Wisdom Wednesday's: Team Building

As I progress to building Butterfly30 into the brand I have envisioned it to be I realize the importance of building a team. It is not any team. It must be the RIGHT team.

The first couple of years into this I met so many people who either talked about it or had ulterior motives it made me sick. This caused me to lose interest and, I must admit, confidence in my talents. I backed out of projects because I felt I was the only one taking this thing called entrepreneurship seriously. But my dreams still centered around my baby. I would awake in the middle of the night with an idea and I could not go back to sleep until I got out of bed and put my ideas to paper. So I tried again.

This time I would seek out so-called professional support groups. Oh boy!!! I went to my local SBA office and poured out my heart- website, blog, ideas, plan, etc-and was told that he didn't GET IT?! What?!?!?!?!!! Can you say heartbroken? As I left the office I randomly stopped a woman who fit my marketing profile, presented myself and my business idea to her and she LOOOVVVEEDDD it! She went on about how this was something the area needed and if it ever came to fruition she would definitely support it. Needless to say, that was the boost I so very needed after being so nicely deflated.

Fast-forward 2010 and I am quietly but effectively re-introducing Butterfly30 and folks better watch out (yeah Mr. SBA I am coming back to show u a thang or two, lol). I am amazed at how things have been snowballing for me. I have met so many people in the business who are constant and consistently referring me for various projects. I am truly appreciative and extremely supportive of them. There is no need for me to name names- they know who they are (hey team!!! lol).

Don't get me wrong, there are a couple bumps that I've experienced but this time I am rolling over them like I'm in a Hummer- don't feel a thing! Whoever isn't on board the last train in Harlem...well, what can I say...buh-bye and Bfly!

Musician Monday's: Chris Brown

As the week flew by I almost dreaded preparing for this week's Monday blog. I did not want to go the route of other bloggers and critics who constantly wrote about the same musician's week after week. Or in this particular artist's case, chose to down him for past mistakes. I must say I am characteristically hard on people...I have a strong sense of right and wrong and will defend my views and opinions passionately. But I feel that Chris Brown has been really dogged out and not given a chance to mend his ways...so this week's Musician Monday is all about Mr. Chris Brown.



I do not condone Chris putting his hands on anyone! And definitely not a woman or child unless in defense of his life. However, he admitted to his crimes, his issues, he is seeking treatment and paid his debt to society. Does this give society the right to try and take away his talent, too? Now I am not saying that I will be in first place in the groupie line to be in a relationship with him...but that's my choice and that of the individual person...but I do appreciate talent(especially in this day and age of one-hit wonders and Soulja Boys- why Lord why???).

This also brings to mind the many adults who staunchly supported infamous Robert Kelly aka R. Kelly after he openly had relations with a minor on tape (...statutory rape???...). I heard many folks...women at that...say vehemently that it was her choice for allowing it and therefore it was ok. R. Kelly was and is supported by most in the music industry and continues to work with such artists as Keri Hilson, Michael Jackson (not now people...), and Usher. I mean seriously people!!!

Just think back to when you stole that bag of chips or polish from the store, you cheated on your partner, you tore someone down instead of upbuilding them...imagine where you would be if no one gave you a second chance.

Here's to his "Crawl" back to the top of the charts!

Snippet Sundays: What I am doing this week

So this past week was a lil bit hectic. I had some obstacles to overcome, my first cake tasting, meetings with my web & business card developer, updates with one of my fav designers Charlie JOnes (check back for a full interview in August and a sneak peek at some of her designs) and recipes to try out. As I ran around town with my head cut off like the proverbial chicken I realized I needed to do the following:

• Manage my time better


• Set realistic work hours and stick to it


• Always, Always! have a small notebook for my ideas- separate from my Butter Book


• And network, netWork, Network!

So what's coming up this week: check out Musician Monday's for my favorite artist of the week...another recipe tasting provided by FB's (facebook) own Chef Tracey on Tasty Tuesday's...a review of a new and local nail salon in Harlem for Fashion Friday's...and Things to To Do Thursdays that will give you what else...a list of some things to do in the upcoming weeks. AND MY PHOTOSHOOT!!!!!

I am looking forward to this journey! Join me on the ride...Bfly

Fashion Friday's: A girl's night out

This week I had the pleasure of assisting a client on her attire for a night out on the town with her girls. As she didn't want to be too sexy or fierce we settled on one of these cute outfits...floral, sweetheart neckline dress with pockets from a local store...guess which shoes we settled on from the client's collection.

Unfortunately, we did not capture the full look but feel free to comment on what you think her accessories should or should not be...

Black Mesh Man Eater Open Toe Heels


Satin fuschia and black open toe heels (platforms of course0 comfy n sexy)


Dark grey patent leather pumps (platforms)



Thank you diva for allowing me to capture my work!!!

Tasty Tuesday's: Chef Jaquell's Salmon Cakes

This week I had the opportunity to find a great recipe on my facebook page. The original recipe called for cajun spices, however, when I commented this on Chef Jaquell's page, he ever so kindly, tagged me on the following recipe. I must say it was quite delicious. Try it out and tell me (or Chef Jaquell, lol) what you think!


Chef Jaquell's Recipe & Photo



INGREDIENTS
· 1/2 lb. fresh salmon
· good olive oil
· kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
· 4 tbsp. unsalted butter
· 3/4 cup small-diced red onion (1 small onion)
· 1 1/2 cups small diced celery (4 stalks)
· 1/2 cup small-diced red bell pepper (1 small pepper)
· 1/2 cup small-diced yellow pepper (1 small pepper)
· 1/4 cup minced fresh flat-leaf parsley
· 1 tbsp. capers
· 1/4 tsp. hot sauce
· 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
· 1 1/2 tsp. crab boil seasoning (Old Bay)
· 3 slices stale bread, crusts removed
· 1/2 cup good mayo
· 2 tsp. Dijon mustard
· 2 extra large eggs, lightly beaten

DIRECTIONS
· preheat oven to 350°
· place salmon, skin side down, on baking sheet. brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. roast for 15 to 20 minutes, until just cooked. remove form oven and cover tightly with aluminum foil to trap heat. allow to rest for 10 minutes and then refrigerate until cold.
· place t tbsp. butter, 2 tbsp. olive oil, onion, celery, red & yellow peppers, parsley, capers, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, crab boil seasoning, 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. pepper in a large saute pan over medium heat and cook until veggeis are soft. (15 to 20 minutes) cool to room temp.
· break the bread slices and process in food processor until you have about 1 cup of bread crumbs. place bread crumbs on a sheet pan and toast for about 5 minutes until slightly browned.
· flake chilled salmon into a large bowl. add the bread crumbs, mayo, mustard, and eggs. add the vegetable mixture and mix well. cover and chill for 30 minutes inthe fridge.
· shape into 10 (2 1/2 to 3 oz.) cakes
· heat remaining 2 tbsp. butter and 2 tbsp. olive oil in a large saute pan over medium heat. add the salmon cakes and fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side. drain on paper towels and keep them warm in a preheated 250° over. serve hot.


My in-house "chef" Toby's Photo ;-)





Toby modified minor ingredients as we didn't have them on-hand but it did not change the integrity of Chef Jaquell's recipe. It was delicious and because we had leftovers it became our dinner for our family. We look forward to trying out more of Chef Jaquell's recipes!!!! (Check him out on fb...tell him I sent you: www.facebook.com/chef.jaquell

P.S. There are more photos on our facebook page: www.facebook.com/bfly30

Musician Monday's: Eminem

This week's "musician of the week" is Eminem. Although I am not a huge Eminem fan I really do love his premier single "Not Afraid" from his lastest album- "Recovery"...but here's some background info (that you may or may not know) about the artist.




Marshall Bruce Mathers III born sometime in October 1972. M&M or Eminem is a rapper, record producer, actor and (egads!!) singer (???) who rose to the top of the rap game in 1999 with his debut album, The Slim Shady LP, which won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album. His sophomore album "The Marshall Mathers LP", became the fastest-selling solo album in US history...blah, blah, blah ;~)

Check out the lyrics to "Not Afraid"...and tell me, are you afraid?

[Chorus]
I’m not afraid to take a stand
Everybody come take my hand
We’ll walk this road together, through the storm
Whatever weather, cold or warm
Just let you know that, you’re not alone
Holla if you feel like you’ve been down the same road

[Intro]
Yeah, It’s been a ride…
I guess i had to go to that place to get to this one
Now some of you might still be in that place
If you’re trying to get out, just follow me
I’ll get you there

[Verse 1]
You can try and read my lyrics off of this paper before I lay ‘em
But you won’t take the sting out these words before I say ‘em
Cause ain’t no way I’m let you stop me from causing mayhem
When I say I’ma do something I do it, I don’t give a damn
What you think, I’m doing this for me, so f-ck the world
Feed it beans, it’s gassed up, if it thinks its stopping me
I’mma be what I set out to be, without a doubt undoubtedly
And all those who look down on me I’m tearing down your balcony
No if ands or buts don’t try to ask him why or how can he
From Infinite down to the last Relapse album he’s still sh-ttin’
Whether he’s on salary, paid hourly
Until he bows out or he sh-t’s his bowels out of him
Whichever comes first, for better or worse
He’s married to the game, like a f-ck you for Christmas
His gift is a curse, forget the earth he’s got the urge
To pull his d-ck from the dirt and f-ck the whole Universe

[Chorus]

[Verse 2]
Ok quit playin’ with the scissors and sh-t, and cut the crap
I shouldn’t have to rhyme these words in the rhythm for you to know it’s a rap
You said you was king, you lied through your teeth
For that f-ck your fillings (feelings), instead of getting crowned you’re getting capped
And to the fans, I’ll never let you down again, I’m back
I promise to never go back on that promise, in fact
Let’s be honest, that last Relapse CD was “ehhhh”
Perhaps I ran them accents into the ground
Relax, I ain’t going back to that now
All I’m tryna say is get back, click-clack BLAOW
Cause I ain’t playin’ around
There’s a game called circle and I don’t know how
I’m way too up to back down
But I think I’m still tryna figure this crap out
Thought I had it mapped out but I guess I didn’t
This f-cking black cloud’s still follow’s me around
But it’s time to exorcise these demons
These motherfu-kers are doing jumping jacks now!

[Chorus]

[Bridge]
And I just can’t keep living this way
So starting today, I’m breaking out of this cage
I’m standing up, Imma face my demons
I’m manning up, Imma hold my ground
I’ve had enough, now I’m so fed up
Time to put my life back together right now

[Verse 3]
It was my decision to get clean, I did it for me
Admittedly I probably did it subliminally for you
So I could come back a brand new me, you helped see me through
And don’t even realise what you did, cuz believe me you
I been through the ringer, but they can do little to the middle finger
I think I got a tear in my eye, I feel like the king of
My World, haters can make like bees with no stingers, and drop dead
No more beef flingers, no more drama from now on, I promise
lyrics courtesy of www.killerhiphop.com
To focus solely on handling my responsibility’s as a father
So I solemnly swear to always treat this roof like my daughters and raise it
You couldn’t lift a single shingle on it
Cause the way I feel, I’m strong enough to go to the club
Or the corner pub and lift the whole liquor counter up
Cause I’m raising the bar, I shoot for the moon
But I’m too busy gazing at stars, I feel amazing and

[Chorus]
I’m not afraid to take a stand
Everybody come take my hand
We’ll walk this road together, through the storm
Whatever weather, cold or warm
Just let you know that, you’re not alone
Holla if you feel like you’ve been down the same road
[End]

Photo courtesy of www.famemagazine.co.uk

Snippit Sunday's: Photoshoots July/August

So I am extremely excited. I am working on concepts for a couple photoshoots that I believe are going to be AMAZING. I woke up 4am this morning and pulled out my Butter Book and did not stop until 1pm. (getting ready for a meeting with a designer today) I enjoy networking...contacting business owners that offer services such as, retail, dance lessons, workout programs for targeted events. If you are interested or know someone that may be open to new ideas in this tough economy please email me, contact me on facebook, or call me!

Also, interested in planning and hosting a Fall/Winter 2010 trunk show in September. If anyone has a boutique and can donate space, or is a designer with merchandise in production please contact me.

Here's to a productive and successful 2010 Bfliers! *muah*

Food Friday's: Hudson River Cafe

This week my girlies and I decided to hit up The Hudson River Cafe located in Harlem at 697 W 133rd St. in memory of a close friend. I called ahead to confirm "Happy Hour" and we made arrangements to meet at 5pm. I arrived a bit early and as I sat by my lonely self...there were two cute guys @ the bar with me ;~)...I ordered the "Under the Bridge".

"Under the Bridge Sangria"...chardonnay, brandy & juices $8


This drink was tasty. It was the best light sangria I've tasted...not too dry, or too sweet. And during HRC's (Hudon River Cafe's) Happy Hour it was only $4 instead of $8.

My friends arrived and we decided to sit at a table indoors as it was wayyyy to hot for outdoor dining and drinking. Boy, was this a mistake. I had to settle my bill with the bartender before I could be seated...hunh? The "rules" of Happy Hour changed at the dining table...less than 5 feet from the bar. Drinks are full-priced. The nice manager, Gigi, comped us a drink as mine was paid for...with a tip. However, when we attempted to go to the bar to order more drinks we were told this was not allowed. Again, we had to settle our dining bill prior to bar service. WTH?!?! I thought the idea of Happy Hour was reduced food/drinks in an establishment to draw a crowd. This was wayyyy tooo complicated. Needless to say we were disappointed.

Although, we enjoyed the live band and the food wasn't bad...chicken a bit dry and improper cutting utensil (yes, a butter knife- maybe I'll tell you the story about that one later, lol)...this is not a place I'd recommend. Too many rules and for the price you pay for food service should be on par. A not so happy, Happy Hour...

"Grilled BBQ Semi-Boneless 1/2 Chicken w. Cream Spinach & Garlic Mashed Potatoes"
$17.00


"Crab/Lobster Stack"...w. avocado & mango $14





But that's just my two cents...Bfly!

Wisdom Wednesday's: Be courageous despite the naysayers

Recently on Facebook I began posting job openings, notes of encouragement and things to do in an effort to link this blog to my revamped website (unveiling in Fall of 2010). Needless to say, the crabs in my barrel are seeking to bring me down. I know that it may be unintentional but as a creative being, dare I say artiste...I am sensitive about my sheesh *Erykah Badu voice*

Butterfly30 is one of my babies. A concept I've dreamt of...sweet dreams and beautiful nightmares *Beyonce voice*...shed tears over...shelved when I thought I couldn't do...and cried when I realized I could. And that I had something, yes, something...that NOONE else had.

I wonder if people would say the things they say if they knew the affect(effect, I never get this right lol) their words would have on the intended. (Maybe I'm just sensitive???) For some reason I doubt it...this subject is not a new one.

So this is for all of you pushing forward despite setbacks in life...who are at the top and feel lonely...who have dreams that are yet to be dreamt:

"Whatever you do, you need courage. Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising that tempt you to believe your critics are right." - Ralph Waldo Emerson


The critics will always be there...but you can fail only if you TRY!

Have a great day my Bfliers and please stay motivated!

Acitivities, Activities, Activities...

So the kids are out of school, you have unused vacation days, or you and the hubby want to do "something" but don't know what? Check out the list of things to do and don't forget to take pictures. They're great memory keepers *muah*

Play Me, I'm Yours:
Artist Luke Jerram's public display of pianos- yes, for your use!- at the following locations:

Grand Concourse
Fordham Plaza
Prospect Park: Grand Army Plaza
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Harlem Art Park
Central Park Bandshell
St. Nicholas Park
Jackson Heights Post Office
Staten Island Zoo

Check out the official website for maps and alternate locations: www.nycstreetpianos.com

Amazon Voyage: Vicious Fishes:
A virtual tour of the Amazon's River most dangerous fish...hmmmmm
Check out the New York Hall of Science website for details: www.nysci.org


Savion Glover's "Sole Power":
From now until July 10, Savion Glover is performing at the Joyce Theater in NYC.
Tickets start at $10 and showtimes are Mon–Wed 7:30pm; Thu–Fri 8pm; Sat 2pm & 8pm
Check out www.joyce.org for details and to purchase tickets
Savion's website: www.saviongloverproductions.com