Who inspired you the most this year?

Who inspired you the most this year? Are you starting a special project because of that inspiration or were you inspired to change a certain part of your life?

One of my special projects was inspired by my niece Nelza-Starr. She’s 7 yrs old and was the inspiration for a very special project which will be released next year…Incredible isn’t it?

Will share more with you guys very soon. I would love to hear your story. Who inspired you the most this year? What did they inspire you to do? Do share!:)

My niece Nelly (my nickname for her) & I…:)

And remember, Celebrate You in all that you do and Be Inspired!:)

Inspiration: Harry Jerome – A Canadian Hero

As some of you may know, I am the Chair of an Award Show here in Toronto called the BBPA Harry Jerome Awards (HJA). The BBPA HJA honors the achievement of African Canadians or individuals who have contributed greatly towards the African Canadian Community – someone who is as inspiring as the late Harry Jerome. But who is Harry Jerome you may ask?

Harry Jerome was one of the premiere track athletes of his time! His physical successes were partnered with scholastic excellence and social consciousness. Despite his relatively brief life, Harry left a substantial legacy and a blueprint for success.

He was born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan in 1940 and in the 1950s his family moved to North Vancouver where they were the only Black people in their conservative neighborhood.

Harry went on to set the standard as the world’s fastest man, and represented Canada at two Pan American Games, two Commonwealth Games, and three Olympics. At the 1962 Commonwealth Games in Perth, Australia, Harry completely severing his left quadriceps muscle; most orthopedic surgeons said that he would never run again. However, Harry concentrated on his return, and after months of physiotherapy and quiet determination, he achieved “the greatest comeback” at the Tokyo Olympics in 1964, capturing a bronze medal.

Outside of athletics, he earned both undergraduate and graduate degrees in science at the University of Oregon and was always conscious of the challenges facing African Canadians. He obtained equipment for young athletes who could not afford the expensive gear, created opportunities for Blacks outside the sports arena, and was a vocal opponent of the misrepresentation of African Canadians in Canadian television and wage discrimination barriers against Blacks.

After his retirement from active competition in 1968, Harry went on to work with the Federal Ministry of Sport. He was named British Columbia’s Athlete of the Century, and, in 1971, received the Order of Canada as a testament to his achievements.

In 1982, Harry Jerome died suddenly at the age of 42.

Harry Jerome took on the concerns of a community and a country, epitomizing excellence, determination, and dedication. He truly is a Canadian hero and an inspiration to all.

You can nominate someone for a BBPA Harry Jerome Award!! Click for nomination information. Or feel free to call the BBPA’s office at 416-504-4097.

Love her style – Gwyneth Paltrow

Gwyneth looked fantastic when she accepted her star on the Walk of Fame. I think she’s put on a bit of weight which looks great on her! Err back to working on my legs! Tata

The white dress, light make-up and tan looks fantastic. We love Gwyneth’s style:)

Inspiration: Lotay Yang – Black Card Circle

Based in Los Angeles, CA, Lotay is the founder of Black Card Circle and The Black Card Circle Foundation. The Black Card Circle is an elite social network of prominent business professionals, who use their access, connections and wealth to benefit charitable organizations worldwide.

Lotay’s vision is “peace is possible” and that we are all here to make this world a better place. Sounds familiar?:) Indeed Lotay & I share similar beliefs and it was such an inspiration speaking with him. He shared his journey and his story with me, which I will share with you soon.

In in interim, read up on Black Circle and the amazing work Lotay has been doing. He is definitely an inspiration to me:)

http://blackcardcircle.com/news

My Love Letter to me:)

Decided to share my love letter with you guys…Your love letters should be kept in a “Love Box”. Your “Love Box” should be a dedicated box where you place all your love letters, inspirational quotes etc. Remember YOU hold the key to your happiness…only YOU.:) Self love is mandatory before loving someone else…

Feel free to share your love letter!:)

Karlyn

The Power Within

In February of this year I had the privilege of addressing the Caribbean Students Association at Carleton University. I was a nervous wreck, as I would be sharing the stage with seasoned speakers such as Brendon C Browne and Ewart Walters. Mr Browne is the Canadian High Commission – Designate of Dominica and Mr Walters is a seasoned journalist & philanthropist. Both were inspiring and shared quite a bit of their knowledge with me and the students in attendance.

See excerpt from my speech:
“Barriers, setback, obstacles – are too often pre conceived in one of the most dangerous area’s- our minds. It has often been said that if we believe we can’t, then most likely we won’t even try. Many people think, success or creating an impact only happens when you’re Bill Gates, or Oprah Winfrey. Success happens with you and what you believe you can achieve. It happens in the little steps that we take. When you obtained admission to this school, you were successful, Every exam you write, and passed, you are successful; Focus more on you and what you know you can accomplish and less on what others think of you”.

It always starts with YOU and what you think about yourself…so focus on the power that is within you and you will overcome your obstacles and accomplish your goals:)

Karlyn

Winter Look

I’m a short hair kinda girl…but I like switching things up every year with extensions for a whole different look. So usually around November/December, I change my look. See short hair pic below.

People always do a double take when I have extensions and some claim not being able to recognize me..lol (between you and me I don’t think I look that different). See below…still me right?:)

So I’m starting to feel the need to change once again…but I’m not sure if I should braids or do extensions. I did braids when I was in my teens…HA! So long ago!..So maybe you guys can help me out..should I do extensions or braids?

Help!

Karlyn

Be Thankful…

The minute I wake up I say Thank you! The minute I open my eyes my thankfulness begins.

My mom reminded me that I don’t need to be on my knees to pray or to tell God Thank you for all that he is doing in my life. That I should be say Thank You, every second of the day.

Being thankful helps us focus on the good and not the bad.

Being thankful makes it easier for us to smile.

Being thankful helps us realize and reminds us how blessed we are…

I encourage you Be Thankful every second, every minute of the day….Go on, say it, think it, whisper it, shout it: “Thank you!”

Danke!

Keep on celebrating you:)

Inspiration at the Aroni Awards

On December 4th, I attended the Aroni Awards, which are held every year in memory of Aron Y Haile and aims to inspire youth, to follow their dreams and pursue their education. All the Award recipients were amazing and they all had equally inspiring messages. The two individuals who stood out to me the most that evening were Wojciech Gryc and Aliyana Reshamwalla.

Aliyana is 5 years old and she won the Community Award! In her acceptance speech, she said that she hoped that we would all work together to help children around the world, as by doing so, we can all make the world a better place. Loved her tiara! Isn’t she adorable?:)

Wojciech won the Communication Award and in acceptance he quoted the following “The world is an evil place, not because of those who do bad, it’s because of those who look on and do nothing.” I believe that we all can do something, no matter how small! I don’t necessarily think that those who look on and do nothing are evil, but we all can do something. A smile, a nod, saying hello, becoming an ally – we can all do something to make this world a better place. Start by smiling at a stranger:)

For more information on the Aroni Awards,visit www.aroniawards.com

Be Inspired and do share with us what you are doing to make the world a better place.

In the end, we all go back to the beginning….

I have a love/hate relationship with December…It’s great that the year is over, but it also means that my birthday is so close! Yikes!!!:) I look at the picture of the little girl from time to time and I try to figure out, what does she think about her journey thus far? What is she looking forward to the most?

Will she leave a legacy behind that her parents will be proud of?

What will the New Year bring? I believe that we should always go back to our inner child and say hey….how are you?

Just touch base with her and ensure that she is OK..that all is OK.

That’s all..:)

Inspiration: Dr Avis Glaze

Someone mentioned Dr Glaze to me and as we all do in 2010, I opened up google and typed in her name. I was on an inspiration high for the rest of the afternoon!

She is such an outstanding individual who strongly believes that every child deserves an education. Her passion and tireless work in education has earned her many accolades and awards. She is also a Past Recipient of the prestigious BBPA Harry Jerome Awards!

Dr Glaze – thank you for inspiring me!:)

For more information on Dr Avis Glaze and her company, please visit: http://www.avisglaze.ca/about/index.html

Go get your inspiration high!

Can’t do it all….

So I have a confession…..sometimes I feel like I can do everything and in some cases end up over-committing. Doing this has negatively impacted my personal life, my business and so much more. I find myself trying to play catch up and you never really “catch-up”. There’s always something to be done and if it’s not business, it’s my community work or something else.

I had my “AHA” moment when I realize that I can’t do it all (I know some of you might be thinking that, I should know that by now) and yes you’re right I should and I do. But I suffer from the super woman – “I think I can do everything cause I don’t have any kids so I can cram everything in now syndrome”. You know the one a few of us suffer from? LOL.

That being said, once I realized that I cannot keep on doing this, saying “No” became much easier. What really helped me was assessing whether or not the request fits the vision or goals I have for myself. If it’s not aligned with my vision and plans for myself, I say “No”. It’s as simple as that. So next time someone approaches you about a new project or a new request, take a moment to assess and ensure that it aligns with your overall goals. If it doesn’t, then politely say “No”.

Until then, keep on Celebrating YOU!:)

Love her style – Blake Lively

So Blake Lively (from Gossip Girl – yes I love that show) has been wearing some dresses I absolutely LOVE!:) I think she’s my new fav gal to follow for great dresses.:)

Not to mention she has some crazy, gorgeous legs as well!!!!

*side note* – I’ve been running up and down my stairs to get my legs toned. It’s so hard to keep my exercise routine now that I’m not going to the gym anymore. I’ve pledged to do some at home exercises. Will keep you guys posted on how that goes.

So back to Blair and that gorgeous dress!…Do you like?

xoxo…lol..Had to…(You Gossip Girl fans will get it)..

Karlyn

There are no Coincidences!!

Hey…so as you know I draw inspiration from words, people, stories. I love being inspired – you know the spurt of adrenalin you feel after reading some thought provoking words.

Friends, family send me inspiring thoughts daily and once I read them and forward to my friends, I file it away in my inspiration folder. This way I can easily find inspiring emails when I need them.

So today I share with you one of my favs…

In life everything that happens, happens for a reason! There are no such things as chance, an accident or a coincidence. You reading this Daily Word today is a direct result to a thought or message that you willed into your life! The people with whom you spoke to yesterday or will speak to today all had/have a message for you and it is up to you to see and understand that message! Embrace the power of your thoughts and realize that you are the creator of your life!! Thoughts become things!! Good or bad it is all your fault!!! Change your thoughts you change your circumstance!! But always understand that the way it is is the way it’s suppose to be!! There are no coincidences!! Life is what you make it!!
-Ash’Cash

“Nothing happens by chance… No such thing as luck. A meaning behind every little thing, and such a meaning behind this. You may not see it all real clear right now, but you will, before long.”
-Richard Bach

“Success means having the courage, the determination, and the will to become the person you believe you were meant to be”
-George Sheehan

“In the magical universe there are no coincidences and there are no accidents. Nothing happens unless someone wills it to happen.”
-William S. Burroughs

“There are no mistakes, no coincidences. All events are blessings given to us to learn from.”
-Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

“Everything happens for a reason. Every action has a reaction. Always remember that whats meant to be will always find a way to come about.”
-Unknown

“The answers to life’s questions lie inside you. All you need to do is look listen and trust.”
-Cherie Carter-Scott

Item of the Week – Stone Center Gem Ring

Stone Center Gem Ring - charlotterusse.com

As the holidays near (much faster than we actually might like ), we start looking in our closets for outfit options for upcoming events. Basics to jazz up any outfit start with gorgeous statement pieces like this cocktail ring. The Stone Center Gem Ring from Charlotte Russe  is an excellent addition to your collection. From after work parties to New Years Eve, this ring will have you covered. Visit charlotterusse.com for more wallet-friendly ideas.

Warren Buffet and Jay-Z on Success and giving back..

Part of me staying inspired is watching, listening and reading up on other successful individuals…they always impart some words of wisdom which helps me on my journey.

Some key points:

“Having the discipline and  the confidence in who I am , to be yourself” – Jay-Z

“The best moat you can have is your talent. Develop your own talent – no one can take that away from you” – Warren Buffet

“You don’t have to change who you are, but you need to adapt to change in order to be successful in your business..be aware.” – Jay -Z

“Running a successful business – learning what you’re good at and what you’re not.” – Warren Buffet

“I really did know I was going to be rich – I knew I had something that was gonna work.” – Warren Buffet

“If I want to take off my own tooth – I won’t do it myself. I want to get in done properly, so I will turn it over to the specialist, the expert in that field. I cannot do everything myself.” – Warren Buffet

“If you succeed a 100% in philanthropy all the time – your projects are too easy. Choose things where you might fail.” – Warren Buffet

“Recognize the poor decisions you’ve made and why they were poor. Do not expect perfection from yourself…expect to do good.“- Warren Buffet

“The best way to share philanthropy is to lead by example.” – Jay-Z

Click on the link below to listen to the entire interview …and Be Inspired!:)

http://video.forbes.com/fvn/forbes400-10/jay-z-buffett-forbes-success-giving

Blake Lively looking lovely at movie premiere “The Town”

When a dress so sharp, so sleek ,so ultra black and sexy catches your eye in one glance, you can’t help but advise your Fashion Editor to write about it   While scrolling through my daily posts today, Blake was immediately spotted looking absolutely stunning in this sexy LBD while attending her movie premiere “The Town”  in Boston,US on Tuesday September 14th. How can us budget-conscious fashionistas get this look? Check out the equally fabulous “Fitted Ponte Dress” at CharlotteRusse.com. Click here for details!

Happy Shopping!

Kahla B.

Being Thankful:)

Today I woke up being thankful… The minute I open my eyes, my thankfulness begins. I say Thank you every morning before lifting my head off my pillow.

Saying Thank You and being full of thankfulness and gratitude helps keep the positive thoughts and feelings in. It also lives very little room for  negativity to enter.:) Negativity saps your energy – it drains you, so I encourage you to focus on the things you are thankful for.

We all have lots going on, with work, family, children, dreams, goals etc…so I encourage you to make this your mantra: think thankful thoughts, speak thankful thoughts, be thankful at all times…

Being thankful helps us focus on the good & not the bad.

Being thankful makes it easier for us to smile.

Being thankful helps us realize and reminds us how blessed we are…

Being thankful allows joy to be in and around us..

Have a thankful day!

Danke!

Sex & The City 2 ~ Getting Carried away

I’m going to the Sex & the City party on May 27th, hosted by Shannae Ingleton of What Women Want.  So ladies have to dress up as their favorite character. To be honest I didn’t follow the series (loved the movie) just wasn’t a die hard fan. So when my girlfriends are talking about this episode or that episode, I’m totally lost! LOL…and yes I still get the appalled – “What do you mean you didn’t follow the series?” look complete with huge eyeballs!!

Anyways – so trying to dress as my fav character is a bit difficult…as I don’t know the ladies intimately, but well enough – I do love all of them!

Carrie – (to be quite honest, every time I see her, I wanna feed her..I just think she’s too skinny)…I digress. I do like her…she seems like the most normal and is very relate able.

So I asked my BFF’s who am I in the sex n city world and this is what one of them said and I quote:

“I can see Carrie, your loyal to friends, very supportive and you brought all the girls together, I met you and then I met everyone else kinda like in the show.
Hellllo, you have a fashion line remember? That’s very fashionista And you’re a writer like Carrie, hence the blog. ”

So it’s quite interesting how your friends perceive you, as I never saw or thought of myself as a Carrie. I’m not fashion obsessed – if it fits, I will wear it. The label doesn’t matter to me – I love shoes but I’m not a shoe-aholic.LOVE ALL of the outfits – well most of the outfits Carrie wears…some I raise my eyebrows at..

So I need Carrie inspired dress ideas…what do you think? Am I a Carrie? (I know I’m a whole lot curvier..:) Also LOVE her voice:) I know it’s weird but I do..Love the dress in the pic below..

Walking Etiquette

We all need to remember that Etiquette is all about respectful and acceptable behavior between individuals. I work at Scotiabank, Scotia Plaza in the heart of the financial district. Some of you may not be aware, but there is an Path(underground) connected to lots of other financial institutions and stores. The underground is usually packed with people..and last week I couldn`t help but note that several individuals are not aware they are not exercising proper etiquette  when walking in a large group.

Walking etiquette? Yes you read right…The following points should be considered when walking in a heavy traffic area.

• Please do not swing your arms back and forth when walking. Note that you are in a crowd and everyone is trying to get by. Hitting someone in the groin or stomach (ouch)  isn`t cool. Please keep your arms close to your side when walking – no swinging.
• If you would like to catch up with Mary, please stand off to the side and not the middle of the walkway. People are trying to get to work and it`s not polite to stand and stop the flow of traffic.
• Do not stand on both sides of the escalator – note that one side should be for people who would like to ride up and the other is for those who would like to walk. Please stand behind the individual who`s riding and keep the other side free.
• Do not stand at the entrance of the escalator and catch up with Bob. Please stand off to the side, away from the entrance. Mary or John  should not be going around or between you to get to the escalator.
• Please be aware of your bag, when walking. Do hold it in front of you or closely to your side. Do not brush or knock anyone over with your bag.
• Keep your phone in your pocket and watch where you are going. Bumping into people can be a bit annoying esp if it`s because you weren`t paying attention due to the incoming text from Jackie.

Hope you remember those tips! Share with your friends and family and feel free to send me any tips you would like to share as well.

Karlyn

My Therapy

My coping mechanism….

Some of you may know how hectic my schedule is..I do have lots on my plate and sometimes I do think I am a bit crazy. (I heard it`s sane to think that you are a bit crazy)..lol. Anyways MUSIC…yes you know the good stuff from way back when? Takes me to that place where all is OK..that happy place!! Stress has no business being in your life..so do ensure you kick it out! Music helps…and also signing along off key and dancing also helps.lol..(So I`ve heard..lol).

I LOVE music..it`s the ultimate therapy for me and always puts me in a great mood! This being said I love browsing my friend Geena Lee`s blog..she has some great mixes on there..So tonight I am grooving to the Lovezone whilst I sip on some Shiraz…Enjoy! Thanks Geena!
To hear the mix, enter The Lovezone: http://lovezoneradio.blogspot.com/2010/05/episode-25-lets-hear-it-for-boys.html

Have a great week!

PS: Don`t forget your homework – Be Inspired and Celebrate YOU!

Random Thoughts

So…I have some random thoughts I’d like to share with you, which may not belong to any particular subject or topic…just random thoughts..

I’m sure we’ve all heard how Sandra Bullock’s husband cheated on her, along with the Tiger Woods mess etc.

I think that by constantly writing, talking, and showing pictures of Sandra, etc, that the media is kinda glorifying cheating. And who cares about the husband? Stop writing about him! If he’s scum, then why are you writing about scum? or even talking about him?

Do we like seeing others suffering and in pain? Can we allow people to go through their pain without making a circus show out of it? I’m not saying not to write about it, just write once or twice and let it go! Geesh..

I think that these people need to deal with their cheating spouses in private -whether or not they’re a  celebrity .

That’s all for my random thoughts for this evening…Thanks for reading..I feel much better now that I’ve let it out.

Go celebrate your fab self!

Karlyn

My Community Work ~ A rewarding experience!

One of my favorite quotes by Martin Luther King -”A man hasn’t started living until he rises above the narrow confines of his own needs to the needs of the greater community” is my reason for doing what I do. I am living my life by serving others and it is one of the best experiences Ive had!

I am the Chair of the Harry Jerome Awards, the largest award show celebrating excellence in the black community. With over 13 award category, we award individuals who exemplify excellence in various categories: Arts, Media, Entertainment, Leadership, Business, Young entrepreneur, Academics, Athletics, Lifetime Achievement, Trailblazer, President’s Award,  My role is to manage the various pieces of the show – from managing the relationship with the venue, ensuring the call for nominations is sent out, dealing with the food, ensuring that the planning committee is in place and every one is geared to go! Production & Audio is handled by two amazing individuals – Karl Hutchinson and Cleve Sandy. They make this job a whole lot easier!!:) Along with Michelle Ambrose, Flozel Lewis, Kim Nemhard, Nevelette Diveney, Pat Gloudon, and many other amazing individuals help ensure that the attendees have an amazing experience! You guys are really the best!!:) THANK YOU.

One of the most challenging part is finding the right volunteer with the right skill set. All positions on the planning committee including my own is a volunteer position and most importantly these individuals need to be able to work under pressure and changes as they come along.  It requires lots of dedication, passion and energy to not only work on this event, but to also work with various individuals from different backgrounds.  I am lucky to work with these amazing individuals, whose dedication to giving back shows in the level of commitment and quality of the work they provide.

My experience is a rewarding one -  I develop my leadership skills, enhance existing skills and develop new ones which may not be possible on my regular day job. This year the keynote speaker was the Right Hon. Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada. Here are a few pics..Enjoy and hope your volunteering experience is as rewarding as mine:) If not change it! Trust me, you won’t regret it.

Until next time, Be Inspired and Celebrate YOU.

Karlyn

My Workout Routine

Hello…sa ka fete?

So I’ve been going to the gym at least 3 times a weeks now..started last year fall..I’ve also fallen off a few weeks but I’ve made a conscious effort to ensure that I make it a part of my schedule and not the other way around:)  I found it really hard to stick to it before, until I saw the unwelcome dimples on my thighs along with a muffin top which actually went away in the past when I sucked it in. Now no amount of sucking in hides it..:( YIKES! Now before you guys go off and yell that I don’t have any, go look at some of these celebrity pics with those skinny girls with cellulite (such a bad word) I prefer dimples or cottage cheese. It’s real!

I believe it was Ciara who said that half of the work happens outside the gym, it’s what you eat, how you eat etc. So true! Everything in moderation will ensure that you maintain and keep your figure slim. I try to take the stairs at every opportunity, when I go grocery shopping, I walk home with the heavy bags, and most importantly drink lots of water!!

I’m no expert but will share interesting tidbits and facts with you as I go along. My personal trainer has changed my diet – no more Special K. This has been replaced with Oats (like the really natural one) not the one with maple brown sugar or vanilla almond & honey – these contain way too much sugar!!! The  areas I would like to tone are: stomach, legs and yes a firm butt.  The exercise in the video below tone your legs and  stomach. You can also do this at home if you have a stool/low chair:) Remember to drink lots of water!!

See video here 10817324

Remember to be inspired and celebrate you:) You’re worth it!

Karlyn

Movie Review ~ The Bounty Hunter

The Bounty Hunter by Topaz McKenzie

Jennifer Jennifer Jennifer

I’ve been a big fan of Jennifer Aniston since the illustrious days of the  Rachel and before she fell in love with Ross. I love Jennifer Aniston known as a fashionista, yoga enthusiast and the rejected one of hunky Brad Pitt. Alas, the buck stops here. I cannot sit through another Jennifer Aniston, woe is me, frozen face with perpetually stringy hair movie. I am done; I said nothing when she bored me to tears with her forced acting in “The Break Up”, I uttered not one complaint over “Derailed” aka Snoozefest 2005 and don’t even get me started on “Marley & Me” .  I believe in Jennifer I really do and I know she has it in her to be an Academy Award winner if she would stop acting in ill-suited roles.

Her turn as Nicole Hurly is so cringe inducing I have no idea where to begin. If it’s not the age inappropriate wardrobe, it’s the non-existent chemistry between her and Gerard Butler (who the word on the street is she’s dating) This movie had too many plots which included shady racketeers, informants and unrequited love. Many of the jokes fell flat and I found myself wishing that movie would focus on something and end the eternal merry-go-round of characters and unnecessary scenes. The true stand out of the movie was Jennifer’s mother Kitty brilliantly played by Christine Baranski. She played the aging diva role to the “T” and provided much needy comedy as the lusty chain-smoking nymphomaniac. Yes, I did chuckle a few times but I was shocked that in today’s economy a studio would throw finances behind a must see for SUNDAY NIGHT movie.

In my opinion her best work is character work, she never quite gets the middle-aged mother or high –powered associate but she catapults off the screen in her quirkier roles, hapless wife and broke college friend. Take it from me honey, if you’re searching for longevity, accolades and to annoy Angelina take the complicated roles. Take the part of the girl with the great personality who can’t land the boyfriend or the politicians wife turned drug dealer. Whatever you do, reach deeper than surface and allow yourself to be complicated..your audience will thank you for it.

Still in theatre in Toronto…go check it out and let us know what you think…