Today is a Precious Day!

In “Precious,’’ Claireece Precious Jones (Gabourey Sidibe) usually comes home from school and prepares dinner for her mother, Mary (Mo’Nique), in their Harlem apartment. Mary could probably make dinner herself. But it’s easier for her to throw the dinner out or at Claireece if she’s not the cook. Mary curses at Claireece, who is dark-skinned, overweight, and, at 16, having an impossible time making it of out of middle school. Claireece, who prefers to be called Precious, stands there and absorbs Mary’s tirades, as if it were her daughterly duty. She did the same when her father raped her, twice leaving her pregnant and Mary violent with jealousy. The relationship doesn’t change. But the younger woman realizes it needs to.

This movie catalogs a wealth of human ugliness. It’s even been made to look ugly, presumably to underscore the horror movie that is Precious’s life. (Mary castigates her daughter from a stairwell just like Piper Laurie did to Sissy Spacek in “Carrie.’’) But “Precious,’’ in its own way, is a work of astonishing joy. Avoiding the conventional tricks of lifting an audience up, the movie looks into this girl’s wide, brown face and her bleak little life and sees, despite everything, a reason to live. We will all see that in this Lee Daniels piece.

Rocking a St Tropez Tan!!

As someone who loves the look of a tan, I rely heavily on the art of bronzing to give my clients—and self—an au natural, I just came back from an exotic vacation type of glow. One of my new favorite ways to do this is with St. Tropez Bronzing Rocks.

As the latest addition to the St. Tropez faux tan repertoire that never lets us down, these glowing stones are just as wondrous...provides insta-tan! Whether you are getting ready for a big event or night out on the town, modestly brush on some of this shimmer to define your cheeks, highlight the eyes and add an all-over body glisten. Sun-kissed skin is an accessory in its own right.

Availability: St. Tropez Bronzing Rocks ($40). For additional information on the St. Tropez line, visit Sttropeztan.com.

Festive Winter Spa Treatments!

Common winter spa treatments are intended to rejuvenate the body while promoting calming moments for the mind. The very word "spa" can evoke images of long soaks in a tub, muscle relaxing massages and a chance to restore the skin to a more youthful appearance. It sounds like a few hours spent in paradise.

Winter can be very harsh on the skin. The lack of humidity and the cold air drain the skin of moisture and promote aging. As if that weren’t enough, the winter months can be mentally dreary with less sunlight and long nights. A trip to the spa can be the perfect answer to the winter blues and the need to protect the body from the ravages of the frigid winter air.

Common winter spa treatments include some of the most relaxing and restorative services available in the health and beauty market. Spa treatments often begin with a massage which stimulates the skin and promotes healthy blood flow. The massage may be followed by a customized facial using cleansers and moisturizers that contain plant extracts and skin protecting creams or lotions.

The spa treatment can include using a body scrub containing a gentle exfoliate to leave the skin renewed. Other common winter spa treatments include pedicures, manicures and full body wraps. Normally, clients can mix and match the treatments preferred resulting in a customized plan ideally suited to their needs.

During the winter, going to the spa can provide the needed relaxation and body care that will help you get through the dark winter days. Winter weather can cause a lot of damage to skin. A spa treatment goes beyond the home treatments in that special products are used for deep cleaning and hydrating winter worn skin.

The deep hydration helps the skin protect itself even while being bombarded by winter winds and frigid air. The common winter spa treatments are popular, because they rejuvenate and breathe new life into tired skin while promoting a peaceful mind.

Broad Street In New Orleans!

BROAD FLEA: On Saturday, November 14th, from 11AM to 4PM, Broad Community Connections is hosting its regular Broad Street Flea Market as well as the first annual Broad Street Brewhaha. Broad Flea will have its typical array of old and new treasures, including crafts, vintage clothes, vinyl/tapes/CDs, local designers and fashion, art and photography, bicycles, antiques, collectibles, and bric-a-brac, and plants and citrus trees, as well as food, music, and community services and organizations. Facebook Group: Find me at the Broad Flea


BROAD STREET BREWHAHA: Also on the same day, at the same time, BCC will be celebrating the beer and coffee brewing traditions of New Orleans on the roof of the old Schwegmann's/Robert's building at the first annual Broad Street Brewhaha. The Brewhaha will feature all of our local microbrewers, including Abita, NOLA Brewing, Heiner Brau, and Lazy Magnolia, and some of our finest local coffee roasters, including Coffee Roasters of Orleans, Standard Coffee, and Try Me Coffee. Not only will you be able to drink in these local staples, but all of the brewers and roasters will have representatives on hand to discuss their wares! Facebook Event: Broad St Brewhaha


Both the Broad Flea and the Broad Street Brewhaha will feature food and music all day, and both events are free (drinks and food will be for sale), so come back to Broad Street next weekend for a blast!


WHAT: Broad Street Flea Market and Broad Street Brewhaha
WHEN: Saturday, November 14th, 2009, 11AM to 4PM
WHERE: 300 N Broad, in the parking lot and on the roof of the old Schwegmann's/Robert's building


For more information, contact Broad Community Connections:
broadcommunityconnections.org/events/marketsevents.html

* Location:300 N. Broad St New Orleans LA 70119
* Mood:busy
* Music:Local Musicians

New Orleans Celebrates Its Veterans

The Greater New Orleans Veterans Council and the Military Order of the Purple Heart will hold a celebration and parade in downtown New Orleans today in honor of Veterans Day.

The National WWII Museum, 945 Magazine St., also will host a Veterans Day event beginning at 10:30 a.m. with a performance by the U.S. Marine Forces Reserve Band, followed by a program. Admission is free all day to veterans and active military, Guard, Reserve and their families.

Before the downtown parade, a formal ceremony will be held at 9:30 a.m. at the base of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the plaza level of the Superdome.

The parade, which is expected to last no more than an hour, will begin at 11 a.m. on Sugar Bowl Drive, in front of the Superdome.

It will travel toward North Claiborne Avenue, cross Poydras Street at Clara Street, turn right on Perdido Street, take a right on Loyola Avenue and then a left on Poydras. The parade will move toward the river on Poydras, circle Harrah's Casino and turn left on Canal Street. It will travel away from the river on Canal to Basin Street, where it will turn right, ending at the Municipal Auditorium.

Shopping Trip to the Big Apple!!

SoHo and NoLita Shopping Tour in New York City -- Stroll NYC's hottest neighborhoods, where celebrities get their style! Shop NYC's most unique boutiques, learn neighborhood trivia, and see the famed Cast Iron Historic District's architecture.

A friendly guide makes this the perfect walking tour for both shoppers and sightseers. Get EXCLUSIVE shopping discounts, taste local treats, and experience New York like a native! This tour is geared primarily for women's clothing and accessories.

Shop quaint NoLita and bustling SoHo, NYC's hottest shopping neighborhoods, where celebrities like Julia Roberts and Scarlett Johansson get their style. Highlights include trendy shopping, the architecture of the Cast Iron Historic District, unique boutiques, neighborhood trivia and celebrity gossip.

This tour is recommended for visitors of all ages who want to experience NYC like a native, get exclusive discounts and taste local treats. Great shopping and window-shopping in New York's hippest neighborhoods!

Highlights
Highlights of this two hour tour include:
-The hidden gems of both SoHo and NoLita
-Boutiques frequented by celebs, stylists and fashion insiders
-NY's secret trend-launching stores
-A one-of-a-kind food shop
-Photo opportunities of Cast Iron Architecture

Notes
-This tour is a walking tour. Please wear comfy shoes and clothing. Tours are rain or shine.
-Tour includes tour guide, discounts, and a map of the area.

-How long is the tour?
The Soho and NoLita tour runs about 2 hours long. Depending on the size of the group, the tour may be a little bit shorter or longer.

-How many people are on the tour?
Group size varies from tour to tour. They aim for a high level of personalized attention on all tours. The guides are trained to provide a significant amount of guide/guest interaction to insure the best possible tour experience.

-Is transportation included?
This is a walking tour so there is no transportation for this tour. This tour requires a significant amount of walking, so please wear comfortable shoes and dress weather appropriately.

-What stores will be shopping in?
They select the shopping stops based on the uniqueness of the store, its products and group appeal. The guides are experts at determining the interests of a group and choosing stops that are appropriate for the group as a whole.

-How much time is spent shopping?
This tour is designed to familiarize you with the neighborhoods and the variety of shopping they offer. About 1/2 the tour will be spent shopping in selected stores. The rest of the tour is filled with neighborhood trivia, history, architecture and celebrity gossip. Please take note of stores you would like to return to and your guide will direct you back to them at the end of the tour.

-Are there any places to stop and rest along the route?
Plan for an active afternoon because there is a lot to see and you will be on the move! A number of the shopping stops have seating, so you can take a break while the rest of the group shops.

Reserve online at nytours.us, or call 888-880-9108.

3rd Annual Fashion Rocks

The 3rd Annual Fashion Rocks in New Orleans

Friday night marks the official arrival of Fashion Rocks 3, an annual fashion show and charity event founded by New Orleans native and former America's Next Top Model contestant Wendy Wiltz.

Born in the year 1983, Wendy Wiltz is an African-American beauty from New Orleans, Louisiana. She started her modeling career when she was still a student at St. Frances Xavier Cabrini High School, where she engaged in such sports as track and field and swimming. She was also a member of the National Art Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Renaissance Club and Students Against Drugs and Alcohol. When she was in her second year, a local modeling agency recruited her and immediately she was chosen to appear on a "Hot and Spicy Pringles" commercial. She then went on to become the spokesmodel for the hair shows of Aguage, Sebastian, and L 'OREAL. In 2001, she graduated from high school and went on to major in Interior Design at Louisiana State University. In 2004, she modeled for the Johnson Publishing Company's Ebony Fashion Fair Tour. She also appeared in several print ads and fashion shows for designer Harold Clarke.

Despite her extensive background in modeling, Wendy was the second to be voted off from America's Next Top Model, Cycle 6. Shortly before she came on the show, Hurricane Katrina hit her hometown of New Orleans, leaving thousands homeless and without proper food and shelter. Wendy was so worried about her family that not only did she spend a lot of time on the phone with them, she also lost most of her concentration and focus, resulting in her poor performances during the first two photo shoots.

Being eliminated from the show did not discourage Wendy from pursuing her dream of becoming a supermodel. In interviews she did with the New York Post and The Times Picayune, she assured her fans that they would be seeing more of her in the years to come. Currently, she is living in New York City. Since her appearance on America's Next Top Model, she has worked for clients such as BET, Vibe Magazine, Marc Ecko and Matrix to name a few.

A live performance and fashion show featuring models from the hit television series, America’s Next Top Model and designs by Conrad Lamour, is topped off by a mixer for all patrons. Proceeds are being donated to Deuce McAllister’s Catch 22 Foundation.

Deuce McAllister’s Catch 22 Foundation is an organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of under-privileged youth and adolescents in the Gulf south region. It provides positive role models providing unique opportunities and a financial commitment to making a difference.

Other special guests include local politicians, NBA players, NFL players, actors, actresses, and New Orleans’ top radio personalities.

Today, Friday, Nov 6 9:30p at Metropolitan, New Orleans, LA.

For additional information including, but not limited to tickets, sponsorship packages, and/or press/media info, please email: fashionrocksfriday@yahoo.com

Debutante Balls in New Orleans

Traditional glamour typically reigns supreme at debutante balls, yet these events still maintain a modern-day allure. Debutante balls, also known as cotillions, originally were intended to introduce girls dressed in extravagant white gowns to society. Now the balls often serve as fundraisers, with most taking place during the Thanksgiving or Christmas holiday seasons when the young ladies, who are typically freshmen or sophomores in college, return home from school.

An evening as carefully orchestrated as a debutante ball requires a similarly thought-out menu. Four hotels servicing cotillions share their different takes on providing a dining experience for an evening of dancing, drama and bustling white gowns.

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

At Le Debut des Jeunes Filles de la Nouvelle Orleans, the oldest debutante ball in New Orleans, the Hilton New Orleans Riverside serves light fare at 6 p.m. just to the debutantes as they rehearse for their official presentation later in the evening. The assorted finger sandwiches include cucumber, chicken salad, turkey and tuna, as well as pesto pinwheels, muffulettas, shrimp sesame wraps, Cajun crawfish pies and vegetable quesadillas.

While the girls in New Orleans practice their curtsies, the Adam's Mark Hotel St. Louis practices its menu. The hotel services the Roman Catholic Fleur de Lis Ball, where the girls are presented to the archbishop, and the Veiled Prophet Ball, a 1,200-guest event more than a century old. Marianne Rogers, catering sales manager for the hotel, says her team typically holds six menu tastings for each ball, and since many girls are in both balls, the same menu can't be repeated. To be prepared, the chef begins planning the menu for the following year as soon as the balls — which take place within a week of each other — end, with ball committee members sampling the menu and offering suggestions.

DRESS DEFENSE

With the guests of honor all in white, debutante ball coordinators take many precautions to prevent spills. Tony Abadie, director of catering at Hilton New Orleans Riverside, echoes other catering directors by saying, “We always serve just water and Sprite — in case they spill anything on themselves, it won't be seen.” Menus also avoid messy dishes to prevent similar problems.

The tables can pose as big a risk to gowns as the food. All the linen has to be white so dye doesn't come off on the dresses. In addition, the Adam's Mark puts a seamstress as well as a laundry person armed with club soda on duty to attend to spills on gowns immediately. Another ball suggests another method to prevent spills: forbidding people to hold drinks as they greet the debutantes in the receiving line. Just think- you would hate for one of the adults to go through and hug someone while holding a glass of red wine.

The debutante balls are a great way of holding on to traditional classiness!

Deborah Lippman's Sizzling Nails

Just as our wardrobe reflects the changing of the seasons, so should our nail polish! For fall, we should be loyal to deep classic reds like Chanel Vamp and Essie Wicked, but you can switch them out with something sparkly on the holidays. Deborah Lippmann has the right idea with her latest twinkling hue—Marquee Moon.

A silvery sequin lacquer is the ultimate shade for all of your festive soirees...like a disco ball on your nails! I also recommend it to those of you who are practicing the biker trend—the metallic finish looks awesome alongside chunky chain bracelets and pyramid stud rings. Can't get enough shimmer? Add some of Deborah Lippmann's* other new shades to your repertoire to sizzle!

The Fashion Bible!

Often called "the fashion bible," Women's Wear Daily serves as the voice of authority, international newswire and agent of change for the fashion, beauty and retail industries. First and foremost, WWD is dedicated to providing a balance of timely, credible business news and key women's fashion trends to a dedicated readership. This readership includes retailers, designers, manufacturers, marketers, financiers, Wall Street analysts, international moguls, media executives, ad agencies, socialites and trend makers. As the marketplace has become more complex, the need for information and competitive intelligence has become more acute. The common thread of our community is the business of style and fashion. What makes WWD the authority? Frequency, integrity, independence, spirited coverage and a long tradition that demands staffers get the story and get it first.

I signed up at wwd.com!