BEST Of 2011 Andra Hall's(Cami Cake owner) Holiday Gift Exchange!

At the end of every year I like to post some of the “Best Of ” from 2011. It’s fun to go down memory lane and look through my archives of all the events I covered, invited out to or simply just went to hang out. This year I was recognized in my community, awarded several times and more! It has been a crazy year, I must say! I learned to pin on Pinterest, grow my followers on twitter and use tumblr! I have met some fabulous people and some folks that I was not too happy to meet. I have gained some true friends and comment stalkers as well lol. I feel as though I have grown a lot with my ventures. I got a chance to travel to Jamaica! The very first time I had EVER been out of the country! I not only visited Jamaica once but twice in a month, they loved me lol.

Trip to Jamaica

Pinterest Meet & Greet at West Elm

Newest Cast Member (Atl Housewives) Marlo Hampton's Viewing Party

Reginae Carter's Cinderella Ball

Dreamer's Academy Brunch with Mickey

S.T.E.P.S Events 15th Anniversary Party

Girls Night Out Atlanta Marriott Marquis

Soul Train Awards 2011

Top 25 Women of Atlanta

Haute Travels Presents...Sam Fine

Nubia Clothing Soft Launch & Jay Z,Kanye West Concert!

T.I.'s A King Of Oneself” Brunch

135th St. Agency 5th Annual BBQ

Meet & Greet At Louis Vuitton with NFL Girls

FrankSki's Grand Opening

Launch party of the Playboy series on NBC hosted by Rolling Out Mag

Ludaweekend always fun!

Kandi's sex toy launch party, lawd!

Jeffrey Cares Fashion Show featuring Jason Wu

Zip lining across N.Georgia

Bronner Bros Hair show

Denim Deshields slumber party

 

Cymias signing party with Young Money

Attack The Block Movie Meet & Greet/ Luncheon

sister 2 sister girls night out

Bloggers Night Out Williams-Sonoma

Jacob Lattimore's meet & greet at Metro Pcs

Meet & Greet with the cast of The Help

Glam it Up event hosted by Marlo Hampton

Goodwill Hunting,I love Thrifting event

Vibe Mag Ultimate Blogger Event hosted by winner Kodak Boi

Cynthia Bailey grand opening of The Bailey Agency

Girls Night Out Canvas By U

Girls Night Out, The Terrace Hotel

Segway'n through Atlanta

Devyne Stephen's 40th bday

The body shop makeover day

Purple Ribbon Kidz Launch party

Great Food Truck Race Food Network in Atlanta Hodge Podge from Cleveland my hometown!

Strength of Nature dinner

My 43rd Birthday party on Lake Lanier

Creekland Middle School Career Day

Garden of Eden Fashion Show hosted By Cynthia Bailey

Manolo Blahnik launches at Saks at Phipps

Actress Victoria Rowell Benefit Luncheon

Eagles Island

Hello Stiletto shoe party

Media Dinner for Jumping The Broom with Pooch Hall & Meagan Good

Layfayette 148 fashion show at Saks

Braxton's meet & greet

Female Success Factor

Annual Local Legends Scholarship Luncheon

Fun Day at the State CapitalFun Day at the State Capital

Essence Magazine Launch Party for The Next R&B Star

5th Annual Fine Art & Fashion to Benefit NBAF

House of Guerlain at Disney’s Epcot French Pavilion at Disney

Wild Africa Trek at Disney

Wedding Soiree Book Launch Party

Macy’s,Ebony,and Fashion Fair Cosmetics Honor Eunice W. Johnson

The Root presents…Young,Fabulous & Female in Atlanta

Elly B Customer Appreciation event

Chambord Flavored Vodka presents Cupid’s Countdown

Bloggers day at Fuego Mundo

Bags by Chilli Trunk Show

I enjoy my job and meeting new people, it makes me really happy! It makes my job so worth wild! People still ask me today what do you do actually? It’s hard to say but I work in media, I’m a fashion and beauty editor of a few magazines,blogger,red carpet correspondent and I’m all things social media, how about that lol. I have seen me look at hot mess and really nice and in between! My weight has fluctuated between a 12 and 14, I see it in my pics lol.All in all i must say its been a learning experience and I wouldn’t change anything in the world. I hope that my life,family and friends stay safe going into the new year! I love you guys and thanks so much for reading and hanging in there with me from the beginning of my lil blog five years ago! Take care and look at these photos I found! I can’t believe this year is over this weekend, it went by so fast! Enjoy! xoxo

Trumpet Awards 2011

Victoria’s Secret private viewing of the V-Day Collection

4th Annual Doggies on the catwalk

Lisa Wu's B-day party

Chilli's viewing/pj party

Pacci restaurant blogger day

Today I headed over to Radio Personality, Frank Ski & Tanya’s lovely home for their Annual Local Legends Scholarship Luncheon. Frank and Tanya have a non profit organization called, Frank Ski Kids that caters to young adults that teach them different skills by taking them on trips or doing local things in the community. This day, 7 young ladies(seniors in high school) that have 3.0 grade average or higher were invited to be acknowledged for all their hard work and community service. Tanya usually picks 6 young ladies but this year she chose 7. She said it was very hard to choose this time around. This year scholarship winners were: Shuntell Hall, Jeyana Scott, Khandis Plunkett, Morgan Stephens, Dana Johnson, Raven Osborne, and Lorraine Kadima.

Some girls held many chairs, did volunteer work, and played sports and still was able to maintain exceptional grades. They arrived in style, chauffeured to Frank and Tanya’s home in a stretch limousine.

All the pretty ladies

Tanya welcoming the ladies

Shuntell Hall introducing herself,she wants to be a judge

Tanya said she got the idea to do the luncheon after watching Oprah have a lunch for 3 generations of women. That really inspired her and she wanted to do the same for deserving students. She also wanted to give out awards to local legends in Atlanta that are phenomenal.

Director of Community Affairs Charmaine Ward talking with girls

Kandi arriving

Tanya discussed social media,facebook, twitter,texting and it’s up’s and downs. She also talked about etiquette and how to return emails, phone calls and writing thank you notes. Shortly afterwards two local legends in the community came to speak to the ladies and that was Singer,Songwriter,Reality Star Kandi Burruss and Director of Community Affairs at Georgia Pacific, Charmaine Ward. Kandi discussed the Entertainment Business and Charmaine discussed work attire and interviewing tips. After they talked to the girls lunch was served.

Chef Kenneth Bills(Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar)

Filet Mignon, Flemings potatoes, Sauteed green beans

Cheesecake with blueberry sauce and whipped cream

Chef Kenneth Bills from Fleming’s prepared a house salad, Filet Mignon, Fleming’s Potatoes and sauteed green beans with porcini dust. Everything taste incredible and it was topped off with New York Cheesecake with blueberry sauce and whipped cream. During lunch the ladies were able to ask more in depth questions to Kandi, Charmaine and Tanya. Kandi talked about how she went to a performing arts high school and got a record deal while being there.

After lunch Tanya and Frank presented Kandi and Charmaine with their Local Legends Awards and gave the seven young ladies scholarships and pretty swag bags. Inside of their bags were an all expense paid photoshoot with Cliff Robinson Photography that they can use for their senior pictures at any location. Wow, I loved that and many of the ladies were very excited about the gifts and scholarship money.

Charmaine accepting her award

Morgan Stephens receiving her certificate of academic excellence

Loved the shoes! Go girls!

Swag Bags for the girls

It was a Pinktastic afternoon and I would like to thank Frank Ski and his lovely wife Tanya for having me out! It was an great day to witness young ladies going out into the world on the right path! xoxo

www.frankskikids.org

Last night the crowd went wild as Jennifer Hudson held a private listening party at W Hotel in midtown.It was hosted by radio station v 103. I was unable to attend because I was at another affair but my good friend Raymond Hagans was able to snap some fab photos and send to me of this amazing singer. Jennifer looks great and I see her family was there as well. Enjoy the pics and happy Friday!

Tanya Ski,Radio Personality from V 103 Rashan Ali and guest

David Otunga and lil David Daniel Otunga

All photos by Raymond Hagan

Frank and Tanya Ski at Wine Tasting

Tonight I had the pleasure of attending a great benefit! Im going to say this was in my top 10 of the greatest events I covered all year! Frank Ski and his wife Tanya, hosted a great wine tasting at their beautiful mansion. All the socialites,politicians,celebs and more came out to support their great cause. The  Frank Ski Kids Foundation, helps inner city youth get a chance to learn and excel in art,science and math, and athletics. Their Foundation has done so much for different communities throughout Atlanta and it really shows how much they care!

Their house was simply gorgeous and their was auction items spread out throughout the home. There was Dr. J signed basketball,artwork,huge bottles of champagne, tickets to sporting events,golf outings and a horse! Ive never been to a live auction where they auctioned off a horse! That was hott and the horse was in attendance!

Arabian Horse that was auctioned off!

Dr.J and his wife

There was also plenty of celebrity sightings at the mansion too! I saw Sheree Whitfield,Terry Vaughn, Al Sharpton,Dr.J, Big Boi,Jesse Jackson,Melyssa Ford, Doug E. Fresh,Honorable Andrew Young and his lovely wife Carolyn,CeCe Peniston,Ryan Glover, Suchita,Mark Hayes,Kevin Liles,Judge Penny, and soo many more.

Frank Ski,Jesse Jackson,Chaku Zulu, and Andrew Young

Keisha McCotry and I

Everyone looked very nice and the shoe game the women were wearing was on point omg! The food was catered by Carrabba’s Italian Grill and it was so delicious! I also went around the corner and there was my fav! Cami Cakes was in the house and guess what, I didn’t get not one cupcake! When I got back from taking pics, the cupcakes were demolished! I guess that was a good sign but I was pissed I didn’t one, darn it!

Cami Cakes Owner

Frank Ski and Tanya also gave Blake Sims a check for 500.00. That will go towards his education while in school. It is rumored that his football ability is just like Michael Vick. I wish him luck! The auction started and that was so fun to watch. One item was up to 5,000 dollars. I must say that Frank Ski Kids will be doing alot of great things for next year with the great turn out and live auction! I  cant wait to hear the news of their adventures! I would like to thank Frank Ski and his wife Tanya and 360 media for the invite, I had a Pinktastic time! Pls check out the video and pics below!

Keisha McCotry,Me and Bria Bryant

www.frankskikids.org

Hey you guys thanks for stopping by today! I’ve been M.I.A. because we moved and boy was that a task! I almost fainted without internet for half a day lol.  Well not to fret though, I have a great post this morning! Let me tell you how honored I was to get an invite to the premier party of, I Can Do Bad All By Myself“! I’ve been doing my tv show for 4 years now and I’ve never got invited to anything with the Tyler Perry studios and they are right here in Atlanta,Ga. Maybe it was an oversight I’m not sure but I hawled ass out of here trying to get there on time lol.

Exec Prod Roger Bobb

Well, I got all cute  and headed out to Regal Cinemas Atlantic Station to see this movie that I heard so much about. “I can do bad all by myself” is another movie Tyler Perry has cranked out. This gentleman stays busy and did you guys know that he has a talk show on TBS called, The Tyler Perry Show? I had no clue, this guy is busy lol! Ok so back to the movie premier! I get there and the first person I see was Alphonso Ribeiro, I was like,” hey there is the guy from Silver Spoons”,for the old heads we know who he is. Im not sure what he is up to now,people were swarmed around him, so I didnt get a chance to talk with him. Other celeb sightings I saw were Eva and Lance(will get back to them)Kenny Lattimore,Ms.Sophia,Wanda Sykes,Tanya Ski,Bishop Eddie Long and his son,Young Starlets from Daddys Lil Girl, China Anne McClain,Lauryn Alisa McClain and Sierra Aylina McClain, those lil girls are too cute and so mannerable! Exec Prod Roger Bobb was in the house as well Rueben Cannon.

Actor Alfonso Riberio

Taraji P. Henson played April a selfish,alcoholic singer who cared nothing about her family. I know a girl just like that but I wont say any names here. In the movie Taraji got a chance to sing and she has a nice voice. Taraji and Mary J. Blige wore some very nice outfits too and loved Gladys Knight hats! Their shoes were fun to see too! Actor/Hotness Brian White who Ive interviewed at the premier of  Stomp The Yard and right here on Pink Spotlight played a bad guy…Yikes! I see Brian can do a mean dark side,great acting and nice butt shot woot! Mary J Blige,Gladys Knight,Tyler Perry(Madea),Hottie Adam Rodriguez,Hope Olaide Wilson all played great roles in the movie.  Marvin Winans had me crying when he started to sing omg. I never cry in movies but he had a powerful voice and I could feel the tears wellin up, so Im mad at him for making me cry,but wow he can sing very touching.

Roger Bobb,Eva Pigford,Lance Gross

Dont expect to see Madea too much in this flick because she mainly did a cameo appearance. Madea probably had to go give somebody a beat down or something but the time she was in the movie she was funny.

I give the movie a B-. Im not a movie critic by no means but in my “personal” opinion it was a good story line with great characters and you could take your kids to see it. There is great life lessons to learn and everyone can get something out of it hopefully.

Ok now the scoop! The after party was held across the street at Strip restaurant( www.heretoserverestaurants.com). The party was jumpin and jammed packed. I asked Lance and Eva did they set a wedding date? Lance smiled and said,” yes we did”! Were getting married July 17th 2010, he said it going to be held in  L.A. I asked him what he was up to and he said he’s in a new movie coming out March 19th called, “Our Family Wedding”. The director Rick Famuyiwa made other movies such as, The Wood. Other actors to star in this movie are Forrest Whitaker,America Ferrera,Regina King,Charlie Murphy and more.
Shortly afterwards Eva walked over and hugged her boo and while looking at her up close, wow she is drop dead gorgeous! I said, hello there what have you been up to lately Ms.Eva? She smiled and said,” well Im playing Tyra on The Young And Restless”. I laughed and said,” wow thats my daughters name”. They are a great looking couple,congrats and I wish them well!

The lovely couple Lance & Eva

Then I ran into Kenny Lattimore! This handsome songbird was so pleasant to talk to! I said, hey where is Chante? He said,” well she is home with the kids and my son Kenny Jr, started school today, he is six years old”. My director Kristie and I looked at each other and said,Awh how sweet! He also has a step daughter named Sophia as well. He told me he has been traveling around the country for his non profit, to educate people and show awareness about kids in Africa. He is very passionate about his cause called,www.theashefoundation.org.  Please visit to find out more!

Kenny Lattimore and I

Later on in the evening I spoke to Frank Ski’s wife Tanya who had a walk on role. She said she won it at an auction after she bidded on a poster from Tyler Perry’s Diary of a Mad Black Woman! She said,” basically I paid for that role”,lol. Tanya played a waitress in the movie,go head girl, get your acting on! Radio personality from V-103 Ms.Sophia,  made an appearance in the move as well,he did a great job! I asked Comedian Wanda Smith, what she thought of Ms.Sophia’s role and she said, she was very proud of him,it was long over do”. The after party was really fun the bites and drinks were on point and we shut down the whole place,Taylor Made(Indakno),my director Kristie Godeau,Christal Nims(Enchanted Pr) and her Hottie/QDog  friend Marvin!

Former NewsAnchor and Tanya Ski

I had a great time mingling with everyone! Try to go out to see the movie in theaters Sept 11th, its a must see! Shout out to Tyler Perry Studios and Jonell Pr for the invite!

www.tylerperry.com http://www.icandobadmovie.com/#/home