Chicago based painter and interior designer, Raub Welch’s art work and life is an ode to Afro-Opulence. In addition to his beautiful Afro inspired collage and oil paintings, he is known for his elaborate themed parties. Throughout the year, musicians and artists can be found having an after party at his abode. From live music and entertainment to the exquisite artwork… Continue reading "Afro-Ritz New Year’s Eve"
This time last year I fretted what a Trump presidency would bring for 2017. It was worse than my cynical mind could imagine. More pressing was my mother’s cancer diagnosis. She had surgery a few days before Christmas 2016. Her health and recovery were paramount. In January 2017, she received a good prognosis at her post-op appointment. After ten years… Continue reading "Reflections on 2017"
Champagne, cava, and prosecco are necessary to welcome the New Year. However, you need something else to serve until the midnight countdown. To that end, I visited two Chicago distilleries that have returned spirits to the city to get some cocktail recipes: KOVAL Distillery and CH Distillery. If you are visiting Chicago, a tour and tasting is a must at both! My latest… Continue reading "New Year’s Eve Cocktails"
As life expectancy extends, the economy changes, and financial stability is tested, retiring at 60 is less the norm. The new question is what to do with the fourth quarter of life and all this experience gained? The new challenge is “transitioning for your next chapter and season of life,” in the words of Vicki Escarra. This idea of “next… Continue reading "Ageless Innovators: Cold Open"
The Halston brand is an iconic pillar of American style. When I heard of Halston for QVC, I was cynical. Then I interviewed Cameron Silver, fashion director of the H by Halston and H Halston brands, and discovered that the expansion to QVC is authentic to Halston’s vision. Halston was a trailblazer. The average American woman is a size 16… Continue reading "Halston’s Vision at QVC"
Should we really be surprised that Trump and Republicans are backing Roy Moore for the Alabama Senate seat? Recall former Republican House Representative Mark Foley, accused of inappropriate contact with high school congressional interns, known as “pages.” At the time of the Foley scandal, Dennis Hastert was Speaker of the House. Hastert refused to step down amid cries that he mishandled the Foley… Continue reading "GOP: Foley, Hastert & Moore"
KIDS Reading is essential. I am buying Vashti Harrison’s book, Little Leaders, for my nieces. I love my Not Tonight, I’m Reading t-shirts. Like last year, I attended the Chicago Toy & Game Fair at Navy Pier. I took my ten-year-old nephew and his best friend to get feedback from the target audience. Their favorites were: PlayMonster’s Ultra Dash and… Continue reading "Holiday Gift Guide"
For anyone that said “my vote doesn’t count” or “how can I know all the people on the ballot” – no more excuses thanks to BallotReady. It has a voter guide that lists “who the candidates are, who endorses them, their stances, previous work experience and background information to make informed choices using automatic news feed from local news sources and… Continue reading "BallotReady: Rock the Vote"
The Marriott is undergoing a re-branding campaign. Newly built Marriott hotels showcase a modern, minimalist look with interiors that pay homage to their locale, but keeps the global traveler in mind. The grand opening of the Marriott Marquis at Chicago’s McCormick Place highlights this marriage of local, modern, and global. As Marriott prepares for its 90th anniversary, Mr. Sorenson stated that… Continue reading "Marriott Changing the Way You Travel"
Trump’s fascination with the military is dangerous. His preference for flexing military might over diplomacy is a threat to the world. His behavior during foreign trips lacked tact and diplomacy such that key allies no longer look to America as a defender of democracy. Tawfik Sharkasi said, “Nations cannot live on the short term but must look for long term… Continue reading "Trump’s Policies Undermines Military Strength"
As I read some excerpts from Hillary Clinton’s What Happened book, I rolled my eyes. This is not a critique on the book. This is a critique of the myriad of reasons posited for not understanding her loss and her supporters need to figure out. Let’s put aside the electoral college issue. If we had no electoral college, she would… Continue reading "Hillary Stop It!"
While at the Toronto International Film Festival, I had a chance to catch the screening of Grace Jones: Bloodlight & Bami. For the life of me I can’t understand why she wasn’t in the Wonder Woman movie. I am hoping that Marvel’s Black Panther gives her a cameo. She is virtually synonymous with strong, independent, warrior woman. Grace is the original #blackgirlmagic and #melaninpoppin. My latest… Continue reading "Grace Jones TIFF Documentary"
