My story will be featured on Oprah's Lifeclass episode Tues. Nov. 8th @ 8p.m.ET/7p.m. CT. on OWN!

Hello my fellow bloggers! I received excellent news today that of course I want to scream about.
As you may or may not know, my children and I were guests on Oprah's show a few years back seen HERE> and HERE and while we're at it.. HERE.

Well one of the producers called me a few weeks ago to get an update on our lives which I thought was exciting (glad I have the same cellphone number!)She asked for some current photos of me and the kids, and stated that she would call me if anything came of the segment.

Today I received another call from a different producer telling me that on Tuesday, November 8th at 8p.m. ET/7p.m.CT. The Oprah's Lifeclass episode will feature our story on Oprah's new network OWN. I sent some additional current photos as requested and can't wait to see the episode. I envision a throwback, w/some current updated flavor! I'm ecstatic. STAY TUNED.. (and please set your DVR)

Oprah's Lifeclass is an online companion class that allows people from all over the world to dig deeper and connect with one another. Oprah asks raw and in depth questions of the day and teaches and discusses beneficial life lessons. Visit her HERE ...CLASS IS IN SESSION.

I just realized [well actually last evening] that I forgot to say that, the main reason for the show is to see what I have learned, and what I have changed about our lives since the show. I have changed and learned a lot since then, and I am very pleased by the direction that all of our lives are headed.

xoxo

LocalCeleb~

Two Things I *LOVE* about M*A*C.!

#1.)  I went to dinner @ Wasabi w/one of my favorite ladies on Wednesday night.. and I was *staring* at her lips.. Not in a strange/weirdo type of way, but in an inquisitive kind of.."Where did ya get that gloss" kind of way..I happened to notice that we had eaten, been drinking, talked for hours and her lip gloss was STILL just as shimmery and shiny as it had been when she walked through the door at the beginning of the evening.. How is that possible???

 


So I asked.. "Umm.. where on earth did you find lip gloss that stays on your lips through an entire evening, without losing it's luster?" Ms. Shawna proceeded to tell me about her love for gloss and her drawer full of glosses that had failed her until she stumbled upon this.....

M.A.C. DazzleGlass [Lip color that dazzles with light & shine to bring an exciting dimensional pop to your lips. Provides exceptional shine w/a crystalline iridescence. Non-sticky, non-tacky, lightweight and moisturizing. Glides on.Wear alone, or layer over lipstick & features the signature M.A.C. vanilla aroma. I am *sold* even if it costs $18.50, I've seen what this sassy little lip slicker can do!  I can't wait to try it for myself..

#2.) They save the best for last.. and here we have Mrs. Shirley Daley, let me tell you just a bit about this fellow Cleveland, Ohio native: She was one of thousands picked in the "M.A.C. Me Over" Contest. She wowed the judges with her tag line of "I'm going to change the world, one smile at a time" See the article published in The Plain Dealer HERE

I am so excited to see how this fresh, inspiring face from my home town, and a graduate from my hubby's Alma Mater [The Cleveland School of Arts] reinvents herself. I can really relate to what I've read about Shirley's life, she has proved that strength and determination can truly conquer all. I'm anxiously anticipating Ms. Shirley gettin' her M.A.C. on! Congrats!

Black Baby White Hands>My take on Transracial Adoption

In 1972 when it was not the norm to transracially adopt,

My adoptive parents shunned the critics and obtained an attorney to make
me their own. I would become the only African American in my city, and in the school system through to graduation. My adoptive mother lost a few friends along the way that unfortunately did not agree with her choice, and just couldn’t understand why she would choose to raise a black child. I am blessed to have been welcomed into such a loving and unconventional family. I was taught to be accepting of others growing up, and to always be genuine and forthcoming with my feelings.

 Here are some brief interview questions I borrowed from a fellow transracial adoptee:

When and how did you first become aware that you were “different” to the rest of your family?

I was aware pretty early on, perhaps 3 years old. I was the only African American in the entire city at the time. It was glaringly obvious to me, I didn't look like *anyone* else, I didn't attend preschool or school with anyone that resembled me in the slightest.

How did this make you feel?

I embraced the fact that I was different, I knew there was a difference in my outward appearance,my hair texture etc. but I never felt alienated or shunned because of it. I made a space for myself in my small community and excelled academically and athletically, I was painfully shy until around age 21, but I definitley learned to hold my own quite well.


Did you and/or your parents ever have racial slurs thrown at you while you were growing up?

I heard the *n-word* thrown about during high-school mostly, being the only African American in my city I knew that there were some known prejudice parents who had passed their ignorance down to their children.
I once humiliated a classmate in front of his friends after he called me a n*gger one day sneakily in the hallway. I called him out in front of the last class of the day, asked him to give me the definition of the word and basically chastised him like a badly behaved child. I never heard that word again from him, and later received an apology, but  I still always remained on guard.

My parents were asked why they wanted a black child, told that they shouldn't adopt me, asked if they knew what they were doing, and the list goes on.They tried to deflect as much evil as they could from me.

A portion of society believes that children adopted by parents who are not of the same race are racially and culturally deprived. Do you agree with this statement?


Somewhat. I was not raised in my culture, I was raised in a Caucasian household. I wasn't equipped with the information needed to put me in touch with my black culture. I was oblivious to some very pertinent information. My parents did the best they could do with what they educated themselves about, they sought out avenues to help me gravitate towards my culture and explore. Sometimes, that just isn't enough, sometimes much more is needed.

Not until I graduated from high school and enrolled in college did I enter into a complete culture shock, Everything there was black or white, if you were black, you hung with black if you were white, you hung with your own. I was excited about what I was learning about myself, pleased to be accepted and schooled by my own race of people, I felt as if I finally belonged. I don't feel I was deprived, I felt privileged to receive such profound exposure to both cultures.

Adoptees generally have a lot of emotional issues to deal with. Did the fact that you are a transracial adoptee add to your “baggage”?

I think that baggage comes with a lot of adoptees, I don't think it mattered that I was a transracial adoptee. There will always be rejection issues with me and the need for acceptance. Knowing you are being treated differently or badly based solely on the color of your skin in unacceptable to me. I know that this has happened more than I care to admit.


Are you in favour of transracial adoption? Please state why you say yes or no.

I f the adoption is handled properly than yes, I am the biggest supporter. Thinking that you can raise a black child as a white child should never be the goal. There needs to be extensive research to connect the child with their own culture. It takes a unique person to adopt tranracially in the first place. Do you have or care what it takes?

It's a MY FIRST AWARD type of day! Yaayy!

I want to thank LA LYNN from the bottom of my heart for granting me w/this *fabulous* award!

HERE ARE SOME OF THE RULES FOR THIS AWARD:

COMPLETE THE QUESTIONS BELOW

SHARE 7 RANDOM FACTS ABOUT YOURSELF

LINK BACK TO THE PERSON THAT GAVE YOU THE AWARD

PASS THE AWARD OVER TO 10 OF YOUR FELLOW BLOGGERS AND LET THEM KNOW THAT YOU GAVE IT TO THEM

NAME YOUR FAVORITE SONG: If loving you is all that I gotta do (Mary J. & KC duet)

NAME YOUR FAVORITE DESSERT: A black raspberry sunday

WHAT PISSES YOU OFF: When I observe a man or woman not taking care of their children

WHEN YOU'RE UPSET, YOU: Boil over,and hold grudges I'm an Aries..what can I say! 

YOUR FAVORITE PET: I have no pets

BLACK OR WHITE: Always bet on black

YOUR BIGGEST FEAR: That something tragic will happen to myself or my family 

BEST FEATURE: Have you seen this smile?

EVERYDAY ATTITUDE: Blessed

WHAT IS PERFECTION: My children

GUILTY PLEASURE: All of the Housewive shows, my husband hates them!

7 RANDOM FACTS ABOUT MYSELF

1. I am afraid of frogs.
2. I was the only African American in my entire city and school system growing up
3. I am terribly indecisive, I may take hours doing things because I can't make up my mind
4. I have lost 45lbs in the last 9 months
5. I really did meet and marry my soulmate
6. I absolutely love Chicago and would buy a place there if I could afford it
7. The Secret really does work, I swear it does, believe and you shall prosper

BLOGGERS I CHOOSE FOR THIS AWARD

STYLECHIC360

ISLAND CHIC

FASHION CAPPUCCINO

SASSYUPTOWNCHIC

BEAUTYFASH(THE CURVY CHRONICLES) 

POP CHAMPAGNE

IRIE CHIC

A DIVAMOMS JOURNEY

FASHION NOSTALGIA

ESSJAEE

LocalCeleb attends the Champions Ball / Black Tie kind of day!

The Champions Ball at the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel was *spectacular*

We valet parked and headed up the stairway to partake in the delicious cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and silent auction.

My first opportunity to take a quick photo, I warned Mr. Parks to be prepared throughout the evening, he was definitely IPhone ready! This dress I found at the very last minute, it fit me just perfectly, and I was complimented the entire night.. "I *love* your dress!" "Well Thank You very much, I love it too!" How much did I pay for this dress on a last minute purchase? What's your best guess, remember I was *desperate* and had practically no time to shop..

Here I am entering into the cocktail area, evening clutch & program in hand..I look so serious!

 Ahh the cocktail hour! This vodka cranberry w/lime was strong, and just what I needed.

Here he is! Mr.*dapper than ever* Parks definitely the best looking guest at the ball.

I think I was on my second cocktail at this point, the night was still young

We sat down and took a load off our feet and enjoyed delicious spinach and feta &  beef wellington hors d'oeuvres.

Another opportunity for a photo Mr. Parks, the lighting is great!

The love of my life, what a wonderful evening and date to spend it with.

The shoes..They are hard to see with this carpeting, but I had the most lovely black suede platforms on, they went perfectly with my dress.

This was our table setting, it looked like a centerpiece from David Tutera's My Fair Wedding shown HERE. We enjoyed a mouthwatering fillet, seasoned shrimp, wild rice,fresh asparagus, and the most delightful dessert of chocolate raspberry torte. Merlot and Chardonnay were also served during dinner.

The room was buzzing with doctors, botox and plastic surgery, Oh My! There were some really amazing dresses I spotted throughout the evening.

These gentlemen were fantastic and really took pride in being fashionistos, what's not to love about men in custom plaid kilts?

Another view of the cocktail room, I did adore that sassy sparkling dress the woman was wearing
to the left.

So much schmoozing to do, and so little time.

This is the Wittnauer Diamond & Ceramic watch Mr. Parks was gifted on the Tyra Banks show when we got engaged. He has only worn it twice, for this black tie event, and another a few years ago. It's pricey and he doesn't want to ruin it, I completely understand the preservation of meaningful fashion pieces.

*Have a lovely start to your week and as always...Shop *WISELY* my friends!
LocalCeleb~

It's going to be a Posh Black Tie kind of Saturday!

We are headed to a black tie event tomorrow [See Guide to Black Tie Here] and [Here]

I am really excited and can't wait to post the pics from our extravaganza!

The Event we are attending is The Champions Ball [A celebration that includes the induction of the first class of the Metro-Health Medical Hall Honorees.] This is also the 175th Anniversary of the existence of Metro-Health. Metro-Health physicians rank among  the best in the nation according to this> [Best Doctors in America ]

Mr. Parks is going to be looking GQ and dapper as ever in his smashing tux, and I..Well.. am not sure exactly what I'm wearing YET.. Stay tuned for the posh pics to come and did I happen to mention... I'm seated at the table with the CEO of my entire company and his wife? Ummm yeah.., this is definitely a *BIG* deal.. 

xoxo

LocalCeleb-



It's a "I WON $500" kind of day! Do you love to enter sweepstakes and giveaways?!

Well so do I! I was lucky enough to win $500 today from Family Fun Magazine. I was so excited, I was the grand prize winner!

This is actually my second cash win, I won $50 for filling out an entry referred by O Magazine.

Movie tickets are one of my all time favorite contests to win, the movie theatres in Ohio charge $9.50 per adult, and you always win 2 tickets, which makes for a perfect date night.

I won three custom made shirts from the Tom James company, that I willingly awarded to my
husband, with monogram included. They look AMAZING.

I would like to share with you some of my favorite sites for sweeping and contests. Sweeties Sweeps-As Sweetie tells it, WIN what you can't afford. Metromix-You can choose your city, our Cleveland location gives out movie,event,wine festival, comedy show tickets and everything in between. Sweepstake Advantage>There are several different categories to choose from, whether you are trying to win cash or lawn furniture, if it can be won, it's on there. Some of my great wins also came from local television stations in my area, check your local websites, there is almost always a contest section, enter, and WIN today!

It's a Go Passionately Pink for the cure Kind of Day!

Let's Go Passionately Pink for the cure! Just wear pink, have fun and raise money to help fight breast cancer. Everything you need to know is right here! I'm Passionately Pink! You may remember this outfit displayed on my post last week HERE

The color pink just changes the whole mood! Today was a crazy day, but when I'm wearing pink, the stress is released!

I love this jacket..

I feel inspired..

Mr. Parks just said he likes this look.. (this is a genuine smile)

Are we done yet?

Oh yeah! The shoes.. one more..

There are many ideas available and you can choose just how you want to go PINK>>>HERE MAKE A DIFFERENCE! LocalCeleb~

It's a Saffron, Night out Pic, type of day!

Yesterday was lovely, it was a balmy 78 degrees so I had to change my entire outlook on what I had planned to wear for my night out.

I headed to Taza-A unique little Lebanese restaurant to meet my friend Rachel and chat about the *revamping* of my blog.(boy does it need it)

I went with Saffron, a nice warm gold colored Newport News jacket over a printed strapless top, I felt nothing but confident in this ensemble, can't you tell?

The strapless top is from Charlotte Russe, I love the turquoise and royal blues with flecks of Saffron contributing nicely to the jacket.

Don't forget the shoes! I love these charcoal gray Unlisted stacks, so fun, and just the right color for this stylish getup.

The Newport News jacket, lonely, waiting to brighten the evening with it's sophisticated flair.

Here I am with Rachel, she showed me her portfolio and had brilliant ideas on how I can enhance my blog, she is going to help me, help myself. I can hardly wait!

It's a BIG SCORE Thrift kind of day!

I scored a Banana Republic lined/ belted Trench (that fit absolutely perfect I might add)

Did I say a Banana Republic Trench, that would normally cost an arm and a leg?

I would like you to know, that I only paid $15 for this awesome trench!

I quickly snatched up a Michael Kors fitted khaki blazer with distinct detail on all of the pearlescent buttons (just what I was looking for)

Did I tell you that the Michael Kors brand is normally a very pricey brand?

I only paid a mere $7 for this flattering blazer, are you kidding me?! Wow!

I snagged an amazing Lands End lightly quilted Winter White, light jacket w/a baby pink inside shell.

BTW, this jacket was *NWT*

Can you believe I only paid $5 for this classy casual jacket?!

I did really well today my friends, I successfully found some deals and steals, if you are ever in my hood, look me up, I guarantee we will add something tremendous to your wardrobe. I can't wait to post the pictures in my new threads! SHOP *WISELY* MY FRIENDS! LocalCeleb~

It's the power of the Bootie kind of day!

I love the new booties!

I am really digging the suede ones!

Where should I look?

I want them to be affordable as I'm always looking for the budget deals. I don't want to spend an arm and a leg for booties. I haven't really been out to look yet, but I am infatuated with them, I want comfort, durability and of course a decent price. Where should I look? Direct me Oh Great Fashionistas/Fashionistos! Have a wonderful weekend, and of course as always.. SHOP *WISELY* MY FRIENDS! LocalCeleb~