The "It's All Relative" Cast Brunch at City Crab

Sooooo…..After spending all day Friday getting my nephew settled in at college, I had oh like….a 4 hour catnap and then I had to be back up at 6am to make the drive back to Newport Centre Mall to return my rental truck by 8am.  I got out of the house at about 6:45am and drove down the West Side Highway to go through the Holland Tunnel to get to Jersey.  I pulled up to the rental place at about 7:30am and all was well.  I got a credit (which is always nice) because I paid for an E-Z pass reader and then got to the GWB and realized that they forgot to put it in my car.  I walked back through the empty mall and sleepily made my way to the PATH train.  I picked up what looked to be a very delicious breakfast creation fresh out of the oven and a cup of coffee and settled in for the train ride back to NYC.  I excitedly opened my breakfast creation and took a bite only to find it was dry and tasteless as hell.  I took a second bite just make sure I wasn’t dreaming (I wasn’t) and put it away to dispose of when I got back to NYC.  Is it me or do the PATH stations deliberately not have trash receptacles because eating is prohibited? (Um…I found this out when I saw the sign posted at the 33^rd Street station).  Anywhoo…my coffee was delicious.  I took an uptown bound D train and was truly dreaming of the EPIC NAP I was going to take when I got back home.  I got in around 9am, set my alarm for 12 noon and quickly fell asleep.

My alarm went off and I got up and jumped in the shower to try to wake myself up for the cast brunch that playwright Kimberly “Q” was hosting for the cast of her new play “It’s All Relative”.  The Brunch was being held at City Crab, one of my favorite NYC seafood spots downtown on Park Avenue South. 

I took the back of the A Train to 14^th Street, took the 16^th Street exit and was immediately jolted back into time by the memory of all of the fantastic birthday parties I had for myself at Rebar Lounge back in the day.  That whole block of old buildings was razed and I barely recognized it now.  But the memories still came anyway.  I took a brief taxi ride across town and when I arrived, Q was waiting at the bar for me.  She informed me that most of the cast had canceled due to prior commitments, so it was just going to be me, her & my cast mate (and fellow Pisces) Gha’il.  We decided to take the booth in the back on the main level and Q ordered a carafe of Grapefruit Mimosas

while we waited for Gha’il & surprise guest WRKS-FM Quiet Storm Host Lenny Green who was coming through for a few late birthday cocktails. Gha’il arrived shortly after we were seated and we just drank, feasted on Lobster Mac & Cheese (SO GOOD) and talked until Lenny arrived.  Q hit me over the head with the news that my beloved City Crab was closing on Sunday (WHAT???) and The Bubble Lounge downtown had already gone out of business a few months earlier.  We both agreed that NYC was (is) steadily losing its “flavor” and for the first in my life I have actually contemplated living somewhere else.

Lenny finally arrived and joined us at our booth.  I think we may have been working on our second carafe of Mimosa’s when he sat down.  I watched him as he greeted Gha’il for the first time and I just KNEW he was going to extend his hand to me like we had never met before (because he NEVER recognizes me without my makeup and when I am wearing my glasses) I gave him the evil eye and smacked his hand away and gave him a hug.  When he sat down I quickly brought him up to speed on how many times he’s met me and how many mutual friends we have….lol.  

The four of us had a lively discussion over more Lobster Mac & Cheese, Seared Ahi Tuna (You KNOW that was mine right?) Calamari and a Lobster (or crab…I can’t remember) Burger (Gha’il) and a Lobster Omelet (which ol Bougie azz Q ordered…lol).

It was a really wonderful afternoon….so wonderful that we didn’t want to leave and tried to order a FOURTH carafe of mimosas AFTER we had already paid our bill.  The Manager bribed us by offering to buy us another round of mimosas if we gave up our booth and moved to the bar (which we did).  Lenny had already left us by the time we got to the bar. 

Gha' fell in love with the bracelet I was wearing and I fell in love with this beautiful butterfly ring that she was wearing.  She suggested that we switch accessories and we could switch back the next time we were together.  I agreed and the ring quickly became my new favorite piece of jewelry!  Gha’il left after that last mimosa at the bar and Q and I sat at the bar making new friends with the ladies seated to our right.  One of them gifted me with a drink that had Gin, Lemonade & Prosecco in it (it was yummy!) when I looked up it was 7:00pm and I knew I had to get out of there to get home, get changed and make my way back downtown for the final event of the evening….Gwen DeVoe’s Private Birthday Celebration at Studio Arte. 

Q and I took a taxi uptown and I dropped her off….and I won’t deny it….I was LIT!!! I haven’t hung out with Q in a very long time and I am going to make sure that it won’t happen again (as in taking years to get together).

Thanks Q for a wonderful afternoon mama, I really enjoyed hanging out with you again!  PISCES RULE!!! Love you!

My Devin heads off to College....

So I had a pretty good but very busy weekend.  I rented a car and drove my nephew Devin up to Broome County Community College.  Devin is my brother’s oldest son and the only child I have ever claimed as my own (Don’t ask).  I picked up a Kia Soul and took my sister & my niece Sam along for the ride.  I had to get up at 6am to take the Path Train to the Newport Center Mall in New Jersey to pick up my car.  After walking around the daggone parking lot for like 20 minutes, I finally found the car rental place.  I was going to get a full sized car but I heard one of the workers mention a Kia Soul so I asked if I could have that one.  I love the Kia Soul but I realized almost immediately that it doesn’t have a whole lot of trunk space if you have 4 people in the car.  We made it work though and at about 10:45 or so the rest of family said their goodbyes to Devin and we pulled off.

I hadn’t had breakfast and apparently neither had anyone else so after about an hour & a half of driving we stopped at a quick mart and purchased sandwiches and snacks for the remainder of the trip.  My sister and I both ordered these 6 inch Italian subs for $2.99 and I must tell you that was the best damn sandwich that I have had in a minute….really.  It was absolutely delicious.

We pulled up to the campus at a little before 2pm got him registered and then drove to his new off campus housing digs (cuz somebody waited till the last minute to do EVERYTHING and all of the dorm space was gone).   After a nice little wait for keys (the realtor got tied up and was delayed for like an hour or so) she finally arrived and we got him settled into his room.   He decided that he needed to take a nap so he passed on going shopping with us for food & basic necessities.  So the three of us got in the truck and first stop at Family Dollar for the necessities….I really should NOT go into Family Dollar because my first impulse is to buy EVERYTHING I SEE (lol).  We shopped for about 40 minutes and then made our way to Wal-Mart for everything else.  If you know me at ALL….then you already know how I feel about Wal-Mart (yup.  I could stay all day).  We passed my Alma Mater Binghamton University on the way to Wal-Mart and I didn't even recognize it...it has expanded and it's HUGE now!  When I was there back in 1979 the only option we had for food within walking distance was Denny's and Sambo's (Yup, Sambo's...don't ask).  Now there are food chains everywhere! By the time we left Wal-Mart he had enough food to last him at least a month and an emergency phone.

We got back to the house to find him refreshed after his “nap” (that I don’t think he ever really took).  We got everything put away and by then it was almost 11pm and we definitely needed to get back on the road, since I was the only one driving.  We took a couple of photos for posterity and give him plenty hugs and kisses (and a few tears from Sam) before we left.  

We made one stop for gas and for the rest of the ride it was pretty much me and my music since my sister was snoring next to me and my niece was so quiet in the back that I don’t even know if she was awake for the trip.

We crossed the GWB at about 1am, I dropped my sister off first and then my niece.  I headed back to Harlem praying that a parking spot would be available.  After circling the block a few times, I actually found a spot right across the street from my house.  Dead tired and knowing I had to be up in the next 4 hours to return the car back to New Jersey and then try to get in a quick nap before my next event...The It's All Relative Cast Brunch at City Crab.

It was a wonderful day and I am very proud of the young man that my nephew has become.  I was a little concerned about him being away from home on his own for the very first time but I realized that like me when I left home for school…he’s very excited about being on his own.  He’s gonna be just fine.

College is the best time of your life.  When else are your parents going to spend several thousand dollars a year just for you to go to a strange town and get drunk every night?  ~David Wood

CHANGING FACE OF HARLEM....A DOCUMENTARY FILM BY SHAWN BATEY

Yesterday, I decided to ring up my mom and see if she was interested in attending a screening of a documentary film about Harlem with me.  The film is called "Changing Face of Harlem" and it was directed and produced by my neighbor (and friend) Shawn Batey.

Mom said yes and we decided that we would meet at the venue, which was All Souls Episcopalian Church on St. Nicholas Avenue.  I selected a cute pair of summer slacks in a black/white/yellow print that I had recently copped from an Ashley Stewart Sample Sale and I paired that with a yellow v-neck tee shirt and my old reliable pewter sandals.  Mom arrived via taxi all done up in pale pink and white.  

We made our way to the basement (mom rode the lift and I walked down carrying her walker) and took our seats.  The film which I think was a little over an hour long covered the early beginnings of Harlem and her heyday, the white flight, the heroin years and eventually the black flight during the crack cocaine years.  It brought us all the way up to 2012 when the film ended with the battle to keep the culture and the color in Harlem and the eventual gentrification that's happening currently.

After the film there was a lively discussion about what we watched and how folks felt about what they viewed and what is happening today.  There was quite a bit of diversity in the group that viewed the film with us and the Q&A segment was most enjoyable for both me and my mom.  It's a really great film and if you get a moment, please try to get out and see it, I guarantee you will enjoy it.  Check out their website for info on upcoming screenings and dvd information here: http://changingfaceofharlem.com/  

Nice work Shawn!  Thanks for inviting us, i'm glad I could finally make it!

Here is the trailer for the film:

Mom was getting antsy because she was hungry so we decided to make our way outside to look for a place to eat.  We narrowed our choices down to Amy Ruth's and Billie's Black.  My mom had never been to Billie's Black before so I suggested she try something new because I have been frequently and I always enjoy myself there.

The owner Adriane Ferguson was outside when our taxi pulled up and she greeted us with a smile and a hug once we got seated.  My mom remembered her instantly from us all being seated at the same table at Eda Francois & Crystal Smith's wedding reception last September.  We also passed on our condolences as we had learned just before arriving that she (Adriane) had recently lost her father.
We chatted for a few moments and then she had to leave.  We decided to go with the Sampler Platter with a side of mac & cheese and collard greens and the Ox Tails.  I am really funny about potato salad (not everyone makes it in a manner that I find to be edible) so I asked our server if I could have a spoonful to taste....(I have done this many times in the past when potato salad is on the menu and I NEVER have a problem with the chef allowing me to taste it first rather wasting a whole order by sending it back because I don't like it).  This did not happen on this particular occasion and I will only say that this particular chef/cook absolutely ruined our dining experience with her horrible attitude and I will leave it at that.  

After we paid our bill, we caught a taxi to the Bronx where we chatted for a bit, I made sure mom was comfortable and resting then I made my way back to Manhattan via the bus (I LOVE the bus y'all....don't ask me why....I just do!) as I was waiting for the connecting bus to take me home, I got a text from my friend Tonya alerting me that she was in my hood and I should come by and get a plate of food and birthday cake from Make My Cake to take home.  So I took a taxi over to 136th Street and met Tonya at the most FABU townhouse near the Schomburg Museum.  I met her family, had a nightcap and hung out for bit..... all the while salivating over of all things....their refrigerator (don't ask).  Tonya dropped me off at home where I had a glass of Sweet Red and wound up watching James Bond movies until about 2am....when I finally made myself go to sleep.

It was a great Saturday afternoon and I love hanging out with my mama!


"My mother's wonderful. To me she's perfection." - Michael Jackson

The 40th Anniversary of The Wiz at Marcus Garvey Park

The Wiz holds a special place in my heart, as it is the very first show that I ever saw on Broadway.  I will never forget that day in 1975 when my Aunt Jessie (may she rest in paradise) called me and told me that she had 3 tickets to The Wiz that she wasn't going to use that day and I could have them if I came to New Jersey to pick them up.  Well I called up my late bestie Tommy Brock and we FLEW to NJ to get those tickets.  The show was incredible and I saw it 3 more times before it closed. It left an indelible mark on me...it is my all time favorite Broadway musical (with Dreamgirls coming in a close second).  Tommy and I were absolutely GIDDY when the movie version was released three years later in 1978.  Although we both frowned upon Diana Ross as Dorothy....the movie became a cult classic for us.

Fast forward 40 years later to 2015 and I am in my old neighborhood at Marcus Garvey Park on a Friday afternoon where SummerStage was celebrating the music of The Wiz.  The show had already played the previous two days at Central Park on Wednesday (too many people in one place for me) and then it moved uptown to Marcus Garvey Park on Thursday (had to work late that particular night).  I attended a class that morning and made my way back home to drop off my bags and then back out to head crosstown to the park.  I stopped off at Jimbo's on Lenox Avenue (now with an "A" rating...praise the Lord!!) and bought a bacon cheeseburger with extra pickles, a big bottle of water and a bag of pretzels because I knew I would be sitting there for several hours.

It was an absolutely gorgeous day and I made it to the park around 3;30pm.  The first thing I noticed was the line of portable toilets & sinks that were right outside of the theater area...Yay!  I was pleased to see that I had my run of the place since there were maybe 15-20 people there at most.  I found a spot in the 5th row in the center and made myself comfortable as I waited for a few friends to arrive.

As I sat there enjoying my burger (and yes! it was QUITE delicious!!) I began to watch the folks begin to trickle in.  I saw a few dancers stretching and practicing some of the numbers and a lot of friends and some folks I hadn't seen in a very long time....Breea Williams (who is my homie from my early modeling days), Diane Simpson, Gordon Burnett (who joined me in the 5th row) along with my girl Taihisha Grant.  I also saw Jackie Reid, Alyson Williams, Judith Jamison and a few others whose names escape me.

The show was scheduled to begin at 8:30pm and there was a wonderful jazz performer named Allan Harris who had me at hello when he opened his set (in a FLY Purple paisley jacket) with "I've Got A Lot of Livin' To Do" from Bye Bye Birdie.  Now if you know me at all then you know that Jazz is like Nyquil to my soul (will put me to sleep immediately...lol) but I really enjoyed Mr. Harris' set immensely.  Excellent performance!

After Allan Harris the DJ put on the music of James Brown and everybody just jumped up and started dancing!  It was an amazing vibe in Harlem on this day. Peace and love all around.

And then finally......with an introduction from George Faison & Phylicia Rashad....The Wiz!!!  Aside from some issues with the sound...I really enjoyed the show and the performances. The Tornado scene was wonderful!!!  I thought the Tin Man was a standout for me as was the young lady who played Dorothy.  Inaya Day sang her face off as well.  I will be honest, I didn't particularly care for Evillene (I don't think she was in good voice this night) But the absolute highlight of the evening for me was Mr. Andre DeShields reprising his role as The Wiz (Note:  No one has EVER done it better). At 69 Mr. Shields was in excellent voice and as always the consummate performer. The crowd ate him up and showed him much love.

As the cast had their curtain calls, Taihisha, her friend and I made our way over to Applebee's for a nightcap and then we each jumped in to taxi's and headed to opposite sides of town.

It was a truly memorable summer evening.

I am now eagerly anticipating the TV version of The Wiz that will be happening in the fall...Some of the casting has me a little nervous....but I will wait and see.  



"Pure entertainment is not an egotistical lady singing boring songs onstage for two hours and people in tuxes clapping whether they like it or not. It's the real performers on the street who can hold people's attention and keep them from walking away."  - Andy Kaufman

Jordan Tesfay Rocks the May 2010 Cover of Plus Model Magazine!!!

The May 2010 issue of Plus Model Magazine is LIVE and available for your review!

This month's cover features the beautiful Jordan Tesfay!!

My column in this month's issue covers some of the secrets behind getting cast in FFFWeek(tm) 2010!!

CLICK HERE to go directly to my article and start reading!!!

FFFWeek(tm) 2010 Aspiring Models Seminar - MORE CURVY CELEBRITY PANELISTS ADDED!!!

Hey Family!

I have updated and added some new guest panelists for my Aspiring Model Seminar for FFFWeek(tm) 2010!!!

This is DEFINITELY the seminar that YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS!

Please check out the breakdown below, then tell your friends, post on your sites and spread the word!!!

PLUS KNOWLEDGE = PLUS POWER!!!

FULL FIGURED FASHION WEEK IS JUNE 16-19, 2010

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!!!

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Have you ever seen a live fashion show, watched a fashion on TV or flipped through a magazine and said to yourself: "I wish I could do that?" Well the good news is chances are you CAN do it! Whether you are a new model just starting out or you are a few years into your career, you will benefit from our "Aspiring Model Seminar & Panel Discussion". Learn the secrets to starting a career as a plus sized model from the ground floor up and/or how to take your career to the "next level"....from the people who are making it happen as we speak!

The fashion industry has in general frowned upon the idea of the “plus sized” model, preferring to holding steadfastly to the antiquated belief that fashion begins at a size Zero and ends at a size 6. These days with a shaky economy, 2/3’s of the world’s population wearing a size 14 or larger and growing rapidly by the minute and with February 2010 marking the official end of NY’s Fashion Week at Bryant Park; Seventh Avenue has begun to rethink the notion of the Plus Sized Model in print and on the runway.

Designers are beginning to realize that designing clothing for a small minority of folks is no longer cost effective and therefore a whole lot of them are quietly branching out to other

markets (i.e. plus) to keep their businesses afloat. The issue of size acceptance has been a hot topic over the last few years and is getting hotter by the minute….

So what does this mean for YOU the aspiring plus sized model you ask? It means that a whole new WEALTH of possibilities can open up for you to take advantage of if you are willing to learn how to “play the game” called Plus Sized Fashion!

Sharon Quinn, "The ORIGINAL Runway Diva “ - Actress/Veteran Plus Model/Writer/Singer/Casting Producer

Her recent appearances include The Style Network's Ruby, Oxygen's groundbreaking Mo’Nique’s F.A.T. Chance, MTV’s MADE, Cash Cab & The Food Network's Throwdown With Bobby Flay.

Statuesque, poised, graceful and striking are all adjectives used to aptly describe the attributes belonging to Miss Sharon Quinn, affectionately known as "The Original Runway Diva", due to her presence, style and unbelievable confidence on the catwalk. She has handled the casting for Mo'Nique's F.A.T. Chance has well as The Bachelor and will be on hand to host and moderate the panel discussion.

Find out from The Runway Diva:

• The 7 Deadly sins for a plus model!
• What the basic qualifications are to become a plus model.
• How to develop your signature runway "Strut".
• How to have maximum success on a local level (the "Underground").
• How to adapt and overcome obstacles without sacrificing who you are.

The All-Star Lineup of Panelists (subject to change) includes:

Anthony Higgins - Director - Goddess/Model Service Agency

Anthony Higgins is a Buffalo native, who became a "New Yorker" in 1995. He started his career in the fashion world working at Karin Models - a French owned agency, as a model booker and assistant to the director.

Anthony has enjoyed being the director of MSA for the past 11 years. He has developed new divisions for this agency and quadrupled their business in the process.

He established Goddess in 1998; a division dedicated to plus size women's fashion. The models he has worked with have graced the pages and covers of many national publications including Glamour, Marie Claire, Essence, Figure, and O Magazine.

In 2001, he helped develop Direct Reps and established the commercial print division at MSA, booking models with Proctor & Gamble, Clairol and hundreds of other products.

Last year, Anthony launched ADAM, a new high fashion men's boutique agency, that develops young talent and services prestigious clients such as Armani and Diesel.

Register NOW and hear from Anthony as he explains:

• What agents and bookers are REALLY looking for at the open call.
• What's happening NOW in the plus size fashion market from an insider.
• The biggest mistakes that aspiring models make at the open call.
• How to avoid being typecast.

Yvette Ray Pinfield - Plus Model/Author (Your Guide to Plus Sized Modeling)

Yvette Ray Pinfield is a working mom and a plus size

model with agencies in both New York and Miami.

Her portfolio of work spans over 7 years and includes theToday Show, Good Morning America, Good Housekeeping Magazine, Motherhood Maternity and many more.

Yvette holds the title of Mrs. Manhattan 2008 and is also an active member of a number of professional organizations including the International Size Acceptance Association (ISAA).

Learn What Works in Plus Size Fashion and Modeling from an Industry Expert....

Your Guide to Plus Size Modeling is a great read for those who want to get into the field of modeling and it also teaches women to believe in themselves through reinforcing their self-esteem and positivity.

Find out from Yvette:

• How much money you'll need to get started.
• Getting in where you fit in (other branches of modeling).
• How to properly prepare for the open call.
• How to invest in the business of YOU.

Aminah Benjamin - Casting Director/Producer (BET's Rip The Runway)

Aminah will be on hand to answers the questions that EVERYBODY wants to know.

Find out from Aminah.....

Everything you wanted to know about Rip The Runway!

Learn he secrets behind the casting process for Rip The Runway!

• How to avoid the mistakes that most models make in their auditions.
• What the producers are looking for when they cast the show!
• Why preparation is KEY in getting selected for RTR.
• What direction the show is going in for 2011!

Larissa Laurel - Actress/Singer/Plus Sized Model &

Industry Editor for Plus Model Magazine

Larissa Laurel is originally from Corpus Christi, Texas. She is an actress, singer, and plus-size model. Her modeling career includes fit, print, fashion and showroom work.

Larissa began her modeling career in 1998 after the urging of her friends and family and by becoming an agent's assistant for a top-notch plus-size modeling agency in NYC. She has worked as a model with several NYC agencies and continues to work with most of her focus on print & fit modeling and acting.

Larissa's acting and singing career is truly a passion of the heart and she promotes and embraces non-traditional casting. She has appeared in several off-off Broadway productions and national tours. Larissa was also a founding member of the The Original "Glamazons", a 5 member plus size dance troupe.

Her face & curves have been featured in Latina, Oprah, Bust, Paper, BBW and Mode Magazines and her television appearances include The View, The Restaurant and commercial work for The Lifetime Channel. She is also a contributing editor for Plus Model Magazine and she writes a monthly column entitled "Q&A with Larissa", which helps aspiring models with the business of fashion.

Find out from Larissa:

• What it takes to make a successful career as a fit model.
• How to make the transition from fit to print model.
• The differences between fit and print modeling.
• How to juggle careers in multiple genres.

**Randi Graves - Plus Model/Aspiring Author

(Alternate Panelist)

Randi Graves was born and raised in Northern New Jersey. She attended Hampton University for one and a half years before starting her 12 year modeling career.

She has graced the pages of Ebony, Essence, Mode and Vogue magazines and she appeared on the cover of Plus Model Magazine's May 2009 issue.

She has two commercials under her belt and her beautiful face has graced the advertisements of Lane Bryant and Catherine's to name a few.

Randi Graves has the awesome distinction of being the first plus sized African-American model to have a billboard in NYC's Times Square (for Ashley Stewart Stores)!

And SO much more!

This is definitely a seminar and panel discussion that you DON'T WANT TO MISS if you are serious about a career as a plus sized model.

So sharpen those pencils, pack those pens and notebooks and come on down and get the necessary knowledge you need to succeed in your career!!

CLICK HERE to register NOW for FFFWeek(tm) 2010's Aspiring Model Seminar & Panel Discussion!

FFFWeek(tm) 2010's Aspiring Models Seminar & Panel Discussion

Friday, June 18, 2009

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

The Hotel Pennsylvania

401 Seventh Avenue @ 33rd Street

The Madison Room / 18th Floor

New York, NY 10001

Tix $22.00 in advance / $30.00 at the door

Seats are limited!!! Get yours now!!

Remember that Sherri Shepherd Pic I talked about?

lol....well here it is finally!!!

This was the night Miss Sherri told me (and anyone within earshot) that she reads my blogs!!

Mia Amber w/Sherri Shepherd, Sharon Quinn & Young actor Brandon Khalil after taping of "Sherri" for Lifetime

(Thanks for the pic Mia!)

Random Thoughts: Huh? You Can Freeze Cheerios Now?

Morning Fam!!!

I gotta tell you I absolutely LOVE visiting my home girl's house....there is ALWAYS some sort of inspiration or humor to be found there.....

Today's funny moment? As I was putting something in her freezer to chill, I noticed THIS sitting in the middle of her freezer when I opened the door....

WTF??? LMAO!!! Am I the ONLY one who thinks this is strange? I mean WHO IN THE HELL FREEZES cereal and milk? Does this actually WORK? Won't the whole thing just THAW INTO A MUSHY MESS?

Lol...I'm sorry fam....I thought it was funny and decided to share....

Thanks for the laugh Henry!

Excerpts from The Kindred Webisode Series Launch Party ...

I received this clip with excerpts from The Kindred Webisode Series Launch last month at Slate NYC.....I thought it was cool enough to share....Enjoy fam!

KINDRED | Launch Event 11.21.09 from SistaPAC Productions on Vimeo.

And while you're at it you can also check out my slideshow of photos from the event as well!

Happy 50th Birthday Chef Syncere!!

I had the pleasure of co-hosting the 50th birthday celebration for Chef Syncere Zakee, who is the hubby of my publicist Mary Moore.

The event was held last Saturday at Harlem's Alhambra Ballroom...WRKS-FM Quiet Storm DJ Lenny Green was also on hand to open up the show, which began with a couple of rounds of "Name That Tune" and some CD giveaways....





In addition to the sit down dinner and open bar (which featured my newest fixation...Hennessy Black) there was also a talent show that included music from the 5 decades of Chef Syncere's life and featured roller skaters, hustle dancers, singers and a couple of comedians.....one brother who's appeared on "Who's Got Jokes" and goes by the name of Foster was pretty funny!











Full Force's Bowlegged Lou, recited a poem that he penned for the birthday boy and sang "The Greatest Love of All" (Who knew he could sing? I certainly didn't!)....also on hand for the










celebration was former Right On! Magazine editor in chief, Cynthia Horner & Theresa Randolph of JT Productions.

Although I had a really good time I was struggling desperately to keep my cold at bay until the event was over and by the very last act my throat was on fire and my voice was totally gone!!! The birthday boy led of the first dance....The Electric Slide of course and the party took off from there!






I said my goodbyes, gave Mary a hug, took a big ol hit of Theraflu (which I had purchased BEFORE I arrived at the event) and walked quickly home, crawled under the covers and went straight to sleep!

Happy Birthday Chef! I hope you had a good time!

A-MUSE...The New Book By Douglas Says....

This post is LOOOOOOOOOOOOONG overdue fam...but better late than never I say!

One of my favorite designers and good friend designer Douglas Says has a new book. It's called "A Muse" and it's a personal trip down memory lane for the New Jersey based designer, showcasing some of his early works and some of his favorite muses. Below is the legendary Lu Cierra looking stunningly beautiful on one of three alternate covers.


Douglas gave me the honor of being the only plus sized model to grace the pages of his first book!

Wanna take a sneak peek? Go HERE

A-Muse retails for $40 click here to purchase your copy now!

Below are some the alternate shots that didn't make the book but I am proud of them anyway...So I thought I'd share with my fam!!

Happy Birthday Lee Ann & Darren!!!

Today is my mom's 65th birthday and yesterday was my baby bro's 43rd....The family all gathered together yesterday in "da Boogie Down" to celebrate them both!!

We had plenty of this:

Courtesy of my Baby Sis....For the Record....My girl can THROWDOWN in the kitchen!!! Her honey BBQ Wings are ridiculously good!!! If you make a late arrival to ANY of our parties....you are definitely gonna miss out on the wings....they are ALWAYS the first thing to go!!!

And some of this to wash it all down.....

A glorious time was had by all....lol...I love my family....I really do!

Happy Birthday Mama & B!!! I hope you enjoyed your birthdays!

2009 Emery Awards & The 30th Anniversary of The Hetrick-Martin Institute at Cipriani

Last week I had the honor of being the guest of my friend Jeremy C. Bradley at the 2009 Emery Awards & The 30th Anniversary of The Hetrick-Martin Institute held at New York's Cipriani's on Wall Street. Jeremy and I have been making plans to meet and chat for the last two years...lol...but we have never been able to mesh our schedules. So I was honored that he asked me to attend. I don't know what he told them about me but his people knew who I was the moment I walked up and the helped me navigate through the crowd quickly.


What are The Emery Awards?: Each year, The Emery Awards honor individuals and corporations that exemplify The Hetrick-Martin Institute’s mission of providing a safe and supportive environment for all young people - regardless of their sexual orientation or identity - as well as those who have demonstrated outstanding leadership within the LGBTQ community.

What is The Hetrick-Martin Institute? We're proud to be the oldest and largest organization helping gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth to reach their full potential. Like many leaders, we were trailblazers. In 1979, life partners and educators on gay and lesbian issues, Dr. Emery Hetrick, a psychiatrist, and Dr. Damien Martin, a professor at New York University, heard the heartbreaking story of a homeless 15-year-old boy who had been beaten and thrown out of his emergency shelter because he was gay. They were so moved that they gathered a group of concerned adults and created what was then called the Institute for the Protection of Lesbian and Gay Youth (IPLGY) to assist this group of young people who desperately needed support. In 1988, the organization was renamed The Hetrick-Martin Institute in honor of its founders and their lifelong commitment to service.

This year’s event was hosted by Kimora Lee Simmons, and honored Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Harvey Milk High School Co-Founder Dr. Joyce Hunter.

Rosie O’Donnell and Newark Mayor Cory Booker presented the awards, and Jennifer Holliday performed. (lol...well I didn't actually SEE Rosie O'Donnell) but I DID see B.D. Wong groping Judy Gold's ass on the red carpet...lol

(November 9, 2009 - Photo of Jennifer Holliday by Larry Busacca/Getty Images North America)

I gotta tell you fam! This event was a whole lot of fun! This was my first time at Cipriani's on Wall Street and the room was beautifully set up. I hadn't seen Jeremy since we met initially at Ashley Stewart's Butterfly Bra Event a few years ago and I was excited to see him again.

The dinner was absolutely delicious..I think the fish I had was sea bass wrapped in a zucchini strip topped with some sort of tomato salsa (?) and served it with a butternut squash risotto...The fish was cooked perfectly and I have never had butternut squash risotto before

(I will admit it sounded disgusting to me..lol) but it was really good!!

Jennifer Holliday provided the entertainment and she sang the hell out of "And I Am Telling You" and "I Am Changing"...she TOTALLY ripped it to shreds! There was a brief but beautiful fashion presentation from some of the students from The Hetrick-Martin Institute aka The Harvey Milk High School. The room was filled with beautiful gay boys and girls who were dressed to the nines. I was seated at a table filled with executives from Macy's and two other women who like me, were not affiliated but just wanted to support a great cause...they were a delight to be with and I enjoyed talking to them for most of the night. I cracked up at the two of them trying to hook me up with Newark Mayor Cory Booker (who is MOST DEFINITELY a cutie!)

Let me tell you something else....I watched comedienne Judy Gold help them (The Hetrick Martin Institute) raise their monetary goal of $500,000 for the evening in LESS THAN 20 MINUTES!!!

(November 9, 2009 - Photo of Judy Gold by Larry Busacca/Getty Images North America)

I was completely awestruck! That was the most amazing thing I have ever seen in my life!! YO!!!!! NOW THAT'S HOW YOU DO THE DAMN THING!!!!

One of the highlights of my evening was overhearing Kimora talking about a "trick who stole her shoes..." friggin' hilarious! She looked beautiful by the way and was even kind enough to take a moment to chat with The Runway Diva....


I hung out with my new friends at the after party upstairs where the music was awesome (folks were on the dance floor with hula hoops...I kid you not!) but because of continuing problems with my knees & back, I had to enjoy it from the sidelines.

I had a couple more glasses of bubbly before I decided to head back uptown....I said good night to my friends and we made promises to all get together for dinner real soon....

Jeremy!! Thank you so much for the invite! I had an absolute ball and I can't wait till we can do it again soon!

Click HERE for more info on The Hetrick Martin Institute

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." - Dr. Seuss