Election 2012

Hello Queens (Hola Reinas):

It is election day.  We will be heading to the polls to cast our votes to decide the direction/future of our
country.   It is imperative that all of us participate in the political process, because many have died for our right to vote.  Please go out and exercise your right!  There are too many issues that we confront as women that are at stake in this election cycle, including the appointment of Supreme Court Justices.
As a person that follow politics very closely, I am excited to participate in a post-election town hall meeting tomorrow,  November 7th, 2012 @AndersonLive to discuss how the election results will impact jobs, taxes and healthcare.  I will be voicing my perspective as a mom blogger.  I am confident that our country will be moving FORWARD! Follow me on twitter @LareinaRita.  Tune in to Channel 5(Fox 5) at 12:00 noon to the Anderson Live show.

Launch of ChicRebellion.TV

Hola Reinas (Hello Queens):

 

It is with great pleasure that I announce to you the launch of ChicRebellion.tv, a network dedicated to women of color.  My dear friend, Karen-Taylor Bass, the PR expert and founder of The Brand New Mommy is the host of Brand: Mom- an authentic show about motherhood.  Please check out her first episode with Melinda Williams and support the network.

http://chicrebellion.tv/video/lifestyle/malinda-williams-motherhood-and-more 

Congratulations to Karen Taylor-Bass on your new endeavor!
 

Karen, you are simply FABULOUS!

 “Always looking forward to connecting and moving forward in this gift called life” -Karen Taylor- Bass.

 

Candidate for NYS Assembly-District 22

 

I had the honor to interview Milagros Vicente democratic candidate for New York State Assembly.  She is originally from the South Bronx, but she moved her family to Valley Stream/Nassau County to provide them with a better quality of life.  She is a wife, mother of three children, and a compassionate human being who advocates for children with special needs.

Milagros did not hesitate to utilize her experience in New York City politics and quickly became involved in local politics in the community.  She was instrumental in the election of a local politician.  In addition, she was involved and led the efforts of “Save the 5^th Precinct” rallies.

Milagros is passionate about maintaining the quality of life in the community.  For example, she wants to preserve services for children/persons with special needs like Able-Ride.  She also wants to create responsible and sustainable economic development for the community. 

If you are a registered democrat, please come out on September 13^th to exercise your right to vote.  To read more about Milagros Vicente, visit her website at www.friendsofmilagros.com-
Get Involved, Be Active, and Be Heard!

Happy Birthday To My Son!

Hola Reinas:

On August 8th, 2012 my son turned seven years old. It was British Soccer Camp week, so I surprised him with a cake and pizza for his group.  I must say that I have had a birthday party each year since his birth. But, last year my husband and I announced that it was our last year throwing a birthday party. Therefore, I decided to bring the cake and pizza to his camp site.  My son was joyful and extremely grateful. Moreover, he said to me, "Mommy, you are the best mom in the world." So the reason that I am blogging about this is to inform mommies that children are not as difficult to satisfy as we often think.

Reinas, you can do the same for your children if you are in a tight budget or do not have the time to organize a birthday bash. It is simple and cost-effective to bring the party to school, summer camp, or the park. But most importantly, your child is content that his or her birthday was acknowledged and celebrated.  Frequently, kids do not notice the difference between a big birthday bash or the alternative which is a win-win situation.

Useful Tips: It is not necessary to spend a great deal of money on a cake. BJ's has an inexpensive bakery that custom make cakes. Pizza is always an inexpensive meal for a birthday party. Simply place the order in advance from your local pizzeria.

I am all about providing tips to moms to make their lives easier and less stressful. So I hope that you find this information useful.
Happy Stress Free Birthday Celebration! I certainly enjoyed it!

'Sparkle' In The City

Hola Reinas (Hello Queens):

Ready to ‘Sparkle’ in the City? WIN a pair of Tickets!

 

We are joining forces with The Brand New Mommy blog to bring you ‘Sparkle’ in the city.

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE~ Sparkle In the City

Join us on Friday, August 17th as we witness movie history and hold each other as we say goodbye to Whitney Houston on the big screen, and, learn how to make our dreams sparkle in the big city.

Details: Friday, August 17, 2012~ 5:30pm- Cocktails @ Aloft Harlem (2296 Frederick Douglass Boulevard) *We are providing the cupcakes from Tonni’s Minis
7:00pm-ish – “Sparkle” @ Magic Johnson Theater (across the street from hotel)
*(2) free tickets will be given away complimentary courtesy of The Brand New Mommy & La Reina Afro-Latina.
Simply like us on Facebook-, La Reina Afro-Latina,  The Brand New Mommy
Follow us on Twitter-, @LareinaRita, @thebrandnewmom
Send us a COMMENT and let us know we are CONNECTED!

Winner will be announced on Thursday, August 16th on both blogs.
*Free parking is usually available on the streets
Purchase your movie ticket and cocktail and bring stub to receive your “Sparkle” in the city admission.
Looking forward to sparkling in the city with you!

Queens Mocha Moms 10th Anniversary

Hola Reinas ( Hello Queens):

On August 2, 2012, Queens Mocha Moms celebrated their 10th anniversary in an all-white affair under the stars overseeing the 59th Street Bridge at Penthouse 808.  It was simply AWESOME! We gathered in sisterhood and friendship with a common purpose to celebrate TEN thriving years as a chapter and support group for mothers of color.  I have been a member for seven years and served on the executive board twice.  Consequently, this important milestone has meant a great deal to me.  Moreover, I am honored to serve as Vice-President and thankful for the enthusiasm and support that the membership body has displayed during the course of this year.

Happy 10^th Anniversary Queens Mocha Moms!

Leaders

Simply Beautiful Mochas

Soror and Mocha Iva Wilson-English

Queens Mocha Moms

Executive Board

Mocha DADS

ReNew YOU

One of my proudest moments as Vice-President of Queens Mocha Moms, was coordinating with the help of my dynamic executive board, the Spring ReNew You Beauty and Fashion Show Event on April 28, 2012.  As a leader,  I felt the need to create an event that focussed on beauty and fashion where moms will have an opportunity to Rip the pink carpet as models in elegant gowns designed by one our own mocha Charmaine Mischel Couture.
The Women/Mothers graced the runway feeling beautiful as well as CONFIDENT.  For me, it was mission accomplished because that is what I am all about- uplifting and inspiring women.    

The Spring ReNew You Event was a FABULOUS event for all the women who attended.   It was filled with Fashion and Make-Up Tips by Naima Smith, and Hair Tips by Khadija James.  Hosted by Karen Taylor-Bass-The PR Expert and founder of the blog -The Brand New Mommy.  

Ms. Chu the deejay entertained the crowd with great musical selections.  Check out her latest tips on nightlife in Long island as seen in Hempstead Living Magazine. 
http://issuu.com/hempsteadcda/docs/hl_sum12_f?mode=window&pageNumber=26

*Women must invest time in self-care.  Tips on how to free up time to take care of the WOMAN in YOU:

• Delegate chores to husband/partner or teenage kids.
• Get help if you can afford it, a nanny, a housekeeper, or reach out to friends and family.
• Allow DADS to take a more active role in your child's life. They too should drive the kids around for their extra curriculum activities when possible. 
• Do not be an over sacrificing woman/mother who takes on the world on your own, because you will be exhausted.
• Learn to SAY NO.  There is no need to explain yourself.  Just say NO!  I can't do it!
• Now, you have plenty of time to take care of yourself and do things that will reinvigorate and ReNew YOU like a  manicure/pedicure, massage, makeover, etc.  Enjoy your ME time!

  *Remember - A Happy Woman equals A Happy Family!
 

Simply Beautiful Reinas

Ladies Night Out

Hola Reinas ( Hello Queens):

On  June 2, 2012, a group of moms gathered at the Brooklyn Museum for a ladies night out and to say farewell to one of our own leaders of Mocha Moms, Inc.  Cheryl Nelson-Grimes was a Queens Chapter President and her most recent position was New York State Coordinator.  We attended a free concert at the Brooklyn Museum which takes place the first Saturday of the month.  We were entertained with Son de Madre's blend of Cuban music with jazz, funk, and Brazilian- part of Carnegie Hall's Neighborhood Concerts series.  The concert was awesome, and the huge crowd danced to the African infused rhythms.  The night culminated at Brooklyn Moon Restaurant with Caribbean inspired cuisine which was not only delicious, but moderately priced as well.

Thank you Mocha Cheryl for your years of service as a leader of Mocha Moms, Inc.  Your dedication and leadership was noticed, and well appreciated it. Congratulations on your new abode and beginning.  We miss you!

Ladies night out is a must for women to de-stress from their everyday life. There are many ways that this can be accomplished without breaking the bank; for example, free museum and park concerts, and inexpensive restaurants.  Please conduct your research to find creative ways to have a great time with your pals.

A woman must take time away from her family in order to be an effective wife and mother.  So ladies the equation is simple:  A happy Woman equals= A happy Family.  YOU DESERVE IT!

Brooklyn Museum-African Innovations Exhibition

Cheryl and Shanequa Smiling

Dining at Brooklyn Moon

Posing at Brooklyn Moon Restaurant

Diane and Shanequa 

The Audacity To Win

Serena Williams is one of the best tennis players that ever breathe.  She has revolutionized the game in countless ways with her compelling style.  Serena is my favorite female athlete of all time.  I admire her determination and passion to be the BEST.  In spite of injuries and health problems that threatened her career over the past two years, she rose to the occasion to win this year's Wimbledon in England, and her fourteenth career grand slam title.  I remember like it was yesterday when she won her first grand slam title at the US Open in 1997 against Martina Hingis.  She did it again!  

Reaction after beating Poland's Agnieszka Radwanska 6-1, 5-7, 6-2 on Centre Court

After the single title victory, Serena Williams proceeded to win her 5th Wimbledon doubles title with her sister, Venus Williams.   The sisters are exceptionally powerful and have never been beaten in doubles at Wimbledon.

Great champions are bred to be CONFIDENT;  because one cannot win without believing in herself or himself.  A lesson that can be learned from examining Serena's career is that being CONFIDENT is a key component to SUCCESS. 

Serena Williams looks FABULOUS!

Visit to the White House

Hola Reinas (Hello Queens):

It is election year.  It is imperative that we exercise our right to vote because women rights are under attack.   I would like to share my experience with you when I visited the White House as a leader of Mocha Moms, Inc.   

On February 15, 2012, the eve of my visit to the White House, a group of Mocha Moms dine at Coco Sala in our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C.  The food was delicious and the service was excellent!

On February 16^th, 2012 more than 150 Mocha Moms leaders and bloggers attended a Moms Briefing at the White House.  As a Vice-President of the Queens/Long Island Chapter, it was certainly an experience that I will never forget.  The room was filled with beautiful educated women who eagerly listened to the information disseminated, and at the same time participated in a two-way dialogue with the high-ranking officials.  It was refreshing to witness so many women appointed to high-level positions.   I had a feeling of euphoria.  There I was, standing side-by-side with women like myself, educated and concern about issues like the environment, education and healthcare. 

As an educator, I was pleased to learn that the President proposed a $5 billion investment in education as part of the federal budget.  President Obama wants to attract qualified teachers and make the profession honorable as it should be. As a woman, I was delighted to find out that health insurance companies can no longer discriminate against women.  One of the provisions is that methods of birth control will be covered under the new healthcare law.  For more information about the healthcare law, please visit the official government website: www.healthcare.gov   

 Mocha Moms leaders came prepared with numerous questions for the members of the panel which consisted of Dr. Nadine Gracia- Deputy Assistant Secretary for Minority Health, Jocelyn Frye- Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of Policy and Special Projects for the First Lady, Stephanie Owens-Deputy Associate Administrator-EPA, Tyra Mariani- Deputy Chief of Staff-Department of Education.

There was a session “Mom Talk” with Lisa Jackson, Administrator of the EPA, moderated by Kuae Mattox, National President of Mocha Moms-a fierce leader who has taken the organization to new heights.   Lisa Jackson expressed that women have to leverage their multi-tasking skills in the work place.  Furthermore, Mrs. Jackson words “We See You”, assured the sea of women in the audience that the administration understands their concerns.  These words resonated with me and were engraved in my subconscious. 

I would like to extend a special thank you to the hostess, Heather Foster, Associate Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement, a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority,Inc.  I salute you, OO-OP, OO-OP! 

 White House