Oh! Nikka | Top Atlanta Fashion, Food, Beauty & Lifestyle Blogger

happenings

In a “natural” kinda world, I’m glad I got my curls!

Wheeew! I’m a bit exhausted from all that dancing at Fro Fashion Week’s Penthouse Party…I’m sure I left a few tail feathers on the dance floor that night. LOL. The event was hosted by the fabulous Kim Coles who kept the party goin all night long. Yall know Ms. Coles; author, actress, comedian, host, and D-I-V-A, who is best known as the naive and tender heartedly sweet Synclaire James of Living Single. WooWooWoo!!! Oh, and let’s not forget those memorable In Living Color skits where Kim had us pondering the notion of having “tir-teen job” like her beloved character Margaret Hedley from the “hardest working West Indian family”. See Kim in these TV classics Hey Mon Airlines and The Hedley’s at Home (I tink I love heee!!!!)…LOL

But, before I give you the details on how Kim and I ended up in a Soul Train caliber dance-off before the night ended, let’s rewind things a bit.

Tarin Boone founder and She-EO of Fro Fashion Week with Kim Coles

Several months ago I attended an event that was hosted by Kelly J (Kurly Kelly) called Natural Girls Rock. Natural Girls Rock is a movement to help promote natural hair care and the importance of encouraging women to “rock” their hair in its natural state. During this event I had the pleasure of meeting Tarin Boone who is founder and She-EO of Fro Fashion Week; a stylish expo and ultimate celebration of the natural woman. FFW features a fashion show, product demonstrations, interactive workshops, hairstylist expos, information for and about natural beauty care, natural hair care products, and entertainment around natural hair and skincare. So, when Tarin extended an invitation to attend the upcoming Fro Fashion Week event I knew I had to be there….and not just for the party. 😉 But, since we are talking about Fro Fashion Week’s Penthouse Party, let’s get on down (and boogie) to the details. LOL

Melia Atlanta Hotel

Held atop the chic Melia Atlanta Hotel in downtown Atlanta, the Penthouse Party was set to be the cap on a fabulous week filled with fun, fashion, and facts focused on fro’s and follicles. 😉 So, upon entering the beautiful Melia Atlanta Hotel I was primed and ready to have a good time. The ladies in attendance were “rockin” all types of fab hair styles from coils to twists, and braids to afros, each of them uniquely beautiful. We enjoyed light bites, cocktails, gifts, while we shared our own personal hair stories about transitioning to more natural hair styles.

Nikka Shae with The Divine Miss Kim Coles...WooWooWoo!

As I was mixing and mingling with all the lovely ladies at the event, I spotted the fabulous Kim Coles whom I was dying to meet. Kim has herself been on a personal hair journey to take back her “roots” by shedding her trademark microbraids and opting to rock her own cinnamon-toned natural coils. So, I was eager to know more about her experience as a “Naturalista” and self proclaimed “Hair-lebrity”, as well the inspiration behind her G.I.F.T.S. program (Gratitude, Intentions, Forgiveness, Triumphs, and Self-Love) which aims to empower women by encouraging them to make new choices. After just a few minutes of talking to Kim it felt like I was chatting with a longtime friend. She has such a lovely and gracious spirit, and her makeup was absolutely flawless…and, she looked amazing in that red dress with its reversible black/gold sash! You worked it girl!!!

A few of the fab ladies I met

The fab Monique Boeo aka Kinky Peaches

Model/actor JZhanel Cole, Tarin Boone of Fro Fashion Week, VUE Entertainment Owner Valaira Sa Ra, and blogger Arkeedah McCormick

Publicist and stylist Bria Bryant, Lentheus Chaney of Urban Lux Magazine, and party guest

We took a few photos, laughed a bit, shared a few stories and had a great time. Moments later the DJ dusted off some old school 80’s jams and everyone hit the dance floor. Of course no 80’s jam session would be complete without its corresponding old school dance move, like the Roger Rabbit, the Whop, the Robot, and the Cabbage Patch…most of the aforementioned dances have definitely seen better days. LOL And, if there was old school dancing going on we all know you gotta throw in a Soooooul Train line! From bah mitzvahs to baby showers, nothing gets the party started like a good ole fashioned Soul Train dance-off! LOL Now, Soul Train may be known as the “hippest trip in America” but with all that dancing we were doing, I threw out both of my hips, so I’m personally (and painfully) claiming that title… 😛 Thank you Don Cornelius. 😉

Kim Coles with party guests

Fro Fashion Week’s Penthouse Party was definitely a true delight to attend and we all had such a great time!

Thanks to the fabulous Tarin Boone for putting together a series of great events during Fro Fashion Week for all of the natural girls of the world! Who run the world?…Curls! 😀

I look forward to the upcoming Fro Fashion Week expo this coming Feb 1^st-5^th 2012. And, as an added bonus, lil ole muaaah will be blogging at next year’s event as a Press Supporter! Yeah! Trust me…you don’t want to miss this event. You can check out the event details here and signup here.

Special special thanks to The Divine Miss Kim Coles for being a true inspiration to ALL women, and showing us how to dream big and live life using our best G.I.F.T.S. And also for her rendition of the Robot…it was classic! See Kim in action here at 2:19, and catch me at 3:00 just moments before I slipped a disc. LOL

Ok…I’m heading home now to ice my thighs from all that dancing 😉

I leave you with my very own rendition…of the Living Single theme song…

♫Oooh…In a “natural” kinda world, I’m glad I got my curls…♫ 😀

Please direct all booking request to my agent at 404-555-…. 😛

happenings

Atlanta Wedding Planning Expert Hosts Evening of Bridal Beauty at Upscale Beauty Lounge

The WEDucator Presents Beauty & The Bride

Wedding Expert, Tia R. Ervin Hosts ‘Beauty & The Bride’ at Polished for Brides-to-Be

Wedding Expert, Tia R. Ervin

Wedding Expert, Tia R. Ervin is coming to the rescue for all brides preparing for upcoming nuptials in her signature “WEDucation” event, Beauty & The Bride, hosted at Polished Beauty Lounge in quaint Vinings on Wednesday, December 7th. This invitation only event is the prime opportunity for brides-to-be and her wedding party to indulge in real talk about weddings and the beauty secrets that lie within. With countless weddings under her belt, Tia knows the make or break tips for making every woman shine on the most important day of her life.

Not only will brides have their taste buds tickled by a tasting with Qream Liqueur and dessert samples as their sweet reward, but their experience will only get yummier when they are spoiled rotten with a mani/pedi service available at Polished! With close to 15 years creating beautiful, unique and fantasy weddings, author and wedding expert, Tia R. Ervin aka “The WEDucator” delights in opportunities to share her knowledge with others and currently serves as the Georgia Chapter Chair of the Association of Certified Professional Wedding Consultants (ACPWC). When Ervin isn’t busy guiding her own clients through the endless sea of wedding planning details, she spends her time as “The WEDucator”, an endless source of wedding planning knowledge and a trusted advocate for brides, grooms, wedding party members, parents of the bride and groom, aspiring wedding planners and other wedding professionals. Ervin shares, “I have a wealth of information gained through my personal experiences as a certified wedding consultant that I’m bubbling over with, ready to pass on to brides and other wedding professionals – simply because I’m passionate and sincere about my desire to share what I know so others may have it easier than I had it!”

Beauty & The Bride is so much more than the expected dialogue about bridal beauty. It’s all straight talk taken from “The WEDucator’s” playbook for making brides beautiful with simple tips and solutions that will keep the bride’s glow as bright as the ‘bling in the ring.’ But it’s not all about the bride, get ready bridal party, because the “The WEDucator” has something for you too. Not only will you learn ways to achieve a camera ready look for your girl’s big day, you will get a glimpse into modern day expectations of your role and responsibilities as well.

You can find us by following @TheWEDucator or using hash tags #bridalbeautychat, #beautyandthebride or #WEDucator.

Sponsors include: Polished Beauty Lounge, Tracey Brown Photography, Qream Liqueur, Floral Couture, Livi Rae Lingerie, Diva Wine Shop, Gimme Some Suga Bakery Bar, Perfect Wedding Guide, Milestone Occasions, Kennard Photography, Eden Fantasys, Silpada Sterling Silver Jewelry, Wrapped Couture, and Bijox Wow Jewelry.

happenings

Get your Kix at the BET Hip Hop Awards Block Party!

FlyKix hosts the BET Hip Hop Awards Block Party

Ok…so now I’m in recovery mode from all the excitement and events surrounding the BET Hip Hop Awards. And since I had just pulled an all-nighter at the BET BBQ Kickoff Party at Piedmont Park’s Magnolia Hall, I seriously needed a day (or two) to recoup. So, I estimated that by the coming Monday morning, just after the BET Hip Hop Awards would have ended, and all the surrounding festivities were officially in not-to-distant memory status, I (and the “luggage” that had begun to form under my eyes) would be due for a much needed trip to Sleepytown USA. But, as the saying goes, “You snooze, you lose.”, so, I guess I had better reschedule my travel plans since the weekend hadn’t even gotten started and there were yet a plethora of award related activities on the radar.

Nikka Shae with the fab Nicole Garner of The Garner Circle PR

Fly urban apparel at FlyKix ATL

So what’s next on the agenda? Hmmm… The choices were endless, BUT, thanks to a few well timed invites by the uber-fab Nicole Garner of The Garner Circle PR, I was able to attend several of the hottest events leading up to the awards ceremony.

Next in the lineup…

The BET Hip Hop Awards Nominee Block Party!

Hosted by The Garner Circle PR at FlyKix ATL on Peters Street in the Castleberry Hill District, this event was set to feature a slew of celebrities who were scheduled to drop by to pick up some and “fresh” and “fly” gear. Ok, ok… I know. The word “fresh” has undoubtedly been stricken from the thesaurus of Hip Hop vernacular since 94’, but hey, I’m reminiscing a bit 😀 so bear with me a moment.

FlyKix's urban-esque ambiance sets the tone

Fly Kix on display like fine art

So upon entering FlyKix I could not help but be captivated by the eclectic setting. With its graffiti art covered walls acting as the canvas, the sneakers and urban apparel were displayed with this abstract and colorful backdrop like Basquiat originals. The urban-esque ambiance stayed true to capturing the Hip Hop culture in style. FlyKix is a concept boutique that houses custom fitting stations, an in-store lounge, and market specific limited edition footwear and apparel. FlyKix’s merchandise represents a collision of lifestyles and subcultures infusing the arenas of music, skateboarding, sports, street art, and original style.

Espada's natural lemon based premium tequila

Nikka Shae and the fab Kenya of You Bored Bish! enjoying Espada daquiris

As I made my way around the shop mingling with the attendees, I met the fabulous Kenya Williams, who blogs under You Bored Bish! (no typo) ;-P. Kenya is a hoot! Of course I had to know where she came up with the name “You Bored Bish!” for her blog. Kenya said that the name came out of being literally “bored” out of her mind one day. And, the “Bish” part; well, I’ll let you figure that one out for yourself. 😀

So, while Kenya and I were hammin it up, we were introduced to the most fab tequila-based cocktails I have ever tasted by Espada Tequila. Shinobi Muhammad and Marion Skinner, who represent Espada, handed us a few of their signature drinks to sample. Ok. If you have never tasted Espada Tequila before…let’s just say you WILL thank me later! Espada is an Ultra Premium Tequila with natural lemon flavoring. Now, I’m not a tequila kinda gal since most tequila-based drinks tend to have a bitter undertone that leaves a bite worst than a rabid Chupacabra. But let me tell you… Espada tastes nothing of the sort.

And with its lemon liqueur flavoring and smooth taste, it will have you desiring another sip…and in my case three! 😛

Espada Tequila Models with Shinobi Muhammad (Espada Tequila), DJ Trauma & Marion Skinner (Espada Tequila)

DJ Don Cannon, Too Short, and DJ Drama

So, Kenya and I tried several mixes of Espada based drinks such as the Yellow Diamond which is Espada on the rocks with a splash of Sprite…d-lish!, strawberry and mango daiquiris blended with Espada…(OMG!), and Espada Tea which is Espada mixed with tea…classic Long Island iced tea drink, but with a bit of flair. So, after a few trips to the Big Apple :-P, Kenya and I were ready to catch a few celebs. A few notables spotted in attendance were Too $hort, Plies, DJ Don Cannon, and DJ Drama.

Courvoisier was also on hand to serve their new Rose Courvoisier flavored cognac.

Very, very smooth taste with a “rosy” finish…perfect on the rocks. 😛

Special thanks to the fab Nicole Garner of The Garner Circle PR for the invite!

Bravo Nicole for putting together such a great event! We had a lovely time!

Ok divas…it’s time to skedaddle (actual word) and try to get some rest from all the BET Hip Hop Award events…

Besides, I have a flight to catch later. I’m heading back to Long Island (thanks Espada)!!!

glam on

7 Steps to Discovering Your Celebrity Style at Any Size

Statistics tell us that more than 80% of women are dissatisfied with their bodies, and the problem starts young – 65% of young girls think they are too fat and dabble in dieting at an early age, which begins the dangerous cycle of yo-yo dieting.

While watching some of your favorite celebrities on television, you may often find yourself thinking, “Wow, I don’t know how she does it; she always looks flawless and amazing.” It may seem as if they wake up that way, but the truth is that most celebrities and public figures have mastered the art of their signature style or have a fashion stylist or image expert on speed dial for their special occasions, red carpet affairs or when it’s time to freshen up their personal brand.

You may not be a celebrity (yet), but here are seven steps to help you discover your celebrity style and look simply flawless for every occasion regardless of what size you are.

1. I dream in color – Wearing color can communicate non-verbal messages of various kinds. The color that is near your face tends to cast either flattering tones or drab shadows, which have the power to make you appear youthful, slender and happy or dull, frumpy and lifeless. Have a Color Analysis performed to determine which colors are your primary colors for the hues in your skin’s undertones.

2. Size doesn’t matter, shape does – When you know what shape you are, you can determine how to flatter your figure. The number inside the apparel doesn’t matter as much as the fit, shape and drape of the garment you have on.

3. Discover your style type – Do you prefer clean lines and cuts without a lot of intricate detailing? Well, your style is probably Conservative. If you love the latest trends and fads, more than likely, your style is Fashion Forward. It’s a lot easier to shop when you understand the primary direction in which you’re going. Being consistent with your style is what helps you to create and develop your personal brand.

4. Mind your trends – Every season, we watch to see what’s new on the runway or what our favorite celebrities will wear next. I’m guilty too; however, the key to creating your signature style is to invest in your signature items of apparel. Trends fade every season, so the last thing that you want to do is date your wardrobe. Sprinkle a few trends here and there throughout the season. I always say that your closet should only consist of 10% trendy items.

5. Invest in your signature items – A complete wardrobe should consist of a variety of staple pieces. These are the items that tend to get a lot more wear and tear than the other items in your closet, such as a tailored suit, pencil skirt, cashmere sweater, trench coat, etc. I always recommend to my clients that they “invest” in these items. Check specialty and discount department stores for sample sales, trunk sales and clearance sales in off-season to stock up on these items.

6. Mix it up – Get comfortable mixing and matching your suits, accessories, trousers, etc. Don’t be afraid to step outside of the box; every single item in your ensemble does not have to match. You will get more bang for your buck by creating various looks from limited pieces. That’s one of the first steps to owning your style.

7. Be realistic about what looks great on you – Trust your gut instincts, wear your clothes, and don’t let them wear you

style setter

10 Tips to Help You Shop Like a Professional

Save Money, Look Fantabulous, Save Time & Eliminate Clutter in Your Closet

Fall has settled in and it’s almost time to update your winter wardrobe; here are a few tricks of the trade to help you turn your next shopping trip into a fun excursion instead of a daunting task

1. Always do a closet analysis before your shopping excursion. Take note of what you already have and what items are needed to complete your wardrobe. This will keep you from falling prey to the SALE and over-splurging on unnecessary items.

2. Be sure that you feel your best. Nothing wears you out and ruins a shopping trip more than an off-mood or you aren’t feeling well. (You are bound to either dislike everything you try on or even worse … overspend.)

3. Find the perfect shopping buddy who will be honest with you.

4. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes.

5. Buy items that fit perfectly. The idea is to purchase articles of clothing that flatter body parts that you love, and distract from the places you want to cover up.

6. Invest in classic, basic items — in basic colors. (You will wear them more often than trendy items that will go out of style with the seasons. Build off of your basics then get into colors.)

7. Buy classic items during off-season to save money, e.g., buy winter items at the end of the season and summer items at the end of the summer season.

8. Limit your trendy purchases to three or four pieces per season. This will eliminate the well-worn cliche, “I don’t have anything to wear.”

9. Don’t forget your accessories; they bring everything together. Shop for them the same way you shop for clothes. (Invest in classics that are sterling silver or gold and then incorporate color.)

10. Only shop with cash or your debit card. This will protect you from creating more debt and you will feel fantabulous about your shopping trip.

glam on

10 Ways to Reconnect with Yourself Before the End of 2011

2011 has been a busy and tiring year but it’s not over yet, we still have to get through the most hectic, yet wonderful time of the year, the holiday season. Thanksgiving and Christmas will be here before you can blink your eyes; next up New Years. So before you have a seasonal panic attack, sit back, relax, have a cup of warm tea and meditate a bit on these 10 ways to reconnect with yourself.

1. Always take a few minutes out of your day for you and you alone, meditate, daydream, paint or whatever suits your fancy

2. Treat yourself. We all have budgets and it is wonderful to stick to them, so do you a favor and be certain to budget in a treat for yourself. It can be something as simple as purchasing your favorite ice cream or as major as stashing a few dollars each month for the diamond tennis bracelet you’ve had your eye on. This helps to prevent you from feeling deprived and possibly binging when you do go shopping.

3. Schedule fun time in. Laughter is good for the soul and helps to keeps us youthful. Try to do something fun at least once a week. Scientific studies have shown that positive emotion builds your emotional capacity to handle adversity and stress, and be more open and creative. If life’s gotten so hectic that you don’t even know what to do for fun, make a game out of trying new things until you find what’s fun for you.

4. Get a hobby. This inspires you to have something to look forward to, gives you peace, satisfaction and joy. If you’re not sure what you enjoy, try a variety of activities until you find your fit.

5. Don’t be afraid to say no. Life can be hectic and chaotic these days for everyone, however don’t let individuals intrude on your “me time” and “family time”. Unfortunately some people will drain you of your time, energy & last dime if you allow them to, being a friend is great but being a doormat is not.

6. Create inspirational phrases that you would like to see come to pass in your life, put them on your bathroom mirror or some place you look at every day. We take in so many negative images on a day to day basis; it is imperative that we speak positively to ourselves and the people and things we encounter. For example: I am a beautiful, successful, talented & loved woman that changes lives.

7. Be sure to get adequate sleep. It’s impossible to feel great about yourself and the world you’re in if you’re sluggish and tired. If you experience insomnia, give yourself down time before going to bed. This means quite time, you may choose to put your thoughts for the day in a journal, turn off the phones/ televisions or just meditate on calm and soothing thoughts.

8. Exercise at least 3 times a week. Exercise helps to get our heart rates up and energy levels pumped. Get energized, burn some calories and get a great nights’ sleep.

9. Eat properly. Be good to your body and in return your body will be good to you. Cut back on your fast food intake and you’ll notice a difference in your mental health as well as on your scale.

10. Be productive instead of busy. If you get distracted easily you may find your to-do-list at a standstill. Don’t get overwhelmed by your laundry list, just take your tasks on three at a time. Tackle the first three, then the next three and before you know it your mission list will be complete.

glam on

From Frumpy to Fabulous: 10 Quick and Simple Ways to Improve Your Overall Image

Welcome to The Secret Corner for my Secret Tips, if you want to know what it takes to be fabulous from the inside out and head-to-toe check out my latest article

FROM FRUMPY TO FABULOUS: 10 Quick and Simple Ways to Improve Your Overall Image

Updating your image and wardrobe can seem like a daunting task if you’re not sure where to begin; as your image expert I’m delighted to share my tips to help you turn this “task” into an exciting adventure as you transform from frumpy to fabulous.

Zip it up- This is what I call the model strut, you will never see a model rocking the runway without a sassy pep in her step. Displaying good posture is the key to zipping it up. Practice in the mirror or on the sidewalk, just make sure that get it. This can literally make you appear up to 10 pounds slimmer.
Dress for the size you are now- Stop holding on to those jeans that you’ve had since high school. Buy clothes in the size that you currently wear, not the size you would like to be. Dressing in your appropriate size for your body type can instantly make you appear lean and polished.
Invest in a new bra- 70% of women in the United States are wearing improper bra sizes. Go to a specialty bra store and get fitted. This is a major to-do when you want to go from frumpy to fabulous. (just a warning, this can become addictive)
Dress for your body type– The size on the inside of your garment doesn’t matter as much as having apparel that fits your body type.
Don’t forget your Spanx- Spanx is every girl’s best friend, this is a body shaper like no other; flatten bulging bellies and smooth cellulite dimples with this undergarment miracle worker.
Layering- This is a key element to creating a fabulous signature look that is polished and well put together. Feel free to mix and match items with jackets, blazers, belts, vests, etc.
Brand your accent pieces- Find a staple piece and run with it. As for me¸ I love shoes and handbags; use your staple piece to set yourself apart from the crowd, this can be a scarf, broach, feathers, flowers, you name it, the sky is the limit .
Get a mini face lift- You don’t have to go under the knife to get your eyebrows shaped, facial hair removed and eyelashes applied. It’s as simple as 1-2-3. You will appear younger and radiant as soon as you’re done
Get a new hair style– A fresh new haircut, some extensions or a new hair color can turn your life around. Be sure to schedule a consultation with a specialist to ensure professional and accurate results.
Get a massage- Take the weight of the world off your shoulders by getting a massage. This will help you to relax tight muscles, release poisonous toxins and balance the fabulous new you

happenings

NY Times best selling author JL King to hit the road for Love on a Two-Way Street Tour

New York Times best selling author JL King, will appear in Charlotte, NC on October 29th as part of his Love on a Two-Way Street Tour. The famed author and motivational speaker has appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show; and now you can see him live! (Read his moving interview with Oprah Winfrey)

JL King

Author of (9) nine books that range from the nature of human behavior to guides on the affects of health issues on minorities and, sexual orientation and its impact on schools to animal adventures, JL has more than 25 years of experience in writing, publishing, creating and implementing communications strategies for corporations, organizations, aspiring writers and authors. Due to his contributions to the literary world, King has been the keynote speaker and presented awards by approximately 250 education, health and faith based organizations to include: Tuskegee University, Harvard, Howard, Princeton, Alabama A&M, Southern, Florida A&M and Tulane Universities; and, the African American Conference for HIV/AIDS, Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention and National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE). His commitment to multiculturalism and, candid approach to majority issues and minority concerns has made JL one of the most influential Americans.

JL‘s gift of spontaneity allows him to fully involve his readers through relatable characters, familiar situations and unpredictable outcomes.

If your in the Charlotte area this weekend, be sure to stop by…You don’t want to miss this event!

Love on a Two-Way Street Tour
Saturday October 29, 2011
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
@ The Nickel Fireside Lounge
2817 Rozzelles Ferry Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28208

For more information email info@sistersinmotioninc.com

Visit JL King’s website at www.jlking.net

Stay tuned for details on tour dates for the Atlanta area!!!

happenings

135th Street Agency host BBQ kickoff for BET Hip Hop Awards

Hip Hop was the “flava” as the music industry descended on the ATL for a star-studded weekend that brought out Atlanta’s Hip Hop ambassadors and celebrity elite to welcome the 2011 BET Hip Hop Awards to the city.

Now, anyone who knows me knows that I am a true 80’s aficionado (of sorts). BUT, I actually grew up during the Hip Hop era, so my knowledge of the genre is actually slightly above average. And, even though my kids believe I was born during the Civil War (LOL) I’m still pretty “versed” on the Hip Hop culture. Get it…versed? 😐 (crickets…) Ok, moving on…

Since this was my first ever awards related experience, and one of such magnitude, I was super excited to jump right in! Now, let me tell ya, there were literally 100’s of events around town to usher in the 2011 BET Hip Hop Awards. But, with so many events happening all over Atlanta, where does a girl begin? Honestly, I could not decide. Luckily a few fabulous ladies saved me from myself with well timed invites to attend several of the hottest spots that the weekend had to offer.

Fonzworth Bentley, Shante Bacon and Saptosa Foster of 135th Street Agency, and Faune Watkins

First up was the 5th Annual BBQ Kickoff party hosted by NYC-based marketing/PR firm the 135th Street Agency, where over 400 VIP’s packed Piedmont Park’s Magnolia Hall to commence the weekend celebrations. Co-hosted by Fonzworth Bentley and Kelly G (BET’s EVP, Music Programming), the event featured an all-star line-up of celebrity guest, including French Montana, Da Brat, Ray J, DeVyne Stephens, Dondria, Lil Duval, Verse Simmonds, Jovita Moore (WSB TV anchor), Kwanza Hall (Atlanta City Council), Faune Watkins, D.Woods, Shanti Das, Derek J and comedian Shawty.

Yummy Cocktail Cupcakes

Tasty BBQ (courtesy of the Ambiance Network Catering) was on the menu along with delicious treats by Tasty Cakes ATL, and the most decadent cupcakes this side of a shot glass (LOL), Cocktail Cupcakes by the fabulous Brittany Wyatt. It was good to see Brittany again…Now, I know a thing or two about cupcakes, so trust me when I tell you that if you haven’t had a Cocktail Cupcake, you don’t know what you’re missing.

R&B artist Ray J and DeVyne Stephens

So So Def artists Da Brat and Dondria

Hip Hop artist French Montana and DJ Drama

Jovita Moore of WSB TV

Guests mixed and mingled while sipping complimentary Remy V cocktails and FUZE drinks, while featured DJ’s Drama, Trauma and Traci Steele kept the party rockin into the night.

Universal Studio's Tower Heist

Universal Studios were also in the house to promote the up and coming film Tower Heist featuring Ben Stiller and Eddie Murphy.

Nikka Shae posing in the OMG Booth

Dr Miracles provided these fab swag bags

OMG!!! We had a great time capturing candid moments inside the OMG Booth, and Dr. Miracles provided guests with swag bags featuring a few of their upcoming products. FAB!!!

The fabulous MiMi J, and Brittany Wyatt of Cocktail Cupcakes

Tami Reed with Talking with Tami, Saptosa Foster and Shante Bacon with 135th Street Agency PR

Tami Reed of Talking with Tami, Saptosa Foster and Shante Bacon with 135th Street Agency PR

MiMi J (aka Joan of Appliqué 😀 ) was also in attendance and looking haute as usual!!! So was the fabulous Tami Reed of Talking with Tami who hosted the Bloggers Circle.

Thanks Tami for the invite!!! We had such a great time blowing up Twitter @ #BETHHA all night!!! LOL

Also, thanks to Saptosa Foster of 135th Street Agency for hosting such a fabulous event!

All the fab bloggers at the Bloggers Circle hosted by Tami Reed of Talking with Tami

So, by the end of the night, after all that mixing and mingling with all those Hip Hop celebs, I had amassed a pretty extensive vocabulary of Hip Hop terminology that I was eager to put to the test at the next event. And, I figured that every time I used a Hip Hop related term during any of the weekend celebrations, that a rapper would get his bling. (a lil It’s a Wonderful Life…but with a “Twist-a”… Ok. I’m done) 😛

Next up…the BET Art of Gifting! Let’s go!!!

**Photos courtesy of 135th Street Agency

etc, etc

Former “Doublemint Twin” turned Interior Designer opens design showroom in Atlanta

Maudlin opens interior design showroom in Atlanta

For nearly two decades, California-based Maudlin, situated on the design savvy stretch of Girard Avenue in La Jolla and founded by one of the original “Doublemint Twins”, Jennifer Van Galder, has been providing the highest quality in interiors to residents. Included are A-list designers, professional NBA sports moguls, Hollywood celebrities, and heads of Fortune 500 companies. All have sought out Van Galder for her timeless vintage inspired designs and down to earth services. Now she and business partner,William Rose of Artifactual have opened Maudlin et al in Atlanta’s West Midtown Design District on DeFoors Avenue. Located near DeFoor Center with plenty of parking, Maudlin et al offers creative design options for interior designers and lovers of home decor. The grand opening, which will include special give aways, discounts, wine and light bites is scheduled for Thursday October 27, 2011. Open house for the public will be held 1pm-5pm and a media reception from 7pm-9pm.

Van Galder shares, “Maudlin La Jolla has long been known for custom upholstered, and slip-covered furniture, drapery and bedding. Our fabric selection is extensive. We excel in custom lighting. After years of buying antiques and unique pieces from William Rose in Atlanta, we finally made our working together official by opening Maudlin et al to signify the breezy style of the West merged with the traditional style of the East.” Artifactual specializes in industrial furniture, old world iron, architectural salvage, soft goods and more and has been serving the Atlanta and surrounding areas for nearly a decade, Van Galder continues, “Artifactual has offered an unbelievable source for our designers and other store owners throughout the country and I am thrilled to open the second location of Maudlin, Maudlin et al. We are excited about the endless possibilities of this partnership.”

William “Bryan” Rose began his early career in the home building industry and soon realized he had agift, that of perfect proportion and an eye for melding old with new and Artifactual was born. Rose said in a recent interview when asked about the number one influencing factor in his success, “Spending several summers in Santa Fe looking at size, color, and texture, old partnered with new, I knew it could work across the spectrum of great decorating, was fresh and something not offered in the South, where I was born.Today’s young progressives in the Atlanta area are discriminating in taste and are enveloping the marriage of old and new with futuristic. Maudlin et al, understands that and looks forward to helping interior designers and home décor lovers to stylize and incorporate their ideas.” As a former fine home builder, William “Bryan” Rose has even built custom furniture utilizing antique components for his clients.

Van Galder and Rose travel the world collecting just the right pieces for signature looks for fine living. Both are busy with interview requests for design inspired publications, due in large part to the recent partnership to furnish restauraunt food chain,Urban Plates in San Diego.

To attend the private media reception or sign-up to receive details and/or information about the open house, please RSVP to the T.MORRISON AGENCY at publicity[at]tmorrisonpr[dot]com.

All media inquiries and requests for interviews should be directed to our press contact.

To learn more about Maudlin La Jolla and Maudlin et al, please visit their website or keep up-to-date by checking out their blog.

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