A Dream Is.....

Today we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for all he has done to bring equality, justice and peace amongst all women and men. It is such a honor to know that someone laid down their life for us to have the rights that we have today that go unnoticed and are taken for granted. I am thankful for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for the man that he was and all that he believed. May his soul rest peacefully.

In honor of  Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I came across a short film by singer/actor Tyrese Gibson entitled "A Dreamers Dream" with Blair Underwood and Jill Scott that I had to share. It literally touched my soul and I fell in love with it, (y'all know how I feel about film) please watch this short film.

HAPPY MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY!! 

Brunch Is....

It's that time again! Every year starting in January 2012 I host a New Year Empowerment Brunch to encourage and motivate close friends and family to live out their purpose. What started as a humble being in my apartment community room has grown into a morning event at Cedar Restaurant. Last year I held it at Cedar Restaurant with a very good friend of mine Sevetra Peoples who is the CEO of T.E.A. Health Awareness and we had a great turn out. T.E.A. Health Awareness was our official sponsor and bought out two awesome speakers Janel Morgan a license Psychotherapist and Michaela Link Brown Founder of Living Life on Purpose. I invited Ruby Brown Professional Hairstylist and Make-Up Artist. The setting is very intimate and engaging and sure to transform your mind and open your heart to all that life has to offer you.

This year I am collaborating with D.C. native and artist Reesa Renee we are excited to bring such an event like this back to Cedar Restaurant for the second year in a row. Our guest speaker is Mrs. Karen Beale who is the Technical Manager at IBM. My hopes are that you will find time in your schedule to join us on February 1st at 10:00 a.m.

Title: Invisible to Invincible Brunch

Where: Cedar Restaurant

            822 E Street NW

            Washington, D.C. 20004

Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Parking is $5 through the restaurant PMI Parking located on D Street between 8th & 9th Street

Follow @reesarenee on Twitter & Instagram

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Be sure to use our hashtag the day of the event #i2ibrunch

To purchase tickets: Invisible to Invincible 

New Year's Eve: Game Night

This New Year's Eve I decided to celebrate it differently. I first started off by giving praises to my heavenly father Jesus Christ at church at the 7:30 p.m. service. After service I did not want to go through the hassle of going out and having someone to watch my son so I decided to have a game night  at my house with my son and fiance and a few close friends. It was so much fun! 

My son walked around the house getting everyone excited about seeing the ball drop at midnight. He was so much fun. 

I had champagne flutes ready for everyone to make their 2014 toast. We toasted to great health, wealth, relationships and careers with God at center of it all.

Our very own Black Jack table 

Our Craps table

We had so much fun ringing in the New Year in the presence of our home. Thankful for all that we experienced in 2013 and looking forward to much more in 2014. 

The Best of 2013: Outfits

Very Merry Christmas

This is a look for less

Shirt: Express

Necklace: Forever 21

Blazer: Kenneth Cole 

Skirt: Forever 21

Vest: Forever 21 

Boots: Barefeet Shoes 

(I guess you can tell I like to shop at forever 21 for simple go to pieces) 

I had a very Merry Christmas I am a firm believer in Jesus Christ and I always rather give than to receive. My son was blessed to receive all that he asked for and thankful for what he has. I couldn't be happier. I hope your Christmas was very Merry as well! 

A Holiday Party Is.....

On Saturday December 21st I attended New Friends Holiday Party at Topaz Hotel in the Dupont Circle corridor. I was excited to get dressed up and go party with friends (old and new), upon purchasing my ticket I noticed that some of the proceeds would go to charity and to me that was admirable. That's what the holidays are about, giving back. It was nice to get all dressed up and go celebrate the holidays with a cause in glam and dapper attire. I truly enjoyed myself, check out some photos from my night. 

Dress: Jaide Clothing, Shoes: Steve Madden

Myself and fellow Blogger D'Angela 

D"Angela, Kacey, Schuntel (1/4 of the host) and Myself 

My Fiance BG and myself (engagement story coming soon) 

The Hosts: Schuntel, Derek, Pam and Giorgio 

Photo cred: Schuntel's Blog

Ms. Style and Grace

Making of BEYONCE: The Visual Album Part 2 (Imperfections)

Making of BEYONCE: The Visual Album

A BOSS IS...........

Totally caught by surprise but the Queen of R&B Beyonce released a self titled visual album Beyonce last night exclusively on iTunes.

In my eyes this woman can do no wrong. She is an innovator and hard working artist who inspires me beyond belief. I most definitely had to buy this album.

The album has 14 songs and 17 videos. I am a visual learner and doer so I most definitely appreciate her accompanying all her songs with the video at one time. Genius.

My favorite songs:

1. Pretty Hurts

2. Drunk In Love 

3. Flawless

4. Mine

5. Blue

I love the entire album but I just decided to go with my top 5. 

Incredible work! 

"King Bey" 

*drops mic and walks off*

Rest in Paradise

Rolihlahla (Nelson) Mandela July 18, 1918 - December 5, 2013

I must pay homage to the Nelson Mandela for his great acts of service while he was hereon earth. President, philanthropy, politician, revolutionary and his stand on the anti-apartheid movement. His selflessness was honorable and remarkable and has touched the lives of so many people across the world. May his legacy live on.

Here are my top five (5) favorite quotes by Nelson Mandela:

"I have learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.The brave man is not he who feels afraid but he who conquers fear."

"It is better to lead from behind and to put  others in front especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will appreciate your leadership. "

"There is no passion to be found play small in setting for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living. 

"It always seems impossible until it's done."

"We must use time wisely and forever realize that the time is always ripe to right"

An Angel Is....

The Grammy nominated Erica Campbell one half of the Gospel sensation duo Mary Mary looks absolutely stunning in an all white top and midi skirt paired with white Giuseppe Zanotti Kanye Cruel Summer heels. She is beautiful and looks like an angel! Erica was nominated in the Best Gospel Song category for "A Little More Jesus". Congratulations to her on the Grammy Nomination. 

M-A-C MAKE UP IS.......

RiRi -White-Hot Holiday Colour 

M-A-C never fails every year they present a holiday collection to keep customers excited and it is always a cute package that you would want to add to your collection. This year they are featuring the Rihanna White Hot Holiday Colour Collection and I must say I love it. It is available now online and will hit stores on December 12th. I definitely have to get this collection. Will you? 

Video Love

Luke James "Strawberry Vapors" 

I love this video because of the visuals as a director and a visual creative myself I like the tone, speed and visual concept. It's very unique which makes it more intriguing to watch.

 Show your Video Love by checking a box below:

it is*   it isn't*   it is what it is*

Video Love

Tamar Braxton "All The Way Home"

I love the concept and the fact that she was realistic with her plot. I know in the entertainment industry it is desirable to create the fantasy and present eye candy but sometimes presenting a real life situation draws in fans to a new perspective. In the words of Tamar "Getcho life".

Show your Video Love by checking one of the boxes below 

it is*  it isn't* it is what it is*

Winter White Is....

Dress: One & Only, Shoes: Zara, Watch: La Bella

Saturday afternoon I attended a wedding of a high school friend wearing a winter white dress from One & Only paired with my Zara colbalt blue and gold strap sandals. I was truly happy for her, to see her dress in her big white Cinderella dress (yes I cried) was breathtaking. How can you not be happy at a wedding? I know there is a saying to "never go to a wedding without a date", "weddings make single women bitter" yada yada yada.... However I believe the more you can share in someone else's happiness single or not God will bless you with your hearts desire. Women let's not focus on what a man can do for us because with or without him you have to be happy with yourself first. When your time comes to be a wife it will be all you dreamed of and more. Please be content in your singleness God is saving you for your husband. 

Any who, she looked absolutely beautiful and as she should she was the bride. I just love love and when it's genuine love standing before God it's even better. *Cheers* to the covenant. 

Thankful Is....

Sunglasses: One & Only, Dress: One & Only:, Blazer: Marshalls, Knee Highs:Forever 21. Watch: Aldo,  Shoes: BeBe

This Thanksgiving I decided that I wanted to dress chic but simple, I love simple pieces and at least one statement piece. The statement piece of this outfit is my shoes I absolutely love them, the purple heel is what adds the statement affect. Besides wearing a super chic outfit I spent time in the presence of my family. There is nothing like the love you receive from your family, you can never act grand or brand new, (if your family is like my family they will read you) the laughing and shared memories is what I love most. I am truly thankful for the people who are in my life. God did a great job. Thankful! 

Happy Thanksgiving

As I prepare one of my favorite dishes for tonight's dinner I can only think about how thankful I am for everything that I have. I am thankful everyday that I wake up but I am glad that there is a day that has been reserved on the calendar for everyone to give thanks. Being able to spend time with your family, friends is a reminder of how grateful and thankful we are to have such wonderful people in our lives. That is what is most important.

This year I decided to only make one side dish, so why not make it fun and creative. I have been hearing and seeing pictures of Macaroni and Cheese Bites and I couldn't resist. The recipe I used was very simple and traditional: 1 egg, 1 tablespoon of butter, 1 cup of milk, 1 box of elbow macaroni, a pinch of sea salt, 1 bag of sharp cheddar cheese, 1 bag of mozzarella cheese, a half a block of cracker barrel sharp cheddar cheese, and a garlic bread crumb mix with olive oil.

Tin foil muffin tray

Mixing the cheese blend

Placing the macaroni and cheese in the muffin cups

The finished product with bread crumbs 

Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours! 

Guest Giveaway Is.....

My good friend K Monique is hosting a BLACK FRIDAY GIVEAWAY from her boutique Vanity Chic on Instagram,  if you are on Instagram you have to participate read the details below.

Movie Review: Best Man Holiday

Review: Opening weekend of The Best Man Holiday I was so excited to go see this movie so I purchased a ticket an went that Saturday. With this being a sequel movie of course I had an expectation, I was wondering how things would all pan out after 14 years. Who is doing what? Did Lance and Mia have children? Who is Jordan dating? Are Q and Shelby a couple? All of those questions ran through my head. Once I sat down in my chair I was unsure of what my eyes were getting ready to embark on. 

I was happy, emotional, I laughed I cried I had empathy and those are all the things I wish to feel when I go see a drama/comedy movie. It was a great holiday movie that put reality into perspective. All the cast member did a awesome job, I must say my favorites still remain to be Jordan (Nia Long) and Lance (Morris Chestnut). Lance was the perfect husband in this movie, his character was consistent and loving. Jordan has a new man, Harper (Taye Diggs) and his wife Robyn (Sanaa Lathan) are expecting a child. ShelbyMelissa De Sousa) now has a daughter, Julian (Harold Perrineau) and Candace (Regina Hall) have to figure out somethings in their marriage, and Quentin a.k.a Q (Terrance Howard) is still up to his jokes and crazy antics. I don't want to spoil the movie for those people who haven't seen it by telling scene by scene but it is a must see. If you haven't seen it GO now. 

I give this movie ***** (5 Stars) 

If you did see the movie I want to hear your thoughts? Was it a great sequel? 

Sarea's Instagram Likes Is....

1. Rebecca Minkoff Hologram Frends Headphones 

2. Model Dani Evans (America's Next Top Model) Home Decor

3. Mary Mary All Black Leather Look

4. Helena of Twinship Chanel Home Decor

5. Rodeo on 5th Dream Home Photo

6. Cut Life reposted Phatface beautiful picture

7. Jazzy Studios Model Editorial Photo

8. Folake of Style Pantry All Black Ensemble

9. Jazzy Studios Model Editorial Photo 

Sarea's Instagram Likes Is....

Check out my favorite Instagram likes of the week

1. Porscha Stewart's Jimmy  Choos

2. Brian Atwood Ad

3. Rodeo and 5th Island picture

4. Brian Atwood clutches

5. You are your Choices Quote

6. Kevin Hart's Grown Man photo shoot 

7. June Ambrose and Jay Manuel Street Style (and friendship)

8. NiNi Style in her awesome Celine shades 

9. Brian Atwood's Floral Pump  

Premiere Day Is....

I am so excited today is the day that The Best Man Holiday premieres, if you don't know I am a lover of movies. I am a writer and director and this storyline is such a great one, it very realistic and relatable which is why so many people are so excited to see it. Not to mention it has great eye candy for both women and men. When The Best Man first premiered in 1999 I was in the 8th grade, yes a bit young to go watch this movie but my mom took me. I remember sitting there just thinking "like this is what I want to do with my life write amazing stories that the world could enjoy". With any movie you watch you develop a favorite, my favorite female character in this movie is Jordan Armstrong played by Nia Long.  You already know who my favorite male character is (let's say it together) Lance Sullivan played by Morris Chestnut. 

I actually like each character for the dynamic they added to the movie. I am looking forward to seeing how each character has developed over the years and how they will celebrate the holiday season. I am going to see this movie this weekend and will give my review next week.

Are you going to see The Best Man Holiday?

Partnership Is.......

Isabel Marant has partnered with H&M for a luxury for less line and fashion lovers around the world couldn't be more excited. Isabel Marant will make its appearance in all H&M stores at 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon today online. I first learned of Isabel Marant when the popular sneaker wedge took surface and since then she has yet to disappoint me. I too am excited about this launch.

Last night in New York H&M had a huge event for the first 300 shoppers to get first dibs on the Isabel Marant pieces. There were definitely rules to keep things organized, 30 shoppers only had 15 minutes to shop so the next group of 30 could make their way into the store. 

Photo by Racked.com

I can't wait to see what's online, I am not a huge fan of rushing to the store on such huge events like this. I like to take my time to browse and peruse through the store, after all who wants to make a hasty decision when you are trying to buy fashionable pieces? Not I! 

Photo by Racked.com

Will you shop the Isabel Marant collection for H&M? 

HAPPY SHOPPING!!! 

H&M Isabel Marant Collection

HAPPY VETERAN'S DAY

I have to pay homage to all of the veteran's who have made such a huge sacrifice for our country. They had to choose the hard decision of being away from their families to protect our rights and freedom and it is never taken lightly. The blood, sweat, tears, running, hiding, training, strategies and countless of sleepless I know were all for us. I have several verterans in my family and I know first hand the sacrifies that were made. I salute, honor and celebrate the unselfish will to serve our country.

Thank you all.

HAPPY VETERAN'S DAY!! 

Sarea's Intagram Likes Is.....

Take a look at what I found interesting this week on Instagram.

If you are on Instagram follow me: @sareaflo