is damp, the release will be delayed until the moisture is evaporated. A few species of grass wait until the afternoon, so there will be some pollen entering the air all day. If you get up at 6 a.m. for a walk or run, you can be home safely by 7:30. Alternatively, go out in the early evening, after grasses have finished releasing pollen, and before the evening “pollen shower.” Birch is an afternoon pollen: Release peaks between noon and 6 p.m. Unfortunately, there is no specific information at present about pollen-release patterns in other plants.

In general, all types of plants favor warm, sunny days for releasing pollen, and they tend not to do it during rainy weather. Rain also washes residual pollen out of the air. On cloudy days there is a buildup of pollen in the flowers, so a massive release of pollen occurs on the next day of good weather.


Avoiding Pollen Indoors


Pollen grains have one huge point in their favor: Compared to other allergenic particles, they are big and heavy. This means that they settle more quickly from the air. In a room with 10-foot-high ceilings, all the pollen will settle within four minutes, as long as the air is completely still. In other words, if you close all the doors and windows, block off any drafts and sit fairly still, within four minutes you will be breathing pollen-free air.



This does not mean that all your symptoms will instantly vanish, because a “late-phase reaction” can go on for up to 24 hours. But you should feel better, and by not starting a new cycle of allergic reaction, you are improving your prospects for the next day. Escaping from pollen for a few hours every day should produce a general improvement in the long run, with your nose and airways becoming less inflamed.



Unfortunately, some plants, like ryegrass and ragweed, produce allergenic fragments much smaller than pollen grains. These tiny particles take up to 6 hours to settle.



Some plants even produce “volatiles” — airborne chemicals that provoke symptoms. Birch trees release volatiles from their buds in early spring, weeks before the pollen itself is released, and they affect a great many people, including some who are not allergic to birch pollen. Volatiles can only be removed by masks and air filters that contain an activated carbon filter.



To cut down on the amount of pollen you inhale at home:

•Dry all your laundry indoors during the pollen season, to stop it from collecting pollen.

•Pets bring in pollen on their fur, so keep them outdoors during the pollen season, and avoid stroking them. Brushing them thoroughly before they come in is another option, but obviously the allergic individual should not do this.

•Close the windows, especially at times when the offending pollen is being released, and during the evening or nighttime “pollen shower.”

•Change your clothes when you arrive home, since they will be coated with pollen, and wash or rinse your hair. Keep some clothes for indoor use only.

•Aim for still air (no drafts, no fans, and no vigorous movement) in the rooms where the allergic individual works, sits, or sleeps. Air currents stir up pollen from the floor and furnishings. (No drafts mean poor ventilation, of course, which is acceptable during the pollen season — but ventilate again afterward, to avoid encouraging molds and dust mites.)

•If tranquil air is an impossibility, consider getting a high-quality air filter, or air conditioning. Alternatively, wet-dust and vacuum every day using a vacuum cleaner that keeps allergen particles in — to reduce the amount of pollen residue. People who are very sensitive may need to do this as well as having an air filter.

•Cover your armchair and bed with a sheet by day. In the evening, fold the sheet up very gently and wash it. This removes the layer of pollen that accumulates during the day. If studying, cover your desk and books when you are not working.


Places to Go, Places to Avoid


•For the grass-sensitive, mown grass is usually fine (it won’t flower), although some people react to skin contact with grass. However, pollen that has settled on the grass may be stirred up while the grass is actually being mown. Unmown grass does not flower and will cause symptoms. Wheat, barley, oats, and corn, although they are grasses, rarely cause problems. Rye and sugarcane do release pollen, and may affect some people.

•The levels of most pollens do not differ much between town and country. In fact, the upper floors of a high-rise building (with the air conditioning off) may be one of the worst places, because of pollen rising on warm air currents.

•The seashore is often pollen-free thanks to onshore breezes. Mountain peaks and ridges are also good, but deep mountain valleys can be pollen traps.

•Places that often suffer from “inversions” (air trapped at ground level) can have very high levels of pollen.

Road Map to Wealth Event

Spring Luau at RA Sushi

 

When: Thursday, March 22, 2012 8:00 pm

Where: RA Sushi Bar Restaurant

            1080 Peachtree St

            Ste 8
            Atlanta, GA 30309


What/Why:Throw on a Hawaiian print shirt and a lei and hula on over to RA Sushi.


Sail away to an island paradise with beach themed decor, tropical food and drink specials, and a guest D.J. who will keep the tiki torches burning all night long.

Ready for the foodgasm? Here's what you can try out:

-Tropical Roll with cucumber, mango, and avocado, rolled and topped with spinach tempura bits, and spicy shrimp mixed with masago and mango salsa ($8).

-Pineapple Cheese Wontons, lightly fried wontons filled with cream cheese, scallions and pineapple, served with a roasted pineapple dipping sauce ($7).

-Spicy Pineapple Chicken, a mixture of ramen noodles, chicken, green and red bell peppers, onion, and a spicy chili sesame sauce, topped with black sesame seeds ($8).


Enjoy a taste of the good life with RA's Spring Luau Party specials.

All of the Spring Luau Party cocktails are $8 each.



For more information, call 404-267-0114

BLOCK COLOR

BLOCK COLOR by cristina-lr featuring slim fit pants

Monday Morning Jam - Beyoncé - Love On Top

Happy Monday! Its a brand new week, new day, new joys, new happiness...I absolutely love this song and I felt like this would be most approriate for this week especially for the love birds like me!

What a St. Patty's Day Weekend

I hope everyone had a super weekend rocking green and eating corn beef hash! I was so busy yesterday with my little leprechaun trying to find a chanel pot filled to the brim with gold, rubies, and fashionable trinkets that I forgot to post a very happy St. Pattys Day to you, so here goes: HAPPY BELATED ST PATTYS DAY, MY LUVS!!!

My weekend started by attending a fashionable vintage seminar at the Fashion Style Studio

Here are a few pics of us enjoying and hanging a stellar time:

Here is one of my fab finds:

Thanks so much for the fab-tastic time  Kerrie and Keren!

So after a fun day of fittings and shopping we decided to head over too Shulas for a St. Pattys Day cocktails and a burger!

Audrey

Audrey by ginevra-bak featuring a sleeveless dress

If You Can't Own Up To Your Words, You Never Should Have Said It

If You Can't Own Up To Your Words, You Never Should Have Said It by samantha featuring leather crossbody handbags