Moxie Monday: Be Grateful

Today's words of inspiration are in honor of my aunt Marie Denise, who lost the battle to breast cancer 14 years ago today. She was my mommy #2 and her children aren't my cousins, they're my sisters and brother. 

When someone you love passes, it leaves a heartache that never heals. Be grateful for this day and every day and live life to the fullest. 

Tatie -- we miss you. 

[mommy and my tatie (maid of honor) on her wedding day]

Celebrate life!

Food for Thought: Red Velvet Pancakes

Life is a Sunday morning. There is nothing better than waking up on a beautiful day, with no stress and no obligations. I revel in it! The hubby is hanging with friends this weekend, so I have the house to myself. I decided to make some red velvet pancakes while jamming to my Maroon 5/Sam Sparro playlist. What's a Sunday without pancakes?? 

I think I'll lounge around and catch up on my DVR shows too.  A little escape before the return to the real world :)

[the finished product]

[pancakes, the new issue of marie claire and a gander @ one of my fave sites]

[i guess it was ok :)]

How You Doin'?!

Took my little sister on a morning adventure. Well, it wasn't really an adventure, but close enough. It's her first week home after completing her freshman year of college and I decided to get her tickets to see The Wendy Williams Show (I know, big spender). She made the Dean's List, as a Biology major, so, she deserved a treat and a good time. It's what she wanted, so I made it happen. Sharing a few shots of our Girls Day out :)

[getting ready to head inside for the show]

[it's miss wendy!]

[a quick bite to eat]

[my most favorite chips]

[enjoying the city]

Celebrate achievements!

Happy Birthday: Stevie Wonder

My first memory of Stevie Wonder was at the tender age of 5 or 6. I remember listening to his records with my uncle. He has an undying love affair with music. He lived with us at one point, so I used to listen with him as he played his records. I've been a fan ever since and have learned to appreciate his music as I got older. 
My family (as I'm sure many families do) sing Happy Birthday for everyone's special day -- and no one ever knows how to end it :)
Stevie can't be touched. His talent for the gift of song is out of this world. Just listen to his lyrics. They always manage to take you somewhere new. 
Happy Birthday to my FAVORITE artist. You are and will always be hotter than July!

[my favorite stevie song]

Mood Music: Unthinkable (I'm Ready)

Alicia Keys debuted the new music video for her latest single, Unthinkable (I'm Ready). I was very surprised to find out that the song was written by none other than actor turned rapper Drake. 
This is by far my favorite track off her new album, The Element of Freedom, but I think I love the video even more. It's steamy, beautifully presented and intense. We watch as a love story is taken through different time periods and though many elements have changed over the years ⎯ the styles, the hair, even the technology ⎯ one thing has survived and remained unfortunately intact.  Racism. 
Quite possibly the best video I've seen in awhile. 

Thoughts?

Rest In Peace: Lena Horne

This year's Mother's Day was bittersweet. It was the celebration of Moms everywhere and the death of a legend who was second to none. 
Lene Horne was the personification of style, grace, beauty and poise. She was truly one of my greatest inspirations. 
While planning my wedding, I made collages and clipped images of her (as well as Audrey Hepburn) because they were the main two icons I looked up to. I literally walked into Kleinfelds and handed the consultant, who was to help me find my perfect wedding dress, a photo of Lena Horne and simply asked her, "can we work with this?"
There is something to be said about women like Ms. Horne. As an African American woman who had an instant love affair with theater and the arts, I appreciated the gumption she possessed. She blazed a pathway for the future of black performers and their rights to finer movie roles. For that alone, we should all be grateful. 


Words of wisdom from the great Lena Horne:
"Always be smarter than the people who hire you"
"It's not the load that breaks you, it's the way you carry it"


A few of my favorite images of her: 

 [Lena embracing her daughter Gail Jones]

[my absolute favorite of her, and the image I gave the consultant]

R.I.P Lena Mary Calhoun Horne. A true class act.

Happy Superhero Day

Photography by Elliot Erwitt, 1953

To all of the Mothers, Grandmothers, Aunties, Mom-to-be's and Moms who are no longer with us -- today and everyday is for you. Happy Superhero Day.

Mommy and Me circa 1983

One Word: Genius

This is quite possibly the coolest idea for a staircase. 

I crave!!