The Power Of Children – Dr. MLK Jr. Birthday Celebration

Royalty free from  thefamouspeople.com

Momsrising knows how to party. We also know recognize the power of Children. On the weekend of Martin Luther King Jr. birthday we celebrated his legacy with some of Charlotte’s most amazing people, the youth. Did you know that Martin Luther King, Jr. was born January, 15, 1929 as “Michael King Jr?”

However, his father changed their first names to Martin and added “Luther” to his name as well as his son’s name. And both his father, Martin Luther King, Sr., and his mother, Alberta Williams King, were reverends.
Though he had a generally good childhood, from a young age, King saw firsthand the tough realities of the Jim Crow laws: the King family was ushered out of shoe stores because of their race, and he lost a young friendship due to racial differences.
He was a great student. He was admitted to Morehouse College at the age of 15. King graduated from Morehouse College in 1948 with a B.A. in sociology.
After graduating from Morehouse, King enrolled in Crozer Theological Seminary in Chester, Penn., and then also enrolled in the University of Pennsylvania. He was very successful at both schools and received many recognitions and awards. After graduating from Crozer, he began doctoral studies in Systematic Theology at Boston University in 1951, and then completed his doctorate in 1955.     

Can you imagine raising a child like him? I often wonder what his parents did to support such a powerful child despite the social distractions.

This Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, our community came together to celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the power of children. Our goal was to share a fun, kid focused, educational and most of all intentional day with our greatest and most powerful asset, our children.

To set the kid friendly tone, we played Dr. Kings speech,” If I Had Sneezed.”  Following was a storytelling by 12 year old Sybirah. Yes, I said a 12 year old storyteller.

Storyteller Sybirah- Anasi And The Snake

Her powerful story was about the notorious Anasi. She was poised, articulate and engaging! The children listened to her every word! After that, children’s book author, S.Cherie read ‘Freedom On The Menu’ and ‘If Kids Ruled The World’. Those books proved to be a great lead into the on going craft workshop with Flo, of We Chic’d It.

It almost looked like an elf workshop, as paint, rocks, slabs of wood, and stencils filled tiny hands. Parents assisted in creating inspiring and beautiful pieces of art worthy to be posted on the families wall. Peek at some below.

 

 

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Later we enjoyed music performances by Brandy. and Niles, a 5 year old trombone player. You can watch both original videos online. Click here! And here!.

 

 

 

Like any good party, it is not complete without the birthday song and cake! One word, YUMMY! Oh, and Stevie Wonder would have been so proud to hear the children singing his song, that he wrote for his friend Martin. It was so harmonious! (listen to Stevie here.)

Before I end, let me give a big thanks to Momsrising’s generous co-sponsors and community supporters: Flo of We Chic’d It, The Black Ferris Bueller, Queen City Stay At Home Moms, Memorable Moments By Lee, and Imagine Publishing! Together we followed the blueprint of creating powerful children.

MLK Birthday Celebration in The QC!

Hey Charlotte, are you looking for a meaningful way to celebrate MLK with your child?  Then plan to join us for a FREE kid-friendly birthday party to celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.!  

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.- MLK

MLK Day and the days surrounding it provide the perfect opportunity to talk with our kids about justice, service, and the ability of people working together to change things for the better. But it can be hard to find an event that speaks to kids at their level.

That’s why we’ve created a special birthday party on MLK weekend (Sunday, January 14th) geared to kids and families in Charlotte. Can you join us? RSVP here! 

At this year’s party, we’ll also be celebrating the power of children. While their contributions are often left out of the history books, children and young people played a critical role in the struggle for equality.

Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.

-Martin Luther King Jr.

From the thousands of children who marched and were jailed in the Birmingham Children’s March to Ruby Bridges and the many other children who bravely integrated schools to Claudette Colvin who at 15 refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus nine months before Rosa Parks and so many more, our nation’s history is filled with brave kids who stood up for what was right.

At this year’s MLK family birthday party, we’ll celebrate their contributions in kid-friendly ways while encouraging all of our community’s children to think about how they too can help make our world a kinder, more just place.

There can be no deep disappointment where there is not deep love.

-Martin Luther King Jr.

At this FREE celebration, we’ll have story time, crafts, activities, and top it all with birthday cake as we sing “Happy Birthday” to Dr. King.

Celebrate Dr. King’s legacy in a way that your children will understand. Mark your calendars and plan to join us! RSVP here.

Here are all the details:

What: Join us for a free story time, crafts, activities, and birthday cake as we celebrate Dr. King’s life and legacy in a way that kids can understand.

When: The party will take place on MLK weekend, Sunday, January 14th from 1-4 pm.

Where: Beatties Ford Rd. Regional Library, 2412 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, NC 28216

It’s going to be a lot of fun! Will we see you there? RSVP here so we’ll know to look for you.

Celebrating MLK and those who stood alongside him is great way to teach our kids that they too can make a difference. We hope you’ll join us and help spread the word about this free event!

-Beth, Kelle, Ruth, and the whole NC MomsRising.org team

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Like what we’re doing? Donate: We’re a bootstrap, low overhead, mom run organization. Your donations make the work of MomsRising.org possible–and we deeply appreciate your support. Every little bit counts. Donate today on our secure website.

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What should MomsRising tackle next? Tell us what’s on your mind.

Thanks to this co-sponsors, special guests :

Queen City Stay At Home Moms, We Chic’ it, Black Ferris Bueller, Brandi Alexandria, Dr, Jerry Bowman, and Author S, Cheree.

*****Last year was good. This year will be even better—–>

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NC SHEROES 2017 AWARDEES

It’s Woman History Month! Let’s celebrate the amazing contributions women make to our world and our future.

We are so fortunate to have several remarkable women from our community who are going to share their journey as we as answer any question you may have for them.

Come join  Momsrising THIS Saturday March 18th 2017   Beatties Ford Rd. Regional Library at 1pm; as we highlight and celebrate our selected SHEROES!

The award ceremony and roundtable includes a “Dress Up-Fantasy”  area for the children and a light reception following.This event is free! So come on! Ready to attend? Well it’ll be here  in no time. For now get to know more about each of them here.

Meet Chautauqua Ellison, NC SHERO

Chautauqua Ellison, NC SHERO

Born February 24, 1973, on a Saturday evening to Glenda Graves (American) and Herman Morris (Guyanese). A product of both the foster care system and adoption system. Adopted at the age of 15 after going from one abusive foster family to another and having experienced abuse with the family she hoped to have finally found love and her place of belonging only to feel the cycle of being not wanted, she came to understand what she wanted part of her journey to be. She understood she wanted to help little brown girls like herself.
A graduate of Marlboro County High School in 1992 and immediately went off to college. She attended Morris College in Sumter, SC, Commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army, April 1997 and graduated May 10th, 1997 with a Bachelor of Arts in English.
After graduating from college Chautauqua moves to Charlotte, NC and this is where she began her career in Early Education. Chautauqua has taught Early Education for 19 years. She is also a former HeadStart Educator.
Chautauqua became a member of the Order of Eastern Star, Queen Sheba #5 at the age of 21 and is still active with the Junior Eastern Stars affiliated with her chapter. At this time she began to have a full experience with SISTERHOOD.
Fast forward to the year 2010 and Chautauqua becomes involved with an amazing organization called I Am My Sister. She has facilitated evidence-based program pm Teen Pregnancy and Teen STDs/STI for 4 years for the organization. In 2013 Chautauqua started the first community-based club for the organization. In January of 2016, she became the Executive Director for I Am My Sister NC and SC chapter.
I Am My Sister is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides programs and resources centered around leadership development, healthy relationships, beauty and body image, career development, community service and support, entrepreneurship and workforce development, financial literacy, adolescent sexual health and teen parenting support, education and mentoring services for youth and their families.
I Am My Sister’s programs and services are available to youth and families in NC, SC, MD, NY, GA and CA.
I Am My Sister LOVES diversity! We’re PRO-YOUNG PEOPLE and don’t discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex or disability.
Along with being an active member of the OES (Order of Eastern Star), Chautauqua is also an active member of the Black Women Caucus of Mecklenburg , a member of the School Leadership Team at Lincoln Heights School (CMS) and a member of The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Chautauqua was also a nominee for the 2017 Mayor’s Mentor Alliance Award.
Chautauqua also lives by her personal motto: In order to teach life lessons, one must have lived the lesson beginning taught.

Meet Amanda Zullo, Founder + Owner

Amanda Zullo is the Founder and Owner of Pop Up Produce

Pop Up Produce

Amanda Zullo is the Founder and Owner of Pop Up Produce and a 2016 Emerging City Champions grant recipient winner, sponsored by 8 80 Cities and the Knight Foundation. A designer, community engager and food enthusiast, she has a passion for health and wellness, sustainable living and fresh food. Amanda earned her Masters in Urban Design with a Post-Masters Certificate in Real Estate Development, a Bachelors of Architecture, and a Bachelors of Arts in Architecture with a Minor in Geography, all from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. In both academic and professional realms, her focus has been to foster healthy communities through the built environment using design towards community activism. She has been involved in numerous local volunteer organizations, from educating the youth through various programs and work relating to community outreach.

 

Meet 2017 NC Shero: Nakisa Glover 

She is a mom, native of Charlotte, NC and holds a biology degree from UNC-Charlotte.
She has built a track record as a community organizer, with years of experience in corporate, community and service-based work. She has a passion for advocacy and contributing positively to the community. She is the co-host of TheAgenda, a local think tank dedicated to creating space built on four pillars to Inform, Discuss, Network and take Action. As a strong collaborator, she brings her perspective to her current role with Hip Hop Caucus as National Climate Justice Organizer. She is the former national field coordinator for the Justice Action Mobilization Network (JAMN), a group dedicated to advancing climate change policy using a fusing social justice and climate justice. Her deep local and national networks mean that Ms. Glover has resources and contacts for dealing effectively with such critical issues as climate, social and economic justice. She was recently recognized as an Emerging Leader in the Climate Movement and is the recipient of the Clean Air Carolina the 2016 Airkeeper Award, joining NC Governor Roy Cooper, Dr. James Kenny, and other business leaders.

Meet NC Shero; Je’lah Singleton.

D-Jé Boogie can be contacted via the following channels: Email – http://www.djeboogie00.com Instagram – @djeboogie00 Twitter- @djeboogie00 Facebook- D-Je’ Boogie Telephone – 980.202.3036

Jèlah Singleton, aka D-Jé Boogie, is a teenage female DJ who has presently been developing her craft for a little over a year. The idea of aspiring to become a DJ occurred when she realized how she could share her creativity and her love for music with others. D-Jé believes music has no boundaries or barriers. The art of being a DJ bridges gaps of age, ethnicity and various backgrounds.

 

Music has always been a huge part of D-Jé Boogie’s life. Sharing her craft allows her to share her love for the innocence and different moods of music. The variety of DJ engagements allows her to choose and ‘’play with” the appropriate genre of music for any occasion.

Becoming a DJ has required the investment in equipment, time and learning the art of the craft. She enrolled in classes, which enhanced her love for mixing and transitioning music. While attending the WTHands DJ Academy, D-Jé Boogie was selected to appear on WBTV for one their young DJ spots. That exposure improved her confidence to perform in front of crowds. Entrepreneurship has proven to be challenging and has also required discipline. However, entrepreneurship has also allowed D-Jé Boogie, as a teenager, to be her own boss. The God-given gift of her love for music will continue to reach people of all ages and allow her to share  their special moments.

Although DJ Boogie has been trained to provide the appropriate music for many occasions, she has been labeled as having an Old Soul. Her personal music of choice is different genres of music from the 1960s -1990s

 

Meet NC Shero; Flo Ward, We Chic’d It

Flo is a creative environmentalist and DIYer. She used her prior experiences to start  We Chic’d It!, a furniture upcycling company based in North Carolina with the mission to help keep usable solid wood antique and vintage furniture from going into our landfills.
After completing her undergraduate work in Fine Arts, she worked as a graphic designer for several publishing/marketing companies, such as AutoTrader and Pilot Media Companies, until switching careers and going back to school to become an educator/trainer of technology within the school system. Now, several years later, she uses her knowledge of color, DIYing (do it yourself crafts), and education to teach others how to refinish, refurbish, reupholster, and repurpose their home furniture and decor items. Becoming the Queen DIYer/Upcycling Creationist that everyone knows her to be. Always thinking outside of the box, and generating ideas on Facebook, Pinterest, and HomeTalk. She is a married, mother of three and lives in the Lake Norman area, near Charlotte, North Carolina.

 

Meet NC Shero; Judith Wilson, – Foodie4Access

Judith Wilson Burkes http://www.foodie4access.org http://www.sssmovement.com Facebook: #judielise #foodie4access #sssmoves #celebratec Twitter: @judielise, @sss_movement, Foodie4Accessclt

 

Judith Wilson Burkes is a nonprofit founder, author/blogger, internet radio host, community disability advocate and business owner.

Growing up in New York City, she developed a passion for the arts and all creativity. After attending an art high school against the wishes of her family, Judith tried to work for corporate America. She worked for various industries, usually finding a way to bring her love of creativity to the job, for more than 15 years, before her health made her leave the workforce in her mid-30s. She faced hardship in her relationships as well, as two marriages ended in divorce, leaving her to raise two sons on the autism spectrum virtually by herself. Despite her own health issues, Judith continued to work at home, first with her own graphic design company, and then virtually for technology-driven companies.

Moving from NY to MD, and now making Charlotte, NC her home, Judith formed her own nonprofit, Foodie4Access in 2016, to break down barriers of isolation faced by people and families touched by disability. Then, after meeting the founder of a local singles organization, Judith quickly saw the value of his idea to do for Christian singles what she was driven to do for people with disabilities.

With her two sons grown and independent, Judith now spends her time creating inclusive events that focus on changing lifestyles and mindsets.

Today, as President of The Single, Saved and Serious Movement and founder of Foodie4AccssCLT, she hopes to foster a sense of community among people who want to expand their social and entertainment horizons, while making a difference in local underserved communities, with small businesses and outreach organizations poised to make a difference.

 

“Do Not wait for someone else to come and speak for you. It’s you who can change the world”. -M.Y.

This gathering is in part sponsored by Momsrising. To RSVP and find out more information, visit our Facebook event at: https://goo.gl/NXoUDw   or follow along on Twitter with NCSheroes2017

 

 

Charlotte’s Best Vendors: Family Events (#TCWF2016)

This Saturday is going to be AMAZING! The excitment is taking over me and fustrating my husband at the same time!

The 6th Total Children’s Wellness Fair is a parents dream come true for the Queen City!  There will be doulas, Babywearers Of Charlotte, live horseriding, Cooking With Kids Challenge with Chef Michael Bowling, a dance party with Smoothie Bar,The Scholar Mom, amazing vendors…and SO Much MORE!

If you know me, you know I beleive in teamwork and mutally rewarding relationships that  include respect,  good customer service and business integrity.  Every last vendor is smart, kind, resourceful and just real people want to see you live better. I just cant say enough about them.  But I can tell who each of them are!

Starting with our special guest:

 

Zianna Oliphant, the 9yr old superhero that spoke at the Charlotte City Council Meeting in September. She will be there for a special Meet and Greet.  I don’t know about you,but I love sharing inspirational people with my children. My hope is that it’s contagious!

 

 

Click Here to meet our 2016 Total Children’s Wellness Fair Vendors, Sponsor and Queen City Stay At Home Mom Team!

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We want a full house. Please share. Entry, and Parking is free for this family friendly event! You don’t even have to take my work for it….. these fine folks share this (without any envelopes under the table 🙂 )

Location: KIPP Charlotte 931 Wilann Dr, Charlotte, NC 28215

Time 11am- 6pm

When: SATURDAY, 11.19.16

Family Early Voting Party And Parade To The Polls

Celebrate early voting with a superhero themed family voting party and parade!

Your child can vote in their Halloween costume! Cool right?

 

Election Day is less than 2 weeks away. Millions of American adults will enter voting booths and cast their votes for the next president of the United States. Most adults may have to wait until November 8 to choose, but Charlotte area children don’t. They can make their voices heard this Saturday at the Family Early Voting Party and Parade To The Poles!

The Queen City-honored mock election is for kids too young to go to the official booths. By casting their votes kids can have their say about who should be our next president.

Their votes may not be official, but the results are often very telling. In other polls  the results of the kids’ election have mirrored the national outcome all but two times: In 1948, more kids voted for Thomas E. Dewey than for Harry S. Truman, and in 1960, they selected Richard M. Nixon over John F. Kennedy.

You can use our facebook page to see what is going on in the city during the 2016 election before casting your vote.

 

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Here’s why you should come out THIS Saturday:

• Voting Ballots for Kids
• SuperHero Capes
• Storytime
• Snacks
• Friends
• To encourage citizenship

It will be at the Beatties Ford Regional Library

2412 Beatties Ford Rd. Charlotte, NC

November 05, 2016

10am – 12:30pm

All are welcome . Even if the parent has voted, not eligible to vote or still on the fence regarding voting. Our future voters, your kids are welcome!

Sponsored by: Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, Momsrising, and QC Supermom

Rosa Parks Farmers Market & Chef Kabui

Repeat After Me; “Cooking classes are for people that eat.” They aren’t just for free food samples and entertainment. Now, If you attend a really good one, that also has a farmer’s market on the property…you’ll really be sizzling!

Each week the boys and I have been attending the Rosa Parks Farmers Market here at the Health Department on Beatties Ford Rd. They even had a chef out there offering free cooking classes. I give them an allowance and most times, they stay within their budget. Because the prices are very fair, the produce is organic and locally grown, it quickly became a highlight of our week. As a matter of fact, the baby boys learned their days of the week based on “Tuesday Market Day.”

My home-schooled boys love the Kids Zone too. It’s like their own little world of education and entertainment. Which is great as I shop and get the first sample of Chef Kabuhi’s dishes, on the days they don’t feel like sitting quietly and watching. As the chef cooks, he teaches, tells stories and pause for culinary photo opportunities every once in a while.  From him we’ve learned these things:

• It’s smarter to add salt as you go along. There is NO WAY of reducing it once it’s on your food.
• God doesn’t bless you with good health when you choose to eat cheap food
• Spice is a seed and herbs are plants
• If you listen*, your food will talk to you.
• Produce are mostly water. You don’t need any more to cook them.
• The sign of a good chef includes just 3 Things – Temperature, Flavor and Moisture.
• When we buy dead food , we not only disrespect our bodies, but also our local farmers, family,and your families local economy.
• Your food is your mirror

He shared so much more,but I dare not tell you. You’ll have to go see him for yourself.

Today, I do take more time with each meal. I am empowered to try different combinations of food textures and understand the necessity to keep our garden up as much as we can, even in the winter months. Honestly, I think everyone should frequent farmers markets and take cooking classes. It empowers you to learn basic cooking skills, gives you awareness of food integrity, and teaches you how to speak with your food dollars!

Lol! He said”Take a picture of this beauty!”

And I could not end without showing off my enhanced culinary skills that I did not get from Johnson and Wales University, (because I was a business major) I gathered some produce from our garden. Seasoned my oil with this mix I bought from the chef. Cooked my eggplants first, peppers/mixed greens last. WHY? Because the pepper/greens mix were the fastest to cook, so adding them near the end is best for the finished product (Thank you Chef Kabuhi) 

I can only hope the kids at the upcoming Total Children’s Wellness Fair does this well and leave this big of an impression. I know my boys are requesting to make more cooking videos now.  Yes, Win Win Win!

We are going to miss our Tuesday Market Days’  It will always be our  summer spot for community chatting, fun shopping, organic produce, informative and wise chef place to buy real food and learn how to cook it.

Have you ever attended a farmers market that had a chef there? Do you like cooking classes? Tell me about your experience.

“This ensures that everyone has the opportunity to have fresh, affordable food.” We also believe that, just as Ms. Rosa Parks felt that people having access to public accommodations is a civil rights issue, we also believe that food sovereignty – people having fresh, affordable culturally appropriate food – is a human rights issue as well as a civil rights issue.” -Reggie Singleton,a health policy coordinator with the county

Friday Four: The Perks Of Reading

Last night I went to the library to do a little editing work alone. I had no clue I was about to discover another perk of having my FREE library card!  I was on my way out and decided to chat with a few librarians before exiting. What caught my eye was amazing! I low key hoped no one else seen it before I had the chance to sign my daughters up.  I guess I will now share it with you. But after you have discovered it, you have to promise to discover all the other treats that is available at your local library.  Jamie and the other good folks over there need you to support the programs they  have create for you – to meet your needs.

So what that says it:

If you have a CMS Student number, you not only have a library card, you also have the privilege to rent a free hotspot devices for free!

I was told the student must request it in person and have their student id in hand. They can keep it for up to one month. It can’t be renewed, but once returned you may be placed back on the waiting list if there is one. If you keep it for 3 months, you will be billed.

Now, if I hadn’t went to chat I would have never took the time to read this awesome library treat. Now here are four MORE reasons to visit your local library and discover the perks of your library card:

1. I got to meet Sister Souljah. at her book signing in the solar enhanced conference room ( Click here to see blog post)

2. They co-sponsor many community empowering events, like the NC Sheroes (each branch decides on this) Making relative and needed information free.

3.  They have free educational  play dates for mini readers, homeschoolers. Many of them include financial literacy as well.

4. FREE WiFi hotspots for adults too! YES!!!!! You can rent a 2 gb mobile  wifi apparatus . As Jamie explained, positive card carrying adults can rent it for 2 weeks for $14.

 

Still not bad! Enjoy!

Wednesday Wow: TCWF 2016

Thanks again to The Preparedness Consulting Group, Utz chips and Keith Clinic for being our top sponsors. 

The 6th annual Total Children’s Wellness Fair is off the ground.And We Are Off To EXPLORE!

Every fair has a theme and target market. We don’t want to be like the “Southern Women’s Show” or “For Sister’s Only”.They are both great fairs., but it’s not what we are best at,.

At the 6th Total Children’s Wellness Fair you won’t see high priced celebrities, or preservatives loaded popcorn. But you will discover real solutions for average families by amazing vendors, local entertainers and delicious clean edible treats.

 

This fair is a direct representation of our diverse city, it’s mom powered by Queen City Stay At Home Moms, – moms of the QC!

We know our audience,and the people we see everyday: other parents, the unborn to the college student. The mission is to provide  fun atmosphere where the family can affordably, easily and quickly find local holistic services and products that will enhance their wellness on all seven (7) levels {Socially, Spiritually, Environmentally, Educationally, Physically,Nutritionally, and Financially.}

We do this by practicing collective efforts. Our vendors pay a tiny fee to help cover space rental, marketing, decoration, refreshments and other administrative expenses. . We hire community teens to greet, direct and engage during the event to help keep the energy family friendly and happy. We have a Re-Fashion Show, Cooking With Kids Challenge, a live DJ, and a professional fitness coach to give everyone a fun workout. It’s always free to enter, shop and enjoy.

We have been copied but never duplicated. Why? Because we use the experience and connections of mom power.! Our moms come from every level of motherhood and educational background.

I’m sure one day this fair will travel and empower more mothers and teens to invest in their financial future, but for now we  are enjoying  building it here  in our amazing Queen City.  Our passion is true. Help us spread the world. Vendor and sponsorship packets are available.. To join us, please fill out this vendor packet. HERE. (For Sponsorship or other questions message Kelle  at QCSupermomInfo@Gmail.com )    

This years fair will be on November 19, 2016 from 11am -6pm. Rocky River High School. Come out! 

 

 

ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: THE ROAD CHIP (review)

The children and I will never be Siskel and Ebert, but we had a great time sharing our opinion of the latest movie from one of my childhood favorites, Alvin & the Chipmunks! Don’t go see it until you’reread my review of ” Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip” 

See the tailor at https://youtu.be/xA6cOSEZhzM

I loved it. My 2 year old loved it. My 5 year old loved it. My 6 year old loved it. My 9 year old loved it. So did my teen daughters! Each of them had their favorite parts of the movie. Yes, thumbs up all across the board! 

The highlight of my night was the subliminal messages throughout the movie! But first let me start by saying that the movie was loaded wit energy from the beginning tho the end! I think we all lost 3 lbs within 90 minutes!

So  Samantha, a single mom gets with Dave and like any new love outside of their biological parents, the kids are against it. The parents went on a vacation and the adventure begins. The human son and the chipmunks have one heck of a bonding adventure! They had limited funds, but managed to get from point A to point B in the most creative ways. All while staying a step ahead of the Air Marshal that placed them on the No Fly Zone. I personally LOVED the way they used teamwork to build  trust among the kid’s* Which was hard because that boy was such a hard nut to crack.

Yes, I know it was a movie, but it’s remarkable. I truly loved the authentic music scenes, the simple romancing and at the end where Dave adopted them-yes chipmunks.

It’s a movie every member of the family can enjoy!  Go See and tell me what you think about the son when he got frisked at the airport. Dude peed and pooed* on himself!Well there you have it. Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip will be playing in theaters December 18, 2015. I’m off to figure out who Belle Thorne is.  Have a great one ya’ll! 

 

Queens Fitness: 30 Days of Fitness Bliss

I’m a big woman. I know that and it doesn’t take a double take to notice it. I hate that I allowed myself to get so out of shape.  After this month, I promise myself not to ever get this far out again. I still don’t understand how it all just sneaked on me …… I’m serious!

It’s so much easier to stay fit than to get back fit. I can’t let my children go through this! Time for action!! So last week I got busy.

I gathered up 5 of Charlotte’s BEST female trainers, opened the doors to all of the women 18+ in the area to one of the cities best fitness studio, adding aromatherapy (REAL diffused essential oils), great parking and “Viola!”  I created something fit for a queen!

We were fortunate enough to be sponsored by Herbalife. They have the best aloe concentrate, herbal teas, other quality supplements. (I had to give that tasteful plug.)

My goal:   *Loose at least 40 lbs by Oct 28th

Here is the schedule:

Wednesday– Kinda Zumba Fitness 6:30P – 7:30P It’s Zumba with a lot of wild cards thrown in there.   Be warned, it’s a Hour Party! Lots of fun!

Thursday – Ashakti Wellness- w/ Asha for Gentle Yoga 6:45- 7:45 pm

Her touch goes to the soul. The stretches are familiar and just when you get comfortable in that pose she shoes you something new. Fantastic for pregnant moms, new exercisers and those needing a classic yoga with solid education behind it.

Friday- Home Workout w/ Catrena,The Fitness Fiend 11A -12P – she  offers fitness you can do easily at home and/ or with your baby.
Saturday- BootCamp W/Cat 10-11  This class is lead by a older woman. She eludes grateful aging and loves to work up a gentle sweat!

THEN  Courtney yoga- 11:20A -12:20A – Well, let’s just say, it’s not your aunties yoga. Courtney, is hitting the mark with this physical strengthening, mind training and spiritual infused POWER Yoga class.

Don’t miss any of these classes!
LOCATION: Jl Well and Fit 7308 E Independence Blvd, Charlotte, North Carolina 28227

COST: FREE – I need the support of other women.  The trainers will win a few good clients and Herbalife will earn distributors. See another win- win -win project from the Queen! See you around.

We have finished the first week. The feedback has been nothing less than  empowering. I have done many things. This by far is up there for most impactful.

“Amazing advanced yoga today. When my body told me I couldn’t do anymore, I whipped out my Past Tense EO, applied it, and keep telling myself…I can do this. With the help of Courtney Yoga and her positive affirmaions, I made it all the way thru class. Thanks JabeLa Ledsi !!! I am not even sore…woot woot!” Jennefer

The women walking into this studio looked* like me. They are looking for the same thing I’m looking for and that’s an supportive environment to allow my body to get on track physically, spiritually and nutritionally. Queens Fitness is it. Please join us and bring someone! Your best fitness trainer is waiting to meet you.