Spending a beautiful Autumn evening with a glass of Pinot Grigio and a good book…can it get any better than that?
Yes it can!
Spending an evening with a glass of Pinot Grigio and listening to the author read excerpts from her book is much better.
That’s exactly what I and many others did last Thursday at the Delaware Children’s Art Museum on the Christina Riverfront in Wilmington. Suite Franchon, author of “Living the Journey” took us on a sensual journey of love and beauty via her poetry and by sharing some of her life’s intimate lessons.
The book launch was presented by Avery Group Public Relations and it was definitely a wonderful way to spend an evening with old and new friends.
Guitar accompaniment by the renowned musician Justin Graham only enhanced the ambiance of the event. However, the hors d’oeuvres, including cheese, fruit and wine was definitely a wonderful and welcomed feature.
The evening began with an introduction by Councilwoman Hanifa Shabazz after which SuiteFranchon made an elegant entrance via a spiral staircase to read various sections of her book, A Soulful Journey.
The audience was mesmerized not only by her soulful words but also by her honesty, integrity and ability to relate to almost everyone on some level with her own life’s experiences.
SuiteFranchon is a native Delawarean who has been entertaining audiences with her unique style of poetry for over a decade. She is a writer, director and executive producer of an organic and unique show call “Soul Opera”.
Sign up at her Fan Page and follow her Social Media networks to read more about this poet and performer who was featured at the 2015 Clifford Brown Jazz Festival.
The I Love My Selfie Photo Booth was an awesome way to capture the memories of the evening as well as providing everyone with an opportunity to share their experience on social media.
This delicious display of finger foods, cheese and fruits were provided by Walt’s Catering Services and the personalized “book cake” was an added sweet treat.
I read the book in it’s entirety and am now looking forward to hearing SuiteFranchon again at the next Peace Love & Poetry event being held at the World Cafe Live on December 10th at 7:00 p.m.
I want to once again thank Demia Avery for inviting me to cover another one of her great Delaware launch events #bloggerslife, and invite you all to read more about her and Avery Group Public Relations, by checking out the website http://www.averygrouppr.com/
If you want more information or are interested in scheduling SuiteFranchon to perform at your community, cultural or corporate event, please check out her social media networks.
Hello friends, I hope all is well in your world. If you, like many other families are preparing for the kid’s summer vacation and you don’t want to spend a lot of money, think local. It has been years since my sons were young and we always ended up vacationing in Orlando, however, there were a few places in Wilmington that we enjoyed visiting during the year.
Last week I met a friend for dinner at Iron Hill Brewery on the Wilmington Riverfront, where by the way I had the best Fish Taco! Before she arrived I had an opportunity to walk around and take a few pictures. #bloggerslife
When my boys were young we used to take them to the now closed Kahunaville, but there are still a few places for the family to have fun in Wilmington.
The Delaware Children’s Museum looked like fun spot and there is also Frawley Stadium, home of the Blue Rocks where you can have some major family fun watching minor league baseball. For the little ones in strollers, parents can get in some exercise while the tots ride along the beautiful Wilmington Riverfront.
So if you are looking for a little family fun this summer and you don’t want to leave town, head over the the Wilmington Riverfront and enjoy the day the local way!
On Sunday I was part of the paparazzi on the Red Carpet for the Gordesi Launch Experience at the World Cafe Live in Wilmington. Flash bulbs lit up the sky on this warm Autumn evening as Curtis Hutson was greeted and congratulated by many supporters, family members and friends. As I listened to them being interviewed by Connie Romano for Ambi’ance Magazine, I picked up on one common theme from each, #blessings.
You see, Curtis was not always a fashion designer, as a matter of fact in 1995, he found himself alone and desperate in a jail house cell. At the age of 30, he was incarcerated and had battled addictions to both drugs and alcohol. One day after falling to his knees in prayer he saw the word G.O.D. spelled out in toothpaste on his cell wall, he believed that was the key to his new life.
Unfortunately, five years later his life hit rock bottom so this time he prayed for God to end his life, but he had other plans. After being clean for twelve years, Curtis listened to God’s hints and started Gordesi: God’s Original Designs.
The Gordesi Launch Experience was much more than just a fashion show, there was entertainment by vocalist Sarah Kane, Aniya Jazz, Roderick, Lex Kelly and Grateful Dread, and the MC for the evening was Richard F Blackwell.
DeeJay007 had the audience up on their feet during the various intermissions even taking it back to old skool R&B and Hip Hop. You can hear a few snippets from the evening’s performances on my Instagram page.
However, the highlight of the evening were the models on the runway featuring the 2015 Spring/Summer Gordesi Fashion Line. Gordesi by CLH is the first and only urban lifestyle brand that dedicates 7% of its profits to charitable organizations locally, nationally and globally. The profits from this event were being donated to The Arthur J. Turner, Jr. Scholarship Foundation.
The World Cafe Live @ The Queen was the perfect venue for the Gordesi Launch Experience and their staff is to be applauded for the professional and courteous service provided throughout the evening. Unfortunately I was unable to stay the entire time so I missed the performance by Algebra Blessett which included a birthday celebration for Curtis, which I am sure was fantastic!
Congratulations Curtis, I wish you continued success in this and all your future endeavors.
A special thanks to Demia Avery, Co-CEO/Publicist of Avery Sisters Entertainment for inviting me to cover this wonderful fashion launch and also for bringing yet another high class event to the state of Delaware.
Now that the heat of the summer is over the Stink Bugs have started looking for a warm place to call home, and I need to make sure it’s not mine! We used to have a screen door installed in the laundry room but last year the wild Winter winds grabbed and tore it off. Not wanting to install a new door I decided to try the iGotTech Magnetic Screen Door.
After ordering and receiving the Screen Door from Amazon.com, I watched the installation video and read a few of the reviews. Here in Delaware, we have some seriously cold winters and hot humid summers so the Velcro strips and tacks that were included may not be strong enough to hold the screen in place for more than a season. If we still had an awning, which was also torn away, (see the frame pieces in this picture), it would provide additional protection over the screen making it last longer.
Our house is also located in a “wind tunnel” so we will need to add metal strips around the door frame before attaching the screen.
Hubby agreed to help me with the install, but he had to leave town for the weekend, but if you want to see how to install the iGotTech Magnetic Screen, watch this YouTube video.
I just want to keep the Stink Bugs out of the house!
Is this something you might find useful for your home?
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
New York Fashion Week may be over and the fall designs have hit the stores, however, that doesn’t mean we can’t take a sneak peek into some of next year’s Spring and Summer lines.
On Sunday, October 12th, Gordesi by CLH will premiere its Spring/Summer 2015 Collection at the Queen Theatre in Wilmington, DE, the hometown of its Founder & President, Curtis. L. Hutson.
Gordesi: God’s Original Designs is the first and only urban lifestyle brand that donates seven percent of its profit to charitable organizations locally, nationally, and globally. This will be an evening of music, fashion, fun, and charitable giving as Gordesi celebrates its Official Brand Launch!
National recording artist/songwriter, Algebra Blessett will be taking the stage along with local favorites Aniya Jazz, Grateful Dread and Sarah Kane. Introducing their Spring/Summer 2015 designs and delighting the audience throughout the evening will be Mr. Richard Blackwell, radio host and emcee extraordinaire.
Also, supporting this monumental occasion will be Ambi’ance MagazineChief Editor and Founder, Jonathan William Fields, Actor and Entrepreneur Lex Kelly, DeeJay007, and the one and only Thaddeus Tribbett will be the Musical Director for the event. To that end, throughout the evening there will be an opportunity for supporters to make a donation to Delaware’s own Arthur J. Turner Foundation.
HOST: Richard Blackwell of The Blackwell Solution, LLC.
VIP HOST: Celebrity Host Fred Green and Ms. Diamond Good
GORDESI by CLH
Who is Gordesi?
You are Gordesi!Our brand beckons you to express your own originality. When you wear Gordesi you aren’t just putting on clothes, you’re making a statement. You’re letting the world know you are unique, you accept others and most importantly you accept yourself. Gordesi is powerful and strong; living your truth boldly.
Gordesi: God’s Original Designs is the first and only urban lifestyle brand that dedicates seven percent of its profit to charitable organizations locally, nationally, and globally.
At Gordesi we view the world beyond physical, beyond mental, beyond language, beyond borders, and beyond culture. Gordesi’s global mission is to encourage giving, encourage living, and encourage mutual respect. No matter your religion, race, sex or sexual preference, you are still An Original Design. With the development of Gordesi, Curtis encourages every person to live their originality, authenticity, boldness, and individuality. While doing so, Gordesi offers them the opportunity to give back.
I hope you all are enjoying this beautiful end of the summer Saturday. I know summer doesn’t officially end until September 22nd, but for some strange reason, the Middletown Old Tyme Peach Festival seems to mark the end of it for me.
The Peach Festival was actually held last weekend and Malik and I were only able to spend about an hour there. Most of the morning we were in Walmart shopping for dorm supplies so unfortunately by the time we arrived there were no peaches left!
You have to get there early to even get a slice of peach pie from the M.O.T. Jean Birch Center. The crowds were large and the weather was warm but not an oppressive heat as it had been in previous years.
A few places likeThe Java House and Off the Kuff were no longer in business, instead they were replaced by Jewelpalooza and Candy Connections both great shops especially for this kid-friendly town.
Thankfully, Saving Grace Christian Bookstore was still open so we popped in there for a short visit. There are so many great gift ideas so make sure to pick up something for the holidays.
Now that the fireworks from the 4th of July and the parade of the Peach festival are over, there is one last major summer event in Middletown, the M.O.T. Big Ball Marathon.
This fun, and family friendly fundraiser is held during the Labor Day weekend and then that will definitely mark the end of the Summer 2014!
Does your town have an “end of the summer festival”?
Today most of you are off from work in honor of MLK Day of Service. If you are looking for volunteer opportunities in your area please check the All For Good website, and in Delaware click (here). In addition to the many volunteer opportunities there are also local family events for you and the kids, so I hope you have a chance to attend one.
Oh me…I’m at work!
Events in and around Wilmington:
MON, JANUARY 20, 8:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
MLK Day Camp
Brandywine Zoo, 1001 North Park Drive, Wilmington, DE 19802
Our world is richer because of biodiversity! Come and learn why every living thing has a special place and purpose on our earth. Through fun activities, stories and crafts you’ll discover how to be a better animal ambassador! Campers must be potty trained and come dressed for the weather. Campers must bring a bag lunch and water bottle; light snack is provided. Morning drop off from 8-8:30 A.M.. Aftercare available until 5:30 P.M.
Fee: $55 per participant; $45 Delaware Zoological Society Members. Aftercare fee: $10 per person. Pre-registration required. Deadline for registration is January 15th.
To register, please call (302) 571-7788 ext. 200 or emailDNREC_Parks_ZooPrograms@state.de.us
MON, JANUARY 20, 9:30 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.
African-American Champions of Nature
Delaware Museum of Natural History, 4840 Kennett Pike (Rt. 52), Wilmington, DE 19807
Celebrate the spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Museum! We’ll have games, crafts, and activities that will leave you filled with compassion for your fellow man and beast.
For more information call (302) 658-9111
MON, JANUARY 20, 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
Celebrate MLK, Jr. Day with YWCA Delaware!
Trinity Episcopal Parish, 1108 North Adams Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
Please join us for a special racial justice event in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Keynote Speaker: Rev. Dr. Lawrence Livingston, Pastor at Mother African Union Church. For more details, contact Faye Bonneau, Director of Racial Justice, at (302) 224-4060 ext. 218 orfbonneau@ywcade.org
MON, JANUARY 20, 1:00 – 3:30 P.M.
March for Peace and Community Celebration
1:00 – 2:00 March: St. Paul Catholic Church, Corner of West 4th and Van Buren Streets
2:00 – 3:30 Community Celebration: Be Ready Jesus is Coming Church, 1411 West 4th Street
Walk for peace in our community. The celebration following the march will have food, children’s activities, and arts, music and dance performances.
Questions? Contact Vanity at (302) 602-6560
Co-sponsored by West Side Grows Together and Wilmington Peacekeepers
Here are a few events in our area as posted on DelawareOnline
BREAKFAST IN WILMINGTON
The Organization of Minority Women Inc. hosts the 27th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast, 8 a.m. Monday at Chase Center on the Riverfront, 800 South Madison St., Wilmington. For tickets, $35, call Mary Plant at 764-4323.
BREAKFAST IN DOVER
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity has its 28th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast, Monday at Dover Modern Maturity Center, 1121 Forrest Ave. Doors open 7 a.m., an 8:45 a.m. program features Pastor Ellis B. Louden of Mount Zion AME Church, Dover. Admission is a $15 donation at the door.
BREAKFAST IN BRIDGEVILLE
The Western Sussex 2011 Day of Celebration prayer breakfast is 8 a.m. Monday at Heritage Shores Country Club, Bridgeville. Its theme is “TEAM-Work makes the DREAM-Work,” with the Rev. John G. Moore Sr. speaking, music by saxophonist Tony Smith and a Community Recognition Award to Derek and Monica Sheets of Seaford. For advance-only tickets, $20, call 628-1908.
PARTY, AWARDS MONDAY
The 21st Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Children’s Birthday Party is at noon Monday at Bancroft Academy, Eighth and Lombard streets, Wilmington. The event, with birthday cake, is free. Guests are asked to donate canned food for the needy. Winners of an MLK poster/essay contest will be announced and must attend to get awards, sponsored by the Afro-American Historical Society of Delaware and National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa. For information, call Harmon R. Carey, 562-4718.
ALUMNI EVENT MONDAY
Delaware Academy of Science has a reception Monday for alumni of Iron Hill School 112-C, built in the 1920s for black children, now home to Iron Hill Museum. Alumni will get a preview of renovation plans. The reception is 2-4 p.m. in Building 15, Delaware Technology Park, 15 Innovation Way, Newark. To attend, alumni should call Rebecca L. Klug at 738-7532.
NATURE PROGRAM MONDAY
Delaware Museum of Natural History, 4840 Kennett Pike, Greenville, has “African-American Champions of Nature” 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday. Crafts, activities and displays honor scientist George Washington Carver, entomologist Charles Henry Turner, marine biologist Ernest Everett Just and ornithologist Robert A. Gilbert. Adults, $7, $5 for ages 3-17, $6 ages 60 plus, members and kids under 3, free. For information, call 658-9111.
CAN DRIVE STARTS MONDAY
The RSVP Advisory Council of Sussex County starts a food drive Monday that lasts into March. Food goes to Sussex County state service centers to fill crisis food requests. Drop sites are Hocker’s in Clarksville, Giant Foods in Millville, Long Neck and Rehoboth Beach, and Food Lions in Millville and Long Neck.
If you are a Delawarean, you probably read the news that our license plates has been voted the ugliest in the nation! After shaking my head in astonishment I immediately thought about this scene from The Color Purple.
The survey conducted by CarInsurance.com stated that our basic blue and gold plate with no art and “The First State” motto was ugly. I wouldn’t call it ugly…boring yes…ugly…no, but we ranked 51st behind all the states and the District of Columbia. Wyoming’s license plate was voted the favorite.
Take a look and tell me what you think- Ugly Yes or No?
Last week I attended Delaware Today’s signature event, Women in Business Luncheon (Upstate) which was held at The Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington. This annual event is held to showcase and highlight Delaware’s women in business and provides a great opportunity to network, share and connect with others. It was a warm and beautiful December day made even more so by the smiling faces on the many men and women who came out in support. The lobby of the Chase Center was filled with hundreds of people engaged in lively conversations, and various Sponsors of the luncheon had tables of information, giveaways and games. Music by Phillip Berger entertained the crowd with mellow sounds until noon, then we made our way into the main Ballroom for lunch and the afternoon program.
The meal was delicious and consisted of a mixed greens salad, 1/2 Cornish Hen, Couscous, Steamed Broccoli and Cauliflower. It was definitely far more than what I normally eat, so unfortunately the slice of cake remained uneaten!
Dr. Maria Hess, Editor-in-Chief of Delaware Today Magazine opened the program acknowledging the recipients of this year’s Women in Business Awards. As each name was read the women stepped to the podium and it was wonderfully encouraging to see the diversity among them all. You can find the full list of recipients along with their photos on the Delaware Today website.
Emcee and NBC10 anchor, Tracy Davidson introduced the guest speaker, Dr. Janice Nevin, Chief Medical Officer, Christiana Care Health Systems.
Dr. Nevin gave an enlightening and sometimes humorous presentation. She acknowledged the men and women who challenged her, giving her the resiliency to break through sexual barriers that once held her back. Graduating from the once all-male St. Andrews High School in Middletown, was just the beginning of her becoming “the first female” in many areas of her life including during Medical School.
Sheer determination and learning to “lean in” makes her the wonderful wife, mother, and Chief Medical Officer who is compassionate and resilient despite the odds.
The day ended just as it started with lots of lively conversations, networking, sharing and smiles.
Thank You Delaware Today for honoring these wonderful women!
I trust you all had a safe and enjoyable long Thanksgiving weekend with an opportunity to do something special. Everyday I am thankful for the little things that God blesses me with and even more so when I can share those blessings with others.
On Friday fellow thriftanista and BLMGirl, Whitney Nic James embarked on a Thrift with Nic Weekend Tour (#twntour) sponsored by Kia Motors and her first stop was in Delaware. I honestly had no plans of going out or even getting dressed but when she texted I knew I couldn’t let her visit my state without seeing her. It wasn’t just because we are fellow bloggers but because I’ve adopted her as my “lil sis”, and you know that I lost my real ‘lil sis in a car accident in 1992.
I quickly dressed and drove to meet her at the Goodwill Outlet in New Castle. The outlet wasn’t originally on her agenda but one of the consignment shops that she chose was closed and thankfully the outlet was closer to me.
I had never been to a Goodwill Outlet and from the looks of things it was obvious that it’s the “early birds that get all the worms”. Somewhat disappointed but not defeated, I suggested we head further south down to Smyrna, to one of my favorite Goodwill locations. Her husband, Darrius was the driver and also a native Delawarean, however, he had never been to the Smyrna store and was eager to go.
Whitney and her new hubby Darrius are a thrifting duo!
Can’t leave a Delaware Goodwill without buying a
“I Love Thrifting” t-shirt!
It was the day before Goodwill’s 50% off Saturday Sale but there were a few items that I just couldn’t pass up.
If you read my profile you know that I am a big supporter of Goodwill, not just because I love to thrift but because it was the last place my sister worked before her untimely death. She is the first thought that comes to mind when I enter a Goodwill but on this trip she was more than just a passing thought.
My sister had a best friend named Darlene, they were inseparable until she left to join the United States Air Force, and it was during that time they became separated forever. Darlene was in Boot Camp when Gloria was killed in a car accident and unfortunately wasn’t able to attend the funeral. Darlene and I spoke briefly afterwards but never saw each other again … not until Friday and at all places… Goodwill.
Between the hugs and tears, I discovered that she now lives in Smyrna and works in Middletown, and is also newly married. How amazing was it that thanks to my adopted ‘lil sis, I was reunited with my real ‘lil sis’ best friend at a Goodwill! #blessed
What started out as a Black Friday turned into a Blessed Friday!
I am linking up with Whitney’s Personal Style Wednesday so come on over and meet some other thrifting fashionistas.
