Happy New Year!!!!

Happy New Year Savvy Sistahs!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all of you Savvy Sistahs!

Birthstone Style: The "True Blue" Sapphire

If you were born in the month of September than your birthstone is a vibrant blue Sapphire which symbolizes sincerity and faithfulness.
According to Gemstonesgift.com tradition holds that Moses was given the ten commandments on tablets of sapphire, making it the most sacred gemstone.Because sapphires represent divine favor, they were the gemstone of choice for kings and high priests. The British Crown Jewels are full of large blue sapphires, the symbol of pure and wise rulers.
So if your birthday is in September, Happy Birthday and enjoy these stylish items in a vibrant Sapphire shade.

Screen Scene: I Can Do Bad All By Myself

On September 11, Tyler Perry and Madea will be at it again in his new movie "I can do bad all by myself" which was adapted from one of his successful stage plays. I can't wait to see Mary J. Blige make her debut in this movie and I know Academy Award nominee Taraji P. Henton is going to give a stellar performance. Also keep your eyes open for the legendary Savvy Sistah, Gladys Knight.

Here is a synopsis of the movie compliments of Lions Gate, When Madea catches sixteen-year-old Jennifer and her two younger brothers looting her home, she decides to take matters into her own hands and delivers the young delinquents to the only relative they have: their aunt April. A heavy-drinking nightclub singer who lives off of Raymond, her married boyfriend, April wants nothing to do with the kids. But her attitude begins to change when Sandino, a handsome Mexican immigrant looking for work, moves into April's basement room. Making amends for his own troubled past, Sandino challenges April to open her heart. And April soon realizes she must make the biggest choice of her life: between her old ways with Raymond and the new possibilities of family, faith ... and even true love

Now, make sure you look out for The Tyler Perry Show which will air on September 9, at 11:00pm et on TBS. He will be interviewing the star studded cast of "I can do bad all by myself".

Take a look at the trailer!

Savvy Shoes: Cut it Out!

These are some hot boots by Christian Louboutin. I love the scalloped cut out design in black suede and nude lace. Your legs will look extra sexy with this 4.5 inch heel and it will compliment a sophisticated cocktail dress or a pair of jeans.

Is this boot worth your mortgage payment? $1295.00

For more information:click the link!

Savvy Style: White T-Shirts with Foil Accents

A white t-shirt is a staple in the wardrobe of almost everybody. However when you're a Savvy Sistah you want to add a little glitz to even the most basic item of clothing in your wardrobe.

So I think the best way to keep the simple t-shirt looking stylish is to get one accented with a foil metallic design.

This v-neck tee with foil brushstroke accents is by Guess and you can get it for just $24.50. It's 100% cotton, machine washable and available in two other colors.

Look at the t-shirts below to see how you can add a little glitz to a simple shirt.

Savvy Products: Take Your Nails to the Spa

I am really loving these nail lacquers by SpaRitual, a eco-friendly beauty company. There are a variety of colors to choose from and they have cute names like; "Strike a Pose, Stiletto, & Drop Dead Gorgeous" just to name a few.

I found it interesting to learn that SpaRitual,"offers the first vegan family of nail lacquers, free of DBP, formaldehyde and toluene". The lacquers are also hand-blended and come with a specially designed brush for a better application.

You have over 80 colors to choose from and you can purchase a 0.5 oz bottle for $10.00.

To learn more about SpaRitual and to find out where to purchase your nail lacquers: click the link

Take a look at a small sample of SpaRitual Nail Lacquers

Congratulations Jennifer & David!!!

Congratulations to Savvy Sistah Jennifer Hudson & fiance David Otunga on the new addition to their family. She gave birth to David Daniel Otunga Jr. last night and he weighed seven pounds, fourteen ounces.

After shedding so may tears of sorrow over the past year, I'm sure this new baby is going to bring many tears of joy.

I can't wait to see her baby, I know he's a cutie.

Savvy Advice: Don't wait to get your Oil Changed!

Ok, I have to admit I don't like having to keep up with the maintenance on my car. I guess I'm trying to treat my car like it's still brand new and I know that I must be delusional if I think it's going to run the same way it did 8 years ago. As the car gets older, you have to keep up with the basic maintenance like oil changes every 3 months or 3000 miles(new cars can go longer)tune-ups,tire rotations etc.

I went to get an oil change today and I felt embarrassed when I was asked how long had it been since I had my last one. I could have had two oil changes and working on another in the time it took me to go today. He was polite and said "ma'am you need to keep up with the maintenance of your car if you don't want to come out of your pocket to fix it", then he showed me my air filter which happened to be the color of a patent leather shoe.

I do have to go get my car looked at by a mechanic now, and I'm just praying that what ever needs to be done will cost me about $5.00. I should be ashamed of myself because my car is paid-off, so I do have extra money to keep it running smooth.

So ladies to spare yourself the extra money that you will have to spend out of your shoe fund to fix any repairs, at least get an oil change, new filters and possibly a tune up every year. If you treat your car right, it will definitely return the favor.

Savvy Sistah: Dolores de Vega

This lady is beautiful! She is Dolores de Vega a contestant on She's Got the Look, a TV Land show for models over 35 years old . Can you believe she's a 72 year old grandmother! I need to find out what her beauty secrets are, because they are definitely working for her. Look at her on the cover of Jet magazine in 1956, she truly aged gracefully.

For more information on Dolores: Click the Link


Photo courtesy of tvland.com

Savvy Home Decor: Inhabitliving.com

I really like the modern graphic bedding by Inhabit. If you're looking to add a touch of "Savvy" to your bedroom than you should take a look at the contemporary styles they have to offer.

For more information: Click the Link

Savvy Style: It's Getting Halter Everyday!

Ok well not today! But we all know soon the weather is going to be nice and warm. I think these floral print halter dresses would work great for a wedding or for a nice evening out. So regardless of what the weather man says,get your dresses ready because it's getting "Halter" everyday!

KitchenChemist: Avocado Hair Mask

Today I set aside some time to wash my hair. It really has be suffering lately and I needed to do something extra. So, I made an avocado hair mask and my hair is so soft and shiny now.

Avocado is rich in fatty acids and Vitamins A,C,& E. They are inexpensive and whatever you don't use on your hair you can always eat. (I love guacamole)

It's simple to make and you can change or add ingredients based on your preference.

Here is a simple recipe

1 Ripe Avocado
1 tsp Olive Oil
1 tsp Honey
1 egg

Blend this mixture together and apply to dry hair. Then leave it on your hair for 20-30 minutes. After that just rinse and follow up with shampoo and conditioner. Because this mixture has eggs (great source of protein) I don't recommend using heat,( you'll end up with scrambled eggs) however you can always omit the egg and do a deep condition under the dryer with the other ingredients.

Trust me your hair & scalp will love you!!!

I have been a busy Sistah!

Hello Ladies,

It has been a while since I have updated, but I have been so busy!

My semester ended about 6 weeks ago and I'm proud to say I got a 3.66 grade point average for this semester. It was tough but I thank God I made it through.

Last month the "My Black is Beautiful" toured rolled into Chicago and I was busy enhancing the faces of the beautiful sistahs that sat in my chair for the CoverGirl Queen collection. Not only did I do makeup but I was asked to teach a Beauty 101 workshop for the ladies at the event and I had a great time.
I signed with a new agent in Chicago to do commercials and voice overs and I had to get new head shots, so I was able to get some great shots thanks to Victoria of Sprung Photo.
I had a chance to travel to Milwaukee for the "Change" conference hosted by Dr. Creflo & Taffi Dollar and trust me, I needed to hear what he had to say!
And now I'm planning a pamper event sponsored by Liquid Lounge (my bath & body line) and Pamper Lounge Events. Now this has been taking all of my time lately!
I do miss blogging, but it feels good to see the accomplishments I have made over these past 6 weeks!

When you get a chance send me an e-mail (the_savvy_sistah@hotmail.com) and let me know what you've been up to!

Until next time,

Stay Savvy!

Michelle Obama: She is a "great beauty"

I was reading on Yahoo! News about a comment in Parade Magazines Sunday issue that supermodel/entrepreneur Iman made about First Lady Michelle Obama and I just had to think about it for a minute.

According to the article she said that First Lady Michelle Obama is not a "great beauty," but will "just get better with age"."But she is so interesting looking and so bright. That will always take you farther. When you're a great beauty, it's always downhill for you. If you're someone like Mrs Obama, you just get better with age,".

She also said, "You suddenly represent a whole race, and that race goes, Well, that person does not represent our ideals of beauty. For lack of a better term, it becomes what it was like during slavery,".

Now I understand that Iman is an exotic beauty and at times she is not put in the same category as some African American women, but I have to wonder if she considers herself a "great beauty". If you compared her to Halle Berry or Vanessa Williams is she a "great beauty". Or what about Oprah Winfrey and Jill Scott.

I really think that maybe Iman thought she was paying our First Lady a compliment, but it had too many "undertones" to me.

I don't want to jump to conclusions but who is she comparing Michelle Obama to( herself) It's funny that People Magazine can name her on the top "100 Most Beautiful" list. Glamour Magazine can name her #3 on their "50 Most Glamorous Women of 2009" list and she even made it on Maxim magazines list of "100 hottest Women in the World list".

Evidently the "great beauty" that Iman is use to has changed. And we need that!

Savvy Charity's: The Fresh Air Fund

Savvy Sistahs if you are looking for an opportunity to make a difference in the life of a young person in your community this year than you should consider contacting someone from the Fresh Air Fund. Honestly I never heard of this charity until I received a heartfelt e-mail from Sara Wilson, who happens to be the Outreach Coordinator.

According to their website at Freshair.org THE FRESH AIR FUND, an independent, not-for-profit agency, has provided free summer experiences to more than 1.7 million New York City children from low-income communities since 1877. Nearly 10,000 New York City children enjoy free Fresh Air Fund programs annually. In 2008, close to 5,000 children visited volunteer host families in suburbs and small town communities across 13 states from Virginia to Maine and Canada. 3,000 children also attended five Fresh Air camps on a 2,300-acre site in Fishkill, New York. The Fund’s year-round camping program serves an additional 2,000 young people each year.

I remember when my sisters and I were little girls and we lived in a housing project in Michigan. Every summer my aunt would let us spend time with her in Chicago so we could see a different view of what life had to offer. We would go to the park, shopping on Michigan ave, walking on the beach and to the museums. The environment was like night and day. However, those experiences we shared with her opened up our eyes to the unlimited opportunities available to us and it kept us out of trouble.

Have you ever been in that place in life when you just needed some "Fresh Air"? Well that's exactly what many of the children who participate in this program are looking for everyday. There are many ways you can help beginning with your generous donation to help send a child to camp to becoming a host family.



If you would like information on how you can help visit www.freshair.org

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all you Savvy Sistahs! Enjoy your special day!

Savvy Events:Dangerous Curves Ahead

If you're looking for somewhere to go this weekend then I would like to recommend that you stop by the “Dangerous Curves Ahead” Spring Charity Fashion Show & Women’s Expo.

This Savvy Event was created by Chicago based wardrobe consultant and Savvy Sistah Tamika Maria Martell of A-line Style services. When I asked her recently what inspired her to create this fashion event she said " I wanted to have a "coming out" party to introduce myself and my services to Chicago area women. I also think it is so important to make it an all sizes event to display that beautiful and confident women come in all shapes, sizes, and ethnicity's! Too many fashion events only have the stick thin models and that is just not the majority. I wanted to make my event about real women and the empowerment of us as a whole.
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Tamika has really been working non-stop to get the word out about this event and she was recently featured on the Style Profile segment on NBC channel 5 and Alpha Women’s Blog Talk Radio Show (www.alphawomen.com).

Dangerous Curves Ahead , will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2009 from 7pm-10pm at the Zhou B Art Center located at 1029 W. 35th St. Chicago, IL 60609. Individual tickets are $20 in advance and $25.00 at the door.(group rates are available)

Dangerous Curves Ahead attendees will enjoy complimentary food, drinks and beauty services while shopping with over 20 confirmed vendors, listening to the soothing sounds of V103 DJ Sundance, and enjoying the inspiring surroundings & art from the Zhou B Art Center. And the first 500 guest will receive a goody bag valued at over $100.00

When I asked Tamika what her future plans were for this event, she said,
"I have received so much positive feedback from this event and plan to make it an annual event, possibly on a national level as well".

For more information or to purchase tickets: click the link

Savvy Sistahpreneur: Brandy Adamson/ Alive Inc!

Today I had the opportunity to interview the CEO/Editor of Alive Magazine, Brandy Adamson.She is very knowledgeable of the business industry and she has a deep passion to see women of color succeed. After I got off the phone with her I was so inspired, I started thinking of new ways I could challenge myself to accomplish some of my goals while getting the word out about my business.

Brandy Adamson has entrepreneurship in her blood, and growing up she was able to watch her grandparents and parents start their own businesses. When she was younger people asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, but she didn't say a doctor, fireman, or teacher like the other kids, she said, "I want to be the boss".

Her professional career began in the male dominated oil & gas industry over 12 years ago. And after learning how to play the "corporate game", she wanted to find an avenue to connect with other women of color and share some of the valuable tools she learned on her way up the corporate ladder. Alive Incorporated was birthed out of her desire to assist individuals and businesses by offering services in the areas of coaching, administrative services, brand management, business development and consultation.

Almost three years ago she expanded her vision and launched Alive Magazine (www.alivemagonline.com) to serve as a tool to "empower, inspire and connect with women of color from all walks off life. She is now working on bringing her lifestyle magazine,(it started off as a 12 page business magazine) to a newsstand near you as early as 2010.

She left me with many encouraging words to pass on to my readers and I'm sure that you will be able to apply these to your life in some way.

Her view on networking sites: There is power in networking. There are many social networking sites around today like Facebook, LinkedIn, Ning, and MySpace and you really have to determine your purpose for being on these social sites. Some people are just looking for friends, some are looking for business contacts and some are looking for a job. You have to know what your purpose is.

On sharing your dreams with everyone:
Be aware of who you share your dreams with, because everyone is not deserving.

Words of encouragement to other Savvy Sistahs: You have to be patient and use the resources available to you. And more than anything, don't take no for an answer.


Brandy is a great mentor, role model and a Savvy Sistahpreneur!
For more information on Alive Magazine: click the link!



Alive Magazine has recently been nominated by the AAMBC (African Americans on the Move Book Club)for the "Magazine of the Year". The winner will be chosen in June at the AAMBC National Meeting in San Antonio. Brandy is also conducting a workshop titled "Branding Yourself, Promoting Your Works" at the conference.

On the Cover: First Lady Michelle Obama & Mom

First Lady Michelle and her beautiful mother Marian Robinson,will grace the May cover of Essence magazine for the Mother's Day issue.I love seeing these two together, because they remind me alot of my mother. It's good to see a good example of generations coming together and expressing mutual respect and love for one another.


For more information: click the link



Photos:Timothy White/Stockland Martel

Savvy Events: Shaun Robinson "Exactly As I Am"

Shaun Robinson is a TV correspondent for Access Hollywood, journalist and now author. Last night in New York, Eria Reid hosted a release party for Shaun's new book, Exactly As I Am: Celebrated Women Share Candid Advice with Today's Girls on What It Takes to Believe in Yourself. In this book Oprah Winfrey, Janet Jackson, Jennifer Hudson and more share stories about their lives to motivate and encourage the younger generation.I have always been a fan of Shaun's, every time you see her on TV she is always on point with her style and she has a great personality.

Make sure you pick up this book and share it with all the little ladies in your life.

To purchase this book:click the link

Kitchen Chemist: Natural Toothpaste

I am a self proclaimed "kitchen chemist" so I'm always looking for things to make right in the comfort of my home. When I saw this recipe for natural toothpaste I had to try it and pass it on to you ladies. We have so many chemicals in the majority of the products we use daily so I just wanted to see if I could find a natural alternative to toothpaste.

Here's the recipe...

1. Mix three parts baking soda with one part table salt.

2.Add three teaspoons of glycerine to the dry mix.

3. Add in enough water (a few drops) to make a paste.

4. Add a few drops of peppermint oil to improve the taste.

5.Store in a covered container in a warm place and use like you would regular toothpaste.

Now you may not use this mixture as much as you would your regular toothpaste. But now you have a sugar free and non toxic mixture you can make yourself.

originally posted 2/28/09

The Hug Seen Around the World!

Everyone is talking today about Michelle Obama breaking protocol when she put her arm around Queen Elizabeth and I'm amazed at the comments. First of all she is a very intelligent lady and we all know that she has a team of people behind her making sure she knows what to do and when to do it. I understand there are certain rules one must follow when visiting a foreign country, however Queen Elizabeth is not the highest authority in London,the Prime Minister is, nevertheless it is proper protocol to not touch her. But maybe she's ready for a change and warming up to the Obama's. I think this is a positive move on behalf of both of these ladies, and it should not be blown out of proportion. Trust me, if it were a real issue you would have seen police coming from everywhere!

For more information:click the link!

The infamous hug seen around the world!

Jet Set Fashionista: Michelle Obama in London

President Obama and First Lady Michelle arrived in London yesterday for the G-20 Summit (it's a global summit to talk about the world economic crisis). Michelle is such a lady and she truly knows about style. When she boarded Air Force One from Washington DC, she wore a sophisticated black & white coat(Thakoon Panichgul)with pearls, however when she stepped off the jet she had on this cute mustard and black belted ensemble.



Today here she is with Prime Minister Gordon Brown and wife Sarah. She visited a cancer support facility, Maggie's Cancer Caring Centre with the Prime Minister's wife. Doesn't she look classy in this J. Crew outfit!



Our First Lady is truly a Jet Setting Fashionista!


Photos:Reuters/AP

On The Tube Today: Star Jones on Oprah

If you are a fan of Star Jones make sure you watch the Oprah Show Wednesday. This will be her first interview with Oprah and she's going to talk about that infamous surgery that helped her shed a 160 pounds. Honestly, I have to admit I like Star Jones, but I still think that how she funded her wedding was a trip (although she must be a good business women to get someone to pay for everything like she did) and not coming clean with her gastric bypass surgery made her lose alot of credibility. However, when you step back and look at the events that transpired starting from her engagement on to getting fired from the show, she still kept it classy. I wish her the best, and hopefully she will finally be happy with who she is.



Photo & Video:Courtesy of Harpo Studios

Savvy Advice: Don't Trust Your Pets!

Okay ladies, I have to tell you what happened to me the other day. My sister went out to get some sandwiches from Subway and I had her bring me back (my favorite sandwich)a Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki footlong. I didn't have the appetite to eat the whole sandwich and plus I had to go to the ladies room, so I wrapped up the other half and set it on my dresser so my dog Sasha couldn't get to it. (She's small so I knew she couldn't reach it).For some reason,when I was in the restroom I could feel that something was happening to my poor sandwich. I could feel it being ripped apart piece by piece. So I went back to my bedroom and guess what I saw...just the paper from my sandwich on the floor. Sasha ate the whole thing and I had all kinds of vegetables on it, I didn't even know dogs ate green peppers. Let me tell you, I went off!!! You don't have to call PETA because I don't abuse my dog, but I guaranteed you she'll think again before she touches my food. But what I want to know is how did she get on top of the dresser. I think I trust her too much, I need to get a "No Dog's Allowed" sign for her. I have to remember she is just a dog and she's going to do what they do.


So ladies my advice to you is "Don't Trust Your Pets". Don't leave anything that you truly value (even if it's just a sandwich) around them when you're not there regardless of how "trained" you think they are. Trust me, if it's going to benefit them, they could care less what you feel.

Now I need to get another sandwich, I should make Sasha get a job at Subway!

Screen Scene: The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency

Everyone is taking about the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency staring savvy sistahs Jill Scott and Anika Noni Rose. This show made it's debut on HBO last night and its based on the book by Alexander McCall Smith. I am so proud of these ladies, I don't think they could have found a better actress to play the lead role of Precious Ramotswe. This show will air Sundays on HBO at 8:00pm and replay at 10:00 pm.

Here is a synopsis of the show from HBO

As a young girl growing up in the African nation of Botswana, Precious Ramotswe was encouraged by her father to follow her dreams, no matter what. Now in her mid-30s, Precious is doing just that — by opening her country's first and only female-owned detective agency for the benefit of those who need help the most.
The first major film/TV project to be shot entirely on location in Botswana, 'The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency' is based on the best-selling novels by Alexander McCall Smith and co-written and executive produced by Richard Curtis and the late Anthony Minghella.
Like McCall's novels, the series chronicles the adventures of Precious Ramotswe (Jill Scott), the cheerful, eminently sensible proprietor of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, located in the Kgale Hill Shopping Center on the outskirts of Gaborone. Aided by her efficient yet high-strung secretary Grace Makutsi (Anika Noni Rose), Precious investigates a variety of cases, helping townspeople solve mysteries in their lives, from missing children to philandering husbands to con-artist scams.
Precious Ramotswe exemplifies the courageous efforts by real-life Africans to improve the quality of their lives while preserving their culture. Though Precious brings a playful, even innocent, exuberance to her job, the "mysteries" she investigates are quite serious, and include child kidnapping, poverty, organized crime, health crises, spousal abandonment and infidelity — ongoing problems that confront many Africans (and Americans) today.

For more information:click the link

Savvy Sistahpreneur: CJ by Cookie Johnson

Cookie Johnson is really getting the word out there about her new line of jeans for "curvy women" called CJ by Cookie Johnson. I think when women have famous husbands, it's positive to see them get out there and make a name for themselves. In February she showed off her new line during All-Star weekend at Nordstroms in Scottsdale and over the weekend she made her debut along with her family and friends at the Nordstroms in Los Angeles.

Congratulations Cookie!

photos:wireimage