Happy Turkey Day!

I hope that whether you decided to observe “Native American Holocaust Day of Remembrance” or “National Day of 5,000 Plus Calorie Consumption”, that each of you has had a pleasant and inspiring Thanksgiving Day filled with family, friends and fun.

Now while my hectic day today has been all of the above, I am still so entrenched in my trytophan induced coma that I am hardly any good to anybody.  As such, I thought it’d be a good idea to revisit one of the most awesome Turkey Day trends of the 21st Century: The Gobble.

Let us burn these holiday calories together Pack Faithful…or at least let us live vicariously through Jungle Boogie as they burn them for us again this year!

What I’m Wearing: A Little (Brooch) Goes a Long Way

Because I was going to be in my second full day of software conversion training today at work, I really had to contemplate how best to combine work attire that was not only appropriate for the office but also super comfortable for the duration of my all day session .  Coupling a colorful blazer with a navy Liz Claiborne braided collar top, I opted for a severely dark pair of denims and bright pumps to pull the outfit together.  The finishing touch however, was a heavily accented brooch that brought a bit of fun, pop and sparkle to an otherwise drab ensemble.

For the last few years, brooches have made a pretty massive surge back onto the fashion scene.  No longer are they merely reserved as the primary accent for your Gran’s lacy high-necked blouses, but can now be worn by even the most fashion conscious diva in an array of styles and with an assortment of clothes combinations.

Whether exquisitely set in crystal or simply crafted as a piece of costume jewelry, a vibrant brooch can take your most modest apparel to absolutely snazzy attire, with a single *clip*.

This sea foam pearl and sequin-petal brooch was purchased at Forever 21 for less than $10.

Sassy and budget friendly; sounds like a fashion win to me!

Breast Cancer Awareness and Musiq: YES!

If I weren’t a happily married woman, or didn’t have enough conducive things going on in my life to afford me the time to be an R&B stalker, I would totally drive up to Philly and kiss Musiq right on the mouth for this here gem!

You all know how I feel about Breast Cancer Awareness (sadly, I just found out that a dear friend/mentor was diagnosed just this week), so learning that Musiq Soulchild had recently included the role of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Circle of Promise Ambassador to his successful résumé; I was over the moon.  With the sort of exposure that Musiq can offer to the foundation and toward combatting this deadly disease, it is likely that even more young women of color will become engaged in the Breast Cancer Awareness dialog and movement.

Check out his newest video “Yes”, directed by Juwan Lee, and see if you don’t shed at least one tear.  The video also cameos a wealth of beautiful breast cancer survivors from the Atlanta area; just fabulous.

Dōmo Arigatō, 21st Century Mr. Roboto

I can always count on my nephew to expose me to something bizarre, outlandish or cool (by teenage standards anyway) via this vast universe we call the internet.

Sliding around my kitchen in slow motion (and completely ruining a previously pristine pair of white socks) and pop-locking like Oz’s rickety Tin Man, I ceased my evening task of cooking to actual watch his display of robotic choreography.  When it became altogether apparent that the Jabberwocky’s Dance Reign would not be threatened on this night, I finally asked my nephew what exactly was he doing and why.

Of course he guided my attention to YouTube where a modern day Mr. Roboto (aka Marquese Scott) was body rocking for his life, and blowing my mind.  After watching the video for all of a minute and 30 seconds though, I had to put on my skeptic’s hat and try to determine how this dexterous dancer was contorting his limbs like MJ after slipping on a puddle of WD40!!

All Pink Everything: National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Every October, The Fanny Pack recognizes the strides, support and continued social involvement carried out in the research and fight against Breast Cancer, and this October is no different.

During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, breast cancer charities from all over the world campaign to increase the awareness of this devastating disease and work to raise funds for research into its cause, treatment and cure.  These charities focus on support for those who are currently battling breast cancer but also emphasize preventative steps that women can take to help reduce breast cancer risks and ensure long, healthy lives.

One major component in the fight against breast cancer is to adopt and maintain healthy habits.  Understanding the sorts of factors that can both positively and adversely affect your health is the first step toward prevention, and according to the staff at the Mayo Clinic, prevention really is worth a pound of cure.  Some easy but effective steps that you can take to prevent breast cancer include:

• Limiting alcohol intake
• Managing a healthy weight
• Engaging in plenty of physical activity
• Avoiding environmental pollutants
• Maintaining a healthy low-fat diet

Now, as wonderful as it would be for all women to be able to follow these simple guidelines and forever vanquish breast cancer, the reality is that for some women (5% – 10%), breast cancer is a hereditary disease.  Fortunately however, affected genes don’t have to be a death sentence.  Mammograms and early detection procedures are equally essential in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment and should be regularly performed in women over 40.

Last year, 19% of the new breast cancer cases reported in the United States resulted in death.  Anyone who has ever suffered through this disease or lost someone close as a result of it knows that this statistic is more than unacceptable.  That is why I am challenging each of you to help take a stand against breast cancer.  Support the various breast cancer charities this month (and beyond); not simply through your pocketbook, but with your time as well.  Get educated about this disease and promote prevention.  Together, we can all create a world where breast cancer becomes a thing of the past.

Michelle’s Undercover Targe’ Run

Since becoming the First Family, The Obamas have often been criticized as being elitist and out of touch with the current struggle of the average American’s financial struggles while lavishing in their own routine Hawaiian and European junkets on the taxpayer’s dime.  But while I categorically disagree with the Marie Antoinette description of The President and First Lady, I will say that they are a brilliant and intellectual duo who enjoy the niceties of life; a reality that seems difficult to grasp for many with such a high national rate of unemployment and in a painfully stagnant U.S. economy, but theirs is a success that they ought not be ashamed of.

Still, none can accuse the Obamas of flaunting their wealth or relishing in sheer opulence if this picture of the week is any indicator.  Like many of us, Michelle Obama has admitted to appreciating the many aspects of her “normal”.  Whether it’s attending her girls’ sporting events, taking the First Pup Bo for his daily walk or simply getting her shop on at  Targe’, one certainly has to appreciate her desire to embrace the ordinary.

Donning a pair of shades and a Nike ball cap (which she still managed to successfully coordinate with her print blouse), Mrs. Obama tried to be incognito at a local Target Store in Alexandria V.A., a suburb just outside Washington, D.C.  Covertly situated, plain-clothed Secret Service Agents also arrived about a half-hour before The First Lady, who strolled through the main entrance with an assistant. She shopped for little less than an hour and was even seen pushing her own cart. She was apparently “outed” when while ringing up her purchases, a cashier recognized her.

That just goes to show, whether in a ball gown or a ball cap, Lady O is certainly one cool chameleon.

Commercials That Make Me Emo

Every single time I see this “Chronicles of Sophie Lee as told by Daniel Lee courtesy of Google Chrome”, commercial I absolutely lose it. I’m talking goosebumps, tearing up and a plethora of ooohs and aaahs.  I guess a part of my emotional response to this advert for Gmail and all the awesome functions one can access through Google Chrome is because, for the early years of each of my children’s lives, it wasn’t just a baby album that I kept for them, but also a journal that I penned messages  in for several years.

But of course, with the various moves, an expanding family and the regular rat-race that we have all become accustom to, those memos and notes became few(er) and far(ther) between.  So, what a novel idea to re- recount the moments of their lives that made me laugh, cry and burst with pride through electronic means like this?

*Sigh* Where are my tissues?

Fanny Pack Fave: Leila Lopes, Miss Universe 2011

When thinking of Angola, for many, immediately images of 40o plus years of Portuguese occupation, a decades-long civil war and the worst infant mortality and life expectancy rates in the world likely come to mind.  But amongst the political and social ills plaguing this southwest-central African nation is its newly discovered former best kept secret.  No, I’m not talking about the country’s vast caches of diamonds and petroleum reserves, but its 2011 representative and very first winner of the Miss Universe Pageant, Leila Lopes.

For those who missed the NBC aired pageant last night, here is an Associated Press feature on the beauty:

SAO PAULO (AP) — Newly crowned Miss Universe Leila Lopes wants to help her native Angola further escape a history of war and impoverishment and said she plans to focus on combating HIV around the globe.

Speaking in a timid voice early Tuesday shortly after taking the crown in South America’s largest city, the 25-year-old Lopes said that “as Miss Angola I’ve already done a lot to help my people.”

“I’ve worked with various social causes. I work with poor kids,  I work in the fight against HIV.  I work to protect the elderly and I have to do everything that my country needs,” she said. “I think now as Miss Universe I will be able to do much more.”

Responding to questions, Lopes said that she has never had cosmetic surgery of any kind and that her three tips for beauty were to get a lot of sleep, use sunblock even when it’s not sunny and to drink lots of water.  She said her smile was her best weapon in the competition.

Asked about racism in light of the fact that she’s one of the few blacks ever crowned Miss Universe, Lopes said that “any racist needs to seek help.  It’s not normal in the 21st century to think in that way.”

Lopes is Angola’s first [Miss Universe Pageant] winner.  She beat out 88 other competitors to win the title during the 60th anniversary of the world’s biggest beauty pageant.  She replaces last year’s winner, Ximena Navarrete of Mexico.

[In Monday night’s finals] she deftly handled the interview question that was asked of the remaining top five contestants.  She was questioned about what physical trait she would change if she could.

“Thank God I’m very satisfied with the way God created me and I wouldn’t change a thing,” Lopes said.  “I consider myself a woman endowed with inner beauty.  I have acquired many wonderful principles from my family and I intend to follow these for the rest of my life.”…

Now, who doesn’t love a well-spoken, insightful and self-aware inside-out beauty?  Congrats, Leila!

Let’s Move: Lady O at The Open

A wife.  A Mother.  An Attorney. A First Lady.  An Athlete.  Michelle Obama always seems able to do it all, while in the process encouraging others to do the same.

Visiting the U.S. Open yesterday, Mrs. Obama was more than a spectator at the Men’s Quarterfinals match between Andy Murray and John Isner, but she was once again on the campaign trail, crusading for her ever popular Let’s Move! Initiative.

Becoming an active tennis player after completing her law degree at Harvard University, Lady O revealed that she always wanted to attend the U.S. Open, but never found the right opportunity to do so.  Friday afforded her the chance to not only enjoy some great matches, but to engage an audience of young tennis enthusiasts, and encourage them to continue to live active, healthy lifestyles.

Visiting the “SmashZone,” an interactive attraction at the U.S. Open, Obama joined a group of children in the 10 and Under Tennis League from the Harlem Junior Tennis and Education Program to discuss ways to combat childhood obesity, and play various tennis inspired games and activities.  Tennis greats such as Billie Jean King, John McEnroe, Serena Williams and James Blake were on hand to join in the festivities.

And although she readily admitted that her tennis skills were questionable (having seen the video, I’d kindly beg to differ…I’ve certainly seen worse) Michelle Obama could be seen working up a sweat after several rounds of table tennis, some doubles action against Serena Williams, Wii Tennis and even trying her hand at Wilson ® Speed Serve, where she clocked a 55 mph serve.

But more than the face time and photo-ops, Mrs. Obama was truly engaging, endearing and engrossed with the 10 and Under group, and their response to her was equally as riveting.

Talk about leading by example.  Brava First Lady, Brava.

My New Guilty Pleasure: Tia & Tamera

In all honesty, from their first guest appearance on “Full House” to their “Sister, Sister” days (“Go Home Roger!”), I’ve been a big fan of the sisters Mowry…well, with the exception of that weird Disney Channel “Twitches” franchise phase.

Still, all grown up and with motherhood and matrimony on the menu, the twins have an extremely successful reality show on The Style Network that follows their lives and new experiences and I have to say, I am supremely addicted. But while I do admittedly need deliverance from all things boob-tube, at least this show is more endearing and wholesome than my other guilty pleasures like Dexter, True Blood and the infamous Real Housewives of Atlanta. That counts for something, right?

You can check out the lovely (and at times very loony) ladies for yourselves on Mondays at 9/8c on Style!