Last Saturday night, we celebrated my dear friend and Deco Producer Odette’s birthday by getting our creative juices flowing at a new concept “store” called Painting with a Twist! I checked out the website before I went (they have locations in city’s all over the country), BUT honestly, I didn’t think I could really create a true masterpiece work of art!! LOL The idea is you bring a group of friends and your own wine..then paint, drink and be merry!!
Luckily we had a very patient master artist leading our class..he’s also a former Deco Producer..Eric! He asked if we had ever painted before, I thought about my childhood “paint by number” and water color sets….then I asked if murals/posters, etc.. for high school rallies count?? haha I’m sure at some point I have painted even if it was an adolescent art class. Anyway, birthday girl Odette chose a moonlit ocean/palm tree scene, and step by step we each put paint on the canvass to make our own (re)creation!
This was really a fun way to hang out and feel artistic and use the other side of our brain…. We learned different brush strokes, how to make colors and I’m happy to say everyone was able to complete the task!!
SEEE! Yes…I PAINTED THAT!!! And — here’s a closer look…
I can’t wait to hang it up in the closet!! j/k So, if you’re looking for something else to do on a fun night out with a twist…give this a try, PAINTING WITH A TWIST!! You will be amazed at what you can do, all by yourself!
Every year, hundreds of women pour their heart, mind, soul and body’s into auditioning for various Pro Sports Dance and Cheer Teams. I have worn an audition number, stood in line with the masses for my chance to dance, and so I KNOW what the experience is like. Thankfully I have been successful and have reached my goals of being selected for a coveted spot on one of those teams. Now that I’ve hung up my dance shoes, I work as a consultant and regional director for Going Pro Entertainment…and every year the company puts on “dance conventions” all over the country, designed to help audition hopefuls be ready and be their personal best for these once a year NFL, NBA, AFL, etc.. auditions. This year I am again coordinating events in the Bay Area (Northern California) and Miami, FL.
Another GREAT benefit of our workshops is that there are open to current dancers as well. Perhaps you are on a college dance team or semi-pro team that doesn’t have a big budget for choreography, however…by attending our events, you will learn 2 routines and 4 sidelines to take back and use for your own performances, so we encourage teams to send a couple if not all their dancers to be part of this exciting day! And — it’s always a wonderful refresher for alumni who’ve taken time off and want to get back in the groove before auditioning again.
All our events are staffed by former dancers, director and choreographers from Pro Sports Teams and we have the advice, tips and insider info you need to put your best foot forward! Of course we encourage you to always attend the “prep classes” for the specific team that you are interested in being part of, to be audition ready. Going Pro conventions offer that extra “edge” and additional help some of you may seek and it’s another opportunity to meet like-minded women who are also going through the process. Plus, since we are not the actual team reps for specific auditions, it’s no pressure, ask any questions and have fun!
I’ve never done one of these “Top 10″ lists before, but with the year winding down, I started thinking about all that I’ve done this year and decided to sum it all up! No doubt 2011 has been a VERY memorable one…filled with travel, cross-country moves, fun interviews and always surrounded by the love of family and friends. So, without further adieu…here goes:
SUSTAINATOPIA HONORS 2011, presented by PLUM TV is the world’s premier awards ceremony honoring those doing GOOD through impact investing, philanthropy, and sustainable business practice. Hundreds of global leaders in investment, social entrepreneurship and philanthropy will gather to celebrate those committed to doing GOOD and changing our world forever.
#9 – Back to my Pro Dance/Cheer Roots
I became a Regional Director/Consultant for Going Pro Entertainment. In my role with GPE, I coach women as they work toward their goals of auditioning and being selected as a Dancer and/or Cheerleader for a pro (sports) team! I coordinated and hosted 2 very successful all day dance conventions in Miami and the Bay Area, and I’m proud to say a handful of the women are now on pro and semi-pro teams living out their dreams…namely Rachel of the San Francisco 49ers Gold Rush! Another exciting event was the inaugural NFL Pro Cheer Alumni Reunion in Las Vegas. Watch this video for the highlights!
It was a quick flight to Cozumel to meet up and board the ship for a very special “at sea” performance by Taylor Swift! Not to mention I got to experience cruising on one of the biggest and newest vessels out there…very memorable!
One of my Miami gal pal’s heads up marketing for Equinox Gym’s in South Florida and she said there was an event going on with a celebrity that would be featured on The Ellen Show during a Zumba class, so could I attend!?!? I was like sure, no problem…well lo and behold…the celeb was none other than the Miami HEAT’s LeBron James!
On The Flipside continued to take on a life of its own in 2011, bridging my passion for sports and my “career” as a host, reporter, broadcaster. It’s an online TV Show I produce, host and edit in my spare time and I’d say 7 episodes is an accomplishment…we’re finishing the year with a 34 total episodes since its launch in 2009 and a handful of extra “specials” too. This year I had the opportunity to feature sports celebs like Santonio Holmes, Marshawn Lynch, Dwight Howard, Stephen Curry and Dwyane Wade, just to name a few.
I celebrated my birthday on both coasts this year, felt like I was on “tour.” Tariq made sure it was extra special, completely spoiling me…that paired with being able to see and share the occasion with so many of my friends made it so memorable! From Miami to LA and finally back home in the Bay, my 2011 birthday was a reminder of how blessed I am!!
One of my favorite things to do is travel, and while I’m usually not too much of an adventurous type, in 2011 I dared to be different. During my visit to Maui with my sister and Dad, we decided to embark on a downhill bike ride on the Haleakala Volcano! It was a 22-mile ride, that in the end I am so glad to say I did, but really there were times I was like what did I get myself into!?!? haha
Then on my Ocho Rios, Jamaica excursion, I had the unique opportunity to go horseback riding in the ocean…which was fun, but seeing the horses relieve themselves in the water while we were riding around in it…not so much! LOL
Well, what can I say, in 2011 I left Miami and the East Coast in May to return to my beloved Bay Area. I took a job as a TV Reporter at KRON and decided it was time to take that leap of faith! Needless to say, it didn’t last long…the gloom & doom, murder & mayhem nature of the news just wasn’t for me! I’ve been back living the (freelance) Miami life and 2012 is promising to deliver lots of new beginnings! I can’t hardly wait.
#2 – Virgin Atlantic’s RED HOT REPORTER in LONDON
In October of 2011 I had the opportunity and trip of a lifetime courtesy of Virgin Atlantic, after I was chosen as their Red Hot Reporter for the NFL International Series between the Chicago Bears and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Wembley Stadium! Tariq was able to come long for the “ride” and together we were privy to VIP access for all the events, parties and fun festivities!! The entire journey from start to finish was a top notch, 5-star, first class experience that I will never forget…I’ve got my fingers crossed they’ll want more of my Red Hot Reporting next fall 2012 too!!
#1 – TARIQ
Hands down THE highlight of my 2011 was finally finding my best friend and partner for life! The story of how Tariq and I came to be is something you could read in the pages of a romance novel, but certainly a long time coming…our paths have definitely crossed more than a few times over the years, but in 2011, they finally were in sync and the rest is history, with the BEST yet to come!
FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 2012 we will hold a second round of casting for MORE “CoCo Girls!!” The audition will again be held at the Heron Bay Marriott in Coral Springs starting at 9am SHARP. Please come dressed in interview attire and change of clothes/shoes for dance portion.
Please spread the word and post about this additional round of “CoCo Girls” Casting coming up FRIDAY, Jan 6 in Coral Springs. The “CoCo Girls” will be ambassadors for the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek and will consist of a dance/show team (NFL/NBA style) and the CoCo Girls will also have the opportunity to work as Blackjack Dealers in the Casino in the “party pit” with a salary of $50k/yr. Casino will pay to have you trained/certified as a dealer. Must be 18+.
Any promo or appearances “CoCo Girls” do in addition to blackjack dealer will receive additional compensation, (i.e. practices, performances, etc…). We’re looking at a minimum of 8 appearances/performances per month…
I will be the director and I am definitely looking for classy, well-rounded dancers, like you see in the NFL or NBA. There will be a short choreographed number to learn and perform for the panel, so please come prepared to dance too!
**This is a great opportunity for dancers who are looking for steady work and a flexible schedule!**
Any questions, please feel free to contact me, otherwise see you there next Friday, January 6, 2012!
**AUDITION IS FRIDAY, JAN. 6, 2012, 9AM at the HERON BAY MARRIOTT IN CORAL SPRINGS!!**
The one and only DJ Irie hosted a FANTASTIC holiday party on Miami Beach last night with Ludus, to support his Irie Foundation. I am proud to say that Irie was one of my first “Miami friends” before moving to Florida, and since that time his star has grown exponentially..and very well deserved! He is one of the hardest working people I know, but always stays humble, gracious and grounded…I can’t say enough.
All that being said, anytime I can support and attend one of his events, I do my best to be there! Well, last night he definitely outdid himself. He hosted the most lavish, decadent, holiday party on Miami Beach at a private residence and he pulled out all the stops with theme, decor and entertainment..in true MIA fashion! From elf-fitted servers to nutcrackers, Santa and a crew of “Ho, Ho, Ho’s”…there was snow, elaborate lighting, exotic cars, Stoli drinks flowing and of course the music to put you in the Holiday spirit..or just party mode!
Check out more pics below…it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
Please spread the word and post about the “CoCo Girls” Casting coming up THIS WEDNESDAY, Dec 21 in Coral Springs. The “CoCo Girls” will be ambassadors for the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek and will consist of a dance/show team (NFL/NBA style) and the CoCo Girls will also have the opportunity to work FT as Blackjack Dealers in the casino’s “party pit” with a minimum salary of $50k/yr. Casino will pay to have you trained/certified as a dealer. Must be 18+.
Any promo or appearances “CoCo Girls” do in addition to blackjack dealer will receive additional compensation, (i.e. practices, performances, etc…). We’re looking at a minimum of 8 appearances/performances per month…
I will be directing the “CoCo Girls” and I am definitely looking for classy, well-rounded dancers, like you see in the NFL or NBA. There will be a short choreographed number to learn and perform for the panel, so please come prepared to dance too!
**This is a great opportunity for dancers who are looking for steady work and a flexible schedule!**
Any questions, please ask me. Also if you can’t make this audition (short notice) but are interested, let me know because if I don’t find what I want this time, we will possibly hold another audition!
Posters and promo for the San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker are starting to pop up all over San Francisco… and how cool must it be to see your work displayed all over the city you love?!? Well, that’s a reality for my sister Ade, since she’s the in-house graphic designer for the San Francisco Ballet! So, if you’re in the Sucka Free keep your eyes peeled, because her work is everywhere..BART stations, MUNI buses, Cable Cars, city walkways, etc… Peep some examples below!
I just spent a week with Flat Stanley! My friend Eric in Phoenix sent him to me and asked if I knew who he was and if I’d be willing to participate…of course I obliged, and Stanley and I had a great time!! So who is this “Flat Stanley” character, for those of you who aren’t familiar??? Well, he has a website – http://www.flatstanley.com/
Basically he’s a character from a book and because he’s “flattened” he can be mailed, thus allowing for great adventures all over the globe as he gets passed from friend to friend. I did this for Mrs. Mac’s 1st grade class at Cottonwood Elementary in Hesperia, CA!
I received Stanley in my Oakland mailbox right after Thanksgiving and of course he got to ride on Southwest with me cross-country to Florida! See how he got the window seat and was watching the luggage get loaded!?!? ha
We had one layover and plane change in Las Vegas, so Stanley took that opportunity to sit in front of the slot machines! Unfortunately we didn’t hit the jackpot and proceeded to board for our Fort Lauderdale bound flight.
The highlight of Stanley’s South Florida visit was a day out at an NFL game to see the Miami Dolphins host the Oakland Raiders! Here he is getting ready to enter Sun Life Stadium amidst all the pre-game festivities….
We had great seats at the game, but sadly the Raiders lost…womp, womp, womp… However, it was fun and Stanley got to meet my road dawg Jeanette and she will now be hosting him for a week over at the Raiders facility…hopefully he brings them better luck for this Sunday!
We learned different brush strokes, how to make colors and I’m happy to say everyone was able to complete the task!!
#10 – Host of the FIRST EVER 
#8 – My first 
#2 – Virgin Atlantic’s RED HOT REPORTER in LONDON
However, it was fun and Stanley got to meet my road dawg Jeanette and she will now be hosting him for a week over at the Raiders facility…hopefully he brings them better luck for this Sunday!
