Alice Benton's Blog: Pages on Alice Benton's Blog

Alice Benton's Blog: Pages on Alice Benton's Blog: "Take a minute to view the additional pages on Alice Benton's Blog listed below: 1) Black Love: A Book of Poetry & Love 2) Beauty in Pa..."

83rd Annual Academy Awards

This year the Academy Awards Show was hosted by Anne Hathaway and James Franco.  Ms. Hathaway was funny as usual and Mr. Franco was a nice addition as well.  This award show didn't really have any surprises. It wasn't even shocking when Gwyneth Paltrow sang; great singer.

The Oscar for Best Actress went to Natalie Portman in Black Swan. Colin Firth won an Oscar for his role in The King's Speech, which was also the movie that won for Best Picture. Some fashion wins from the red carpet included statement clothing worn by Nicole Kidman, Anne Hathaway, Halle Berry, Mila Kunis, Cate Blanchett, and newcomer Hailee Steinfeld.

The highlights of the evening for me consisted of once again, Ms. Paltrow, Celine Dion of course and the children from P.S. 22. They were awesome!  That's one of the reasons the arts must be kept alive in the schools.  Many waited all night to hear from them and they were worth the wait.  It was a great way to end a long night.

While there were many things to enjoy, more creativity go into these shows.  Incorporate things that make tuning in feel absolutely necessary.

New Page Added - Next from Alice

Alice Benton's Blog has added a new page entitled, Next from Alice! This page is the go to place to find out about upcoming projects from Alice Benton.  Keep in mind it will change from time-to-time as progress is made, so please continue to check it.

You're invited to take a look and see what the future holds, thus far. Click the link called Next for Alice, located at the top of the blog.

New York Wine Expo Seminar Review

Seminar Name: Learn to Taste like a Pro: Learn the Secrets Behind How to Taste Wine Through Blind Tasting

This hour long seminar was fabulous. Each consumer placement had a numbered table mat with twelve wine filled glasses sitting on top. In front of the table settings were water, crackers and buckets, after all, it is a tasting. There were white wines, reds, rose and a desert available. A variety of wines came from all over the world like the Wither Hills Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand and Avlear "Solera 1927" Pedro Ximenez, Sherry from Spain.  

Wine lovers were taught about many aspects of wine like color, age, swirl perfection and scent, as well as the wine process. Here's one information installment that many do not know, white wines get darker as they age and reds get lighter. 

This class was great regardless of how seasoned your wine knowledge. While there were some serious notes being taken, jokes were flying too. Even the Thirstygirl Representative and author, Leslie Sbrocco stated that it was okay to "spit backwards", swallowing every last drop in front of you.

Today is the last day the general public can attend. If you can, and are twenty-one years or older, take in a seminar.

Link: nywineexpo11.eventbrite.com

Posts you may enjoy:

Southern Hospitality In NYC
Time For Wine?
Timing Is Everything

The New York Wine Expo 2011

Looking for something to do this weekend? Why not attend the New York Wine Expo being held at the Jacob Javits Center. Well, that is if you are 21 years or older. Friday and Saturday are for the general public, but Sunday is dedicated to trade.

Consumers can taste up to 600 wines and attend informative seminars. A One Day Grand Tasting ranges from $90 to $100 depending of the day you pick. While the educational wine seminars vary in price from fifteen to thirty dollars.

The Grand Tasting is worth it, but don't avoid the event if that's to steep for your taste. Pick a seminar and learn about love in a glass. If you would like more information, click the link below.

http://www.nywineexpo11.eventbrite.com//

Fitness Challenge Update

The fitness challenge has been going good in my opinion.  Today is day 24 and currently there have been forty-two comments, although later tonight there will be at forty-three.  Each participant has had to deal with a hurdles, but it seems like we are all hanging in there.

This is the last week of the fitness challenge.  We are quickly approaching the end and I feel accomplished.  If you are interested in following it until we have finished, please read the comments daily.  You can also read from day one and get up to speed.  It has been challenging and will continue to be until the end.  I have enjoyed the daily workout and comments.  I hope you have too.



Jillian Michaels - 30 Day Shred

Iyanla Vanzant

Originally, I was going to do another relationship piece, but I watched Oprah today and was captivated by Iyanla Vanzant’s story. 

Iyanla has come a long way.  It would seem that she has been gathering her testimony for world.  She’s gone through so much, both personally and professionally.  I have missed hearing her truths and now there is more.

 

Ms. Vanzant's newest book, that I am sure will be my next read, is called Peace from Broken Pieces.  I truly cannot wait to read her story.  May Iyanla Vanzant continue to be blessed and may her lovely daughter rest in peace.












*Posts you may like are Lou's Cafe and The 53rd Annual Grammy Awards. 

Wine Pairing

A fantastic meal deserves a great wine to go with it. Wine pairing is a subject that can cause stress among dinner party host.

 

My suggestion is to always go with your favorite; you won’t be disappointed. That’s also good because you already know the taste intimately, which is essential because you’ll be able to tell if it goes with your meal.

 

Still confused? Don’t worry because there are several sites that help with dilemma’s like these.  One food and wine pairing tool I like is located on the E.&J. Gallo Winery site at gallo.com.  The tab is listed as Food Pairings. It allows you to choose your food and spice before they make a suggestion.

 

So, make your dinner plans and don’t worry.






*Posts you may enjoy:


New York Wine Expo Seminar Review
The New York Wine Expo 2011

What’s On Your Agenda?

It isn’t necessary to have a planned out road map to get where you want to go. An outline with a few ideas headed in a specific direction is good enough.

 

Knowing where you would like to end up can be helpful while trying to get to that place. If you fail to prepare for anything, don’t be mad if you get exactly what you arranged, which is nothing.

 

Make a design for your life. At the very least, it will focus your intentions. It may even expand your vision. There is a possibility that life will alter your plan, but having a ready made agenda will make it easier to get back on track.  


*Posts you may enjoy:


This I Know About Life
Change Can Be Good 
Ideas Should Materialize

Happy President's Day

Alice Benton's Blog wishes you a very happy President's Day. Thank you to all of the presidents that have served our country in the past and also to our current president, Barack Obama. May God bless us all.

Spring Cleaning

Gear up for spring cleaning. This time, let it apply to more than your house. Expand that good feeling of getting rid of unnecessary things into every area of your life. Make a list of things that add joy. Then list others that have not had the best affect on you and let them go.

Your keep category should only consist of things that bless you. It should be something that improves your life in some way. Ask yourself, does this bring me pleasure? If the answer is no then place this object on the go side.

This is the tough part. Once you're left with the things that are not necessary or do not give you happiness, let them go. Release yourself. Move on feeling better about life.

Beauty in Pain's Valerie Peterson

Beauty in Pain was inspired by a true event, but is a fiction novel. If you would like more information, please locate labels and click the Beauty in Pain link. Enjoy the following character introduction:


Valerie Peterson is the youngest of five adult sibling sisters. Her sister June is the closest one to her in age and relationship. Valerie has two children and lives with her parents. Growing up she was always with June and their niece Jan.

When June is in a car accident, Valerie, as well as other family members rushed to her side. Valerie is Beauty in Pain's main character and the story is told from her point of view. The book showcases her struggle in dealing with life in the aftermath of her sister's accident.


*Posts you may like are Beauty in Pain (Upcoming Novel) Character introduction - Lem, Beauty in (Upcoming Novel) Character Introduction - Jan and Beauty in Pain Excerpt.

Life's Ups & Downs

These past several years have been interesting. So much can happen from year to year. That is one thing we can all appreciate about life. Every moment, we can decide to become more than we were in last. If we have issues, each day is a new chance to work them out.

There are times when we don't know if we are coming or going, but it doesn't matter. Pray for clarity and know that God can reach you wherever you are. Then point your personal compass in His direction. You never know where you'll be led, but I'm confident the end point will be grand.

Village Natural

I have enjoyed lunching in New York City's Village Natural restaurant. I have only been there a couple of times, but feel confident about calling it a great find.

It's located on Greenwich Avenue between 6th & 7th Avenues. The menu offers wide varieties including Mexican Platters and Seafood Entrees to Japanese Lunch Boxes and Vegan Pies.

While I was there I had Soy Nuggets with honey mustard for my appetizer and Vegetarian Chicken Salad, which includes crispy soy bacon, tofu, avocado served over crisp mixed greens, carrots, tomatoes and cucumbers. The nuggets were delicious, although, you only get three. The honey mustard sauce was one of the best I've had. It was very thick and rich. My salad was huge and scrumptious. This was my first time tasting soy bacon and I was impressed.
If you're looking for healthier choices with delectable flavor try Village Natural.


*Posts you may like are Chef Yu and A Small Step Towards Heart Health

Positivity

Watching television shows in general and listing to the news, I realize we need more positivity in the world. I know there are some great things going on, but we can do better.

Being positive can be as simple as spreading a good thought instead of gossip. Positivity can spread from one person to another, even through smiling. Most people will in fact smile at you, if you do it first; feeling better instantly. Before you go to bed tonight, decide to be positive tomorrow. Reaffirm your position when you wake up in the morning and stick to it, no matter what happens. It will have a great affect on you and the people you're around.


*Posts you may enjoy:

National Poetry Month
Ups & Downs
Vegan

Avoiding Bad Situations

Do you feel like bad situations follow you around? Have you been in negative circumstances, only to realize you could have controlled them?

Sometimes we become accustom to things and people that attempting to change them seems wrong. Don't willingly step into something you've already seen play out badly. That may mean turning down an invitation or two, but you're worth it. Do not allow yourself to be led toward mishaps.

Examine your actions. That doesn't mean it's your fault, but take responsibility for the part you play. Perhaps, you already know how a relative or friend will react during an event or to a person. Do you get mad when they stay true to form? If so, walk in the opposite direction instead of embracing misfortune. Choose to participate in good things.


*Posts you may enjoy:

Loving Life
Regrets
Self Discovery

God's Gift

You were given to me
During a time when I needed you most
God allowed you to hold me
You appeared strong when I was weak
You are my divine connection
You stregthen me without trying
And continue daily
Your love not only fills me
It completes me
And makes me better
This is a unique love
Truly unconditional

By Alice Benton, Black Love: A Book of Poetry & Love and National Poetry Month.

Happy Valentine's Day

Alice Benton's Blog wishes a happy Valentine's Day to everyone all over the globe! 

If you're in love, you're one of the lucky ones and it's a great day to show some love.  Don't take your partner for granted.  So you should probably stop reading (only today come back at 12am) and go tend to them.  If not, don't worry because you're loved too. 

Take time to slow down and recognize the love around you in the air and trees.  Decide to be both blessed and a blessing and enjoy your holiday!

The 53rd Annual Grammy Awards

The show was awesome! I enjoyed it all from the typically wonderful variety of music to the strange banter. I also liked the target commercials in between. The performances I was really into were Justin Bieber's featuring the fabulous Jaden Smith & then Usher, and also Cee Lo Green & Gwyneth Paltrow.

Speaking of the latter, never before has a skit been a perfect target for dressing dos & don'ts. Of course, Celo was the obvious don't, well NEVER and Ms. Paltrow is the fashion do. It's like she fell out of fashion week. She looked great from the bright pink feather earrings and jumpsuit, to the fabulous shoes.

This show was excellent, but the awards were a little on the nose. There were no real surprises or shake ups, except for New Artist, Esperanza Spalding. I found Rhinna, Eminem & Dr Dre's performance interesting and appropriately dramatic flat lining at the end.

A segment showcased all those we've lost and others be cultivated. It was nice to see Mick Jagger. Also, Nicki Minaj and Lady Gaga are like performance art. Great show!


*Posts you may enjoy are Weddings & Vera Wang and What Makes You Feel Attractive?

What Makes You Feel Attractive?

I have love fashion with regards to both classic pieces and trends. I believe clothing should be an extension of emotion. Accessories can be listed among my favorite things, but I don't need them to feel pretty. We all get a boost when looking exactly the way we want; honestly, If I have only one or two things I'm good. That's lip gloss and a pair of fabulous sunglasses.

My all time favorite gloss is Mac's Oh Baby Lip Glass. It's my go to quick pucker fix. Nothing highlights my lips better. My newest acquired shades are by Guess (shown). Now being a New Yorker, all I need is some sun or a trip.

The point of all of this is to find out what works for you. It doesn't have to be elaborate or expensive. I know a guy that beams when he has a fresh hair cut. The only requirement is that it put a smile on your face and in your spirit. If you have things that make you feel great let me know.


*Posts you may enjoy are Weddings & Vera Wang or The 53rd Annual Grammy Awards

Change Can Be Good

It has been my experience that people can hear the word change and cause their own pressure to rise. That's something I've never really understood. I've had my share of negative change, but for the most part it has been good. In fact, the biggest changes in my life have been life shaking, but fantastic. The same has been true for most of the people that I'm around.

Many have allowed separation anxiety or fear of the unknown paralyze them. They choose to remain in unhappy situations or settle for mediocrity instead of risking the forward motion.

Dare to really live people! That doesn't mean risk everything that matters. It means consider the positive side of change before making a decision. Change can be good.


*Posts you may enjoy:

Finding Passion
Good Company
Progress

Mercedes Benz SLK Roadster - Another Valentine Suggestion

You've already purchased Black Love: A Book of Poetry & Love by Alice Benton and your honey deserves another gift. I'm making another suggestion, but keep in mind it's what I'd like. It may not be the right gift for the love of your life or someone you've dated for three minutes. It's the Mercedes-Benz SLK Roadster with a 6 cylinder engine.

I've always had a special place in my heart for the SLK. Its newest available feature is sky control. I don't know about you, but it sounds like all I ever wanted. It can switch from a light clear mode to a dark and sexy solar protective mode. Gotta love it! It hasn't been priced yet and will not be available until summer in the United States, according to Hannah Elliot of blogs.Forbes.com.

Yes, I know that's way past Valentine's Day, but I would take an IOU on this baby from someone I trust. Just putting it out there...we'll see.
http://blogs-images.forbes.com/hannahelliott/files/2011/01/2012SLK_Class.jpg
http://blogs.forbes.com/hannahelliott/2011/01/14/mercedes-benzs-new-slk-roadster-has-a-magic-roof/


*Another post you might enjoy is The 2011 Audi R8 Spyder.

Life Learner

I have been planning many things for this year. I knew that I would schedule in certain activities to contribute toward my growth, but life doesn't always bend to my will. God is clearly working on me.

I'm learning, but the lessons aren't what I expected. I am taught new instruction for life daily. Some are the simplest things long forgotten, but no matter what it's always what I need. I'm being nurtured for goodness. Positivity is being filtered into my life with ease. My temple is being rebuilt with God's love. My knowledge base continues to strengthen every day.

I have found that wisdom is as important as the air we breathe. I hope to always be a life learner and I wish the same for you.


*Posts you may enjoy are This I know About Life,  Good Company and When It Rains It Pours.

One Mother's Letter to Her Children

When you were given to me, God didn't tell me what you would become. He didn't let me know how you would look. He didn't warn me of your struggles or let me know of your achievements. He only let me know that for a time you are mine.

He knew I didn't need much. He wanted me to do my best to take care of you. So God gave me the one thing that would ensure that for you. He instilled within me unconditional love for you and knew that was enough. Never fear losing my love. It is the constant in your life.

Loving you always,
Mom


*Posts you may enjoy:

Alice Benton's Blog Reader Appreciation
Beethoven - Love Letters of Great Men
The Black Love Book Discussion

Where You Are

So many of us want to be somewhere or something else that we lose sight of where we’re are.  Those who don’t have children want them. Those who are single long for the married life, and the list goes on and on.  It’s important to have goals to aim towards, but appreciation for your current station in life is good too.  There is something beautiful about everyone’s life.

 

Don’t obsess over what it is that you don’t have.  It has been my experience that when I release something to God and dare to be happy, new opportunity comes my way.  You deserve to be happy right now.  So look around and find ways to love where you’re are.

Happy Birthday Arabia!

Happy birthday my dear, Arabia!  Alice Benton's Blog is giving you an extra special birthday shout out!  I hope you enjoy your day.  May every year of your life be better the last.

Half Time at the Super Bowl

The Super Bowl Halftime Show was fantastic!  Honestly, it's been years since I've enjoyed it so much.  The Black Eye Peas were awesome and so were the surprise guest!  I always love seeing Usher perform.  The whole show in its entirety made it a performance not to miss.  My family, friends and I loved it.  Everybody was singing, dancing and steadily watching the television screen.

The fluorescent looking multi-colored people also added to the excitement.  They made shapes while dancing around in perfect unison.  My favorite shape was the heart because I'm crazy about love, which happened to be spelled out too during the show as well.

I felt good about it all and was sad to see it come to an end.


PS Congratulations to Green Bay!

Rescue Yourself

Are you in a bad situation?  Is everything around you negative?  Or maybe it's you.  Is it?  Are you waiting for someone to rescue you and make everything alright?  If this person shows up, I'm happy for you and please ask if they have a brother for me.  If not...so what.

You don't always have to wait for someone to lift you out of the rubble.  God gave you the strength to get up on your own.  There isn't anything that you can't overcome.  You have everything you need to survive inside.  Train your mind to recognize all the good that you possess.  Once you have, all you have to do is accept it.  That way you can sit down and make constructive plans to free yourself.  Eventually, the new you will shine through on a regular basis.  Before you know it, you'll be acting proactively on behalf of yourself.

Beauty in Pain (Upcoming Novel) Character Introduction - Jan

Please read the following three post if you want more tied in knowledge:

Beauty in Pain Small Character Background 
Another Beauty in Pain Sneak Peek Quote
Beauty in Pain - The Peterson's Basic Family Tree


Character Introduction

Jan Simpson is the daughter of Samantha and Peter Simpson.  She has two daughters and is also Valerie Peterson's niece.  She's not much younger than Valerie and grew up with her and June in the same household side-by-side.  Jan is more like the sixth sister, although, Valerie's her aunt.

This character was always in Beauty in Pain.  She's a bit understated, but extremely important.  Jan is the family's resident drama queen.  Valerie always watched over Jan as they grew up together.  Jan returns the favor when it's needed most.  Jan plays an essential part during Valerie's "sink episode", which is a pivotal moment in the story.


*You may also enjoy Beauty in Pain Excerpt

Self Discovery

Have you ever wondered how other people see you?  The truth is inside us whether we know it or not.  We all have the answers we need to advance towards betterment in our lives.  We have everything necessary to survive and be successful inside.  The problem is finding what we can’t see.  That means we must discover things about ourselves and there are many ways to do it.  I like to pray and ask God for clarity, but there are other ways to approach this subject.

One being, asks the people around you.  I did a similar exercise in college once and found it both surprising and helpful.  Pick five people, both close trustworthy friends and/or co-workers.  Ask them to describe you in five words on an index card.  There is no need for thoughts or explanations because these are answers for you to find on your journey. 

Once you’ve collected all the cards, review them.  I’m certain you’ll realize that some people picture you in ways you never expected.  That’s where the road to your personal knowledge begins.  You must think about why they feel this way.  Only discuss it if you can’t figure out a positive reason.

You’ll find that many others see more of your full potential.  We often look at ourselves in a very limited way.  The purpose is to open your mind to real possibility of greatness.  You may also have to allow for one or two negative comments, but it is a good thing to know what you are putting out into the world.  And don’t ask someone that you know likes to weigh in on the negative.

If you like what you see do your best to embrace it.  Start making moves to improve upon your life with this new found information.




*Posts you may enjoy are Avoiding Bad Situations, Change Can Be Good and  Positivity.

Black History Month

Alice Benton's Blog wishes you a very happy & wonderfully informed Black History Month.  My take on this month is it's important because people do not yet always think the way they should.  This month means knowing that every person of every race is important.  It's knowing that you are beautiful regardless of how light or dark your skin.  It's knowing that when someone makes it clear that you are not attractive to them because of your race, they are highlighting their flaw; not a truth about you.  It's knowing that your hair no matter how kinky or straight is a gift from God.

The only bad thing about this holiday month is that it's necessary.   Spread love.         
African American Scientists and Inventors

Don't Fake It

A serious relationship can be so pivotal that they make you question everything about yourself and life.  They seem to pierce your very being.  While you often don’t know where it may leave you, one thing is certain, you will forever be changed. 

Sometimes we find ourselves in a relationship that’s actually more of a situation.  This circumstance is more of a decision that was made.  The other person seems to meet every need that you have so you decide I'll stay here.  Love isn’t like that.  It doesn’t allow you to properly insert yourself into perfect position. 

If you have to decide to be better than you are for someone, instead of rising to the occasion because you are simply better with them, then maybe this is not the best situation.  Love is supposed to be real.  Faking it won’t help either of you in the run.  In fact, it will form a wedge that ultimately severs the connection.

Existing together in a perfect union comes from the ability to be oneself.  The best relationships consists of couples that are loved and accepted for being imperfect and unapologetically themselves.  

Happy Groundhogs Day

Alice Benton's Blog wishes you a happy Groundhogs Day!  Punxsutawney Phil was awaken in ceremony today by the President of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club.  They looked for Phil's shadow, which is customary, but it could not be found.  A member of the club then pronounced by reading a scroll that apparently was written by Phil, that spring is coming early.  So good-bye winter, I hope they're right.

By the way, this post is doubling as a birthday shout out because it's Phil's 125th.  Happy birthday, Punxsutawney Phil!

Young Standards in Relationships II

There are still good men out there and we as women deserve them.  They need good women too.  Those of you that are blessed enough to know, make sure our young people know what to look for in a partner. 

There’s a natural give and take that exist in a relationship.  If only one person is giving then there is no relationship.  And don’t make that statement about money because it isn’t the only necessity between two people in love.




*Posts you may enjoy are It Takes Two and Social Network Crushes.

Technical Difficulties

I'm sorry, but Alice Benton's Blog was experiencing some technical difficulties.  This temporary problem seems to have altered the last post, Young Standards in Relationships.  The last paragraph was left out of the post.  It should have appeared before the questions.  I will post that part separate and I'm sorry for the inconvenience.

Young Standards in Relationships

I’ve been around quite a few young ladies lately, ranging in age from eighteen to early twenties, and noticed a pattern among these youngsters.  More often than not, they were over extending themselves to remain in the good graces of their boyfriends.  They were willing to do almost anything to continue being in a bad relationship.

Some of my peers said, “Young women have no standards.”  I don’t think that’s necessarily the problem across the board.  Everyone has standards whether we find them agreeable or not.  These young women seemed not to know what the standard should be when it comes to men.  Many statements were made, but one that really stood out was when someone said, “He’s a good man because he never hits me.” 

Real Love is based on goodness.  Yes, there are some negative things that happen from time to time, but the foundation is good.  A loving relationship helps to fill you with positivity.  It celebrates who you are; not who someone thinks you should be while they put you down.  You cannot control what happens, but you can control how you react to it. 

Do you think standards have changed?  Is it an age thing?


*Posts you may enjoy are Facebook Pet Peeves, Old Fashion Social Networking and Twitter.

The Fitness Challenge Begins

Today, the Fitness Challenge finally begins and will continue through March 2, 2011.  The challenge  participants will be writing comments daily on the newly added Fitness Challenge Page.  Remember to check in and see how we're doing.  I have already listed my comment for the day. 

I'm excited about making it to day 30, but it's a long road ahead.