Between my full time job, teaching part time, blogging (even in its current limited form), family life, and a host of other things I’m working on…I’ve got a lot to do these days.  I’m not complaining, just acknowledging that fact.

Driving home the other day, I went down my “to-do” list and it seems to be growing by the minute. Everything is such a balancing act for me right now. It’s a bit overwhelming. But as I think about everything on my to-do list, I realize this is par for the course on the path to greatness.

I put so much on my plate because I have an appetite for success and I’m going to tackle each portion of my life’s meal one by one, until I reach my goals. I feel so hungry!

I’m hungry for more out of life!

I’m hungry for a new lifestyle – the one of abundance that I’ve always dreamed of having.

I’m hungry to be a better me.

I’m hungry for God.

I’m just…hungry! Ready! Willing!

The first half of 2012 is coming to a close. What are you doing to help you achieve your goals?

What are you hungry for?

Just a FEW of the names on this year’s lineup include:

Aretha Franklin
Mary J. Blige
Fantasia
Keyshia Cole
Kevin Hart
Ledisi
Estelle
Goapele
SWV
Vivian Green
Bridget Kelly
Dru Hill
Kindred Family Soul

And might I add that D’Angelo was just added.

Um…yes, please!

Wanna go? Of course you do! Here’s how you can:

The folks at State Farm have teamed up with Essence to provide a fun opportunity for one lucky winner and two friends to attend the festival this summer (July 6 – 8 in New Orleans, LA).

Do you have a unique sense of style that is all your own?

If so, then get ready to show it off!

Submit a photo showcasing your style sense to enter the State Farm Celebrate Your Unique Style Contest!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• 3 Round Trip tickets to the Essence Music Festival
• 4 Days/3 Nights Hotel Accommodations
• $500 Style Makeover
• A chance to show your makeover on the Essence.com live stage and online!
• Floor seat tickets to all 3 concerts!

To participate in the “Celebrate Your Unique Style Contest” contest submit your photo HERE.

The contest begins May 7th and will run until June 7th.

Good luck, ladies!

I’m not sure how I stumbled upon Torrey McGraw’s website Grind & Thrive, but I’m loving what I’m seeing so far.

Grind & Thrive is THE place to go to get in the mind of today’s rising stars, from business to music to blogging. Torrey conducts in-depth interviews with people that we don’t get to hear from often, but have always been curious to know more about (at least that’s true for me). Some of the standouts for me have been Paul Carrick Brunson, Angel Laws, and Demetria Lucas. After seeing their episodes, I remember asking myself, “How did he get these folks to do these interviews?!” I was intrigued to learn more.

The people that Torrey interviews are change makers in their respective careers. The interviews are thought-provoking and motivating and he seeks to find out what they did or are doing to get to their level of success. His approach is easy-going yet professional, which creates an honest conversation between friends vibe. He asks the questions we all want to know, like how Pat Flynn went from being laid off to earning $200K a  year with online businesses. Each  interview becomes like a free, 30-minute mentoring session from some of the leading trendsetters of today.

I’ve always been hungry for that ‘behind the scenes’ information, so this site is right up my alley. His content provides the same experience I used to get when I read (slowly and meticulously) the liner notes of the albums of my favorite artists. Reading the notes and credits was the exciting part for me; not just hearing new music! I wanted to know who the song writers were, who produced my favorite tracks, and who the artist thanked in their obligatory thank you section. I knew that it was these people that were the ones who were at the top of their game, if they were sought after by my favorite artists.

Part of being successful, in my opinion, is to study those that have gone before you. You don’t know what to aspire to, or to aspire above, if you don’t have a reference point. Right now I’m studying the moves and lives of those that I admire, and it seems like Torrey and I have the same list of interests! He just hit up Amy DuBois Barnett (editor-in-chief of Ebony magazine) on Twitter for an interview. If he lands that one, I’ll be the first one logging on to see that session! Her book “Get Yours” was a game changer for me and her career is stellar to say the least.

If you have no idea who any of these people are that I’m referring to, then I recommend you gon’ ‘head and step ya Google game up!

Or, you can check out Torrey McGraw’s site and get ready to learn how to grind and thrive! The work that he’s doing is why he’s a total friend in my head!

Hi Boo-Boo! Over six months have passed since my last letter to you. I think that’s because I’ve been so busy trying to keep up with how quickly you’re growing! I finally took some time to reflect on all that’s happening. As a family, we’re going through a busy time. I work during the day and also at night (only once a week though) and daddy has class three nights a week. We have a lot going on, but as always, you’re our (and Nana’s, too) center and focus.

You took your first steps in January and just a couple of weeks later you were fully walking all on your own! I’ve watched the video of your first major triumph at walking so many times, if it were a tape, the black ribbon would be broken. I just realized that you’ll never know what a “tape” is, so I’ll have to explain it to you when you’re older. Watching you make such a monumental transition into toddler-hood still brings my heart so much joy!

I have to admit that I was a bit sad to see the last few elements of your infancy come to a close. But I look forward to seeing all the things you have yet to do! Talking is already one of your strong suits. It amazes me how many words you seem to learn with each new day. You’re great at imitating and your baby sign language skills are improving as well. “More,” “Please,” “Eat,” “Thank You,” and “I Love You” are some of your favorite words to sign and say!

At 16 months, you’re playful, energetic, and loving. You give lots of hugs and kisses and I melt with each one. My new favorite thing you do is when you call me mama (it always makes me fee so proud) and when you run up to my leg and squeeze it with all your little might. I love how kind and gentle you are.

You also have your moments of being fussy, impatient, and temperamental - as to be expected for your age. The words “no” and “stop” have recently made their debut into your vocabulary. There’s no turning back now; it’s toddler time! But Daddy and I pledge to be patient and teach you what boundaries are.  Hopefully you’ll thank us for it later.

We all had a rough time when your last set of teeth started to break through. You experienced slight fevers and a month-long bout with runny nose and congestion, but you handled it like a big girl. Thankfully the worst part of teething is over for now and you are definitely putting those new teeth to good use! Your appetite is a healthy one, to say the least. You still love yogurt (which you call “go-gurt), rice, chicken, and veggies. Oh, and bread (just like mommy)! And milk. The list seems endless!

I’m so happy to see you growing and developing in so many positive ways. It’s truly a blessing.

I fall more in love with you everyday, my sweet girl. Thank you for inspiring me in and helping chart my life down a course that would help me discover my greatest purpose. It is my pleasure to be your guide on this journey.

Until next time.

Love,

Mommy

Today I’m featuring a new mommy-to-be that is also a business owner, so this post will be a double win! We get to share in her excitement as a first time mom, as well as receive some great advice on how to be successful at running your own business.

Say hi to Candice Wood, everyone!

I met Candice at a local venue while I was planning an event for a client a few years back. Did ya’ll know I used to have my own (albeit very small) event planning business? I swear I’ve had nine lives! Anywho…

I found her to be personable, professional, and very sweet! We didn’t book the venue, but I’ve followed her company, De-Lovely Events ever since. She’s a leader in the wedding industry and is known for her impeccable attention to detail and for making her clients feel completely at ease on their big day.

Some of her professional accomplishments include working on the Elton Brand Foundation Event in NYC {2008}, producing several Gala Events as the Event Planning Chair for the Wish Upon a Wedding Orange County/Los Angeles Board of Directors {2010-2012}, as well as working with her hometown grassroots non-profit organization, Success in Challenges, Inc., as their PR/Marketing and Events Specialist {2011-present}. She was recently brought on to oversee all on-campus Alumni & Parent Relations events at the esteemed Harvey Mudd College {Claremont Colleges} in January 2012.

She and her husband are expecting a baby girl and they truly couldn’t be happier!

Candice Wood and her biggest supporter & fan, husband Stephen at a Bridal Event, 2011

What about motherhood (if anything) scares you the most?

Being a first time mom, I would have to say the total uncertainty of it all – the labor experience, will the baby gear I spent countless hours planning for suffice for this little being, preparing for the sleepless nights, and above all, how will my husband Stephen and I manage to do this as a team {without killing one another – ha}!

What are you most looking forward to once Baby Wood arrives? 

I think the biggest joy I am looking forward to is being overcome with that unspeakable, overwhelming love every parent says they experience the moment they see their child for the first time! And of course seeing what he/she will look like and what kind of personality she will have.

Describe what you like the least about being pregnant (if anything…and be honest!)?

Striking lower back pains and my crazy aversion to the smell of red wine {it makes me so ill – and yet I LOVED red wine in my pre-preggo days!}.  Talk about a serious cure for wine cravings when I can’t even have it!

What’s the greatest lesson you’ve learned about life and business since becoming your own boss? 

Take your time, write your goals down and be patient as you work to accomplish them – I think these apply to both life and work!  I started my business in 2004, and can honestly say that it took nearly 7 years for me to experience that feeling of total accomplishment and being “on top of my game”: I was planning 14-15 events in the course of one year, while serving on non-profit boards and networking/collaborating with some amazing professionals in my industry – oh, while at the same time, nesting and planning my “forever” with my future husband! 2010 and 2011 were awesome years, but 2012 will be even better!

What advice would you give to someone looking to start their own business – event planning or otherwise? 

I always highly recommend mentorship – connect with a pro or “master” in the field you aspire to be in and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty.  Learn the job and the industry inside and out – go out and network, take on as many opportunities, free or not, as you can!  If one is desiring a career in event planning, I starting in catering and/or event operations is crucial to learning the fundamentals and demands of the event industry!

How do you expect to maintain the proverbial work/life balance?

In this last year, so much has changed in my personal life that the pendulum has naturally taken a course in tipping more to focus on my personal life and putting my professional priorities second.  I have always wanted to be a “wife and mom first, business woman second” and thus have taken somewhat of a step back from professional commitments I would have previously made as a single woman, as I plan for the biggest role of my life.  Moving forward into 2013, of course I will still do weddings {I love them too much to stop}, but on a limited, seasonal basis.   I am also finding a passion in collaborating on non-profit events that allow me to not only fully exercise my passion in planning for a cause, but such contractual obligations that also give me a little more flexibility in my schedule.  Events will come and go, and although my business in the event industry will remain a constant endeavor and passion of mine, my role as wife and mother will ALWAYS be my full-time job and first priority!

What great insight she gives here!

Please join me in wishing Candice and her husband a heartfelt congratulations!

Make sure to show her some cyber-love, too! Follow De-Lovely Events on Facebook and Twitter!

It’s devastatingly easy and yields a delicious and filling meal with minimal prep and cook time.

Ingredients List:

1lb of boneless, skinless chicken breast (cubed)
1 pk of Lawry’s Chicken Fajita seasoning (optional)
1-2 tablespoons of Canola oil
1 15oz can of enchilada sauce
1 15oz can of corn (I also use frozen sweet corn)
1 pack of corn tortillas (you’ll use about 12)
2 cups of shredded cheese

Steps:

1. Cube and brown the chicken (season with the Lawry’s mix)
2.  Cut the 12 tortillas into strips then set aside
3. Mix the chicken, corn, tortillas, enchilada sauce, and 1 1/2 cup of cheese in a bowl
4. Pour the mixture in a casserole dish
5. Add remaining cheese on top and bake for 25 – 30 minutes

Notes:

Be sure to pre-heat the oven before you start preparing the meal.

The Lawry’s Chicken Fajita seasoning mix is not pictured. It’s optional. I like it because it gives the chicken an extra kick of flavor!

I place larger tortilla triangles at the bottom of the casserole dish to make it firm and easier to cut when it’s ready.

I used a Mexican blend of cheeses, but you can use whatever you prefer.

You can also add whatever garnishes you may like as well, such as sour cream, guacamole, or olives.

Feel free to comment below or contact me with any questions about the recipe!

Happy Cooking!

I just finished clicking through what seems like at least 100 photos and I’m feeling unexpectedly inspired.

Here are five things I’ve learned from just my first view of Beyonce’s photo diary.

Experience  life: I may never have the funds to travel to the Amalfi coast or any of the other exotic locations we see her frolicking in throughout the photos; but that doesn’t mean I can’t travel within the confines of my own budget and see the world. That vacation with my husband I’ve been putting off because we’re too “busy”? Yeah…that’s getting booked soon. I read a quote recently that said that it’s better to spend money on experiences than on things. I’m all about that concept!

Keep family close: The pictures of Beyonce and her sister Solange are so pure and sincere. Sure they’re megastars, but at the end of the day, they’re sisters and people forget that. It was heart warming to see Beyonce surrounded by her husband, sister, nephew, and other close friends and family. Quite honestly, no matter your level of fame – family is everything. Keep those you love the most around you. I’m sure that’s been her secret to staying grounded all of these years.

Be beautiful: By this I don’t mean just physical beauty. Her inner beauty is apparent, both with makeup and without. You can tell she’s happy. Inner beauty can’t be hidden!  I try to do all I can to take care of myself and keep my mind and body at peace. That’s not always easy, but today I was reminded of how important that is.

Rep for your man! Many times we see Bey throwin’ up the dynasty sign, saluting her husband Jay-Z. They’ve been together longer than both of Kim K’s marriages and they’re still going strong! I’ve always respected the way they have kept their relationship private – as it should be! So to see them holding hands, celebrating special occasions, vacationing, and working together was refreshing. They’re as powerful and as successful as they are because they’re a TEAM. There’s your lesson on marriage for the day.

Work hard & Be in control: We’ve all watched Beyonce’s ascent into stardom from her earlydays as the standout in Destiny’s Child. For those in my age class, we’ve grown up along with her. Her work ethic is unmatched and she grinds harder than a bag of coffee beans at Starbucks! The result of that is: when you work hard, you can play hard. Moreover, the fact that she released these pictures on her own accord, in her own time, and in her own way (just like she did with the debut of Baby Blue) speaks volumes to how in control she is of her life and her career. She’s an artist, a wife, a mother, sister, friend, daughter, and entrepreneur. She does it all with style and grace. She knows what she wants and goes after it. Just like me. Just like you.

*All pictures were sourced from http://beyonce.tumblr.com/

Here’s what he had to say and I find that my sentiments mirror the same.

What is more disheartening about the death of Trayvon Martin isn’t the failure of the justice system, but some of the opinions and comments being made by media pundits, politicians, but more importantly people.

The Internet has created armchair commentators out of all of us, but with it comes a disassociation from the events we comment on and the people involved in them.

Trayvon wasn’t just a young, black kid killed for being in the wrong place at the wrong time, by a man who let his bigotry dictate his actions — He was an intelligent kid who represented our future. Not just of this nation, but of the world. A child like ALL others who will usher the world into a brighter future when we are all old and gray or no longer on this Earth.

Trayvon was somebody’s child. He is a son to a grieving father and the joy in a mother’s tears. He was a best friend to his teammates and a first love for some young girl. He had a family who loved him and now a nation who mourns him.

There is a reason this is getting national attention. We can attribute it to sensationalism, the media, political posturing, and a myriad of other reasons, but ultimately I feel that his death touched a part of us we tend to ignore far too often–fear through the sense of injustice. The part of us that sits alone at night and wonders if their teenage kid will come home when hanging out late with friends. The part of us that worries if their daughter is safe walking home from school. The part of us that questions the actions of every person who interacts with their children from store clerk to teacher.

Everyone can relate regardless of whether they have children, because everyone HAS children. We like to believe that it takes a village to raise a child and this is a clear example of why that rings true today. Trayvon represented the love of those who have them, the hope of those who want them, and the joy of those who will never know them. He, like all children belong to all of us, for we are responsible for ensuring that our future in them is safe and secure. We are responsible for raising them with the fundamentals of living a good life and charged with protecting them until such time where they can protect their own children. It is a cycle that is continually repeating itself as a way to ensure that we as a people, grow from generation to generation. On the day Trayvon died, the justice system didn’t fail. The police didn’t fail. Society didn’t fail — We failed.

We are the justice system. We are the police. We are teachers. We are parents. We are neighbors. We are friends. We are family. When Trayvon died, (we) the people of this nation, failed to do our job. When Trayvon died, we relized the cycle was broken.