Camp Shock Top September 27, 2017

Shock Top swag

Safety first

There were no raindrops/we popped off tops/on plenty of Shock Top. Hannn. Chill, chill I will give you that for FREE. Don’t mind me I was a rapper in my past dream. September 21 – September 24 of twenty seventeen is going down in the book of one the most memorable adventurous weekends. Curtsy to Shock Top for teaming up with Camp No Counselors for all of the campers to experience a care-free, fun filled weekend filled with laughter, competition, partying and making new friends while adulting. If you have not been camping as an adult I guarantee you will add it to your bucketlist after viewing how LIT it was. 

Even if you did not go camping as a kid you will enjoy the experience better as an adult. For one you make your own schedule, two you can drink and three there is no curfew. Let me set the scene for the whole weekend imagine temperature in the high 80’s, sunny on the beautiful camp resort in Paradox, NY at South Woods private residence. Stay with me this experience is was a real test to see how long you can disconnect and be within the moment. As there was limit access to phone reception although I did find two spots that gave me access to my luvies back home. However, the more you start to appreciate your surroundings your phone simply becomes a camera and your notifications pile up.

Dear Mama last night at adult camp…

Bunk beds become your place to rest your head and meetup spot with your bunkmates before heading to daily activities. The activities ranged from arts ‘n crafts (I made some splashy futuristic limited edition CHANEL sunnies. They retail at $921.24 LOL), kick/dodgeball, basketball, beach volleyball and archery (so you can live your best life acting out a character from the Walking Dead). The watersports included: Wakeboarding, Slip ‘N Slide, Water Skiing, Tubing and more. Here is where adulting comes in when you see it is time for HAPPY HOUR! From vodka to whiskey whatever your heart desired and not to mention Shock Top beer which was used in the many flip cup games throughout the weekend. 

Pure stomach joy

The real MVPs of the weekend

The variety of the meals were amazing it was pure stomach joy as you knew it was time by the sound of the gong. I commend the staff for making sure every meal topped the previous one. From the breakfast spread of BACON (do I need to express my love for BACON? Nope, cool I just happen to write it twice and in all caps), pancakes, waffles, a fresh fruit bar, mushroom and olive eggs to the breakfast sandwiches accompanied with Mimosas or Bloody Mary’s. Onto the burgers and ribs being thrown on the grill, with the tato salad on the side. What I didn’t get a picture of was the thick scrumptious tender juicy steak my camera retired to take a nap at that point in time.

The night time provided the opportunity to star gaze in the soccer field I was in awe and just appreciated how beautiful the simplicity of time was. I spotted a shooting star, the Big dipper and the Milky Way if the temperature did not drop so much I would’ve probably slept out there. It was so relaxing that my eyes needed to rest from all of the motion during the day. Cheers to me for not wiping out while tubing no matter how many waves were hit. I’m splashy or whatever lol. 

The color war games and apache relay race was a great opportunity to rep your weekend set and my team just happen to be the CHAMPIONS. We pretty much predicted it from the beginning as our chant was “We always come first.” Artistic creativity, athleticism and teamwork was definately put to the test. At one point we were in last place and we clawed back. Who could forget the 70’s Disco and 90’s era costumed themed parties. To relive many trends that are being recycled and even many that were forgotten.

Team flag competition

Beep me 911, or call me on my cellphone. I’ll call you back. 90’s party

Bar camp experience illustrations.

What is camp without sitting by the fire side and eating S’MORES (another all caps you get it no explanation needed 🙂 – The acknowledgment and awarding ‘The Supreme Cream Machine’ team as medals were distributed; as we appropriately came FIRST. The crowning of the standouts for the weekend campers were all well deserved. The talent show started with a tone setting poem that was significantly prevalent and to follow many surprises and showstoppers displayed everything from dancing, karaoke and interactive sing-a-longs.

The Champs are here! Supreme Cream Machine.

Friendship bracelet in the making

Overall, I had a great weekend, met some real talented creatives who are down to Earth people who shared an unforgettable encounter as we bonded, assisted and cheered one another on. Will I go adult camping again? YES, there are 15 other locations to conquer. Are you willing to step out of your comfort zone and routine to go adult camping? For more information visit https://www.campnocounselors.com and let the adventures begin. Don’t forget to smile today there is so much to be appreciative of. Until next time peaceeee.

G.R.A.C.E 1st Annual Back To School Block Party! RECAP September 18, 2017

DJ M Fresh and CEO of G.R.A.C.E non-profit Gracie – Photo credit: The Marshall

I just came to say hello! (Waves frantically) I woke up still feeling inspired from yesterday. Being in the position to implement positivity in the place that you grew up in is amazing!

The first wave of school supplies at the G.R.A.C.E table – Photo credit: The Marshall

On Sunday September 3, 2017, Gracie Cedres, the CEO of G.R.A.C.E (Granting Resources And Community Enrichment) non-profit, gave back to the very place she was born and raised. Being the visionary, entrepreneur and kind hearted person she is the task of creating an incentive to give back to the scholars in the community was planned and well executed.

Attendees enjoying the giveaways from Vegan Smart nutritional shake, Junkless chewy granola bars and hair products from Taliah Waajid – Photo credit: The Marshall

Attendees enjoying the giveaways from Vegan Smart nutritional shake, Junkless chewy granola bars and hair products from Taliah Waajid – Photo credit: The Marshall

As the summer comes to an end and the new school year begins children, teens and parents wind down and what is a better way to spend Sunday Funday! G.R.A.C.E has alleviated some expenses parents are responsible for by giving away bookbags filled with school supplies, in efforts to provide children a head start to be GREAT!

Did you know: Each bottle sold by GiveMeTap gives 5 years of clean water to a person in Africa. They also have partnerships with restaurants and cafes, where GiveMeTap customers can refill their water bottles at no charge – Photo credit: The Marshall

Did you know: Each bottle sold by GiveMeTap gives 5 years of clean water to a person in Africa. They also have partnerships with restaurants and cafes, where GiveMeTap customers can refill their water bottles at no charge – Photo credit: The Marshall

Paula taking a moment to pose with the kids who stopped by her table to play interactive games and receive school supplies – Photo credit: The Marshall

Paula taking a moment to pose with the kids who stopped by her table to play interactive games and receive school supplies – Photo credit: The Marshall

DJ M Fresh keeping the block party LIVE! – Photo credit: The Marshall

We shine the light on G.R.A.C.E as a non profit whose mission is to inspire, enlighten and encourage youth, young adults and seniors of our community by providing influential resources and events. “Our organizers are residents of the Harlem community and by hosting this celebration we were able to stress the importance of education, provide support to the families with giveaways and provide fun activities for participating families. Our reputation lies in providing resources and enrichment in the community.” – CEO of G.R.A.C.E non-profit Gracie Cedres

CEO/Founder of G.R.A.C.E non profit Gracie Cedres displaying her bookbags – Photo credit: The Marshall

CEO/Founder of G.R.A.C.E non profit Gracie Cedres displaying her bookbags – Photo credit: The Marshall

To show your support towards Gracie’s community efforts you can purchase G.R.A.C.E backpacks. They are now available for order email apparel@harlemgrace.org for your choice the bookbag comes in different colorways and will assist in the vision going further within the community.

The literature table featuring Amy’s Travels and Tackling Reading by Kathryn Starke. Minnow and Mars display of the raffle prize a new lunchbox and bookbag set – Photo credit: The Marshall

DJ M-Fresh and G.R.A.C.E collaborated to bring a fun filled family day that provided food, entertainment, educational books, healthy snack options and school supplies for our scholars to start the school year off right. Harlem definitely showed G.R.A.C.E love as the rainy skies cleared out and the sun shined down upon us the event went on as scheduled. Seeing the smiles on the children’s faces as they received the giveaways, won raffles, played in the bouncy house, and ate food. Their stomachs and hearts were full as joy, which made every action worthwhile.

Ms. Penny and Jay are all smiles when it comes to giving back – Photo credit: The Marshall

Ms. Penny and Jay are all smiles when it comes to giving back – Photo credit: The Marshall

iPad and Bookbag giveaway at The Indie Broker/Verizon table – Photo credit: The Marshall

iPad and Bookbag giveaway at The Indie Broker/Verizon table – Photo credit: The Marshall

Granting Resources And Community Enrichment in HARLEM! – Photo credit: The Marshall

To the sponsors and those who donated where would we be without YOU! You all are the MVP’s in this vision coming into fruition. We thank you so much for following through on providing your products, time, services and expertise with us all for the kids.

Facepainting done by @ZilladidIt – Photo credit: The Marshall

Facepainting done by @ZilladidIt – Photo credit: The Marshall

A form of expression and a smile for appreciation – Photo credit: The Marshall

A form of expression and a smile for appreciation – Photo credit: The Marshall

Special thank you to all of the Sponsors/Vendors:

@kathrynstarke (Tackle Reading & CMP) , @givemetap (Give Me Tap), @luxtravbywanda (Luxury Travel by Wanda), @indiebrokers (Indie Brokers), @Verizon, @winnowandmars (WINNOW + MARS), @timberland, @applebees (117th St Harlem Location), @redlobster (125th Harlem Location), @livevegansmart (Vegan Smart), @bjswholesale (Exterior Street Bronx Location), Maryam Yum Yum, @tlishadoeshair (Chic Hair Boutique), @bigrussbarbershop, @zilladidit (Face Painting), @loudsocietyllc (Loud Society), @simply_eight (Junkless chewy granola bars), @sunniclothing, @taliahwaajid, @homedepot (Exterior St Bronx Location), @culturexcollab, @_JaideL, @ItsCrystalChanel, @papajohns (145th Street Harlem Location), @dunkindonuts (145th St Harlem Location), Photo credit @alumniine (The Marshall), and @litee (Milton Webster).

Brought to you by: @harlemsgrace and @djmfresh

“Teamwork makes the dream work!”

Support goes a long way and we all played imperative roles for the success of the event – Photo credit: The Marshall

29 Rooms of inspiration September 13, 2017

Inspiration is something you can gain by using your five senses and causing you to apply or evaluate how you are or will leave a footprint on the world, your life or relationships. Creativity is visible ambition fueled by the inspiration of retelling HISTORY, bringing enlightenment to YOUR story or shedding knowledge on a relatable impactful topic!

I attended Refinery 29’s 2nd Annual 29 Rooms an interactive art experience. The remarkable event ran from September 8th until September 11th. My take on the experience of the many forms of art displayed was and still is days after in 3 words are: memorable, impactful and MOTIVATING! Why? Well, if you attended you would feel the same sentiments and then some if you did not attend one of two things. 29 rooms will be transporting their talents to L.A. December 7-10 visit http://www.refinery29.com/29rooms/ for more information.

The 29 rooms are curated to allow your inner child to explore, play and live in the moment. The theme of this year was “Turn It Into Art” which encompassed everything from sports, old school traditional spins, music, women’s rights and catharic experiences sprinkled with magic. Madame Gandhi and Jen Mussari created a women empowerment themed room that inspired you to put on inspiring boxing gloves painted with a strong message of ‘The Future is Female.’ As I took out some of my aggression on the boxing bags creating a symphony of sounds. I realized as a female we are making strides however, we still have a ways to go.

Jake Gyllenhaal created a room that allowed you to escape from yourself with deep thought. Stepping away from advanced technology (aside from posting; of course) and really taking it back to the basics. When asked to ‘put on paper whatever is weighing you down, then shred it and feel the power of letting go.’ It did not stop there you actually had the opportunity to shred it MANUALLY. How cool is that!

Juicy Couture added a winter wonderland landscape themed feel in the summer, summertime introducing the Glacé Getaway room. The room had an arctic artsy feel decorated with fake snow as you became a figure within a snowglobe. The Viva La Juicy Glacé fragance was light and floral. I appreciated the sample sized tube as I entered you gained a new customer Juicy; nice touch. 

Cadillac stood out to me not only because it allowed me to have a photoshoot with the open space lol let’s just say I “dared greatly” as the hashtag suggested. Cadillac saw an untapped opening as an established car brand and collaborated with Jason Wu to target an audience in an innovative way. It was a canvas that you added your style to as the display deconstructed the car and, dared you to utilize what existed and what you could not reach or touch.

Overall, it was a great experience that is Chanel Speedy Approved if you have the opportunity to travel for a day trip or you are a local do yourself a favor check it out. It is a super fun way to spend a day or days navigating through rooms of inspiration, motivation and parallel emotions you may have or expressed prior in multiple art forms. Special thanks to Nasdaq for featuring me on their Times Square tower as I was feeling empowered, ambitious and confident and turned it into art incorporating fashion.