You KNOW You’re an NFL Cheerleader IF…

meandshan

I’m a former NFL Cheerleader for 2 different NFL teams (Raiders and Cardinals) and recently we had a reunion with women representing 24 different teams over the past 50 years! Anyhow, my “roomie” for the event was Shannon Oleen, a former KC Chiefs Cheerleader turned Inspirational Speaker. She was one of the speakers during our Saturday night gala and delivered a great message to all the attendees, preceded by her very TRUE and very FUNNY “Top 10 — You know you were a (former) NFL Cheerleader IF…” She tested it (the list) out on me beforehand and she was dead on!!!

So, I wanted to re-post her blog and share it with all of you!!! And — to all my fellow NFL Cheerleaders (Alumni, Current and Future), would love it if you chimed in on just HOW TRUE this all is!!!

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Top 10 Reasons, you know you were a former NFL Cheerleader:

10. You know you were a former NFL Cheerleader, because to this day, you cannot take a photo without the classic top pop.

9. You know you were a former NFL Cheerleader, because you have the best grapevine in your Zumba class.

8. You know you were a former NFL Cheerleader, because you have mastered the art of putting on eyelashes or nails, while driving. Shhhh!

7. You know you were a former NFL Cheerleader, because to this day you can still educate any man about the game of football, all of the rules and you can spot a tight end from a mile away, because you know your football facts!

6. You know you were a former NFL Cheerleader, if you are out for a girls weekend and you happen to bust out into sidelines #6.

5. You know you were a former NFL Cheerleader, because you know exactly which number, and which shade of red lipstick suits you.

4. You know you were a former NFL Cheerleader, because you’ve been asked a 1,000 times how many, and which players you’ve dated.

3. You know you were a former NFL Cheerleader, because to this day, your husband’s cousin’s boyfriend still asks you if you can get free tickets to this year’s season home opener.

2. You know you were a former NFL Cheerleader, because every time you step into a stadium, you get that tingle in your belly when you hear the national anthem.

1. You know you were a former NFL Cheerleader, because at the NFL Cheer Alumni Reunion, we took over the dance floor all night long.

Top 20 Under 40, I made the List!

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Who really pays attention to the “lists”?!?! There’s lists and countdowns for just about everything these days and I’ll admit I don’t really pay attention all that often, but I will always browse and glance to see what’s on there…. Well, now that I MADE A LIST, I’d say it’s a pretty darn good feeling! Plus, since this “list” is only for those under the age of 40….my years to make it were running thin! haha!

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At any rate, I am extremely honored, flattered and humbled to be chosen as one of the Top 20 Professionals Under 40 by Brickell Magazine. I must say my nomination came as quite a surprise as I am just now hitting my stride balancing my titles of work and Mommy, and I was thrilled to be selected.

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The photo shoot was lots of fun, as I got to meet some of the other professionals chosen for the May/June 2014 issue (I’m on page 103), everyone has a story to tell and I’m in great company! So, if you’re in and around downtown Miami/Brickell, pick up an issue…or check it out online HERE!!!

PhilanthroFest

Philanthrofest has made a huge impact on the South Florida community. The event, now in its third year, connects 1000’s of South Florida residents to valuable resources and services in the areas of Business & Economic Development, City/County Services, Civic Engagement/Community Improvement & Capacity Building, Cultural/Arts/Humanities, Educational, Environmental, Health/Human Services/Disease Prevention, Poverty/Welfare, Animal Related, Food/Agriculture/Nutrition, Recreation & Sports, and Youth Development & Services.The PhilanthroFest Community Engagement Festival features more than 100 South Florida non-profits and community agencies, art, music and dance entertainment, a kid’s zone, a community stage, healthy living section, and other family friendly attractions.

PhilanthroFest is FREE and open to the public with the goal of connecting volunteers and donors to not-for-profit organizations while creating an environment that promotes civic engagement, deepens community connections and sparks the philanthropic spirit of South Florida.

3 ways YOU can support PhilanthroFest TODAY:

GIVE

Donate to support the PhilanthroFest 2014 Festival and we will include your name on our donor recognition page and donor activation at the festival. DONATE VIA EVENTBRITE!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/philanthrofest-2014-tickets-10897953071

VOTE

Cast your vote for PhilanthroFest in the KIND “Do The KIND Thing” Challenge: VOTE NOW! http://projects.kindsnacks.com/project/philanthrofest-2014-civic-engagement-festival/

SHARE

Share your #PhilanthroSMILE with us and be featured in our social media campaign: SHARE YOUR #PHILANTHROSMILE
http://www.philanthrofest.com/philanthrosmile

Dubs All Day

I spent part of the 2nd day of 2014 at the HEAT vs. Warriors game at American Airlines Arena.

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It’s only once a year (NBA season) when my hometown, Bay Area, Golden State Warriors make it to South Florida, and after many years of struggles and heartache for fans, the team is finally competing (and beating) the competition! Plus, I have to make sure to show some “California Love” …so, it was exciting to see the team in action in Miami and to represent & support a team I grew up watching!

DUBS ALL DAY! I also got to sport a custom shirt design by Tony.psd in the Warriors Blue and Yellow – in fact there were lots of Golden State fans in the crowd Thursday night… so that was fun to see too!!

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And — post game my friend Maite and I were invited to check out “HYDE” – the ‘exclusive” court side club, which was nice because I hadn’t been down there yet when it was “club” time… and coincidentally I ran into my friend Jenn, who was visiting Miami from the Bay! Good times!

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Touch Dolls: Deliano Fashion Show

Last night I attended a fashion show to benefit the Children’s Home Society at Touch Dolls boutique in (MiMo neighborhood) Miami. My gorgeous friend Constances Jones of WPLG was the host for the evening… and the owner of Touch Dolls was showing off her new Deliano designs collection!

Here are a couple more pics from the event of me and the girls hanging out!

above (l-r): Adrianna, Jessica, Constance and Me

To see all the photos from the event, please visit the Soul of Miami website!

2013 “Favorite Things”

A couple of my friends made the 2013 list for OPRAH’S FAVORITE THINGS! How exciting is that? I am so proud to say I know these people and it’s wonderful to see their grind and hard work getting some much-deserved attention after some years of keeping with it.

So, first up is Logan Real. He is a Miami-native that I met while doing a custom shoe story for Deco Drive. These days he is doing “big things” working with designers like Rebecca Minkoff adding his personal touch to her beautiful bags, with hand-painted custom monograms! Now, Oprah gives him the shout out for his signature on Monogram Gloves!

Second is Susan Hanover Designs. Oprah chose her stone drop earrings to feature on the list! I also met Susan years ago while pitching story ideas and she is a sweetheart! I’m very excited for both my friends… On that note, is it really time for HOLIDAY SHOPPING!?!?!

 

 

Gear Up and Represent Bay Area Sports

Fall is here and the NFL football season is in full swing, MLB playoffs are upon us and another NBA season is just around the corner. So if you’re looking to get some gear that’s not your typical “sports” t-shirts and sayings, check out www.tonypsd.bigcartel.com

I’m working with Tony on some new graphics for my newest passion project – look out for that, but in the meantime I wanted to share some of his fun designs reppin’ the Bay! 🙂 I know Oakland A’s fans (old and new) need some fresh gear for the playoffs & SF Giants fans represent for the Sucka Free regardless.

And — some examples of the designs for the Raider Nation and 49er Faithful…

Let’s not forget the Golden State Warriors who are poised for another incredible season or the San Jose Sharks!!

Alright, alright…be sure to check it out!! www.tonypsd.bigcartel.com

 

 

NFL AM

I made my NFL Network debut yesterday on their morning show, “NFL AM,” with a countdown style segment on NFL’s Pop Culture Crossovers. It was a fun segment and I got plenty of great feedback, so hopefully I’ll be bringing more “pop culture” to the show very soon!

Check out my 5 for the week…. From Colin Kaepernick’s kicks to Kurt Warner’s life story.

At any rate, here’s my clip from the show…press play!

And — thanks to Touch Dolls boutique for helping me select my yellow dress for the segment!