UNDER THE MISTLE TOE

Mirrors on Grand has created their own holiday drinks to sell for special holiday prices, each drink has a holiday themed name like the reindeer, or the candy cane. My personal favorite was The Mistle Toe, I was smooth, creamy and chilled. I guess your expecting me to tell you what is used to make The Mistle Toe, uhhhhh nope! Hit up Mirrors on Grand between Lafayette and Clifton and try it for yourself... Hey you never know you might catch me in there sipping on one...

Leah Janell: In My Shoes

Nail Polish Color of the Week...

Lavender is a soft color that makes a bold statement, especially during the colder seasons. One may say pastels are for Easter but OPI begs to differ, introducing Do You Lilac It. I certainly must admit me LIKIE... You can find Do You Lilac It on OPIs website for 12.99.

Leah Janell: In My Shoes

CADILLAC RECORDS

Over the weekend Shyah, Jen and I had the pleasure of going to see the newly released film CADILLAC RECORDS. Before seeing the film I had heard so many different reviews about it. People all over were raving about how great Beyonce's acting skills were and how she did an amazing job playing Ms. Etta James.

As an actress its hard for me to appreciate Beyonce as an actress. I love to see new faces getting work, not singers becoming actresses, but after seeing this film I must agree that Beyonce might almost be there. I mean she has not reached Oscar winning status yet but she has truly grown as an actress and her work was greatly appreciated. Besides Beyonce I felt like Columbus Short had his break through performance as well, Columbus did an amazing transition from his debut as DJ in STOMP THE YARD. He was Hilarious, and Passionate Columbus was to Cadillac Records what Eddie Murphy was to Dream Girls, so for that I think he deserves an Oscar Nomination for best Supporting Actor.

The only negative review I have about this film is for the Beyonce fans out there, she is not introduced until late in the film, so late that my sister THANKED HER FOR JOINING US when she made her appearance LOL....

Leah Janell: In My Shoes

APOLOGIES ARE IN ORDER

I am back and coming at y'all full force for the holidays, sorry about the delay, back to basics... Enjoy

Leah Janell: In My Shoes

Reach for the Stars...

When my BESTIE Jas (The Teacher) called and asked me to come speak to the girls in her mentoring program I thought "of course", I will bring nail polish and make up and make this a total girls pow wow. I asked Jasmine to send me a briefing of the program and the girls in it. She stated the girls all come from rough neighborhoods like we grew up in. They are within the ages of 12 to 14 and for anyone who knows a young lady in that age bracket you know she has just entered the "I KNOW IT ALL, AND YOU CANT TELL ME NOTHING" phase of her life. Still I figure this would be a breeze, I wanted to approach the girls from another angle, my goal was to motivate them, inspire them and most of all encourage them. I wanted them to see that this Project Princess aspired to be all she can be and their story book ending could be nothing short of a fairy tale... As I drove through Elizabeth New Jersey, it took me back to 2005 when Jasmine first moved into her classroom. I remember us getting lost trying to find the school for the very first time. We feared if we turned the wrong corner, the next time you heard about us it would be in the papers. Each corner reminded me of what Brooklyn use to be or of what Brownsville is today. I made it safely to the school and I was highly anticipating meeting THE GIRLS, but first I had to meet Ms. Lee's first grade class. I got so many compliments from "Ms. Lee she looks beautiful" to "Ummm Lady I like your shiny sweater" lol... As the clock struck 3:30 I was called to the stage. I entered the room and there was a female police officer addressing the girls and even though she was talking all eyes seemed to be on me. Nervous I adjusted my posture, fixed my dress, and raised one eye brow to make sure that my face read "this is not a game". The one thing I was not going to tolerate from this group of girls was disrespect, I came with a Mission and I saw fit to conquer it. As I watched one particular girl gain snickers from her peers, from a joke that was geared towards me I thought "she will be my challenge"... The officer took her last Question and then Ms. Lee introduced me. I started off by telling the girls about "THE FIRST IMPRESSION" and how if it wasn't brought forth right it could certainly be the last impression. I told the girls about how their demeanor showed their level of confidence. I did a quick exercise asking everyone to take a look around the room at there peers, then I asked the girls to sit up straight and cross their legs and then I said now take a look around the room and tell me what you see... Next the girls wanted to know about me I told them about my acting career and about what it was like living in California. In closing I presented the girls with letters from some of the most influential ladies in my life "My Friends" I told the girls that these young ladies would now be their big sisters and that they could contact them for encouragement at any time. Lastly I gave out the gifts Shyah Dickerson P.R. at Phat Fashions (My sister) sent bottle's of Kimora Lee Simmons latest Fragrance for the girls, Taylor Cook of Lafayette 148 (Head Designer of L. Janell The line) provided Note Pads for the girls, Brandi Womack of Score Educational Services (Creator of I'm keeping up) provided glow in the dark balls, rubber pencils and balloons for the girls. Over all the afternoon with the girls was a major success I allowed them inspire me needless to say the girls will be seeing me more often.

Thanks to Ms. Lee and School #1 for the opportunity

Thanks for Shyah Dickerson, Taylor Cook and Brandi Womack for all the gifts

Thanks to all of the Big Sisters
Kenya Agunloye
Ena Brown
Shyah Dickerson
Jennifer Holmes
Shantina Mapp
Samantha Miller
Atalie Short
Brandi Womack
Nakisha Williams

Leah Janell: In My Shoes

Melt...

So Jen and I have come to the conclusion that we are going to make Melt our annual once a month brunch location, until we have tried everything on the menu. This time around I had the crab cakes and pouched eggs, one word AMAZING... Jen ordered the French Toast and she loved them. I am dying to know who is the head chef at MELT so that I can marry him, I mean the combinations that they have sound odd but are really great they look phenomenal and taste even better... MELT GETS TWO THUMBS UP, AGAIN...



Leah Janell: In My Shoes

Nail Polish Color of the Week...

From RiRi to TeTe and even Me, we are all falling for the latest craze YELLOW NAIL POLISH, Yellow is the new Black, and you are certainly going to NEED SUNGLASSES... OPI introduces it's latest polish sensation NEED SUNGLASSES, after three coats of this new color, that bright stand out effect that you are going for shall arrive... Need Sunglasses can be found on sale on the OPI website www.opi.com





Leah Janell: In My Shoes

Lets Eat in Dumbo...

If you all haven't figured it out by now I'm single, I wouldn't say that I am LOOKING for a man to but I would say that I am peaking every time MR. TALL DARK AND HANDSOME comes around the corner... At any rate my doors are open, so I went on a date this week. Yes a date lol who still uses that term... The gentlemen was a college friend and seeing as how college was just a few months ago lol wink wink, I was certainly comfortable. He asked where I wanted to go on this Monday night so I called Sam and asked for a restaurant that was close to home, inexpensive, and served good Food. She encouraged me to go to the DUMBO section of Brooklyn (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) to a cool spot called Five Front. As my date and I pulled up in Dumbo we noticed that Five Front was not open. Slightly annoyed I chose to go next store to No. 1 Front Street a Restaurant named TORO.

Kenya Tells Us More about Essence...

Kenya is back with more info from the Essence Conference...

Real Life 101: Lessons Learned Outside of the Classroom

Moderator: Rhonda McLean

Speakers: Shante Bacon, Capricorn Clark, Amy Dubois Barnett, and Cori Murray

So this workshop was kind of like a "tell all, each panelist informed us conference goers of trials and tribulations, risks, successes, haters, fears, highs and lows, etc. that they experienced while climbing their different ladders of success. The panel was a group of women from all walks of life, different professions, images, perspectives; but it was crazy how the chemistry and vibe was on point. If I could have shouted AMEN, I would have been shouting for days. Time Inc's Rhonda McLean was the moderator; she was awesome! I remember her saying We're kicking our shoes off and what's said in this room stays in this room." As an aspiring attorney, she inspired me the most; I hung on to every word that came out of her mouth, "GO... SEE and DO"; referring to how we should approach seeking success, "value yourself, "continue to take risks" "Never stop learning" all things we need to hear. It's so easy for people to become complacent, we get comfortable in our position at work, we're content with our salaries and we are no longer driven hungry. Well that's rubbish! We should never get too comfortable, continue to challenge yourself, enroll in school again, get that Master's or PH. D, ask for a raise, or you know what, QUIT! Capricorn shared her story of how she left Bad Boy as Diddy's assistant, she says that everyone thought she was crazy, that she had the perfect life working for a man of such power and success, traveling, attending the hottest events; but at the end of the day, she wasn't happy. Forget taking your work home with you, this chick neglected her personal life, her family, and friends etc., to cater to her boss. After years of being Diddy's right hand woman, it was time for her to go. And off she went, taking a job where she was paid less and had to start from the bottom. But guess what? That's not it for Ms. Capricorn; she took a risk and has followed her dream to do what she loves. So today I'm Challenging you to challenge yourself, get yourself together women!!! I remember an episode from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air when Will was dating Jasmine Guy (Kayla... I think), aunt Viv was tight because Will was distracting her from her studies, she told him that Kayla needed to focus because she was in school on a scholarship and couldn't afford to slip up. She basically told Will that "Kayla's education could be the difference between the Kayla who runs the hospital and the Kayla who cleans it" Which one will you be? After this workshop we were fueled up and pretty much ready to call it a day. We were filled with inspiration and we were ready to take on the world. The fact that we had a long night the night before, were starved, my feet were killed me may have influenced our decision. We took the escalator down and while we riding down Chantel (cousin) reminded me that we paid $35 for this conference and we ought not leave cause we may miss some valuable information. Well boy was right! Thank God for that good ol' Howard Education LOL.

Leah Janell: that was the most powerful one yet I have always been one to say don't stick with one thing reach for the stars chase your dreams and hearing this has motivated me to continue living by that motto... Thanks Kenya

Good Girls Gone Bad Tattoo Event

Just in case you were not in attendance this footage should make you realize why you can not miss the next one...
Dec. 20th 2008 Good Girls Gone Bad Part II




Leah Janell: In My Shoes

Nail Polish Color of the Week...

This weeks color of the week is STEEL-ING THE SCENE By: Essie

Essie is one of the most respected nail polish brands, and its new silver color couldn't have a better name. It is certainly steel-ing the scene with its show stopping glare. This is clearly a color for a night out on the town, whether you are with your significant other or out with the girls, while wearing a "little black dress" and sipping a glass of Merlot, you are destined to steal the night away. 

Steeling the Scene can be found on the ESSIE website www.essie.com on sale right now for $8.00

Top 5 Sexiest NBA Players

I have this obsession with Basketball, I was a cheerleader most of my childhood so I grew up under the sport. Now I'm watching the game for more than just seeing John Starks Sexy self catching 3's... The one thing I can say is that Sexy plus NBA makes one hell of a team... Here are my Top 5 Mr. Sexy's in the Sport of Basketball.

In at Number 5 is Amare Stoudemire

EXCUSE ME THIS IS MY TOP 5 NOT YOURS, I THINK HE'S SEXY!

THANK YOU VERY MUCH MOVING RIGHT ALONG... Amare has earned the Off The Court Swagger of the Year Award. He is the perfect example of a Black mans strength with amazing features like his full lips & large nose, to compliment his muscular body Amare wins number 5, I can also bet that with the 2009 All Star game being held in Phoenix AZ, Amare will be turning plenty of heads. He's the KING!!!

In at Number 4 is Rudy Gay, WHO? RUDY GAY!

I know some of y'all females are asking who is he, lol if you asked that question I'm sure your favorite team is the Lakers but Lebron is your Favorite Player, DAMN YOU ROOKIES... Rudy Gay is the shining star of the Memphis Grizzlies, he first caught my eye while playing for the University of Connecticut. Now this young man, with the cutest baby face is pulling his weight in the League. There is something about his transition no matter if he is on the court or in street attire even when he is sporting a suit, Rudy Gay gives off an impression that says "I am more than just a ball player", makes me wonder what his I.Q. is... Kenya this one's for you number 4 RUDY GAY!!!

In at Number 3 is Daniel Gibson

OK Ladies this one is a hottie and judging by the comments he gets on talk-sports.net y'all know it. This young fella turned Lebron James from being considered the Youngin to being the Big Homie :) playing under Lebrons wing, he is bringing his talent to the court and contributing to the Cavs legacy. With his amazing smile and big bright eyes Daniel Gibson is number 3 and I must say he is "just a baby"...


In at Number 2 is Carmelo Anthony I struggled with giving Melo the number 2 spot simply because he has been my all time favorite when it comes to SEXY on the court, from his full lips to his street swag Carmelo is as cute as they come. Born in NY and raised in B-more my NBA thug is number 2 Carmelo Anthony



And Number 1 goes to no other than MR. PRETTY BROWN EYE HIMSELF Chris Paul, I believe after the 2008 All Star game Chris Paul managed to win the hearts of every lady who was an NBA fan. I mean shortly after All Star weekend the Hornets were in the Playoffs and if you asked any female what team she was rooting for she would proudly say "Chris Paul's Team"... He's the epitome of a "Clean Cut Kid" with or without the League this is one to bring home to mom ladies...

Leah Janell: In My Shoe's