Holiday Cocktail Ideas

A great way to make your holiday party planning easier is to have a signature drink. Here are three great suggestions for you to choose from. First up is the Cranberry Margarita with fresh cranberries and Tequila. I confess, you had me at the sugarcoated rim.

You say you don't have gingerbread cookies? No worries. Serve your guests Gingerbread Martinis with crushes ginger snaps instead.

Don't worry, I didn't forget about the kids. The Merry Berry Christmas, Sugar is a delicious mocktail full of raspberries, black and blueberries that everyone can enjoy.

Happy holidays!

Recipes

The Movie Selma

One of the reasons that I'm excited about the upcoming new year is because the movie Selma is set to release nationwide on January 9th. It will have a limited release on Christmas Day. That should make it eligible to compete for an Oscar. And with the heavy hitters behind this film, I'm sure that it will win many awards in the future. Selma is produced by Brad Pitt's Plan B Entertainment and Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Films. Ava Duvernay and Paul Webb co-wrote the movie. Vernay took over as writer and director in 2010 when Lee Daniels chose The Butler over Selma.

The film depicts the 1965 voting rights marches from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. It shows important events that shaped the civil rights movement such as Bloody Sunday at the Edmund Pettus Bridge. Filming took place in landmark places in Selma and Montgomery. But it also filmed right here in Atlanta.

The cast includes David Oyelowo as Martin Luther King Jr. Oyelowo was very instrumental in bringing Selma to Oprah's attention and he is the only actor from the original cast that Vernay kept once she came aboard. The production also stars a host of other well-known stars such as Tim Roth, Common, Lorraine Toussaint, Cuba Gooding Jr., Niecy Nash, and Wendell Pierce. And I can't wait to see it!

writer & director
cast

A Look at Bridal Fashion Week

October 11th -13th was Bridal Fashion Week in New York City. Here are two fall 2015 collections that caught my eye. First up is Badgley Mischka. Mark Badgley and James Mischka have been working together since 1988. I love their design style for the modern bride. 

You will noticed a few ball gowns, but most of the pieces are a twist of the traditional mermaid style dresses. The first thing that I observed was the layers of lace and the ruffles. Gorgeous gold beading and appliques add the right amount of sparkle to this group of gowns.

Another sexy collection was by none other than Vera Wang. She had eighteen looks that were to die for. There were a couple simple, really clean bodices with puffy tulle ball gowns. But the gowns that I really liked had sheer lace with floral print details. They were adorned with delicate silver beads and pearls. My absolute favorites were the pieces with a pop of fabric on the shoulders and the gold dresses with the metallic appliques and bead work.

I have been happily married for seventeen years, but admiring wedding gowns makes me want to start wedding planning all over again!

Badgley Mischka
Vera Wang

Remembering Oscar

Two days ago, we lost influential fashion designer Oscar de la Renta. I have featured his work before here and here. So I wanted to take a moment to remember his life and work. Oscar was born in the Dominican Republic. When he turned 18, he went to study painting in Spain. His love for fashion came when he began sketching for fashion houses. Over the years he apprenticed in Spain, was a couture assistant in Paris, and launched his own label in 1965. Fame came in the 1960's when he began dressing Jacqueline Kennedy. From 1993 to 2002 he designed the haute couture collection for Balmain. His brand grew tremendously after that. In addition to ready-to-wear, he launched his signature fragrance Oscar, accessories, and a home ware line.

When he passed away at age 82, he was a husband of twenty five years and a father of adopted and stepchildren. He was diagnosed with cancer in 2006, but he didn't let it stop him. It made him appreciate life more. That is the same year he began doing bridal wear. He also designed a resort hotel in Punta Cana. His talents have been rewarded by receiving the Council of Fashion Designers Lifetime Achievement Award in 1990 and Designer of the Year in 2000 and again in 2007.

Here is a look at his spring 2015 ready-to-wear collection.

Oscar

photos

Jeff Leatham's Vision

I have been a huge fan of Jeff Leatham for a number of years. He is best known for his creative floral arrangements that literally stand up out of their vases. Jeff began working with flowers at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills. Currently, he is the artistic director at the Four Seasons in Paris. During his exciting career, he has done weddings and events for celebrities such as Tina Turner, Eva Longoria, and Madonna. Jeff has been featured on Oprah, Martha Stewart, and The Queen Latifah Show. He even had his own reality show in 2009 called Flowers Uncut. I really enjoyed getting a glimpse into his design world and wished his show was still on the air.

A few days ago, his third book was released. Jeff Leatham Visionary Floral Art & Design is a big beautiful hardcover book full of his creations. It took him three year to fill the pages with colorful pictures from his events. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy.

book

Jeff

Diane von Furstenberg's Reality

Internationally known fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg is adding reality TV star to her resume. Her show House of DVF will air on E! starting Sunday November 2^nd at 10:00 PM. The contestants on the show will compete for the opportunity of a lifetime to learn from Diane and become a DVF girl.

As if her schedule wasn’t busy enough with designing new lines of woman’s clothing and accessories, sold in such high end stores as Neiman Marcus, her memoir is also coming out. You can pre-order The Woman I Want To Be now or wait until its October 28 publishing day to pick up your copy of her ninth book. In her life story, she will talk about everything from her mother surviving Auschwitz, being married to a prince, re-launching her business, becoming famous because of her signature wrap dress, and dressing celebrities like Michelle Obama.

I am a big fan of her work. Her designs can be seen on one of my previous posts about New York Fashion Week. I will be tuned in to her show and I can’t wait to read her new book.

Diane

Book

NY Fashion Week Recap 2

Last week was fashion week in New York. Here are a couple of very different spring/summer collections that I liked. The first designer is Carmen Marc Valvo. I liked this collection because it was a great combination of ladies wear, men's wear, and swimwear.

I fell in love with the cut out sleeves with a touch of sheer mesh. All of the dresses were sheer and fluttered down the runway. My favorite was an electric blue one. Do you see how it stands out from the rest of them?

While his collection was full of prints and sheer fabrics, it was classic and wearable by almost everyone. Reem Acra's collection was unlike his because it was more daring. The gowns were tighter and showed a lot more midriffs.

There were a lot of sparkling dresses. My favorites were in various shades of pink. They ranged from soft pastel silk to hot pink sequins.

Her collection is definitely for the confident woman!

Carmen Marc Valvo runway collection

Reem Acra runway collection

NY Fashion Week Recap

September 4th - 11th was Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week for spring/summer 2015. One of my favorite collections was by Naeem Khan.

His collection was full of beautiful dresses in a variety of bright colors such as yellow, radiant orchid, blue, and red. As well as floral and other prints.

There was also something for everyone as far as style. You could choose from shorts, pants, short or long dresses. Some of the textures on the runway were sequins, lace, and silk.

My favorite pieces were emerald green. The designer created a long V-neck dress with ruffles, a short lace dress, a long silk gown, and a sequin jumpsuit.

I'm looking forward to his next collection!

Naeem Khan runway show

Emmys Red Carpet Recap

Between the Emmy Awards and the MTV Video Music Awards I have been in award show heaven this week. I was glued to my TV Monday night watching E! Live from the Red Carpet before the 66th Emmys. There were so many gorgeous gowns to choose from. But here are my pick of favorites.

The first dress I fell in love with was a Marc Bouwer white gown worn by Orange is the New Black star Laverne Cox. I adore the jeweled embellishments at the shoulders.

Not everyone can pull off wearing yellow, but Kate Walsh looked stunning in her sunny Stephane Rolland peplum gown. Did you notice the beads down the sides?

The very talented Octavia Spencer wore a red Tadashi Shoji that fit her like a glove. I love the way the designer draped the top layer of fabric.

All the pregnant woman this week simply glowed. Hayden Panettiere and her baby bump looked great in a silver sequin Lorena Sarbu.

Actress and talk show host Keke Palmer won best dressed in my book hands down. She made me want to run out and get my very own cobalt blue Rubin Singer trumpet gown.

Laverne Cox
Kate Walsh
Octavia Spencer
Hayden Panettiere
Keke Palmer

MTV Video Music Awards Fashions

Last night, I watched the MTV's Video Music Awards. Of course I had to watch the red carpet show beforehand. Here are my favorite looks of the night. First up is Rita Ora in a beautiful red gown with a killer split.

I loved Gwen's hot pink and black two piece outfit. To me it was a great departure from the rest of the dresses.

But the best outfit of the night was worn by singer Kelly Rowland. I loved everything from her braided crown to her flowing dress. Proud of her for embracing being pregnant. I hate when baby bumps get squeezed in tight dresses.

Next up, Emmy Red Carpet recap.

Rita Ora
Gwen Stefani
Kelly Rowland

Chocolate Wish List

Recently, I came up with the bright idea to give up chocolate. Okay so bright may not be the word I'm looking for. What starts with stu and ends with pid? Yes that's better. Anyway, it's day number twelve of my chocolate fast. Since I can't enjoy the taste of chocolate right now, the next best thing is to work on my wish list. That way when it's over, I'll really be ready!

First up are Neiman Marcus chocolate coated potato chips. They comes in white, milk, and dark chocolate. It's the perfect mix of salty and sweet.

  

I love macaroons. Can't say that I have had chocolate ones yet. So I'm adding them to my list.

This Popsicle is taking chocolate covered strawberries to a whole new level. I sure hope I finish fasting before summer is over so I can enjoy this at least once.

Speaking of taking something to a different level, these chocolate sprinkle covered marshmallows look so good. Which treat would you put on your list?

marshmallows
chips
Popsicle
macaroons

National Book Club Conference

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of attending the National Book Club Conference for the second year in a row. The conference is a three day event in Atlanta featuring some big names in the literary world. During the day, attendees get to choose from various authors sessions to hear them speak about their books and do signings.

At one of the presentations in the ballroom author, actor, and philanthropist Hill Harper was presented the Terrie Williams Inspiration Award. It was well deserved because he did a wonderful job of inspiring the audience.

On Saturday night, everyone gets dressed up for the semi-formal red carpet event and awards dinner. This year Kimberla Lawson Roby was awarded the Author of Distinction Award. The authors aren't the only ones to receive awards though. Book clubs from across the country win for categories such as community service.

Here is a group shot of some of the featured authors of the weekend. I enjoyed seeing authors that I love and finding out about lots of others. For more of my pictures from the conference, please visit my Instagram page.

No Good Deed Movie

We've all heard the quote no good deed goes unpunished by Oscar Wilde. On September 12th the famous saying will come to life on the big screen. No Good Deed stars Taraji P. Henson as a stay-at-home mom in the suburbs of Atlanta. She opens her front door to the very handsome Idris Elba. He claims to be having car trouble, but he is actually a dangerous escaped convict.

This PG-13 crime thriller was written by Aimee Lagos. She has written and produced other films such as 96 Minutes and Demonic. I can't wait to see how the writer brings the terrorizing ordeal for this mother and her kids to life.

No Good Deeds is another great Will Packer Production. The film's release date has been pushed back a couple of times because of the release of his other movies. I'm glad that it will finally be in theaters across the country soon.

Idris and Taraji
Writer

David Tutera's Celebrations

David Tutera is returning to WE TV on August 1. This season his show is called Celebrations. He isn't just helping everyday brides salvage their wedding anymore, he is assisting hard to please celebrities. I can't wait to see rapper Lil Kim's baby shower and reality star Taylor Armstrong's wedding.  

I love David because he is very smart and charming. His talents include party planning, writing, and designing bridal gowns. I got to hear him speak about his career a few years ago when he was promoting his book The Big White Book of Weddings. 

If you love parties, make sure you tune in Friday nights at 9:00 starting in August for Celebrations.

Photo

How to Get Away With Murder

Since I love TV so much, I am always excited to hear about new shows. This fall Thursday nights will include another great show from Scandal's writer and producer Shonda Rhimes. The new drama is called How to Get Away With Murder. It stars the phenomenal Viola Davis as a criminal defense professor. The suspenseful plot is about four students doing whatever it takes to get the opportunity to work for their brilliant professor's law firm.

My phone will be on do not disturb and I will be glued to my TV to watch ABC's Thursday night line up. First up is Grey's Anatomy. Followed by Scandal. Then bringing up the rear is How to Get Away with Murder. I can not wait!

Viola Davis
Shonda Rhimes

Project Runway Time

In addition to being a chocoholic, I am also hooked on reality TV. One of my favorite shows is Project Runway. Reality TV + fashion...how could it get any better? If you've never seen the show, you are missing out. A group of eighteen aspiring fashion designer compete against each other by designing original outfits to hit the runway. Every week one designer gets eliminated until the big fashion show at the end of the season where the final three designers show an entire collection.  

The stars of the show are world famous super model Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn. Tim was on the faculty of Parsons the New School for Design and also worked at Liz Claiborne before coming to the show as a mentor. They are joined every week by fashion industry experts and celebrities judges. Season 13 premiers next Thursday July 24 at 9:00 on Lifetime.

Heidi & Tim

Sizzling Summer Eats

I recently did a post on sizzling summer cocktails. So I decided to do a post on summer eats for any parties or holiday celebrations this season as well. 

What better way to enjoy the heat than to enjoy juicy summer fruits like watermelon and mangoes? Paring watermelon feta cheese is a delicious treat.

I love the idea of mango and cabbage as an alternative for regular coleslaw. 

Your bar b que grill isn't only for hamburgers and hot dogs. Try grilling some fruit such as peaches. Then wrap them in prosciutto. Grilling seafood such as lobster would be a wonderful surprise for your family or party guests.

Enjoy!

watermelon feta salad

mango and cabbage slaw
grilled peaches
grilled lobster

Let the Church Say Amen Movie

I love it when one of the books I've read gets turned into a movie. The book Let The Church Say Amen was written by ReShonda Tate Billingsley. She is another one of the wonderful authors that I got to meet at the National Book Club Conference last August.

The movie was produced by Queen Latifah and Regina King. Regina made her directorial debut working on this project. The star studded cast includes Steve Harris, Lela Rochon, Naturi Naughton, and Hosea Sanchez. MegaFest attendees got to see a screening of it last year. The rest of us will finally get to see the film when it appears on TV.

Let the Church Say Amen is about the first family of a Houston church. Reverend Jackson devotes so much of his time building up his congregation that he neglects his own family. As a result, all three of his kids lead dysfunctional lives. That's all I'm going to say. You will have to read the book yourself or wait until the two hour BET original movie comes out.

Book
ReShonda Tate Billingsley
Movie