happenings

2014 Salute To Greatness Awards Dinner

Salute To Greatness 2014

In observance of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, The King Center hosted its annual Salute to Greatness Awards Dinner on Saturday, January 18. Held at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, this annual black tie gala recognizes national and/or international individuals and organizations that exemplify excellence in leadership and have demonstrated a commitment to the principles and philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Established in 1983, The Salute to Greatness Award is one of the highest honors presented by The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change.

This year’s “Salute to Greatness” Awards Dinner was hosted by Malcom-Jamal Warner and Dawnn Lewis. Honorees include Muhammad Ali, Xerox Inc., Pakistani anti-violence advocate Khalida Brohi and One Billion Rising and award-winning playwright Eve Ensler, with Dinner Chair Lisa Borders, chair of the Coca-Cola Foundation and co-chairs Laura Turner Seydel, Chairperson of the Captain Planet Foundation and environmentalist attorney Rutherford Seydel.

Nikka Shae and Yalanda Lattimore

 

I had the absolute honor of hosting the Red Carpet along with the fabulous Yalanda Lattimore, Editor of DryerBuzz.com. Route TV streamed the Red Carpet experience LIVE as viewers watched the event and Tweeted their questions and comments for the VIP guests. We had a blast with our guests! You can see snippets from the red carpet HERE.

 

 

Here are the Honorees for the evening:

2014 Salute To Greatness Award Honorees

INDIVIDUAL HONOREE


Mr. Muhammad Ali

Heavy Weight Champion, Humanitarian, Philanthropist

http://www.ali.com/

Muhammad Ali

CORPORATE HONOREE


Xerox Corporation

& Ms. Ursula Burns, Chairman and CEO

http://www.xerox.com/about-xerox/company-facts/enus.html

Xerox

2014 Coretta Scott King A.N.G.E.L. Award Honorees

(Advancing Nonviolence through Generations of Exceptional Leaders)

The Coretta Scott King  A.N.G.E.L. Award presented during the Dinner.  The award is given in honor of and in keeping with the spirit of Coretta Scott King. It recognizes a youth or young adult (ages 12-25) and a youth organization/initiative which exemplifies exceptional leadership in the areas of peace, social justice and nonviolent social change. This award was established and awarded for the first time in 2013.

ORGANIZATION HONOREE


One Billion Rising Campaign &

Ms. Eve Ensler Tony Award-winning Playwright Founder, V-Day
http://www.onebillionrising.org/about/campaign/

One Billion Rising

INDIVIDUAL HONOREE


Ms. Khalida Brohi

Founder & Director, Sughar

http://about.me/khalidabrohi

Khalida Brohi

Check out some of the highlights and candid captures courtesy of Robin Lori Photography.

Salute To Greatness Award Dinner

Thanks to Route TV for the gracious invite and the opportunity to host the red carpet for this amazing event. I felt so humbled and honored to be surrounded by such an esteemed group of  people… People who by their courage and their actions have and continue to impact the lives of others. Congratulations to all of the Honorees and their families!

Nikka Shae The Undercover Socialite

happenings

Macy’s Celebrates a New Year with a New You Fashion Show Hosted by Actress and Comedian Kim Coles

Macy's New Year New You Fashion Show with Kim Coles and Nikka Shae

Hey SIMONistas!

I’m so excited… and I just can’t hide it! Why you ask…

Kim ColesWell, on Thursday, January 23rd at 6pm at Macy’s Lenox Square, yours truly will co-host a New Year New You Fashion Show with one of my She-roes, actress, comedian, and uber-fab D-I-V-A, Ms. Kim Coles. Kim is well known for her many comedic roles including the lovable Synclaire James of Living Single and original cast member of the sketch comedy series In Living Color. So you know there will be plenty of fun moments as Kim and I showcase Macy’s latest trends for Missy and Women along with a fashion presentation featuring “Urban Intimates.” And shoppers with a $75 qualifying purchase will receive Kim’s book, “Gratitude Journal” and have it signed by Kim herself. Woo Woo Woo!!!

And the fun is just beginning…

Are you ready for a mini makeover? Stop by and visit the expert stylists from Premier Salons at Macy’s Lenox, the beauty artists from Dior, and get pumped up with the Steel Mill Fitness Team. Also, there will be live smoothie demonstrations by Rachel Stroud, Community Wellness Representative for Good Measure Meals. Do you love the Arts? Enter to win a pair of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater tickets!

So drop by Macy’s Women’s Department on the Lower Level on Thursday, January 23rd at 6pm for a night of fashion, fitness, and loads of fun!

Hey, it’s the New Year… So why not start the year in style at Macy’s!

RSVP:  Seating is limited. Please RSVP to www.ColeAtMacys.eventbrite.com or call 1.800.577.1818.

When:  Thursday, January 23 at 6 PM

Where: Macy’s Lenox
Women’s Department – Lower Level
3393 Peachtree Road
Atlanta, GA 30324

About Kim Coles:
Kim is an actress and comedian, best known for her role as a cast member on the sketch comedy “In Living Color” and as Synclaire James on the FOX series “Living Single”. She has also appeared on “Frasier,” “Six Feet Under,” “Celebrity Mole,” “The Geena Davis Show,” and “10 Items or Less.” Coles is a published author. Coles also joined other celebrities for a weight loss journey on the VH-1 reality show, “Celebrity Fit Club.”  After 16 weeks, she lost a total of 24 lbs, and dropping nearly 4 percentage points in body fat, going from 34.7% to 31%.

About Macy’s
Macy’s, the largest retail brand of Macy’s, Inc., delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at approximately 800 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam, as well as to customers in the U.S. and more than 100 international destinations through its leading online store at macys.com. Via its stores, e-commerce site, mobile and social platforms, Macy’s offers distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy’s is known for such epic events as Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Macy’s flagship stores — including Herald Square in New York City, Union Square in San Francisco, State Street in Chicago, Dadeland in Miami and South Coast Plaza in southern California — are known internationally and leading destinations for visitors. Building on a more than 150-year tradition, and with the collective support of customers, employees and Macy’s Foundation, Macy’s helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities giving more than $70 million each year to help make a difference in the lives of our customers.

 

happenings

Girls & Goals 2014

Girls & Goals 2014

Hi Lovelies!

At the start of every New Year we think about what we’d like to accomplish for the year. We set out by making our to-do’s and then we set goals to achieve them. Whether it’s finally starting that workout plan, finding love, balancing family, landing that dream job, managing our finances, or just managing the life that we already have. Yep, the age-old “New Year’s resolutions” will never change. But, how we approach our goals and dreams makes all of the difference. And when you can see your dreams before you, you will see your life’s momentum begin to shift. I truly believe that what we put out into the universe comes back to us in abundance.

The New Year is in full swing and now is the time to dream big and get out our goals for 2014. So today I, along with my Blogger Boos, Kiwi The Beauty and Ally McGlam will host our GIRLS & GOALS goal board party at No Mas! Hacienda & Cantina in downtown Atlanta. We will each share our visions and experiences from 2013 and how those dreams have manifested in our lives. We will also help our guests to also envision their goals for 2014 and share in ways they can make those dreams come true. Of course there will be swag bags, giveaways, great food, and plenty of wonderful experiences to share.

You can follow all of the fun on Twitter and Instagram using hashtag #GirlsandGoals. You can also check back here to see all of the candid captures as they happen LIVE!

Girls & Goals 2015 Girls & Goals 2015 Girls & Goals 2015 Girls & Goals 2015 Girls & Goals 2015 Girls & Goals 2015 Girls & Goals 2015 Girls & Goals 2015 Girls & Goals 2015 Girls & Goals 2015 Girls & Goals 2015 Girls & Goals 2015 Girls & Goals 2015 Girls & Goals 2015 Girls & Goals 2015 Girls & Goals 2015

@ the movies

Dreams – Available on DVD and in stores on January 28

Dreams movie

The moving and inspirational urban drama Dreams makes its debut, arriving on DVD (plus Digital Ultraviolet), Digital HD, Video On Demand and Pay-Per-View January 28th from Lionsgate Home Entertainment.  Featuring a stellar urban cast and starring members of the GRAMMY® award-winning Winans family, Dreams marks the feature film debut of “American Idol’s” Syesha Mercado.  The film interweaves four powerful stories of inner city life as Chicago residents fight to overcome difficult circumstances to show that through the pain, dreams still come true.  Arriving just in time for Black History Month, Dreams will be available for the suggested retail price of $26.98.

Mia dreams of singing, Quentin dreams of dancing, Paalo dreams of mending his relationship with his daughter and Alonzo dreams of reconnecting with his family. Though they all have dreams, fragments of abuse and failures from their broken past, make the trek up life’s hills hard to climb. Set in an urban metropolitan, Chicago area, four different stories are weaved together in an unlikely manner. With notorious criminal and king of the hill, Donte, lurking in the shadows, what will become of our dreamers? Will they be impeded by life’s difficulties or use these obstacles as stepping stones to achieving their dreams?

Sometimes you can’t move forward in life until you have dealt with your past. Dreams places you in a zone of contemplation. It inspires and makes you question what you are doing with your life. It brings the darkness to light. This urban drama highlights the power of overcoming your challenges and pursuing your dreams with everything inside of you.

Packed with twists and turns, Dreams hits us deep in our hearts, where decisions are made that change lives.

Rooted in themes of forgiveness and passion, Dreams is sure to inspire us all to become something bigger than ourselves.

Watch the official movie trailer:

 CAST

Angie Stone – TV’s “R&B Divas”, The Fighting Temptations, Award-winning R&B Singer
Tommy Ford – TV’s “The Parkers”, TV’s “New York Undercover”, TV’s “Martin”
Terri J. Vaughn – TV’s “Meet the Browns”, Daddy’s Little Girls
Mel Jackson – TV’s “Soul Food”, Deliver Us from Eva
Geoffrey Owens – TV’s “The Cosby Show”, TV’s “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”
Vickie Winans – Award-winning Gospel Singer
Dennis “LA” White – Notorious
Marvin L. Winans Jr. – Award-winning Gospel Singer
and introducing Syesha Mercado – TV’s “American Idol”

 DVD SPECIAL FEATURES*

“Dreams Behind-the-Scenes” featurette (*Subject to change)

Lionsgate Home Entertainment presents Dreams. Run time135 minute

@ the movies, freebies

CONTEST ALERT: Win tickets to a prescreening of Universal Pictures’ RIDE ALONG (CLOSED)

Universal Pictures’ RIDE ALONG

Hey Lovelies!

It’s officially the New Year, and that means it’s time to start running down your list of resolutions. Well one of my resolutions for 2014 is to laugh more… and I know just where to start…

Universal Pictures latest cult comedy RIDE ALONG will open in theaters on January 17, 2014, and judging from the previews alone I can definitely check laughter off my list of to-do’s for 2014. 😀 From the director of the blockbuster comedy Think Like a Man and starring Kevin Hart and Ice Cube, RIDE ALONG is slated to be the wildest ride of the new year!

Here’s the synopsis:  When a fast-talking security guard joins his girlfriend’s brother—a hot-tempered cop—to patrol the streets of Atlanta, he gets entangled in the officer’s latest case.  Now, in order to prove that he deserves his future bride, he must survive the most insane 24 hours of his life. For the past two years, high-school rent-a-cop Ben (Hart) has been trying to show decorated APD detective Kurt (Cube) that he’s more than just a video-game junkie who’s unworthy of Kurt’s sister, Angela (Tika Sumpter).  When Ben finally gets accepted into the academy, he thinks he’s earned the seasoned policeman’s respect and asks for his blessing to marry Angela.  Knowing that a ride along will demonstrate if Ben has what it takes to take care of his sister, Kurt invites him on a shift designed to scare the hell out of the trainee.  But when the wild night leads them to the most notorious killer in the city, Kurt will find that his new partner’s rapid-fire mouth is just as dangerous as the bullets speeding at it.  John Leguizamo, Laurence Fishburne and David Banner also join the cast of the action-comedy directed by Tim Story.  Ride Along is produced by Ice Cube, alongside Matt Alvarez (Barbershop), Will Packer (Think Like a Man) and Larry Brezner (Good Morning, Vietnam).

There’s a saying that “laughter is best enjoyed with friends”, so I want to invite 10 of my viewers to join me on Tuesday January 14, 2014 at 7PM at Regal Atlantic Station for a prescreening of RIDE ALONG 3 days before it hits theaters. Each winner will receive a pair of tickets where you and a guest will join me for this exclusive prescreening event. To be one of my special guests for the prescreening of RIDE ALONG simply leave a comment below with your favorite Ice Cube movie. The first 10 comments will win a pair of tickets!!! All winners will be notified by Friday January 10, 2014. ***Be sure to leave your email so you can be notified!***

IMPORTANT: All winners and their guests should plan to arrive at least one (1) hour before the event to ensure seating.

Universal Pictures’ RIDE ALONG is directed by Tim Story and stars Kevin Hart, Ice Cube, John Leguizamo, Tika Sumpter, Bryan Callen, Jay Pharoah, Bruce McGill and Laurence Fishburne. RIDE ALONG is rated PG-13 and opens in theaters nationwide on Friday, January 17, 2014. Run Time: 100 minutes

COMMENTS ARE CLOSED!!! Thanks to all who participated, and I will see you at the movies!!!

arts & entertainment

3rd Annual Flavors and Colors of Haiti

Flavors and Colors of Haiti

Recently I had the pleasure of attending a fabulous black tie gala celebrating the Flavors and Colors of Haiti. Hosted by the Consulate of Haiti and now in its 3rd year, this elegant red carpet affair centered on showcasing Haiti’s immensely diverse culture while also providing a great opportunity for Georgia entrepreneurs interested in International Business to take full advantage of the many business opportunities that Haiti has to offer. Held at the Westside Cultural Arts Center in Atlanta, this night of immaculate elegance piqued the senses with a vibrant display of Haiti’s rich culture through art, cuisine, fashion, and music.

Attendees of this elegant affair included both local and International Community Leaders, Business Owners, Industry Talent and Executives, Consulate Heads and Officials, and special VIP guests who enjoyed tantalizing cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in addition to participating in a charity raffle and silent auction. Guests were also treated to some amazing displays of artwork by world-renowned artists Gilbert Young, as well as live entertainment courtesy of the fabulous Farah Lisa. But, the highlight of the evening was the amazing runway Fashion Show. Produced by the fabulous Renee Knorr of My Beauti Network along with Jimmy Moise (Fashion Show Coordinator), the runway fashion showcase featured styles by several of Haiti’s accomplished designers such as Miko Guillaume, Maguy Durce, Phelecia Dell, Daphnee K. Floreal, Hadascha Brutus, and Michel Chataigne, along with designs from featured American Designer Lisa Nicole Cloud. The designs were colorful, lively, and absolutely amazing… and my front row seating did nothing to suppress my love for a fabulous runway showcase! 😉

Flavors and Colors of Haiti
Flavors and Colors of Haiti
Flavors and Colors of Haiti

Photos courtesy of Ralph Williams (E37 Photography) + ATL Red Carpet

The evening culminated with a special message by Haiti’s Consul General here in Atlanta, Mr. Gandy Thomas. Mr. Thomas emphasized the importance of celebrating and embracing Haitian culture while encouraging guests to invest in and support Haitian businesses. And with such a diverse mixture of options on display for Flavors and Colors, it’s abundantly clear that Haiti is definitely open for business!

Thanks to Danica Kombol, Lexi Severini, and Kelly Heisler of Be Everywhere Society for the gracious invite, and to the Consul General Mr. Gandy Thomas and the Haiti Consulate office in Atlanta for hosting this fabulous affair. I had such a wonderful time and I look forward to all that the gem of the Caribbean has to offer.

Nikka Shae The Undercover Socialite

etc, etc, style setter

Bling It On! UGG® Australia launches new concept store at Lenox Square Mall

UGG store opening at Lenox Square

UGG Australia, world renown for their exceptional quality and comfortable footwear, launches its new concept store at Lenox Square Mall in Atlanta. The new 2,300 square foot store interior carries the global design theme seen at UGG stores around the world. Custom-built features are carried throughout the store to add interest to the full product categories. The spanning retail shop also carries fashionable pieces from UGG Australia men’s, women’s and kids’ footwear collections as well as the brand’s handbag, loungewear and newly launched UGG HOME collection. Additionally, the Lenox Square concept store will carry classics with new updates like the Bailey Bow  and Josette boots which were a huge hit with holiday shoppers.

UGG store opening at Lenox Square

The new UGG store also offers Lenox Square shoppers the celebrated new “Bling It On” program, enabling customers to customize their coveted UGG staples through a selection of dazzling Swarovski® crystal patterns and statement-making designs. Swarovski Crystal Elements can be applied in-store at time of purchase to select UGG Australia classic products, including Classic minishort and tall boots across gender and size ranges and on select loungewear and apparel (excluding toddler and infant).  Atlanta’s UGG fans can get creative with a choice of 79 designs, including letters and numbers. Also available are hearts, stars, butterflies, skulls, crowns, bows, and the list goes on.  Pricing on application ranges from $5.00 – $75.00.

About UGG Australia

UGG Australia has built a reputation on luxury and comfort by using only the finest materials in the world, employing the highest standards of craftsmanship and delivering new and innovative styles well beyond the original sheepskin boots and slippers.  UGG Australia is recognized as a premium lifestyle brand that offers footwear, apparel, outerwear, accessories and handbags and has grown to over $1 billion in sales.  UGG Australia concept stores offer the ultimate brand experience with over 70 stores worldwide including New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Miami, London, Tokyo, Shanghai, Beijing and Moscow.

glam on

Have Yourself a Very Luxe-y Christmas

Christmas Luxe 2013

Can you hear the jingle bells jingle-ing? Yep, Christmas is nearly here! So, you know that Santa’s on his way — He’s loaded lots of girly goodies on his sleigh — And every divas’ gonna spy — To see if their hunny was actually paying attention to all those subtle hints about what they really want for Christmas… And, also, to see if reindeer really know how to fly… After all who doesn’t want to know, right? Hey, you’ve been a good girl all year, so you deserve to indulge a little lot. And I know just the perfect gasp-worthy gifts to make this Christmas extra special… and to also guarantee a rendezvous under the mistletoe. (wink)

Tiffany Atlas Collection

 

 

Well, everybody knows a gift from Tiffany and some mistletoe, helps to make the season bright.  And Tiffany’s Atlas collection is sure to make your eyes all glow, and guarantee that you will not get any sleep that night. (wink)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Henri Bendel Jewelry Trunk

 

 

Do you hear those accessories jingle-ing — Rings ting-tingle-ing too — And this fabulous jewelry trunk by Henri Bendel is every girls dream come true!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Giuseppe Zanotti Booties

 

 

I’m… dreaming… of a gorgeous pair… of Giuseppe’s — Just like the pair that’s pictured here. (smile)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael Kors Large Miranda Studded Tote

 

 

O’ Michael Kors — O’Michael Kors — How lovely are your handbags! Through summer sun and winter snow, your fab arm-candy will always be the star of the show!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tom Ford Black Orchid Fragrance

 

 

It’s the most won-der-ful scent of the year! Tom Ford’s Black Orchid fragrance is sensual and alluring… And if you ever spray it, you wouldn’t even need to say Hello! (wink)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can find these and many more fabu-luxe gifts at Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza. So I’m offering this simple phrase — to fabulous shoppers just like you — Altho’ it’s been said many times, many ways — I hope all of your Christmas wishes come true!

Nikka Shae The Undercover Socialite

glam on

Dear Mrs. Claus… My Christmas Wish List

Christmas Wish List

Dear Mrs. Claus,

It’s me, Nikka Shae. Last Christmas I suggested that Santa pick up a few fabulous gifts for you while he was out and about spreading good cheer. Well, I’m sure you loved all of them. 😉 So this Christmas I found a few more goodies that would make the perfect gift for any diva, including yourself of course. 🙂

Perfumed-Jewelry-1

 

 

Ok, first up on my list of must-haves is a fabulous fragrance-filled-filigree pendant by Perfumed Jewelry. Not only is it stylish but its scent-tual, and it would make the perfect conversation piece at the Annual Holiday Party at the Pole. So now you can wear your favorite scents like they were precious gems.

 

 

Lush Treats Collection

 

 

 

My next gift idea is literally a Treat! And just as its name suggests, LUSH’s Treats are nothing short of this season’s most spoil-worthy collection of scents. So after Santa’s sleigh is long gone, and the elves are fast asleep, why not treat yourself to a silent night of pampering. 😉

 

 

Godiva Truffle Flights

 

 

And what better way to enjoy a nice, hot bath than with chocolate. But not just any ol’ chocolate will do for this rendezvous with relation. Nope. Only the best in confectionary goodness will do, and GODIVA has the most decadent delights to send you on a first class flight to chocolate heaven. Their latest collection of chocolate-covered indulgence, the Truffle Flights are just perfect treat to whisk your tastebuds away on a taste-filled adventure.

The Perfect Clutch

 

 

Every fashionista knows that accessories can make or break your style. And it can sometimes be a challenge to find just the right accessory to pull your look together… Well, I’ve found the perfect piece that always seems to comes thru in the clutch. It’s The Perfect Clutch! This beauty is definitely on my list of go-to’s for glam this season! So be sure to pick one up and score a few fashion points. 😉

Charming Charlie

 

 

If fashion is fun, then accessories are definitely the life of the party! And no one does fabulously fun accessories like Charming Charlie! With their vast selection of colorfully-chic accessories and other girly goodies, you can bet that your style will make a statement all season long.

 

 

 

Vera Bradley Double Take Tablet Envelope

 

 

 

 

 

Few things command a head turning reaction like Vera Bradley. Let’s face it, when you see a Vera print pass by you can’t help but take a second look. So for Christmas I’ve got my eye (and my iPad) on this fabulous Double-Take Tablet Envelope. It’s very versatile and chic and makes the perfect fashion statement for any tech accessory.

 

 

Brahmin Oxford Satchel Piazza

 

 

 

And speaking of “I’s”, “I” absolutely looove handbags… But then again, what woman doesn’t; right!? So in keeping with my affection for fabulous arm candy, I’m currently crushing this Oxford Satchel Piazza by Brahmin. This beauty just screams pizzazz, and makes the perfect companion when you want a bit lot of accessory attention. 😉

 

 

 

 

UGG Irmah Boots

 

 

For those days when quick stops around the North Pole are on the agenda, your footwear should be about being comfy and chic. So for those times when heels just won’t cut it, and something with a bit more cush is in order, UGG’s has you (and your feet) covered. Known for their uber-comfortable kicks, UGG’s continues with their Irmah Boots. These fabulous boots are not only stylish but they’re super cozy, and they also make any midday run feel like you’re on a fashion runway.

 

 

 

 

Well Mrs. Claus, thanks for considering my Christmas wish list. Hopefully they will help fill both of our stockings with a few extra goodies from Santa. 😉

Have a very Merry Christmas!

Nikka Shae The Undercover Socialite

wander lust

My Kia Chronicles: Sorento, on-the-go!

Kia Chronicles - Kia Sorento - Kia Soul

Disclaimer: Apologies in advance if this post creates a sense of “auto envy”. Please note that there will also be an excessive use of the phrase “my Sorento”… Now I don’t actually own it (yet); it’s just wishful thinking.  Hey, a girl can dream, right!? 😉

Recently I was gifted a 2014 Kia Sorento to test drive. Ok, so I’m thinking hmmm, where can I take it? Maybe a road trip? Then I said to myself, “Self; just be yourself.” Take it for a spin and chronicle all the fun. So I did just that… and from there it was literally love at first drive. The 2014 Kia Sorento is absolutely gorgeous, very practical, and plenty of fun! There’s just so much to love about it! So without further ado, these are my Kia Chronicles…

Kia Chronicles - Kia Sorento

I have a very active family and an equally hectic lifestyle to say the least… Let’s see, there’s orchestra and band concerts, ice skating excursions, many trips to the skatepark, exclusive events, shopping, date nights, getaways, and my favorite… midday trips to the local café for lunch. So needless to say, not any ol’ vehicle will do. No, no, no. I need a set of heels wheels that are up to the task of keeping up with my family… the “Car Dash-ions.” 😀 Well, the Kia Sorento did just that…it easily kept pace with my busy lifestyle, while doing it all in style.

Kia Chronicles - Kia Sorento

My Sorento (Hubby, take note) came equipped with a panoramic moonroof to let a little lot of sunlight in, heated AND ventilated leather seats to battle those cold Winter days and haute Atlanta nights, a rear view camera and blind spot detection that makes even my driving look good, a power liftgate for hands-free access to your precious cargo (e.g. shopping bags), and Sirius XM satellite radio with Infinity sound to rock out to my favorite 80’s tunes along the way. 😛 The Sorento also gets excellent gas mileage (18 city/25 highway) which makes the wallet (and the budget) very happy. And with an onboard navigation system you can easily locate the nearest mall to blow some of that extra cash. 😉 The Sorento also comes with a hands-free infotainment system that connects to your wireless device, so making and receiving calls (and even text messages) feels like you have a personal assistant along for the ride. Oh, and it also has push button start. Too fab!!! So with all of these goodies at my finger tips, what else is there to do but introduce the 2014 Kia Sorento to my lifestyle.

Kia Chronicles - Kia Sorento

Sorento… Meet my family

Ok, so if you have active kids like mine you understand the challenges with getting them from point A to point B (and C, and D, etc). And as you know, they need to go here, there, and everywhere (I wonder where they get that from… hmmm). So, reliability and safety are very important with making sure we get to our destination(s) and back home safely. Not only does the 2014 Kia Sorento come with a host of safety features like front and rear airbags, but it also has a few unexpected features like Hill Assist that stops the vehicle from rolling backwards on steep hills which Atlanta is notorious for having plenty of.

My Sorento also made chauffeuring the kiddies around seem like, well, child’s play. Between an orchestra performance at the school, ice skating at Atlantic Station, and a grand opening event for a local skatepark, my Sorento handled the job with ease. All of the kid’s equipment fit nicely in the spacious cargo area, and I even had room for a few unexpected shopping bags (Hey, there’s always room for shopping). 😀

Kia Chronicles - Kia Sorento

A Show Stopper in heels on wheels

Being a diva that’s all about what’s happening around town, I’m always attending events like red carpets, grand openings, premiere’s, and everything in between. No matter when I go, style for me is everything —so needless to say, looking fab is a must. And what better way to show your sense of style than to pull up in a chic SUV like the Sorento. With its jeweled headlights, wood grain and leather interior, and chrome touches throughout, this baby is definitely red carpet ready! My Sorento accompanied me to several events like a fashion show at Macy’s with Clinton Kelly of TLC’s “What Not to Wear”, a pre-screening event for The Hunger Games Catching Fire, and the Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker performance. And although I was looking uber fab at these events, my Sorento definitely stole the show. 😉

Kia Chronicles - Kia Sorento

The Getaway (Well… sorta)

As you can imagine, with all of the hustle and bustle it can get a bit overwhelming. So when things get too crazy I just take some time away to unwind, refresh, and renew. This generally consists of dinner, dessert, and a destination. I call it the perfect getaway! Well, as luck would have it my wedding anniversary was right around the corner so hubby and I took the my Sorento along for the fun—as our getaway car.:-P The evening began with a dinner date at Del Frisco’s Grille in Buckhead where we enjoyed tasty cocktails over a scrumptious meal. Next on the menu was a stay at the fabulous Mandarin Oriental Atlanta Hotel where chocolate dipped strawberries and champagne awaited us in our suite. So, we celebrated the night with a toast… Here’s to many more roads to travel, and to all of the twists and turns along the way, because life would be no fun without them!

Kia Chronicles - Kia Sorento

Huge hugs to Kia Motors for the test drive… The My Sorento and I had a fabulous time! You too can experience the New 2014 Kia Sorento, but I must warn you in advance… It comes standard equipped with LUV! 😉

Nikka Shae The Undercover Socialite