Category: Lifestyle Tips

Birmingham /

Diner en Blanc Table Essentials and Supplies: Easy Go-To Guide

Le Diner en Blanc Birmingham is this weekend!  All of the guests are eagerly gathering supplies and preparing for a magical night.

One important factor surrounding this exclusive picnic includes bringing the right supplies.  The keyword to remember is white (or blanc).

But, don’t worry we have you covered by sharing the basics:

DIY Le Diner en Blanc Tips:

1.  Purchase your table in the right dimensions and place a beautiful white tablecloth over the top.

2.  If you can’t find white chairs, spray paint traditional metal chairs.

3.  Don’t forget your luggage cart for carrying items.

4.  Create a beautiful centerpiece from stores such as Michaels Arts and Crafts.

Le Diner en Blanc Table Essentials:

1.  White Dinner Napkins

2.  White Plates

3.  Table Decor

4.  White Tablecloth

5.  Flameless Candles

6.  Glassware

7.  Bottle Opener

8.  Trash Bag

9.  Water

10.  Umbrella

Let this blog post be your checklist for packing items.  For those that have previously attended, do you have suggestions?

Leave them in the comment box.

If you like this post, click here:  DINER en BLANC EXCLUSIVE EVENT: GUIDE TO THE OFFICIAL DRESS CODE

Accessories /

Breast Cancer Awareness Best Gift Ideas from CaringBridge Community

When you find out someone you love has cancer, you won’t always know exactly what to say or do to make their experience easier.

Giving a thoughtful gift is one of the many ways you can show support to a loved one going through cancer treatment.  For inspiration, we asked members of the CaringBridge community who have been touched by cancer to share the best gifts they’ve ever given or received.

1. Supply Meals

Offering meals is a gift-giving staple for a reason: it takes a huge burden off a patient. Finding the time to cook regularly is a challenge even for those with no health issues, let alone someone struggling with cancer.

2. Throw Them a Party

What makes someone’s mind off of things better than a party? When a loved one has cancer, it can feel difficult to get in the party mood, but it’s important to remember there are still so many positives to celebrate. Whether it be a birthday bash or anniversary party, your loved one shouldn’t have to miss out because of their illness.

3. Make a CaringBridge Site

CaringBridge is a personal health journal that lets you easily share your health journey with all your loved ones. Creating a site is a great way to help your loved one easily communicate and receive support, which makes it an awesome gift to give someone battling cancer.

Event /

2020 The Year Of The EntrepreneuHER: The Women EntrepreneuHERs Brunch Conference

On Mar. 23, 2019, “The Women EntrepreneuHERs Brunch” announced pausing the infamous annual brunches, to present the first three-day conference under the brand since its founding in 2015; W.E.B. Con.! W.E.B. Con., is going to take place in the Nation’s Capital on the weekend of Mar. 13th through the 15th in the year 2020. With the anticipation of over 400 female businesswomen, current and aspiring entrepreneurs to be in attendance. W.E.B. is going to bring like-minded and career-driven women from all across the country together! These women are in for a weekend full of networking, furthering their knowledge on business and entrepreneurship, and being inspired by each person they touch.

W.E.B. Con. begins on Fri., Mar. 13, 2020, with the “EntrepreneuHERs Night-in” an exclusive event for “Biggest Bosses” ticket holders. Biggest Boss guest will have access to all three-days including a private luncheon. This intimate event will include a night of pampering, networking, empowerment and a fireside chat on the fundamentals of business.

On Sat., Mar. 14, 2020, attendees will have the opportunity to experience a day full of trailblazing panels and speakers moderated by some of the industry’s leading bosses. Over the course of the day, the ladies will be educated on, establishing business credit, how to monetize your mindset, becoming and staying financially fit, branding like a 6/7-figure boss, protecting and trademarking your business, using your 9 to 5 to leverage your side hustle AND SO MUCH MORE!

Sun, Mar. 15, 2020, concludes the first W.E.B. Con. with the annual “Women EntrepreneuHERs Brunch”. Biggest Boss and VIB guest will take an afternoon of connecting their spirituality and their businesses, putting the skills they learned over the weekend to test with various activities and getting a deeper understanding of what it means to be an EntrepreneuHER and leading those around them.

All tickets are on sale now and can be purchased on the www.Entrepreneuhersbrunch.com until cyber Monday, Nov. 2019.

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About The “Women EntrepreneuHERs Brunch”

The Annual “Women EntrepreneuHERs Brunch” (WEB) is a platform created by serial entrepreneur Milan Mobley. This platform was designed for current and aspiring entrepreneurs, as well as women in business. The mission of the EntrepreneuHERs brunch is to create an environment for women of various levels of business and entrepreneurship to network and grow their net worth, become further educated on entrepreneurship and business by the hand-selected speakers and panels, and lastly, to leave inspired by the women they’ve encountered. Traditionally the EntrepreneuHERs Brunch is held in the month of March in honor of Women’s History Month. For more information, please visit: www.Entrepreneuhersbrunch.com

FROM A BRUNCH TO A CONFERENCE!

Essence Festival /

THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY ESSENCE FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES PROGRAMMING FOR ALL-NEW WELLNESS HOUSE EXPERIENCE

WHAT: The 2019 ESSENCE Festival® presented by Coca-Cola, the world’s largest cultural, entertainment and empowerment experience and the largest celebration of global Black culture, announces the 1st ever Wellness House experience. The ESSENCE Wellness House is comprised of programming targeted to mental, physical and relationship wellness inclusive of group workouts  by leading fitness instructors spanning fitness genres such as kickboxing, yoga, pilates, aerobics and more, healthy living conversations, mental health advice, expert nutrition and wellness advice and opportunity to experience a variety of holistic healing remedies.

WHEN:  Saturday, July 6, 8AM-4PM; Sunday, July 7, 8AM-3PM

WHERE: The Lighthouse Glass Gallery, 743 Camp Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

WHO: Initial participants for the ESSENCE Wellness House include:

  • Beatrice Dixon, Founder, Honey Pot Co.
  • Boris & Nicole Kojoe, Co-Founders of KoFit
  • Christina Rice, Founder, OM Noire (Yoga Retreat company)
  • DJ C Devone, Fitness DJ, creating live workouts
  • DaShaun “The Guru of Abs” Johnson, Fitness Instructor
  • Domango Training & Motivated Muscle, Shanda Domango & Michael Brown, NOLA-based husband, and wife Fitness Instructors
  • Dr. Wendy Goodall McDonald, OB-GYN
  • Dr. Chelsea Jackson Roberts, Fitness Instructor
  • Dr. Jess, Mental Health Expert
  • Dr. Joy Harden Bradford
  • Dr. Safiya Lyn Lasiter, Medical Marijuana Expert
  • Dr. Tammy Wilborn, Mental Health Expert
  • Faith Hunter,  Fitness Instructor
  • Johanna Basford,  Fitness Instructor
  • Marco Borges, Beyonce’s Nutritionist
  • Melanie Fiona, Grammy Award Winner & Wellness Advocate
  • Mashonda Firere, Author
  • Nicole Chaplin,  Fitness Instructor
  • Shanti Das, Founder, Silence The Shame (Mental Health Advocacy Non-Profit)
  • Simone Bresi-Ando, Owner, Bresi-Ando
  • Staci Jae Johnson, Relationship Expert
  • Starr Hawkins, Fitness Instructor
  • Pinky Cole aka Slutty Vegan, Founder, Slutty Vegan
  • Trap Yoga Bae®,  Fitness Instructor

    A full lineup of participants and events can be found by visiting www.essencefestival.com! 

    Sponsors for the 25th Anniversary ESSENCE Festival are Coca-Cola, AT&T, Disney, Ford, McDonald’s, State Farm and Walmart.

Birmingham /

Local DMC works to Showcase Birmingham through a new Lens

Encouraging residents and tourist to see ALL of Birmingham through a new lens!  Destination Birmingham will launch its “Get to Know #MyBirmingham” program on Saturday, July 13th with the first annual Street Art Scavenger Hunt.  Its all part of their effort to provide Birmingham with community events that force interaction, tourism, and out-of-the-box concepts.  In addition, the program acts as a catalyst to help boost revenues of participating businesses along with the hunt.  In 2020, the DMC plans to add 2-3 additional scavenger hunts with different themes.
How it Works
Participants tour our wonderful city while engaging in epic photoshoots, day parties, AND winning a beach trip! This scavenger hunt forces you to take pictures with some of Birmingham’s most popular and not-so-popular public art + murals + street art on this full-day outing.  Utilizing the clues provided, participants explore the city and snap pics of their answers.  Participants shouldn’t be surprised to find themselves partying at a local hangout with drink specials and totally having to get back on track!  But this is not just fun and games… a free beach trip goes to the 1st Place Winner and gift cards to Birmingham’s Best Restaurants, Top Attractions, and favorite hangouts are up for grabs as well. 
Destination Birmingham is the destination liaison for meeting planners and special event clients. We are logistic gurus and our passion is showcasing Greater Birmingham. We specialize in event production, meeting management, and tours. Our expertise is logistic solutions, venue selection, and itinerary planning. We apply our creativity to your vision and engage our community connections to produce a memorable event.

 

Social Media Links
Lifestyle Tips /

Glow Living Strengthens the Global Movement for Women’s Empowerment with the Launch of Glow Circles

Glow Living (https://glowliving.com) is proud to introduce Glow Circles, a women’s empowerment group for those who want to achieve personal and professional goals that positively impact the global society.

“Women have been known to circle since the Dark Ages as a way to share resources and support each other, yet one of the biggest complaints I hear from women today is feeling alone while striving to make a difference,” states Chandra Lynn, M.B.A., entrepreneur, certified coach and founder of Glow Living and Glow Marketing LLC. “Glow Circles is my answer for authentic women who want to make a significant contribution while increasing their own personal connection, balance, and fulfillment.”

Glow Circles is a membership program with both free and paid benefits that encourage women to dedicate time to meet major life goals through transformational coaching, supportive group dynamics, and accountability. Online and in-person (for residents of the San Francisco Bay Area), the program leverages the effectiveness of Glow Living’s signature Root-to-Rise training program and the ancient power of women’s circles to deliver results. Based on nature, yoga philosophy and human needs psychology, women will learn techniques for improving live-work balance, clearing personal obstacles, and creating a legacy based on a higher purpose.

Lynn uses her experience as a marketing professional that has worked with global brands (Apple, Avid, Mercedes/smart, Tyra Banks) to help the business-minded members connect with their authenticity while they incubate and launch purpose-built entrepreneurial businesses.

“Chandra is an excellent coach to those looking to thrive in their professional and personal lives,” states Ginny Townsend, founder of GinnyTownsend.com. “Her genuine love for helping people comes through in her commitment to excellence, delivering results, and creating a transformative experience in each of her programs. She has a unique ability to clearly see the root cause of a block or barrier, then she not only shows her clients what’s possible in their lives, but she also empowers them to bring their dreams into reality with her compelling strategies, tools, and resources.”

Weekly individual coaching, group support, office hours, and online training materials set members up for success towards living what Lynn calls “an 8-9-10 level of life.”

“Chandra reminds me that I can live my life to the 8-9-10 level,” explains Erica Bradley-Pacheco, Senior Marketing Advisor at Compass and Glow Circlescharter member. “Being part of Glow‘s community has helped me improve my connectedness with friends, find a calming peace in my romantic relationship, improve confidence in my parenting, and gain clarity on how to maximize my career impact.”

Those interested have the opportunity to attend free group calls and start with a 12-week membership commitment to focus on the accomplishment of a major goal. With that success, they can then opt to become an annual member of the Glow Circles community. The annual membership deepens a feeling of belonging and connection to a non-competitive group of growth-minded women — all gathering to be the best version of themselves while making a difference and loving life.

Interested parties can sign up for free online meetings and take a free readiness quiz to see if the paid program is a fit. The cost of the 12-week program is $1,997 US and the annual program is $5,997 US. For more information, visit https://glowliving.com/glowcircles or contact Glow Living atinfo@glowliving.com or 650-464-5708.

ABOUT GLOW LIVING

Glow Living is a hub for personal growth and healthy living resources for everyone looking to reach their highest potential with a purpose-filled life. On a mission to help people live their legacy and love life, Glow Living offers a membership program called Glow Circles and a signature training program by Founder and Certified Coach Chandra Lynn called Root-to-Rise that is available online and in live workshops for individuals and corporate wellness.
www.GlowLiving.com

Birmingham /

VERNA GATES, AUTHOR OF 100 THINGS TO DO IN BIRMINGHAM BEFORE YOU DIE, TO HOLD BOOK TALK AT MOODY CITY PARK

100 Things to Do in Birmingham Before You Die, which is the ultimate bucket list of things to do in Birmingham and the surrounding area.

Featured Photo from Bham Now

The author, Verna Gates, has a presentation at Moody City Park on Thursday, April 22 from 10 to 11 a.m.

What: Author presentation for 100 Things to Do in Birmingham Before You Die

When: Thursday, April 25 from 10 to 11 a.m.

Where: Moody City Park, 640 Park Avenue, Moody, AL 35004

Admission: Free and open to the public

Local author Verna Gates will talk about her book 100 Things to Do in Birmingham Before You Die at Moody City Park, 640 Park Avenue, Moody, AL 35004 on Thursday, April 25 from 10 to 11 a.m. Admission is free and open to the public.

It was called the Magic City – a bright, shiny new boomtown following the misery of the Civil War. Birmingham was teething on steel as a brash Wild West town with gambling, shootouts, and famous madams. When the steel died down, banking and medical industries settled it into a sophisticated city with a famed culinary scene, a broad entertainment district, and striking natural beauty. The colorful past remains in a juke joint, quirky museums and a mining trail turning into a greenway. The city changed the country with its notorious struggle, preserved in churches, parks, and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. The city is experiencing a new boom in the restoration of its historic downtown, craft beer scene, up and coming new chefs, and an explosion of music venues. The Magic is back. 100 Things to Do in Birmingham Before You Die is your guide to discovering that magic!

Whether you’re a local to Birmingham and are looking for new things to do and places to go or you are tourist planning a trip, this book will serve as the perfect guide.

About the Book

100 Things to Do in Birmingham Before You Die

ISBN 9781681060934

Softcover 5.5 x 8.5 inches

160 pages

$16.00

About the Author

For the past five years, Verna Gates has worked with Alabama Tourism to bring international, national and regional journalists to her beloved home state of Alabama as a contract press trip coordinator. She delights in showing people the famous, quirky and fascinating places from fine dining to hidden gems. Verna also works as a commentator for Troy Public Radio and produces and voices features and travel stories. In 2009, she was awarded a lifetime achievement award from the National Federation of Presswomen, the Communicator of Achievement Award. She has won numerous national awards for her articles. Her career began as one of the original 50 employees of CNN who worked to launch the network and has also reported for TIME Magazine and Reuters International News Service.

Celebrity /

ESSENCE’s Yes, Girl! Podcast Live Now ft. “Little” stars, Issa Rae & Regina Hall

ESSENCE’s Yes, Girl! Podcast is now live featuring “Little” movie stars and comedians extraordinaire, Issa Rae and Regina Hall. The Hollywood faves sat with the Webby nominated Yes, Girl! crew to talk about their now longstanding friendship and how the movie was not their first time coming together in a creative space. Believe it or not, Issa and Regina co-wrote a movie script in the past, that was turned down by nearly seven studios!

For more on their journey beyond rejection, developing their friendship among many of Hollywood’s #BlackGirlMagic icons, inside jokes on-set and working with the brilliant Marsai Martin, tune-in to the full episode here or download on Apple and Spotify!

You can also read more via essence.com.

Beauty /

ESSENCE 25th Anniversary Festival Night-by-Night Performance Line Up Unveiled

The ESSENCE Festival® presented by Coca-Cola, the world’s largest cultural, entertainment and empowerment experience and largest celebration of global Black culture, is set to bring the 90’s heat with special performances that celebrate the 25th anniversary of some of the top albums of the decade.  The Festival also just announced the official night-by-night performance line up for its concert series taking place July 5th, 6thand 7th at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans.

With hits that remain timeless, the 90’s era of R&B and hip-hop music significantly impacted our global culture – setting musical trends and a standard of excellence that made space for artists to thrive as creators, visionaries, and entrepreneurs.  By spotlighting some of the era’s most forward-looking, game-changing albums that are also celebrating their 25th anniversaries, the celebration will reach beyond nostalgia to the new school—with special performances to elevate the groundbreaking sounds that continue to influence the most popular, chart-topping artists of today.

“We are celebrating our 25th anniversary with an extraordinary, multigenerational, cultural celebration featuring nearly 100 Black artists who know that the ESSENCE Festival is ‘home,’” said Michelle Ebanks, CEO of ESSENCE Communications.  “Through an imaginative slate of 25th anniversary curations and a fresh take on our night-by-night line-up, this year’s milestone Festival will creatively represent some of our culture’s most important and influential bodies of work – past, present and future. We are excited to place the spotlight on the music that captivated and inspired our global communities—all re-imagined exclusively for the ‘only-at-ESSENCE’ Festival stages.”

Each “25th” set will be curated and performed by the original artists, including Mary J. Blige’s My Life, Nas’ Illmatic, Brandy’s Brandy, Scarface’s Diary, Big Daddy Kane’s Daddy’s Home,

Da Brat’s Funkdafied, Slick Rick’s Behind Bars and Brownstone’s From the Bottom Up.

  • Kicking off Friday night are marquee performances from some of music’s biggest acts including Missy Elliott, RBRM (Ronnie, Bobby, Ricky, Mike) and more; opening night will also include a 25th anniversary set presented by Doug E. Fresh that will feature Brandy, Ledisi, and Sheila E., MC Lyte, Morris Day, Former Members of New Power Generation, among others.
  • Saturday night is anchored by Mary J. Blige, Nas, H.E.R. and more, with 25th anniversary celebrations by some of the most influential names in hip-hop, including Big Daddy Kane, Scarface, Slick Rick and more.
  • Closing night on Sunday will feature a performance by Maze featuring Frankie Beverly with a special tribute to Frankie Beverly delivered by Anthony Hamilton; Jermaine Dupri’s Atlanta-focused curation with performances by Musiq Soulchild, Da Brat, Lil Jon and Dem Franchize Boyz; Teddy Riley’s Legends of Music curation that includes Pharrell Williams, Timbaland, Teyana Taylor, MAJOR., Ro James and more; as well as a NOLA-style bounce performance with Mannie Fresh and Big Freedia.
  • Each night will be hosted by Loni Love and will feature music by DJ D-Nice.

The ESSENCE Festival takes place July 4-7, 2019 in New Orleans, LA. You can view the official night-by-night line up here.   Single night ticket is on sale now.

For information about ticket sales, accommodations and the latest news about the ESSENCE Festival® visit Essence.com/festival.  Join the festival community: Follow us on Twitter @essencefest #EssenceFest and become a fan of Festival on Facebook.

The ESSENCE Festival is sponsored by Coca-Cola, AT&T, Ford, State Farm and Walmart.

The ESSENCE Festival is produced by ESSENCE Communications, Inc. FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES: Please e-mail festivalpress@essence.com.

About ESSENCE Communications Inc. 

ESSENCE Communications is the number one media, technology and commerce company dedicated to Black women and inspires a global audience of more than 17 million through diverse storytelling and immersive original content. With a multi-platform presence in publishing, experiential and online, ESSENCE encompasses its signature magazine; digital, video and social platforms; television specials; books; as well as live events, including Black Women in Music, Black Women in Hollywood, Street Style and the ESSENCE Festival. Essence Communications is owned by Essence Ventures, an independent Black-owned, technology-driven company focused on merging content, community, and commerce to meet the evolving cultural and lifestyle needs of people of color.

Birmingham /

ZUMBA BLOCK PARTY FOR AUTISM AWARENESS at The Summit Birmingham #TheSummitBham

Grab your cute leggings and get ready to hit the dance floor!  The Summit Birmingham will host a Zumba Block Party for Autism Awareness.

If you follow my Instagram Stories account, you know that I am a huge fan of Zumba fitness.  It’s a fun way to break a sweat, stay healthy, and dance to Latin music.  I normally take Zumba classes at the local YMCA but looking to join the dance party on April 26th from 6:00-9:00 p.m.

Featured Photo from The Summit Birmingham

The event is requesting that everyone wear blue and offer $10 donations in support of the Autism Society of Alabama.

According to the site, “After the fitness experience, be sure to check out Athleta’s After-Party in-store! Bring your friends, bring your spouse, bring your Zumba bestie and help raise money for Autism Awareness!”

Click here to learn more:  ZUMBA BLOCK PARTY FOR AUTISM AWARENESS