Beautifully Said...

2009-09-08T00:29:00.000-05:00

BEAUTIFULLY SAID WILL BE UNDER CONSTRUCTION FOR THE NEXT COUPLE OF MONTHS AS WE WORK TO SWITCH OUR CURRENT FORMAT TO WORDPRESS FOR OUR ON-LINE MAGAZINE DEBUT. WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE DURING THIS TIME AND HOPE THAT YOU WILL CONTINUE TO BE A VALUED READER OF OUR PUBLICATION. WE WILL RESUME OUR INTERVIEW SCHEDULE STARTING ON OCTOBER 1, 2009. FROM THE STAFF OF BEAUTIFULLY SAID...

HAPPY FIRST (1st) ANNIVERSARY!!! BEAUTIFULLY SAID...
The month of July marked the First Anniversary of Beautifully Said... blog publication created July 2008.

FROM THE STAFF OF BEAUTIFULLY SAID...
HAVE A HAPPY, SAFE and BLESSED WEEK!

Weekly Quote

2009-08-01T00:27:00.001-05:00

"God is the driver, I am just the passenger on this ride called life". Be blessed and be faithful

Original quote by Trisha LaNae'

"Turn Your High Potential into High Performance"

Something to Think about

Are you living your full potential, do you wake up each morning fulfilled in your work, if not take control of your life before opportunity passes you by. Living is doing what you love. Everything you do is a step, but each step gets you closer to your dream. God Bless!

--Trisha LaNae'

Who's Who of Entrepreneurs

2009-08-01T00:06:00.005-05:00

Up and coming, and established entrepreneurs on the move!
Interview by Trisha LaNae'

Hello Beautifully Said audience. I had the great pleasure of interviewing Tyrika Swails, and well let me just say this is one sister on the move. Please take a moment to check her out.

What is the name of your company? (TL)

mainelement: love (TS)

Who or what inspired you to start your company? (TL)

mainelement: love was born from a series of life events. Upon transitioning from relaxing my hair to wearing it in its natural state I learned about how many unsafe, unhealthy ingredients are in our hair and body care products. In addition to that life change, I started taking a medication that required me to completely change the way I cared for my skin. The education that those experiences gave me instilled a desire to provide others with an alternative to shelf products that are chock full of undesirable ingredients.

The concept of mainelement: love being a company centered on giving, comes from my innate desire to make everyone feel loved and appreciated. Being able to customize each gift item’s labeling and scent makes it possible for anyone to give of themselves and make someone feel special. (TS)

What set’s your company apart from other natural bath and body companies? (TL)

mainelement: love’s focus is on personalization and gift giving. It is my goal with every client to bring out their vision, their ideas, and their personality with every item. From customizing their labels, to creating a scent uniquely for them, they have the opportunity to express themselves and their Love for whomever is on the receiving end of their gifts. Love is energy and it goes into every gift as it is created; it is released and enjoyed by the person who has been bestowed the gift - (TS)

What are the advantages and disadvantages of entrepreneurship? (TL)

The advantages of being an entrepreneur are endless. You determine the value of your work, something no one else can truly put a price tag on. Entrepreneurship positions you to learn about yourself in depth: your strengths and your weaknesses in a way that working for someone else can’t quite do. You are able to determine what you do, when you need to do it, and have control over who you chose to do it with. (TS)

How do you think your company and your vision will influence others in the world of business? (TL)

It is my desire for those who experience mainelement: love to walk away with a feeling of care, consideration, thoughtfulness and most of all Love. Anytime something is given to someone it is given with intention and purpose. When you choose gifts from mainelement: love, you’re giving a gift that is enriching to them as a person. It allows you to show that you care enough about the person to give them something that is good for the recipients’ mind, body, and spirit.. From corporate environments to personal lives, one gift at a time, mainelement: love is able to promote a lifestyle of love and care for one another. (TS)

What advice would you give to people looking to start their own business? (TL)

Do not wait until you know absolutely everything there ever is to know about your subject or industry to start a business. If you do, you will likely never get off the ground. Every day is an opportunity to learn more and do more.

Befriend people of like mind. Running your own business is a challenge; having people in your corner to motivate and encourage you is key. Surround yourself with other successful people in order to continuously strive to achieve more. (TS)

What groups or affiliations are you associated with, and how has it helped you and your business? (TL)

I’m a member of the Indie Beauty Network which is centered on businesses that deliver handmade beauty products. Having the backing of others who are as dedicated to providing high quality products that are not just great to smell or look at but actually are good for your quality of life is extremely important to me and my success. I continuously learn how to create and deliver the highest quality gift items I possibly can and always with Love. (TS)

Where do you see yourself and your company five years from now, and what is the one thing you hope to promote along the way? (TL)

Five years from now I intend to see mainelement: love providing for the needs of those who wish to brand their own bath and body products. From boutiques to bed and breakfast getaways, it would be my pleasure to know that others are enjoying a safer quality of products and that there are retailers that care enough to chose to offer that to their customers .

My ultimate goal is to encourage people to be aware of the ingredients of products they use. Much emphasis is placed on paying attention to the foods we eat; I don’t feel enough attention is directed toward reading personal care product labels. What you put on your body goes into your body; you should know if what you are lavishing your body with could potentially be detrimental to your health. (TS)

Well there you have it, another entrepreneur on the move and doing big things. Tyrika is not only an inspiration to everyone she meets, but she is also a smart and savvy business woman. It was my pleasure to interview such an amazing person. I am proud and excited to be doing business with her, on the Tula Couture bath and body line.

Until the next interview, please allow your words to Beautifully Said. Be blessed!

Great Day Houston TV Show With Host Debra Duncan

2009-08-01T00:04:00.006-05:00

As apart of Houston Area Event Vendors, we had the pleasure of visiting the Great Day Houston Show on 7-30-09, to meet and talk to Debra Duncan. Debra Duncan also received a complimentary jewelry set from Trisha LaNae' the owner of Tula Couture.

Let's Talk About It!

2009-08-01T00:00:00.009-05:00

Beautifully Said...

Out of a phone conversation with a person I now like to consider a good friend, I asked the favor of Lashonda Jackson-Holmes to write an article for the blog. Already a published author in her own right, she graciously obliged. Our shared opinions and conversation about the plight of our youth, ignited my desire to share a story with our readers. The story Lashonda Jackson-Holmes writes of, comes from both concerned observance and personal tragedy. I hope that everyone reading this story will take something away from it that will make them compelled to help one youth or individual to become a better self. It is always in helping others that we always help ourselves. Be Blessed! Asha Lashae'

THE PLIGHT OF OUR YOUTH

“…but if you fight with these, you live to see another day,” is spoken to the character Craig by his father in the movie “Friday.” Craig was faced with an impending confrontation.

Time had run out. I couldn’t save him. Michael was on the run. He was running with the intent of escaping an eminent death. The horror of knowing a single bullet had shattered his cranium is-to this day- an image I try hard not to visualize. Even as I looked at him one last time before the casket closed, there are still days the reality of his absence sets off silent screams that only I can hear.

I do not pretend my brother was a saint, for that matter neither was I at his age. The difference is, I survived, and he did not. The irony in it all is the very state he was murdered in, is the state I contemplated sending him to for culinary school.

As I write this piece on the most beautiful of days, it becomes apparent that my moment of reflection is causing me distress. A lady with her children inquires about my well being. I assure her I am alright, or at least I will be. I sit watching her children run after one another. The action in itself is one that bothers me, even with my own children; running didn’t help Michael. I gather my things together and call for my children. They will have to swing on the swings play at the park another day.

The character Craig, who is portrayed by Ice Cube, solution to his problem was one that young people turn to all too often. He sought to handle his problem with a gun.

It seems that the media excessively reminds us how confrontation is handled with our youth on a daily basis. Being a sister who lost a brother to murder by a gun, I can tell you five years later, the pain is still real. Michael was my youngest brother. Eight years separated us. In some ways, he was my baby. As an infant, I helped bathe and dress him; I cuddled him, carried him around and often insisted he slept with me.

January 18th, five years ago, my family found out Michael had been murdered. Our story is no different from any other family that has experienced such a senseless loss. After we laid him to rest, I began to ask God “what about us?” They were my mother, his daughter, his niece, my self, and the others who were left to feel his absence.

I often ponder the idea of whether the gunman thought that far ahead. Had he known my mother cooked “Bettie Burgers” for anyone that entered her home and requested one, would he have cared? Would it have made a difference that many people call her “mom” though not related? If he had known my niece, Michael’s only child, would be haunted by the nightmares, would he have cared? Would it have made a difference had he seen my child, who bore more of a resemblance to “Uncle Michael” than she did her mother, would he have cared? Would knowing my Aunt Dot would have an accelerated death because of the stress, have made a difference? What about the fact Michael had a ninety-two year old great Aunt who was awaiting his visit to Louisiana so she could send someone to buy her great nephew vanilla ice-cream? My answer is always the same, only if he had had a conscience. Never again would my daughter be able to leap into her uncle’s arms and laugh uncontrollably as silliness engulfed them both.

If God’s word had dwelled within him, the Holy Spirit would have been able to intervene. We as parents have done a great disservice to our children. We have failed to introduce our children to God the Father. Proverbs 22: 6 reads,”Train up a child in the way he should go. Even when he is old he will not depart from it.” God’s word is dynamic in that it never changes for He is the same today as He was yesterday and will be forever, proclaims Hebrews 13:8.

After the death and burial of my brother, God was my only solace. He allowed me to draw close. He literally rocked me in his arms and protected my sanity as I grieved at six months pregnant. My unborn child would be denied her uncle as would my son. My mother would grieve into the late night hours. Had he known Michael’s death would cause so much pain, would he have allowed things to get so out of control? Did he think of his own family?

Even as I think about “us”, what about “them?” The mother of the accused, the father of the accused, the siblings, cousins, spouses, of the same. No mother gives birth thinking her child will be a murderer. Their hearts must ache to visit their loved one in jail. There may be many letters and phone calls, but what about the pain. The absence and inability to wrap ones arm around another. They too are victims. How do I know, you ask? I have sat on the side of the accused as well. Did the accused really not know there would be more than one victim?

I continue to watch families grieve unnecessarily. The pain is always the same, especially a mother’s pain. I know that absence from the body on earth is a physical death, the real victims are the individuals left to mourn their loved ones. Even after the casket has been lowered into the ground, the phone calls have ceased, and the visits have stopped, the pain continues. Long after the holidays have gone and the one year anniversary has passed, a void still exists. One can only hope that emotions can be released quickly so that a spirit of depression does not set and cause more heartache to the victim’s family.

Although my brother is feeling no earthly hurt, there are days I look at his daughters face and know that she does feel the hurt That fact alone should make our youth ask, “Who did I really victimize?” Michael never reached his full potential, but then neither did other victims of violence.

I can only pray the Spirit of the Lord continues to comfort those of us who are left with emptiness because of violence. May we look to Him knowing that Ecclesiastes 3:1declares there is a time for everything under the Heavens, including peace.

LaShonda Jackson-Holmes

Power and Politics

2009-07-31T16:52:00.001-05:00

Racial Profiling and Harvard Professor GatesArticle published on: 08/01/2009

Everyone in America knows of the terminology "racial profiling" as we hear it all too often in our media news. You know the often told stories of young black men being pulled over because they shouldn't be driving that nice Mercedes!...then to only find out not only does the Mercedes belong to the profiled driver but that he legitimately has the profession to support his car of choice. Okay, let's fast track to prominent, Harvard Professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. who was arrested at his home in Cambridge, Mass by police officer, James Crowley. The cause of his arrest, the police officer was responding to a 911 call about a home invasion in-progress. After Professor Gates explained that he lived at the residence, the officer asked for proper identification and Professor Gates obliged with the request. Apparently this was not enough as we all know the conclusion to this ongoing media story and that is Professor Gates was arrested on the compounds of his home. Racial profiling will continue to happen but now it appears that proving that your car, home, and profession are earned and yours is not enough anymore. This seems like racial profiling the sequels of sequels. All I can advise of my readers is that we are all judged by others within our race and outside our race. Whatever it is that you do, do it with sound judgement and sound mind and and continue to have the confidence that our justice system will right any wrongs.

Readers, chime in on the Professor Gates story or offer a story of similarity whether it be you personally or of someone you know.

Food Corner - What's on the menu? For the Month of July

2009-07-31T15:30:00.001-05:00

Okay, Beautifully Said... readers, I am continuing my theme of easy, breezy foods that will work for the humid temperatures of the south. Real simple yet filling with a bag of Lays potato chips (Baked for the health buffs:) or a couple long slices of dilled pickles. Also, you have to top it off with a cold pitcher of pink lemonade filled with fresh lime slices. HAPPY EATING!

Roast Beef Sandwich :Try it with your choice of hero or sub bread

¼ cup melted unsalted butter
2 tablespoons fresh garlic
salt
pepper
4 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 red onion
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 roasted red pepper
1 teaspoon pepper
½ pound fresh

1. Cut hero bread or sub bread in half.
2. Spread melted, unsalted butter on both sides of bread.
3. Sprinkle fresh garlic on both sides of bread. Use spatula to pat garlic into bread.
4. Sprinkle fresh salt and pepper on top.
5. Place bread on baking sheet. Lightly toast for 2-4 minutes.
6. Remove bread from oven.
7. Use spatula to spread Dijon mustard on toasted bread.
8. Spread on goat cheese mixture (optional or your own choice of cheese mixture).
9. Add a few rings of onions.
10. Top off that layer with olive oil and a dash of black pepper.
11. Add the roast beef and roasted pepper slices.
12. Add slices of Swiss cheese.
13. Top that layer with olive oil and a dash of pepper.

Beauty Spotlight

2009-07-31T03:58:00.001-05:00

The beauty product of the month is the Mary Kay NouriShine lip gloss. Choose from a variety of colors that range from Beach Bronze to Sugarberry. The glosses are made with NouriShine which will give your lips the added sheen and lip balm protection. time.

Mary Kay NouriShine Lip Gloss

Item Price Qty. Remove
Mary Kay® NouriShine® Lip Gloss $13.00

* If you would like to place an order or view other Mary Kay products please visit my online store at: www.marykay.com/ashalashae.

Tula Couture

2009-07-01T01:34:00.003-05:00

Trisha LaNae' - Owner and Designer of Tula Couture!

My handsome son Christian (my inspiration)

I created Tula Couture dba Designs by Trisha Lanae’ because I love to design and create pieces that will make a statement. Tula Couture, which is derived from my name in a unique way, features custom made jewelry and accessories from the sophisticated to the young and chic. Tula Couture officially launched in Feb. 2009

TULA COUTURE Merchant - Nita

Fashion Roundup - By Trisha LaNae'

2009-06-30T23:15:00.005-05:00

Ladies here is a look with a little artistic edge. This cute paint-splatter tee, about $23 at delias.com, makes this classic look pop. Pair it with a pair of khaki shorts, about $30 at delias.com and a double wrap belt, $34 at anthropologie.com. Finish the look with a bold gold bangle, about $6 at forever21.com, sunglasses $28 at anthropologie.com and sandals $70 at endless.com. Make the look all about you and your style!

Picture Perfect

Designer Monif C. had created a look for the woman who loves to embrace her curves. The designer dishes that “It took me many years to appreciate my curves and recognize them as a plus and NOT a minus.” Her designer line promotes curves and we can’t get enough of her creations.

Please take a moment to visit monifc.com, and I am sure you will find something worth shopping for!

Events

2009-05-30T00:22:00.011-05:00

"What's Around the Corner"
Readers,
The official Tula Couture website will be up and running soon. Log on to support the owner and designer, Trisha Lanae'. You will be sure to find something for yourself or as a gift for someone. I've purchased several items and I'm rocking my jewelry pieces with my outfits. Also the bath and body line Tula Couture by Trisha LaNae' is in the works, and will be available soon. You will soon be able to shop Tula Couture at Elegant Affairs Boutique in Houston, TX. Hope to see you there. Congratulations Tula Couture!

"Words e-Motion" - Our First Poetry Show Featuring our Talented Poets Brought to you by Colored People...We bring color to the world.

Time: August 27, 2009 from 8pm to 9pm
Location: BlogTalkRadio
Website or Map: http://www.blogtalkradio.co...
Contact Info: 347-215-8938 (To say hello as well as recite your poetry, otherwise, Listen Online)
Event Type: blogtalkradio
Organized By: Tania-Maria

Confirmed Poets:

La Tasha (Asha)
NeoSouljah
Marvin Trimm (Native Son)
Clayton Bigtrigger Corley
Daton Fullard
Max Parthas

To our Beautifullys readers, I hope that you are able to tune in and lend your support

Artist Spotlight

2009-04-26T01:59:00.013-05:00

Singer, Maxwell is our artist spotlight for the month of August. He has been away from the music scene for a few years, but he's back with a major return!

Like many, I am happy to see him return. He is one of those rare artist that gets better with time. Please take a moment and enjoy the sounds of this very gifted and talented singer.

Tula Couture Launch Party - My Appreciation

2009-04-20T12:50:00.000-05:00

I celebrated the launch of Tula Couture on this past Saturday Feb. 28th. I would like to thank all those that attended, and I appreciate the love and support you have shown me. In the words of Crystal Washington who said "there is a recession but I refuse to participate", these words mean so much to me as I take on the journey of entrepreneurship. I am excited to be doing something that I love, but even more excited to touch people along the way. I always tell my son that money does not equate success, its how many people you touch along the way. I would like to especially thank Tania-Maria for helping me promote Tula Couture, and Crystal Washington for her great work; both ladies are a true inspiration. A special thank you to my sister La Tasha for organizing the event, you did a great job! The décor was nice and the food was excellent. I have added some testimonies to show my appreciation.

Good morning La Trisha,

Thanks again for inviting me to your launch party this past Saturday. Your pieces are outstanding and very unique. Congrats on a wonderful launch! I can’t wait to see what else you come up with!

I’m writing because I wonder what your availability will be the next few Saturdays. I’d like to purchase a few more pieces as birthday gifts for some friends. Please let me know if it would be possible for me to stop by to take a gander and purchase.
Thanks again. Have a fantastic day.
Smiles,
Yasmeen

Hello Trisha, you have some beautiful pieces of jewelry. Congrats on a job well done. I am in the process of getting Creations by Connie of the ground, and it want be long. So thanks for being an inspiration through your work.
Connie Stephens

You go girl! So proud to see you taking care of business and getting your vision to come to reality.
Tania-Maria

You have really great pieces in your collection!!!
Adriana Triana Bowens

Congratulations Trisha, I didn't know you were having a launch party I would have been there had I known. I would love to see your collection though.
Best Wishes Dione B.

Congrats on a successful launch.
Jeanine Robertson

Thank you to all those who came out to support my new jewelry and accessory company Tula Couture. I look forward to doing it again, and thanks for making my debut a success!

Trisha LaNae'

Testimony Time!

2009-04-16T01:36:00.000-05:00

Do you have something exciting you want to share with Beautifully Said, or do you want to recognize someone who has inspired you or others? If so please contact me at trisha@tulacouture.com and tell me your testimony. In order to be uplifted we have to uplift. God Bless!

Trisha LaNae'

The Beautifully Said Radio Show hosted by Trisha LaNae'

2009-04-08T15:09:00.000-05:00

Wrapperlicious - Favors with Flavors 2nd Annual Clothing Swap, Shop & Network Entravaganza!

2009-01-27T12:39:00.000-06:00

I recently attended the Wrapperlicious-Favors with Flavors 2nd Annual Clothing Swap, Shop & Network Extravaganza. The event took place at the Rayford Community Center in Spring, Texas on Saturday, April 18, 2009. The Host of the event included Stacy Ayers of "By Invitation Only Event Planning" www.bioeventplanning.net and LaShun Foster, Representative of her personal "Avon Online Store" www.shopatmyavon-estore.com.

Joy, creator of Wrapperlicious, whose event I attended, was most gracious in allowing me to be apart of her organization. Wrapperlicious offers a large variety of high quality and VERY AFFORDABLE personalized candy wrappers. The company's personalized wrappers make any event special with lasting memories of ones special day or events. Please visit http://www.wrapperlicious.com.

It was wonderful to be apart of a cause that promotes the spirit of giving and in the process you receive so much more in return. I had the opportunity to meet some really wonderful people and the atmosphere was just very relaxed and encouraging. There were some really talented vendors whose displays were setup through-out the area of the event. I look forward to keeping in touch with Joy, Stacy and LaShun to expand the message of women supporting each other through entrepreneurial endeavors.

I would like to personally thank LaTrisha Lanae' creator and designer of Tula Couture for donating customized pieces of her collection to the event. LaTrisha's pieces are created with such a unique flair and her collection has received many favorable reviews. Let's continue to support her with her growing business. Thank you again for your support and contribution to such a worthy cause.

Please view the slideshow above with pictures of the event. Readers, I will keep you posted when the next event by Wrapperlicious will take place. Also, I will keep you posted regarding contributions towards the clothing swap in the future.

Happy Reading,

La Tasha (Asha)

Testimonies:

Thank you so much Asha!

It was so refreshing meeting you. I just LOVE meeting people that are supportive and encouraging. And I thank you for that. I am in the process of making Wrapperlicious swap events an official nonprofit organization. I have a meeting today with a nonprofit specialist. I would love, love, love for you to be a sponsor at these events. The next clothing swap will be in about two months. It's either going to be in Dallas or Sugarland. We're still working out the details.

JOY

Hey There! I didn't get a chance to see the necklace that was donated, but I heard it was VERY nice. My friend, Lashun, couldn't stop talking about it. And thank you for being a part of the clothing swap. My goal is to take this event on the road and hopefully it will blossom into a beautiful & successful function. Next stop will be either Dallas or Sugarland and NYC in 2010. Thank you so much for your support!

Peace & Love JOY

Beauty Thoughts

2009-01-25T20:15:00.000-06:00

Appreciate the attributes that God has given you and accept that he makes no mistakes. There is something beautiful in all of us...let's always celebrate who we are.

2009-01-08T19:14:00.000-06:00

BLACK ENTERPRISE Inauguration ClockWidgetbox

Informative Corner

2009-01-03T01:56:00.002-06:00

As the uncertainty builds around us each day, always remember you can only survive by faith.

Voice Box

2009-01-01T15:47:00.000-06:00

VoiceMeMegreat free widgetsWidgetbox