ABCFamily Cancels Lincoln Heights

If you missed the opportunity to watch this drama series on ABC Family, you truly missed a well-written and overall excellent drama. Lincoln Heights was a drama series centered around the Sutton family. Eddie Sutton, a police officer moves his family back to his old neighborhood of Lincoln Heights. The series was filled with all the trials and tribulations of the family adjusting to a new neighborhood, school, and friends.

I started watching Lincoln Heights during Season 1 which premiered in January 2007. The series was a must see every week, I immediately loved the strength of the Sutton family and how two working parents juggled raising their three children. Season 2 premiered in September 2007 and again I was hooked on the drama series. Season 3 premiered in September 2008 and the story lines were getting better and better. By this time I was setting the DVR so I did not miss one episode. I periodically checked the ABC Family website in anticipation of the next season. Season 4 premiered September 2009 and the drama was living up to my expectations for bringing the drama that I loved so much. In the past few weeks, I noticed an air date on Tv One for the Lincoln Heights series. I thought this was a little strange since Season 5 was soon to start. I read Season 3 premiered with the highest ratings in the series' history which indicated to me the lack of marketing for a drama with a wonderful story.

Today I received a tweet from @savelincheights informing me ABC Family cancelled the series. It amazes me when networks cancel extremely worthy shows and there is no announcement or closure to the story lines. I would love to know if the series was given a fair share of the marketing budget to really promote the series. When I saw the three female cast members on the Monique talk show, I was glad to see it was finally getting exposure outside of the ABC Family network.

In 2009 the drama series received a NAACP image award nomination for best drama series. In January, the drama series received 3 NAACP image award nominations for Outstanding drama series, Outstanding Directing in a drama series and Outstanding Writing in a drama series. Go figure ABC Family, a well-deserved series!

I hope another network picks up the series because the story of the Sutton family was a drama masterpiece. My best to the wonderful cast and I hope to see you again soon. Bravo, Bravo!

There is now a petition to Save Lincoln Heights Save Lincoln Heights

Music: "Be That Easy" Track from Sade's Soldier of Love

Sade's Soldier of Love in stores, next Tuesday, February 9

Ten years is far too long for one of my favorite artists. She has 25 years in the industry and I can't believe Sade has been a part of my life since high school. The last concert we went to was in Atlantic City and she was amazing. If you get a chance run to Her US tour starts in May.

Listen to three additional tracks from Soldier of Love:(Enjoy!)

Barnes & Noble.com "Be That Easy" Sade, Soldier of Love

The Princess and the Frog Movie Premiere

Since my little man was off from school I decided to take both kids to see the movie before the weekend rush. We surprised my little diva at school with her new tiara and the fact we were going to see the movie this evening. Thanks to my little man for being such a good sport! He told me to hide him going into the theatre because it was a princess movie. I tried to find my little diva some goodies before we picked her up from school. The animation was exceptional, the music was definitely on point and plenty of comedic moments throughout the movie. Princess Tiana is absolutely beautiful!

The kids appeared to enjoy the movie and my little diva did very well with sitting for over an hour. I am anxious to discuss the movie with other moms to get your thoughts. My lips are sealed on the movie, so hurry and see it this weekend.

The movie was obviously a hit it debuted at $25million this weekend!

Our photos: little diva in the car with tiara, outside the theatre, The Princess and the Frog goodies

The Princess and the Frog

On Friday, December 11 The Princess and the Frog will hit theaters nationwide.

My little diva screams to the top of her lungs each time the commercial airs. Thank goodness for her and my ears, we plan to see the movie on Sunday afternoon. I want to plan a special afternoon because I get to share a snippet of history with my little one. We will experience the Disney's first African -American princess together. My little princess is soooo excited beyond words. I love the fact she gets to see an onscreen princess with brown skin.

Here's to hoping we have a blast as we celebrate such a special day! Thanks, Denene for the Fandango tip. If you order tickets from Fandango you can register for a Princess Tiana Echanted Call , click the link below for details(limited offer ends on 12/16):

PRINCESS TIANA ENCHANTED CALL

Sade New CD Soldier of Love available February 8, 2010

This is unrelated to the Christmas theme but I had to blog about one of my all time favorite artists. Sade's music truly stands the test of time. You can go years without any Sade music and then a familiar song comes on the radio. The wait is over she is back, February 8, 2010 (just in time for Valentine's Day). When I heard the single, Soldier of Love on the radio this morning, it was like she was never gone for a moment. If I ever get to meet Sade(wishful thinking), I would sure like to ask how she remains ageless? Whatever she is drinking or eating, I would like to have a case of it!

If you are a fan and even if you are not, click below to hear the new single Soldier of Love

Soldier of Love

Enjoy!

The Lion King in Philadelphia Limited Engagement

I had an opportunity to see The Lion King twice in NYC and once in Philadelphia. It was absolutely a wonderful production.

A special offer for tickets The Lion King in Philadelphia

Chester County Mid Summer Restaurant Week

For my local mommies:

From August 2- August 9

Restaurant Week is here! This is your chance to discover new restaurants and enjoy all your favorites at a special flat price with special 3-course dinner menus for $30.09 at the BEST Chester County restaurants. What's more,when you order from any participating restaurant's special "Restaurant Week" menu you will also receive a FREE$10 Restaurant Gift Certificate that's valid at ANY participating restaurant for an entire month after the event!

Here are 16 tasty reasons to check out Chester County Restaurant Week!
Restaurant Alba - Malvern Barnaby's of America - West ChesterThe Big Easy - Paoli Brandywine Prime - Chadds FordThe Farmhouse Restaurant - AvondaleThe Grille & Pub at Hartefeld - Avondale La Locanda Restaurant & Bar - EdgemontLandmark Americana - West ChesterMarly's - Phoenixville Molly Maguire's - PhoenixvilleThe Paddock at Devon - Devon Pietro's Prime - West ChesterPJ Ryan's - PhoenixvilleRiverstone Cafe - ExtonRyan's Pub - West Chester The Station Bistro - Kimberton

There are no tickets or passes required for Restaurant Week. Simply show up and dine at as many restaurantsas you like all week long. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling the restaurants directly.Special $30.09 menu includes 3 courses at each restaurant. Tax, gratuity, and drinks are not included.

Chester County Restaurant Week is sponsored by AYC Media, AroundPhilly.com, and Capital Wine & Spirits!

CNN TV- BLACK IN AMERICA 2 July 22 8PM ET

Soledad O'Brien will moderate another segment of Black in America 2 on CNN, Wednesday, July 22 at 8 PM ET/Thurs 8PM ET. http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2009/black.in.america/

MICHAEL JACKSON 1958-2009

While watching the BET tribute to Michael Jackson, the You Rock My World video started. If you never saw this video it was an amazing choreographed video with Chris Tucker, Marlon Brandon and Michael Masden. It was truly MJ at his best....... I can remember listening to my Off the Wall album, that's right I said album. In my opinion there will never be another performer with his talent! He created a style like no other; the socks, jackets, hats, he made pants that were too short a signature style. Unfortunately I never saw MJ live but his videos were like sitting at a performance. Some of my favorite songs were P.Y.T, Billie Jean, The Lady In My Life, Remember the Time, Working Day and Night, Rock with You, Gone Too Soon, You Are Not Alone, Liberian Girl, Don't Stop Till You Get Enought to name a few. Favorite videos, Beat It(who can forget that red jacket w/zippers), Thriller, Dirty Diana, Remember The Time, Smooth Criminal, Earth Song!!! I almost forgot about him in The Wiz....... now that is a throwback. R.IP.- King of Pop!

REGAL ENTERTAINMENT GROUP- FREE FAMILY FILM FESTIVAL

Hi Moms:

Are your kids on summer break yet? Regal Entertainment is offering free movie showings at select theaters across the US. The showings are on Tuesday and Wednesday at 10AM. Seating on a first come, first serve basis.

Here's the link to find a theater near you:

http://www.regmovies.com/nowshowing/familyfilmfestivalschedule.aspx

Exhibit: Audacious Freedom -African Americans in Philadelphia 1776-1876

Everyone:

Looking for a weekend activity? This is a great event and the admission is FREE.

The African American Museum in Philadelphia is hosting a Grand Opening-Juneteenth Celebration on Friday, June 19, 2009 as well as the opening of the exhibit "Audacious Freedom-African Americans in Philadelphia 1776-1876.". Admission to the museum is FREE, from 11AM-4PM.

From June 20-21, the museum will feature Family Fun Days from 11:00AM-4PM; admission is FREE.

Visit the link to see the calendar of events planned for this weekend.

http://www.aampmuseum.org/calendar-of-events

Hawthorne Series Premiere Tonight on TNT 9:00 PM EST/8:00 PM CST

Don't forget to tune in tonight at 9:00 PM EST on TNT for the series premiere of Hawthorne, starring Jada Pinkett Smith, who plays Christina Hawthorne.

Character Bio:

Christina Hawthorne (Jada Pinkett Smith) is the tough-yet-caring Chief Nursing Officer at Richmond Trinity Hospital. She prides herself on standing up for her patients and preventing them from falling through the cracks of hospital bureaucracy. She’s a hero who acts out of good intentions, even if she occasionally violates hospital policy or protocol in the process. But being there for her patients means she isn’t always there for herself and her daughter. She is trying to move on after her husband’s death, but she hasn’t really had time to grieve because of her work duties. Her relationship with her teenage daughter can at times be strained, especially when Christina puts the hospital first. Still, she is a loving mother with a creative way of handling family issues.

THE TAKING OF PELHAM 123 and IMAGINE THAT

To all my Denzel Washington fans, new movie The Taking of Pelham 123(R) opens June 12th.

Plot: Armed men hijack a New York City subway train, holding the passengers hostage in return for a ransom, and turning an ordinary day's work for dispatcher Walter Garbe into a face-off with the mastermind behind the crime.

Eddie Murphy stars in the film, Imagine That(PG) opens June 12th. The film is distributed by Nickelodeon Movies, however it is rated PG.

Plot:A financial executive (Murphy) who can't stop his career downspiral is invited into his daughter's imaginary world, where solutions to his problems await.

Find tickets here:

http://www.movietickets.com/

ODUNDE FESTIVAL JUNE 14TH

This is a popular annual event in Philly. June 14th - 23rd and South Street.

http://www.odundeinc.org/When/WhenWhere.htm

The festival, whose concept originates from the Yorba people of Nigeria, West Africa, celebrates the coming of another year for African Americans and Africanized people around the world. It is an occasion highlighted by a colorful procession from 23rd and South Streets to the Schuylkill River where an offering of fruit and flowers is made to Oshun, the Yoruba goddess of the river. ODUNDE is also known for its authentic African marketplace featuring vendors from around the world selling merchandise from many African nations, the Caribbean and Brazil.

New Book Must Read "EXACTLY AS I AM"

Good Morning Ladies:
I was just listening to the Steve Harvey Morning Show and Shaun Robinson (Access Hollywood) was on talking about her new book "Exactly As I Am". It is a book for girls on self esteem. She interviewed celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, India Arie, Diane Sawyer, Sharon Stone, Alicia Keys, etc to get their perspective on what is important for girls to know. It was interesting that most of the women who she autographed books for wished this book was around when they were growing up. It is available at Amazon and Borders. Here's the link:

http://exactlyasiam.com/

Peace & Blessings