Single Girl Swag on Valentine’s Day!

By: Songine' Clarke

Being single on Valentine’s Day for as long as I can remember, I’ve found ways of dealing with not having a special someone on Valentine’s Day. There are plenty of ways a single can bear without having a Valentine on this holiday. If you’re able to treat yourself to a day of being your own Valentine, you should. Whether it’s getting your nails done, buying yourself that perfume you love or buying yourself a nice piece of jewelry; there’s no need to have someone shower you with gifts. If you can’t lavish yourself with gifts, then you can find friends who are single this holiday as well and just have fun. There’s also the option of staying in the house and having ladies night or going out with the ladies to “paint the town red.” If you don’t do anything this Valentine’s day, I would like for you to at least do this one thing: try to be content with being single this Valentine’s Day!

It’s Supposed to Snow in the Winter, Right?

By: Ebony L. McCline

For the last week, the talk around the country has been all about the weather. I don’t know about you, but it’s starting to drive me insane. The snow itself doesn’t bother me, but the talk about the snow does. It probably bothers me too much. In fact, anytime someone attempts to talk to me about “all the snow”  or the “below zero temps,” I respond with a dumb look that says, “Hello, it’s winter!” 

I’ve lived in Chicago for 25 years, yet it still amazes me how each winter, Chicagoans act like the cold and all that comes along with it is something brand new. Now, don’t get me wrong, the snowstorm that we endured last week was classic, for lack of a better word. In most places, there was at least 2 feet of snow that blanketed the streets, sidewalks, expressways and cars. Businesses closed down early on Tuesday, the city shut down on Wednesday and by Thursday, some schools and businesses were still closed. So, it had to be epic, right? 

Epic may be the appropriate adjective considering Lake Shore Drive and Chicago has been getting so much attention lately. To my surprise, the two were trending worldwide on Yahoo and on Twitter simultaneously. As promised, I’m sure this is one winter that will go down in history and finally I can add this to the list of things that I lived to see right after the first African-American President. Oh, yeah, he’s from Chicago, too. 

It usually takes quite a bit to surprise me, especially when it comes to something as uncontrollable as the weather. So, I tend to stay as far away from the “weather” conversations as possible. It seems like a waste of time to talk about something that is undoubtedly out of our control. However, what would surprise me is if Chicago got 2 feet of snow in July. Yes, that would definitely surprise me. Only then, I would attempt to engage in a “weather” conversation. So, until that happens, spare me the agony. 

Review of “What Happens in My House” by Patrice Howard

By: Frances Moffett

“What happens in my house, stays in my house.”

For many African-American households, this saying could have been engraved on a plaque hanging right above the front doorway—a stern reminder that everything that goes on between those walls is to stay there. But this same saying can also lead to years of lies and secrecy, which is what rising author Patrice Howard details in her debut novel, “What Happens in My House.”

The book introduces you to the Seaborn family, a tight, close-knit unit whose roots were laid in the church. The story begins with the main character and narrator Noelle discovering that her teenage sister is pregnant. On her search to determine who the unborn child’s father is, she finds out that there is more to the situation that she initially thought. Noelle eventually unlocks a history of secrets including incest and sexual abuse—something she hadn’t expected from her “God-fearing” family.

Soon, she is faced with the decision to continue to sweep these transgressions under the rug or reveal the truth. The story follows Noelle and her family as they come to terms with the ugliness with which they are faced.

“What Happens in My House” is an enthralling work that tells a story we often don’t hear in the African-American community. It embraces the taboo subject of sexual abuse and gives a real account of how it affects not only the victim but those who live with and love that person. It also attests to the real-life notion that not all stories end with a “happily ever after.”

A Jam-Packed SENSATIONNEL Event

By Isis Nicole & Bonita Holmes

‘Twas a ‘SENSATIONNEL’ evening in Chicago at the Sheraton Hotel, filled with gifted beauticians, beautiful models and fine dining. Up until the SENSATIONNEL New Year’s Party, this previous Sunday I had only imagined the makings of a quick weave hair show. Let me tell you folks, my imagination was fulfilled. Entering into the event just a few minutes shy of being on time, I got a chance to peek at the young women gathered around the foyer emulating the dress of animals found in jungles. By this time, I could tell that this was just the beginning of my electrified hair fantasies. 

Posters of women with neatly styled SENSATIONNEL brand hair filled the second floor of the Sheraton Hotel while media, hairstylists, beauticians, models and onlookers awaited the start of the show. Women with pink collared shirts and short professionally styled hair directed guests to their seats. The ballroom featured at least 100 tables elegantly decorated with dinnerware, white tablecloths and neatly crafted centerpieces. More posters of women modeling SENSATIONNEL brand hair filled the ballroom, while gift bags worth over $150 nearly consumed all walking space. SENSATIONNEL models opened the show with a performance of the song, “Whip My Hair” by Willow Smith. The party had begun.

SENSATIONNEL models were selected through YK Management Inc., a Chicago-based modeling agency, started by Yoshimi Kiosha in 2009. “SENSATIONNEL hair hired me to select the models for the event,” said Kiosha, who considered the SENSATIONNEL hair show to be among some of the high-end shows she’s ever done. The models wore black leggings, brightly colored wigs and black shirts with glittered writing that read Bump, Start To Finish, Premium Now and Goddess—all hair brands by SENSATIONNEL.

The show started with a performance by the Capri Beauty College who gave the audience a Barbie-themed showcase. Each model rocked a unique, polychromatic hairstyle, tutu skirts and swayed across the stage mimicking Nicki Minaj songs throughout. After a performance interval, Ms. Roberts Beauty Academy took the stage with a lion king-themed performance that featured exotic animal-like hair. This performance was the only one that featured plus-sized models. Lastly, the Dudley Beauty College gave a celebrity themed performance, which featured those impersonating Etta James and Ike and Tina Turner.

Following SENSATIONNEL’s hair show was a tap dance routine by Chicago’s own, Madd Rhythms. Each dancer entered the stage unaccompanied merely to create a unified group. What really got the crowd’s excitement flowing again was their tap dance break down to Chicago’s house music. Madd Rhythms’ performance was clever, full of energy and stayed true to its Chicago roots. Later that evening, hip hop dance group The Industry hit the stage with a routine that unfortunately was not as hard hitting as the rest of the show. Nevertheless, The Industry stayed dedicated to the fierce and fun ambiance of the night exclusively with a smile.

Then, there was dessert. Singer and Actor Terrell Carter, known for his appearance in Tyler Perry’s “Diary of a Mad Black Woman,” graced the stage tall, dark, handsome and in an unbuttoned shirt. Ladies sighed and smiled as he continued with a love song, “Better Than” inspired by his ideals on how to treat a woman. His voice was passionate and powerful with remnants of church.

Closing the performances was singer Shirley Murdock who was the absolute icing on the cake! I have to be honest, I was a little surprised when she started off singing her hit single “As We Lay,” but it was a pleasant experience she and the audience shared as they reminisced with the words of the song. Her voice was uplifting and her presence was that of a diva. She owned it! Shirley Murdock then took a moment out to encourage the audience with the song “Stand.” Her voice filled the room strong and heartfelt, leaving some beauticians standing on their feet. It was the perfect ending to a happy new year.

Moving Forward Together: 2011 SOTU address

By: Ebony L. McCline

Tuesday night, I sat in anticipation for many reasons. First and foremost, I was anxious to see what my President had to say to his country, the good old U.S. of A. Even though I was eager to hear the State of the Union address, I was equally as anxious to see how many people I knew would actually watch it. The reason for this deep thought can be summed up in two words: “The Game.” 

No, not the championship game that broke so many Chicagoans hearts, that was Sunday. No, not the Superbowl, it’s a little too early. “The Game” that I’m referring to is the television show. Now, I know what you’re thinking, what does that have to do with the State of the Union address? Well, if you’re a fan of the show, then you’d know that Tuesday nights are owned by, “The Game.” The President’s speech wouldn’t be the length of two hours, but I was sure that some part of it would conflict with this popular television show. So, I waited to see the outcome.

I was delighted to learn that by the end of President Barack Obama’s speech, #StateoftheUnion and #sotu were trending on Twitter. In addition to this revelation, Facebook statuses were consistently being updated about his speech and not that television show that we all seem to adore.

As my President delivered his speech in front of a Chamber of both Republicans and Democrats, he offered hope among other things. Those in the audience seemed to at least appreciate the things he said, even if they disagreed. Throughout the address, unity seemed to be a common thread. There were a number of one-liners, but my favorite speaks for itself: “We will move forward together or not at all.”

Obama spoke passionately about a number of issues. He encouraged our nation to “win the future.” Innovation was a key point, as he stressed the importance of Americans putting their creativity to use. He encouraged parents to play a role in education, insinuating that teaching doesn’t stop or start in the classrooms. Parents are teachers, as well.

Additionally, as America lacks in the quality of math and science, by 2021 the goal is to have 100,000 new teachers trained in math, science and technology. Lastly, pointing out America’s “D” on infrastructure, Obama spoke about South Korea’s extensive Internet access, China’s new trains and airports and European countries investments in their roads. He plans to continue to rebuild for the future, which in turn will create more jobs in the construction industry.

The hour long speech included many more goals and proposals, but as he spoke, I waited. I listened carefully, but I still wanted more. Finally, he admitted that it wouldn’t be easy, which ironically put me at ease. After that statement, I knew that even though he wanted to instill hope for our future, he was also being realistic, which meant a great deal to me.

New Year, New Beginnings

By Ebony L. McCline

As daylight creeped into night, guests started to flow into ThreePeas Arts Loungein Chicago’s South Loop Thursday evening. One guest turned into two, and two guests turned into many, as a night of raffles, networking, drinks and idle conversation filled the room. In addition to celebrating a new year of GlossMagazineOnline, we partnered with Dime Child Foundation in honor of N

ational Mentoring Month. Now, this wasn’t a reason for us to simply “toot

our own horns,” it was more importantly an event to acknowledge those that make each issue of the magazine possible.

As guests filled the cozy Three Peas Arts Lounge, colorful artwork graced the walls, wine circulated, music played softly in the distance and beautiful people struggled to cease intriguing conversations when the time came to get their much-needed attention. Trust me, I know.

As I stood in front of the crowd to thank all who made the event successful, chatter turned into whispers and whispers eventually became silence. I didn’t take offense, I took it as a sign that everything was going as planned. I was delighted that everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves.

As a bonus, Bon Bon Vie donated chic bags for winners of the raffles. No, the bags weren’t the only surprise. Inside all of the bags was an official “Get Glossy” v-neck and a book from authors who were featured in the magazine.

It seemed like time was moving extremely fast, before I knew it, it was time to call it a night. People were saying their good-byes as we thanked those who came to show their support.

Even though it was freezing outside and snow filled the streets, I had a warm feeling exiting Three Peas that Thursday night. I was proud of how the night turned out. I was anxious to see what others thought. I was nervous about the future. While all of these emotions consumed my body at once, I knew that there wasn’t anywhere for GMO to go but up. I’m positive about one thing: we love a challenge and we’re all ready for the top.

Check out more coverage of the 2011 GMO Launch Party at Three Peas Art Lounge!

Read Flair TV's Chundria's post on the Chicago Now Blog!

Welcome to the January/February 2011 Glossy Blog

Welcome to the January/February 2011 issue of GlossMagazineOnline.com! It’s a new year and that means a new issue of GMO––the online magazine written BY you and FOR you. 

Once again, we thank you for continuing to turn to GMO for the latest news, hot topics, and creative pieces written by young, up-and-coming talents just like you! So, go ahead and flip through the virtual pages of YOUR online magazine!


In This Issue:

• What Does Chilli Want? Find out.
• Get into the Rhythm with Singer Dwele
• Meet Lincoln Heights Star Erica Hubbard
• She’s Got Moves: Meet Ashley Everett -->
• A.J. Crimson’s Got the Look for You
• Can Black Women Really Have it All?
• Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell––Done. What’s That Mean?
• She’s The Dream’s New Find: Meet Casha Monet

and so much more!

So what are you waiting for?? Get Glossy!

Have any comments on the stories in the issue? Simply leave them here (including the title of the article) and maybe see your comments in the issue itself! Go ahead, let us know what you think!