The Divine Diva

The Munchkin's 1st Birthday Party

2011-08-03T10:58:00.000-07:00

The Munchkin has finally turned 1 and we were VERY EXCITED about his 1st Birthday Party. I had been planning this birthday celebration for the past 6 months and was very excited to see all of my plans come to life. The theme for the party was "Under the Big Top". Yes, the Munchkin had a Carnival Theme Birthday Party and it was a success. We had Games, Prizes, Carnival Food, Carnival Candy and a Moonbounce. Special thanks to my Family and Friends who pitched in to help make this party go off without a hitch!! Below are some of the pics from the party:

The Munchkin had his own Sweet Shoppe

The cake was by Cookies Cakes

The Proud Mommy!

My FIRST Mother's Day...

2011-05-11T13:18:00.000-07:00

This was my FIRST Mother's Day and I was soooooo excited!!!

For the past two weeks, I was anxiously anticipating my first Mother's Day and everything that came along with it and I must say that I was VERY pleased. I started receiving gifts and cards from family and friends the week before and it only got better as the days went by. My God-Daughter and her mom sent me the most delicious Chocolate Covered Strawberries and my parents sent me these beautiful Asiatic Lilies that are still alive! (I just knew they were going to die soon) I also received several cards.

On that Sunday Morning, the Munchkin and Keno brought me breakfast in bed and afterwards they presented me with more cards and gifts. The Munchkin signed his own card and even left me a hand print that will never go away. (Yes, that's his real hand print...He has big hands! LOL!) I also received two more charms to go on my Pandora bracelet. (Pretty soon my bracelet will be complete!!) For the remainder of the day, I relaxed and worked in my flower garden and enjoyed the personal time with my family.

There is never enough money, cards, flowers or gifts to repay a mother for all of the love and hard work that she puts into raising her children. I thank God everyday for both of my parents. Now, that I have a child of my own, I have a different outlook on life and appreciate even more all that my mom and dad did for me.

This was a WONDERFUL Mother's Day and thanks to everyone who called, sent a card, text, or Facebooked me on that special day....Now onto planning for Father's Day. Mr. Brown is a good Daddy so I have to make sure his day is just as special as my day.

Happy 39th Anniversary Mom and Dad!!!

2011-05-06T11:26:00.001-07:00

Today my Parents are celebrating their 39th Wedding Anniversary!!! This is such a blessing and my siblings and I are very proud to have them as our Parents. I often ask them, what did they do to stay married for so long and both of their answers are always A LOT OF PRAYER!!!

My parents marriage is a great example of what a Christian Marriage should be like. They worship together, pray together and attend Bible Study together. My Dad is Deacon in the church and doesn't take his duty as a Deacon lightly and my Mom is a Deaconess who is always there to lend a helping hand. I'm quite sure they have their challenges but their love for one another has never wavered. I pray that my marriage will last just as long and that Keno and I can continue to have the amount of love in our marriage as my Mom and Dad has in theirs!

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!!! Hope you have a blessed day and many more!!

Please don't forget to follow my Mom's Cupcake Business, Cookie's Cakes, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cookiesgourmetcakes and her blog at http://www.cookiesgourmetcakes.blogspot.com

Cookie's Cakes (Gourmet Cakes and Cupcakes)

2011-04-29T07:58:00.000-07:00

My mom has finally decided to launch her own cake and cupcake business, Cookie's Cakes. She's completed several baking and cake decorating classes and finally decided to step out on her own. Please check out her blog at http://www.cookiesgourmetcakes.blogspot.com and visit her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cookiecakes.

Here Comes Peter Cottontail...

2011-04-26T06:15:00.001-07:00

I remember the children singing this song at every Easter Play held at The Mount Moriah Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland. Whenever Easter season comes around, this song always pops into my head.

Before I go any further with this blog, I want you to know that The Browns know that Easter/Resurrection Sunday is about the Death, Burial and Resurrection of Jesus Christ and that Jesus is the reason for the season. The commercialized piece of Easter is fun to get involved with but the Easter Bunny, Candy and Clothes are not the sole purpose of the day.

This past weekend was The Munchkin's first Easter and Keno and I worked very had at trying to make it nice for him. I know most of you are probably saying that he's a baby and he won't remember any of this, but guess what?!? We'll remember it and special thanks to cameras, we now have pictures to show him when he gets old enough to understand. We don't ever want to look back over our son's life and say, "I wish I would've done this" or "I wish I would've done that".

We spent the past two weeks trying to find the right outfit for him to wear to church. Instead of going with the normal dark suit, shirt and tie, we went with a more casual look. After several trips to the store and looking online, I finally found what I was looking for. The Children's Place had a nice tan linen suit and navy blue and white plaid shirt on Sale that we purchased. I then found a hat to match. Yes, our son has a matching hat for most of his outfits along with shoes. (His mother has shoe fetish that has now carried over to him). We also found the cutest navy blue and cream saddle shoes that went perfect with the outfit, but they were too big for his feet. So, he had to wear his tan Stride Rites.

We died eggs earlier in the week and prepared an Easter Basket for the Munnchkin. Inside the basket was a Rabbit from Build-A-Bear named "Peter Cotton Tail" and a book called "The Five Little Ducks". His Nana and Pop-Pop bought him a high chair and cart cover for when we go out to eat and his Auntie Monie and Uncle Robbie bought him more shoes!! On Saturday evening, we arranged his basket and gifts. Since we went to Sunrise Service on Sunday, The Munchkin didn't get his gifts until we got home. He enjoyed everything that was given to him. He played with his new friend Peter Cotton Tail, played with the ducks on his book and tried eating his shoes. I know...I know...He doesn't have a clue why he got all of these things. But that's ok! When he gets older he'll be able to look back at the pictures and see what his Daddy and Mommy did for him and one day when he has kids, hopefully he'll do the same thing.

The Quest to find GOOD Diapers...

2011-04-12T11:12:00.001-07:00

Our little Munchkin is now 8 months old and the quest to find the perfect pamper for him has finally ended!!! When he was first born, we used the Pampers Brand. We received a few free packs from the hospital and we had received several packs from our Baby Shower. Once we ran out of the Pampers Brand, we started using Huggies because we were also blessed with a few boxes of Huggies. Once we started using the Huggies Brand, we immediately noticed that the Munchkin was having leakage and his blow outs could not be contained. So, we decided to try the Babies R' Us Brand of diapers and they worked out fine for a few weeks, but we noticed that the Munchkin was waking up in the middle of the night completely soaked. We were running through sleepers like we were going through diapers. By this time, Keno and I were both frustrated. So after talking to my Mom and Aunt, they suggested that we buy the plastic underwear to put on the Munchkin at night when he's sleep. We listened to their suggestion and did what they said and that worked out pretty well. But we still felt like no diaper should be leaking like this.

One day while walking through Sam's Club, we noticed that they had a brand of diapers called Member's Mark. Keno suggested that we give them a try since everything else had not been working. I immediately gave him the side eye and then thought about all the trouble the other brands gave us, so I turned that side eye into a Kanye Shrug and said, "OK!". Now, these diapers are a little cheaper than Pampers and Huggies so I really didn't expect for them to work....Well let me tell you!!!!!! These are the BEST diapers by far!!!! The Munchkin has not leaked since we started using them and they can contain his major Blow Outs!! Keno and I are both highly impressed with this Member's Mark! 8 months ago you couldn't have paid me to use Member's Mark brand diapers. It had to either be Pampers or Huggies. I'm so glad that Keno suggested them. The Munchkin is no longer waking up in the middle of the night completely soaked and we have more money to put towards his Education Fund.

Kickin' It With The Browns

2011-01-07T10:09:00.000-08:00

Check our The Browns in their first Ustream Video called Kickin' It With The Browns http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/11862803. We received a webcam as a Christmas gift this year and decided to put it to use. LOL!!! We thought it would be fun to record a live talk show where we talk about Hot Topics in Relationships such as Communication, Money, Children, Sex and many more. Last night we recorded our first show and we talked about Communication and the importance of it in a relationship. Now, this is our first time doing this so please be patient with us. We're still trying to perfect the flow of the show. Tune in to Kickin' It With The Browns every Thursday evening around 9:30 p.m. and check us out. If you have any hot topics that you would like for us to discuss e-mail us at nicolebrown30@gmail.com.

Is His Grace Really Sufficient?!?

2010-11-17T11:33:00.000-08:00

Each day I receive an inspiration message from Joel Osteen Ministries http://www.joelosteen.com/. His messages are very inspiring and they help to jump start my day. Today his message is about God's Grace. I decided to share it with everyone on my blog because sometimes we forget that God's Grace is sufficient and it's His free gift to us. No matter how bad we think we messed up, God's grace is always there.

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Increase of Grace

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“...But where sin increased, grace increased all the more”
(Romans 5:20, NIV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

So many people today live in guilt and condemnation over their past mistakes and wrongdoings. They have this attitude that they are too far gone or they’ve made too many mistakes. They think that if they walk into church, the roof will cave in. Friend, if that’s you, nothing could be further from the truth! It doesn’t matter what you’ve done, it doesn’t matter where you’ve been; God’s grace is enough. Scripture says that we are saved “by faith through grace.” Grace is His unmerited favor upon you. You can’t earn it no matter how “good” you act, but He’s offering it to you as a free gift. His grace is what empowers you to change and live the life He’s called you to.

Today, don’t live another minute in regret, condemnation, heaviness or despair. Receive His grace. It’s as easy as opening your heart and inviting Him to change your life. Remember, there’s nothing you could ever do that His grace can’t bring you through. So open your heart to Him and receive it today!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father God, thank You for Your grace upon my life. Thank You for receiving me no matter what I’ve done. I receive Your love and forgiveness. I commit myself to You today and all the days of my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

— Joel & Victoria Osteen

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Thank God for His Grace!!!

Daddy is great! He gives me Chocolate Cake!

2010-11-15T11:13:00.000-08:00

Have you ever seen Bill Cosby's special when he talks about his children singing "Daddy is Great! He gives me Chocolate Cake"? Well, this is what my hubby was singing to the Munchkin last night as I interrupted their bonding time at 11:30 p.m.!!! Yes, 30 minutes before midnight!

Last night, the Keno watched the baby while I caught up on my "Mommy Chores"; sterilizing bottles, washing dishes, clipping coupons and watching The Real Housewives of Atlanta...OK, watching RHOA was not a part of my chores, but I decided to get it in since I had a little break. After RHOA went off, I went upstairs to check on the men of the house and to make sure the Munchkin was sound asleep. It was way past his bed time, so I just knew he was resting peacefully. Well, that's what I thought! When I walked into the room, I was in for a SURPRISE!! The Munchkin was wide awake watching the end of the Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New England Patriots game with his daddy. I could not believe it! I looked at the two of them and said, "It's Night-Night time." My husband then looked at the Munchkin and said, "Well Son, mommy has shut us down for the evening. Tell her that she's no fun and that Daddy is great, he gives me chocolate cake." I immediately remembered this quote from Bill Cosby's comedy special and laughed. It reminded me of my childhood. My Dad was a little more lenient than my mom. My mom was The Enforcer. At 5 feet 2 inches, she kept the household in check. I never thought I would say this, but I felt like her last night. After I shut down the party, I prepared the Munchkin for bed and he was asleep in 15 minutes. I guess I will be handling bedtime duty from now on.

No more chocolate cake,

Fall Back...What Happened To My Extra Hour?!?

2010-11-09T07:04:00.000-08:00

This weekend, time went back an hour and we were supposed to gain an extra hour of sleep. Well, where did my extra hour go ?!?! I still feel like I am sleep deprived and can't get enough of it, no matter how early I hit the sack.

Saturday evening I was so excited about time going back an hour because I just knew that I would gain an extra hour of sleep. I bathed the Munchkin and put him to sleep early and prepared myself for church on Sunday. I had to do some work from home that evening so I logged on and made my changes and sashayed off to bed a little after midnight. Although it was a little late, I didn't think twice about it because I knew I was gaining an extra hour of sleep. I couldn't wait to snooze for another hour. I guess the phrase is true, "Time flies when you're having fun" because it seemed like as soon as I put my head on the pillow, it was time for me to get up! WHAT?!?! WAIT A MINUTE?!?! HOLD ON?!?!? What happened to my extra hour?!?! My cell phone could not be reading the correct time! I thought maybe I need to power it on and off so that the new time can be set. But when I turned on the TV, I noticed that the time was correct and it was time for me to get up and start my morning. As I sat on the side of the bed, I just shook my head and thanked God for another day and the extra hour of sleep, that I felt like I didn't get it. It was time for me to start my day. I guess I'll figure out where my extra hour went to someday. Maybe I'll never find it and before I know it I'll will be time to Spring Forward. Yup! Time will spring forward an hour and I will lose that hour of sleep that I thought I gained. I guess this saying is true too, "You can't miss something that you never had."

Still searching for my extra hour,

Top Ten Diaper Bag Items

2010-11-07T20:44:00.000-08:00

Becoming a Mom has been the ultimate life changing experience. One that I am totally enjoying and embracing. When going out for the evening, I not only have to worry about having my top items in my handbag, but I also have to have my top items in the baby's Diaper Bag. I don't want to be out and not have all the tools needed to keep the baby and me from having a good evening. Below are are my Top Ten items that you can find packed in Keno, Jr.'s Diaper Bag:

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1. Extra Pacifiers - They are like an American Express Card!! I never leave home without it!!

2. Baby Wipes - There's nothing like going to change your baby's pamper and you have NO wipes to clean his bottom!!

3. Pampers - Baby's go through several diapers a day; therefore, I keep extras on hand so that I can change his diaper whenever I need to.

4. Extra Bibs - I absolutely CAN NOT stand a dirty bib!!! I carry several clean bibs just in case he soils the one that he's wearing.

5. Socks - Babies are always losing their socks! Although Keno, Jr. has several pairs of shoes, I keep 2 extra pairs of socks on hand just in case one mysteriously disappears when he kicks off his shoes.

6. Receiving Blankets - A receiving blanket is not only used to keep the baby swaddled, but it can be used to keep the baby from laying against your clothes and keep the wind out of his face.

7. Hand Sanitizer - Keeping my hands and the baby's hands clean is a MUST!!!

8. Back-up Outfit - You never know when the infamous throw-up will ruin the outfit that he's wearing.

9. Vaseline - Baby's have very sensitive skin and sometimes dry out easily. I keep Vaseline on hand to keep his skin moisturized. My mother-in-law also gave me a great tip; it keeps him from scratching his skin.

10. Several Bottles - Whether they're filled with Milk, Juice or Water, I have several bottles in the diaper bag to keep the little one satisfied throughout the day.

Gotta go sterilize more bottles...

Loving The Marital Bliss

2010-11-07T20:08:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, November 11, 2010, The Browns celebrated four (4) years of marital bliss. I can't believe it's been four (4) years already!!! It seems like we just said "I do" a few months ago. Not only are we married, but we have a little bundle of joy and we're living in a new state!!!

Anniversaries and Birthdays are special times in our household and we love to shower each other with gifts. Leading up to our anniversary we tossed around several gift ideas and could not really settle on anything. So we decided to go along with the Traditional 4th Wedding Anniversary Gift...FLOWERS!! We did our research and found the following:

4th Wedding Anniversary Gifts:

* Traditional Anniversary Gift Ideas: Flowers
* Modern Anniversary Gift Ideas: Linen/Silk

* Travel Anniversary Gifts Ideas: Hawaiian Vacation

Flowers may seem a little boring but there are several ways to give flowers without them being in the form of a traditional bouquet. Pandora has a very nice Flower charm that can be added to a Pandora Bracelet. This was a pleasant surprise from my hubby. Now I have one more charm to add to my bracelet.

Edible Arrangements has flower bouquets made out of fruit. Along with the highly rated and highly anticipated Call of Duty Black Ops, I sent an Edible Arrangement to my hubby. Both of us are enjoying that gift.

These four years have been amazing and we're looking forward to many more.

Loving the marital bliss,

Friday Morning Thoughts...

2010-11-05T03:49:00.000-07:00

Thank God it's Friday!!!...As I was doing my morning prayer and meditation this morning, I started to think about the goodness of Jesus and all that He's done for me. It's been one (1) month since The Browns have moved to North Carolina and God has truly been watching over us. We were blessed with a very nice place to live that is well within our budget and is spacious enough for our many belongings, dog and cat. We are within 10 minutes from the local shopping centers, mall and most importantly my job!!! It sure does beat the 45 minute commute that I had in Baltimore. A tank of gas now last two (2) weeks instead of one (1) week and I can go home during my lunch break and see my hubby and my munchkin.

As I lay in bed this morning and thought about our new venture, I couldn't help but to thank God for giving us the opportunity to move to another state and start a new chapter in our lives. Many people thought this move was good while some thought I was crazy for moving my husband and newborn baby away from my support system. But with God on my side and the support of my loved ones, I knew that we would be OK. Of course there were obstacles along the way and probably more to come, but I know that no weapon formed against me shall prosper and what God has for me, it is for me. Therefore, I will continue to dwell on the goodness of Jesus and give Him all the praise and glory for what He has done in my life and what He is going to do.

Well, I gotta get back to keeping the systems running. Until next time, remember to seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.

Blessed and Highly Favored,

Meet The Browns!!!

2010-11-03T14:18:00.000-07:00

I can't believe our little Munchkin, Keno, Jr., is 3 months old! It seems like I was just pushing him out yesterday. Time sure flies when you're having fun. He's now starting to coo, scream and laugh A LOT more. His smile always brings a warm a fuzzy feeling to my heart. We took our first family photos this weekend and it was an adventure. The Munchkin is not to friendly with the camera, unlike his mother. I enjoy taking pictures. As a matter of fact, some of my family members tease me about always being camera ready. Keno, Sr. just goes with the flow. I prepared all of our outfits for the shoot and made sure we all matched. I thought the munchkin was going to cooperate this time around, but he did what he wanted to do. He reminds me of his Dad. :-) We were able to get a few good shots. I guess we'll have to try again the next time. Below are our family pics:

Fabulously Yours,

The Life of a Divine Mother

2010-10-26T13:12:00.000-07:00

I'M A MOMMY NOW!!!!!!...On, July 18, 2010 at 4:02 p.m., Keno and I welcomed our new baby boy, Keno J. Brown, Jr., to the world. Baby Brown, as he was affectionately called throughout the pregnancy, weighed 8lbs. 1oz and was 20 1/4 inches long. My pregnancy was a wonderful experience. We found out we were expecting November 17, 2009. Keno and I were EXTREMELY excited when the pregnancy test results came back POSITIVE. We could barely hold back our joy. We couldn't wait to tell our parents but decided to hold off for a few days just to make sure this pregnancy was legit. After our first official prenatal appointment we broke the news to our parents that they were going to be Grandparents. We then decided to tell our families on Thanksgiving Day. What a wonderful Thanksgiving Gift this was to the family. The holiday season is a little rough for us. We lost my Aunt Francine a few years ago on Thanksgiving Day and we lost Keno's grandmother 2 weeks before Thanksgiving. We knew that the announcement of our pregnancy would bring overwhelming joy to both families and it did! Both families immediately fell in love with Baby Brown. As the months passed, we begin to prepare ourselves for the birth of our son. We de-cluttered our home, cleaned, painted and started putting together baby furniture. Keno did most of the work while I supervised. :-) On Saturday, July 17, 2010, we finished touching up the last bit of home improvements on the house. I was extremely tired and ready for Baby Brown to make his debut. On that Sunday, July 18, 2010, I woke up with intense cramping. I didn't think I was in labor because I was still 10 days away from my due date. After an hour, we finally realized that I was in labor and Baby Brown was getting ready to make his GRAND ENTRANCE. We immediately called the doctor and our family members and made our way to the hospital. This experience was everything that I imagined. Although it took Baby Brown a few hours to come into this world, when he came, he made his presence known! What a blessing this was. Our tiny bundle of joy was finally here and ready to conquer the world.

Healing Heels Dance Fundraiser

2009-08-12T07:22:00.000-07:00

The Sophisticated Affair has partnered with Mrs. LaQuisha Hall, Mrs. Maryland Galaxy 2009 in a fundraiser for Stop the Silence: Stop Child Sexual Abuse.

Location:

Studio A Modeling, Etiquette and Dance Academy

http://www.studioa-modelingetiquetteanddance.com/

3520 Brenbrook Drive

Randallstown, Maryland 21133

(Inside the Shopping Center)

Time:

6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Ticket Cost:

$15

(Proceeds to benefit Stop the Silence:Stop Child Sexual Abuse)

Ladies wear your Hottest Heels and Gentlemen wear your smoothest dancing shoes!!!

Support an important cause while learning line dances and enjoying refreshments. Prizes will be awarded to the ladies with the "Hottest High Heels" and to the Best Dancer. If you cannot attend this event, consider giving a donation. RSVP in advance at LHalla@stopcsa.org.

Enlarging My Territory

2009-07-14T14:38:00.000-07:00

My territory is definitely being enlarged. I have been blessed with many gifts and I'm finally starting to put them to use. I have officially launched my event planning business, The Sophisticated Affair Event Planning http://www.thesophisticatedaffair.com/. Check out our blog and read about the great things we are doing http://www.thesophisticatedaffair.blogspot.com/. This was something that I have talked about for a while but never made the steps to begin. After prayer and many talks with my husband and mom, I finally stepped out on faith and started my own company.

I have been planning events for over 10 years. I started out assisting my mom and then I started to branch out on my own and so far it has been going well. One of my greatest accomplishments was planning my own wedding. I know some people thought I was crazy for planning my own wedding, but I loved every minute of the planning process. My mom and I worked well together as a team to make sure my day was flawless and it was. I couldn't have asked for a better wedding day.

I am now in the final stages of planning my sisters destination wedding in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. This was not the usual planning process because I had to deal with vendors in another country, but thank God for the Internet and e-mail! These forms of technology made the job a little easier. I am very eager to see how the wedding day is going to unfold, especially since I'm also her Matron of Honor. I guess I won't get any rest, the first few days I'm there.

My business is also the Official Autograph Card Sponsor for the Stop the Silence Ambassador Pageant http://www.stsambassadorpageant.weebly.com/ and the Mrs./Miss. Maryland, D.C., and Delaware Pageants http://www.reachforthecrownpageants.com/! I am so excited about my new endeavors and I thank God for blessing me with my gifts.

Mrs. Maryland America Pageant

2009-07-06T11:36:00.001-07:00

On Friday, June 26, 2009 I competed for Mrs. Maryland America 2009 and I placed 2nd Runner Up! Although I did not win, I was very happy with my placement. I had a great time and I met some amazing women. Special thanks to God for allowing me the opportunity to compete, to the most supportive husband in the world, Keno Brown, for being their by my side the entire time and making sure I stayed focus, to my family, friends and Pageant Sisters for always encouraging me. A special thanks to my "Personal Trainers" the Singletons for helping me with my workout routine. :-)

Contestants getting ready to go on stage.

Swimsuit competition

Evening Gown Competition

Mrs. Maryland America Contestants

2nd Runner Up!

Curing Breast Cancer One Step At A Time

2009-06-08T09:01:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, my husband and I participated in the Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure in Washington, DC. This was such an awesome experience. I was able to meet several breast cancer survivors and families of breast cancer survivors. Although it was early in the morning, everyone was extremely excited about walking/running for the cure. Some people had banners, some had T-Shirts and some had signs for the relatives they were walking for. There were also those who had their babies in strollers pushing them along, so that they could be a part of the race.

Keno and I walked for my grandmother, Mrs. Dorothea Smith, and several of my family members who are and were victims of Breast Cancer. At one point, I found myself getting emotional and thanking God for allowing my grandmother to survive as long as she has. I know that if it was not for Him, she would not be with us today.

Thank you to all who supported my on this volunteer act and to those who made financial contributions. With our help, the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Foundation is now a step closer to helping those who are Breast Cancer victims.

Support Susan G. Komen Global Race For The Cure

2009-06-03T12:08:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, June 6, 2009, I will be volunteering for the Susan G. Komen Global Race For the Cure. http://www.nationalraceforthecure.org/

Susan G. Komen for the Cure® is the global leader of the breast cancer movement, having invested more than $1 billion since inception in 1982. As the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists, we’re working together to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure®, and generous contributions from our partners, sponsors and fellow supporters, we have become the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world.

I am so excited about volunteering. Breaset Cancers is a disease that has affected several members in my family. My grandmother, Mrs. Dorothea Smith, is a 25 year breast cancer survivor. Last year her cancer returned, but with many thanks to God and technology, she was able to combat the disease.

Please join in with me in the fight against Breast Cancer Awareness and make a small donation to the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. You can do so by visiting my Race for the Cure website. Click here to visit my personal page.

Check Out My Design

2009-05-31T23:10:00.001-07:00

Domestic Violence Awareness

2009-05-21T13:50:00.000-07:00

Did You Know That:

One in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime.

An estimated 1.3 million women are victims of physical assault by an intimate partner each year.

85% of domestic violence victims are women.

Historically, females have been most often victimized by someone they knew.

Females who are 20-24 years of age are at the greatest risk of nonfatal intimate partner violence.

Most cases of domestic violence are never reported to the police.

Children Who Witness Domestic Violence:

Witnessing violence between one’s parents or caretakers is the strongest risk factor of transmitting violent behavior from one generation to the next.

Boys who witness domestic violence are twice as likely to abuse their own partners and children when they become adults.

30% to 60% of perpetrators of intimate partner violence also abuse children in the household

Did You Know That:

One in 6 women and 1 in 33 men have experienced an attempted or completed rape.

Nearly 7.8 million women have been raped by an intimate partner at some point in their lives.

Sexual assault or forced sex occurs in approximately 40-45% of battering relationships.

1 in 12 women and 1 in 45 men have been stalked in their lifetime.

81% of women stalked by a current or former intimate partner are also physically assaulted by that partner; 31% are also sexually assaulted by that partner

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE MUST STOP!!!!

Breast Cancer Awareness

2009-05-18T10:36:00.000-07:00

Breast Cancer Awareness is a topic that is very near and dear to my heart. I have several breast cancer survivors in my family and I have several family members who passed away from Breast Cancer. My grandmother, Dorothea Smith, is a Breast Cancer Survivor for over 25 years. She has battled the disease with prayer, chemotherapy, medication, a mastectomy and most of all the support of her loving family. She is not afraid to speak out about the disease and inform others about her survival. She constanly reminds women to do breast exams and to stay on top of their doctor appointments.

My lovely Grandmother and me on my Masters Graduation last year!

Below are some Breast Cancer Facts:

Who gets breast cancer?
Anyone can get breast cancer. For example, did
you know…
• the older a woman, the more likely she is to get
breast cancer?
• white women are more likely to get breast cancer
than women of any other racial or ethnic group?
• African American women are more likely to die
from breast cancer than white women?
• men can get breast cancer, although it is rare?
Less than one of every 100 cases of breast cancer
in the U.S. occurs in men.
• in 2008, it is estimated that men will account for
1,990 cases of breast cancer?1

If I am diagnosed with breast cancer, what are my
chances of surviving?
In general, pretty good. The 5-year survival rate for all
women diagnosed with breast cancer is 89 percent.2
This means that 89 out of every 100 women with
breast cancer will survive for at least five years. Most
will live a full life and never have a recurrence. Your
chances of surviving are better if the cancer is detected
early, before it spreads to other parts of your body. In
fact, when breast cancer is found early and confined to
the breast, the 5-year survival rate is 98 percent.2 That
is why it is so important to take steps to detect breast
cancer in its earliest stages.

Are you at risk?
Most women have more than one known risk factor
for developing breast cancer, yet will never get the
disease. Some risk factors are things that you do not
have any control over, while others can be changed
by making changes in your lifestyle (see list below).
What is the most important risk factor? Simply being a
woman. But remember, there is no one cause of breast
cancer. If you are concerned about your breast cancer
risk, discuss your options with your doctor.
Risk factors:
• being a woman
• getting older
• having a mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 breast
cancer genes
• having a personal history of breast or ovarian cancer
• having a family history of breast cancer or ovarian
cancer
• having high breast density on a mammogram
• having a previous biopsy showing hyperplasia or
carcinoma in situ
• never having children
• having your first child after age 35
• radiation exposure, frequent x-rays in youth
• high bone density
• gaining weight after menopause
• currently or recently using combined estrogen and
progestin hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

My First Computer Class

2009-05-15T11:24:00.000-07:00

Last night I completed teaching my first computer class for the Seniors at my church, Mt. Moriah Baptist Church. This was an awesome experience. All of my students were over the age of 70!!! They were all eager to learn and couldn't wait to become computer literate. I met with my students once a week for an hour. Some of them would arrive 15-30 minutes ahead of time just to make sure they were ready for my when I got there. I was truly amazed at how quickly they picked up on the information and also their ability to retain the information. Last night was a bitter/sweet moment for me. I was sad that the class was ending but I was happy that I was able to help someone along the way. At least I know my living is not in vain!

Art Supply Drive for Turn Around Inc.

2009-05-08T04:51:00.000-07:00

I am a member of the Baltimore Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and we are hosting an Art Supply Drive for Turn Around, Inc.http://turnaroundinc.org

Turn Around, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals and families affected by domestic violence and sexual assault/abuse, through counseling, education, support services and advocacy. Art is utilized to allow children to express themselves and to help them get through traumatic experiences. They are currently in need of the following art supplies to assist with their sessions:

Magic Markers

Crayons

Glue

Loose Glitter

Glitter Glue

Construction Paper

Sock to Make Dolls

Doll Stuffing

Plain White T-shirts

Art Supply Collections will be held at:
Metro Delta Head Start
2001 Park Avenue (On the Hill)
Baltimore, MD 21217
Monday, May 11, 2009 6pm - 8pm
Thursday, May 14, 2009 6pm - 8pm

If you are interested in making a donations, please feel free to contact me at mrsbaltimorecounty@hotmail.com.

Guys and Dolls Pageant

2009-05-08T04:33:00.000-07:00

Last night I served as Pageant Coordinator for the Women's Auxiliary of the United Baptist Missionary Convention of Maryland Guys and Dolls Pageant. This pageant benefits the Mae C. Barnes Scholarship, which is awarded to at least seven college students each year. I had the privilege of serving as Pageant Coordinator for the past four years and this was my final year. It was truly an honor serving in this position. I had the opportunity to meet several educated and talented young people who are in love with the Lord and who strive to please Him everyday. This year there were seven contestants who participated in the pageant and showcased their talent. Some sang, some danced, some recited poetry and another rapped about the story of Job. It was such a blessing to be around these bright and talented young people. Lets continue to encourage them, uplift them and most of all pray for them. Pray that God will protect them from the hand of the enemy and that they may continue to stay on God's straight and narrow path.

The Benefits Of Pageantry

2009-04-23T07:41:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered why many women are involved in pageants? I couldn't understand it myself until I started competing and once I started, I became hooked!!! Some people think that pageants are all about glitz and glamour, a lot of make-up, long dresses and hair. Although they all play an important role in pageantry, this is not what it's all about. Pageantry recognizes women and young girls and provides a forum for them to promote a platform that is of importance to them. Pageantry also enhances self-esteem, confidence, poise and personality in it's participants. I've also learned that pageantry is a means for women and girls to meet others who share similiar interests and form new friendships. My pageant experience has been very beneficial to me. I have met some of the most amazing women who are very passionate about their platforms and seek to promote them in many ways. Crown or no crown, all who participate are Queens!

Mrs. Maryland International, Adrienne Watson Carver with Mrs. Maryland Galaxy Contestants

Mrs. Maryland Galaxy Pageant

2009-04-22T09:41:00.000-07:00

This weekend I had the pleasure of competing in the Mrs. Maryland Galaxy 2009 Pageant and I placed 1st Runner-Up. My friend and pageant sister, LaQuisha Hall, won the title Mrs. Maryland Galaxy 2009 and my new friend and pageant sister Jonzetta "Pinky" Carter was 2nd Runner-Up. We had such an amazing time with this pageant. Rachel Petty and Naqueldon Brown are excellent pageant directors. Their hard work and dedication really paid off. This pageant was like no other.

1st Runner-Up

Laquisha Hall, Mrs. Maryland Galaxy 2009