Shaquille O'Neal at March of Dimes

SEE PICS HERE ->Gallery | Shaquille O'Neal at March of Dimes | accessatlanta.com
Great pics from this event last Saturday in Atlanta. I just adore the picture of Shaq holding the baby up to the rim. There's a NBA future down the road for the little kiddo!

Music Monday ~ International Jazz Day

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and its 195 member nations will celebrate the day around the world for International Jazz Day which will be held each year on April 30th. UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock created the idea awhile ago and plans have been in the works for this day.

I discovered a wonderful website today for a jazz musician who needs no introduction, the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz and its jam-packed with lots of information plus all the happenings surrounding International Jazz Day. Go ahead and bookmark this website, I sure did;-)

Without further ado, here is one of my favorite international jazz artists, Keiko Matsui. She is a Japanese keyboardist and composer combining smooth jazz, jazz fusion and new age. This song was recorded live at Bunkamura Orchard Hall in Toyko Japan in 2002. It's spectacular!

Love Handles or Muffin Top

Hey there, it's Monday and I'm fired up and ready to go. How about you? We all  have heard the terms "love handles" or "muffin top" and both are used to describe the little bulges around the waist area.

The love handles is an endearment when pinching at waist in fun with your sweetie. Now the muffin top is a bit more pesky especially when that bulge spills over in our slacks and pants. It's a trouble spot.

Not to worry, there are exercises that help to reduce the bulge of the love handles or muffin top. Simply do 2-3 sets counting to 10 of these exercises that target the waistline:

--->Twist the waist from side to side
--->Do side bends from right to left that target the waist really well
--->Use 3-5 lb free weights in side bends for added resistance
--->Lay on your side and lift up in a bend motion on each side

Keep in mind that healthy eating and cutting down on snacks is just as important for any exercise routine. Get ready to look fabulous in those shapely tees, shorts and jeans. Leave the muffin top at the bakery!


 

Adele ~ My Same

This song is off Adele's first album "Chasing Pavements." It's upbeat and will definitely get the head bopping. I only discovered Adele's music on her second album "21" which is a smash. I'm catching up with her music. This song is super!

DIY Tip

The do-it-yourself tasks around the house have become popular with homeowners. Home improvement stores like Lowe's and Home Depot offer classes for easy DIY tasks like a tile back splash in the kitchen. Just remember to be realistic on the DIY project and if you can really do it especially by yourself. Be careful when it comes to anything requiring ladder work like gutter repair or painting. The last thing anyone needs is to get injured from a fall. If needed, hire a professional. Otherwise, be proud when the DIY project is done!

Wedded Bliss Indeed

Happy Sunday afternoon and if I had to describe the day, I'd use those three B's I like so much ->Beautiful, Bold & Blessed. Prince William and Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge are celebrating their one-year wedding anniversary today. It seems only yesterday the world woke early in some time zones to watch the couple walk down the aisle. Then, we watched them from atop the balcony awaiting the infamous kiss ~wedded bliss indeed!

Hope your day is blissful. Hey, I made need to add another 'B' to my faves;-)

GLEE's Tribute to Whitney Houston

On Tuesday of this week, the hit show GLEE paid tribute to singer Whitney Houston. The show airs on FOX at 8 p.m. on Tuesdays. The GLEE cast performed one of Whitney's popular hits "How Will I Know." Actually, I read that this song was one of Whitney's faves. They did a nice job!

Weekend Mix of Things

Hi everybody, April has been Jazz Appreciation Month and this is a music genre that's tops on my list. On Monday, April 30th jazz fusion musician Herbie Hancock and others will celebrate International Jazz Day. Catch the all-star concerts in New Orleans at sunrise and New York at sunset. The International Jazz Day website has all the details.

The weather is simply sunny and will be all weekend in Atlanta. Many of my readers know how much I enjoy birds and have a feeder in my backyard. There are some black crows that have discovered this bounty and are eating me out of house and home. They must be peering from the trees watching when I throw out  goodies like day-old bread into the yard for easy grazing. They've gotten crafty by filling their beaks with lots of bread and flying away. Hmmm, can't go broke:-)

Just today, I came across this internet radio station, Essential Radio by Legacy Recordings. Listeners can choose a variety of music genres and it's a nice way to enjoy music on the laptop. Plus, check out the internet radio station that spins funk music all the time. It's Funk Republic Radio and I am a Contributor writer on the station's blog. My shameless plug!

Friday Film Noir

NOW PLAYING ->Witness to Murder (1954) via Classic Cinema Online

I love black & white movies and film noir, that movie genre full of intrigue and suspense. This movie stars my favorite actress, Barbara Stanwyck. Is it too late for popcorn? Nope!

Sketch Artist

BOOK A TRIP ->10 great places to sketch your vacation - USATODAY.com

Check out these spots to fill up the sketch pad with all the delights you discover. One of the places is Seattle and it would be cool to sketch (or at least try) the Space Needle. I like London and Venice too. Don't forget to pack your sketch pad and plenty of pencils;-)

TGIF + Groove in my Heart

I'm kicking TGIF off on a Deee-Lite note with their hit song "Groove is in the Heart." I'm feeling this groove and it's been a busy week. Don't knock the hustle! I can't believe how fast the month of April has gone by and this weekend is the last for the month. Have you made any plans yet? Time sure flies especially if you're having fun. Join me and get that groove in your heart.

Lance Armstrong touts benefits of vegan diet

 

READ STORY HERE ->Lance Armstrong touts benefits of vegan diet | MNN - Mother Nature Network

It sounds like Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong really likes the vegan diet especially for breakfast and lunch. Former President Clinton has gone vegan and discovered the benefits while shaping up for his daughter Chelsea's wedding.

5 Easy Closet Organizing Tips

Of course, the closets in the house are always tops on the list for organizing. The garage comes in a close second. We tend to put off tackling an organizing project which can be daunting at times. Here are 5 easy closet organizing tips that won't take too long and will help to get you out the door for work, school or errands:

--->Fold and stack jeans by color on the shelves in the closet
--->Place your favorite belts together on a hanger for easy pick
--->Designate a shelf for tees, tanks & short-sleeved tops
--->Keep chunky bangles, hair clips and hankie scarves in small plastic bins with label of the contents
 --->Organize shoes by color on the shoe racks to grab & go

These tips are pretty simple don't you think, I hope so. An uncluttered life is much more enjoyable and less overwhelming.

Online Courses for Free

I recently came across a website called Coursera where you can take courses online for free. What a discovery and there are lots of courses to choose in a variety of topics. Several universities offer courses like Princeton University, Stanford University, the University of Michigan and the University of Pennsylvania. I already see quite a few courses I would like to take. Watch the short video below that outlines Coursera. This is a wonderful opportunity to take courses online at your own pace. Expand your knowledge all for free!

2012 Music Midtown lineup in Atlanta

SEE THE LINEUP ->Gallery | 2012 Music Midtown lineup | accessatlanta.com

The lineup looks great for Music Midtown in September which is the fall season and temps should be really pleasant for an outdoor concert in Piedmont Park. Rappers Ludacris and T.I. are in the lineup and fan favorites in Atlanta.

One other performer in the lineup is Joan Jett & The Blackhearts. I remember listening to her rockin' music back in the 80's while in college. The band's hit "I Love Rock N' Roll" blasted in the cars on campus. Why don't we play that music video for Hump Day Wednesday ~put another dime in the jukebox baby!

April is Poetry Month

Good morning sunshine and not a cloud in the sky. The songbirds are still chirping beautifully as they flutter to the bird feeder to munch on the black sunflower seeds. I watch them from the window delighted by their return each day. I step out to the patio with my first cup of coffee and feel a breeze as the chenille throw warms me. I begin to work up the to-do list in my mind with no pad to take notes. Will I remember it...I think so!

Hello everybody, I had made a point to write some poetic words since April is Poetry Month. I don't profess to be a poetry writer, but every now and then my thoughts simply flow with no rhyming to them like most poetry is written. I hope to add one more before the end of poetry month draws near.

Neil deGrasse Tyson Lecture

WATCH HERE ->Neil deGrasse Tyson: Space Exploration is Good for Our Culture (and More Good Links From Around the Web) via Open Culture
A super lecture by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson at the 28th National Space Symposium. I enjoy watching NOVA on PBS which features space and science innovations, exploration & discovery.  Dr. Tyson presents segments on NOVA which are fascinating. This lecture includes Q&A from the audience.

Look fit for the Wedding

If you plan to be in an upcoming spring or summer wedding as a bridesmaid or hostess, it's time to pick up the free weights and start getting those arms into shape. The bride-to-be has probably already picked out the dress she wants her bridal party to wear. Oh no, it's sleeveless or strapless showing off the arms and shoulders. Not to worry, free weights are the best for shaping and firming. Lift them while watching television or chatting on the phone. Do 3 reps using 5 lb. weights which are not too heavy, but firm well.

The spring or summer wedding could very well be your own, how exciting. The temps are warm around this time of the year and a sleeveless or strapless wedding dress is perfect. Look fit and fabulous in that gorgeous gown!

Happy Birthday ~ Barbra Streisand

Acclaimed singer and actress Barbra Streisand is celebrating her birthday today. Her career is stellar and she still makes appearances at special events. I recall an interview where she revealed how terrified she was with performing before an audience. I'd say Barbra got over her fright once she stepped on stage, a songbird indeed. My favorite film is The Way We Were with dreamy Robert Redford. The title song for the movie is sung by Barbra Streisand and it's beautiful. The video has great scenes from the movie.

Talk about being in love, Barbra's character truly was in love and the ending scene is touching. The lyric "what's too painful to remember, we simply choose to forget" is spot on ~Happy Birthday Barbra!

Tribeca Film Festival

The Tribeca Film Festival started last Wednesday in New York and it's a favorite for film lovers. Here is a clip called "Tribeca at Night" showing the Festival kick off and nightlife around the event. Plus, an audience of festival attendees watching a film outdoors with the beautiful New York skyline in the backdrop. Check out all the happenings on the Tribeca Film Festival website.

Not Just Any T-Shirt

PLAY THE SLIDESHOW ->The GQ Dragnet: The Only Eight Tees You Need Wear It Now: GQ.com
Hey Fellas, add these Tees for a sporty and might I add sexy look for spring and summer. I like all of them and the colors sizzle!

Healthy Spring Brown Bag

Good morning, I bet many people in parts of the country didn't think they would need their snow scrapers to wipe off the car windows. What a surprise, but spring can still bring the chill. It's almost noon and time for lunch around the workplaces. Even people who work from home try to keep a 9-5 schedule which is a good idea. If you are looking for work, staying on track with scheduling the day will help  the transition.

Just as spring colors are part of our wardrobe for work, take those colors along in your brown bag lunch each day. Here's how to add a healthy pop of color with fruit:
--->Banana for yellow and loads of potassium
--->Red delicious apple and strawberries for red, get your fiber
--->Granny smith apple or Bartlett pear for green
--->Orange, speaks for itself and has a bunch of vitamin C
--->Pink with watermelon, refreshingly cool & quenches thirst
--->Blueberries, grapes and plums for that healthy pop of deep blue and purple, plenty of antioxidants

Have a wonderful week!

Song for Earth Day ~ What A Wonderful World

Good evening, I hope it's been a fantastic day and Sunday dinner included all the fixings. The temps are cool and brisk winds all day. I ran some errands and should have taken along a scarf. Get the Jackie O. look by adding my black shades;-) In celebration of Earth Day, this song by Louis Armstrong seems fitting. A wonderful world indeed!

Happy Earth Day

It's the most beautiful day in Atlanta on Earth Day. I hope the same in your city or town. Let's all do our part to promote more eco-friendly living towards a cleaner environment. Take a walk in your neighborhood with the kids and do a trash pick up today. It's amazing how much litter gets tossed out especially at the front entrance in communities. Remember the three R's ->Reuse, Reduce & Recycle!

Record Store Day

How fun for Record Store Day to fall on a Saturday. The weekend was always the best time to head to your favorite record store to check out the albums. We could spend a few hours walking up and down the aisles flipping through the music genres and pausing to look at the album covers.

When we moved to Atlanta, there was a great record store called "Turtles" that everyone visited to buy music. My mom bought a crate from there and we put all our vinyl albums in it. If I recall, we had two of those crates.  We love music!

There is a great story on NPR about a man who is trying to sell his record store. He has owned the store since 1962 and he's 89 years old. He has the world's largest private vinyl collection. You can read the story here.

Put the needle on the record and let the turntables spin!

Atlanta Dogwood Festival

Good Saturday afternoon! It's always nice to ask our co-workers before leaving work what they have planned for the weekend. The responses are interesting as they share their plans for time with family and friends. This weekend is the Atlanta Dogwood Festival happening in Piedmont Park. The weather is perfect as the sun is coming out after a morning of grey skies. The dogwoods are in full bloom and will be so beautiful to see while walking through the park.

The Atlanta Dogwood Festival is filled with an open market of vendor booths where they display and sell their artwork, clothing, jewelry, pottery and more. The food is always fantastic with lots of cultural eats available. This is a family-friendly event that the kids will enjoy. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes for all the walking and leave Fido at home as dogs are not allowed in the park.

Here's a frugal tip ->Save a few bucks by bringing your own sandwiches, snacks and water in a small cooler. There is plenty of open grass areas to take a load off your feet and stop to have a bite to eat. Don't forget to pack a blanket to spread out. It's not too hot to sit out in the sun or under a tree in the shade.

Enjoy the sights and sounds at the Atlanta Dogwood Festival!

Classic Movie Themes

LISTEN HERE ->Classic Movie Themes playing on Classic Cinema Online
I had forgotten about these classic movie themes which are on the website where I post a classic movie from time to time on my blog.  Some of the movie themes playing are the Pink Panther theme by Henry Mancini which is everybody's favorite. Plus, Indiana Jones Original Theme, The Day the Earth Stood Still, Old Batman Theme, Chariots of Fire and many more. I think you are going to enjoy listening to these classic movie themes just like the movie themselves.

Friday Jam ~ Freeway of Love

A Friday jam from the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. Hope we all need our sunglasses this weekend on the open road down the Freeway of Love.

Table for one? Tips for traveling solo

READ BEFORE PACKING;-) ->Table for one? Tips for traveling solo  | ajc.com

TGIF and the weekend is just around the corner. This travel read is perfect timing especially geared for the solo traveler. As the summer season nears and folks start planning vacations, some people may not have a travel companion for a getaway. Don't let that stop you! Read these tips to help ease your reluctance to hit the road alone.

Of course, safety is paramount when traveling solo so make sure the car is serviced and tires inflated. Always keep a flashlight with fresh batteries in the glove box. The holiday season is fast approaching like Memorial Day and the 4th of July. Try a short distance trip that's just two hours away to get the feel of traveling solo. Let me add that you always want to make sure family and friends know your travel plans and how to reach you. Keep the cell phone with you and pack the charger in your luggage. Have fun!

A Conversation with Tyrese

Atlanta radio station, V-103 is hosting "A Conversation with Tyrese" beginning this evening at 6 pm EST. The station will stream it live via Ustream TV. A Tyrese video seems right on time as I'm about to head over to the V-103 website and click on the link to watch the Conversation. I should have posted this earlier, but just came across it. I have not heard this song "With Me"  before and must say that I really like it.

Kravitz adds designer to his creative credentials

ROCKIN' DESIGNS ->Kravitz adds designer to his creative credentials  | accessAtlanta

It looks like Lenny Kravitz plans to rock not only music but designs. He says in the read that his childhood bedroom was designed with posters and pictures to give him inspiration for his music. Now those designs are in furnishings and more. I can already imagine Lenny's creative juices flowing in this new endeavor. Rock on!

Wednesday Evening Post

Hi everybody, just popping back over on the blog for a few minutes. I hope your day was fine on Hump Day. I'm watching an episode of the hit sitcom "Seinfeld" that still airs on Atlanta TV channels. I have seen them all;-) The week is moving along at a steady clip. Keep moving forward!

America's Oldest Teenager

Dick Clark, the longtime host of "American Bandstand" died today of a heart attack. He was 82. Dick Clark also hosted New Year's Rockin' Eve on Times Square in New York for many years. After suffering a stroke, American Idol host Ryan Seacrest took over the hosting spot. Dick Clark did co-host one year with Ryan and fans were happy to see him back to help countdown a new year.

Dick Clark was always a gracious host and was nicknamed 'America's oldest teenager' ~Indeed

Albert Einstein Quotes

Over on TIME magazine, they have a Still Life photo of Albert Einstein's office at Princeton photographed on the day of his death. The world-famous theoretical physicist died on April 18, 1955. Einstein taught at the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton. He won the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1921 and is renowned for his Theory of Relativity. See the office photo here which is fascinating and clearly a genius at work.

I snagged five quotes by Albert Einstein in his memory and there are plenty more on the website Brainy Quote.

-->A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.
-->God always takes the simplest way.
-->Once we accept our limits, we go beyond them.
-->Make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler.


-->Any man who can drive safely while kissing a pretty girl is simply not giving the kiss the attention it deserves. ~Einstein had a sense of humor didn't he!

Yum ~ Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes

I stumbled upon this clip of sweetness featuring Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes. It looks yummy and easy to make & bake. The Passion Fruit frosting tops it off!

Tax Day

 

Yep, it's Tax Day! Are any of you buried in paperwork trying to finish up your taxes? I didn't think so, you're organized. If you will receive a refund, start planning on how you will use it. Making some extra payments on a credit card or any debt is a good idea. Also, save some of the refund for summer vacation travel plans. The gas prices and food are two of the top things that will be higher this vacation season. The important thing is to use the tax refund wisely in whatever way fits your lifestyle.

A Streetcar Named Desire

Here's a behind the scenes clip of the cast members in the upcoming Broadway stage play "A Streetcar Named Desire." The play will feature an all-black cast with Blair Underwood playing the role of 'Stanley'. In the original movie, Marlon Brando starred in that role and moviegoers couldn't get enough.

I'm thinking tickets sales will soar when this play hits the Broadway stage. A trip to New York to see it would be a fabulous getaway.

Music Monday ~ Eurythmics

This is one of the Eurythmics biggest hits. The video includes the lyrics on the screen which is neat. I thought it was a good pick for Music Monday. Who am I to disagree?

5 Excuses for Buying a Convertible

ALL GOOD :-) ->5 Excuses for Buying a Convertible - MSN Autos

Hello to my great readers. I'm looking forward to a good week ahead and know you are too. I feel giddy once again after getting so much done earlier in the day. This is a fun read and I like the excuse on getting Vitamin D from the sun in a Convertible. Drop the top!

Frugal Tip of the Day

When it comes to buying produce and veggies at the store, make sure not to overbuy. Keep in mind how much of the fruits will be eaten within a few days like bananas for instance. On those, buy two or three that are ripe and ready to eat and a couple that are greener. Those will ripen up after a few days just in time to get peeled for eating. The same goes for veggies. Check the dinner plans for the week and how much of those veggies will be used. With groceries getting more expensive every time we shop, not letting food go to waste is frugal indeed.

Plus this ->Place a bowl of sliced pears, apples or strawberries in the refrigerator so the kids or spouse can grab a few when they are looking for something to snack on between meals.

The Social Shopper

Sharing from Vogue.com ->The Social Shopper: Don't Match It, Clash It

Click on the link above to get some savvy ideas for your wardrobe. All will add just the right pop to your look. I like the 'don't match it, clash it' angle when it comes to picking out an outfit. Just when you think two pieces won't go together, it works and the compliments are endless :-) The prices are steep on some items, but then again it's designer.

Historical events on April 15th

Today marks the 100th Anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912 in the north Atlantic Ocean. The ship left port with such fanfare and excitement by the passengers and crew. The Titanic was hailed as the "unsinkable ship," but after hitting an iceberg, the ship sank within 4 hours. Many passengers made it into the lifeboats, but others were not so lucky.

On MSN, there is a story on remembering the dogs aboard the Titanic. You can read the full story here. Not all the animals perished as some made it into the lifeboats with their owners. As a dog lover, I had to include this piece in the post:-)

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

 The other event in history today is the Major League Baseball debut of Jackie Robinson on April 15, 1947 for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Jackie Robinson was the first black player in MLB and broke the baseball color line. Robinson was instrumental in bringing an end to racial segregation in professional baseball.

Jackie Robinson played 2nd base for the Brooklyn Dodgers. He was born on January 13, 1919 in Cairo, Georgia and died on October 24, 1972. He was 53. Source: Wikipedia