Black History Month Begins With The Day Of Change on Starz!

Happy BHM Fam!!!

Starz In Black will be celebrating Black History Month with the release of ‘The Day Of Change’ the powerful short film that relives one of America’s most historic days - Election Day, 11-4-08 - through the eyes of 25 African-American icons including Taye Diggs, Hill Harper, Shemar Moore, CCH Pounder, Vivica Fox, Robert Townsend, Regina King, and more.



‘The Day Of Change’ will air Feb 1st at 7.30pm ET/PT and will play throughout the rest of Feb on Starz (check your listings for channel info) for Black History Month. (Dang!!! I don't subscribe to Starz...)

"Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek." - Barack Obama

Melinda Doolitte Films New Video

Former “Idol” contestant Melinda Doolittle is filming her video for her debut album, Coming Back to You, which hits shelves Feb. 3.

Her first video is for her single “It’s Your Love”.

Congrats girlfriend!

"A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song."

- Maya Angelou

Red Carpet Arrivals

Jordin Sparks at the 6th Annual Leather And Laces Celebration

Joi Gordon, the CEO of Dress for Success

at the

12th Annual American Foundation For The University Of The West Indies Gala

"There is nothing that makes its way more directly to the soul than beauty." - Joseph Addison

Designing For Plus Sized Women - SWAK Designs

I found this article this monring on usaraz.com....

Womens Interest 30.01.2009
Author : Stacy Montgomery

Although the fashion world has been built around the idea of "the thinner the better" for the last few decades, there has definitely been a huge revolution, over the last few years especially, to include the other half of the population - the 50% of us who fall into the size 16 and over, full-figured world. (Actually, that figure is closer to 67%...close to 2/3's of the population fall within a size 14 or larger.)

There have been many contributions to this revolution, of course, not the smallest of which is the change in the fashion industry itself. Two summers ago, runway officials in Spain literally refused to allow models under a certain BMI (Body Mass Index) to strut their stuff on the catwalk during Fashion Week. What the fashion world finally realizes, and wholeheartedly embraces, is that there must be a standard in their industry that no longer promotes eating disorders and self-destructive behavior around food. Like superstars in movies and in sports, they realize that their "top models" are indeed role models to young people. The side effect of this has been a new level of acceptance around full figured women.

This is great news to the world at large, and especially to the plus size women in the United States (where we are literally HALF of the population). Not only has the conversation definitely changed to healthy, instead of skinny; but the newest message is really one of self-acceptance and confidence, no matter what size we may be.

The first signs that plus size fashion was becoming more accepted in the main stream, and perhaps even admired in its own right, became obvious when well known high-end designers, such as Liz Claiborne, began special divisions catering specifically to larger women (in Claiborne's case, the line is called "Elizabeth"). We also can't overlook the ever growing popularity of full figured couture designers, such as Richard Metzger, who dresses such well known plus size stars as Oprah Winfrey, Star Jones and Camryn Manheim. (I don't believe that Richard is designing for plus sizes anymore....)

The plus size fashion revolution gained a much stronger foothold this past September, again at Fashion Week in Milan, when popular designer Elena Miro kicked off the entire show with a line of full figured couture. Miro has joined the ranks of those creating everything from plus size dresses to plus size jeans and has embraced the indisputable reality that beautiful women come in all shapes and sizes. And we have the money to spend in order to look great! Darius Cordell Couture even designs plus size bridal gowns and evening wear for the full size bridal party or mother of the bride (or groom, of course). (Never heard of this guy...gonna google him in a sec....more to come..okay so I googled him and there's way too much drama going on with him and his clients for me to devote a blog to him just now....)

The best advice that comes from this group of designers for plus-size women?

Accent your best features and stop trying to cover yourself from head to toe. Got great legs? Definitely go for shorter skirts and dresses and skip the Bermuda shorts! Love your sexy arms? Show them off in plus size camisoles and spaghetti strap sundresses. Whatever your assets, definitely dress them up and strut your stuff! Whether it’s the catwalk or the sidewalk, looking great is simply always in style.

Stacy Montgomery, Sales VP for Sealed with a Kiss Designs (SWAK Designs, Plus Size clothing) has built her career around her passion, embracing her own unique beauty and plus-sized body. Sealed with a Kiss Designs http://www.swakdesigns.com/ is a leading manufacturer of affordable and trendy plus size fashions.

Sigh...I will be honest here fam...I checked out the SWAK Designs site to get a look at the clothing....I think it's a UK based site (and the plus girls there get down differently than we do here in the states) It's (the clothing) not for me ...(totally NOT the way that I like to dress) but I am sure that many folks will find the clothing appealing. In the end it simply comes down to a matter of preference.

"Support your local curvy girl!!!"

"Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not."

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Jennifer Hudson films new video...readies for return to performing...

Story from Singersroom.com:

Jennifer Hudson has wrapped up her first video shoot since the tragic deaths of her mother, brother and nephew last fall.According to published reports, Hudson shot "If This Isn't Love" recently and plans to release the video the day after her highly anticipated Grammy performance, Monday, Feb. 9.

For now Hudson is getting ready for a massive comeback schedule that all kicks off with the national anthem.The "Spotlight" singer will have just that, the spotlight, as she takes the stage for the very first time at Tampa's Raymond James Stadium during the Superbowl.

While everyone is rooting for J-Hud, country star Faith Hill says she's very excited about Hudson's comeback."She is a strong girl," says Hill."To come and perform the national anthem at a time when our country is stepping up and moving forward for future generations, I think it's the perfect choice".

“I do not believe that sheer suffering teaches. If suffering alone taught, all the world would be wise, since everyone suffers. To suffering must be added mourning, understanding, patience, love, openness and the willingness to remain vulnerable.”

- James Addison

The Smithsonian Wants Aretha's Hat!!!

That dang hat is turning out to be one of the biggest stars of the presidential inauguration.....

The Washington Smithsonian museum has asked Aretha Franklin to donate the hat she wore when she performed at the Presidential inauguration last week (January 20).

Franklin sang ‘Let Freedom Ring’ at the swearing-in of President Obama in Washington D.C., but is hesitant to hand over the bow-shaped headgear as it signifies such a momentous occasion for her personally.

“I am considering it. It would be hard to part with my chapeau since it was such a crowning moment in history,” the Queen of Soul told people.com. “I would like to smile every time I look back at it and remember what a great moment it was in American and African-American history. Ten cheers for President Obama.”

The hat, which was designed by miliner Luke Song, would join in the museum the Jason Wu-designed dress worn by Michelle Obama on January 20.

"I wouldn't be surprised if some day, they put the Simpsons in the Smithsonian. It's become part of our culture, those characters."

- Joe Mantegna

happy birthday Chet Parker!!

Special Happy Birthday Shout Out to my good friend and most "favoritist" (lol...yeah I SAID it!!!) chef.....Chet Parker who is celebrating his most special day today!

Chet and I were introduced a few years ago by a mutual friend of ours named Beverly Howard. We connected almost immediately and became fast friends. Chet, Chef Jeff Henderson and my baby daddy Bobby Flay are running neck & neck for the top spot in my heart!!!

Seriously, my boy is an accomplished chef (he made me a chicken salad sandwich that I ate before he could finish making his...lol...it was THAT good!), martial artist, house music lover and a bowlegged, sexy, chocolate cutie to boot!

Have a wonderful day love!

Muah!

“To the world you may be just one person, but to one person you may be the world." - Brandi Snyder

Wanna Come To My Birthday Party???

Hey Everybody!!!

My annual birthday party will be held on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 (the day before my actual birthday) and I would love it if you'd all join me at Katra Lounge in Soho (217 Bowery btwn Prince & Rivington Sts) for a few hours after work to celebrate.

(Non-ya business how old I am...lol)

The party begins at 6pm and there are 2 for 1 drink specials until 7pm.

(I would get there early if I were YOU!!!)

Anyway, admission is free BUT there is a guest list and to get in you MUST BE ON IT....so save the date now and email your RSVP's to:

EMAIL YOUR RSVPS TO: BKLYNGURL@GMAIL.COM

OR FABWEDNESDAYS@DSEVENTSINC.COM

I hope to see you all there!

Gifts are not necessary (but...lol...I DO like them!)...but in case you want to know what I like (and don't)....take a look below:

Likes: Funky Hats in funky colors (love kangols), Silver Jewelry, perfume, funky bags and lip gloss (from MAC), books and dark chocolate, champagne & white wine (riesling is my fave).....

Dislikes: Lillies (those flowers with the pollen stems) VERY ALLERGIC!! they make my whole face go numb. Picture frames (don't dislike them...I just have enough at this time..)


So tell your friends and come on down and have a drink with me & my curvy divas for my birthday!

See you all on February 18th!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!

RED CARPET DIVAS: The 2009 Stellar Awards & More!!!

Red Carpet Photos from The Stellar Awards.....

Gospel Diva Rev. Shirley Caesar in Gold, looking good at 71!

The View's Sherri Shepherd in Red

America Ferrera on the Red Carpet at the SAG Awards

Mo'Nique looking trim at Sundance
Real ATL Housewife NeNe Leakes looking curvy at the Grand Opening of W Atlanta Buckhead Hotel (this chick gets better looking each time I see her).

Star Jones at the Creative Coalition's VIP Pre Inaugural Dinner

And on the blue carpet with her Chef at the Creative Coalition's 2009 Inaugural Ball.

(Star's looking really happy these days and I am happy for her!)

Toccara looking luscious & curvy at an event in NYC recently and At the NY Premiere of Cadillac Records and at the NY premiere of Notorious

along with the film's stars Jamal Wollard & Naturi Naughton

"Today, fashion is really about sensuality—how a woman feels on the inside. In the '80s women used suits with exaggerated shoulders and waists to make a strong impression. Women are now more comfortable with themselves and their bodies—they no longer feel the need to hide behind their clothes.” - Donna Karan

RED CARPET DIVAS: 2009 Trumpet Awards

The 17th Annual Trumpet Awards were held recently in Atlanta, Georgia


The Trumpet Awards is a prestigious event highlighting African American accomplishments and contributions. Initiated in 1993 by Turner Broadcasting, the Trumpet Awards has been televised annually and distributed internationally to over 185 countries around the world.

Xernona Clayton is the Founder, President and CEO of the Trumpet Awards Foundation, Inc. and Creator and Executive Producer of the Foundation's Trumpet Awards.

My curvy girls (and guys) made the rounds in the main rooms:

Kym Whitley & Raven Symone

Raven Symone & Chris Tucker

Raven Symone & Xernona Clayton

(Hmmm....Not sure if I am feeling Raven's dress....)

CNN's Roland Martin & Wife

Rev Bernice King & an unidentified pastor

And on the red carpet....

Raven Symone

Judge Mabelean

Real ATL Housewife DeShawn Snow

(Dang fam....I gotta say....I ain't really feeling NONE of these red carpet looks...and what is it about EVERYBODY WEARING BLACK AGAIN???)

And I'mma have to stop putting Sherri Shepherd on my curvy girl list real soon....cuz she's beginning to look really little with humongous breasts.....Whaddya think fam?

"When we see a natural style, we are astonished and charmed; for we expected to see an author, and we find a person." - Blaise Pascal

Jazmine Sullivan's "Lions, Tigers & Bears"New Video

Jazmine Sullivan, (who is riding high off of her 5 Grammy nominations), just released her brand new video for “Lions, Tigers and Bears.”

Me & my home girl Deb had been trying to figure out who was singing this song since we first heard it on the radio a few months ago. I fell in love with the song & the lyrics immediately....

Check it out here:

Jazmine Sullivan - Lions, Tigers & Bears



Miss Jazmine will perform on Good Morning America on February 2nd and Jimmy Kimmel Live on February 6th. Jazmine will also be featured in Katie Couric’s All Access Grammy Special airing February 4th on CBS.

Support your local curvy girl family!!

“Meeting you was fate, becoming your friend was a choice, but falling in love with you I had no control over.”

Jessica Simpson Scrutinized For Weight Gain

I found this story CBS Early News Website:

Country Singer Compared To "Dallas Cowboy Linebacker"

(CBS) It's not easy being a celebrity, especially as a woman whose body image is constantly being scrutinized. There's been a lot of buzz over recent pictures of country singer Jessica Simpson in the newspapers and on the Internet showing a little weight gain.

"Leave her alone!" plus-sized model and body image coach Emme told Early Show co-anchor Maggie Rodriguez. "We have a lot going on in this country. We don't need to have this right now. Because it's almost like anytime a woman gains weight, and she's a public figure, everyone gets all over it. And it's almost like -- we're trying to feed our kids, right?" Emme said.

The media's strong reaction to the new photos of Simpson has sparked a controversy over the perception of body image. "Yesterday, when I saw the pictures in the newspaper and they made some crack about her looking like she's playing for the Dallas Cowboys as a linebacker, like her boyfriend (Tony Romo), who is the quarterback, I was so mad," Rodriguez said. "Why do they have to pick on her?" Rodriguez wasn't alone. The issue hit home with a lot of women, who are "upset" and "sick and tired" of the scrutiny.

"First of all," Emme observed, "Jessica Simpson in these pictures, yes, she did gain some weight. But do we have to hang her out to dry for that? She looks beautiful. She really does. Maybe she's not working out four hours a day in the gym. She might be working out one hour a day. There might be some things going on. Yes, she is a public figure, but at this time in our lives right now, when so much else is going on, we need a little bit of a pick me up. We don't need any of this body bashing, especially with these images that are so beautiful." On the flip-side, Simpson has donned "little Daisy Dukes" and has "flaunted her body and used her body as an asset" so, when she gains a little weight, is it OK to mention it?" Rodriguez, who was playing devil's advocate, asked. "You are going to take a look and say, 'Yes there is a change. But do we have to call her names? Does it have to be criticized?'" Emme asked. "So many Hollywood actresses and women who are in the media, they have to work so hard to maintain an unrealistic image. So maybe this is a chance for all of to us really start talking about -- are these images truly bad? I don't think so."

Both mothers of young daughters, Emme and Rodriguez admit having more of a personal connection to the issue. "And we have to talk to them about self-esteem, body issues and tell them it's OK if you're not a size zero or two or four or six," Rodriguez said. "Whatever it might be," Emme remarked. "We have to take good care of ourselves, and that's our responsibility as women for our own lives so all else falls from that. And we wish Jessica Simpson good self-esteem that she doesn't take this, and all of a sudden, in six months, we see her as a rail-thin individual." Simpson has addressed this issue in the past. In Harper's Bazaar, she criticized the rail look and said it's not healthy or good for the heart. "Women have curves. If we didn'thave curves, there would be nothing to hold onto!" Emme joked.

Emme admits that she wasn't too pleased (and neither was I) with Oprah Winfrey's public weight gain confession and her comment that she was going to try really hard to lose it. "It's not that I didn't like what she said. I want, right now, the reaction to the hard work an individual has done, so publicly, and she's our national treasure. Instead of body bashing, perhaps say 'How about we try to do this a little more gentler? Let's figure out a different way that I didn't get to last time. Maybe, with all of the leaders, trainers, gurus, maybe there is something different that I need to do that will get me on a really good path," ' Emme said. She stressed she'd like to see a "more gentler, more understandable and more real" approach. "Instead of this, 'Oh, I'm so disgusted,' it's like, 'We love you. What are you doing? Why, why, why?' So I think we're all on this journey of self-discovery and to be a little more kinder and gentler to ourselves and to our sisters," Emme concluded.

Maybe it's me fam...but I happen to think Jessica Simpson looks great at a size 8 (which is allegedly the size she is now)....When is a size 8 fat? Will somebody please tell me? "Linebacker"? Sigh....the things that we as human beings say and do to each other never cease to amaze me.....

"For me, it might sound cliche, but beauty for me really does start on the inside. It's like a state of mind, a state of love if you will. Then, whatever you can do on the outside is all like a bonus."
- Queen Latifah

Curvy Gals Burn Up the Red Carpet at Patti Labelle tribute

The Curvy Gals Set The Red Carpet on fire at UNCF's Evening of Stars Tribute to Patti Labelle which aired this past weekend....

AN EVENING OF STARS TRIBUTE TO PATTI LABELLE

Patti & Jennifer Hudson Mo'Nique & Hubby Sidney Hicks Fantasia

Raven Symone Nona Hendryx & Sarah Dash Patti & J. Hud

Patti Labelle J. Hud & Patti share a kiss Labelle

J. Hud in white Chrisette Michele Kym Whitley

Everybody is representing "properly" but is it me or is it a WHOLE LOTTA BLACK going on here??? Where is the COLOR???

“A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are."

The Biggest Loser Couples Edition - Episode 4 - Damien Eliminated

Okay, so I found out this morning that my girl Nicole's better half, Damien was eliminated from The Biggest Loser last night....in what appears to be a double cross. I say "appears" because try as I might....this show just doesn't hold my interest long enough to watch it all the way through....and I am going off of what I read from an episode recap:

"On this week's episode of The Biggest Loser, Bob's team is devastated when Jillian's team decides to go back on their word and vote out Damien instead of Joelle. Filipe is understandably upset, because Jillian's team approached them after last week's weigh-in, asking who they should vote out."

Anyway, tough break for both you and Nicole, Damien, since this was the last week and the last weigh-in before the partners would rejoin the game. But good break for me....cuz, now I don't have to struggle to try and catch this show anymore...lol.

UPDATE: I just found a great post show interview of Damien & Nicole at People.com....Enjoy!

http://tvwatch.people.com/2009/01/22/biggest-loser-couple-damien-nicole-prep-for-wedding/

"We should manage our fortunes as we do our health - enjoy it when good, be patient when it is bad, and never apply violent remedies except in an extreme necessity."

Chrisette Michele's Show At The Apollo - Cancelled!

It appears that Chrisette Michele's Valentine's Day Show at the Apollo has been cancelled.

Live Nation Presents
Chrisette Michele
with special guest Ryan Leslie
Saturday February 14, 2009

At The Apollo Theater

SHOW CANCELED

refunds available at point of purchase.

No further information at this time.

ABC Puts Ugly Betty on Hold?

Hmmmm.....could this spell the end for Ugly Betty?

Los Angeles (E! Online) – America Ferrera was all smiles on yesterday's SAGs red carpet—perhaps because she didn't know the Ugly plans ABC had in store for her show. (Or, you know, perhaps because she was nominated and looked hot as fire.)

In a surprising move, ABC just announced that its former comedic golden child, Ugly Betty, will be shelved on March 26 in order to bring back Christina Applegate's Samantha Who? and launch a new comedy called In the Motherhood, starring Megan Mullally and Cheryl Hines, in the Thursday 8 p.m. slot.

ABC President Steve McPherson's nostalgic favorite (and old stomping ground) Scrubs and another new comedy, Better Off Ted (Portia de Rossi, Jay Harrington), will take the hour-long block starting Wednesdays at 8 p.m. (The former home of the dearly departing Pushing Daisies.)

So why is one of ABC's highest-profile shows getting a time-out? And what does America have to say?

According to ABC insiders, the Alphabet net is looking at more of a cable model when it comes to its programming and scheduling. "McPherson is interested in reducing the number of reruns," one well-placed insider tells me, adding that Betty—after its dip in the ratings this season—seemed the best place to slot in Samantha and Motherhood.

Betty had an audience of about 8 million at the start of the current third season, but then consistently lost about a million viewers each week, sinking as low as 3.6 million. This month, it jumped back up to 7.5 million, but that's still shy of last year's audience of 9 million viewers.

Meanwhile, yesterday on the SAG carpet, Ferrera told us everything is going well on her three-year-old series and teased this about what lies ahead: "Someone turns very evil—an unexpected person. Like, just your general backstabbing and lies. Just another day on Ugly Betty!"

Sources also tell me there'll be a love connection between a main character on Betty and someone we know and love from a Showtime series we know and love. Stay tuned to the Spoiler Chat later today for the scoop.

Will you miss Betty on Thursdays at 8?

"Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future" - John F. Kennedy