A beautiful poetry reading -- "Dulce de Leche" by Oveous Maximus

I am in a creative mood tonight and wanted to hear some words of entertainment and positivity. I love this poem and wanted to share.

Enjoy!

NEWS UPDATE - The FAB Network - February 2011

The FAB website has an awesome Education update for you! See the below link for the juicy details!

http://www.thefabnetwork.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&layout=blog&id=1&Itemid=91

Thought of the Day: February 20, 2010

Feeling good is a thought and/or emotion that comes and goes . . . and today I am embracing the good.

"What do you know for sure?" Oprah candidly answers!

A friend shared this with me and I thought it was an awesome read (Oprah never lets you down, right?!) Oprah is thought-provoking as always as she contemplates and candidly answers the question asked to her, "what do you know for sure?"

Read below for her answers (many, if not all, I totally agree with).


Since the day the late Gene Siskel asked me, "What do you know for sure?" and I got all flustered and started stuttering and couldn't come up with an answer, I've never stopped asking myself that question. And every month I must find yet another answer. Some months I feel I hardly know a thing, and I'm always pressed to make the deadline for this column. This time around, in honor of our tribute to the subject, I looked back and came up with my all-time top 20:

1. What you put out comes back all the time, no matter what. (This is my creed.)

2. You define your own life. Don't let other people write your script.

3. Whatever someone did to you in the past has no power over the present. Only you give it power.

4. When people show you who they are, believe them the first time. (A lesson from Maya Angelou.)

5. Worrying is wasted time. Use the same energy for doing something about whatever worries you.

6. What you believe has more power than what you dream or wish or hope for. You become what you believe.

7. If the only prayer you ever say is thank you, that will be enough. (From the German theologian and humanist Meister Eckhart.)

8. The happiness you feel is in direct proportion to the love you give.

9. Failure is a signpost to turn you in another direction.

10. If you make a choice that goes against what everyone else thinks, the world will not fall apart.

11. Trust your instincts. Intuition doesn't lie.

12. Love yourself and then learn to extend that love to others in every encounter.

13. Let passion drive your profession.

14. Find a way to get paid for doing what you love. Then every paycheck will be a bonus.

15. Love doesn't hurt. It feels really good.

16. Every day brings a chance to start over.

17. Being a mother is the hardest job on earth. Women everywhere must declare it so.

18. Doubt means don't. Don't move. Don't answer. Don't rush forward.

19. When you don't know what to do, get still. The answer will come.

20. "Trouble don't last always." (A line from a Negro spiritual, which calls to mind another favorite: This, too, shall pass.)

So thanks, Gene, for asking me the question. The answer continues...

Taken from Oprah's Website: Direct link below.....

http://www.oprah.com/spirit/The-Top-20-Things-Oprah-Knows-for-Sure

FGI presents FGI Connect

You're invited to an FGI CONNECT networking evening,
another event in our continuing Careers In Transition Series

"IT'S YOUR STORY...BUT SHOULD YOU
STICK TO IT?"

Learn HOW to tell the story of WHO you truly are

FIND OUT HOW to re-write your personal bio in a way that resonates and connects you with others in an interactive session with MICHAEL MARGOLIS, teacher, storyteller and media entrepreneur, here to show you his breakthrough storytelling methods and how they apply to the world of social media.

For the last decade, Michael Margolis, president of Get Storied, has been teaching business leaders how to apply storytelling to the change-making and creative process. A consultant to leading institutions, including Audubon, NASA, Omnicom and Zappos.com, his work has been featured in Brandweek, Fast Company and Storytelling Magazine, among other publications. Recently, Margolis produced the Reinvention Summit, a virtual conference with over
500 change-makers and 37 speakers from around the globe.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

6:00 - 7:30 p.m., speaking portion begins promptly at 6:15
at

The Fashion Group International

8 West 40th Street, 7th Floor, NYC

wine and cheese networking reception

DO take full advantage of this interactive networking event.
There will be a special table set up for business cards and your
promotional materials, so be sure to bring yours.

cover charge for FGI members: $15.00

Non-Member Guest: $50.00 (can be applied toward membership sign-up fees)

RSVP required. Space Limited.

RESERVATIONS: Complete and MAIL this form with a check to FGI (address below) or print, complete and FAX form and credit
card information to (212) 302-5533.

NUMBER OF TICKETS: _____ Member @ $15 ___ Guest @ $50 (applicable to membership sign-up fees)

METHOD OF PAYMENT: _____ AMEX _____ MC _____ Visa (March 2, 2011 FGI Connect)

Card No._________________________________________ Exp. Date______________

Total dollar amount to be charged $__________ ( tickets are non-refundable unless cancelled 24 hours in advance)

Name(s) of attendee(s)_________________________________________________________

Company____________________________________________________________________

Address______________________________________________________________________

City____________________________________State______________Zip_________________

Phone___________________Fax___________________Email___________________________

Are you a Working Professional?!

If you are a WORKING PROFESSIONAL is who is interested in educating, motivating and encouraging young people . . . then FAB has the PERFECT opportunity for you! Read below for details!

Volunteer Opportunity presented by Girls Incorporated of New York City

The Urban Assembly Institute of Math and Science for Young Women in Brooklyn is organizing a Women's Career Day on March 17th. They are looking for women in different professions to speak to the students about their personal career paths, what it's like to work in their fields, and what opportunities are available in those fields. Volunteers would present for 30 minutes each (preferably with an interactive component). Presentations will be held throughout the day, from 9:00am to 2:40pm. Morning speakers will address the high school; afternoon speakers will address the middle school.

Please note that while Girls Inc works with UAI to implement their afterschool program, this particular event is not a Girls Inc event. If you are interested in this opportunity, please send a brief description of yourself and what you do!


Girls Incorporated of New York City
tel. 212.531.7620
fax 212.531.7622
www.girlsincnyc.org

Event Recap: Samantha B. Fashion Show

Events Recap - Sammy B. by Samantha Black (New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter Collection 2011) - Helen Mills Event Space & Theater, NYC - February 13, 2011

Fashion Gallery -- Designer's Premier

The event was a Fashion Gallery serving as a "Designer's Premier". Six designers ripped the runway and FAB will feature its favorite collection - Sammy B. Samantha Black is a very talented designer with a keen eye for fashion that's sexy, classic and yet a bit edgy. Sounds like a difficult task to fuse the ideas together, but I'm starting to realize that nothing seems too hard for Samantha Black -- especially in the world of fashion. In Samantha Black's own words, "my inspiration for Fall-Winter 2011 Collection was to create clothing that women would feel powerful in. I chose fabrics with strong details that sends a message of being bold and confident."

FAB was on the scene to witness Samantha's vision come to life.

Check out the FAB runway pics!

Theme: "Adaeze"
means princess...

Love this one!

NEED this in my life!

Fashion Forward.

Classic & Sexy

Wowzers!

Ready for Spring!

A professional look with a sexy edge!

One of my FAVS from the collection.

Awesome Color.

High Fashion.

Classic.

Ready for Vacation!

Calling Red Carpet Divas.

The FABulous Designer, Samantha Black

Post Show Smiles

#1 Fans of the Sammy B. Collection (Kela Walker & Shayna D.)

Designer Samantha Black & Miss FAB.

Runway Pics by Chris Fox-Kelly for CFK Photography
Styling by Ugo Mozie

Loving This Song: "Sure Thing" by Miguel

I had to share the song "Sure Thing" by Miguel with you. I absolutely LOVE it. It's on repeat for tonight and I thought you may like it too. Enjoy!

Climbing to success & lingering random thoughts . . . For YOUR EYES ONLY!

Hi. It's been awhile since I've written a personal note to all my blog readers and today I'm taking time out to consciously let my thoughts flow. I miss talking to you and wanted to check in. I wanted to let you know what's going on with me and see how you're doing. I welcome your comments if you feel compelled. So, what's on my mind? Really it's a plethora of thoughts swirling in my head - mostly thinking about what's in store and smiling at what's already taken place (and we're only 47 days into 2011). Music gets my thoughts flowing and I've been listening to a lot of music lately and my journal is my partner in crime. Music + Journal = Honesty. Oh, of course, my other platform is the blog of course. My friends all seem to be in the same boat as me as we review our personal and professional lives with the intent of deciding what stays, what goes and what's in store. Not that we're soooo old, but we've all decided that we have come full circle and are starting to get a firm grasp on the lessons we've learned and how we can turn those lessons into successes -- with work, in relationships, friendships, everything really. Having that circle of conscious friends is so refreshing and motivating. I have been in New York for 4 years now (which I would've never imagined) and I have definitely evolved as a person. My eyes and ears are more alert to what I find is a priority (and what frankly doesn't matter). Don't I sound mature?! Ha! Don't get me wrong, this thought process that I am mentioning is a work in progress and I sometimes have relapses, but again, that's what that close circle of friends is for -- to help you get back on track. Relapses in the sense that we sometimes get so boggled down in the details with the every day drama and as a result lose sight of the bigger goal. When understanding your destiny, it makes a huge difference in how you handle people, situations, obstacles and successes. Your focus shifts and a light goes off. Ever feel that way? Like you understand your destiny and can easily brush off the day to day affairs because you're very clear on your purpose. To me, that's the first step in seeing progress. Acknowledgment. So, I am VERY excited for the Spring and Summer and all that's to come. I wonder what' going to happen?! Will I travel (near or far?), will some of the new additions in my life still be present?, will some pending business matters be settled?, will there be any good surprises?! This winter has been pretty harsh. In my mind I have abandoned the brutal coldness and instead envision myself at the park laid out enjoying the sun, blasting some new hot track, reading a gossip magazine and occasionally people gazing. Perfect Saturday afternoon. My lingering thoughts haven't made it past the summer season. What are you thinking about? I'd love to hear from you. C'mon don't be shy. Share your candid thoughts. For me, releasing my thoughts is such freedom. I love it. The fact that I can share them with you is icing on the cake.

Until Next Time . . .

Stay FAB!

J. Styles

Event Recap: Listening Party for Singer TESS

Event Recap - TESS Album Listening Party - February 9, 2011

TESS Album Listening Party took place on Wednesday Feb. 16th at Stadium Red Studios, home of super producer Just Blaze.

A few lucky fans won an opportunity to meet Tess in the place where she feels most at home...the Studio; and got a chance to tour & get up close & personal with dozens of Gold & Platinum Records & Grammy from some of you favorite artists. The night was filled with excitement, amazing music, champagne & great vibes.

About TESS

The name is TESS! As many industry insiders already know, this is a talent that is here to last. Writing, recording and performing are her passions. Her music is highly influenced by Rock, Hip-Hop and Soul, which help to create her amazing sound. TESS has toured the US and Europe with artists Musiq Soulchild, Deemi, JT Taylor (of Kool and the Gang) and Atlantic Star. TESS has recently hit the studio with super producer DJ Static, and as homage to the legendary group, Jodeci, created her latest album ‘TESS Goes Jodeci’. The project has been called “musical genius”. She is currently in the studio (StadiumRed) recording her new album.

To view Tess' latest video 'Luv U 4 Life visit http://vimeo.com/13627574. For more information visit http://www.thenameistess.com

FAB has the event pics. Check them out!

TESS Album Release Party

Inside the studio of Mega Producer JUST BLAZE

You know The Game, right?!

TESS kicks off the evening!

She's got a funky style!

Singer + Fashionista = FAB!

You must check out her music!

CONTEST: Win an In-Studio Listening Session with TESS

WIN an In-Studio Listening Session for New EP 'TESS Goes JODECI

in an NYC studio where Drake, Kanye West, Fabolus, Black Eyed Peas, Mos Def, T.I & Ludacris
Have laid down some of your favorite track.

2.9.11 @ 7pm

How To Win:
1. Follow Tess on Twitter @tessboogie and/or
2. Join Tess’ fan page facebook.com/tesstheyoungdiva
3. Write the phrase ‘Luv U 4 Life’

Location: Location details will be sent to winners.