Operation Healthy Body: Joan’s Version!

Recently I went to dinner with my girlfriends, Christine and Sharonda and we were discussing a weight loss initiative that we wanted to implement with each other (we discussed this over enchiladas, nachos, mango mojitos and frozen margaritas). We’re super-duper excited about our new initiative; I’ll be writing about it twice a week and Christine and Sharonda will be writing about it on the new website once a week. Right now I can’t discuss the name of the weight loss program (waiting for them to cut a check) but check in for more updates and a slimmer / healthier me!

Fit Girl!

REMY MA: ATTITUDE DETERMINES YOUR ALTITUDE

Dear Remy,

It saddens me to hear that you will be serving between 5 to 25 years
for assault and witness tampering. I am good for making excuses for people, but I can't continue to make excuses for you. I met you twice and on both occasions you were nice and humble. So when I would hear you on the radio I would think to myself “this is not the woman I met.” When we ran into each other recently, you gave one of the best quotes I have heard about our book. It saddened me that I could not take your quote and use it because you were on trial and are not deemed as a role model. I relate to you, because I could be you. My friends say I am erratic and I am working daily to control my attitude. I am a sweet person, but when I am angered I go from 1 to t 10 in 0 seconds. So I don’t look down upon you, I just wished you had made better decisions. I never told you, but I think you’re a hot lyricist and I looked forward to seeing your growth as an artist and woman. I don’t know what the future holds for you, but instead of judging you, I will try to make better decisions in my life and it is my hopes that you will make better decisions in the future. I will keep you in my prayers

Flygirl

Green Starter Kit: Eco-Me Home

Growing up I can remember waking up to the smell of ammonia, pine cleaner, and Windex, every Saturday morning. My mother was a stickler for her Saturday morning cleaning schedule and in between the fumes I'd catch a whiff of sage sausage or bacon. Needless to say, I've been damaged...my brain cells have been compromised, in fact I'm sure of it.

Save yourselves and the environment by taking small steps to going green. Eco-Me is the perfect kit for making your own all-natural cleaning products. Be kinder to yourself and the Earth is not as hard as some make it out to be, the even little changes make a big impact.

Green Girl

Index Chopping Boards

For all my counter-space challenged cooks, this is a great way to maximize your cooking and prep area and avoid cross contamination of foods. There's nothing fun about mixing raw foods with veggies...unless of course the emergency room is your secret hang out spot. Available at the Museum of Moder art store (MoMA.org), each plastic board is labeled and color-coded: red/raw meat, white/cooked foods, blue/fish, green/vegetables.

Delicious Girl

Maria Davis Can't Be Silenced, Friday March 28

Get 'Em Girl Family I received this letter from Maria Davis, Aids activist and wanted to share it with you all. Please support.

Peace and Blessings,

Praying that all is well with you and your family. Since being diagnosed with HIV in 1995 then with AIDS in 1998, GOD has been doing some truly awesome things in my life to show me his power is like none other. On sunday, March 30- April 7 I will be accompanying 25 other U.S. women lead by actress/AIDS activist "Sheryl Lee Ralph" to Capetown, South Africa to fellowship, do workshops,exchange gifts and share stories with women and girls of Capetown infected and affected with HIV/AIDS. This is a dream come true but we all know that this is GODS power at work. In the past I would have been able to make a trip like this because of low T-cells and a high viral load. Now my T-cells are 304 with a undetectable viral load. I am praying that all of my family , friends and associates come out this friday, March 28 to the Sugar Bar and support my showcase or give a donor to support my trip to South Africa and "Can't Be Silenced" my non for profit organization as we strive to educate and give support to men,women and chrildren infected and affected by HIV/AIDS........We Need Your Support!!!

"Be Positive That You Are HIV Negative"
If You Don't Know By Now......GOD IS AWESOME
Please check out Cable Positive's new HIV/PSA
.....................................................................................
click on the Youtubelink and then
click on "Maria" We Have Work To Do.
(http://www.youtube.com/user/cablepositive ),

God Bless You.......Maria Davis

Please e-mail this flyer to other artist , friends & Family!!!
Maria Davis/Can't Be Silenced
Presents "RandB Against AIDS"
and Send Off Celebration for
"Maria Davis"
Journey to Capetown, South Africa
Friday, March 28, 2008
@ "Sugar Bar"
254 w.72nd Street (bet. B'way and West End ave.)NYC
Doors open 7pm/showtime 9pm..
$10 advanced tickets $15 at door

Fitgirl

Help Us Fight Domestic Violence!!

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence & NABFEME invite you to join us foran inspiring evening in song and honorsat our Domestic Violence Theme Song Competition
"BREAKING THE SILENCE IN SONG"

Monday, April 7, 2008

7:00 - 11:00 p.m.
at
New York Society for Ethical Culture2 West 64th Street at Central Park
New York, NY 10023

Celebrating the Support & Leadership of
Philanthropist, Doris Buffett
Grammy Award winning Singer, Michael Bolton
Entertainment Business Manager, Bert Padell

Celebrity Judges
Michael Bolton
Cissy Houston
Ben E. King
Kevin Liles
Darryl "DMC" McDaniels

Special Guest: Dominic Carter - New York-1 News VIP Seating: $50 --- General Seating: $25
Advance tickets on sale now -- Proceeds benefit NCADV & NABFEME
VIP Tickets

Advance General Tickets

Presented by the National Association of Black Female Executives in Music & Entertainment (NABFEME), its subsidiary Women Who Jam! and the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), “Breaking The Silence in Song” is a theme song competition created to bring more awareness to the fight against domestic violence. This competition was developed to find a “theme song” for NCADV while providing an opportunity for aspiring and established singers and songwriters to have their creative works heard by influential decision-makers in the music and entertainment industry.

For more information: womenwhojam@aol.com

Famgirl

I AM WEEN, Saturday, March 29

On Saturday, The Get 'Em Girls will be speaking at WEEN's first Empowerment Gala for young girls ages 15-20. I am excited yet anxious. I really want to inspire these young women. So spread the word there are only a few slots left.

Shakara

Crushin': Andre 3000

Dear Andre,

It was 1993, I can remember it like it was yesterday. I was watching BET and I saw you. You were slim and brown..just like I like’em. You were young and running wild, who knew that you would turn out to be such a refined man. I can’t judge, I was running right behind you and Big Boi singing, “All the players came from far and wide, wearing afros and braids kicking them gangsta rides..” Even when you dated Erykah, I was still supporting you, tight clothes and all. Through the cornrows, afros, and wigs, I have been there. I’ve lived in your lap in the love below, and I have loved every minute of it. I have no children so I guess there is no way to justify me watching your Emmy- award winning cartoon; Class of 3000…other than the fact that I just want to see your face and the show is great. So as you make your place in Hollywood as an actor, I will be right there enjoying every minute of it. Don’t let the fact that I have not seen your new movie Semi-Pro, affect our relationship..I’m just on the grind baby. I met your mother back in October of 2007 at the NABFEME Mother’s Luncheon and I felt the connection with Mrs. Benjamin right away. I gave her a copy of my book; Get ‘Em Girls’ Guide to Unlocking the Power of Cuisine and she was very receptive. Speaking of receptive I know you are a vegan and I am receptive to your lifestyle..we do have a couple of vegan recipes in our book. I have been a vegetarian before and I have vegan friends…sounds like a love connection to me! So until we meet on someone’s red carpet..keep doing your thang..you are most definitely Get ‘Em Girl approved!

Shakara aka Flygirl

Fabgirl's Beauty Pick: Olay Body Wash Plus Radiance Ribbons

While visiting North Carolina a month ago I found myself in a local drug store and I picked up Olay's Body Wash plus Radiance Ribbons. What first attracted me to the body wash was the swirls of green and white. Next I opened the cap and a sweet tropical aroma filled my nose. Olay says this product will improve your skin's luminosity in just five days. This is suppose to be the first body wash to add an actual ribbon of moisturizer with glucosamine complex and luminous brighteners to transform skin from dull to radiant. Personally, I just love the way the body wash lathers and smells on my body. I haven't had a chance to notice the luminosity of my skin yet. However, when I traveled to North Carolina again last week, I stopped to another drugstore and picked up a new bottle!

Diddy's Back:Danity Kane & Day 26

I finally got a chance to check out the season finale of Making the Band 4 and I must say I think Diddy may be on to something. Danity Kane landed in the #1 Billboard spot selling 236,000 units. After watching their performance on the season finale I was truly impressed with them. The dance moves were sexy and they sounded great. Day 26 also did the damn thang and I look forward to seeing their Soundscan numbers next Wednesday. I actually checked out the entire album on BET.com and I think I am ready to purchase the album. Silly, Co-Star, What it Feels Like and Don't Fight the Feeling are my favorite songs thus far. To be the next Jodeci they have big shoes to fill, however I am receptive to the idea and I look forward to seeing Day 26 develop into the super group they desire to be.

Fabgirl

Controversial Vogue Cover..What Do You Think?

There has been a lot of hoopla about Vogue Magazine's April cover which features LeBron James and Gisele Bundchen, specifically some have said it depicts LeBron in an aggressive "King Kong-ish" stance and Gisele as the Fay Wray, demure and helpless woman. LeBron says "Everything my name is on is going to be criticized in a good way or bad way," James told the paper. "Who cares what anyone says?"

ESPN.com columnist Jemele Hill had this to say about about LeBron, Gisele, and the cover "LeBron is dressed in basketball gear, with his muscles flexing, tattoos showing and bared teeth. Gisele, on the other hand, is wearing a gorgeous slim-fitting dress, and smiling. She looks like she's on her way to something fashionable and exciting. He looks like he's on his way to a pickup game for serial killers...A black athlete being reduced to a savage is, sadly, nothing new. But this cover gave you the double-bonus of having LeBron and Gisele strike poses that others in the blogosphere have noted draw a striking resemblance to the racially charged image of King Kong enveloping his very fair-skinned lady love interest."

My question to you is, what do you think when you view this image? Personally, although I don't care for the cover, I'd have to question anyone that would correlate a black man with a gorilla in the first place. I never once thought King Kong when I saw the cover...but maybe that's just me.

JI

OPERATION HEALTHYBODY:Bootcamp Day23- WILDDDD OUT

WILDDDDDDDDDDOUTTTTTTTTTTTT! Yes I did it and I am not ashamed to admit it...Today we were allowed to bring a guest to class. Now we were suppose to invite a friend who is in shape, so I picked my friend Eric that I have been crushing on for some time now. He works out daily and is competitve like me so I knew he would not let me down...so I thought. Not even two minutes into class, this fool said something smart to one of the Drill Seargants! The next thing I knew, I heard BRIDGERS drop and give me 15. I just shrugged it off and did my 15 pushups. Eric did well through out the class but he started to bother me half way through the class. He began to say my first name constantly, he had jokes, he was talking, he would not say drill seargant or maam. Finally I snapped after he said something to me. I cursed him out in front of the class and I got yelled at for doing so. Do you think Eric cared...no he just smiled and continued to be silly.
For that entire day I was sad because I allowed myself to break in front of my troop. He text me later and said "your boo was the strongest in class." Indeed he was, but I he was also the most annoying too..lol

Shakara

Happy Holy Friday!!

Just wanted to stop in and wish everyone a beautiful and blessed weekend.

The Get 'Em Girls!

Meet The Anthony's: JLo, Max, and Emme!

Proud parents Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez show off their beautiful bundles of joy on the much anticipated cover of this week's People Magazine. The editors of People oohhh and ahhhed over the tiny twins and discussed everything from JLo's weight gain to how she found out about the pregnancy.

The magazine hits stands on Friday, March 21st, and I have to admit I'll be first in line to get my lotto ticket (you never know) and my magazine.

FabGirl

Crushin' Age Ain't Nothing But A Number Version: Chris Brown

What I'm going to need Chris Brown to do is put his clothes on...'cause an old woman can't take this temptation! I mean, the dudes weren't looking this scrumptious when I was 18...I've been cheated!

JI

source: chrisbrownonline

Pulverized Pecans?!??

Ok, so we came up with a recipe for honey pecan fried chicken, and the recipe calls for pulverized pecans. Folks are already like, "what the heck are pulverized pecans?" Well I made a mental note to add how to pulverize pecans to the recipe...but my mind wasn't working right so here goes:

Pulverize pecans by pulsing them in a food processor or in a coffee grinder just until fine. Don't go too far with the pulverization (is that a word?) as you will wind up with pecan butter...which gives me an idea...

True Control Fitness: Boot Camp Early Registration!

SAVE BIG NOW!!!! GET READY FOR SPRING!!!!

EARLY BOOT CAMP REGISTRATION

$625 ~ 6 wks (Reg. Rate = $700)

$825 ~ 9 wks (Reg. Rate = $925)

$1025 ~ 12 wks (Reg. Rate = $1150)

CURRENT BOOT CAMP ENLISTEE SPECIAL RATE **

$275 ~ 3 wks (Reg. Rate = $350)

$575 ~ 6 wks(Reg. Rate = $700)

$750 ~ 9 wks(Reg. Rate = $925)

$950 ~ 12 wks(Reg. Rate = $1150)

REFER A FRIEND WHO ENLISTS IN BOOT CAMP BY

APRIL 4, 2008, RECEIVE 1 MONTH COMPLIMENTARY FITNESS CLASSES

-~ Offer to be used for Spring Programs beginning Apr 7, 2008 only

-~ Offer not to be used in combination with other discounts or coupons

-~ Offer expires Saturday, Mar 24, 2008 unless otherwise stated

** This offer can only be used by current enlistees in the February 11,

2008 Troop. Three week Camp offered to Privates only.

BOOT CAMP

6, 9, or 12wks M, T, TH, F 5am, 6:30am, 6:30pm Next Start Date: April 7th True Control Fitness | 527 Lenox Ave. | @ 136th Street | New York | NY | 10037

Get 'Em Girl of the Week : Nydia Norville

Nydia R. Norville is about to make her mantra: “Beautify Not Toxify” a household phrase. She always knew she wanted to start her own business. Nydia always had a love for modeling, fashion and beauty. Throughout high school and college she was approached to model, and while she dabbled in it, school was always the priority. Once finished with college, she decided to give modeling a try. A year after graduating from Seton Hall University with a B.S. in Business Administration, Nydia found herself living in New York City and pursuing modeling full time. “I never wanted to only model, I viewed it as a stepping stone towards the future I wanted for myself.”

Fast-forward three years and Nydia is being featured in Essence, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour and InStyle magazines, but the desire to start her own business still lingered. So she took some time off from modeling to plan her next endeavor. During this time, Nydia began experimenting with creating moisturizers. She had always suffered from extremely dry skin and had never been able to find a moisturizer that worked. After researching ingredients used in the moisturizers sitting on her bathroom shelf, she realized that many of them contained harsh chemicals that weren’t
good for the skin.

“I noticed there was a shift towards all things natural and organic in the United States.” This was demonstrated with the success of all-natural supermarkets, such as Whole Foods, and the appearance of more organic products on their shelves. “I was determined to make a product truly all natural and organic.” Shortly afterwards, she made her first moisturizer, which was an organic and all natural lavender scented body butter that truly worked for her dry skin. “I was hooked. I loved making and using the body butter and eventually began sharing it with friends.
They loved it too!” she says.

With the growing trend in the food industry towards all things natural and organic, she assumed the trend would eventually lend itself to the personal care industry.” Her train of thought being “if a person is concerned about what they are putting into their bodies, they would also be concerned about what they are putting on their bodies. The skin absorbs about 60% of what is put on it,” she notes. Her assumption was correct, and after doing extensive market research; Nydia realized she was right on the mark. She sent a sample of the body butter to a chemist to be tested. After receiving kudos from the chemist on the formula, Nydia knew she had a good
thing. A year later, with money she earned from one of her last modeling jobs, Luxe Essentials was launched. Capitalizing on the experience, income and contacts gained through modeling, Luxe Essentials went from a vision to an actual dream come true.

Learn more about Nydia and her products at www.luxeessentials.com and www.luxeessentials.blogspot.com

Dennis "Da Menace" White Confirmed in Notorious Movie

Congrats to my boy Dennis! He will be starring in the upcoming Notorious movie. For all of you who don't know, "Notorious"is the movie about Biggie Smalls. At this time he could not speak about the role specifics, however he did tell me he was excited to be a part of the all-star cast. Derek Luke, Angela Bassett and Anthony Mackie also have been cast in the movie, Directed by George Tillman Jr. ("Soul Food"), it goes into production this month and is set for release in January.

Dennis was the first African-American Fuse TV host, a #1 artist on the Billboard charts, and has been immortalized in two video games (Def JamVendetta II & The Warriors). He has hosted on Fuse TV, HBO's Five Rounds,Fox's Weekend Vibe, and All Hip Hop Direct; been a series regular on Spike Lee's Miracle Boys; and appeared in blockbusters such as The Brave One, I Think I Love My Wife, and Swimming. Forthcoming projects include theBiggie movie "Notorious", his sophomore album "E Pluribus Unum", roles in upcoming shows "Hood Lympics" and "Slow Your Roll", and the creation of a cartoon to be a launched in 2009.

Dennis is a great guy and a true supporter of the Get 'Em Girls. Keep up the good work.

Shakara

Mario, Dancing with the Stars

Mario looked so sexy on the first night of "Dancing With the Stars." He is clearly the best dancer on the show thus far. The way he stared at Karina Smirnoff as they performed the cha-cha-cha, had me hypnotized. He is truly grown now. I got my good eye on you Mario..keep up the good work.

Crushin': Lamman Rucker

I was first introduced to this man after he starred in the hit sitcom Half & Half as Mona’s love interest and I was extremely excited to see him on the big screen as Sheriff Troy in Tyler Perry’s: Why Did I Get Married? For one brief moment I wish I was playing the roll of Shelia in the movie so I could get to …well you know where I’m going with this! Lamman Rucker has been around for awhile and I’m excited to know that he’s making major moves with his career. If anyone out there knows this man personally, please tell him that I’m looking for him!

Help Wanted

We are in desperate need of an intern (or two)! If any of you know of anyone available, please pass along the information.

PART TIME Unpaid Internship

Job Duties:
Answer and direct calls
Schedule and maintain group calendar of appointments, meetings and travel itineraries and coordinate relate arrangements
Manage information flow between executives
Handle confidential matters appropriately and with discretion
Assist with monthly promotional events
Assist Executives with special projects
Drafting and typing correspondence
Maintain and update office records & information
Update our website and newsletter with new content
Update Get 'Em Girl Inc. press folder

Qualifications:
Must be proficient in MS Office applications
Knowledge of Illustrator, Photoshop and Dreamweaver a plus
Must demonstrate social skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Organizational skills and multi-tasking is a must
Exemplary phone etiquette required
Must be able work independently and take initiative
Availability to travel preferred, but not required

Stipend available

Contact us: Please e-mail a copy of your resume as an MS Word attachment to business@getemgirls.com

OPERATION HEALTHYBODY:Bootcamp Day22- Real Leader

Today's class was very intense. I was told that I need to start moving my body more athletically, so I will be working on that for the last two weeks. After class I gave one of my Drill Sergeants a ride and she asked me about my development in class and we also discussed my position as Master of Arms. I talked to her about needing motivation from my team in order to motivate. She told me real leaders just lead, they don't need any motivation. Therefore, I will try my best to just lead and hopefully others will just follow..something like Moses ;)

Congrats Halle and Gabriel (that is his name, right?)

Congratulations to Halle Berry on the birth of her new daughter on Sunday, March 16th. I was wondering when the newest fab girl would be coming! The 41 year old actress is said to be doing great and we are sure the pictures of the little one will be popping up pretty soon!!

We love baby news 'round these parts! JD, Shak...when are you two getting knocked up? lol

JI

In Case You Haven't Purchased Your Tickets...

Sponsors: Macy's, Bacardi, Kitchen Aid, Digiwaxx, Clutch Magazine, Creme Magazine

Head on over to www.getemgirls.com/girlsbiteout

OPERATION HEALTHYBODY:Bootcamp Day21- 100+ Push-Ups

Pretty soon my arms are going to be cut like Ciara's...lol. Today we had to do over 100+ push ups because we did not check on our missing members. So for each of us that did not have an answer 10 push ups were added. Then I cost the group 30 more push ups because I misunderstood what my Drill Sergeant said and she thought I was trying to be sarcastic. I believe Wild Child did about 200. He is really good at push ups so they told him to lift one leg as he did the push-ups..I thought this was funny. He looked like he was doing some old Jodeci moves.

The push ups really forced us to bond and I can truly say we are a team now. We had fun, but hard work out.

Mr. Perry Has Done It Again!

Last night the stars came out for the movie premier of Meet The Brown’s which debuts in theatres March 21st. The movies cast members includes; Tamela & David Mann, Angela Bassett and Rick Fox, Lamman Rucker and more. Mark your calendars and go out and support this film that was produced, written, directed and stars Tyler Perry- I love it! Visit http://www.meetthebrownsfilm.com/ for photos, synopsis and more.

OPERATION HEALTHYBODY:Bootcamp Day20- Lazy Lima Bean

Today I was a Lazy Lima Bean. I stayed home and did not go to class. We were suppose to run our mile and a half today. I had a breakdown and had two slices of pizza and some hostess cupcakes the night before. I woke up at 5am with heart burn and a case of bullshit-itis...so I called my team and called out sick Yes I am a lazy lima bean today...sorry

Shakara aka Lone Ranger aka Lazy Lima Been

I'm back...

I've been on a blog hiatus for a few days, and boy have I missed telling all my business! Seriously, I've been having such a good time hanging with my girls, getting my karaoke on, and just enjoying life that I kind of forgot to post...Spring is in the air, so forgive me. I will be updating the blog with more videos (we actually added a new one...check out Where are the Cowboys?) and pictures from some recent events. I'll be back...for real this time!

OPERATION HEALTHYBODY:Bootcamp Day19 Click, Clique, Clik?

Today was a laid back day we did a lot of weight training. The other day I said the name of our combine troop was BOCAMPCLICK, however it is BO-Clique. Jeniece said Click should be spelled Clique. Well in case you don't know I am a lover of Hip Hop and there was a group called Boot Camp Click, so I thought that was the way they spelled their name. After googling the group I just found out that they spell their name Bo Camp CLIK. Therefore, I was just wrong all the way around...so the correct spelling is CLIQUE. BO-CLIQUE...are you happy now Jeniece?

Shakara aka Lone Ranger

Girlfriends Get-Together, Washington DC- Saturday, March 29th 1-3pm

Join our Get 'Em Girl Bettina Lee in Washington, DC as she host the Second Annual Girlfriends Get-Together Empowerment Celebration

Guest Speaker: Sil Lai AbramsAuthor of NO MORE DRAMA: Nine Simple Steps to Transforming a Breakdown into a Breakthrough

Saturday, March 29 1-3pm
Napoleon 1847 Columbia Road, NW - Adams MorganWashington, D.C.Chic Brunch Attire
Tickets: $30*Price includes meal & Giftbag worth over $20!
For more information on the event, visit: www.tinaleemedia.com/Events

NO MORE DRAMA visit www.sepiaprocess.com

About the speaker:Sil Lai was born to a nineteen year-old Chinese women and a black military serviceman, setting the stage for an onslaught of stigmas and stereotypes. Although she quickly became a beautiful and successful model, her battles with addiction, domestic violence, and depression began to weigh her down. Sil Lai's book is a step-by-step way for readers to confront their pasts, assess their current situation, and move on to a successful future. Her process, coined as SEPIA ("Self Empowerment Principles in Action"), relies on transforming the "drama" from one's past into something tangible and useful.

Karaoke at Duet 48 – Joan’s Version

If anyone is interested in hosting Karaoke – make sure you invite Shakara! We had a great time last night @ Nadine’s 30th Birthday Celebration, although I think Shakara had more fun than the birthday girl. Shakara sang about 8 songs and danced; she did “The Running Man”, The Doug-E Fresh” and “The Bird”! Needless to say we had a great time with friends, fun and drinks! LOL

JAD

Get 'Em Girl of the Week : Allyson Leak

Swarovski Crystals, Freshwater Pearls and Rare Imported Stones Make the Debut Line of Ally Marie Couture Jewelry

Combine mother of pearl with brass accents and a touch of crystal quartz and you get one of the unique pieces featured in the debut line of Ally Marie Couture Jewelry. Funky yet classy, vibrant but stylishly elegant, Ally Marie is for the woman who views jewelry as more than just diamonds and pearls; but rather as a creative reflection of their beauty, thoughts and ideals.

How often can you say you are wearing your favorite piece of art? According to Ally Marie designer Allyson Leak, it can be every day. The Ally Marie line defines itself as wearable art, reflecting the vintage goodies that clutter your grandmother’s jewelry box and inspired by the many color hues in nature, the architectural design of city buildings, and even basic everyday items. The Ally Marie line features the Bamboo Necklace – bamboo with mother of pearl shells and wood; and the Spork Necklace - a chain of Swarovski black and teal crystal beads and a Swarovski crystal accented natural horn pendant. Instead of following trends, Ally Marie creates them.

Other key features of the Ally Marie line include the 1805 Pocket Book Necklace – a 14k gold filled purse with a string of brass chains; the Pearl Necklace – a mix of antique sterling silver beads, freshwater pearls and a sterling chain along the back; and the Harmony Earrings – a mix of jade stone, sterling silver, and a natural horn heart pendant.
MORE MORE MORE

Leak founded Ally Marie upon the idea that women should embrace their unique style by wearing jewelry that best reflects their personality. While designers spend their time telling people what they should wear and determining the best pieces for the season, Ally Marie says wear what works for you. Forget the trends; wear jewelry that makes you feel your best. Allyson reflects, “I remember how glamorous I felt playing in my grandmother’s jewelry as a little girl. Every piece was different; yet fit perfectly with who my grandmother was and her ideals. And they were so beautiful! The glitz and glam are what women really love. My goal was to create a luxurious and timeless line that can be passed down from generation to generation.”

Further, Leak created the Ally Marie Couture Jewelry Line because “people are tired of buying cheap jewelry that breaks two months after they buy it. I also knew that diamonds were not in everyone’s price bracket; so I wanted to create a line that fell in between the two.” Leak also wanted to go against the norm. “It is very easy to play it safe and create jewelry that is aligned with what’s already out there or what seems to ‘work’. In the end, everyone ends up looking the same.” The Ally Marie client is the woman who dares to be unique. Someone who is a trendsetter, loves exclusive jewelry, and isn’t worried about the price because they feel that quality and rarity are more important. She is someone who wants couture jewelry while everyone else looks the same in the usual designers.

Ally Marie can count Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter Alicia Keys as one of its many fans. In November 2007 Keys wore the Ally Marie Bamboo Couture Necklace when she hosted MTV Hits “Alicia Keys Takeover Week”.
Retail prices range from $58 to $360. To find out more about the Ally Marie Couture Jewelry collection visit www.allymarie.com

Honey-Orange Dipping Sauce

Honey Orange Dipping Sauce/ served with Coconut Shrimp

Ingredients
1/2 cup orange marmalade
1/4 cup Dijon-style mustard
1/4 cup honey
Hot pepper sauce (optional)

In a small bowl, combine all of the ingredients. Mix well and serve along side coconut shrimp

Makes about 8 ounces

Nadine's Birthday- KARAOKE STYLE!

Last night the Get 'Em Girls' were out on the town for our friend Nadine's birthday. She had her party at Duet 48 Karaoke bar. We had a ball. I wanted to sing everything. I believe I embarrassed Jeniece and Joan, but once someone told me I was a ROCKSTAR...it went to my head and I was out of control for the entire night.
Some of the memorable performances were Caribbean Queen by Bill Ocean, The Closer I Get To You by Luther, The Bird by Morris Day and The Time, Jump by Kriss Kross, Since You've Been Gone by Kelly Clarkson, I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T by Webbie, Umbrella by Rhianna and Jay Z, Killing Me Softly by Fugees and Clark Atlanta Alumni's version of Wipe Me Down by LiL Boosie.

So if you are looking for a hot Karaoke spot check out Duet on 48th street between 1st and 2nd ave.

OPERATION HEALTHYBODY:Bootcamp Day18-FALLING OFF

So we are back at the track with our new group. I went to Snoop Dogg's album release party the night befroe so I was already tired...I was really dreading running, my legs were already hurting so I gave 40% of energy on Tuesday. I am now in a class full of athletic people, therefore I kind of felt as if I could fall back because all the attention is not on me anymore. Also, because the class is so big I can slack off and not get caught. I do realize that I am only hurting myself so I will definitely be back to my 100% on Thursday!

Shakara aka Lone Ranger

Get 'Em Girls' Hard @ Work!

This weekend our good friends and WEEN founders Valeisha Butterfield and Kristi Henderson hosted a Get ‘Em Girls’ Bite In. The menu included: Chicken Satay, Sweet Potato Biscuits w/ Apple Butter, Green Beans, Blue Cheese Salad, Sticky Monkey Bread and Chocolate Toffee Trifle. Here is a picture of me making the Chocolate Toffee Trifle and Jeniece making the Blue Cheese Salad. Valeisha and Kristi, thanks for everything – you ladies are fabulous!

JAD

OPERATION HEALTHYBODY:Bootcamp Day17-BOCAMPCLICK

..WTF? Well that is the name of our new troop. Today we combined troops. Due to car accidents, illnesses, and walkouts from the 5am & 6:30am troop; we all decided to combine classes. Class now begins at 6:30 am, even though I was getting use to 5am, 6:30am will allow me to stay out a little longer at night. Today's class was cool. We have more athletic members now. It is going to take me time to bond with this group. I am now co- Master at Arms. It is really hard to motivate people you don't care about, however hopefully I will change soon. Wild Child had made me late today, we are going to have to work something out because I will not be late due to the next man...team or no team. We combined the names of the teams and came up with BOCAMPCLICK...I really don't like it, but I guess it is not that serious. Tomorrow we are at the track...I am so not looking forward to it. Please let it rain!

Shakara aka Lone Ranger

OPERATION HEALTHYBODY:Bootcamp Day16-And then there was two

So I am burning up with fever, from a cold and my phone rings at 4am and it is Wild Child seeing if I am coming to get him. I tell him I am not feeling well, but he gives me this pep talk and I decide that I didn't want to let him and my other troop member down. So I bundle up and try to sike myself up for the track. I do not like to run and to have to run while I'm sick was going to be a challenge. So we get there and our third teammate never shows up. That really pisses me off because I pushed myself for the team and he never even took 1 minute out of his time to call us and let us know he couldn't make it. Sergeant Gary and Glymph worked us out hard. I sweated out a lot of my cold and was able to run my mile and a half at 18:25 which is 7 seconds better than the last time. Go me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Shakara aka Lone Ranger

Joan’s Restaurant Reviews: Mojitos Edition!

Take your food life to the next level with power lunches, weekend brunches and mid-week romantic dinners for two with Joan’s restaurant reviews.

TGIF!
It’s getting closer to 5PM – the weekend is just hours away (ok, I work for myself so there is no such thing as weekends); however, I think I’m still deserving of a few mojitos!

My top mojitos spots are:

Havana Central
151 W. 46th St. NYC, NY, 22 E. 17th St. NYC, NY & 2911 Broadway, NYC, NY

Havana Central offers 7 flavors (you can also get a full pitcher of any flavor) and three convenient locations to choose from. Also, try the empanadas…Yummy!


Son Cubano
405 W. 14th St. NYC, NY

With 9 different flavors to choose from I’m certain you’ll find one that suits your palate. If you decide to go after 9pm be prepared to show your ID, the restaurant doubles as a club on the weekends.

Enjoy!

JAD

Crushin': Wynton Marsalis

There is something about a man from N'Awlins...and since Weezy F. isn't quite my type, I'm crushin' on the one and only Mr. Wynton Marsalis. I'm sitting here vibing off of I Got Lost In Her Arms...and I'm thinking, "Lord, if I die tonight, let me come back as a trumpet" lol.

Seriously, Mr. Marsalis has been described as one of the greatest jazz musicians of our generation, and I must say...I concur!

JI

TASTE THE LIFE!

Come TASTE THE LIFE at the Get’ Em Girls’ Bite Out- Thursday, April 17th @ The Westside Loft in NYC. More information can be found at http://www.getemgirls.com/ See you there!

JAD

Joan's Restaurant Review: Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

Take your food life to the next level with power lunches, weekend brunches and mid-week romantic dinners for two with Joan’s restaurant reviews.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Location: Chain Restaurant Located Throughout the US


Last night my family and I visited Bubba Gump Shrimp Company in Times Square. I love the décor of this restaurant; family style, casual and fun. The food is a combination of seafood and Cajun cuisine. We sat in the Gump’s House; a cute private room in the restaurant which was really good so other patrons couldn’t hear me complain about my dissatisfaction with the food.

Bubba Gump offers a pretty extensive menu with shrimp prepared in different methods. I ordered the Shrimp’s Heaven, the presentation was really cute but it did nothing for the lack of seasoning and luke warm food I received. The only part of my dinner I enjoyed was the coconut shrimp (which was actually pretty good and my frozen Lotsa Lava). My mom ordered a cobb salad that was literally drenched in vinaigrette dressing (she returned it and refused to eat anything else on the menu). Overall, this is a cute theme-based chain restaurant if you want to go and take pictures and pick up one or two souvenirs from their gift shop that has everything from golf balls to boxer shorts. The next time I want shrimp I’ll head over to City Island!

JAD

OPERATION HEALTHYBODY:Bootcamp Day15-And then there was three

Today there was only three of us. Two of our members was in a car accident, so it may be a while before they return, but I told them not to worry about class just get better. I thought Wild Child was going to leave me hanging, but he made it. I had a cold so I was happy when I walked in and found out today was a learning day. We also did some weight training. Tomorrow we run and I am so dreading it because I am sick, so prey for me!

Shakara aka Lone Ranger

Get 'Em Girl of the Week: La Shell Wooten

La Shell Wooten is a true native New Yorker. She has lived, loved and learned in New York City. Born and raised in the Bronx, Wooten still resides in her childhood home where she grew up.

Earning her Master’s degree in Social Work from New York University, Wooten went on to become a licensed therapist. Through her work in the medical field, foster care system and non-profit organizations such as the Children’s Aid Society and the New York City Mission Society, Wooten has helped a countless number of children, teens and their families.

Presently, Wooten works at a not for profit organization; Room To Grow, where she provides parenting support and childhood development education to the parents of children ages zero to three.

La Shell Wooten is also a licensed feng shui consultant. Her undying desires to assist people in living better lives and her strong beliefs in universal energy led her to branch out into this different form of therapy in 2001. Since then, she has been providing services to private clientele that allow them to feel more comfortable in their living space. By evaluating the energy of their space, Wooten recommends anything from color schemes to the decor for that particular space that improves energy in turn improving their lives. “I love providing this service for people. It improves productivity, health, communication, energy and much more,” she explains.

Wooten has found yet another way to give back to the universe – this time as an author. Her writing is a culmination of all that she has experienced in her career, life and especially motherhood. “I thought it was my job to teach my children, little did I know they would be teaching me so many important lessons,” said Wooten.

This heavy influence of her children on her life inspired her first writing project; a self-published series of children’s books, very appropriately titled Boomerang Bounce Books.

The series deals with the idea of karma or the “boomerang” effect of universal energy, in attempt to help children consciously think about their actions and the affects of their actions. The first two books in the series are titled “The Sharing Secret” and “Good Hands”. This is just the beginning of much more to come from La Shell Wooten as she plans to write longer stories as well as screenplays.

I AM WEEN

The Get ‘Em Girls will be speaking to young women ages 15-20 on March 29th 1pm-4m at the first Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network (WEEN) Empowerment Gala. These young women will have the opportunity to exchange intimate and honest conversations with diverse and dynamic women who will share their secrets of how they created an unconventional and empowering lifestyle! There will be celebrity stylist, high fashion model, attorneys, publicist, TV personalities, fashion photographers and many more guest speakers. Please pass this information on to any young women you know.

Shakara

Investing in Brands that Invest in You...

We've been working diligently on our premier event The Get 'Em Girls' Presents: Girls' Bite Out, which will take place on April 17th (get your tickets), and we have found that although African-American women have a buying power of over $799 BILLION, companies, in which we spend millions of dollars supporting, just don't want to advertise at an event targeted specifically toward black women!

My question to you is this: would you continue supporting a company that you knew didn't want to invest in you?

Stay tuned...The List, coming soon!

JI

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CHECKED??

Your credit report! I worked in finance for many years and unfortunately I’ve heard a fair share of stories about identify theft. The FTC has reported that as many as 9 million Americans have had their identities stolen each year. I remember a young lady told me that she didn’t check her credit report for 2 years and when she finally got around to doing so, she found out that someone one had stolen her identity and had 3 credit cards issued in her name- THAT’S SCARY! Checking your credit report on a regular basis is extremely important along with thoroughly checking monthly credit card statements.

www.annualcreditreport.com (1.877.322.8228) is the only authorized online source for you to obtain a free annual credit report under federal law. Please, please beware of other sites that may look and sound similar to www.annualcreditreport.com

Tips to remember:

1. Never give out your credit card number to get a FREE credit report.
2. Spread It Out! Go to annualcreditreport.com and request ONE credit report, four months later get your second report and four months after that request your third report. Example, you get your free TransUnion report today, in July request your free Equifax report and then in November get your free Experian credit report.

Checking your credit card bills every month and checking your credit report every 4 months helps safeguard your credit and your finances.

Savvy Girl

OPERATION HEALTHYBODY:Bootcamp Day14-ASSESMENTS & BREAKDOWNS

Day 14. Today we had assessments and I have not lost enough weight and inches. I wasn't surprised because I haven't been eating correctly. So starting today I am going to try and do a little better. I definitely can tell that my thighs are getting a little smaller and my face is slimming down so all is not lost. I did however do better in my sit ups and push ups. Today I had another metal breakdown...when it comes to planks and 8 count body builders my mind breaks down. I give 95% to the entire workout but when those planks and 8 counts come it is a wrap. Eventually after fighting myself I was able to come around. After class I had to have a talk with the click and finally express my feelings. I feel as if they don't give 100% It is hard for me to pump them up when they don't care. If I yell "Boot Camp Click are you with me?" and no one answers then I get discouraged. For me to give them energy..it takes energy...and if I pump myself up to support them I need them to do the same. Also, when they do support me it should be real...don't support me just because the Drill Sergeant said we should. I push my troop when I really feel it. I also learned that we all different when it comes to motivation. I am motivated by negativity because I am competitive. If some says you can't do it..then that pushes me to do it. However, someone expressed they like positive support.So I told them if they give me 100% then I will give them 100%...

Shakara aka Lone Ranger aka Master at Arms

Girls' Bite Out!

You are invited to TASTE THE LIFE at the Get 'Em Girls' debut social networking event, Girls' Bite Out. Experience the lifestyle of the Get 'Em Girl through food, fashion, entertainment, health and fitness, beauty, and fun. Shop the latest from premier up and coming designers, indulge in delicious complimentary fare and cocktails, sample and view fabtastic (that's fabulous and fantastic) products from featured sponsors and vendors. Last but definitely not least, grab one of our over-stuffed goodie bags filled with swag galore!

PURCHASE YOUR TICKET TODAY!!! :-)

JAD

Macy's Cellar Event

If you missed us this weekend at Macy's Herald Square, you missed a good thing! The pictures haven't come back from the photographer...so this one will have to do! lol

Thank you to everyone that share in the experience with us this weekend, and to the SiStar that came all the way from Philly to check us out WE APPRECIATE YOU!

See you at the Girls' Bite Out on April 17th.

JI

OPERATION HEALTHYBODY:Bootcamp Day13- I THINK I CAN

Okay Wild Child is back today yeah!!!!!! Day 13 was cool today we raced one another while carrying another member on our back. So I lifted as much as 250 pounds and was able to run. At first I was hesitant, but I did it. We also had to do a lot of suicide drills, which involves a lot of running..we did ALOT of running. We also did this cool drill where we had to lay connecting to one another using our legs..so we are all laying chest down on the floor and we had to place our shins in the small of each others back and then on the count of three we all push up. So if everyone is in the right place we will all be off of the ground. I know it sounds confusing, but it was amazing and a sight to see (it did take us almost 5 minutes to figure it out though). We were missing 2 members due to sickness and injury, but we survived Day 13...

Shakara aka Lone Ranger

Fab Alert: Rachel Roy Sample Sale March 5 -7

Don't miss the Rachel Roy sample sale starting Wednesday, March 5th. If you are in NYC, head on down to 148 West 37th Street, 2nd Floor! Oh, and get there early...it starts at 12 p.m. and ends at 7 p.m.!

Happy Shopping.

Fab Girl