The Sophisticate Chronicles

The SophistiKat's Book Club is BACK!! For March we introduce you to another NEW author Shella Gillus and book "The Loom" that takes us back in time with a story not uncommon for the era. Shella Gillus fell in love with the arts as a child. By age ten, she wrote her first chapter book, a three-act play and performed in several theatrical shows.  During her teenage years, she penned and performed in plays for her local church and organized a series of summer self-esteem workshops for underprivileged youth in South Tucson. Shella earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Arizona and Screen Actor’s Guild membership while working in the film industry in Los Angeles. Under the tutelage of a skilled playwright, she honed her skills as a writer before becoming a professional actress for Childsplay, an award-winning theatre company.  Shella was crowned Miss Black Heritage, 1st runner-up Miss Black Arizona, Miss Congeniality, Copper Bowl Princess and Un

I LOVE discovering New Music. .Especially discovering a HOTT new artist!! Tommy Redding isn't new to the music industry. He has graced the stage with WELL known artist such as Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, Young Joc, and Busta Rhymes (Just to name a few). From San Diego, California he definitely has his own Swagger and Strong vocals to back him up as the total package. Oh. .and don't let me forget Ladies. .He is definitely HANDSOME!! Check out his SMASH video "Her Song" (above) Also show your support by following him on Twitter at @IamTommyRedding and Purchase the single from iTunes  http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/her-song-single/id486917415 @TNBeautyQueen @TheSophisitKats

Now you all know by now. .I STAY on Essence.com As women we always want to know what men think of us. What they like. .dislike. .and of course find sexy. In his latest installment my favorite "Matchmaker" Paul Carrick Brunson shares the 13* Things men find most sexy about us. Trust me this is a must read!! What is sexy to you? I'm fascinated with this question. I ask it frequently on Twitter and to all of my clients in our initial meeting. What's most interesting is that sometimes it's answered with purely physical characteristics while others respond with personality traits. Another intriguing aspect of the responses is that while ladies have a wide variation in what they consider sexy, fellas are narrower with their thoughts. Having asked this question to what I estimate to be over 1,000 men in the last 3 years, I have compiled my own list of what the guys revealed. Ladies, it’s time to listen up. These are the thirteen things men find most sexy about

It's Heart Health Month so I'm all about staying fit and most of all. .HEALTHY!! Over the past year I've provided you all with an array of delicious Drinks/Cocktails each month. .and trust me this  month is know different. This low calorie, light blend of Pink Grapefruit and Lychee Fruit is perfect for a "Girls Night" or a wonderful addition to any dinner.  Pink Grapefruit and Lychee Cocktail Ingredients 1 (20-ounce) can lychees in syrup, undrained Crushed ice 1 cup unsweetened pink grapefruit juice $ 1/2 cup vodka 5 pink grapefruit sections  Preparation Drain lychees in a colander over a bowl. Reserve 1 cup syrup.  Discard remaining liquid.  Drop 1 lychee in the bottom of each glass Fill each glass halfway with crushed ice.  Reserve remaining Lychees for another use. Combine reserved 1 cup Lychee syrup, Juice, and Vodka in a large martini shaker filled half with ice Shake until well chilled.  Strain 1/2 cup syrup mixture into each prepared glass Garnish eac

Everyone LOVES a good cookie. .and America's FAVorite cookie is none other than  " Chocolate Chip "  Here is a twist on this classic treat just in time for  Valentine's Day and Heart Health Month . . Chocolate Chip Cookie Hearts Ingredients 2 1/4 Cups of All-Purpose Flour 1 Teaspoon Baking Soda 1 Teaspoon Salt 1 Cup (2 Sticks) Butter Softened 3/4 Cup Granulated Sugar 3/4 Cup Packed Brown Sugar 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract 2 Large Eggs 2 Cups (12-ounce package) Nestle Toll House semi-sweet chocolate morsels 1 Cup Chopped Nuts 1 Metal (Heat Safe) Heart Shaped Cookie Cutter (1 inch in height) Directions Preheat oven to 375 F. Line a 15 by 10-inch jelly roll pan with foil and lightly grease. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl.  (Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition) Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in morsels and nuts. Spread dough into prepared pa