As I grow older I’ve never even questioned whether I’d still be fashionable.

Not everyone has nailed the ‘Fifty and Fabulous’ phase of life yet.

Some struggle with The ‘F’ Word…..FRUMPY!!

Last week my friend Teri and I found ourselves surrounded by a group of some of the most elegant ladies in Charlotte.

SouthPark Mall personal shopper Suzanne Libfraind and The O Report Publisher Olivia Fortson hosted Stay Sassy, Stay Chic, a fashion seminar for women 50 and up.

We were first treated to a Sassy Suzanne Cocktail and lunch provided by Reid’s Fine Foods. Then cupcakes from Nona’s Bakery.

As each model came out we learned how she appeared so put together.

When mixing patterns we should pull tones from the largest pattern into the smaller pattern. Notice how this audience member pulled the yellow from her floral pants with her striped top.

Arm coverage is a must. Let your jacket or wrap be the focal point instead of just something to hide under.

Let your accessories pop! Don’t be afraid of statement pieces.

Use opposing shapes in jewelry. Allow them to compliment rather than compete with each other.

Have things fitted to avoid that ‘F’ word.

If you don’t want to give up your high heels then try a chunkier heel. It provides stability while elongating the leg.

Don’t be afraid to wear color!!! Just because our hair is grey doesn’t mean our wardrobe has to be!!!

Small narrow stripes are our friend.

Always have goto pieces in your closet for any event. This avoids the panicked shopping trip where we settle for something we don’t like and can’t afford.

Create a waistline. Belts or ties can give the illusion of a waist. Always tie on the side or in the back.

Be aware of your hemline. If you have to question it then the answer is NO!

Yes we can wear suede year round.

Before purchasing anything think of five ways to wear it. Buy finer, higher quality fabrics.

Keep your necklaces above or below the breast. With the skinnier ones hitting below and the bigger statement pieces above.

Thank you Suzanne and Olivia for showing us we’re NOT over the hill….we’re on top of the world!!!

http://wardrobeconsulting.biz/

http://www.theoreport.com/

I first met Renee Brown aka ‘Grandma Polly’ at a MLK Benefit hosted by Kevan Glover and the Konnected Foundation.

With her boots, plaid flannel shirt and leopard print cowboy hat, I knew she was someone I had to know.

Having just published her second book in the Big Rig Kids series, Renee strives to crush stereotypes and bring attention to adversities children face today.

But writing children’s books wasn’t her original plan. In fact it was never her plan at all.

After driving a truck for years, Renee had saved and was organizing a non profit homeless facility for single mothers and their children.

But God said “No!”

She struggled with giving up her plans. She questioned God. She was trying to help people. Why would God want her to give that up???

But HE had a better idea. A bigger and better way to help families.

He gave her five diversely ethnic characters.

She named the main character after her own Grandma Polly. And gave the Big Rig her grandfather’s nickname for her, Sapphire.

The first two books focus on Sickle Cell and Bullying.

The books don’t just tell stories. They are a movement.

Community Blood drives and benefits bring attention to the little known disease Sickle Cell Anemia.

She brings her anti bullying campaign to after school programs around the country.

With at least eight books planned, Renee believes she can spark conversations that will connect and strengthen families.

The real life Big Rig Kids do a lot for their communities.

They spread the word about the importance of donating blood. They march to bring attention to Sickle Cell. They perform role play exercises on handling different bullying scenarios. And they hand out care packages to the homeless.

God loans us our children. It’s our job to educate them and help them grow physically and emotionally.

Renee teaches her own children and grandchildren as well as her readers that you can’t grow if you stay in your comfort zone. You’ve got to get uncomfortable.

You can’t always go by your own timeline.

Grandma knows best!

http://thebigrigkids.com/

It’s impossible to be in the same room with Dennis Reed without being fired up. Anything you’re passionate about he brings out of you and celebrates it.

It’s also impossible to feel down with him around. Because he’s going to give you some words. Words of wisdom. Words of inspiration.

He’s one of those people that I know if I’m feeling sad or insecure I can click on any of his social media accounts and I can be lifted up immediately by his posts.

I first met Dennis last year while blogging an event for his nonprofit youth organization ‘Inspire the Fire’.

With his taxicab checkered outfit and boundless energy I could understand how this group of young people were so hyped and dedicated to their performance.

****SHAMELESS PLUG****

Check out my blog post ITF: The Winter Xperience Showcase 2K17

Inspire the Fire is just one of the many projects.

He also has the gospel group GAP- God’s Appointed People.

Reed has performed for some pretty amazing people. Oprah, Maya Angelo, Tyler Perry and Michelle Obama are just a few that have been moved by his music.

He has performed alongside hometown favorites Fantasia and Anthony Hamilton as well as Be Be Winans And New Kids on the Block.

But the performers closest to his heart are the over 400 young people who have been a part of his Inspire the Fire movement.

He’s far too modest to volunteer some of the info I’ve gathered. Like how he’s been known to use his own money to help out with things some of the kids need. And how he’s been known to go to the schools when one of his group has an issue. He’s attended school functions. He’s been the surrogate parent when needed. He is to most of the kids ‘Uncle Dennis’

Uncle Dennis knows the importance of performing in the young lives he mentors. His mother said he would play an invisible piano while in his crib.

He became very involved playing music for his church when he was 10.

He was blessed to have a family that supported his dream. And also to have a couple of Uncle Dennis’s of his own along the way.

I asked about his best and worst moments with ITF. Financing the movement was a struggle. But he viewed it as a time of growth.

His best time is always ‘NOW’

Every moment is his best.

That’s a pretty powerful statement.!!! Why can’t we all feel like that??!!

His faith in God and knowing his group of kids are looking up to him keep him grounded. He doesn’t take credit for anything he’s accomplished.

Don’t you just really want to meet this guy now???? If I didn’t already know him I would!!!!

Keep up with him on his social media accounts. You will be exhausted from just watching him I promise.

Attend his next ITF event. Help support these kids dreams.

I watched this young girl dance at the ITF Show I attended. She had the most incredible smile on her face. Not just when she was dancing in the spot light, but as she danced with the group and as others got their chance in the spotlight as well.

I’ll never forget her smile. Because she was filled with joy. Not just because she was doing what she loved. But because her friends were as well.

This is how Dennis makes everyone connected to him feel. He gives us self esteem. A sense of importance. And a sense of being a team player.

He ignited the spark…..

He fanned the flames….

Dennis Reed Inspired The Fire

An idea written in a little black notebook six months ago played out on stage, making Ryan Jor El’s dream a reality.

Black fathers get a bad wrap. Ryan set out to dispel those stereotypes and change the narrative of The Black Father.

Six fathers were chosen by a diverse committee.

I didn’t plan on crying at this event. But after hearing Toussaint Romain speak so eloquently of Braxton Winston as he presented him with The Activist of the Year Award there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

Our tears turned to laughter as Sport E Odie’s son stole the show, as well as his award for Entrepreneur of the Year.

Eric A. Montgomery, Esq proved you don’t have to give up being stylish when you have kids as he accepted the Dapper Dad Award.

Busy dad, WCNC anchor Fred Shropshire squeezed in accepting his Father of the Year award before having to rush back to the station to host the 11 o’clock news.

Eugene Price accepted the Senior Father of the Year Award as his family cheered him on.

Surrogate Father of the Year Shawn Carrington was unable to attend so Timothy Fowler of the Non profit Boys to Men Foundation accepted the award on his behalf.

He was also surprised to be presented with a check to benefit his foundation.

This event was the first of many planned to change the image the world has of black fathers.

I am fortunate that my daughters have a strong black father that has always been present in their lives. And they are raising their sons to one day be black fathers who rock.

There’s pretty much a pizza joint on every block in Charlotte. And I’m eating my way thru every one of them.

The Pizza Peel was one of the first I visited after moving here and has remained one of my favorites.

There are two locations in Charlotte and they recently opened one in Matthews.

I was honored to attend the Private Menu Preview before the Grand Opening.

I was greeted by a large slice of pizza and a glass of Sangria.

Marketing/Events Manager Chris Soto was dressed in his finest Pepperoni attire for the evening.

Part of the ‘appeal’ of The Pizza Peel is their menu. From the quirky names to the array of different dishes, there’s something for everyone.

First out were the appetizers. I highly recommend the Pizza Fries. Yes, they combined my two favorite foods creating a plate full of Nirvana.

We were then treated to burgers. Lots and lots of burgers. Even a black bean version for this vegetarian.

Despite what some people think, all salads are not the same!!!

After some brief comments from the owner Will Bigham and Marketing/Events Manager Fernanda Zendejas we then got to make our own pizza!!!

Not just pick the toppings. We got to roll out the dough. I managed a half attempt at pizza tossing before placing the dough on the peel and scattering my toppings on it.

I got to put the pizza in the oven and wait for my creation to emerge.

I present the Diva’s Delight. Artichoke hearts, black olives, pineapples and sun dried tomatoes.

As if the evening wasn’t amazing enough we were given ‘swag’ a pizza box signed by everyone that organized the event with a T-shirt, sticker and a coupon. And an ‘I Have a Feel for the Peel’ glass.

So, now do you see the ‘appeal’?

Visit one of their locations (or all of them) and you’ll see the their menu has so much more than I mentioned here.

In fact it really should be called ‘The BurgerSandwichTacoPastaSidesAppetizerPizza Peel.

This week I had the honor to attend the first of many Takeover events.

Chefs Manuel Cordray and Shelton Starks along with Pastry Chef Rachel Child commandeered the Heirloom Restaurant for a night of Far East Asian meets Southern gourmet cuisine.

Cordray and Starks met five years ago at church. Their creativity and love of food led them to do projects together.

The popularity of pop up shops brought about the idea of taking over an establishment and putting their own spin on it.

The Asian Southern fusion menu was in honor of Chinese New Year.

Before each dish was presented the Chefs came out and explained each course, as well as the wine paired with it.

Chef Starks invited me to the event knowing I’m a vegetarian. When he said they were preparing a special menu for me I was expecting salad and some mixed veggies.

Boy was I WRONG!!!!

The first course was Braised pork belly glazed in ginger soy sauce, served over fermented butter beans and topped with a collard green kimchi.

Pork N’ Beans without the pork, but not without flavor.

The Poema Brut Rose Cava mixed beautifully with it.

The second course featured Baby Bok Choy marinated, lightly grilled and topped with seasonal vegetables, crispy chicken skin croutons and a charred jalapeño pesto.

Mine was without the croutons. And it was my favorite course. I’ve had bok choy many times but never quite like this.

Margaridas Vinho Verdes was served with this course.

The Third Course was Pan Seared jumbo sea scallops over a lightly smoked succotash with hot chili oil. Instead of scallops my version had Crookneck squash.

It was served with a Tabali Sauvignon Blanc.

Once again I was amazed by a vegetable I’d consumed many times before. The hot chili oil really made the dish!

Our fourth Course was Chinese 5 spice seasoned beef short rib (tofu for me) braised in soy jus, on a bed of butternut squash purée and a sweet cilantro oil. Complimenting the dish was a Tall Sage Red blend.

Now there’s something you should know about me. I’ve never cared for tofu. I have texture issues. But this tofu!!! It was a whole new experience. Totally different consistency.

Then came….the DESSERTS!!! Chef Child delivered a sweet trio to wrap up the evening.

Salted Carmel cheesecake with a pretzel crust, Yuzu tart and S’Mores Cake paired with Maggie Family Vineyards Petite Sirah, were the perfect end to a perfect meal.

The night was a complete success!

If you didn’t get to attend this event don’t worry. There will be more coming. Kentucky Derby And Hip Hop themed Takeovers are coming up!

When my friend Marjory Brifil announced she was hosting a women’s Conference I immediately bought tickets. She’s been such a powerful influence in my life. I just knew this was going to be an amazing experience.

The Conference was held at the majestic Ballantyne Hotel and Lodge. A very fitting venue for the caliber of speakers that were about to inspire us.

Armed with my Girl Tribe, Reagan and April, we marched in like the Boss Babes that we are, ready to be empowered.

Actually we went in the wrong entrance and had to ask for directions but hey, we got a great tour of the hotel that I’ve longed to see for years.

We met up with old friends Lorri and Beth as well as making a few new ones.

Our first speaker was Jacinda Jacobs. Never pass up an opportunity to listen to her. This lady has been a steady source of motivation for me for awhile now. God spoke through her about spiritual awakening. She consistently lifts me up at the moments I’m at my weakest.

Her book ‘Uniquely Qualified’ will give hope to all. No matter how low you feel her words will transform your spirit. I have it in print form and on Amazon. It’s one of my goto books when I feel like I’m slipping.

“DO YOU HAVE THE GUTS TO WALK THROUGH IT WHEN YOU GET TO IT??”

Latise M. Howie captivated us with her vibrant personality.

She spoke about self love, perhaps the hardest love to achieve.

Do we love who we are? Or do we love what we want the world to see? Living for ‘Likes’ on our social media accounts is giving power of our self love to others.

WE ARE ENOUGH!! We need to get rid of anyone and anything that doesn’t have our best interest at heart.

Getting to know ourself, surrounding ourself with like minded individuals and forgiving ourself is key to our self development journey.

Transparency is a word that keeps coming at me from several sources. So her words really stuck with me….

“MY TRANSPARENCY IS SOMEONE ELSES BREAKTHROUGH”

Elam King made us laugh. Mostly at ourselves.

He pointed out how we argue with ourselves. Justify what we do. We blame the devil even when he had nothing to do with it. Claim it. We are our own worst enemies.

The weapons formed against us are supposed to exist. It’s how we fight that matters. We have to outwit the devil.

We need mentors in our life. One for mind, one for body and one for spirit. We can’t make others happy unless we’re happy. And when we don’t pass a test we get retested.

“NEVER WASTE A LESSON!!”

Financial Freedom Fighter Camy Smith talked to us about something we tend to love more than life…..money.

We have been programmed to be broke. We can’t save our way to financial success. Recondition your minds. Make more money. Thrive not survive.

Don’t let people that have given up on their dream talk you out of yours.

We don’t have to compromise God. He wants his children to prosper.

“FINANCIAL SUCESS IS NOT FOR THE CHOSEN FEW, IT’S FOR THE FEW THAT HAVE CHOSEN IT”

Majory has always been an advocate for lifting up other women. In fact everyone in the room I knew was directly or indirectly because of her. Moving here a few years ago left me excited and lonely.

I now have a solid circle of true friends that I cherish. Because we lift each other up. Because we are Queens who adjust each other’s crowns.

Because WE ARE OUR SISTERS KEEPER!

I met Charlotte Rap artist IV Montana, this year’s New Artist of the Year Nominee, at the Queen City Awards.

I was drawn to him because of his keen fashion sense, but soon discovered there was much more to this young man.

We immediately connected on social media and I soon discovered the many facets of the QC’s newest rap sensation.

When he’s not in the studio or performing, a large chunk of his time is focused on the anti-bullying campaign he created.

I was so struck by this information I knew I had to blog about him.

Armed with my trusty notebook, I arrived for drinks with the larger than life IV Montana.

I instead got to meet Davante Long, his alter ego. No gold grill. No flashy clothes. No entourage. Just a reserved, polite young man with a dimpled smile that makes the world smile with him.

I had intended to touch on his music but focus on his work with kids. But I soon realized there was so much more to him.

Like a sweet Vidalia onion, I peeled off layer after layer of information that makes up the man that shines on stage.

Our interview turned into a deep conversation.

Sometimes you just have to put down your pen, close your notebook, and let your souls talk to each other.

Davante took IV Montana as his stage name. The Roman numeral IV represents the four things he values most.

First and foremost his mother and grandmother. He spoke so eloquently of the two most important woman in his life. The pain of losing his grandmother who never got to see him achieve the fame she always knew he would reach.

Second is his children. The two young boys take precedence over anything in his life. He has attended every one of his son’s football games.

Third is his music. From a young age, music has been his escape. Coming from a musical family, he began writing poetry but it soon flowed into song lyrics.

Fourth is how music takes him a way. Away from the world. Away from problems. Away from the day to day grind.

Growing up, Davante suffered low self esteem. He felt out of place. And was often bullied himself.

Instead of becoming a victim he became IV Montana.

Montana is Spanish for ‘mountains’. You will face many mountains in your life. Blocking you from your goals. Standing in the way of your dreams. He’s moving those mountains one at a time.

His anti bullying campaign has become a big hit at schools all over the country.

‘I’m you, You’re me, Everybody’s a Jordan’ was formed after finding out his friends special needs son was being bullied at school. The seven year old child was bullied to such an extent he attempted suicide.

He explained the name of his group. Each of the much coveted Jordan sneakers is unique. Set apart from the one that came before it. Different from the one to be released next. But no matter what, it’s still a shoe. Just like each of us. We’re each unique in our own way. No matter our race. Regardless of our style. We’re still human. We’re all Jordan’s.

He spends most nights answering emails from the kids he’s met along the way.

Reading messages from bullytalk18@gmail.com he realizes the importance of his response. These kids see him as the only person that understands them. That’s a lot for anyone to have on their shoulders. But he answers each one. And keeps in contact with them.

He shared screen shots of messages thanking him and sharing the impact he’s had on them. Those messages keep him going.

Knowing these kids, as well as his own, are watching him, he’s careful to live his life in a way that inspires them.

Though not all his music is appropriate for his younger audience, he does offer a ‘clean version’ for them.

He wants them to know he worked and saved to finance his music career. I was especially inspired when I learned the job he worked to save the money is the same job that I am currently working! He has given me hope and a desire to follow my own dreams.

He speaks highly of his family and his church. He gives glory to God for all his success.

To say IV Montana is a musician is not giving him enough credit. He is so much more than his music. He’s a mentor. A father. A son. A friend. A dream chaser. A Jordan. He is a mover of mountains.

The youth of Inspire the Fire brought real life issues to the stage during their recent performance of ‘Fire Heights’.

Flashing forward 20 years from the fatal shooting of a young aspiring musician by a local police officer, the play chronicled the lives of the residents that now live in a city divided by a wall.

The daughter of the officer felt a sense of safety on her side of the wall. Until her children started attending a community center on the other side.

Using her political pull, she tried unsuccessfully to have the center shut down.

The talent these young people exhibited was phenomenal.

Dennis Reed, founder and CEO of Inspire the Fire, former Mayor of Charlotte Jennifer Roberts, Jonathan Stewart of the Carolina Panthers and Grammy Winner Fantasia truly inspired this young group as well as the audience.

The ITF team brought down the house as they brought down the wall on stage.

I encourage you to support this non profit organization. Attend their next event.

Be Inspired.

TEAR….DOWN…THAT….WALL!!!!

Organized by Kevan Glover of The Konnected Foundation, Queen City’s most artistic gathered at Oasis Shriners in the University area on December 16 for the Queen City Awards.

Comedian NuffCed emceed the evening, keeping things lively between presentations. His love and knowledge of all things Charlotte made for an enjoyable show.

All genres of music were present. Rock, gospel, hip hop and country. Authors, models and Deejays represented the immense skills this fine city has to offer.

Former Mayor Jennifer Roberts sparkled and shined as she mingled with the attendees before presenting the Community Leader Award to Ace & TJ for their nonprofit Ace & TJ’s Grin Kids.

As a huge Michael Jackson fan I loved the performance of Mjfootworkz.

And the young people blew me away with their amazing gifts. 

The crowd was brought to their feet when local   Grammy winner Anthony Hamilton was presented with the ‘Trendsetter Award’.

Giving hope and motivation to everyone, he has shown us all that our skills can reach beyond the Charlotte city limits.

From the nominees to the performers to those of us simply attending we each came away winners.

For more info visit https://www.queencityawards.com/