Featured Business: Cutie Booty Cakes

After working for over a decade in non-profit management and government, and upon the birth of her son, Renee decided that working from home was the best choice for her. An opportunity presented itself and after being back at work full-time for 3 months, she left her position for a more flexible schedule. A graduate of Spelman College with a Master's Degree from The American University, Renee is very much prepared for the entrepreneurial lifestyle. "I have the full support of my husband who is also an entrepreneur and has been pressing me to venture into my own business forever," she says.

In addition to building her "Cutie Booty Cakes" business, Renee is currently a non-profit management consultant for a national literacy organization. "I am a busy woman but am happy with the flexibility of my schedule and the ability to enjoy quality time with my child."

Cutie Booty specializes in "diaper cakes", cakes that are not edible but are loaded with the essential ingredients all new mommies need - Diapers!!! Cutie Booty diaper cakes are designed to look like real cakes and are great gifts for new parents. They can be given as baby shower gifts, at the hospital, anytime - because every Cutie Booty needs covering!

The diaper cakes are designed with the discerning customer in mind. Each diaper cake is meticulously handcrafted and made to order. All of the diaper cakes are created with materials of the highest quality - Pampers Swaddlers, silk flowers and top of the line ribbons and decorations. All diaper cakes are wrapped in tulle with a matching bow.

CONTACT RENEE @ Cutiebootycakes@gmail.com

Victorious Enterprises Launches Victorious Magazine!

The Pleasing Spoon is happy to wrap-up the blog tour for Victorious Magazine's premiere. We spoke with the founder and editor, Brooks J. Young, to discuss what her plans are now that she has "birthed her baby."

As mothers plan and hope for their new children, now that you've birthed Victorious, what do you plan to do to shape and mold her into what you hope she becomes?

As a new "mom" I have given my "baby" back to God. That was my first assignment...MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! I've planned so many things for Victorious but I've also looked at how mothers have to adjust due to what may happen. In saying that, I'm going to take it one day at a time before I announce any news. I will say that, Victorious is a FREE print publication that will be in your mailbox September 2009.

What types of influences/views will she be exposed to, in this case exposing? For example, who are your staff members and contributing writers and what are their platforms?

Victorious' Staff and Contributing Writers are work-at-home moms, authors, pastors, attorneys, financial planners and entrepreneurs.

Are you planning or do you have any extensions of the magazine? For example, is it only the magazine or do you have a newsletter, blog, radio show, Twitter, Myspace, Facebook,etc.? Also, are you looking for writers, blogger, reviewer, etc.?

Victorious Voice Radio Show is our interactive outlet which allows us to hear the voice of our readers and in turn share the voice of our vision. On the radio show, we will feature various authors, ministry leaders, entrepreneurs, book club hosts, musicians, and other public figures as a means of spotlighting women who are living victoriously in order to inspire our listeners to overcome the obstacles they are facing and turn their adversities into avenues for success. Victorious Voice Radio Show's interviews are hosted by BlogTalkRadio.

Victorious Café is the hot spot for those looking to connect with and learn more about others in the writing industry. We will provide a feature spotlight in the Cafe each week for authors, musicians, ministry leaders, and various entrepreneurs. We will also post book reviews and blog tour schedules as well. Don’t miss the latest industry news - it’s all right here presented in a practical format in our personal and interactive Café!

Are you planning to expand topic areas (in addition to the topics already covered). What are the topics/sections of the magazine as well - what's covered in each?

At this time, I am only doing what God has given me. When He adds more then I will. I believe, I must perfect what He has given before I add more.

1. Destiny & Purpose

Victorious Magazine exists to provide opportunities and instill confidence that all women possess the ability to reach their personal goals for success. Our goal is to motivate women of all backgrounds to develop skills and gain information through our resources to help them be the best and most prosperous woman they can be ... These articles will help women learn about entrepreneurship and find out how to research ways to begin on your path to becoming an author. The featured moguls will help you get connected in your industry of interest by networking with others in similar careers and get you educated on the necessary steps to start your own business! We all have a destiny and God designed each of us with a Purpose - the knowledge you need to succeed in your dreams is only as far as the vision God set forth in Victorious Magazine! Our priority is YOU! Our purpose is to be a vessel for God to open doors for all women...


2. Inspiration & Empowerment

We all need an extra boost of encouragement now and then. Inspiration is the first step to EMPOWERMENT! What are the gifts that you were blessed with? What is your passion? The talents God placed within you are the tools He intended for you to use to touch the masses. Victorious Magazine is determined to help you find ways to use your God-given gifts for your personal advancement! Why? Because when God's people are elevated, the Kingdom thrives and it brings Glory to His name! Through these articles, we will touch on all the topics vital to every woman's spirit so that each one of us are able to reach our potential for growth and maturation.


3. Style & Grace

The modern woman who concerns herself with fashion is presented with many worldly options of apparel. Here, you will find modest, yet sleek, alternatives to the revealing, suggestive styles out there. Want to learn how to look like a diva while remaining pleasing to God and not appealing to lustful eyes? Our goal in Style & Grace is to present you with material that enables you to be confident, respectable, trendy and professional in the clothing choices you make!


4. Victorious Living

Have you ever had the desire to get things done around the house on your own, but weren't sure where to start? Women are victorious in ALL areas of life... We will put together articles that will get you going on your next home improvement, decorating, gardening, or Mrs. Fix It project on your own!! We will get your in touch with the resources and tips you need to make your next project successful and affordable!


5. Victorious Wellness

As a temple for the Holy Spirit, our bodies should be a very high priority for us. Our health affects everything in our lives. If we don't feel good, we don't function well and we don't operate in our calling effectively. Victorious Magazine provides its readers with the latest news on health from foods to fads, diet do's and don'ts, as well as tips for healthy lifestyle changes such as working a practical exercise routine into a busy schedule, simple eating habits that make a BIG difference, and vitamin supplements that pack the most punch as well as information on the ones that aren't worth the trouble. The most important key of obtaining and maintaining good health is knowing what is helpful and what is harmful. You'll find all of that and more, right here!


6. Stewardship

Are you a good steward over your finances? Are you falling scarce to the "recession"? Victorious provides tips and resources on how to live a life of luxury while investing for your future. We have the best Financial Planners and Penny Pinching Divas to show you how to live like Queen Esther and work like Martha.


7. Victorious Book Club

Victorious Magazine features a book every month for which purchase information is provided and the book is discussed in depth. We believe that we can never get too much literary familiarity and encourage our readers to support established and up-and-coming authors' original works. You will find a plethora of resources here for your leisure and welcome you to join us in an enriching conversation through which we will all be able to consider the perspectives of others and look at things in ways we wouldn't otherwise see them.


For more information about the magazine and Victorious Enterprises, please contact:

Brooks J. Young
Founder & Editor
Website: www.victoriousmagazine.com
Twitter: www.tweetme.victoriousvoice.com
Facebook: www.facebook.victoriousvoice.com
General Information: info@victoriousmagazine.com

Where are you now . . .

. . . compared to where you thought you'd be?

I had a very interesting conversation with some online girlfriends of
mine last month. Where are you now compared to where you want to be?
Where are you now compared to where you wanted to be at an earlier age
(i.e., elementary, high school, college)?

As for me, when I was in elementary school I'd say, "When I grow up I want to be a news anchor or an airline pilot." Then, as I got older and throughout high school, developing a love for Math, I started saying,"I'm majoring in Accounting when I go to college." I got to college and realized I didn't like Accounting so much. That's when it hit me - Business. I want to be an entrepreneur. Thus, I changed my major to Business Management and earned an Honors BBA. Somewhere along the line, I fell into the legal industry and have become a 10-year vet of the legal administration industry, having specialized in corporate law, medical malpractice, estate planning and intellectual property law, and some areas of probate law. I'm hopeful that the business background, the legal foundations learned and now my quest to obtain a Masters degree, and experience will afford me the credentialing and opportunity to one day found, own and successfully operate a community activity and educational training center.

With all being said, I believe I am right where God wants me to be but definitely not where I thought I'd be ;-)

~Tavares

Where are you now - compared to where you thought you'd be?

Book Review: Secret Daughter by June Cross

This memoir is a very interesting look into what it was like growing up for June Cross, daughter of aspiring white actress, Norma Booth, and well known black comedian, James "Stump" Cross. Secret Daughter delves into what is was like for a young June growing up, sometimes in two completely different worlds, and trying to find herself and more about herself and her parents. This novel takes us through June's adolescence and college years, on into adulthood and the present. June learns some lessons on her own, but is often persuaded to make choices other children or people do not have to make. Although June started out sometimes having to deny herself and even her kinships, I was happy to see that she fully accepts who she is now. I was happy June got all the answers she searched for for a lifetime, and especially the fact that she was able to reconcile her emotions with her mother and her father.

Nurses Week Ends Tomorrow!

National Nurses Week is ends tomorrow!

Nurses Week is celebrated from May 6-12th. Join TPS and the American Nurses Association (ANA) in saluting nurses across the U.S. this year. The ANA's theme is "Nurses: Building a Healthy America". This theme reflects the commitment nurses make every day for their patients, their communities and their country.

TPS thanks all the nurses who have ever cared for any of our family and friends.

Send an e-card to a special nurse: ANA e-card

Walt Disney Studios' First African-American Princess

Walt Disney Animation Studios revvs up for the musical, 'The Princess and the Frog,' an animated comedy set in New Orleans starring Anika Noni Rose in the title role.

The movie is a modern twist on a classic tale, featuring a beautiful girl named Tiana, and a frog prince who desperately wants to be human again. A fateful kiss leads them both on a comical adventure through the Louisiana bayous.

Tiana is Disney's first animated black princess.

'The Princess and the Frog' will open for exclusive engagements in New York and Los Angeles on Nov. 25 and then nationwide on Dec. 11.

Happy Mother's Day!

AI Has Lost it's "Girl Power"

Tonight's results were quite surprising for me! AI has lost it's girl power this season. After the polls were in and the votes got counted, Ryan Seacrest revealed to America that the last girl standing, Allison Iraheta, is going home. Allison's akready in her hometown - Los Angeles, CA. All is not said in done for this 17 year old talented girl with the uniquely identifiable voice. She'll be touring with the AI Top 10 and we'll probably see a solo effort.

Of the three remaining contestants, I 'm rooting for Adam. Personally, I think Chris should have gone home tonight. Hopefully, the top 2 will be Adam and Danny. I'll be satisfied with the season if either of the two win.

Dave Bing - Detroit's New Mayor!

Dave Bing, a businessman and former NBA great, is now the mayor of the city of Detroit. Bing assumes the office after defeating former Mayor Ken Cockrel, who assumed the remainder of Kwame Kilpatrick's term after he resigned just this past September.

The Detroit News reported approximately 92,000 Detroiters showed up at the polls.
Bing, 65, received 48,951 votes to Cockrel's 44,703 -- a win of 52 percent to 48 percent with 99 percent of precincts reporting.

QUESTION: With another election coming up in August and then another shortly thereafter, where do you think the city is headed? Should Dave Bing move quickly with his transition team or should he allow Cockrel's appointees to remain? With only months before other elections, what can really be accomplished during a possible shuffle considering Bing's "possible" short tenure in office?

Florida A&M Looking for Black Female Students

Please share this information.
Florida A&M Looking for Black Female Students

Scholarship Information

Florida A & M University is providing an outstanding opportunity for
Black women entering college in the fall of 2009. It is designed to
address their absence in the field of computer technology. Dr. Jason
Black is the Principal Investigator of a recently awarded $552,000 NSF
Grant entitled African-American Women in Computer Science. The grant
provides scholarships from $4000 to $10,000 per year for female African
American students.

We need your help to get the word out about this great opportunity to
build back up the enrollment of women in the CIS Department. Pass this
information along to high school or community college student, their
parents, and to guidance counselors you may know.

The full text of the scholarship can be found at
http://www.cis.famu.edu/~aawcs/