"The Little Girl Who Lost Her Smile" Giving hope to little kids and adults

"The Little Girl who lost her smile" by Tiffney Cambridge 

I was watching one of my new favorite talk shows, “The Real” and saw a woman who looked extremely familiar, I remember her cause I used to watch, “The Game’s” reality television show on VH-1. It was Jayceon Taylor or better known as “Marrying The Game” she is the ex- fiance and the mother of his children, (his son, King Justice and one girl California “Cali” Taylor) her name is Tiffney Cambridge. She recently became a published author with a brand new book that I really love the theme behind it. The little girl who lost her smile I loved the title and really resonated with me because I wish I had this book when I was a little girl. I don’t believe I ever told this story to you all because I always try to uplift, be positive on the blog. I don’t want to bring you all down cause there are a million topics that could.  “The little girl who lost her smile” discusses how a little girl, Treasure who is based of a little girl Tiffney personally knew who was going through a personal situation and how her parents had recently divorced as well. She loses her smile and goes through different situations to gain her smile back.  As soon as I heard the topic it hit home for me right away. Now I didn't necessarily lose my smile but I definitely could relate to the character in the book feeling like you don't want to smile. Especially during a time like that. As you all know I always tie in the people who I want to promote in my blog and then we add a little of my life too. Cause I definitely relate to the concept of this message. 

Author, Tiffney Cambridge with her book

Tiffney with her little girl, California "Cali" Taylor doesn't she look like "Treasure" lol

My childhood home happy I still remember it. It's now called Crestwood Apartments fancy lol 

Childhood home this is where I used to live in Washington, D.C. when I first moved there.

Just wanted you all to see a couple of my child hood photos, this is me age 7 in second grade

Me at age 4 (May 1990) my grandmother's retirement party

Now this isn’t to bring anyone down at all or feel bad. No I want you to know the outcome of my situation was truly for the best and some wonderful things came out of it. I was seven-years-old when I found out my parents wanted to separate and later divorce. I was in second grade attending a brand new school living in Washington, D.C.. I lived there from the time I was four going on five until I was 10. So from (September 1991-June 1997) I lived in Washington, D.C.. I lived with my grandmother probably a few months until we moved into our apartment. I grew up on 3900 16^th Street NorthWest and Shepherd in Washington, D.C. . Now at the time it was 1993 and I heard my parents arguing and screaming one day. It was late December of 1993 right around the holidays. I didn’t know what was going on. Just something wasn’t right. I woke up and see my father packing his clothes, carrying a cart. He is about to head out of the apartment we moved to and leave. My mother is at the end of the hallway screaming and arguing with him. I didn’t know what was happening completely. I just remember him telling me good-bye, and giving him a drawing of me, him, and my mom as he walked out the door. True story. I was freaking out cause I felt like I am losing my friend not just my father. It was one of the hardest situations ever to have to go through.

Now when this happened it did affect me at school, you can’t just erase that from your mind. I was called to go to counseling in the school. I started seeing a counselor I believe weekly or once in a while to discuss what was happening at home and what issues I was having.  Now looking back I think I was a little too young, I probably could have just used a pat on the back, a hug, but I am glad I had a chance to express how I was feeling as well. There was so much happening back then that looking at that time in my life I could have used a lot of support, a lot of explanation too. Now I love this book  it gives children inspiration, hope, and I think it also gives them the sense of not losing their smile during this difficult and confusing time.

Now as for my parents yes they did separate and later divorced officially in March of 1995. They were completely separated.  They had been together 17 years married for a decade since 1983. My mother was granted sole custody of me, and they gave my father visitations rights.  Of course now I speak and I am in touch with my father still to this day.

I personally want a few copies of the book myself, one for a little girl to have of her own, one for me, and a couple for any other people struggling with this problem. It’s something reassuring to know that even as an adult I never have to look at that situation as something to be disappointed about or heartbroken anymore. I can feel that it was for the best. It was for two individuals to find their own happiness (my mother and father to find what they needed). They moved on and they found other people who make them happy. It was challenging but it was something we handled well though. Plus for me it gave me the chance to not only learn about who the both of them really are and also learn that sometimes in life you do have to make tough choices to find your happiness.

I cannot wait to read the book and to find out more of the topic. Love the topic of what it can do for children. My advice definitely for children in grade school, it’s always good to get outside help, for parents to reassure their children they love them, you have nothing to do with their issues because that simply is between the two adults and what they are dealing with too, and a third-party will always help and can listen to the children and how they feel. Tiffney will also be promoting her book and will be at the http://www.momsrockexpo.com  she will be in Minneapolis on May 2nd and 3rd promoting and signing her book. 

  For more information on this book visit http://www.thelittlegirlwholosthersmile.com

50th Anniversary: Rodgers & Hammerstein's "The Sound of Music"

I truly love this movie this movie represents my childhood, why I think I wanted to be a singer as well. I used to sing in plays in the choir growing up as a little girl, I was in the choir in high school, and of course you all know I have grown up with a lot of music around me. If it wasn’t for "the Sound of music" I probably wouldn’t have passed my “Music, Art, and Drama class” or my “Music Appreciation” class back in college. This film is one that touches your heart, you instantly recognize the music, you start singing along with the lyrics. So I dedicate this blog entry to the beautiful, talented, actress and legend that is Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer (fix) who starred as Maria and Captain Von Trapp along with their 7 Von Trapp children within the film. The film took place during War World 2 in Austria right at the beginning before Germany and everyone were going against each other during this time. The film was actually shot in the Spring of 1965 in March. 

A young twenty-eight year old,  Julie Andrews auditioned for the role that would change her life. She even auditioned for Mary Poppins during this time as well. This role definitely changed her life completely. Now I remember many moons ago being a little girl and wanting to be in this play called, “The Sound of Music” the eighth graders in one of my schools I attended performed the play. I remember this very well one of the best moments for me.  I loved the costumes, especially the character of “Elsa the Baroness” she was stunning and had some of the best costumes in that film. The movie was just touching, tugs at your heart strings. You get to see the life of Maria Von Trapp & Captain Von Trapp.  If you look at one of the opening scenes of the movie. You will see the real Maria Von Trapp walking along with her daughters as well.

You also see the life of Maria at the church, her life living as a nun, and with the ordained nuns who live within the church as well. The music which was written, scored by Oscar winning songwriters, composers, Rogers & Hammerstein.

If you have not seen this film please go watch right away, I suggest with schnitzel and noodles, popcorn, pink lemonade, and Streudel. I am joking but whatever you prefer this movie is about almost 3 hours long but well worth every single moment of it’s grandeur and heart warming story. So make sure you look for the 50^th anniversary edition dvd for “The Sound of Music”. For more information on the movie, the tourist attraction in Salzburg, Austria, The Von Trapp family, and the film. Visit http://www.sound-of-music.com 

“He makes me want to be a better woman”

How can I forget when I first saw him I met him four years ago in the spring of 2011, at my paid internship, Black Enterprise Magazine. He’s tall, has chocolate brown skin, a wide smile, and a personality that is polite, respectful, sweet, he’s educated, but he will still put you in check, and he’s a go getter. I wanted to be a better woman when I fell in love with him. I wanted to become even better when we stopped talking.  He made me realize something’s about him were that I wanted all along. I loved the fact he had a way of making me feel comfortable within my own skin. He never judged me, he even defended me, and yes he had my back at times when I needed it the most. I was new to the company we started working at and he walked over giving me a cup of coffee. I think I knew right then all right I may like this person. He also had the same name as one of my exes. He didn't care either!!!!! I realized that and knew it but it didn’t bother me either. If anything it made me even more interested in him. I was drawn to him because we had similar dreams and interests. We had something in common that really changed my outlook when dating men as well. One thing I want to stress though so no one gets confused...we dated briefly. Are we together now no. I am single. I want to just clarify that one thing...this is about how I feel about him and how I felt when we were together as well.  I have to ask myself why? Why does he make me want to be a better woman. Mainly because he makes me see that I could be better with him. I am not saying I am not better without him. No not all but there’s something about being around a person that makes you want to do better and be more significant. They draw you in and you can see yourself with this person. Let’s say he’s my inspiration a bit to keep going and not giving up on the future. I want to be the best possible woman in his eyes so he can see the growth. You want to be your best self with this person. I wanted to jump for joy, give to the world, and just do so much more as a human being and woman. There’s something about falling in love with a man.  Women who have experienced this know when you meet a man, you begin dating, you become a better version of yourself if he’s a good man. You start pulling out the high heels, the strappy shoes, the more feminine clothes, there’s a glow a woman has when she has on her face. I don’t mean (the post-coitus glow either  You see it in the way she carries herself and how she treats the world around her as well.

Love these three songs cause I can definitely relate to the lyrics of the song when something or someone keeps haunting you. You keep wondering if the signs are trying to tell you. 

 He and I share a common dream, we were both born in New York City. He’s family-oriented, loves having fun he’s a big kid, but he’s been exposed to many things as well, loves to travel. I sometimes have to remind myself why did I fall in love with this person in the beginning? I think we had an instant connection I met him when I was 24 years old and he had just turned 25. I know ladies are very responsive to him and they adore him. Yes I get it I am all right with knowing people are attracted to him. Yet at the same time it can be a major cause for competition. However, I will put it this way if we were together I would have to remind myself it’s all right I cannot be jealous of them appreciating a good and fine looking man. He is and he’s made me extremely proud every single day since I have seen his dreams come true.  He also made me realize the life I wanted, what kind of woman would I be to him, how do I want to open up myself as well. There’s so much that goes into dating someone that truthfully the attraction really is just the easy part. People often forget you are going to meet their parents, their siblings, people who are important to them like their mentors, people they admire, their coworkers, their old and new friends. There’s so much that goes into dating someone you have to be willing and ready for that world as well.  I was fortunate to meet some important people to him during our time getting to know each other. So I never had an issue with it but I know the heart of him, that he’s a great man with dreams just as wide and large as mine.  I hope that one day I can show him my entries that he will see I took his advice and really took the time to become a better writer, journalist, and yes I will become a better woman. I remember he told me "You can't just say I am a journalist...basically meaning you have to become it as well." So for that I definitely thank him for that part. Now what's going to happen next with me and this "mysterious" person. I have no idea that's for God, the universe to decide that part. 

The age of Adaline will show you how she stops the clock on youth

The trailer for "The Age of Adaline film"(April 24, 2015) 

I did not tell you my readers I was a huge fan of the television show, “Gossip Girl” on The current CW Network formerly the WB Network. “Gossip Girl” ran for about 5 years and was later cancelled in 2012. Loved the show, the fashion, where they shot the show right here in my hometown and birthplace New York. Oh little fun fact they shot the show on my college campus too. (Hunter). The show ended but there are always reruns to watch.  However, all of  the stars of the hit television series all took off and they have all gone to have major success in many films and movies.  One of their breakout stars is the beautiful model, actress, Blake Lively-Reynolds(mother now to a baby girl and wife of the very handsome, Ryan Reynolds) Blake will be starring the film as Adaline Bowman also stars Harrison Ford (“Star Wars”, Indiana Jones series (from 1984-2008) ”, “American Graffiti”, “What Lies Beneath”, “42”, “Paranoia”, and “Ender’s Game”), Ellen Burstyn (love her in one of my favorite films, "The Exorcist", “The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood”, "Requiem for a dream"). 

The age of Adaline is a film that reminds me right away of “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”.They have similar themes. The theme of the film is life, love, and staying youthful in your life. One thing as women and men we have a need to keep up with the times, evolve, grow, and to maintain a youthful spirit. If you have that kind of outlook where you want to maintain and feel that way that is something people should strive for as well.  In this film Adaline has a deep secret after a freak accident with her car. She lives for eight decades but maintains and continues to be her age throughout the film.

The film is set in the beginning in 1931, She ends up gaining a unique and special gift. She gets the gift of youth. She gains an opportunity and gift of never aging.  She maintains her youth and stays at the age of 29 through out the film. She even has a daughter who ages along with her. Within the film her secret is almost revealed that she has lived her life and maintained her youth. She meets different men who she begins dating and falls in love with as well. They all wonder how she continues to maintain her appearance and still never push on forward.

This film looks like a beautiful, warm, touching and story that will definitely appeal to all of us who have ever thought about age, getting older, changing, evolving, and maintaining our youth as well.  It gives you an opportunity to imagine the fantasy of being young and twenty-nine forever. I cannot wait to see the film. It will be out this spring , Friday, April 24, 2015.  The website will be coming soon and I will have it all for you soon. 

“Fox TV's Number One hit show now Empire Soundtrack out now"

“ Empire” the show with it’s amazing writing, hit music songs, incredible acting, costumes and more. The show is really ground breaking in so many ways. Now everyone can hear the Empire soundtrack. Remember when you first saw “Hakeem Lyon ” (Bryshere “Yazz” Gray) and “Jamal Lyon ” (Jussie Smollett), these two are not only just breakout actors with phenomenal skills. They can really rap, sing, and perform which is incredible. Where have they been hiding? As many of you know Timothy “Timbaland” Moseley aka “The Music Man” the amazing producer who has produced hits by “Missy”, Aaliyah, One Direction, Brandy, TI, and so many others is bringing his skills to the television show making monster hit songs in the recording studio. I love “No Apologies”, “Drip Drop”, “You’re So Beautiful”, and so many other songs on this show are all hit after hit. They have special guest after special guest on this show from Courtney Love, Raven Symone, Mary J. Blige, Estelle, Jennifer Hudson, Patti Labelle, Snoop Dogg, and the list is expanding. I would love to see a lot more Pop & R&B divas on this show, and special guest there’s a lot of people to add on this roster definitely.  I am so proud of Taraji P. Henson who plays “Cookie” or “Queen Cookie” some people call her since she is the matriarch of the family and contributed to the Empire Records brand as well. She can really sing and has an incredible voice, she also can play the hell out of this character, every woman wants to be like “Cookie” and speak her mind. Also have to hand it to Terrence Howard of course who plays the lion with biggest roar “Lucious Lyon” who is a former rap artist turned rap mogul and businessman.  The show is incredible it has a great story line with a very large and obvious love triangle “Lucious”/”Cookie”/and “Anika” (played by Grace Gealey) who are not only fighting for the Empire Records CEO position and ownership but also they’re managing to fight for who’s under A&R and managing that department.  Then also fighting for Lucious’s love, attention, and heart as well.  Then you also have Lucious and Cookie’s oldest son, Andre who is battling personal issues, trying to manage the company, and handle the Empire Records. The show has so much going on, so many different themes, there’s drama, action, surprises left and right, romance, some comedy, and so much more in this high packed action show. I hope all of you will go out either buy, download this amazing soundtrack. Visit http://www.hulu.com or http://www.google.com/googleplay   if you can or DVR the episodes as soon as you get a chance.  I give this show high recommendations 5 stars, and  has had 10 million  on the very first night and millions more are watching the show viewers in 2 months now what!!!! Lol Congratulations to the cast cannot wait for more episodes. You all worked so incredibly hard on this project. Congratulations to Lee Daniels, Danny Strong and everyone working hard to make the show better and better.  You know I included a few clips for you to check out some music just for you all. I will see you all very soon. Stay tuned my readers!!!! Have a wonderful day and I'll have more too share soon. 

The cast of "Empire"

The cast of "Empire" promoting the show

Toast to success of the Empire records on one of the first episodes.

“Do you remember the first time someone called you beautiful or handsome?”

We live in a society full of people who are changing themselves literally physically morphing into unrecognizable and different people. Their looks are changing vastly whether with cosmetic surgery, colored contacts, dyed hair, Botox and many other chemicals and hormones changing the way women and men conduct themselves. I don’t disagree with these measures what makes you happy are simply on you and the choices you make to feel like your best self. Yet we have young people every day struggling every single day with themselves, with body issues, with many different physical, personality, societal issues and mental issues trying to find their way in the world to go from their adolescent to young adult selves. Now I am going to ask the adults 18 and over do you remember the very first time someone called you, “ Handsome” or “Beautiful”? I think I was about 10 years old when someone actually said it to me directly and I didn’t digest the compliment that well because I was at the age going through my awkward stage. I was in the “Ugly Duckling/Beautiful Swan” phase back then I was skinny, a bit tall, with glasses, shy, and living with the fact that someone did not think I was attractive to them. Now some boys found me attractive in certain ways, some were did not develop the confidence yet on how to make a little girl feel appreciated or say “Hey, I think you’re cute”. Now, some of them did actually especially when I was going through that stage. However, yes those things were great but at the same time. It was challenging because you're a little girl and you are dealing with some boys who don't feel that way about you. As the saying goes "Kids can be cruel". For me it was definitely one of those powerful lessons where I had to remember not everyone will like you basically. At the same time when you hear someone say negative comments to you. It can scar and affect you. However, when you have people around you who are positive, who believe in you. Or who can help you grow and change. Then you can literally be on your way from going to the caterpillar to the butterfly.  I wonder to myself what’s happening in the world. Have we forgotten that, yes I know we have to be well rounded human beings.

I dedicate this song to my readers for those who need a pick me up "You're Beautiful" by James Blunt

At the same time have we forgotten to accept ourselves. People have to redevelop how to be happy and comfortable with us. There’s something happening in the world where we have forgotten to accept ourselves and to be comfortable with who we are as well. Now I have been fortunate to have parents who truly love me and accept me unconditionally. As long as I take care of myself, have strength, confidence, and do what is necessary they support myself they will continue to believe in me. The both of them will support me even if there are challenges as well. There is something that personally affects a parent when they hear their child doesn’t accept themselves physically, they are judged, or they have something they want to change as well. I believe when it comes to that you have to reinforce to your child, one life goes in stages meaning nothing is permanent.  Two people will judge you, critique you, and thirdly, there is only one unique you.  We all go through changes physically and personally but if you take care of yourself properly not destroy yourself. There will be positive results you know when people accept themselves or when they can be comfortable with whom they are.  They take the higher road to improve themselves, when I say destroy yourself I mean abusing your body, continually going in for cosmetic surgery making changes excessively, for example you have had over 20 procedures done, and you are suffering from Body Dysmorphia issues. I think we simply need to go back and remind ourselves of the person who told us “Wow, you’re beautiful or he’s really handsome”. Keep that in the back of your mind always and continue to blossom into the person you are destined to be. 

Life of a bridesmaid series-Your glass slippers: The perfect affordable shoe for the bride and bridal party

“Life of a bridesmaid series with Honey Brown Sugar: Your glass slippers- The perfect, affordable, and stylish bridal shoes”

Hello my readers! So as you know I am a bridesmaid but this “ series” or advice section I am doing in the blog. Allows me to be your “personal bridesmaid” too. I get to help make it simple and easy for you. So let’s say you found the perfect and beautiful wedding dress. Now I didn’t want to focus on the dress in my Life of A Bridesmaid series. One because everyone has their own unique personal style when it comes to their wedding dresses.  Plus there are thousands of wedding dresses and designers out there.  It would take me a week or two to research and discuss all the gorgeous beautiful dresses out there. I will  tell  you though, I am huge fan of Vera Wang, Monique Lhullier, Vivienne Westwood, and Demetrios, love the dresses on “Say Yes to the Dress”, 

From Heels.com

From Betsey Johnson's "Blue" wedding collection 

From Zappos.com great prices on shoes affordable!

From my glass slipper.com 

From my glass slipper.com 

Now me personally if Chanel or a designer of my choosing like Oscar de la Renta would love to have them do my own dress one day. The dress is something I believe should be between the bride and her bridal party. Whether if she debuts the dress in private or shares with her mate. I think the wedding dress is something special that should be another memorable part. So now that the bride has found her perfect wedding gown….what about those shoes !?!...

Let’s find some fabulous places for you to find your glass slippers so you can have the right shoe for your prince charming at your wedding ball. So I gathered 10 plus a bonus of beautiful, fun, exciting shoes in all different colors, sizes, heel variations from low, mid heel, to high heels for every woman looking for their perfect shoe.  I have some gorgeous shoes in mind for you.

1.     DSW-great prices, selection, and variety. DSW a shoe store/outlet with great prices and discounts.  Visit your local DSW or go to http://www.dsw.com.    

Steve Madden-not only casual shoes, but they do have a huge variety of bridal selection as well.

3.     Shoe Dazzle.com –a company started and formed by Kim Kardashian-West and the partners of Shoedazzle, beautiful colors and selection. They have fantastic prices especially if you sign up with them right away too.

4.     Shop Zoey.com-another website great prices and a beautiful selection for your maid of honor, bridesmaids,and flower girls

5.     Heels.com-tons of colors even multi-colors and metallics

6.     Shoemint.com-love their shoes classy, modern, and hip                       

7.     Zappos.com-excellent prices below $50,00 dollars

8.     My Glass Slipper.com-a wide selection for your wedding           

9.      NinaShoes.com-great textures, love their shoes a beautiful variety, this is definitely an investment.

10. BetseyJohnson.com –ladylike, romantic, stylish, classy, and fun shoes on her website. She even has her own bridal selection for young women I hope you all like them too.

2BONUS-http://www.theknot.com/shoes and http://www.justfab.com

Now trying to decide on my shoe for my bridesmaid dress hopefully everything will come together. I recently wore 4 inch pumps to an interview and my feet reminded me “Are you 100 percent sure you want to where heels at the wedding?” That’s why I am bringing  a pair of sexy summer flats as well. I highly recommend if you have to actually get slippers for the wedding too, also visit http://www.drscholls.com to get jellies and dream walkers. It doesn’t matter where I am going down the street, to work, to a party, a club, the store, or restaurant.  I love my jellies and believe every woman young and older should  feel comfortable in their gorgeous, fabulous, comfortable shoes. They help us protect our feet and help us express ourselves. Keep your shoes healthy for you  and your feet: polished, oiled, shined, scrape free, so you can take care of them and they last longer. So I hope everyone at your wedding and reception will have an excellent time dancing the night away in their gorgeous shoes. 

"Life as a bridesmaid with Honey Brown Sugar series": The cake tastings

From Sweet Lady Jane's bakery 

Have you ever heard the phrase that’s the “Icing on the cake” well that is the best part of the wedding celebration and festivities. This is when everything sets in and you get to really have fun, I believe couples should leave this as part of the very last part of the wedding. It’s the most enjoyable, memorable, and one of the most talked about parts of the wedding. I found 10 different locations across the country whether you are looking for sweet, creamy, citrus, chocolate, tropical flavors, and you want to indulge.  The wedding cake for most people really is the second most popular viewed item at the wedding aside from the bridal party and groomsmen outfits. So you want your cake to be memorable and a feast for the senses. Delicious, Beautiful to look at, a fragrant smell, and of course memorable at your reception.  The bakeries I found around the country are some of the most well known, creative, and beautiful cakes around. These cakes have been featured in movies, television series, magazines all over, and have inspired many to go into the shops to decide on their wedding cake.  Also with the help of a few television talk show hosts as well. I have some bakeries just for you.

So I have found the following 10 shops for you and your honey to decide on now.

1.     Royal Cakes-located in California you can follow them on Instagram as well. The best way to reach them is (818) 519-4262. Royal Cakes was featured in the film, “Madea’s Family Reunion”, many celebrities local and internationally have used their cakes.  

2.     Sweet Lady Jane’s located in Los Angeles, California at 8360 Melrose Avenue (323)653-7145. (She's one to consider she did Portia and Ellen's wedding cake!!!!) 

3.     Perfect Wedding Cakes /Unforgettable Wedding Cakes located at 869 Pickens Industrial Drive Suite#3, Marietta, Georgia 30062. (770)971-1700.

4.     Carlo’s Bakery located in Hoboken, New Jersey-one of my favorites Buddy Valastro and his team did my 23^rd birthday cake for me back in 2009 with my photo a delicious strawberry shortcake filling and I love their desserts. They have incredible cannolis. Also Carlo’s Bakery also has a separate store located in Times Square called “The Cake Boss Café” right in the heart of the times square near the movie theaters and theater district I hope you all get a chance to go as well.  He’s one of the sweetest people ever too. So I highly recommend their bakery.

5.     Junior’s even though they make some of the most delicious cheesecakes around the world this is a good option for you if you all decide you want to be versatile with the desserts at your wedding and mix it up.

6.     Palermo’s Bakery -5517 Avenue N, Brooklyn, NY 11234(718)968-1672

7.     Butterfly Bakeshop-133 East 39^th Street, 2^nd floor, New York, NY 10016 located between Lexington Avenue and Third.

8.     Magnolia Bakery-1240 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10020 (212)767-1123

9.     Empire Cake- 112 8^TH Avenue New York, NY 10011, (212) 242-5858

10. The Cake Lady Bakery- Now for this location I have The Cake Lady Bakery 1302 South Friendswood Drive, Friendswood, Texas 77546.  

BONUS BAKERY-Now this is for people who want to go the cupcake route. I highly recommend to all you this location because it is one of my personal favorites. I haven’t been in a while but definitely will be making a stop one of these days during the spring or summer to this location. They have locations in Washington, D.C., downtown Soho section of New York, now Atlanta, Georgia, and they keep expanding.  These ladies also had a reality television show featured on TLC too. The price is great ($3.50) per cupcake, I love their coconut cupcakes they are enhanced with Madagascar vanilla and a hint of champagne I heard once too, vanilla, special flavors, cannot wait to try their strawberry cupcakes too. So good luck to all of  the couples planning the wedding, the wedding planners, family members, and friends assisting as well. May you find that delicious, creative, and fun wedding cake for your memorable and special day.

Georgetown Cupcakes have many different franchises their addresses and locations are:

1.     Georgetown Cupcakes (Washington, D.C.) Location-Downtown Georgetown M Street, (202) 333-8448

2.     Maryland Location Bethesda Row, (301) 907-8900

3.     267 East Paces Perry Road, NE, Atlanta, Georgia, (404) 257-6502 10-9pm

4.     New York location-downtown Manhattan in the Soho area, 111 Mercer Street, New York, N.Y. 10012 (212) 431-4504

Visit http://www.georgetowncupcakes.com and http://www.tlc.com for more information on their television series. 

From Perfect wedding cake, a cake for an autumn wedding 

From Sweet Lady Jane's 

This delicious berry cake from Sweet Lady Jane's 

From Royal Wedding Cakes or Royal Cakes 

From Sweet Lady Jane's bakery 

"Movie screen will be heating up this summer": Magic Mike XXL

Magic Mike coming to theaters the date is tentative for this one either July 1, 2015 or July 3, 2015 

The movie screen will be heating up: Double XL coming to theaters this summer

Ladies and some Gentlemen…start your engines get ready for one of the hottest summers.  Starring in the brand new sequel to Magic Mike: Channing Tatum (Step Up 1 & 2, Dear John,  ) Joe Manganiello (Sabotage, What to expect when you’re expecting, Magic Mike 1, Spiderman 3, Behind Enemy Lines, and airing very soon, Suicide Squad),  dancer, choreographer of “So you think you can dance), and performer Stephen “Twitch” Boss , Bill Reilich also known as  “Bill the Gardner (from Ellen’s talk show), and NFL superstar, talk show host of “Michael and Kelly”, “Good Morning America”, and reporter on NFL Fox, Michael Strahan 

Twitch, Joe Manganiello, Adam Rodriguez, Channing Tatum the cast of "Double XL"

Amber Heard

Jada Pinkett-Smith also in the film

Does it get any better than this apparently not….so much eye candy in here for all the ladies there’s a lot to discuss It also stars some very other big stars, Amber Heard (The Rum Diary, Friday Night Lights, North Country, Hidden Palms, Machete Kills), Andie MacDowell (Beauty Shop, Crush, Dinner with Friends, Footloose), Adam Rodriguez (“Bad By Myself”, “The Night Shift”, ) Jada Pinkett Smith (Matrix Revolutions, Hawthorne, and Gotham), and Elizabeth Banks(The Hunger Games Series, Seabiscuit, Definitely Maybe, The Forty Year Old Virgin, and “What to Expect when your expecting”), Matt Bomer(Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The Fight Plan, Superman: Unbound, and Guiding Light) . Now where we left of at I believe Magic Mike got the girl in the end and they ended up together. Now I wonder where and who will he end up with now. This time the film takes place with the whole group driving down from Florida to a stripper’s convention competition and also focuses on the character of “Magic Mike”. Now there is one person missing from the film, Matthew McConaughey but I know he would have done an incredible job if he signed up for the role this time.  The film will take on a whole different story I believe this time now with a diverse group and cast. When I first saw the trailer I thought “Uh Oh wow they’re really giving it in this film” and then I heard, Ginuwine’s “Pony” and I knew oh wow this movie really is going to be good. One I love that song and I probably shouldn’t have cause I was about 10 when that song came out. I actually sang the song one day mind you so loud in my after school program I got busted true story Lol!  (my heavenly father and earthly father forgive me lol) but yes I can all ready tell the movie is going to be really good either way. I wouldn’t be surprised with this all-star cast and the new additions the choreography is going to be amazing. So of course you know I have the amazing trailer for all the ladies and gentlemen who want to see this film. So will you be getting your friends together to see this film. This film will be out just in time for Independence Day weekend on Friday July 3, 2015. Hope you all take your girl friends. Have fun! God bless America!

“Girls-You all need to know your worth”

A few days ago I am watching the 5 o’clock news on WNBC in New York, then later Fox and I am sure everyone saw who was watching this story about the young girls from Brooklyn, New York get into a huge brawl of about 20 teenage girls in a local McDonald’s. This is not the first time a fight has been caught on video with the girls fighting each other. It seems like people have become comfortable with this image. They are capturing it on their cell phones and watching it like its supposed to be a live boxing match or fight. I remember when there was a time when young people have rites of passage. Bar mitzvah, Bat mitzvah, Quinceaneras, Sweet Sixteen’s, Cotillions, going to high school, all of these are rites of passage for teenagers. Now when did it become a rite of passage to beat a girl down with a large group in the middle of a restaurant, school, or park and it’s acceptable.  It broke my heart I couldn’t stop thinking about it cause I kept trying to imagine me having a daughter or son and I get a phone call about my child getting into a fight from a principal or a parent. That bothers me when you have to watch kids fight for a senseless reason. Its different whether the girls fight  because someone was touched or hit first. However, they need to have a real reason to fight like a boy they may all have a crush on, competing in class against grades, or attention. These are pretty logical reasons to fight with a girl I get it you want to argue and blow off some steam.

            Now there’s a process to a fight, it happens for whatever reason, then there’s it actually happening, the witnesses involved, and then the aftermath the screaming and fighting come to a cease and now you have to calm the girls or boys down to make sense of the situation. In this case the reason the fight happened is still being investigated. However, the story really hit me cause I was just praising women the other day about Women’s History Month. How can we all be so proud after I see this ugly display and it made me cringe. It’s one of the ugliest things to see your child with a group of girls who join in and pounce on a girl, causing bruises, blood, scars, hair loss, and possible broken bones or fractures.

Here’s my message to young ladies as a young woman who attended two all-girl high schools, I had my little fair share of arguments, I was teased or bullied a bit in junior high too. I get it I can relate to you. Here’s how you fight and do it wisely young ladies. Use your brain; use your intelligence, wit, and power. I will never forget a quote I heard a long time ago about “Women represent how our society should be, they display how we should conduct themselves”.  I know it’s a lot of pressure to hear that but it can be done. Our ancestors laid down the cement let’s walk along smoothly and make a good choice. Basically they are saying in this quote how every woman once she steps foot, she has an obligation to make good choices in the world, she has the right to decide how she will conduct herself, to use wise judgment, and to make a choice of will I be bullied, will I be judged, ostracized, critiqued. No! I will be smart and back away. I will back away from non-violence. When did it become all right for us to teach young women it’s all right to practice violence in America.  That’s what we are really saying when you are capturing a video of over 20 girls jumping, fighting, and squabbling. Now when I say violence, I know it occurs in the world of course in many forms fighting in a war or even domestic violence. However when it’s girls I think it takes on a whole different meaning.

Young women need to remind themselves we need to develop sisterhood, friendship, a bond to get through tough situations, not beat each other to a pulp. You know I realized something for the last few months. I used to watch these shows, “The Real Housewives…franchise”, “Bad Girls Club”, and “Love & Hip Hop” now in the beginning I thought wow the shows are fun, exciting, entertaining, the girls are cool, stylish, strong, and beautiful.  Sometimes I wonder is it because of the images they see on television is making them want to display violence in public. That it’s all right to pull another’s hair. A girl/woman’s hair is her crown and glory. She works so hard to eat and feed her scalp the proper nutrients to be full, long, thick, curly, wavy, blonde, red, brunette, pink, or green whatever color she chooses to dye her hair. The fact that women are throwing glass at each other, women are punching, scratching, and most of all destroying one another. It’s unacceptable. This is not what we should teach young ladies. We should be teaching them self-worth, pride, humility, confidence, respect for themselves, for others, and especially their elders. It is disappointing to know that young women feel this way to hurt one another. I hope and pray that maybe television producers will re-think their synopsis of their programs, their approach for ratings. We are teaching girls young ladies the wrong thing. They are supposed to be the apple of eye, not walking around giving people black eyes. I hope for all of you out there the parents, friends, guardians, teachers, educators, and relatives raising and educating these young women can sit down with their daughters, talk to them cause they obviously need you more than you realize now. It make take some time, I know its never easy to approach a teenager, I have been there and I have seen it first hand as well. However, it is better to show you care and love your child. We have to do so much to protect our children and teens from that we need to be smart and continue to protect your child.  I am going to add a few websites and ideas for young girls and women that maybe will promote growth and help young ladies to go in a more positive and uplifting direction.

1.     Girl Scouts of America http://www.girlscouts.org 

2.     Volunteer Programs-Boys & Girls Clubs http://www.bgca.org 

3.     Any non-profit organizations

4.     Tutoring programs 

5.     Activities that uplift them and make them happy.

6.     Now if girls do like active activities where they can join the football team, cheerleading, gymnastics, the basketball team, soccer, fencing, bowling. All of these sports activities require physical and mental competition.

7.     Helping your local community with animals.

8.     Starting your own business for young ladies with that entrepreneurial spirit

9.     Check in on your neighbors and helping people.

10.  Having sleepovers, slumber parties, make up parties, maybe “Make a Difference party” where one girl does something for another girl that will help her it could be help with homework, a small problem, something to be learned and developed. This is something that will teach and help kids pay it forward.

Love this song, " A Woman's Worth" by Alicia Keys (2001) want you all to listen to the lyrics of the song it's not just about the relationship between the woman and man.  It's about you all need to appreciate and embrace what you worth as well.