HAPPY NEW YEAR from River Place Bar & Grill

So the official party of Black in the City Blog is ..... drum roll please ....The Year EndLESS Party @ River Place Bar & Grill, it has all the amenities, open bar, complimentary champagne toast, open bar, tapas, live music, open bar, did I say open bar ... kinda proud of myself for talking the owner into that notion.

Here's the info...

Hope to see you all there!! I'll be on ... I mean, at the bar ... just kidding mom, I'll be bartending. LOL! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

-cr

CHRISTMAS DAY DEALS

Wine @ The River ...This Christmas Eve

Another Holiday treat for my B.Eastsiders ... I along with my friends from Mahogany Tasters and the wonderful band, Pure Pleasure (yo, they are soooo awesome).
We'll be tasting 5 different wines, we'll have complimentary tapas ... a festive menu of tapas, and some wonderful live music ... great fun!

Wine @ The River
12/24 from 5-9pm @ River Place Bar & Grill
225 Joseph Campau (Corner of Jos Campau and Guoin)
Downtown Detroit
$15

Last minute shopping ideas ... shop Detroit's own Envie line of Body Essentials!

Happy Holidays!

It’s holiday crunch time and most of us still have last minute gifts to buy.

Envié can help with that.



Our Restorative Cuticle Oil Gift Set is perfect for

Mothers, Daughters, Sisters, Nieces, BFF’s and Co-Workers

To keep their mani’s in tact.

Contents:

Envié Restorative Cuticle Oil

High Gloss Top Coat

Mini Emery Board

2 Mini Orange Wood Sticks

Mini Black Velvet Pouch



Perfectly packaged in a dazzling gift box for just $15.



The Restorative Cuticle Oil ($8) is a 100% natural blend of highly nutritious oils that condition, soften and restore the cuticles.


Order your gift set now. Supplies are limited and moving fast!


Desiree Mattox

Call 313-799-3374

Email info.envie@gmail.com

Detroit has "One Thang" going for it ...

One of the City's most devoted sons has "One Thang" to say about the rap game ... when it comes to bringing out hot new ish, he GETS IT DONE!

D-Rick launched his newest single last night. The video, below, was shot and produced by Quenton Thomas/Throwback Media .... definitely look out for performance dates from D-Rick.

Check out his website http://d-rick.com/

D-Rick "One Thang" from throwback media on Vimeo.

Announcing Kanye Karaoke @ River Place Bar!!

When my girl came to me with this, I couldn't help but crack up! But it sounds like a bunch of fun, I mean, I'm sorry Jay Z, but autotune is not dead ... atleast not in my house!

See you all at KANYE KARAOKE!

Wine @ The River w/ Mahogany Tastings

BethanyEast PR teams with wine connoisseur Chuck Jackson of Mahogany Tastings to present a special tasting event at the River Place Bar & Grill this Friday, November 26, 2010 from 6pm- 9pm. The event is conveniently priced at $15 and includes at tasting of 4 luxury wines, amply paired with Mediterranean hor d’oeuvres, prepared by Chef Sultan and an inviting atmosphere of music.

Chuck will introduce each wine as well as educate tasters on proper etiquette as well as how to pair your wines at home. The event is great for professionals, novice and other connoisseurs.

Taste and embellish your pallet with the following delicious wines …
• Coastal Ridge Riesling*
• Coastal Ridge Chardonnay
• Charamba Douro Red*
• 2 Copas Red

The River Place Bar is located at 225 E. Joseph Campau at Guoin

*available for sale at River Place Bar
To RSVP for this event email me, chris@BethanyEastPR.com or just show up!!

TTYL!

Mash Mag Preview Event was a SUCCESS!!

So, last night was the Mash Mag Preview Party ... and it was FAB!! Here's a few pics, but you can find more on tIM pAULE's Facebook Album

The event was wonderful, it featured a live band and dj, Mike Bonner was the host and he was HILARIOUS, there were ample networking opportunities, tons of models, business owners, fashion lovers and friends. Great job MASH Makers!!

My younger bro was gracious enough to go with me.

The Glam Squad. (Mo Did It & Crew)

The Lady of the Evening, Mashawnta (center)

myself, Myron & Jacinta ... trusty MASH makers

oh ... and Myron, being the super talented being that he is created a commercial for the event, peep it below!!

Mash Preview from Myron Watkins on Vimeo.

MASH Mag Preview @ Prive Deux, hosted by Mike Bonner and 3 Olives Vodka ..

Ok, so one of my most fav fab and refreshing divas, Mashawnta, actually started her own fashion magazine, and since its inception its been AWESOME!! Honestly, its beautiful, and I want all of my faithful Black in the City readers to join me in the VIP lounge (hosted by 3 Olives Vodka) this Nov. 24th at Prive Deux Lounge ... located in Downtown Detroit!!

No nonsense - High Fashion

$20 cover actually gets you a FREE 1-year subscription to the glossy mag!! WOW!!

Check out more on the mag @ MashMag.com

or ... Visit MASH Mag on Facebook for more info on Modeling!!
Follow @MashMag on Twitter

Treat yourself

So, how many of us work work work, and never really have time, make time, take time to sit and do something relaxing?

Okay, okay, put your hands down...and as they slap the table, take a look at your nails...yeah, that chipped paint, too long acrylic, out of date color is a real eyesore. So why not treat yourself to a Lunchtime Manicure.

I got back to work and I was ultimately relaxed and found a little joy in watching my freshly shaped deep purple digits dancing across the keys on my laptop kinda entertaining.

Ofcourse I had to make a little sacrifice, I bought my lunch to work for the last three days and came straight home instead of my normal beeline from friends house to clothing store, but I afforded myself a good little $15 piece of paradise at a very trendy salon, Riverfront Salon. My nail artist, April, was a joy to talk to, we actually have plans to chat it up more this week Thursday at Divas Connection ...

check me out Divas ... and check out Riverfront Salon also, tell 'em Chris sent you! TTYL

Divas Connection!!! Yay!

You don't want to miss this event! Bring plenty of business cards!
Come out and promote your business ladies!

Building and Benefiting - Divas Connection networking event!

Divas Country Club, an event series started in 2008 by entrepreneur Christian Reed was created to assist in building a thriving social network amongst the urban and professional women in Detroit. The Club has hosted events at some of downtown Detroit's most visited hotspots, including Detroit Riverfront, 5E Gallery and Cliff Bells Bar.

Who are the Divas?

Divas, up and coming, movers and shakers in the City. The Divas understand self worth and know that having a social life is just as much of an investment as their newest business suit, laptop tote, and even their education. The Divas Country Club caters to women that are seeking fun, inspiration as well as looking to climb the corporate latter or promote their service or skill.

A DCC staple, the Divas Connection is an opportunity for women business owners and corporate decision makers to come together and build profitable relationships. This networking event is peppered with giveaways, special deals on bulk orders with specific DDC vendors, chair massages and hor'dourves.

Divas Connection & Happy Hour

Thursday, October, 28, 2010 4-8pm

RiverPlace Bar and Grill (formerly Miami Bar)

225 Joseph Campau, located Downtown Detroit

RiverPlace Bar Website

Drink Specials/ Hor'Deurves/ Networking/ Giveaways

All are welcome to this FREE Event.

Eating Good - Black Girls Eat Gnocchi Too!

So, I tried my hand at making soup this week, not just any soup either ... the good soup, from Olive Garden, the Roasted Chicken and Gnocchi soup.

After realizing that they must've put atleast 3-cups of milk in their soup I went right ahead and bought a can of Campbells Cream of Chicken, basically saving myself 1000 calories.

And VOILA! Here ya go!
Roasted Chicken and Gnocchi Soup(w/ spinach, celery, garlic and onion) a creamy warm blend of Italian potato dumplings. It was delicious.

Whip My Hair .... from drab to fab

So, this year, I've had a ton of fun just kinda figuring out that I need to get back to my roots. I need to get back to when I enjoyed reading and writing and random little crafts.

Recently I have had the joys of being the manager of my parents' home in Detroit. Oh the joy!

They did me the favor of leaving me with a whole house of furniture, on a different note, none of it seems to match ... so, this will be a transitioning time for me. I'm thinking I'll have to make this a real project.

Can't wait to see what comes of it ... I'll try to keep everyone posted.


Oh! Speaking of projects ... I, being randomly bored one morning, went ahead and dyed my locs a luscious black....peep the before and after shots

The dry brown was getting on my nerves, it was high time for a changeand it begins ...

Um, what did I get myself into?

war wounds...
poor Haus tried to help with the directions.

Whipped ... but not beaten


And the reveal ....



Watch out there now!!

...tons of crafts this week, yeah, black girls luvs the crafts

Back , Black and Better than Ever! Home from the Bahamas

Hello everyone! It's been a few weeks, I took a little time for a much needed vacation. Now, I am BACK! BLACK! and BETTER THAN EVER!

I tanned a lot while on my little 4-day cruise. I took the opportunity to just sit, in the heat, and smile for no reason ... and now I am kinda suffering from it...however, my sunkissed chocolate glow hasn't faded, so expect me to Michelle-Obama every outfit from now til September.

Upon my return stateside I've had a few new opportunities to work on some new projects. Fellow blogger, U-M and Cass Tech alum, Mashawnta Armstrong, will be launching her fashion magazine this September, MASH Mag is a collaboration of art, style, architecture and urban fashion.

Aside from this the DAPCEP Alumni association will be briefly interviewing alum for a series of profiles on the DAPCEP website. I am actively searching for alum with interesting and important journeys or careers.

There is so much other stuff, oh I lost weight on the cruise, even though I felt like we never stopped eating ... I got a little peace. Vacations are meant to be stints of time where you don't bother with your normal routine. I took the time to come up with the notion that my normal routine was boring me. There weren't any instances where my normal routine left me fulfilled or satisfied. It took me doing nothing for a whole week to actually recognize that I wasn't doing enough.

What's coming up this month ....
-- Body Boot Camp returns for August, check BethanyEastPR.com for dates
-- Scholarship/Mentorship Course sign up starts July 28th - First come first served...get your students involved in their own scholarship search
--Promote your business in MASH Mag
--DAPCEP Alum Interviews, July 26th @4pm in the Wayne State Welcome Center on Woodward and Warren

Booty Boot Camp inspires Detroit Divas to get fit!!!

Don't miss out ... tomorrow is the last Thursday session for Body Boot Camp in June ... I mean, there is another one on Saturday, but 2 is always better than 1 .... see yall at the Cut!

REMINDER! Body Boot Camp TODAY!

Will you be there? Can't wait to meet all the DIVAS at the first Body Boot Camp after 10am! LOL, honestly, I understood what everyone was saying about it being too early...I may be the last morning person in the world.

So, trainer Michael Wolfe has some great exercises for the CAMPERS today, bring a friend ... bring your boyfriend.

Oh! Funny story, I was hanging out with some Detroit affluents last night, urban Designer royalty (Cedi and Mark Ingram ... oh joy, not to mention Superwoman was there), and in walks Detroit City Council President, Charles Pugh ... oh joy joy, who suggests that, for the fellas, BethanyEast implement a BELLY BOOT CAMP !!! What a great idea, so look out for that!

See you at the Dequindre Cut tonight! Google "Detroit Dequindre Cut Greenway" for directions.
TTYL

Entrepreneurship, Full time jobs, and Healthcare

I decided that I wanted to quite my fulltime job. I didn't decide not to tell everyone. As soon as I mentioned something to my friends and family the responses I got back were "Don't do it! Don't quit your day job! You need the healthcare."

But what is healthcare really?
My fulltime job happens to be in healthcare ... not really dealing with health, more like procurement for a healthcare company. And it ain't all its cracked up to be. In actuality what I've learned from my three years working for the company is that healthcare is nothing but a discount service, that costs a ton of money to maintain because the actual healthcare professionals have been allowed to run rampant with how their prices are set.

For example, McDonalds is required to hand out only sterile toys in their Kids Meals. The toys are usually plastic wrapped in a thick plastic bag, and cost about $0.45 to produce, package and distribute, the meal costs a little under $4. Hospitals practice the same preparation techniques, sterile plastic seringes/needles and tools are wrapped in a sterile thicker plastic, costing about $0.55 to make but when your hospital bill comes these items (including use and distribution) can cost up to $95, a little outrageous. Healthcare companies have basically worked out a system where they'll charge you $50 - $250 (approx.) a month and in turn pay the hospitals a negotiated rate for their services to you, so they'll pay $20 for the $95 needle.

Me being the person that I am, recognizing that some things just may be unnecessary, kinda like unions, once they get so big they are no longer effective. Healthcare has gotten so big it can't possibly be as effective as, say, living healthy.

Stay with me, I'm going somewhere with this.

I usually associate living healthy with living happy. And happiness is clutch. I am not happy with my job, but I am happy with the steps I've taken to allow my entrepreneurial skills thrive. Life changes are my healthcare.

My business, BethanyEast PR & Mgmt. Consulting is reaching new heights and gaining new publicity. I have introduced a summer Boot Camp series, Body Boot Camp, hosted on the beautiful Detroit RiverWalk.

Body Boot Camp Days/Times/Locations

Thursday, June 10, 2010, 6am – 7am at the Carousel

Saturday, June 12, 2010, 9am – 10am at the Carousel

Thursday, June 17, 2010, 6am – 7am at the Dequindre Cut

Saturday, June 19, 2010, 9am – 10am at the Dequindre Cut

Thursday, June 24, 2010, 6am – 7am at the Carousel

Saturday, June 26, 2010, 9am – 10am at the Dequindre Cut

Sessions are $12 each, or you can purchase a combo of 5 sessions for $50, 6 for $55

The Divas Country Club sector of BethanyEast is slowing turning into a nonprofit to benefit single entrepreneurial minded women in their efforts to gain individualism and independence.

Organizing has been key in my development for the last three months, and I can't say that I've gotten everything together when it comes to running my business, but I know that it doesn't involve having a fulltime job for a healthcare company that is ultimately making me unhealthy.

Lets see how this goes....ttyl peeps!

Booty Boot Camp inspires Detroit Divas to get fit!!!

* * FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE * *

Divas Country Club was created for urban and professional women who wanted something more out of their social lives. Not confined to any set location, the Club is a series of events aimed at providing meaningful and fun pastimes for Detroit ’s modern working diva. Founder and entrepreneur Christian Reed began devoting time to organizing DCC after a stressful summer of watching nightclub altercations between sensible women and disrespectful men. “I just kept thinking, I could do so much more with my time than come here and be harassed.” After she realized that her cohorts felt the same way, Reed sought out to put together private shopping events, tweetups, private chef experiences and workout sessions.

Inspired by the growing community of young female entrepreneurs who are not only in tune with business practices but also want to stay fit DCC introduced Booty Boot Camp in 2009. A distinct fitness series meant to be as fun as it is intense, safe and effective. It’s an all inclusive, workout session that emphasizes curve appeal, staying upbeat about being healthy, and having a good time. Our trainers are all certified, fun-loving and involved in every aspect of the camp. We encourage women of all ages, shapes and sizes to work it out.

During the 4-week program Booty Boot Campers experience a variety of different workout styles and because four Certified Personal Trainers alternate during the series a well-rounded (no pun intended) idea of fitness can be gained. Booty Boot Camps utilize natural strength, resistance and cardio training methods, no weights or belts needs, just a yoga mat (warm up), and your cutest (and reasonable) sweat suits.

Participants can choose from morning sessions to be held at the beautiful Detroit RiverWalk throughout summer. The first session starts May 11^th from 7 – 8:30am, sessions start early to fit the needs of busy professionals, evening camps coming soon. Participants can register for $15 each session or purchase 4 separate sessions for $45 at BethanyEastPR.com.

So, what’s next for Divas Country Club? “Fitness and safety is topping the charts for Detroit based divas.” Reed says. This explains her next venture of getting as many women knowledgeable about self defense and gun safety as well as applying for individual licenses to carry a concealed weapon, the event title, Packin’ Dimes. Taught by award winning marksman and weapons expert Rob Mark the Packin’ Dimes CCW/CPL course can be scheduled at anytime for a discounted rate by email chris@BethanyEastpr.com or calling Mark directly at 313-671-6512.

LADIES ... YOU SPENT ALL SUMMER GETTING UR WEIGHT UP, NOT ITS TIME TO PUT IT BACK DOWN!

BOOTY BOOT CAMP IS BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER!

VISIT BETHANYeASTpR.COM FOR MORE INFO

Sessions are only $15 each, bring a friend and save $5!

Government will preserve all tweets for enternity!

Is this not news that we can all use! Big Brother is basically telling us that every little thing within our teenie-tiny worlds will forever be under observation.

Watch what you say people!?

Detroit: To of a pedestrian

Just a thought ...

So has ADHD become a polite way of saying the stuff, people and things around me aren't interesting enough for me fully pay attention to?
In a conversation with my mom she told me a story about entire schools were filled with children on ritalin! LIKE, seriously! ENTIRE SCHOOLS.

That to me sounds like there's a
problem in your faculty. Um, excuse me Teach, maybe instead of your ENTIRE CLASS being drugged, why not prepare FUN(damental) lessons? And no, everyone doesn't have ADHD, is just that boring their fidgeting around because they're trying to stay awake....that and the fact that THEY ARE CHILDREN might be factors in the situation.

Then I open an ESSENCE Magazine and I see an ad on 2-consecutive pages for an ADHD med called Vyvanese ...first off, my kid will never take anything w/ 2 Vs in the title...just sayin, but the DRUG apparently keeps your child "focused" until 6pm (the signaficance of 6pm wasn't discussed on the (d)Effects page). UM, Let's not find out...parent dont do drugs...or give them to your children.
Just a thought .... Open for replies.