The Sophisticate Chronicles

The "Modern Day Matchmaker" Paul C. Brunson is at it again and getting us IN ORDER for the NEW YEAR. .2013!! For my single ladies out there. .these are just a few of many "ole school" rules to live by. Chivalry IS NOT dead we just have to stick to our standards and allow REAL men to show and prove just that ;") Check these out. . Always Look Your Best Attraction is very primal. We’re attracted to “good looks.” That said, you never know when you may meet that special someone at the supermarket, gas station or on the street. If you always look your best, you’ll always stand the best chance of securing a date. Confidence Is Sexy Men love a woman with confidence. Be sure to smile, keep your back straight, listen attentively, walk with your shoulders back and speak slowly. This will make you seem confident, even if you are quivering with nervousness inside. Bad Breath Kills Nothing kills chances of a kiss, or a second date, like bad breath. If your...

Everyone knows I LOVE a good show!! Especially one with suspense and a good story line. (i.e. my LOVE for Scandal) NBC has decided to step up their game and bring what I believe to be one of the Hottest new shows of the Winter season. . Deception starring the beautiful Megan Good (Jumping the Broom, Stomp the Yard, Deliver Us From Eva) and the Oh SO Handsome and talented Laz Alonso (Jumping the Broom, Stomp the Yard, Avatar, and This Christmas. .just to name a few). The Plot: When Vivian Bowers, a famous socialite, is found dead from what appears to be an overdose, her best friend, Detective Joanna Locasto (Megan Good), is re-embraced by the wealthy Bowers family and in time she begins to uncover the truth of what really happened with her friend's death. Let me tell you. .if you have ONDemand you need to check out the FIRST episode via NBC (available until Jan 13)!! I watched it on Christmas Eve and when I say this show will have you on the edge of your seat, bed, or wh...

BIG Shout Out and Congrats to one of THEE Hottest authors and a true SophistiKat Deanna Burrell for being highlighted by Aspire TV!! Her book "Single Girl Summer" is the BOMB.com In case you don't have your copy pick ORDER TODAY!! http://www.amazon.com/Single-Summer-Deanna-Kimberly-Burrell/dp/1935766139 Also check out her website for information on her Blog "Red Cup Adventures" and to purchase PHly SGS apparel . . http://www.singlegirlsummer.com/ And be sure to tune in to Aspire TV and be on the LOOKOUT for her Highlight ;") Much LOVE and Keep up the AWEsome work Deanna!! @TNBeautyQueen @TheSophistiKats

Luke James. .Luke James. . This guy is blazing his way up the charts. . Here is his NEW single "Make Love To Me". .Chiiiiild. .This man is BaDD ;") Love the SONG and video cameos. .Kelly Rowland. .Omari Hardwick. .~* Enjoy @TNBeautyQueen @TheSophistiKats

Hey All ;") I am a little late with this one but it's just in time for the weekend and the end of the month!! This is a healthy blend and twist on my favorite drink "The Cosmopolitan"!! This will be perfect cocktail to sip on while relaxing with friends after all the Christmas festivities or to bring in the NEW YEAR with. Sparkling Charleston Cosmopolitan  Ingredients 1 Cup Crushed Ice 3 Tablespoons Ciroc Premium Vodka 1 1/2 Tablespoons Peach Nectar 1 Tablespoon Orange Liqueur 1 Tablespoon Ocean Spray White Cranberry Juice 2 Lemon Wedges 2 Tablespoons Barefoot Pinot Grigio Sparkling Wine Orange Slices Preparation Combine crushed ice, vodka, peach nectar, orange liqueur, and white cranberry juice in a cocktail shaker. Squeeze juice from lemon wedges into shaker. Place wedges in shaker. Cover with lid, and shake vigorously until thoroughly chilled (about 30 seconds). Strain into a 6- to 8-oz. glass Top with sparkling white w...

Tyler Perry is definitely showing that there is more to him than Madea!! The phenomenal play writer, director, and producer is back with yet another thriller. Full of suspense, sex appeal, and a plot that thickens right up until the end "Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor"  will keep you on the edge of your seat. The Plot: A Marriage Counselor's (Jurnee Smollett) marriage and professional life becomes complicated after she enters into a relationship with one of her clients (Robbie Jones). The sexy and talented Lance Gross plays Jurnee's husband ;") Also featured is the FABulous Vanessa Williams, Brandy, and Kim Kardashian (Mmph. .side eye). All I can say is I'm READY Mr. Perry!! March 29 GO CHECK IT OUT @TheSophistiKats @TNBeautyQueen 

YES!! I still love this mans and he is still in my rotation!! Here's a little something for those who know about the 90's and LOVE the music from that era. Keith Sweat "I'll Give All My Love to You"!! This is MY Jam ;") @TNBeautyQueen @TheSophistiKats

One company has made my dreams come true 2 ways!! I have been in LOVE with Nuvo since it came out. It's one of my FAVorite drinks and of course I can't get a enough of a PERFECT Nuvo Cosmo ;") Mmph. .Anywhoo. . Those that know me. .I mean KNOW me. .know I am a RED VELVET fiend!! Cupcakes, Cakes, Tarts, etc. You name it. .if it's Red Velvet . .I love it!! (This addiction however was not my fault. .there is one particular person to blame. .LoL!! I shall rest on that). The same goes for Peach Cobbler !! (Can't nobody make it like my Grandmother and Mom though. .Boaw) Check out the latest additions to the "Nuvo" Family and Delicious Recipes. .                                                        Red Velvet                    Peach Cobbler I'm so EXCITED I can't sit st...

YES!! Rick Ross just keeps dropping HIT after HIT. .but HEY I'm not complaining!! All I can do is acknowledge and salute. Another one of my FAVs off "God Forgive, I Don't" has a Video!! ;") Here is "Diced Pineapples" feat Wale and Drake I swear Wale and his lyrics. .Child. .WooWee. .Bye!! #Flatline LoL!! @TNBeautyQueen @TheSophistiKats

A few weeks ago our FABulous FLOTUS sent the media and all SophistiKats into a FRENZY after her appearance at the DNC. It wasn't her hair. .It wasn't her dress. .but it was her manicure and the gorgeous shade of gray she chose. Now I am an OPI FANatic (which is merely an understatement). I literally go "OPI" shopping once or twice a month to purchase NEW colors for my collection or to replace what I've ran out of. Since the closing of "Trade Secret"; I now shop at Ulta or a few salons (here in the city that keep the the latest collections). I went looking for the closest color I could find. This mission didn't take long ;") French Quarter For Your Thoughts (Touring America Collection) Nein! Nein! Nein! OK Fine! (Germany Collection) Both of these colors look absolutely gorgeous on any skin tone and has a neutral effect which won't clash with wardrobe choices/colors. Try them both out today!! ...

Keeping with the kick off of the Fall season. .I wanted to bring you a recipe for a delectable treat that would be fun yet healthy.  . Pumpkin Pie Tarts Health benefits of Pumpkin : Alpha-carotene "Vitamin A"  (promotes healthy vision and ensures proper immune function) Beta-carotene "Vitamin B" (reverses skin damage caused by the sun and act as an anti-inflammatory) Fiber (reduce bad cholesterol levels, protect the body against heart disease, control blood sugar levels, promote healthy digestion, and plays a role in weight loss) Vitamin C (boosts immunity, reduces the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease, and regulates cholesterol levels) Vitamin E (promotes healthy skin by protecting the body from sun damage and may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease and certain cancers) Potassium (aids in balancing fluid levels in the body, promotes strong bones, is necessary for energy production, and helps to control blood pre...

Everyone knows that I LOVE " FE: Foreign Exchange "!! Phonte' the vocalist/lyricist of FE is on a new track "Gonna Be a Beautiful Night" featuring Carlitta Durand (a new and beautiful vocalist)!! Two Words: Love IT!! Enjoy your Sunday Afternoon ;") @TNBeautyQueen @TheSophistiKats

This is one of my FAVorite Hip Hop Jams and who doesn't LOVE LL Cool J!! Upset I couldn't  find the actual video on YouTube. .but still ON IT and had to post. Here is MY Old School Jam. ."Around The Way Girl"!! "Sweet as Brown Sugar with the Candied Yams". .That's Moi ;") LoL!! Enjoy @TNBeautyQueen @TheSophistiKats

Last year we featured this Handsome star as "Gentleman of the Week" http://thesophisticatechronicles.blogspot.com/2011/05/sophistikats-gentleman-of-week.html  and if you aren't ready for the return of the Chicago Basketball KING D. Rose. .You're slippin!! I may be a Celtics FAN but I still have love for the Chicago Bulls!! Adidas Presents an online web series documenting the recovery and return of Derrick Rose!! This is Episode 4 (the newest episode) but you can check all of them out, get inside access, and join #TheReturn at: www.adidasbasketball.com/thereturn Also FOLLOW D Rose on Twitter @DRose and Adidas Basketball @Adidashoops December 18, 2012. .I'm ready ;") @TNBeautyQueen @TheSophistiKats

YES!! This has been on repeat for me most of the week. My JAM ;") Fat Joe featuring Kanye West (Roscoe Dash and Miguel) "Pride N Joy"!! @TNBeautyQueen @TheSophistiKats

In an updated contemporary version of the beloved stage play and 1989 film, "Steel Magnolias" chronicles the lives and friendship of six women in Louisiana. Supporting each other through their triumphs and tragedies, they congregate at Truvy’s beauty shop to ponder the mysteries of life and death, husbands and children - and hair and nails - all the important topics that truly unite and celebrate women. Golden Globe® and Grammy® Award winner and Academy Award® nominee Queen Latifah stars in and executive produces the film, reuniting her with producing duo Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, from the Oscar and Golden Globe winning "Chicago" and "Hairspray." Directed by Kenny Leon (A Raisin in the Sun), the film features Queen Latifah as ‘M’Lynn’, Tony® Award winner Phylicia Rashad as ‘Clairee,’ Independent Spirit Award nominee Adepero Oduye as ‘Annelle,’ Tony Award nominee Condola Rashad as ‘Shelby,’ Grammy winner Jill Scott as ‘Truvy’ and Golden Globe and mu...

Losing my grandmother to Breast Cancer was one of the hardest things I've faced in my life. Watching my mother take care of her day end and day out was truly life changing.  She fought like a Champion till the end and may she continue to REST in PEACE. This month support and show that you are AWARE of the fight to find a cure for Breast Cancer.  Make a donation in honor of a loved one, friend, or just to show you care to the Sisters Network.  The Sisters Network® Inc. (SNI) is a leading voice and only national African American breast cancer survivorship organization in the United States. Sisters Network is governed by an elected Board of Directors and assisted by an appointed medical advisory committee. Membership is 3000, which includes more than 40 affiliate survivor run chapters nationwide.  The organization’s purpose is to save lives and provide a broader scope of knowledge that addresses the breast cancer survivorship crisis affecting Af...

It's officially FALL!! My FAVorite season ;") Football, Good Food, AND the Holidays. .what more could you ask for right? Well. .I always come with a refreshing and delicious cocktail to add to your rolodex of Favorites. With a tropical twist and cool smooth taste. .here is something you can fix right at home for an after hour treat or get together with friends. . Mango Cool Breeze Ingredients (Number of Servings 2) 2.5 oz. Captain Morgan Parrot Bay® Mango 3 oz. Sweet & Sour Mix 2.5 oz. Ocean Spray 100% Cranberry Juice 2 splashes Club Soda 2 slices pineapple Directions Add Captain Morgan Parrot Bay Mango, Sweet and Sour Mix, Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice, and splash of soda. Shake with ice in Cocktail Shaker and pour into glass. Garnish with Pineapple slice. This is simply DELICIOUS Enjoy ;") @TNBeautyQueen @TheSophistiKats

Here is a light yet refreshing drink to help you wind down on these last few weeks of Single Girl Summer . . A traditional mojito with a hint of mint and blood oranges. . Blood Orange Mojito   Ingredients  3 torn fresh basil leaves 1 tsp sugar 1 oz freshly squeezed blood orange juice 1 1/2 oz light rum (for an even more tropical flavor add Malibu Sunshine ) 2 oz soda water (Garnish: fresh basil leaf) Directions  Add Basil, Sugar, and 12 oz Blood Orange Juice into glass. Muddle the mixture. Add remaining Blood Orange Juice, Rum, and top with Soda Water and Ice. Garnish with a basil leaf. Enjoy @TNBeautyQueen @TheSophistiKats

My girl Keyshia Cole is BACK!! She never went anywhere but she has a fire that will not be put out. Here is her new single "Enough of No Love" featuring Lil Wayne off her upcoming album. Seems that she is channeling a little Mary J with the platinum blonde hair and leather. LOVES me some Mary too. Do your thang Keysh!! We're LOVING IT~* Enjoy @TNBeautyQueen @TheSophistiKats

Now this has been spinning in the club for months and finally here is the video!! Future "Turn on the Lights" I must say I like the video and it gives us a chance to see another side of this dude. He might not be so bad after all ;") @TNBeautyQueen @TheSophistiKats

The Summer is here and it's Hott!! The main thing that I look for in a drink to relax with is something Light, Favorable, and Refreshing. So what will you find in MY pink cup?  A cocktail everyone would love. .even some of you fellas.  I received a gift basket last month that had ALL kinds of goodies in it.  One in particular was Welch's NEW Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade!!  When I say this stuff is thebomb.com it is!!  Now my next mission was to create a drink that my girls and I could sip on during a "Single Girl Summer" night out. .by the pool. .wherever we are being Fearless, Fabulous, and Fun. .so here's what I came up with. Hope you ENJOY ;") Pink Berry Splash Ingredients 1 oz of Ciroc Red Berry 2 oz of Welch's Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade Slices Orange (for garnish) Ice Directions Pour Red Berry Ciroc in a large martini shaker filled half with Ice  Shake until well chilled.  Pour in Welch's Sparkling St...

Karen Nazor-Hill does it again with an outstanding article on the importance of showing patriotism on July 4th. Some of the HoTTest trends for summer feature the colors of our beloved flag. Check out what some have to say they will be rocking and why it's important on this day. Whether it's combining red, white and blue separates or clothing decorated with stars and stripes, wearing the colors of the flag is a visual display of patriotism for the Fourth of July. According to a National Retail Federation survey conducted by BIGinsight, more than 48 million Americans will purchase patriotic merchandise, including apparel, this year. Former Miss Black Tennessee Lorean Mays said three generations of her family choose patriotic attire for the Fourth. "We always go with the theme for Independence Day," she said. "I feel that it is important to show your patriotism on July Fourth, showing that we are united as one and most importantly showing that we believe...

Rick Ross "The Boss" is bringing the HEAT to these other rappers and crews!! MMG is on TOP of things right now ;") Here is MY Jam of the WEEK. ."Touch 'N You" featuring hometown R&B heartthrob Usher. I loved the song lyrically but LOVE the video more!! Also featured is the beautiful LaShontae Heckard (who plays "Jasmine" on BET's The GAME) Enjoy @TNBeautyQueen @TheSophistiKats

We all want to know the secrets to maintaing a healthy and long lasting relationship. .at least my Single Ladies and Fella's do. Over the course of 3 years psychologist have interviewed several couples who have been in relationship ranging from 5 - 20 years. .trying to find the answer to this most commonly asked question. .and here is the answer. What are the top 3 secrets to maintaining a healthy and lasting relationship? 1) They accentuate the positive in life more than the negatives. (Meaning no matter the circumstance your partner will have a positive spin on any negative situation that may occur.) 2) They not only cope well during hardship, but also celebrate the happy moments and work to build more of these into their lives. (Regardless of what may happen you know that this person will be by your side and endure til the end. In trial and triumph you can truly count on your partner.)  3) They excel in their ability to support each other under difficult circumst...

Here is a dose of some SOUL for your Sunday Afternoon "Magic Happen" by one of my FAVorite groups Kindred the Family Soul!! Make sure to purchase their latest album "Love Has No Recession" from iTunes http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/love-has-no-recession/id444853990 Enjoy ;") @TNBeautyQueen @TheSophistiKats

One of the Hottest books out is inspiring Single women to be Fearless, Fabulous, and to have some FUN!! On June 20, 2012 Deanna Burrell celebrated the 1 year anniversary of her book "Single Girl Summer". The book chronicles the lives of 3 women Button, Meghan, and Dawn who would take on the summer with many twist and life changing turns. I feel that every woman can relate to each character in some way. Button Jackson "The Lethal SophistiKat" dressed in the BaDDest designer suit and heels this bona-fide DIVA and owner of one of the Hottest restaurants in the city truly doesn't have it ALL together. From her issues with men, making friends, and her mother (who turns out to be at the root of all of her problems) she will embark on a journey that will take her back in time and move her forward to being loving, free, and open. .all thanks to the Summer. Meghan Chery "The Boho SophistiKat" in the words of Drake "Sweat Pants, Hair Tied...

Soooo. .I've come to the conclusion that CHICAGO is where it's at right now!!  From Hot Author's. .FABulous cooks. .and of course we can't forget our Handsome PRESIDENT who served in the Illinois Senate. .Whoop!! I LOVE giving shout outs. .so this time I'm shouting out MY Big Sister (from another) and her Sister ;") Lol   The Fabulous ladies of "Two Sister's Catering" straight out of the westside of Chicago, Illinois!! I am a SOUTHERN girl all the way and when I tell you these ladies have a menu out of this world. .They do!! Any type of fix you may have. .they can satisfy. .and of course they have CUPCAKES!! Who are the "Two Sisters"? Two sisters who were born & raised on the West Side of Chicago. Having a love of food our their entire lives, they became serious about creating a unique eating experience & began working on elevating those every day delights into memorable decadence. A savory and dessert ...

1832* Third national Black convention met in Philadelphia with twenty-nine delegates from eight states. Henry Sipkins of New York was elected president. 1922  Samuel Gravely born on this day was appointed captain of the Navy Destroyer Escort, U.S.S. Falgout, the first African American to command a United States warship. He later received the rand of Rear Admiral, a first for an African American navyman. 1946 Mississippi Valley State University is founded in Itta Bena, Miss. 1972 Angela Davis acquitted by white jury in San Jose, California of charges stemming from a 1970 courtroom shoot-out. 1973 Arna Bontemps, Writer and Educator in Nashville, Tennessee died on this day. 1989  Four African Americans win Tony Awards for Black and Blue 1991  Baltimore Orioles manager Frank Robinson is named assistant general manager of the club, the third African American to become as assistant GM. @TNBeautyQueen @TheSophistiK...

I absolutely love the Essence and all the information they provide for and to black women via the magazine and online. One of my FAVorite columnist to read online is "The Modern Day Matchmaker" aka Paul Carrick Brunson. At the end of May he dished out some information on how to be "HAPPIER" without a relationship. Here are the 14 steps to take that definitely fall in line with our #SingleGirlSummer campaign. Let's Get it LADIES!!~* Written for Essence.com by Paul Carrick Brunson You are responsible for your own happiness!! That’s what our marriage counselor told my wife and me a few days before we jumped the broom. At the time, I didn’t get it. I thought that, as a couple, we were supposed to complete each other, and therefore make each other happy. It didn’t fully register until a few years into our marriage that no matter how well intentioned my wife or I were, we could not “change” each other. Therefore our ability to “make” each other happy was futi...

This man just makes my day in so many ways with his music!! So. .while contemplating on what song of his to post today. .I decided to go with a FAVorite "Mo Betta" (I LOVE  HIM and all of his songs. .but I do have a few FAVS. .believe it or not). This song lyrically is what most of us hope for and pray God blesses us with in a mate. . . .Yes Glory!! Woo Child!! Mr. DeVaughn when are you coming to Chattanooga? ;") Enjoy @TNBeautyQueen @TheSophistiKats

When I said I was ready for SUMMER. .I was not playing around. I always try to pick recipes  appropriate for the month and with June being here and in most cases it's already Hot and Steamy in most places this will fit in nicely to any event, holiday, etc. Now everyone who knows me personally KNOWS that I LOVE CUPCAKES!! So I came up with my own ORIGINAL recipe ( with the help of my Mama ) to share with you. My previous post introduces the "SophistiKat: Book Club" pick of the month. I am going FULL force with the "Single Girl Summer" campaign to support not only the book and author. .but to promote being fit, fabulous, and embracing the "single" life. .LOVING yourself!! Here is my treat. .     The Single Girl Summer Cupcake ;") Ingredients: 1 cup sugar 1/2 cup butter 2 eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 1/2 cups flour 1 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 Cup chopped Strawberries (Fresh Strawberries)...

JUNE is finally here and I am ready to kick off the month and SUMMER with a BANG!!  For starters. .the SophistiKat Bookclub is still  here!! This title and author are no stranger to the Sophisticate Chronicles. The Spotlight was shined on this book right here back in April and since then I've read this book 3 times!! Yes I said 3 and will read it again this month ;") #Boaw Set in Chicago, Illinois with work filled days and HoTT eventful nights this book takes us on an exciting and emotional journey with 3 women who embark on one of the best SUMMERS of there life which will end in life lessons learned and a bond of friendship that will last a lifetime. Button Jackson: A certified SophistiKat with much attitude and drive to match is a successful entrepreneur owning one of the hottest restaurants in the city. While dealing with her own personal issues from men to her mad mama she will be the glue that makes this group stick together. Meghan Cherry: A...