Blog Peeps, Weekend Wrap Up & Other Happenings

Eh hem........"Is this thing on" ?  Yes I have been MIA & this little blog is quite dusty, but I am still here.

My camera sucks & malfunctioned this weekend, so I was just left with my phone which never keeps a charge, so I don't have any good photos to share, but I had a great time at the Houston Blogger Meetup in honor of Babs who flew in from Atlanta. You can check out her blog for all of the details & great pics. It was a great time. I have been reading her blog since, at least 2005, so it truly felt like hanging out with an old friend. She is one of the first blogs I started reading regularly & was hooked. I could relate to her in so many ways. She is exactly how I imagined her to be & we would totally be friends that hang out often, if we were in the same city.

I also got to see some local bloggers/commenters that have become my friends in real life, that I  previously met in blog world along with meeting some new people that I only know from commenting.

CBean showed up with a sparkling brand new engagement ring, with her new Fiance' in tow. I am so very happy for her.  Tarsha showed up with some baked goodness especially for Babs, but I somehow ended up with a little sample. LOL She throws down. Believe that. And of course TiffanyinHouson  (Bab's blog wifey) and her husband, who has become a good friend of my soon-to-be husband in real life. We had an awesome time. Lots of laughs, great food & of course cocktails.

My love's brother  who is also from Atlanta, happened to come in the same night  as Bab's which is why Mr. Mixologist didn't get to meet her Friday night.

Saturday, I spent the entire day with my honey & BIL, we had a lazy morning, we cooked breakfast in, my BFF Kim dropped by to eat, but she had a bunch of family events this weekend so she didn't get to hang out with us.

We had lunch at Onion Creek in the Heights, which has great food, and a nice patio for the beautiful spring day on Saturday. We had some drinks & laughs there, enjoying the beautiful weather and then picked up a couple of bottles of wine & headed to Stogie's Cigar Lounge, we hung out there for several hours, I brought my laptop & did some wedding planning, in between laughing & chilling with they guys.  We discussed our upcoming wedding in New Orleans & all that we plan to do. My BIL is a complete fool, he is such a fun person to hang out with, we always have blast & he keeps me laughing. I got to hear all the details of Mr. Mixologist's upcoming Bachelor party which sounds like it's going to be epic, LOL. It's going to be  very small, close knit group of guys & the plan is to head to Miami. I am really excited and happy for him.

Lastly, Saturday night, we all headed out to listen to some jazz at Cezanne. My BIL absolutely loved it ! It is truly for jazz lovers. It is all.about.the.music. It is a very small, intimate, place, where the musicians are the focus and given the utmost respect and full attention by the patrons. There are no distractions, no one talks during the performances and it's as if the musicians are sitting in your living room. It is a great date spot for music lovers if you are ever in Houston & this sounds like your scene, you should check it out.

My BIL left this morning after Mr. Mixologist cooked us a big breakfast & let me sleep in until his brother was leaving. I love to see how happy, being around his people makes him. It makes me happy to see him happy.

We have just 6 months till the big day & I am fine tuning right now. I hired a wedding planner who has been an absolute dream to work with so far. She is helping me to tie up everything that we have done on our own so far & has made some great suggestions.  Also, I don't want to get into the details right now, but I have had a bit more stress at work as of late & I am really trying not to let that distract me from the happiness and joy of planning to wed this wonderful man who loves me, but honestly it has been challenging. I know that all things work together for good for those who love the Lord. (Romans 8:28) I may not blog as often because I have a full plate right now, but I will be back periodically with updates on the wedding planning and other happenings.


Have a wonderful week !


Thoughts ? Comments ? Questions ?

Beautifully Complex

The Coalition

" Write it down. Make it happen."  The is the mantra of filmmaker Monica Mingo whose first feature film, " The Coalition " just recently premiered at the American Black Film Festival in Miami to outstanding reviews. She wrote and produced this film along with Terrell Suggs of the Baltimore Ravens. Their production company Team Sizzle Worldwide has also written and produced several short films that have appeared at other film festivals including Caanes.

Watch the Movie Trailer


"The Coalition" Trailer - OFFICIAL from Team Sizzle Films on Vimeo.

Synopsis of the Film:
The bad boys club is really not all that bad. Young, rich and handsome...the boys know how to have a good time. They love women, fast cars and doing whatever they want to do. There comes a time in life, however, when karma is helped along. When it's done by a group of scorned women...it can prove to be devastating.

The Cast  & Crew:

STARRING :

ADRIENNE BAILON

JACKEE’ HARRY
J.R. RAMIREZ
DENYCE LAWTON
EDDIE GOINES
NICOLE GARZA
SHANTI LOWRY
NADINE ELLIS
INGRID CLAY
SATU MAKEDA
SANT’E ANDREWS
CHANTA NOEL PATTON
AND INTRODUCING JAMES PHILLIPS

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER – TERRELL SUGGS
PRODUCED BY RICH VOLIN AND MONICA MINGO
WRITTEN BY TERRELL SUGGS AND MONICA MINGO
DIRECTED BY MONICA MINGO

It has been a joy to watch Monica on her life journey. I have followed her blog, CreoleinDC  for many years now and have met so many wonderful, empowered, intelligent, and beautiful women through her blog community that she affectionately calls "The Tribe". Several of them have become my friends IRL. Monica is a very encouraging, confident and motivating woman who has overcome many serious challenges in her own life but survived and remains a force to be reckoned with. So very proud and excited for you Monica ! 

Please show your support for this movie !

Like the Facebook Page for The Coalition
Follow Team Sizzle on Twitter

Thoughts ? Comments ? Questions ?
Beautifully Complex 

I've Been Tagged !

I was tagged by ichoosethesun over at her spot, so I am going to share a little bit about my self right here.
Rules for Tagged:

1. You must post 11 random things about yourself.
2. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post.
3. Create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.
4. Go to their blog and tell them that you’ve tagged them.

11 RANDOM THINGS ABOUT ME 

1. I am 5'10 and love my height and love to wear high heels.

2. I miss being able to drop by my parents after church for Sunday dinner.

3. I could eat Cheesecake 3 times a week and never get tired of it.

4. It really  makes me sad to hear of anyone getting a divorce.

5. I enjoy drinking creative cocktails with unusual ingredients.

6. I think it would be fun and interesting to be Bartender in a cool spot.

7. I don't care for chocolate ice cream, but I do eat chocolate in other things.

8. I love lemonade, lemon pie, lemon pound cake, and all things lemon.

9. I wish I'd been encouraged to be creative rather than practical growing up.

10.  My love language is physical touch. I am addicted to physical affection.

ICHOOSETHESUN'S  QUESTIONS FOR ME

1. What is your dream job ?

    Songwriter & Music producer

2. Why do you blog ?

    

    Because I love to write and read & I have encountered some really 

   cool people. 

3. Are you most like Pooh, Tigger or Piglet ?

   

    Tigger because my Mom has always called my "hyper" & I am very

    emotional. 

4. What would you tell your 18 year old self ?

    

    Care less about the approval of others, be courageous, take more

   chances. 

5. What vacation destination are you most looking forward to ?

    My upcoming Honeymoon. No location picked yet but it will be 

   tropical. 

6. How often do you wear make-up ?

    

    When working or going out socially. Otherwise, its Nivea cream only.

7. At what time of the day were you born ?

    5:35PM Don't know why I remember that but after seeing by Birth 

    Certificate it stayed in my mind.

8. Do you commute to work ? Carpool, drive, walk or public transit ?

    Drive

9. Would you rather be hot or cold ?

    Definitely hot. I get angry when it's too cold ! LOL I will never forget     

   when I went to Chicago in January.  

10. How do you feel about being tagged ?

    I think it's a fun and interesting way to learn more about my fellow 

   bloggers ! 

 FOLKS I'M TAGGIN...........

Inner Diva

Kurlylicious

The Weight of What is Real

Mamasez

Newy- I wanted to tag you, but you did a similar post a couple of weeks ago

HERE ARE MY QUESTIONS FOR YOU GUYS .......

1. If you cook, what is the best meal that you know how to prepare that you

    always get the most compliments on ?

2. If money was not an issue, where would you want to live & make your home  

    and why ?

3. If you have children or plan to, what is the one lesson that you hope you 

    have taught them as they reach adulthood ?

4. If you are married, is there anything that you would want to have done any

    different for your wedding ? If you want to be married what is the most 

    important aspect of a wedding to you ?

5. How would those who know you the best describe you in three words ?

6. What is a favorite memory from your childhood ?

7.  Who in your life makes you laugh the most ?

8. Is there anything that you ate as a child that you don't eat now or anything 

    that you wouldn't eat as a child that you do eat now ?

9. If you won a huge lottery what is the first thing you would do ?

10. What could you eat all the time & never get sick of ?

11. Do you prefer blogs, fac.ebook or twitt.er ? Why ?

Hopefully these were some good questions for you. I tried to avoid tagging bloggers who may have done this recently. Anyway, consider yourself "tagged"  if you are looking for a blog idea or just want to join in ! 

Thoughts ? Comments ? Questions ? 

Beautifully Complex 

Santa's Secret Revealed

My package from my Secret Santa arrived this afternoon. I was super excited to open it to see what I got.  I was very pleased because my Secret Santa did a great job selecting things that I can use and enjoy.........


First up is "The Wine Bible"  a 900 page book on ALL.THINGS.WINE! This is a very thoughtful gift that really put a smile on my face. I can't wait to start reading it and expand my knowledge of my vino addiction.

The "Good Book" for the Wineaux

Next, I got a personalized Wine Stopper with my initial inside.  This will be put to use pronto. I would start tonight but I gotta pack for a road trip tomorrow & I must rise early  and functional ! LOL

I love personalized items.

Santa really knows my musical taste because I got a CD that I do not have in my collection, but it will definitely be a welcome edition. Will Downing's "Christmas, Love and You"  is a wonderful gift. I love Christmas music. I have already placed this in the player tonight while doing things around the house & it will definitely get played out on the trip tomorrow. I am a huge Will fan & so is my Beau. I can't wait to make some wonderful Christmas memories with him to this music !

The makings of a very Merry Christmas !

Thanks for the thoughtful, useful gifts Secret Santa.

I could not find a card or a hint in the box. I found some Foodtown bags used as stuffing inside the package & googled it to find that its a store that operates in Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey. That's how I knew it was a Blogger from the Northeast which is how I narrowed it down to either Inner Diva or 1969. Since the zip code was from Brooklyn (I know that's cheating, LOL) my Secret Santa must be....Inner Diva !

Thanks so much for the gifts Inner Diva! They are very much appreciated. I actually started reading your blog a couple of weeks ago as a result of the Secret Santa gift exchange, and look forward to getting to know you better. So thanks again Pserendipity for allowing me to discover a new Blogger.

Merry Christmas Blogland ! Enjoy this season.

Peace & Blessings

Beautifully Complex 

Dear Santa......

It is Christmas in Blogland once again. I so appreciate Pserendipity for hosting this gift exchange again this year and I love traditions.  Santa, since you might be lurking around my blog here, I want you to know that I have been a very good young lady this year ! I am pretty much the good girl most of the time and last year I got this. You may be trying to figure out what I like and I think I am a pretty simple girl. But here, are some ideas of some things that I might like just in case you were wondering......

• I am known by all those who really know me as a bona fide Wineaux. LOL Since you may not be able to legally transport liquor through the mail on your sled, any related accessories or paraphernalia is appreciated !  Something like this Monogrammed Wine Stopper, of course Santa you already know my government initial is " J"

• I love putting up photos of loved ones all over my home & I can always find space for a new picture, so you can never go wrong with a lovely frame for something like this......

Me & my Nephew

• I love great music and there are a couple of CD's that I have really been wanting but have not yet picked up. You know how love Foreign Exchange and especially group member Phonte who has a new CD out called Charity Starts at Home that I would love to be jammin' to on Christmas day.

• I have a Nook Color, so Barnes & Noble gift cards are always welcome so that I can use my e-reader whenever I am not busy blogging !

• I love candles, soft pajamas, and nice thick socks for lounging, anything that allows me to be comfortable while relaxing next to this....

• Now Santa, if you are feeling EXTRA generous this year, my dream car the Lexus SC430 always puts a smile on my face. I already have my personalized plate  BTFLYCMPLX ! 

• OK........ well, maybe I technically haven't been THAT good this year ! LOL  Anyway you can blame a girl for trying! LOL 

Wishing all of Blogland a very happy holiday season, have fun shopping, spending time with loved ones, partying and just enjoying the blessings in your life !


Beautifully Complex 

Santa Came to Town

I came home today and found that Santa left a nice gift on the porch for me !

I got a satchel full of the most intoxicating Fragrance Beads. I love the combination of Vanilla and Orchid, it smells divine ! There was also some Lemon Drop flavored lip balm that I cannot wait to try. Lemon is actually one of my favorite flavors ! I love Lemon Drop Martinis and Lemon Meringue Pie.  This lip balm is definitely going to come in handy during the holidays, because I do have to keep these lips kissable for those " Mistletoe Moments" with Mr. Mixologist ! LOL Thanks Santa :) Last but not least, Santa must be reading the blog, because I got some gourmet K-cups to use in my Keurig Premium Coffee System that I blogged about here.

I am looking forward to enjoying my gifts and appreciate the thoughtfulness in the selection.
Santa tried to leave me a little clue in the attached note, but I just couldn't narrow it down for sure, but my first guess is going to be....

MamaSez

and if not her then I must be.....

Gorgeous Pudding 

I am excited to find out for sure tomorrow. Thanks again Santa for the gifts ! I hope you enjoy your Christmas Holiday and thanks to Pserendipity for hosting the gift exchange again this year & allowing me to discover some cool new bloggers to add to my reader !

Beautifully Complex 

Thankful: Day 6 Blog Friends

I knew the weekends were going to throw me off with my posting, but I have committed to making sure I get my 30 Thankful posts in this month. Late last night I managed to drop my blackberry in some water, while leaving a birthday party. The good news is that after a couple of hours of drying out, all of my information was intact and it still works. The bad news is that all of the pics I took at the blog gathering disappeared. I am sure their will be some pictures on Three Food Words soon, so you can check over there so you can appreciate all the goodness. 

First let me say that the Internet is a marvelous place, despite all the negativity that can exist online. I have been truly blessed to have been able to meet, connect and become friends with some wonderful people through blogs, twitter, and even FB.  I have been reading and blogging for about 3 years. So before FB or twitter was all the rage the last couple of years, I discovered blogs and how many talented writers there really are in the world. It is amazing how you can get to know people so well, or feel like you do, just by reading their words on a computer. It's so cool to read about peoples lives and come to know that you would be good friends just by how they present themselves online and it is great to meet them in person and have it confirmed.

I went to my very first Blogger meet up about a year and a half ago. I posted about it here. This was my first encounter meeting in person Serenity, Tiffany in Houston, and Icey. Since then we have continued to hang out IRL and I have come to know some of their friends and made connections with other people like Blaqueberrybabe, Rhapsody Diva,  CBean, and Nicintx. Last night I met WiseDiva for the first time. She is cool peeps, and a very sharp young lady.  Since becoming friends with all of these ladies I have attended a baby shower,  a wedding, a birthday party and just random meet ups for drinks and conversation. It is awesome to be able to meet and connect with real people and enjoy their company. None of my other friends are really into blogs or even twitter. Like most people, the majority of my FB friends are people that I met from school, work or are family members. Blogging is a different type of community and I am glad to be a part of it.

I must say that  Ms.Icey can "burn a pot" as Mr. Mixologist would say ! After arriving at her lovely home,  I had a drink in my hand within 5 minutes ! LOL Now that is my kind of place :) I love being around people who know how to make you feel welcome and comfortable in their home and she did just that. I met some of her family members before the other bloggers showed up and they were wonderful people. The appetizers were deelish ! We had hummus and pita chips, these little skewers with feta cheese, cucumbers, and tomatoes, and this crostini with some kind of grilled chicken, with caramelized onions and some type of aoli-like sauce  to put on top that was amazing ! She had some fresh cut apple with this cream cheese brown sugar type dip that was sooo good.  Man I wish I still had the pictures still so I could look at them again, but I am sure she will get it up on her blog soon. For dinner we had roasted chicken that was so moist, some potatoes, sauteed spinach and some carrots that were glazed with crack I swear ! LOL  Unfortunately, I had to leave early for another event, so she sent me on my way with a bag of brownies for the road. I am sure by now, you know they were heavenly ! 

So today I am thankful for the Internet leading me to my blog friends ! 

I am thankful for good food, great friends, and fun times ! 

What are you thankful for ?

Beautifully Complex 

Happy Birthday Babs in Blogland !

Today is the 35th Birthday of one of my most favorite bloggers, Babs.

I always enjoy reading about her daily adventures, shenanigans and fun times. She has truly been an inspiration to me, and is such a helpful, wise and considerate young lady.

Hop on over to her spot http://babsinblogland.com/ & wish her the best !

Love ya Babs !

Blogger Meet and Greet

Make a Smilebox slideshow

I had to come out of my self-imposed hiatus to recap the fabulous Houston Blogger Meetup we had last night. There were losts of laughs and the food and drinks were great. We planned to do it again very soon.

I waited for my blog friends at the bar at Pa.ppa.dea.ux enjoying a nice glass of Riesling and struck up a conversation with a very nice, handsome young man. He could not believe that I was actually meeting some women I had never met in person, so I had to break down the whole blogging thing. He was interested. We discussed travelling, online dating, and the Houston social scene. He was very gracious and I enjoyed chatting with him.

For dinner, I sat right across from Tyler who is amazingly even more handsome in person. I let him know that I am holding my nieces for him to mature a little bit more. He was very well mannered and extremely patient with all of the craziness going on around him. I was impressed but not surprised.

I wore my leopard sandals and matching headband in honor of our Hostess, the shoe queen, Serenity. She was wearing a beautful turquoise dress and her hair looked great. She was even more beautiful in person.

Serenity has some very cool friends who provided much comic relief and I have no more worries about our children in the public education system, they are in good hands ! LOL

I was posted up with the Fabulous Blog Wifey of Babs, Tiffany in Houston who is the "realest of the real" . We found out just how small the world is and I know there truly is less than "Si.x De.gree.s of S.eperation" LOL !

Thanks Tiffany for the pep talk and words of encouragement about my "situations and thangs". I just may re-think that 28 yr old we talked about :) I can at least get some blog fodder out of it if nothing else.

An Icey was a pleasant surprise, neither of us were expecting the other but I am so glad she came. She was extremely warm and funny.We are gonna have to try and find a 5k. I am motivated now !

Thanks Ladies for a wonderful time. We must do it again soon.