Lookin’ For Love…in 52 Weeks!

SistaGirlz, when a woman puts her mind to something, you know there’s no stopping her! I recently found out about a SistGirl who is on a mission to find “The One” and get married…in 52 Weeks!  

Neenah Pickett is a 43 year old successful executive, and like many successful African-American women, we can’t seem to find our soulmates.  Whether it’s from men being intimidated or from men already taken, the pickings appear to be slim.  However, Neenah is not daunted by the challenges!  She is taking the issue by the horns and the web.

Log onto www.52weekstofindhim.com and you will see interesting webisodes by Neenah Pickett, as she chronicles her journey to find her man.  She has allowed the world to become her dating coach, and has decided that if she doesn’t reach her goal of finding Mr. Right, she’ll submit to a year of stillness. No dating for an entire year!

While Neenah, journey is unconventional, it is at least garnering lots of attention. The queen of talk, Oprah, is even reading her blog!  Now if Oprah, stamp of approval can’t get you a date, I don’t know what can! LOL!  But seriously, would you be so daring in finding someone to love?

If you know anyone that might be suitable for Neenah, tell Him to check out the site! Yep, she even has a space for the “HIMs” to upload their pics and info!  While you’re at it, why not re-think your game plan of finding a date! Alot of times we are so caught up in finding our “ideal” that we might be missing out on great guys in your circle or webisphere!  Happy Dating!

 

p.s. I met my current S.O. (significant other ) on a blind date and we are 3 years strong! Don’t rule it out!

Stay HOT in the Summer…by Shantelle Huggins

                                                                                                                 By Shantelle Huggins

 That’s right…you must keep your fashion sense hot this summer. Trends are hard to live by and they’re always changing. One year it’s great to wear turquoise necklaces and the next year it’s out. Remember when gladiator sandals were cliché, but now they’re hot.

So, for the summer I’m not recommending to go out and by ten gladiator sandals and a turquoise necklace. Instead, I am suggesting you to find quintessential accessories that will enhance your ensemble. 

 

Some great must haves:

Sunglasses- Not only for your eye health, but is the best show of confidence. When you’re walking down the street with some great shades people notice you… in them. My favorite types of glasses are aviators. I love that they aren’t huge and can fit many faces.

 

 

 

 

 

Chanel $300

 

Urban outfitter $18

 

 

Purse- Your purse can represent a lot about you. So, don’t just buy a purse because its “cute” look at the designs and patterns that don’t only catch your eye, but represent your personality.

 

 

 

 Anna klein $108

 

                   

Prada tote $2350

 

 

 

So, for this summer start of small with great accessories to make your outfit stay hot. Don’t wear too much jewelry and remember the 2 jewelry rule. If you’re wearing big earrings don’t wear a necklace, but you can wear a bracelet. (This rule interchanges depending on the size of earrings.) Hats are a must have, and be creative with your color selection. You don’t always have to get a brown straw hat; you can get a colored straw hat with designs that match your ensemble.

                        

    

 

 

 

       

         

BAD                                                            GOOD

 

 

Now, you have become an accessory guru… so go out there and look VICIOUS.

Core DJ’s Retreat: Industry Inside Scoop

                                                                                                 By Jasmine Lewis

The Core DJ’s retreat livened up an already live city. Celebrating their 10^th year in existence the Core DJ’s did it “Muy Grande” with a host of a-list celebrities and an array of surprising comebacks. The event kicked of Friday, April 24^th at the brand new W hotel in Atlanta, GA with more than 3,000 DJ’s and models in attendance. Artist from labels such as DTP, Atlantic, Koch and Bad Boy highlighted the daily activities from Softball games, club parties, pool parties to late night bowling tourneys. Def Jam was also in the building spotlighting their new female rap duo Unladylike. The East St. Louis natives gave a room full of DJ’S from all over the globe an energetic performance of their new singles “Bartender” and “Dough”, complete with fresh new dance moves and crowd interaction. A show that was reminiscent of the great female duo Salt’n'Pepa, a compliment the group humbly accepts with pride. “Salt’n'Pepa are our Idols,” Says Unladylike member Gunna, real name Jasmine Baker. “We are young ladies. We don’t rap about what we will do to a man; we just rap about things we’ve been through.” A Cinderella story indeed the twenty plus year olds drove from their home in East St. Louis to New York City were they performed an original track entitled “Sit Down” in front of Def Jam Execs. The performances earned them a call back and soon after they moved to New York City were they got jobs to pay rent on their own and began work on their first album due out on Voicez/Def Jam this summer.

            On Saturday A-listers Sean ‘P.Diddy” Combs and Cassie hosted a special event for DJs at Diddys’ Buckhead Restaurant Justin’s. During the event Diddy debuted his new single “Diddy Bop” featuring Young Joc. Later that day the former child prodigy A+ who produced two critically acclaimed rap albums back in the 90’s all before the age of 16 also made an appearance to announce his U.S comeback. After having much success over seas the now 26 year old says he is ready to comeback and once again reclaim success on the home front.

 Even with a boatload of popular DJ’s, gorgeous models and hip, hop artist to satisfy the mainstream and underground, the highlight remains to be the announcement of the Guy and Blackstreet reunion. After years of working on solo endeavors, Teddy, Chauncey, Eric and Aaron were all in attendance to announce publically for the first time that both Guy and Blackstreet are currently working on a comeback that will consist of albums from both groups, as well as a tour and reality TV series. “Good music has changed,” Says Chauncey. “It’s time for some really, really real.” Sunday the group performed with surprise guest, former member Dave Hollister, at the Jam Master Jay Awards ceremony.

Core DJ’s rolled on into Monday finally winding down early Tuesday morning with Post parties and After-After Parties. After which burned out DJ’s, Models, Artist and Industry professionals retreated back to their respected sides with no doubt a lot of CD’s, USB’S and business cards in tow.

Finding Me…by Darnella Ford

 

Finding Me by Darnella Ford

The eleven year old firecracker Blaze James and her identical twin sister Aerial are the prettiest girls in Louisiana.  They live in “economy housing” across the street from the city dump with their overworked mother, Aliyah, and their alcoholic father who they call Mr. Rufus.  When a tragic fire changes the lives of the James family forever, Blaze moves in with Ms. Felicity Haradaway, the shapely vixen who lives four houses down and is known for wearing tiny shorts with high heel shoes.  Her stay with Felicity opens her eyes to the ways of the world as she is forced to carve out who she is without her identical twin sister.  When she is abruptly forced to leave and return to her mother and badly injured sister, she finds that life as she knew it had definitely changed.  In the years that follow she experiences every side of love – the passion, the betrayal, and the unexpected.

SistaGirlz, Finding Me was a great read!  Author Darnella Ford created real characters that you feel like you can reach out and touch.  It was funny, sad, filled with drama, and left me with my jaw on the floor.  I will say that the language is a little raw and some of the subject matter is not for the faint of heart, but it is definitely a real page turner.  Like seriously! I couldn’t put it down. 

Check out Finding Me by Darnella Ford at your local library or buy it.  Then read it and let me know what you think!

 

Reviewed by Miss Rikki

Karen Taylor Bass PR Expert!

                                                                                                             By Miss Rikki

She’s not a professional chef, but Karen Taylor Bass has built a solid career on caviar and chitlins.  Well, sort of.  For the past twenty years she has been in public relations and now thru her book and a variety of other mediums she is bringing her expertise to us! So how did this St. Johns University graduate become the CEO/President of her own company, write a book, and the host of her own blogtalk radio show?  She says she has a gift for forecasting her future and it has helped her in so many ways.

Her journey began back in college when she had a friend who was the roommate of Sean “P. Diddy” (then Puffy) Combs.  She saw how he was getting on different magazines and really marketing himself to the public.  She inquired how Puffy was able to do all that and when she got her answer she decided to make a major/career change.  After she graduated she worked for EMI Records, but because she was a newbie they often gave her the campaigns that they thought weren’t going to do much.  She however persevered and was responsible for the writing campaign for D’Angelo’s Brown Sugar album.  “It was my coming out party,” she recalls.

From there she went on to work at various other labels like Electra, Time Warner, and Sony, but she saw that the industry was changing.  At one point people were even losing their jobs.  The company she was working for at the time wanted to keep her and offered her another position, but it was then that she decided she didn’t want her career in someone else’s hands.  She wanted more control over her own destiny.  So, she started her own company – TaylorMade Media, LLC.

Starting her own company opened up so many avenues for her.  With all her experience in the industry she started a small e-book of about 54 pages called You Want Caviar But Have Money For Chitlins: A Smart PR Guide for Those on a Budget.  It was so immensely popular that she had to make it into a full-fledged book 108 paged paperback book.  “The hardest part was actually doing it,” she said.  “Being front and center.  Naked and vulnerable.”

Ms. Taylor Bass is also a motivational speaker, and after a friend of hers suggested she get a radio show she started the Caviar and Chitterlings show on blogtalkradio.com.    

With all that she does, including being a mother and a wife, it’s a wonder how she keeps it all together.  She says she just takes it one step at a time and is grateful for the great team of people she has around her.  “They see my vision.”  She admits that her life is not necessarily balanced, but she lives in the moment and doesn’t take herself too seriously.

In the future Ms. Taylor Bass desires to take her brand to television and beyond.  She wants to go international, work on a project in South Africa and maybe do some boot camps there.  She described it as “world domination with a smile.”   

As for advice for you SistaGirlz out there, she says that her footsteps are her own so there is no need to try to follow them.  What worked for her may not work for others.  But not to worry SistaGirlz she did drop a few pearls of wisdom:   be kind, be authentic, keep your word and if you can’t tell them why, make time with yourself, seek a relationship with a higher power, love and live, get mentored, volunteer, most importantly do you!

Check out Karen Taylor Bass on her Website and you can catch the Caviar and Chitterlings show on Tuesday evenings at 6 pm EST.

Fibroids: An African American Epidemic?

                                                                                                       By Miss Rikki

Attention SistaGirlz, do you have extremely heavy menstrual bleeding, prolonged menstrual periods, bleeding between periods, backache, leg pains, pelvic pressure or pain, pain with intercourse, constipation, urinary incontinence (can hold your urine), or go to the bathroom often to urinate?  Then you may suffer from uterine fibroids. 

What are Uterine Fibroids?

Basically, they are noncancerous tumors that grow inside or on the outside of the uterus.  Also referred to as fibromyomas, leiomyomas, or just plain old myomas, the most common risk factors are heredity and race.  They occur during a woman’s “childbearing years,” usually run in the family, and are most prevalent in African American women.

What’s the Cause?

The medical community is still unsure of the cause of the growths.  They also don’t know why they occur more often in African American women. 

What Can You Do?

SistaGirlz can you believe that many women suffer with these noncancerous uterine growths for no reason!  That’s right there are so many treatment options for fibroids.  Now every option is not for every woman, so if you find out that you have them it is important to talk with your doctor about your treatment options. 

Most women who have them, have no symptoms or side effects from them.  In this case, you just kind of keep a watchful eye on the situation.  They will not usually interfere with pregnancy and since they are non cancerous, as long as they aren’t causing a problem they may be best left alone.

Other women can benefit from medications to shrink the fibroids.  This can help alleviate heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure, and help to regulate the menstrual cycle. 

Other non-surgical options include uterine artery embolization and focused ultrasound surgery.  With uterine artery embolization small particles are injected into the arteries that supply the uterus to cut off blood flow to the fibroids causing them to shrink.  Focused ultrasound surgery, actually not a surgery at all, uses focused high energy sound waves to destroy the fibroids.

There are two basic types of treatment surgeries.   First there is the myectomy, in which a surgeon removes the fibroids from the uterus without damaging the uterus.  This option is for women who would like to still have children.  Otherwise there is a hysterectomy, a complete removal of the uterus.  This remains the only proven way to be 100% rid of fibroid tumors.

Where Do I Go from Here?

Fibroids are usually detected during a regular pelvic exam or a pregnancy ultrasound.  If you have never had either and are experiencing symptoms – go see a doctor, especially if you are African American.  If you have had one or both and a doctor never said you had them, but you are experiencing symptoms – go see a doctor.  Tell them about your concerns.

It’s important to remember they are noncancerous growths.  It’s not the end of the world if you are diagnosed.  Now, I know you’re having visions of Maya on Girlfriends and her losing her last baby because of fibroids, but for most women it’s not nearly that bad.  Even still, it is important to manage them if you have them.  Because SistaGirlz, you can’t be your best totally strong and empowered self if you’re not on top of your health. 

Source:

Practicing the Power of NOW…by Eckhart Tolle

                                                                                                             By Deneen Busby

I know we’re all reading our book of the month, Push; however, I’m done and will put my review in next week.  So in the interim I have been reading a new book entitled, Practicing the Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle.

If you’re like me and your mind seems to be racing all the time, this is the book for you!  I’m not even done with it, but its life-changing I tell you.  It is an awakening to how to live in the present!  I believe this is the key to success, peace and happiness.  Of course, there will always be trials and tribulations because that’s life.  But if you can actually practice what he is suggests in the book and mix this with your spiritual journey, I believe you will be on your way.  I’m on my way and it feels good!

** Have you read this book? Share your Experience with SistaGirlz.com!** Leave A Comment!

Prep2Prom Dress Drive 2009

Prep 2 Prom Dress Drive Pics!

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Prom Dress Drive UPDATE!! Prep 2 Prom = SUCCESS!

  SistaGirlz!! We called and you answered! The Prep 2 Prom Dress Drive was a major SUCCESS! The young ladies were super excited to be a part of the event.  Many of them had never been given the opportunity to dress up and the looks on their faces when they tried on the dresses were pricelesss!

This event was truly a team effort! When we first started collecting dresses, we were two weeks into the drive and only had 15 dresses! My co-workers at Power 105.1 really came together to help solicit donations.  Shouts out to Lady O for using Twitter and helping to get the drive announced on our sister stations in NYC, Q104 and Lite fm( and for lugging all of those dresses around NYC  at 7am).  Free allowed us to  Twitter her 46,000 friends and Ed Lover did a sermonette that spurred the SistaGirlz into action!!

The NY Children’s Services division did an outstanding job in rounding up the participants as well as volunteers! Props to Dominique Jones and Donnesa Williams for their tireless efforts and fabulous attention to detail!  Thanks to Gabrielle Barnes of Divas in the City for all of her help with securing the venue and Tracy Rahn for snacks and beverages.  Plus a big thanks goes to all of our presenters: MIC Women’s Health, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorrority, Inc., Spry Lee Scott, Needra Najeeulah of Mary Kay Cosmetics, Veronica New York Eyebrows, and my Power 1051. SistaGirlz, Free and Malikha Mallette!  It was a wonderful day! 

We collected approximately 500 DRESSES!! I can honestly say I don’t want to see another dress, at least not for a while! LOL! Click the link below and see more flix from the event. Due to privacy issues, we couldn’t do alot of photography of the young ladies. Those pictured are 18 and have signed releases.

Prom Dress Pictures***Click Here

 

And we must thank our sponsors!!

 

Ciara, Tyra and More!

Ciara and Kim Kardashian, the new Hollywood R&b Best Friends. Hmmm.

The ladies dined at the Hollywood hotspot, The Ivy along with LaLa Vasquez the other day.

Stylish divas!

Teyona Anderson won the title of America’s Next Top Model, Wednesday night. She defeated Louisiana native Allison Harvard, and will get a $100,000 contract! You Go Girl!

The creator of ANTM, Tyra Banks, was gifted with another nomination for daytime Emmy. She is doin’ BIG THINGS! Do you think she’s a mini Oprah? I read that on a blog!

Okay, I never thought I would have thought I’d put a pic of Coco T. on my site, but she actually looks decent in this pic. Channeling ya girl Marilyn Monroe. Not bad.

 

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