Chicago: Summer, Summer, Summertime!

By: Songine’ Clarke

This is my first summer in Chicago, and I have to say I'm pretty excited. There are a lot of things to do during the summer and the best part about it is that a lot of activities are free! Here are a few activities that you may want to keep in mind:

The Chicago Blues Festival

The Chicago Blues Festival is the largest free blues festival in the world and remains the largest of Chicago's music festivals. Taking place in Grant Park the weekend of June 10, the festival will bring a variety of performances, which occur for about eight hours each day during the event. Previous performers include Bonnie Raitt, Ray Charles, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Bo Diddley, and Koko Taylor. 

Taste of Chicago

The Taste of Chicago is the nation's premier outdoor food festival showcasing the diversity of Chicago's dining community. Taking place in Grant Park, the Taste also has music and various activities for the entire family. For now, admission is free, but the food will cost you. With 59 restaurants participating, four of the city’s annual lakefront music festivals incorporated into the Taste, and a giant turtle sandbox from Target, it seems like this is one event you don't want to miss.

Visiting the Beach

If overcrowded events aren't your thing, you may want to indulge in a favorite past time. Since the weather is finally getting warmer, you can have a relaxing day at the beach. With 24 beaches in the Chicagoland area, I'm sure you can find one that's just right for you. It’s a way to have fun with your friends and family, or you can go solo and enjoy a good book.

Memorial Day: Food, Family, Fun and So Much More

By: Ebony L. McCline

As one of the most anticipated weekends approaches, many people in America are planning to spend time with family and friends, while enjoying some barbeque. Most people see this holiday as an opportunity to party or at the very least have fun, because the summer can officially begin. While Memorial Day is all that, it happens to be much more. So, as you’re planning that vacation to a warm climate or planning the menu where there’s no shortage of ribs, chicken, and potato salad, keep in mind where it all started.

Now, we all know that Memorial Day is always the last Monday in May and the word “memorial” gives way to its history. So, you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to know that it’s a special day for one reason and one reason only: to honor the men and women who died while serving their country. 

Following the Civil War, it became a tradition to decorate the graves of those who died; thus, it was originally called, “Decoration Day.” It wasn’t until 1971 when Memorial Day became an official holiday. It’s 40 years later and cemeteries all over the country are filled with love, people are planning gatherings, and just like some other holidays we love so much, parades will line the streets.

So, while you’re enjoying yourself this weekend in celebration of those who fought and died for your country, take a second and remember where it all started. Oh, and don’t forget that Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day are different in the fact that the latter honors all veterans, living and dead.

Heating Up the Summer with Some New Tunes

By: Isis Nicole

There are a handful of anticipated albums this summer, yet I feel so out of touch! Maybe it’s because the albums that peek my interest aren’t scheduled to be released until fall; or maybe it’s, because I’m too picky. Whatever the reason, I still would like to be able to keep up with each and every dope release, whether it's a mix-tape, a single, or an entire album. 

I have to say the Beastie Boys' "Hot Sauce Committee Part Two" is definitely a must-have this summer. The much-anticipated album is finally here with 16 tracks. If you can’t respect the group as icons in Hip Hop, you could at least agree that their tribute, "Fight For Your Right Revisited," starring Seth Rogen, Elijah Wood, and Will Ferrell, was not only visually stimulating but hella cool. 

Then, there’s Big Sean's "Finally Famous," which fans will have to wait a little bit longer to hear. Once again, its release was pushed back a week, but it's now due sometime in June. With features from Wiz, Pharrell, and Kanye, I might have to reassess my opinion about him and his music. We have a love-hate relationship, but he’s talented, and he has potential. 

Finally, there's all this buzz swirling around some of the best in the game. From Drake's "Take Care" to Rick Ross's "God Forgives, I Don't," this summer will definitely heat up. Not to mention, there's Lil Wayne's "The Carter IV" and Jay Z and Kanye's "Watch the Throne." 

While 2010 gave us so many new artists, as well as new tracks, 2011 has to step up to the plate. All we can do now is wait patiently.

“Two Hearts, One God. Should Anything Else Matter?”

By: Songine’ Clarke
 
Zora & Nicky by Claudia Mair Burney is probably one of the realest books I've read in a long time about race and religion.

Zora Nella Hampton, an African-American woman and a pastor’s child, has practically everything any girl would want: the hottest designer clothes, a degree from Spelman, a nice car, and a hot boyfriend. Unfortunately, these luxuries come at a price. It’s her father’s way of keeping her under his thumb. He ignores her love for painting, art, and her old ways of her grandfather’s church. Her “privileged” life has left her feeling like she has lost God. She wants Him back.

Nicky Parker, a Caucasian male and a pastor's child, is a recent Berkeley graduate and a reformed playboy. Him and his father, a Caucasian, racist, southern-baptist pastor, don’t get along.

When Zora and Nicky see each other at bible study, there's an instant attraction, but both remain on the defense. However, they can’t seem to stop thinking about each other.

When I read this book it was so hard to put it down. The complicated (and I mean complicated) love story of Zora and Nicky was so beautiful! Neither experienced an interracial relationship before, and this book explores the many thoughts that go through their heads when it comes to their relationship. Although the book has a lot of Christian values sprinkled throughout, the author doesn't hold anything back with Zora and Nicky’s feelings for each other.

I would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes a good love story with so much more to it.

Summer Blockbusters

By: Isis Nicole

They cherry on top of every summer is music festivals, cookouts, and movies. Yes, I said movies!!! Secretly, I'm anticipating the release of Transformers: Dark of the Moon. Although I didn’t get to experience the making of Transformers, I'll be overjoyed come July 1. The fact that the film crew took over one of the busiest streets in Chicago for a number of weeks, adds to my excitement. To say that the movies’s trailer is intense is an understatement. I’m pretty sure anything with Jesse Eisenberg and Aziz Ansari will be hilarious. Transformers will undoubtedly provide us with a healthy dose of action for these hot months. 

As for comedy, the sequel to The Hangover is sure to deliver this Memorial Day weekend. “Bromances” will spark over drunken recollections for a second time. Oftentimes, it’s hard for a sequel to live up to the original, but my guess is that this movie will come close. 

Adding to the list of movies that aren’t the original is Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. Shot for the first time in 3D, fans can look forward to seeing something different when they enter theaters this Friday. The particular franchise appears to have longevity. So, there may be more to come. 

With a little bit of something for everyone, this should be a great summer!

Welcome to the May/June 2011 Glossy Blog!

Welcome to the May/June issue of GlossMagazineOnline.com! Summer is in the air and in celebration of the warmer weather; check out the new issue of the online magazine written BY you and FOR you! 



Again, we thank you for continuing to turn to GMO for the latest news, hot topics, up-and-coming features, and creative pieces written by young, up-and-coming talents! What are you waiting for? Flip through the virtual pages of YOUR online magazine now!


In This Issue:

• An Interview with Chicago's Own Demi Lobo 
• Interviews with Two Up-and-Coming Jewelry Designers: Nik Scott & Marissa Kendrick  
• An Interview with Gospel Artist Tré Thomas
• Meet Pastor Melva Henderson
• Black Women Dating Outside Their Race 
• A Special Preview of a New Book on Men Cheating with "Unattractive" Women
• Maintaining a Summer Relationship  

and so much more!

Special to GMO: A Preview of Emunah La-Paz’s Why Do Married Men Cheat With Unattractive Women?

Comment on the Preview of the new book by Emunah La-Paz’s Why Do Married Men Cheat With Unattractive Women? here 

So, you read the excerpt from the new non-fiction book by Emunah La-Paz on GlossMagazineOnline.com. The book touches on an issue that has received lots of press lately (From Tiger to Jesse). Why DO men cheat with women who are “less” attractive than their wife or girlfriend? Why do men cheat period, but especially with an unattractive woman? Let's dish. 

Where is the Love? A Look at Black Women Dating Outside Their Race

Comment on the article by GMO Associate Editor Iya Bakare here 

Ladies, have you dated outside your race? If not, would you? What do you think about black men seeming to be more "open" to dating outside their race than black women? Continue the conversation HERE. 

Maintaining a Summer Relationship

 Comment on the article by GMO Staff Writer Hiba Abdillahi Here 

Are you currently in a relationship and worried about what those summer months could mean for it? Or, are June, July and August just months on the calendar that have nothing to do with you relationship's lasting power? Get into it HERE.  

Dark vs. Light: Does Skin Tone Still Matter?

Comment on the article by GMO Staff Writer Stormi Texas Here

What do you think? IS skin tone still an issue in our community? Do you think women with darker complexions are seen as less beautiful? Are women of a lighter complexion treated differently or better by society? By the black community? Continue the conversation here.  

Mother's Day Everyday

By: Songine’ Clarke

So, Mother’s Day has come and gone, but the good thing is that there's another one next year. If you think about it, mothers should be celebrated everyday. So, while that designated day where we celebrate the women who put us on this earth is gone, you can still do something special for her just because she’s special. Here are some ideas to help you out:

A Gift Certificate to a Spa

Buy your mother a gift certificate to a spa. Whether it’s to get her nails done, a massage, or both, a mother would appreciate a day of pampering. A chance to relax can be just what the doctor ordered. 

Beauty Products

Whether it’s something from Bath & Body Works, Carol’s Daughter, or Sephora, there’s something that your mom would love. A bonus is that she would look and feel fabulous.

An Edible Arrangement

If your mom is like my mom, she loves fruit! What better way to give your mom something small that was made into something beautiful. They use a variety of fruit like pineapples, oranges, strawberries, and many more. Your mom would love it!

A Gift from the Heart

If you have a certain talent like writing, drawing, painting, or composing music, I would encourage you to use that talent and make something great for your mother. It’s a one-of-a-kind gift that she would be able to cherish for a long time.

I hope this helps! 

Entrepreneur Hosts 3rd Annual “Dangerous Curves Ahead” Benefit/Fashion Event

By: Iya Bakare

Tamika Martell, owner and founder of A-Line Style Services, will present the 3^rd Annual Dangerous Curves Ahead Charity Fashion Show & Women’s Expo on Saturday, May 14 at Chicago’s Zhou B Art Center from 6-10 p.m.

The Chicago native uses her life’s testimony and her passion for fashion to give back to the community. Dangerous Curves Ahead is an event where models of all sizes showcase the works of local fashion designers in efforts to raise funds in the fight against homelessness. At the end of the fashion show, one mother from a local shelter will get a free makeover and an opportunity to "rip the runway." The mother will also receive gifts to aid in the transition for her and her children’s new lives. 

Guests will enjoy complimentary beauty treatments, cocktails, and shopping from local vendors, while listening to the sounds of DJ Sundance. The festivities will also include a silent auction, over 20 exhibitors, and a live cooking demonstration with Celebrity Chef Lovely. Proceeds from the silent auction and ticket sales will go to the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless. 

Tickets are $25 for general admission and $40 for VIP admission. For more information on the event, please visit the event’s website at www.dangerouscurvesahead.org. For inquiries or donation information, please email info@dangerouscurvesahead.org. 

Our Most Memorable Men... As Women!

By: Isis Nicole

Martin Lawrence as Sheneneh 

Sheneneh, from the classic TV sitcom Martin, is truly a memorable character. Although, Martin played many characters on the show, Sheneneh was the most interesting, because she was played by a man. There hasn’t been another weave technician on television who has kept her nails and hair done and looked “fashionable” at all times. Amazingly, she remained a “lady,” despite her quick temper. It’s impossible not to love her knockoffs, fanny packs, gold jewelry, braids, and sense of humor. 

Jamie Foxx as Wanda 

In Living Color had an incredibly hilarious cast, but the not-so-good-looking woman with a bad attitude, also known as Wanda, is what made this particular show so special.  Wanda was a blond diva, didn’t like any unattractive men, and she was always “red-ta-go.” Jamie did a great job of taking this character to a different level.

Tyler Perry as Madea

Whether you hate or love the plays and movies, Madea is the truth! She is the perfect example of an elder. The way she dresses, walks, and talks makes it easy for almost anyone to identify with her. Her signature one-liners are well-known and just like Sheneneh and Wanda, she has the attitude to match. There aren’t many people who can say they still have a “Big Mama,” but Tyler Perry as Madea, fills that void. Oh, and she has no problem with putting anyone in check. 

"Curly Girls Rock" - A Natural Hair Meetup in Atlanta

On Friday, April 29, 2011, three Atlanta based natural hair bloggers hosted the natural hair meetup at the Harlem Nights Lounge located at 201 Courtland Street, NE, Atlanta, GA 30303.  Attendees received complimentary makeovers, hairstyle tutorials, mini manicures, and mini massages. Donations were collected for Beauty Recycled.

The Natural Hair Show

The hosts of “Curly Girls Rock” have been known to put on fabulous natural hair events in Atlanta, and this was their debut as a collaboration to show ladies that natural hair can be fabulous.

This mixer included ladies who are fully natural, transitioning, or relaxed aspiring naturals.  Upon arrival, guests received gift bags with samples from various companies including Pooka Pure and Simple and many more.  Several lucky attendees won awesome giveaways of beauty products and tools, making Curly Girls Rock the ultimate mixer in Atlanta for natural women.

To top it off, several of the top natural hair bloggers and owners of popular natural hair brands, such as Shea Moisture, Tea and Honey Blends, and many more were present. GoodGirlPR, a natural hair care publicist, was the proud public relations sponsor of Curly Girls Rock.

Attendees of the Natural Hair Show 

About LexiWithTheCurls

Starting off in 2008 on Youtube, Lexi decided to start a blog CurlsCoilsAndKinks.com. She provides hair style tutorials, product reviews, and natural hair conversations. In addition to her blog and videos, she hosts several natural hair events and is expanding her brand.

 

About MahoganyKnots:

Having over 10 years of experience with natural hair, and realizing no two natural heads are alike, MahoganyKnots brings two unique perspectives and information on natural hair care, styling, and product reviews as well as sneak peeks into hair and beauty happenings around the country!

 

About Me, My Hair, & The City

Me, My Hair & The City provides its readers a fresh take on beauty, style, and natural hair. With product reviews, recent event recaps, style advice, and hair care tips, this beauty blog is a one stop shop for all things fab!

Women’s Business Development Center Presents 13th Annual Child Care Business Expo

By: Iya Bakare

On Saturday, May 21, 2011, the 13^th Annual Child Care Expo will take place at the Chicago Hilton & Towers in Chicago.

Sponsored by the Robert M. McCormick Foundation, Fifth Third Bank and Southwest Airlines, the expo hosts as a resource center for child care business entrepreneurs and will pay tribute to child care providers and activists in the child care community. Presented in English and Spanish by the Women’s Business Development Center (www.WBDC.org), the expo includes an annual Child Care Applause Breakfast and luncheon, featuring keynote speaker Sondra Solarte of FOX Chicago. In addition, the luncheon will feature panel discussions and workshops by child care expert Tom Copeland of the National Association for Family Child Care and over 50 booths of various businesses and vendors.

 The cost for the Child Care Business Expo registration is $45, which includes registration, the workshops and materials, and both breakfast and lunch. On-site registration is $75 and is based on availability. For more information and to register online, please visit www.WBDC.org or call

312-853-3477, ext. 290.