My Vicarious Life: 2012

Docs, Perfect for a Lazy Christmas Day

Bob Marley December 25, 2012

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On Deck: Droid DNA by HTC

Droid DNA by HTC December 18, 2012

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My New {and Improved} Product Diary

Beautiful Textures December 06, 2012

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What I Want for Christmas {via Atlanta Tribune}

Asos December 03, 2012

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curlBOX Black Friday Sale {In Case You Missed It}

African Pride December 02, 2012

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The Master Mentor: Dr. Alvetta Peterman Thomas

Dr. Alvetta Peterman Thomas November 02, 2012

By Katrice

Dr. Alvetta Peterman Thomas, president of Atlanta Technical College, is not your typical college president. Well, I should say, not like any college president I've ever met. She's accessible, but not in a politician type of way ... really accessible. If you meet her in passing, she will engage you and you'll feel as if you've known her for a while. And when you see her again, she will receive you in that vein. Hint: Dr. Alvetta invests herself in people; Not because of what she does but because of who she is. She told me, in our first meeting, that she believed in mentoring. But, having been with her for just an hour, I already knew it.

This series would not be complete without a conversation with her.

Where did it all begin for you? Did you always know you wanted to be a college president?

I didn't always know I was going to be a college president. That's one of the things I always thought was unique about my story, but the more I tell my story … I find out it's not so unique. I started out in life thinking I was going to be an attorney. But because I was going to have to go to law school in the northeast in order to have it paid for, I wasn't going to a cold weather climate. And for me to allow climate to shift my career goal means that I wasn't that committed to it anyway. So, I was kind of unsure of what I wanted to do.

I took a very indirect route to becoming a president. I've worked as an archivist, as a writer/editor for a military magazine ... I've taught school but there were a number of things that put me in a great position to be where I am today. What I think put me in the best position for presidency was when I landed a job with the U.S. Army Department of Defense as an education specialist. In that job, I reviewed curriculum and developed curriculum for army training programs. That kind of set the stage. And [from there] as I moved around the country, the jobs I got were in various phases of education; all of those experiences combined put me in the places where I could be a college president. As I was going through those things, I didn't realize it. I didn't decide I could be president of a college until about five or 10 years ago. Having a great mentor who was president of this college made me realize that I could be president. In fact, she told me that I could be president before I even thought about it … Once she told me, she kind of spoke power into it. I'm here successfully because a lot of people mentored me along the way, not just my predecessor.

From my coming to know you through Atlanta Tribune coverage, you've always talked about mentoring. Is it because you were mentored at every step that it organically became a profound tenet for you or have you always had a mind for mentoring?

I've always been the type of person who likes to help others. So, because of that, mentoring is natural to me. But, having so many people mentor me, I developed a greater appreciation for it as being important. There's a lot of research out there about mentoring and the importance of it … and why we should give back what has been given to us.

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Giving the Boot

Boots October 30, 2012

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Curl Craze {via Atlanta Tribune}

curlBOX October 27, 2012

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Running on Joy

master mentor October 24, 2012

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The Master Mentor: Robert Russell Sr.

master mentor October 19, 2012

By Katrice

Prologue: I promised the first of this series would be a piece on Dr. Alvetta Peterman Thomas, but a sudden change in circumstances has moved me to begin here.

In life, there are those who will give you a push ... and then are those who will run behind you with their hand in the small of your back. For me, this was Mr. Robert Russell Sr.

I met Mr. Russell eight years ago in a chance encounter. He was sitting in an office of the Sandusky Citizen's Coalition, a community action organization in my hometown, and I dropped in to chat with a friend who volunteered there. (My office at Big Brothers Big Sisters was right across the street.) My friend and I were always talking politics and community building. We'd have lively quick debates and, this day, Mr. Russell was sitting in the corner of the room when one got underway. I was rambling on and just happened to look up to see him staring at me with his mouth slightly agape and eyes stretched. I asked him, "what?" He said, "You are a somethin' else!"

From that day on, for two years, he'd visit me in my office to see what big plans I had for the organization I was learning to lead and to pick my brain about thoughts he was having — many times ploys to get me fired up. Ha. But, through those conversations he challenged me to think like no one had ever challenged me before. I had always, up to that point, believed that if I just spoke my goals out loud that somehow they would come to pass. I would work them through, of course. But, many times when I spoke about things I dreamed of doing and becoming, I had no idea how I'd get there.

Not knowing I was afraid of speaking in front of people, Mr. Russell suggested me to speak for the NAACP's Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration in 2005. I was accustomed to turning any invite of the sort down. My response was always the same: I don't like to get up in front of large audiences. He didn't accept it. I worked on my speech for weeks, wanting to back down at every turn. But, when the time came, I delivered it. And the next day, he told me again, "Girl, you are something else!" I thought, he believes in me and I have impressed him. Good. A week later, he asked me, "What's next?"

This was our relationship. My goals were his goals for me. And his goals for me were my goals for me. Then, in his 70's, he was full of zest and ideas, and most of all — he was full of motivation. I needed that because I was brimming with what seemed like insurmountable dreams. Sometimes, I would call him just to say something I wanted to do out loud. He was my sounding board and handled my aspirations with such care that you would have believed they were already nearly achieved.

Every conversation wasn't easy. Sometimes, our banter left me utterly exasperated. But he didn't take down. Mr. Russell forced me to do more than dream. He, not only drew me to my power ... he encouraged me to steer it.

When I told him, at the end of 2005, that I would be leaving BBBS to pursue my editorship, I could tell that he was completely perplexed. We talked and talked and talked. He asked me a lot of questions and argued that where I was was quite a station for a woman my age. I maintained in every conversation that there was something more for me. Eventually, he conceded.

Less than a year later, when I was offered the job of associated editor with Atlanta Tribune, he was among the first calls I made. His response, (I heard him clap his hands in the background) "Girl! You are somethin' else!"

For the past six years, he continued to be ubiquitous in my life. He believed. He challenged. He celebrated. And always expected to hear what was next.

Yesterday, Mr. Russell — my coach, my confidante, my sounding board, my mentor, my friend — passed away. And I felt that suddenly that there was no hand on my back pushing me to a doubled speed. I thought, I had so much more to show him and felt for a moment that I wouldn't be able to get there. But, this morning I understood that he likely pulled his hand away long before I realized it because he recognized that I finally had my momentum and my steering sure. And that for a while now, he'd been standing back watching me charge on without looking back.

Thank you, Mr. Russell, for the gift of momentum.

Footnote: Be the energy you want to draw out of someone else.

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Only the Lovely

lebu October 19, 2012

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Jet Life: German Holiday

Frankfurt October 15, 2012

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On Deck: My Go-To HTC Incredible Apps

#VZWA October 13, 2012

By Katrice

I've been trying the HTC Droid Incredible through the Verizon Ambassador Program for the past two months and I'm thinking it may difficult for me to give it up when the program ends. Before I even downloaded one app, my loyalty to my personal phone had waned. It could have been the mobile hotspot that saved the day while I was at a conference for work and lost network connectivity. That, alone, has been my go-to feature on the phone since.

And there are others. My routine is that a need will arise ... I proceed to the Google Play and problem solved.

HopStop
When I went to York for Fashion Week, I was constantly searching for directions from points between East Orange and spots around NYC. HopStop gave me perfect door-to-door transit, walking and taxi directions. And the best part was the estimated travel time and cost. I'll be using it from here on.

TED Talks
This app is so necessary that I'm not sure what I did before it. TED Talks offers access to 1100 + TED talks — by category, "New" and "Popular" — with offline viewing. It's perfect for waiting in line at the DMV {Yes, I used it for this} and even driving in the car because it allows you to listen without viewing.

PicShop Lite
I edit the lighting or crop almost every picture I take on my camera phone. Blame it on my Blogtog series, but after spending a lot of time with photographers who have told me that even camera phones can deliver a good shot, I'm all in. PicShop Lite has options to edit red eyes, contrast, hue, add filters and frames.

Evernote
Who doesn't love Evernote? I'm constantly pulling my phone out to record something on the radio or make a voice memo. I'm sure I don't use it to its full capacity, but even for the little bit I'm doing — I use it every day.

Netflix
I have come to the conclusion that a movie app, namely Netflix, needs to be on every mobile and tablet device I use. {I use four. smh} I'm documentary and Thriller obsessed. Enough said.

What are some of your go-to apps? I always need suggestions for productivity tools.

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MVL Radar: Stylist Toye Adedipe Turns Teacher

Cassie October 12, 2012

By Katrice

Toye Adedipe is what he does. He's fresh ........ and he makes others fresh. The celebrity stylist and friend to MVL's journey as a wardrobe stylist began as a kid in the early 1990's when he noticed the characters in his favorite comic book, Archie and Friends, changed clothes with each issue. While this may have been insignificant to other readers, it became a consistent study for Adedipe. And that was just the jump of his infatuation with art and design. As a young man, he became acquainted with painters and artists of the Harlem Renaissance in particular, Romare Bearden. Bearden’s collage work and his innate use of layering was the very impetus for Toye pursuing a career in art and design. By the time he graduated from Florida A&M University, he already had a successful greeting card business under his belt. But, that wasn't "It." A move to Atlanta and a few secrets he may just reveal in his upcoming project the Master Class of Fashion Styling and he was onto the thing that would become his passion. Does this sound like your dream? Then, keep reading.

What inspired this project?

I've been asked by a lot of aspiring stylists how to become a professional Fashion Stylist and that is not a question I could answer in one sentence or even one paragraph. LOL So the Master Class of Fashion Styling is a classroom style workshop series designed to guide and enlighten aspiring stylists to learn all about the "How To's" of the business in order to become a master of their craft. This three-part series teaches students how to first, "Master the Business" (i.e. paperwork, promotional tools, stylist budgets and rates, agencies, to the different types of styling and more). While "Master the Art" is all about the technique of styling and the secret tools of the trade used to make any project your styling look good. And finally, how to "Master the Photo Shoot" is a top notch production in which students will walk away with a hands on styling session for their own professional portfolio. I'm telling you, these classes are chalked full of goodies!

How would you describe your brand? (Also, let us know some of your clients and notable work.)

Well, The Toye Adedipe brand is modern. It's quality, it's professional, it has a touch of playfulness to it and most importantly has a unique desire to create from within.

I've worked with the likes of Rachel Leigh Cook, Dawn Richard, Winter Ave Zolie, Jennifer Hudson, Jezebel Magazine, Keri Hilson, Cassie, Christina Milian, Lance Gross, and the list goes on. I mention this all to say that each one of my clients is a reflection of my brand. I feel like I'm creating a name for myself that is synonymous with talent on the way to the top of their career or talent that is already their. It's important for me to see myself within them so that I can create the best look I possibly can and essentially ..."brand" them through styling.

Describe yourself in three words.

I'm a leader for sure... I'm driven... And I've always been super creative.

What will attendees take away? Give us a tease.

My workshops are designed for attendees to succeed in their careers as fashion stylist because I know how it feels to lack a sense of direction and purpose within a career that you are deeply in love with. These workshops are designed to become a beacon of light and a breakthrough for stylist who may feel the same way I did and have the passion to aspire to their highest potential.

When I first started out.. I had no clue how I was going to become a stylist and when I finally became one.. I still had a lot to learn about the business. From marketing and promoting my work, to coming up with a brand that separated me apart from other stylist, to garnering the attention of the celebrity clientele I was so desperately after; all these essentials are key "take-aways" from my MCFS workshops so that students can focus on success rather than guess work!

Who should want to be there?

Ooooo... Everyone. Especially fashionistas and "fashionistos" who plan on working in the world of freelance fashion. You have to have a plan and a vision in order to break into this industry or else you'll get stuck and ultimately lack purpose.

The Master Class of Fashion Styling is your breakthrough and its my extreme pleasure to be your guide.

The details:

Master Class of Fashion Styling
Friday, November 2, 2012 at 11:00 AM - Sunday, November 4, 2012 at 3:00 PM
Atlanta, GA

Class information:
(Http://themasterclassoffashionstyling.com)
Registration:
(MCFS.eventbrite.com)

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The Master Mentor

Dr. Alvetta Peterman Thomas October 08, 2012

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The Canary

Forever 21 October 03, 2012

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Be Great {On Purpose}

thought October 02, 2012

By Katrice

Repeat after me: I will stop being afraid to be great. I will stop being afraid to be great. I will stop being afraid to be great. {Repeat as many times and as often as necessary.}
.........

Isn't being great what we all want? It's a rhetorical question ... I mean, we want it but sometimes, it's easier to just blend in with the crowd or even further into the background. Right? And when exactly did it become easier? I'll tell you when. The first time, another girl said within earshot that you thought you were all that or an elder told you to 'sit your fast tail {a.k.a. your young, free self} down somewhere.' It may not have seemed so heavy then, but just enough quenching self-doubt was seeded. And that was before life even began to throw you any real challenges.

I know it because I've been there. And when it's time for me to approach the microphone and speak on behalf of the magazine that I steer from the wings, I can still be shaken.

Before sitting down to write this post, I'd never considered actively pursuing my greatness. I thought it showy and pretentious. My friends will tell you, I like to be found in the background — though the background is so opposite of my core. At least once a day, I say to myself ... "Self, you were born to inspire." I believe that. I joke that it's one of my super powers but it's so serious for me.

We often hear the scripture Proverbs 18:21 quoted about life and death being in the power of our tongues. But, verse 20 is impactful as well: A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. Yes!

Insert here: Greatness is within me.

How not to be afraid:

1. Close some doors in your life.

There are some naysayers and activities that need to be shut out. This is about self-preservation.

2. Make your circle exclusive to people who lift you up.

What's essential is not being with friends who agree with your every word but being cloaked by people who believe in you and support where you're trying to go. Those friends will critique you and affirm you in the same conversation. Critique {not to be confused with tearing one down} is necessary.

3. Step out of your comfort zone.

Do something often that is beyond what you're comfortable with. As a matter of fact, constantly do things you've never done before. Increase your capacity. "A mind stretched by a new experience can never go back to it's old dimensions."

4. Speak life {to yourself}.
On my down days, I'll just start saying every positive thing I can think of — out loud. If we're connected on facebook or Twitter, you'll know those days. I talk myself up. Literally counting your blessings and laying claim to the blessings you want will change your disposition.

5. Prepare
What you take in is what you put out. Enrich yourself. Prayer, books, talks, learning opportunities, mentoring, giving ... All of these things make you stronger mind, body and spirit. And you'll need your strength. Greatness is not always easy.

But, it's so necessary.

*Footnote: Excuse the choppiness of this piece. I just let it flow.

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Talkin' & Testifyin'

Docs, Perfect for a Lazy Christmas Day

A JustFab Holiday

On Deck: Droid DNA by HTC

The Essence of Being

My New {and Improved} Product Diary

What I Want for Christmas {via Atlanta Tribune}

curlBOX Black Friday Sale {In Case You Missed It}

What I Want Now

The Master Mentor: Dr. Alvetta Peterman Thomas

Giving the Boot

Curl Craze {via Atlanta Tribune}

Running on Joy

The Master Mentor: Robert Russell Sr.

Only the Lovely

Jet Life: German Holiday

On Deck: My Go-To HTC Incredible Apps

MVL Radar: Stylist Toye Adedipe Turns Teacher

The Master Mentor

The Canary

Be Great {On Purpose}

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