Category Archives: Uncategorized

Epiphany

Tracee & Imani

Sometimes you’re fortunate enough to know your purpose in life early in the game.  I have long since known that one of my main reasons for being on this planet is to make the lives of young people better.  Nine years ago I was able to realize that purpose by becoming a mentor.  My mentee, Imani, was the cutest little thing.  She was full of life and smart as a whip.  Then she hit the tumultuous teen years and also hit a wall.  I hit a big fat wall right along with her and began to doubt myself as a mentor.  Her teen drama seemed to go on for years and years.  Was I a complete failure?

I prayed for answers and a way to continue my mission.  I was really at my wits end and close to throwing in the towel. But since I’m no quitter that really wasn’t an option; I was just being a drama queen.  This past July I was approached to join the leadership committee for our church’s youth ministry.  Hmm?  Could this be the answers that I was looking for?

Though it’s been challenging as I’ve found that Imani isn’t the only teen to run into a brick barrier (is everyone between the ages of 13 & 18 possessed?!), it’s been rewarding.  Imani has actually joined in on many of the activities and I’m happy to report that she is slowly climbing over that wall and doing really well.  Of course, she still has many more obstacles to overcome. But I’m hopeful for her future; I will hold steadfast to the faith that she will transition into adulthood remarkably and make great contributions to this society.

Along with my Youth Leaders of Emmanuel (YLE) team members, I’ve taken the teens to two Broadway plays, The Mountaintop and Stick Fly, both AWESOME works.  We’ve implemented many programs such as SAT prep, tutoring, and my pet project Read & Flow, a book club for the new millennium. We’ve also revamped the flagship program Teen Canteen.

The great thing about doing this kind of work is meeting people with like minds and visions.  I crossed paths with a super gifted Visual Artist Beau who generously devoted his time to create an incredible backdrop painting for Teen Canteen REMASTERED. The finished product (see below) is radically fabulous™ and he worked his magic less than 24 hours!

YLE has many amazing things on the horizon for the youth. I’m super excited!  Stay tuned for more updates. 2012 is going to be a great year for mentoring and inspiring our future leaders, thinkers, and doers!

We have been to "The Mountaintop" & it was good!

 

An evening at the theatre – Stick Fly

Girls Night Out - We loved Stick Fly!

Teen Canteen REMASTERED painting by Beau

3 Comments

Filed under Uncategorized

The Radically Fabulous Skin & Body Sweepstakes!

*THIS SWEEPSTAKES HAS ENDED; CONGRATS TO ALICIA WILLIAMS!*

I’m super excited to announce the latest giveaway from The Socialite Design just in time for summer!  Recently I attended a swanky affair sponsored by Arbonne International, a company that promotes beautiful skin and a healthy body the way nature intended it – naturally. Well, I’m all about beautiful skin and a healthy body without the use of chemicals that do more harm than good, which is why I have partnered up with Arbonne Independent Consultants Sonja G. Bernard & Sally Stewart to bring you The Radically Fabulous Skin & Body Sweepstakes!  The winner will receive an exhilarating unisex prize of botanically rich, chemical-free products that rejuvenate your entire body.  The total prize package is worth ninety-seven bucks, but that’s the just the monetary value; the health benefits extend far beyond dollars and cents.  Enter now and here’s what you just might win: Continue reading

Leave a comment

Filed under Uncategorized

And the Winner Is…

TIM WHITLEY!!!!! Congratulations, Tim! You are the winner of the The Radically Fabulous Art Snob Sweepstakes . You will receive the numbered and autographed jazz print “John Coltrane” by acclaimed artist Harold D. Smith.   If you are in the Kansas City area there is still time to see Harold Smith’s outstanding exhibit at the American Jazz Museum.  And if you can’t make it, you can always take a virtual trip to Harold’s website and/or the Museum’s site to view his incredible cache of work.

Thanks to all who subscribed and entered the sweepstakes.  I hope you had as much fun as I did.  A very very special thank you to my sponsor  Harold D. Smith. And, a warm ‘thank you’ to Social Media Guru Henrietta Koffi of Fort Greene SNAP for conducting the sweepstakes drawing.

Stay tuned for The Radically Fabulous Skin Sweepstakes for a chance to win an incredible skin care products from Sonja Bernard and Sally Stewart of Arbonne International.  Sorry, Tim W., you’re not eligible to win again until August. Until then enjoy your gorgeous print and blog entries on The Socialite Design! 

If you didn’t win this month, try and try again. There are more radically fabulous prizes on the horizon. So don’t give up because you help make this possible.  Thank you so much!



Leave a comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Foodies Unite!!

The Taste of Chicago is the greatest food festival in the world and it just so happens to be in my hometown. Yes I’m biased, but it really is the best.  Every summer millions of foodies across the globe descend upon the Windy City for some good eating and radically fabulous entertainment.  Rapidly securing the 2-spot as the best food fest is Queens…A Taste of the World. Continue reading

4 Comments

Filed under Uncategorized

And the Radically Fabulous Workout Winner Is…

GARY VANICEK!!!!! Congratulations, Gary! You are the winner of the The Radically Fabulous Workout Sweepstakes . You will receive the new workout DVD I Am. I Can. I Do.  from Celebrity Fitness Trainer Kacy Duke.

Thanks to all who subscribed and entered the sweepstakes.  I hope you had as much fun as I did.  A very very special thank you to my sponsor  Kacy Duke of Kacy Duke Fitness. And, a warm ‘thank you’ to Social Media Guru Henrietta Koffi of Fort Greene SNAP for conducting the sweepstakes drawing.

There’s still time to enter the Radically Fabulous Art Snob Sweepstakes! One lucky winner will take home this autographed limited edition print by the incredible Harold D. Smith, who currently has a remarkable exhibit at the American Jazz Museum in Kansas City, MO.  Click here to enter. Sorry, Gary V., you’re not eligible to win again until July. Until then enjoy your new workout and blog entries.  ;-)

Tune in next month for a chance to win Good Eats 2 by Food Network Host Alton Brown.

1 Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Protected: SOUL SLAM: MJ vs. Prince

This content is password protected. To view it please enter your password below:

Enter your password to view comments.

Filed under Uncategorized

Radically Fabulous Art Snob Sweepstakes

THIS SWEEPSTAKES HAS ENDED. CONGRATULATIONS TO TIM WHITLEY!!! 

STAY TUNED FOR THE RADICALLY FABULOUS BEAUTIFUL SKIN SWEEPSTAKES!

Most of my artwork is inspired by jazz.

Not just the sounds and personalities of jazz but by the spirit of energy, diversity,

and personal expression within the context of group expression that jazz

embodies.

To me, this is the spirit of life and love.

– Harold Smith

Harold Smith is an acclaimed artist whose works have been shown in San Francisco and Kansas City. And they’ve been sold to collectors in the United States, Japan, France, Germany, Belgium, Israel, South Africa, Mexico, Panama and other countries around the globe. Representatives from major companies and institutions have purchased Harold Smith Art; they include Microsoft, The University of Minnesota, Liberty University, Tuskegee University, The University of California at Berleley and The National Afro-American Museum.  Harold Smith currently has a solo exhibition at the American Jazz Museum in Kansas City, MO.

One lucky winner will snag a limited edition, auto-graphed and numbered Harold Smith print! This 11″ x 8.5″ print is a replica of the 40″ x 30″ oil on stretched canvas original; the image is used on a banner that hangs at the American Jazz Museum.

For a chance to win a “John Coltrane” print by Harold Smith: (a) You must subscribe to The Socialite Design, (b) and correctly answer the following questions by May 31, 2011 (HINT: The answers can be found on HaroldSmithArt.com by clicking the underlined key words in each question.) It’s the easiest open book test ever!) Use the contact form at the end of this post to transmit the correct answers to me. Persons who score a Perfect 2 and subscribe to The Socialite Design will be entered into a drawing.  Only one person can win! Good luck!

The Radically Fabulous Art Snob Sweepstakes Pop Quiz

  1. Who is the curator of Harold Smith’s exhibition “Colors of Jazz” at the American Jazz Museum?
  2. The Harold Smith painting featured in the interview on Review Magazine includes a headline from what print publication?

Now that you’ve passed the quiz you must subscribe to The Socialite Design. 

**CONTEST RULES**

1. In order to qualify to win you must: (a) become a subscriber of The Socialite Design, (b) and answer both questions correctly by May 31, 2011 at 11:59pm est.

2. Only one entry per person.

3.  You cannot win more than once within a 60-day period.

4. Its my game and my rules, so I reserve the right to cancel the contest at any time or extend entry dates. Yep, just like on the playground.

5.  If you gave birth to me or are married to the person who gave birth to me or gave birth to the person who gave birth to me, you aren’t eligible to win. Sorry Mom & Grandma, but in the off chance that you happen to win I don’t want any “No fair; that’s yo mama drama!”

6.  Contest ends on May 31, 2011 at 11:59pm est.

7.  The drawing will be conducted by Fort Greene SNAP on or around June 3, 2011.  The winner will be announced on The Socialite Design soon after the name is drawn.  Since you must be a subscriber to claim the prize that means you’ll be notified via email immediately after I post the name of the lucky person!

8. To SUBSCRIBE look in the upper right hand corner, type your email address in the designated slot & click “Sign me up!”  Then check your inbox (and spam folder) for the confirmation email. Once you confirm, you’re in and on your way to exciting adventures and possibly winning a gorgeous print!

♥♥♥A HUGE thanx to my RADICALLY FABULOUS SPONSORS! ♥♥♥

HAROLD SMITH

For me, creating art is a very natural and spontaneous process. To me, one may learn the technical aspects of artistic painting but the creative aspect is innate. I may mull over a concept or a piece of music for weeks before it comes together on canvas. When it comes together, I find a certain tension in painting as the paint clashes with the canvas and with itself.

FORT GREENE SNAP

The Fort Greene SNAP’s mission is to provide low and moderate income residents, in and near Fort Greene, access to gainful employment, further education, and quality health care by offering programs in technology, entrepreneurship and life skills.

STOP! BEFORE ANSWERING THE QUESTIONS, YOU MUST SUBSCRIBE. ENTER YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IN THE SLOT LOCATED IN THE UPPER RIGHT HAND CORNER.  MAKE SURE TO CHECK YOUR INBOX & SPAM MAIL FOR THE CONFIRMATION EMAIL. ONCE YOU CONFIRM YOU MAY PROCEED. THANKS!

USE THE FORM BELOW TO ENTER THE DRAWING. PLEASE LIST YOUR ANSWERS IN PROPER ORDER ACCORDING TO THE QUESTIONS AND DOUBLE CHECK THEM BEFORE SUBMITTING. THERE ARE NO DO-OVERS!

2 Comments

Filed under Uncategorized

The Radically Fabulous Workout Sweepstakes

 

Celebrity Fitness Trainer Kacy Duke - I Am. I Can. I Do.

WIN! WIN! WIN! –DEADLINE EXTENDED – APRIL 30th!!!  Remember you MUST follow all instructions in order to qualify (Don’t worry; they are super easy). Good luck!

I Am. I Can. I Do. by Celebrity Fitness Trainer Kacy Duke.  This is the follow-up to the popular workout book Show It Love.  Kacy has trained some of the world’s most elite entertainers such as Denzel Washington, Julianne Moore, Maxwell, Gwen Stefani and Samuel L. Jackson, to name a few.

One lucky person will snag the sensational I Am. I Can. I Do. workout DVD and join the list of radically fabulous bodies!  (Check out the DVD trailer below).

 

For a chance to win I Am. I Can. I Do.: (a) You must subscribe to The Socialite Design, (b) correctly answer the following questions, (c) and for one extra entry “LikeKacy Duke Fitness on Facebook by April 30, 2011 (HINT: The answers to the questions can be found on The Socialite Design and KacyDukeFitness.com by clicking the underlined key words in each question.) It’s the easiest open book test ever!) Use the contact form at the end of this post to transmit the correct answers to me. Persons who score a Perfect 2 and follow the other directions will be entered into a drawing.  Only one person can win! Good luck!

The Radically Fabulous Workout Sweepstakes Pop Quiz

  1. What is the name of the Cinematographer who filmed I Am. I Can. I Do.?
  2. What chain of fitness clubs did Kacy Duke co-found?

Now that you’ve answered the questions, subscribe to The Socialite Design, and for one extra entry “Like” Kacy Duke Fitness by clicking here.

**CONTEST RULES**

1.  In order to qualify to win you must: (a) Subscribe to The Socialite Design, (b) answer both questions correctly, (c) and for one extra entry “Like” Kacy Duke Fitness by April 13, 2011 at 11:59pm est.

2.  Only one entry per person.

3. You cannot win more than once within a 60-day period. You can enter both of the current April sweepstakes, but you canNOT win both prizes.

4.  Its my game and my rules, so I reserve the right to cancel the contest at any time or extend entry dates. Yep, just like on the playground.

5.  If you gave birth to me or are married to the person who gave birth to me or gave birth to the person who gave birth to me, you aren’t eligible to win. Sorry Mom & Grandma, but in the off chance that you happen to win I don’t want any “No fair; that’s yo mama drama!”

6.  Contest ends on April 30, 2011 at 11:59pm est.

7.  The drawing will be conducted by Fort Greene SNAP on or around May 4, 2011.  The winner will be announced on The Socialite Design soon after the name is drawn.  Since you must be a subscriber to claim the prize that means you’ll be notified via email immediately after I post the name of the lucky person!

8. The  prize includes the workout DVD I Am. I Can. I Do.  It does NOT include personal training sessions with Kacy Duke. If you want personal training sessions that is possible…for a few extra bucks. 😉

9. To SUBSCRIBE look in the upper right hand corner, type your email address in the designated slot & click “Sign me up!”  Then check your inbox (and spam folder) for the confirmation email. Once you confirm, you’re in and on your way to exciting adventures and possibly winning a super hot workout DVD!

♥♥♥A HUGE thanx to my RADICALLY FABULOUS SPONSORS! ♥♥♥

KACY DUKE

Few have affected the rhythm of the fitness industry as strongly as international fitness consultant and personal trainer, Kacy Duke. Named the city’s top workout guru by Allure magazine and the best trainer in New York by New York Magazine, her shining spirit and dedication inspires devoted followers the world over to empower themselves for positive change. Kacy has developed some of the most innovative fitness programs for health clubs and corporations in North America, Japan and throughout Europe. She is a co-founder and currently a consultant for Equinox Fitness Clubs.

Through a variety of programs that combine physical as well as mental stimulation, Kacy’s ideas have dictated the ever-changing dynamics of the fitness industry, attracting all types of people from celebrities and politicians to housewives and high-ranking business executives. This “ultra hip fitness maven” has been named to The New York Times “Exercise Video’s New Hot Bodies” list. No matter what you call her, Kacy’s magnetic personality, explosive style and respected commentary on fitness, healthy eating, video review and fashion continue to propel her to the forefront of the current fitness trend.

FORT GREENE SNAP

The Fort Greene SNAP’s mission is to provide low and moderate income residents, in and near Fort Greene, access to gainful employment, further education, and quality health care by offering programs in technology, entrepreneurship and life skills.

USE THE FORM BELOW TO ENTER THE DRAWING. PLEASE LIST YOUR ANSWERS IN PROPER ORDER ACCORDING TO THE QUESTIONS AND DOUBLE CHECK THEM BEFORE SUBMITTING. THERE ARE NO DO-OVERS!

4 Comments

Filed under Uncategorized

The Radically Fabulous Experience Sweepstakes

WIN! WIN! WIN!

SOUL SLAM centers around a battle between two of the most eclectic and innovative artists to date: Michael Jackson and Prince! From the inception of this concept by KeiStar Productions in 1999 the response for SOUL SLAM has been enormous. This event turns into a DJ battle with one DJ! – the incomparable DJ SPINNA and an audience of hardcore MJ and Prince fans!
DJ Spinna sets the tone of this event as he lays down track after track from both MJ’s and Prince’s extensive music catalogues along with tracks of their cohorts.  The world-renowned SOUL SLAM has taken place in it’s hometown New York City as well as in San Francisco, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Paris, & Japan!

SOUL SLAM has become a legendary and a highly anticipated annual party; its been frequented by A-List entertainers such as Stevie Wonder, Spike Lee, Rosario Dawson, Judah Friedlander, Top Chef host Padma Lakshmi, Mos Def, R&B crooner Maxwell, Sean “P-Diddy” Combs and the Olsen Twins, to name a few.

One lucky winner will snag a pair of tickets to this unforgettable event, add his or her name to the list, and make a guest appearance on The Socialite Design!

For a chance to win a pair of tickets to  SOUL SLAM: (a) You must subscribe to The Socialite Design, (b) “LikeDJ Spinna on Facebook, (c) and correctly answer the following questions by April 15, 2011 (HINT: The answers can be found on KeiStarProductions.com by clicking the underlined key words in each question.) It’s the easiest open book test ever!) Use the contact form at the end of this post to transmit the correct answers to me. Persons who score a Perfect 2 and follow the other directions will be entered into a drawing.  Only one person can win! Good luck!

The Radically Fabulous Experience Sweepstakes Pop Quiz

  1. SOUL SLAM has been celebrated how many times (i.e. how many “parts” have there been)?  READ THE QUESTION CAREFULLY!
  2. KeiStar was founded on what principle?

**CONTEST RULES**

1. In order to qualify to win you must: (a) Subscribe to The Socialite Design, (b)”Like” DJ Spinna on Facebook, (c) and answer both questions correctly by April 15, 2011 at 5:59pm est.

2. Only one entry per person.

3. You cannot win more than once within a 60-day period. You can enter both of the current April sweepstakes, but you canNOT win both prizes.

4. Its my game and my rules, so I reserve the right to cancel the contest at any time or extend entry dates. Yep, just like on the playground.

5. If you gave birth to me or are married to the person who gave birth to me or gave birth to the person who gave birth to me, you aren’t eligible to win. Sorry Mom & Grandma, but in the off chance that you happen to win I don’t want any “No fair; that’s yo mama drama!”

6.  Contest ends on April 15, 2011 at 5:59pm est.

7.  The drawing will be conducted by Fort Greene SNAP on or around April 15, 2011.  The winner will be announced on The Socialite Design soon after the name is drawn.  Since you must be a subscriber to claim the prize that means you’ll be notified via email immediately after I post the name of the lucky person!

8. Prize includes only a pair of tickets to SOUL SLAM: Prince vs. Michael Jackson. Prize does NOT include lodging or transportation (MetroCard, Airfare, Gas Money, Bus fare, Train fare, etc. In other words, get there the best way you can! ;-))

9. To SUBSCRIBE look in the upper right hand corner, type your email address in the designated slot & click “Sign me up!”  Then check your inbox (and spam folder) for the confirmation email. Once you confirm, you’re in and on your way to exciting adventures and possibly winning a pair of tix to this super hot experience!

♥♥♥A HUGE thanx to my RADICALLY FABULOUS SPONSORS! ♥♥♥

KEISTAR PRODUCTIONS

Established in 1997, KeiStar Productions has demonstrated a very strong community focus solely dedicated to connecting people by creating alternative platforms and outlets that honor and celebrate diversity in music, dance, art, film and lifestyles.

KeiStar has produced numerous cutting edge events that have received major accolades from its main audience, as well as national and international recognition.  These events are based on themes and concepts that favor notable artists while providing spaces for its audience to experience journeys that are gratifying and always memorable!

FORT GREENE SNAP

The Fort Greene SNAP’s mission is to provide low and moderate income residents, in and near Fort Greene, access to gainful employment, further education, and quality health care by offering programs in technology, entrepreneurship and life skills.

USE THE FORM BELOW TO ENTER THE DRAWING. PLEASE LIST YOUR ANSWERS IN PROPER ORDER ACCORDING TO THE QUESTIONS AND DOUBLE CHECK THEM BEFORE SUBMITTING. THERE ARE NO DO-OVERS!

1 Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

And the Winner Is….

Jane Croger Won These Super Cute Gems!

JANE CROGER!!!!! Congratulations, Jane! You are the winner of the The Radically Fabulous My PeepStakes – the inaugural contest for The Socialite Design. You will receive the lovely Kiini Ibura Jewelry Turquoise & Austrian Crystal Earrings (made especially for this contest), $25 Gift Certificate from Karen’s Body Beautiful and a $15 Gift Certificate good toward a Box of Joy from CakeJoy.  A prize package worth $125!!

Thanks to all who subscribed and entered the sweepstakes.  I hope you had as much fun as I did.  A very very special thank you to my sponsors Melody Burns of Kiini Ibura Jewelry, Karen Tappin of Karen’s Body Beautiful and Kym Rodgers of CakeJoy.  And, a warm ‘thank you’ to Henrietta Koffi of Fort Greene SNAP for conducting the sweepstakes drawing.  I couldn’t have done it without you female entrepreneurs and Brooklyn Trailblazers!

Harold D. Smith

Stay tuned next month for the Radically Fabulous Art Snob Sweepstakes.  One lucky winner will take home this autographed limited edition print by the incredible Harold D. Smith, who currently has a remarkable exhibit at the American Jazz Museum in Kansas City, MO.  Sorry, Jane Croger, you’re not eligible to win again until June.  😉

Until then stay radically fabulous

Leave a comment

Filed under Uncategorized