Nothing says SPRING like vibrant colors splashing down the runway!  I had the pleasure of attending Macy’s Spring Essentials Cherry Blossom Fashion Show in Downtown Washington DC, courtesy of Xina+PR.  This exclusive event, hosted by the hilarious Author, TV Personality and Fashion Guru, Daisy Lewellyn, featured the 5 essential looks for Spring 2013.

This year’s fashion trends included the “not your mom’s” PEPLUM, JACKETS/PULL-OVERS with a twist, jazzed up LACE, chic DRESSES and PRINTED PANTS.

PEPLUM:  This peplum was clearly not what I remember my classy mother wearing while I was growing up in the 80′s. The versatile style easily works as sassy business attire, as well as a more dressed down version of the over-skirt paired with skinny jeans or a straight leg pant.

JACKETS & PULL-OVERS: Style and warmth go together this Spring with adorable jackets and pull-overs.  It’s time to pack away the big and bulky winter coats and grab a few of these cuties to add a little twist to your attire.

LACE: I’m normally not a huge fan of it, but this jazzed up lace certainly made me take a second look. Lace was certainly an eye-catcher on the runway!

DRESSES:  When Spring arrives, I am instantly reminded of Easter. It’s the season where pastels and pops of color fill our wardrobes. Who doesn’t love a chic dress with a pair of fabulous sandals?

PRINTED PANTS: The beauty of jeans is that women of all sizes and shapes can wear them. Macy’s has translated that same thought to their printed pants line! I just LOVE that the models were indeed, every woman! Ode to the curvy girls .

Stop by your local Macy’s to grab these great looks. Or if you’re like me and get too busy to brave the stores, shop online and have the deliveries come straight to your door. I love taking a little break from my day with a big box to open that has nothing to do with rhinestones .

Fashion, shopping and fun are best shared with friends. It was a pleasure to join blogging buddies Xina, Ananda, Lianne, Tonia, Monica, Jazzy and Bren for this event. The fun didn’t stop there as we turned our evening into a girls night with dinner at the lovely Hamilton.

On the heels of February’s Black History Month, March marks the month of celebrating Women’s History and today, March 8th, as International Women’s Day. We honor the women who came before us and paved the way for what we have accomplished and for inspiring the core of who we are. For me, those women are both famous to the world and famous to my family.

My biggest influence is my mother! Ms. Ann, as we call her, is an amazing woman of class, grace, and faith.  Her standard of excellence has groomed me into the woman I am today, even when I didn’t realize I was being educated.

I found myself watching and studying her every move, how she carried herself, how she spoke, how she exhibited such confidence and a no-nonsense way of being. Not only do I look like her, but I wanted to be her!

My mom/twin

My grandmother is another famous woman of my family. As a stay-at-home/work-from-home mom, I am eternally grateful to her for modeling for me that anything is possible. While raising six children, she also worked for a family for 53 years and raised their children. Not only does she exemplify the strength and perseverance of a business women, but also the grace of a mother and wife of 67 years.

Grandmother

Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Toni Morrison, Dr. Maya Angelou, Ida B. Wells, and Madame C. J. Walker are just a short list of other woman who have inspired me. Each of them overcame obstacles and dreamed big dreams for themselves.

Clearly, if all of these women can reach their goals, the sky is the limit for the rest of us Women Who Rock!

Which amazing woman has inspired and paved the way for you?

Join me in my new mantra:

Designs by: http://www.shootiegirl.com

See also:  Tea with First Lady Michelle Obama

The flutters of movement, then the obvious kicks from the life beating inside of me. I was afraid. Afraid of the unknown. The uncertainty of whether I was ready to become a mother, unsure of how to care for myself and the life that waited to arrive. I sang to her in my tummy each day. Willing her to respond to the sound of my voice. And when she did, I breathed a sigh of relief.

When I saw her face for the first time, I instantly felt an overwhelming sense of responsibility. It was now mine and my husband’s job to provide the best care for our firstborn daughter. We checked for ten fingers and toes and celebrated the life of our child…until Day 3.

After we were released from the hospital, we took our little one to her first pediatrician appointment on the third day after her birth. Our hearts sank as we were informed that she must be readmitted into the hospital for jaundice. We were crushed as we walked into the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) to hand over our precious baby.

Only four short months ago, I was reminded of that feeling when I met Baby Harriett during a life-changing trip to Uganda, Africa with the United Nations Foundation’s – Shot@Life Campaign.  I held her tiny and frail five month old body in my arms during a visit to her home shared by her Grandmother Rosemary, father Brian and his sisters. As she rested in my arms, it reminded me of holding my little girl for the first time. You see, although Baby Harriett was five months old, she was as light as a feather, the weight of a newborn.

Baby Harriett’s mother, Sheila, left the care of her daughter with Rosemary and Brian to further her education to become a nurse. Although commendable, Sheila’s choice left little Harriett severely malnourished due to the lack of breast milk.  Sadly, this beautiful child was also left without the proper newborn vaccinations she should have received at birth.

Baby Harriett and I in Fort Portal, Uganda. (Photo: Stuart Ramson/UN Foundation)

I joined friends of mine from Shot@Life as as we watched Baby Harriett receive her vaccinations, health screening and birth registry provided by UNICEF Uganda during Healthy Family Days after their church services. As I observed the healthcare workers measure Harriett’s tiny little arms, I gasped as her nutrition was confirmed to be in the danger zone.  I cried as they placed the needle in what very little meat her skin had to reduce the impact of the painful vaccinations.

I felt the pain of Baby Harriett’s tears as they fell from her eyes which had just moments before shown with brightness. I wanted to hold her again to console her and somehow help her understand that all of the pain was to save her life! She was being given the gift of a future that so many other children don’t receive.

Just as I had the privilege of taking my firstborn daughter to the NICU to receive care 10 years ago, I still have the choice of both of my girls receiving vaccinations. NEVER has this choice been more important than after I shared that day with precious Baby Harriett.

Each time my girls hit a milestone, I think of Baby Harriett and what her life will be like as a result of the gift she was given that day.

The impact of vaccines on the lives of children around the world is incredible. Now, you can help sustain the impact by sending an email to your member of congress. Welcome your members to the 113^th Congress and ask them to make sure that global health and vaccines are a priority in the new Congress. Take action and make an impact!

This story comes from the UNICEF Uganda and is part of Shot@Life’s ’28 Days of Impact’ Campaign. A follow up to Blogust to raise awareness for global vaccines and the work being done by Shot@Life and their partners to help give children around the world a shot at a healthy life. Each day in February, you can read another impactful story on global childhood vaccines. Tomorrow, don’t miss Jim Lin’s post! Go to www.shotatlife.org/impact to learn more. Follow the conversation on Twitter via #vaximpact. 

Most of us live our lives eternally blessed beyond measure with not only our needs, but our wants. When I look at my own life and those around me, I realize that we live in abundance. It is unfortunate that we only use times like Thanksgiving to realize that we have a myriad of reasons to be grateful.

Sadly, there are many who suffer from economic and health issues which plague generations of families who have no way out. Today marks the first ever #GivingTuesday,  a national campaign set aside to focus on giving back to those less fortunate. I challenge you to think beyond Black Friday or Cyber Monday, and focus on giving from your heart in a different way.

Think of someone in your family who doesn’t really care for gifts, or has everything they already need. Choose to give the gift of HELPING SOMEONE ELSE in their honor.

Many of our children have generous hearts. Ask your child to make a donation to save the life of another child. One of my proudest accomplishments as a parent is having children who LOVE to share and donate their toys, clothes and gifts to other children.

It doesn’t take much. Each small donation helps. Take a look at a few gift ideas UNDER $25 from the United Nations Foundation- Shot@Life Catalog that will send your donations directly to helping those who need it.

Our Shootie Girl Rhinestone Tees (designed by our girls) are featured in the catalog as well.  ALL proceeds from the sale of these t-shirts for women and girls go directly back to the cause of saving the lives of children. T-shirts available HERE.

It’s the season of giving! Make a difference in the life of someone you don’t know!

Read about my Shot@Life Journey in Uganda.

The #1 killer of children under age 5! A respiratory illness that takes the lives of 1.4 million children EVERY YEAR! Pneumonia!

Today, World Pneumonia Day, holds a special meaning for me, as I nearly died on several occasions as a child due to pneumonia. I remember desperately struggling and gasping for air, missing holidays, birthday parties and special events with my family, all because I couldn’t breathe. Who knew that my life could have been cut short when I was diagnosed with asthma.

Our local hospital knew me by first name, as I was admitted to the emergency room at least once a week, if not more. From age 4 until age 12, my young life hung in the balance with critical upper respiratory issues that quickly declined into severe cases of pneumonia. I would not be writing this post had I not been given the privilege of optimum healthcare that my parents had access to. Sadly, that is not the story for other children. Especially those in developing countries.

• Pneumonia is responsible for 1.4 million child deaths EVERY YEAR 
• Every 20 seconds, a child dies from a vaccine preventable disease
• Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life…results in a 15-23% reduction
• Vaccinations against pneumonia…results in a 49% reduction of pneumonia infections
• Antibiotics as an effective and inexpensive method to treat pneumonia

YOU can help spread the word and save the lives of children by becoming aware of vaccine preventable diseases via Shot@Life, donating to our Shootie Girl Fundraising Page or purchasing a T-Shirt for a Global Cause.

Do you know someone who has suffered from pneumonia? How did it affect you?

“Where are you from?” Whether spoken or implied, this was the continuous question I received during my 7 day journey in Africa. I received the life-changing opportunity to attend an observation trip with Shot@Life, a United Nations Foundation campaign focused on raising awareness and funds to give other mothers a choice in the vaccination of their children.

Shootie Girl™ has been working as a Shot@Life Champion in saving the lives of children via our T-Shirts For A Global Cause program for the past year. But who knew a year ago that this partnership, along with Mocha Moms, Inc. would lead me home to Africa?

In each location we visited, I felt the stares and curiosity of Ugandan natives who couldn’t quite place if I belonged to their mother country or somewhere else. Here is how my first conversation with the Governor of Mubende Village went on Day 1:

With Mubende Village Governor

Governor:  Where you from?  - Deliberately eliminating the word “are.”

Shootie Girl:  I live on the Eastern Coast of the United States.

Governor:  NO! Where you from?

Shootie Girl:  Well, both my parents grew up in the State of Louisiana.

Governor:  NO!! Where you from?

Shootie Girl:  Ooooohh!!! Both my parents are African-American. But my mother’s family is Native American and my father’s family is from Haiti.

Governor:  Yes, Yes! Haitian people come from Africa ! YOU ARE HOME!

It wasn’t as if I didn’t know that Haitians descended from Africa, but my Haitian roots were a piece of information that was only a few years new to even me! I was truck by the pride in which the governor shared this information. He was happy to welcome me home.

During our visits to Railway Primary School, St. Zoe Boarding School and finally Kabarole Village the inquisitive eyes followed me. I questioned whether it was just the novelty of visitors, or was there more? In additional to the governor, others had the courage to inquire.

There were very emotional moments for me while sharing Family Health Day with the parishioners of Kabarole Village. As I walked around to greet the elder women of the church, I looked into the eyes of my paternal grandmother many times over. I could not believe the resemblance. Their beautiful brown skin and comforting eyes. Their noses and their smiles were all like hers. Like mine! Having lost grandmother several years ago, it was as if she was sitting in the room with us.

Paternal Grandmother, her mother and siblings from Haiti

Maternal Grandmother and her father (Native American - Apache Tribe)

A fellow Shot@Life Champion shared that two girls had been watching me very closely and seemed to be fascinated with me during mass.  I asked her to find them for me and when she did I went over to meet them. Their eyes lit up when I pointed out the similarities in our noses and smiles. Rose wants to be a lawyer and Elizabeth wants to work for UNICEF. The girls are well on their way to greatness, as they attend secondary school, which is a rare opportunity for girls in Uganda.

With Elizabeth & Rose

The most heart-warming moment came when a woman ran out of the Family Health Building. She eagerly searched for something or someone. When our eyes met, she walked quickly to me and began speaking very emotionally and passionately but I could not understand her native language. A translator came over to help me and shared, “She says, you look like her daughter!!” I was so overwhelmingly honored that Mrs. Rosemary would go out of her way to find me and make that connection.

With Mrs. Rosemary

It is ironic that my work with Shot@Life has led me to my ancestry in Africa. The people of Uganda have taken ownership of me and welcomed me home! I tearfully and humbly accept!

Have you ever considered tracing your roots?

Photo Credit: Stuart Ramson/UN Foundation

The final stop on the Shot@Life trip to Uganda, Africa was a visit to the United Nations Headquarters in Kampala.  We were given the opportunity to have a private meeting with Dr. Ahuna Ezaikonwa-Onochie, U.N. Resident Coordinator of Uganda Center, an eloquent and classy native of  Nigeria. Dr. Onochie is a 16 year veteran of the United Nations, and has worked previously in both Lesotho, South Africa and Nigeria using her power and influence to fight for social good.

She was encouraged by the fact that Uganda is not exactly where it should be, but that they have come VERY far in human and natural resources, and on the verge of bursting open even further. Her goal is to make sure the people of Uganda are well served and protected with a focus on providing EQUAL child and maternal health resources. During her 4 year assignment, she will focus on ensuring issues of health and economic growth are addressed, and generate jobs so the people will be better off.

“Growth doesn’t necessarily mean elimination of poverty. But each community taking care of each other.” Remembering conflicts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, Somalia and Kenya, Dr. Onochie is dedicated to ensuring Ugandans continue to work to promote peace talks in trade, regional integration, and health.

In the past, organizations have worked in a fragmented way, overlapping each other on the same common goals. Dr. Onochie is pleased to come to Uganda at a time where department heads have checked their egos at the door and are willing to work together. I believe the U.S. can use a lesson here.

In 1989, the war had just ended in Uganda. But surprisingly, there were no street children and women looked after 14 kids that didn’t belong to them. There was clearly a spirit of sacrifice. People showed their good will and spirit of community. Dr. Onochie feels Uganda is on the cusp of achieving this way of life again.

As we shared the emotional experiences of our 7 day journey, Dr. Onochie reminded us of the following about Uganda:

“We must not erase the spirit of this country.”

“The enemy of progress is feeling like you have no hope.”

I have no doubt there are many other Dr. Onochie’s living in the villages of Uganda. They simply need education and support to flourish!  With a powerful and educated woman of excellence at the helm, Dr. Ahuna Ezaikonwa-Onochie is a shining example of a positive image for the women and girls of Africa!

Photo Credit: United Nations Development Program