North vs South - Give me BBQ

Moving to the Alabama  from Michigan in 2007 was the best decision for my family, my sanity and my future. I've enjoyed every moment so far.  I love the community, the weather, the opportunities but there is just one thing that seems to be missing..... BBQ the way I like it! I've tried a few local places but they  had me frowning in disappointment. I gave up and decided I would just save this meal selection for visits to Detroit or when my family came to Alabama and prepared it for me.

However the new Alabama BBQ movie, book (Alabama Barbecue: Delicious Road Trips) and the new mobile app has me willing to give finding my next favorite rib joint another try. The Alabama Tourist Department has launched this new campaign showcasing the best in the state. These are the cream of the crop when it comes to the hog, chicken, beef and even turkey. I know that I'm extremely particular but I'm going to take on this challenge with a positive attitude. 

Every week I will try a new restaurant on this quest to find the best substitute for my Aunt Denise's slap yo momma they're so good  ribs.
 I will share my experiences and some opinions of my Southern friends too. I hope you will share some of your favorites. 

Check It Out:

The Movie/Website/The App: http://www.ilovealabamafood.com/bbq/

The Book: https://www.alonlinestore.com/alabama-barbeque.html

Call me Obssessed!

I'm minding my own business shopping when a notification gets me in trouble. My Shopkick app has welcomed me to Target with 35 points and the opportunity to earn more by scanning a few products. I decide to accept the nudge and get to scanning while I shop. A magazine here, some wine there and then trouble..... My next item is in the frozen food section.... I make my way to find the Talenti brand Gelato. I quickly find it and scan the container for my points. Normally that's it, I walk away but this time it's different. The flavors are intriguing.... Target has them on sale for 2 for $7 so I grabbed a Mint Chocolate for my husband and my new obsession for me... Coconut Chocolate Chip.....Amazing!

Gelato is a creamy treat in itself but the coconut and chocolate chips together is simply heaven to my taste buds.  This flavor is a Target exclusive and they were geniuses to lock down this combo. I'm sure I will see those red carts more often just to grab this decadent treat. Each time my spoon emerged from the container, my mouth smiled with antisapation of flaky coconuts and rich dark chocolate chips. I'm obsessed and I'm not ashamed to say it! 

Have you tried Talenti Gelato? What's your favorite flavor?

Want to join my Shopkick team? http://get.shopkick.com/colorado23592

Big Easy Takeover- Essence & Design Essentials

For over 20 years, the Essence Music Festival has brought together influential celebrities and soul stirring music against a backdrop of amazing Cajun food and Creole culture, found best in New Orleans. During the weekend, I had an opportunity to attend a private meet and greet at the Design Essentials “BIG EASY” Celebrity Gifting &  Styling Lounge, featuring the beautiful songstress and Loc Queen, Ledisi. Sponsored by Design Essentials new natural hair care line, available at Sally’s, I was able to meet and sample some great natural hair and skin products. From Polish & Co, a natural nail care line out of Greensboro, NC to makeup/brow expert The Look by Joi, I got the sense that DE was more than just another hair care company, they were also about empowering women as well.

  Such is the case with the Ledisi and DE collaboration to

Photo courtesy of Brainchild Associates

launch the Look Book. The Look Book features style inspirations to accentuate the beauty of natural hair.  As a loc’d woman and Ledisi fan, I was super excited about seeing her, meeting her and flipping through the pages of this book, appropriately subtitled “Inspired by Locs and Love”. From the time Ledisi released her first album, she has shown the world that locs can be beautiful, sensual, trendy, and fashion forward. Now the Look Book will inspire even more creativity and challenge limited perceptions of loc’d hair. As a bonus, DE teamed up with great stylist from across the country to give 15 minute hair styling sessions to sample their new natural hair care line focused on what us naturals crave the most, MOISTURE! Although I didn’t get a chance to get the book, it was an awesome experience!

Special thanks to Taronda Gibbons and Brainchild Associates for the media invite!

Stay tuned for a Design Essential Giveaway!

Thanks to Tawana for representing As the Wind blows in New Orleans!