The Sophisticate Chronicles

I had the pleasure of contributing a tid bit of advice and insight about Pantone's color for 2014 "Radiant Orchid". Check out this article, a few pictures of the Obama's in their orchid selections, and what I had to say. Special thanks as always to Karen Nazor-Hill!! By: Karen Nazor-Hill Written for the Chattanooga Times Free Press December23, 2013 Emerald Green is so last year. The new must-have color for 2014 is ... drum roll, please ... radiant orchid. And though it may look like plain old purple, radiant orchid is a "captivating, magical, enigmatic purple," according to Pantone, the company that claims global authority on color trends and recently revealed radiant orchid as the color of the year. Still, to the naked eye, it's a shade of purple. "While the 2013 color of the year, emerald, served as a symbol of growth, renewal and prosperity, radiant orchid reaches across the color wheel to intrigue the eye and spark the i...

It being the last SUNday in the year I figured why not use a song that would allow each of us to reflect and appreciate the lessons and blessings of this past year. . The Foreign Exchange is one of my many FAVorite groups. This single "Call It Home" is off their latest album "Love In Flying Colors". I absolutely love the concept of this video and how it relates to the title of the song. We should know that "home" and "love" are found wherever we are. .and with the people we are blessed to share moments in this life with. If you want to check want to keep up to date on The Foreign Exchange or purchase their music visit  http://theforeignexchangemusic.com Enjoy~* @TheeSophistiKat

This months selection I put a twist on one of my late Fall and Winter FAVorites. Now don't get me wrong I LOVE my  Bailey's Hot Chocolate recipe but wanted to try something different. I switched up a few ingredients to come with this Masterpiece!! It will be the perfect addition to your list of FAVorites for your holiday gatherings, book club meetings, or when you simply want to warm up and relax after a long day. Ingredients: 1-2 Cups of Milk 1 to 2 Tsp. White Hot Chocolate Mix (I prefer Ghirardelli "Sweet Ground White Chocolate Mix") 0.5 Oz. Bailey's Vanilla Cinnamon Cream Liqueur (equal to 1 shot) 0.5 Tsp. Sugar ( add to your liking) Ground Cinnamon or Marshmallows (for topping) Directions: Heat milk (I prefer to heat my milk on the stove). Pour in individual cup/cups Stir in white hot chocolate mix Add Sugar (if necessary to your liking) Pour in the shot of cream liquer Garnish: Once ready you can add a dash of ground Ci...

Today all across the world we mourn the lost of a revolutionary!! Emerging standing tall after doing  years in prison to go forth and lead his people of South Africa as President, Nelson Mandela was the epitome of a leader of his people and fighting equality/justice across the world. "I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear"~* "There is no passion to be found playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living."~* "Let freedom reign. The sun never set on so glorious a human achievement."~* Knowing that he lived a life of service and accomplished so many great things not for self but the betterment of humanity. .I say "Rest In Peace". .our brave solider @TheeSophistiKat

Now one thing about MY #BFFJill Mar and I, we LOVE music!!  She tagged me in a post with this video earlier today on  Facebook and I am just now getting around to checking it out. She will tell you. .When she said "It's a song by Omarion". .I was like "Oh Lawd!!". At that moment I didn't know what to expect because I've never been a fan of "O". Now don't get me wrong I love some of his songs. Hoooooowever he teamed up with two of my FAVs Pusha T (Clipse) and FABolous (I LOVE this man!!) for "Know You Better"!! Wooooooo. .#LoveIT  Check it Out. . Omarion has a HIT!! Check out my #BFFJill Blog Edwina Lashan  http://edwinalashan.blogspot.com/ Enjoy~* @TheeSophistiKat

Chiiiiiiiiild let me tell you!! I love my 90's R&B and if you have been keeping up with my "Jam" post, you know that too. Every week I get a "serenade" or two from a dear friend of mine via Skype ;") and one of the songs he chose to do last week was "Beauty" by Dru Hill. I think just about EVERY woman knows the lyrics to this song and honey KNEW it was about them. LoL!! Anyway it made me go back in my CD cartel and pull out Dru Hill's very first album (which happens to be my FAVorite out of the 4) Here is the video for one of my FAVorite songs "Never Make a Promise" off the album to throw you back this Thursday. . Enjoy @TheeSophistiKat

Fellas this one is for you!! Some of you have the hardest time around this time of the year deciding on what to get the special lady (or ladies) in your life for Christmas. Now I understand that at times we can be some of the hardest people to please. .but really that isn't the case. You honestly have all year to pay attention to what we like. .and some have years already under the belt to know these things.Welp. .long story short. .I'm here to help These are 5* things that you can NEVER go wrong with gifting to any woman Jewelry No woman can ever have enough jewelry. This is an intricate part of any SophistiKat's ensemble. From bracelets, necklaces, and watches the 2Divas have you covered. .because we always need MORE. This lovely Pearl draped necklace set Purchase price- $48 http://www.the2divas.com Spa Package An essential part of looking and feeling great over the holiday season is nothing that a Day at the Spa won't ...

"You don't make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas." "Of my two handicaps, being female put many more obstacles in my path than being black." "I want history to remember me not just as the first black woman to be elected to Congress, not as the first black woman to have made a bid for the presidency of the United States, but as a black woman who lived in the 20th century and dared to be herself." Wishing a pioneer and "She-Roe" Shirley Anita St. Hill-Chisholm a very "Happy Birthday". Educated, Sophisticated, HerStory Maker, and Changer!! Unbought. .Unbossed. . May your forever. .Rest In Peace. .~* @TheeSophistiKat

Over the past 2 months I have had a few people approach me or email to ask. . "What is the purpose of Sistah's Chat?" I've always enjoyed serving on different panels discussing current issues regarding women, the state of the Black community, relationships, etc. Often times the opportunities that I've had were outside of the city. I felt that with the movements such as Black Girls ROCK, My Black Is Beautiful "Imagine A Future", Saving Our Daughters, etc. that the discussion on how to empower girls/women, showcase our outstanding achievements, how our images are being depicted in the media, internal racism, bullying, and many other issues not only need to be discussed on a national level but truly on a local level. Each and every day in our respective communities we face the same issues that girls/women across the country face. We also have girls/women locally and statewide who are doing outstanding things to bring awareness to ...

I hope everyone had a very "Happy Thanksgiving"!! I wasn't able to Blog (and honestly didn't feel like doing much of anything) due to the passing of my great grandmother. She was 102. She lived her life giving back to others. Always active working in her church, serving on the district Usher's board, the Order of the Eastern Star, PHA (and all the other female auxiliaries of the Prince Hall Masonic Structure), and of course a devoted family woman. It put a lot of things in perspective for me. We often times wonder where we get a lot of our personality, ambition, and unwavering will to conquer over obstacles from. .and I honestly thought back to the women of my family. All though on different sides of my bloodline they were all very similar. All of them were hard working, giving, and God fearing women. I've always had the desire to help others any way I can and that comes from them. Putting my family first and doing anything and everything I can to make sure ...

This Saturday Join US!! All about giving back and providing an opportunity for our voices to be heard "Sistah's Chat" is an open panel discussion hosted by blogger Lorean Mays. The event serves as a platform for girls and women to discuss issues that we face on a daily basis such as self esteem, bullying, violence, relationships, etc. Also to provide interaction with well known girls and women (and hopefully some Brothas) from across the country. Having open and honest dialogue with each other to help, inspire, and empower the masses. At this event you will be able to shop with "2 Diva's Jewerly", receive/sign up for information on how to become active in the fight against heart disease with the American Heart Association's initiatives "Power to End Stroke" and "Go RED for Women", a chance to win some FABulous door prizes, and Meet/Greet the phenomenal panelist. This event is FREE to the publi...

Hmm. .now I'm sure after seeing the title everyone is thinking  thinking "What is this about?". Well according to Kevin Carr there are specifically 11* things men just absolutely LOVE and can't do without. A little about Kevin Carr. . Dating Coach and motivational speaker Kevin Carr is the author of "If All Men Are Dogs: Then Women You Hold the Leash", and the new eBook "Date Responsibly: Choosing Better Men". Here we go. . #1 Honesty Real men respect an honest woman. In fact, they yearn for one. A woman that possesses the ability to be open and honest about what she wants is one that can clearly articulate how she does and doesn't feel. There's nothing like it. In a world full of surface interaction your candidness can be refreshing for him. #2 Empathy There are a lot of cases where he doesn't necessarily want to be "right.” He simply wants to be understood. He will never be ...

If you haven't figured out by now. .I am a music LOVER!! You will see my FAVorite songs of all genres posted here and I love to highlight my FAV artist. Allllllllllll the Buzz from the BET Hip Hop Awards has the internet going CRAZY!! From the return of Juvenile and Mannie Fresh on stage with 2 Chainz and of course the legendary Bone Thugs N Harmony (Come ON!! It's the firrst of the mooooonth!!). HOWever. .the Cypher that Shut It DOWN was delivered from none of than TDE. I love me some Kendrick Lamar. .but this shout out is for a young cat who clearly ripped his bars like no other Isaiah Rashad!! The 21 year old from Chattanooga, TN has already been proclaimed as one the Hottest "Up and Coming" MC's in the game. With sharp and straight to the point bars he truly has something that the game has been missing. Here are a few exerts from Eric Diep's XXL interview. . On growing up in Chattanooga, TN: Growing up in Chattanooga, Tennessee is probably as...

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 affecti...

I have been slipping with posting my "Drink of the Month" favorites. We are already close to the end of October but there are still a few Homecomings, HBCU Classics, and of course just other good time/chill events left. I wanted to keep it simple but true to the kick off of Fall and cool weather. Here is a very subtle, smoothy, and tasty Martini that can be plugged in and enjoyed at any event. The Amber Martini Ingredients 3 1/2 oz Ciroc Vanilla Vodka 1/2 oz Frangelico 1/2 oz Amaretto 1 or 2 cut and sliced Red Apples Directions Pour contents into Mixer/Shaker Shake all ingredients over ice until they are well chilled Strain into a chilled Martini glass Garnish each glass with a slice of apple Voila. .you are ready to sip and chill ;") Enjoy~* @TheeSophistiKat

A good friend of mine called me last night. . "Yo L!! You've got to hear lil dude from the Wire's album". . Of course I was like "Who? What?" (mind you I am sick too. .Glory. .LoL!!) "It's FIRE!! GO to iTunes and cop it stat!!" The way I was feeling at that moment. .was "Child BYE!!"LoL!! However I am a sucker for GREAT music. He text the name and album title. .Low and behold. . It was the debut LP from the oh so Handsome Tristan Wilds aka Mack Wilds!! I have been a fan of the young actor since his days on "The Wire". .90210. .and of course "Red Tails" (Yes Lawd!! That was an outstanding and HANDSOME cast) so I honestly didn't know what to expect from him pursuing music. I remembered seeing the "Own IT" video this summer. .but didn't think to much about it. Over the past few months there has been a buzz about Tristan taking a break...

I am so excited to host my first event for my Blog and during my special "Birthday weekend of Service"!! I am all about giving back and providing an opportunity for our voices to be heard. "Sistah's Chat" will be the first of many open panel discussions to come hosted by the blog in the next few months. These events will serve as a platform for girls and women to discuss issues that we face on a daily basis such as self esteem, bullying, violence, relationships, etc. Also to provide interaction with well known girls and women (and hopefully some Brothas) from across the country. Having open and honest dialogue with each other to help, inspire, and empower the masses. I am blessed to have  a phenomenal Panel. . Angelnetta Ulmer (Mental Health Counselor for over 25 years. Currently the Student Services Coordinator, Upward Bound Math and Science (PRISM), University of  Tennessee at Chattanooga) DaNeitra Hall (Blogger/Even...

So. .Bravo is on a roll this fall and they are scheduled to release 32 original series. One that stood out to me the most is "Thicker Than Water"!! Of course I had to check it out with them being in TENNESSEE!! The show follows former NBA standout, minister, and award wining musician/producer Ben Tankard, his Wife Jewel, and their children Marcus, Brooklyn, Britney, Benji, and Cyrene. Self dubbed as the "Black Brady Bunch we get a "birds eye" look into the life of the Tankard's. I am excited to see this show because it will be the first to feature an ALL black cast on Bravo. From the preview above it shall definitely be worth the watch and interesting. Check Out the premiere November 10th!! @TheeSophistiKat 

Now I am a very simple yet sophisticated person. I don't like anything over the top when it comes to Fashion, Hair, Shoes, etc. With me my style is my own!! Here are my Top 7* "Must HAVES" for Fall 2013. . #1 I am a lover a Big Bags and going into the fall why not keep color in your life from Summer and this is the perfect bag for every SophistiKat on the GO!! IMAN Platinum Rock the Runway Genuine Leather Quilted Satchel in "Rich Red" $149.95 http://www.hsn.com/products/iman-platinum-rock-the-runway-quilted-satchel/7169823 #2 The Perfect Mani and Pedi are a must at anytime of the year, however in the Fall/Winter months it is important to show extra attention and take extra care of your hands and feet. As the climate changes your skin and nails become dry and brittle. Try one of the colors from the OPI: San Francisco collection to keep that sophisticated flare going. OPI San Francisco Collection: $9.00 per b...

Earlier this week I read an article on HuffPost "Black Voices" that Jodeci had NEVER broke up!! K-Ci stated "We are not getting back together, simple reason is we never broke up!! (YES Lawd!!) We have a vault of CDs that we could just put out at any moment. But just like when Jodeci first came out, nobody expected that. And we’re just going to keep it that way. But for now, with the love from Dalvin and DeVante, they’re pushing me and Jojo. They’re like “do what you gotta do,” DeVante said; “I’m going to let y'all know when I’m ready. But y'all continue doing what y'all doing.” And actually, we’re in the studio right now. We record new Jodeci material every chance we get… So we’re just waiting on DeVante’s call." For a Jodeci fan such as myself that is AWESOME news!! And WOO!! Glory. .DeVante and that voice. I had been trying to figure out who Trey Songz voice (not singing but his normal voice) reminds me of and it's DeVante!! When that man co...

Deitrick Haddon one of my FAVorite gospel artist has released his new album "RED"!! AND it debuted at #1 on Billboards Gospel Chart!! Go HEAD!! RED= Restoring Everything Damaged  is filled with powerful and uptempo ballads that anyone in their walk with Christ can relate to. I have been a fan for a few years now and this man NEVER disappoints. I enjoy music and artist such as he because this provides a dynamic that I don't experience in my Sunday worship. I am Church of Christ (no instruments, no choir) however I am a lover of all types of music and my family has ALWAYS listened to the Gospel genre despite our denominational affiliation. I have listened to every track on this album since purchasing (Yes I have the DELUXE edition!! Boaw) and it is a testament to how far Deitrick has come creatively and as an artist. MY FAVorite tracks are: Feel A Breakthrough Victory Handle This Strong Just As I AM* (This has been on repeat!!) Church Rock One thing I adm...

Lee Daniels: The Butler. . I have been waiting a few weeks to write this post. .I  have had to marinate (yes I said marinate) on a lot of my thoughts. During this time I have checked out a few other Blog post and of course heard the critics reviews of this movie. Via Facebook I have read a lot of post from Black "conscious" pages as well. .with that being said here goes. . I enjoyed the movie!! From the heart wrenching beginning to the very prideful end. I went to see the movie with my mother who experience the Civil Rights movements as a teen first hand. A lot of accounts that where faced in the movie by some of the young people, my mother did not face. That didn't mean that she was not aware of many of the treatment of torment of blacks during the movement. .a brave group of Howard High School students helped to desegregate the downtown lunch counters right here in our city. Our city was actually the first to use the water hose tactic on young black protesters b...

The first thing that draws my attention with songs of course are the beat. .then I listen to the lyrics. Often times I like one more than the other and a lot of times both.  From the first time I heard this song I LOVED it. .lyrically. . and MY BOO is on the track ;") Anywhoo. .Here is some hip hop with a pinch of soul for your SUNday  Skillz feat Raheem Devaughn "Call Me Crazy" Enjoy~* @TheeSophistiKat

*Check out the full interview done by Black&Sexy TV above (10 minute mark)* Now after learning that the "Fly Girl" trilogy by Omar Tyree would be turned into a movie. . The legendary Spike Lee confirms that he already has the script for the sequel to his beloved classic "School Daze"!! Spike Lee said the sequel would take place 25 years later and he hopes to get actor Laurence Fishburne to play his role as “Dap.” Lee said, “I had the script for [the sequel] to School Daze, a contemporary version, same school, 25 years later. Hopefully I can get Laurence Fishburne to play Dap. He’ll be the president now of the school. It would deal with issues in HSBCUs today, some of the same stuff from the last film, like the pledging process. But also lots of new stuff like homophobia,it’s a big subject in it. Class issues, color, hair texture, but it’s stuff happening today.” I don't know about you but a few people I would like to see on the...