Last week, the lovely MJ Tam shared on her blog, Sugar My Bowl, the story behind her blog title, and I loved the idea! So, I decided to share how I came up with the title for this little popsicle stand that I call my blog. Pull up a chair as I take you down memory lane…

I’ve always been a person who looked for ways to give back and volunteer, especially in ways that involved things that I loved (i.e. shopping, beauty, entertainment). I would always forward information to friends and family about shopping events, wine tastings, and parties that benefited a good cause. In April 2008, my mom passed away and I started thinking about what little legacies I could start building. My first thought was to start a blog detailing my journey to support others, while also shedding light on various nonprofit events and organizations.

Now, that I had the plan, I needed a title. At the time, I was living in New Jersey for a short-term Client project. On a flight back to NJ, I was sitting in O’Hare trying to think of what I could call this blog. I wanted something catchy, but I also wanted it to represent me and the purpose of this site. Using old school pen and paper, I just started jotting words down. “Giver” stood out for obvious reasons, but what could I add to sass it up? Fancy, sassy, stylish…All of these words came to mind but nothing jumped out. Finally, I thought of “fabulous,” and voila…The Fabulous Giver was born!

Those three words sum up how I strive to live my life and they also represent every guy and gal who gives back on their own terms making charity a part of our lifestyle. So, there you have it! Do you have a blog? How did you come up with your title?

-kb

Run, Carrie, Run!

Whenever I break out in a stiletto-powered run, I always imagine myself looking as graceful as Carrie Bradshaw. I mean, who can forget the time she chased after Pete (Aidan’s dog) in short shorts and red peep-toe stiletto slip-ons? Magic, I tell you. Even though my run is not as graceful, I’m not going to let that stop me from participating in lululemon’s “Pumped to Run” event this Saturday in Chicago.

At 9a, I, along with other fearless people, will be meeting at 900 N. Michigan and racing around the block. The great part, aside from the many hilarious stories that will come of this? All heels will be donated to Dress for Success after the race. After the run, all racers will be treated to a complimentary brunch at the Rush St. store. So, pull out your checklist: Stilletos? Check. Exercise? Check. Breakfast? Check. Charity? Check.

How can you resist? If you’re interested in participating, join the gang at 9a and get pumped to run!

-kb

I recently signed up for Rosetta Thurman’s 31 Day Blogging Challenge. It’s designed to really strengthen our personal brands via our blogs. I’m very excited…And, of course, in true KB fashion, I realized that I didn’t complete yesterday or today’s posts yet. So…here’s yesterday’s challenge post. Today’s post will be coming later!

******

Day 2: Write a Purpose Statement for Your Blog

Why do you blog?

• I blog because it’s nice to have my own space where I can share topics that interest me, vent, or share personal experiences with my readers. I started blogging in May 2008 after my mom passed away because I wanted to share thoughts that were in my head and I decided that I wanted to start building my own personal legacy…Whatever that would be.

What do you blog about?

• I use this blog for three purposes: share fun and stylish ways to give back, share my personal journey to live a charitable lifestyle, and to promote great causes. Of course, you’ll get some other stuff mixed in, but this is the gist!

What do you want to become known for through your blog?

• I just want to be known as the fun girl who is changing the world with a stylish hand and an open heart.

-kb

Today while browsing through Twitter, I came across this quote, tweeted by the Angel Rock Project:

Quote of the Day: The charitable give out the door and God puts it back through the window…Traditional Proverb.

I read it and had to stop, think, and say a prayer to God. It went a little something like this…

God, as long as I can, I promise to use the gifts that you gave me to help others, while at the same time helping my spirit and soul. As I send these blessings out the door, I will open my heart and mind to receive any and everything that you see fit to put through my window. Thank you for yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Amen.

Knowing that you reap everything that you sow, what blessings and positivity are you giving out your door? If you’re not already doing so, I encourage you to find a way (any way) to start investing in others and in your community. The reward is there for the taking, and trust me…You will be blessed.

Happy Friday!

-kb

Photo: Gentle Breeze by Lyle Huisken (as featured on Fine Art America)

All the Single Ladies...

I hate dating.

If you ask me what about dating specifically grinds my gears, I will say everything. So, a few people were more than shocked when I agreed to participate in the Venus vs. Mars Speed Dating Party hosted by The BOSS Network this past Saturday. I participated in the event for three reasons:

• I was asked…
• I need to break out of my comfort zone…
• It seemed more about fun than actual love connections (no pressure *whew*)

I am glad that I dragged my patootie out and played along. I had a blast getting to know the other participants, including two cool chicas that I partied with well into the evening.

Having said all of that…I still hate dating, but think that’s it more fun when there are drinks and great music involved. But, for the ones that don’t go so well, I’ve decided to be “Single for Good.” No, not in that way. Keep reading!

Single for Good is a blog that I discovered while participating in the Chicago Cares Serve-a-thon. The author, Bianca, and her friend were at our volunteer site rocking shirts with the blog logo and URL. So, you know that I had to check it out…And, I LOVED the concept of the blog. The author intertwines tales of dates gone awry with good deeds to atone for the sketchy encounters. I took the following passage from her first post:

I am a Single for Good…an uninhibited, love-crazed, romantic humanitarian. I give love-as I look for love-as I blog about love. I challenge myself to not dwell (too long) in the funk being single can sometime bring but, instead, to delight in performing acts of compassion for life and Earth.

The concept is so refreshing and something that I and other single ladies should openly embrace. It’s pretty easy to forget about the shortcomings of that short banker when you’re giving your attention and time to a worthy and (appreciative) cause. While I don’t plan on being single forever, I definitely am excited about being “Single for Good,” and look forward to reading more on this site!

-kb

In...Out...

Just wanted to update you all on my Choose You personal challenge. Last week, the Choose You bloggers decided to focus on the importance of stress reduction in our lives. I was all for it because this is definitely one of my top goals.

Last week, I used my post to share one of my favorite breathing techniques from DrWeil.com. It’s called the 4-7-8 exercise and can be done ANYWHERE! The basic details are below:

Place the tip of your tongue against the ridge of tissue just behind your upper front teeth, and keep it there. You will be exhaling through your mouth around your tongue; try pursing your lips slightly if this seems awkward.

* Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound.

* Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of four.

* Hold your breath for a count of seven.

* Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound to a count of eight.

* This is one breath. Now inhale again and repeat the cycle three more times for a total of four breaths.

Simple, right? I probably do this exercise 4-5 times a day! Sometimes, there’s nothing we can do but just breathe. Inhale, exhale…Feeling any better?

To keep up with us Choose You gals, head on over to Blog.ChooseYou.com and read about our adventures to live healthier lifestyles!

-kb

Time to Serve!

This past Saturday, I joined over 1000 Chicago volunteers to participate in the 17th Annual Chicago Cares Serve-a-Thon. Year after year, this event gathers teams of do-gooders for a day of beautifying schools across the city. Chicago is one of the most poorly funded school districts in the US, so things like painting are often seen as extras that can’t be afforded.

I teamed up with my great friend, Brian, who put together “Team Sleet.” We spent our Saturday painting a classroom at Faraday Elementary on the city’s West Side. Our task: Replace the bright yellow walls with a cool blue. I may be a bit biased, but I thought our team was the best one (outside of the mural artists). Team Sleet shared the room with a group of three gals and we had a blast! You seriously would have thought that we were friends before the Serve-a-Thon.

Before!

After!

I only snagged a couple of pics because I was too nervous about getting paint on my Blackberry. Losing a pair of old jeans and some gymshoes to the paint gods is one thing…Losing my phone would send me to therapy.

After completing our project, it was back to Soldier Field to enjoy a live band, some beers, and snacks. It was a great way for me to spend my Saturday, and the best way to kick off my summer of service!

Serve-a-Thon crowd enjoying the band

I know that I’ve plugged Chicago Cares before on this site, but I have to do it again! If you’re in the city and looking for great volunteer opportunities, definitely check out their website. No matter what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find some great service opps around town!

-kb

Welcome to a new journey in the chronicles of The Fabulous Giver. I’ve decided to kick off “Fit and Fab” because it’s time that I really, I mean really start focusing on being the most gorgeous and healthy version of myself. Today, I blogged my inaugural entry for the American Cancer Society’s Choose You blog. In the post, I discuss why I’m finally taking the time to do this, and what my health goals are.

Up first, I plan to get these eating habits under control. I am out of control, y’all. I stuff my face with bread when I feel anxious (literally). I eat maybe 1-2 times per day. And, sometimes, my first meal isn’t until after 1p. Does that sound crazy to you guys? It sure looks crazy to type! *shakes head* My goal this week is to prepare some healthy, convenient meals that must include more fruits and veggies! That is an absolute must.

Next, let’s talk exercise. I’m a petite gal, but I could stand to be a bit more toned. The problem is that exercise bores me with a capital BORE! So, I’m on the prowl for some fresh and exciting ways to get my fit on…starting with Yoga Booty Ballet. I recently purchased five classes on Groupon, so I’m looking forward to trying one. Actually, I am flat out geeked. I’ve been eyeing these classes for awhile and what better time than now!

So, stick with me as I get my act (and body) together…And, I’d love to hear your thoughts and tips/tricks allow the way! Oh, and when I tweet updates, I’ll be using the hashtag #fitandfab.

Cher = Old Me...No More Excuses!

-kb

Today is the last day of MS Awareness Week. As many of you know, multiple sclerosis is an issue close to my heart because my mother fought the disease for almost 30 years before passing away in April 2008. The purpose of MS Awareness Week is to educate the public abut the impact of this debilitating disease and to encourage all of us to take a stand against MS by making a donation, volunteering our time, and/or sharing our experiences.

Watching my mother battle MS was the most difficult experience of my life. I watched her go from a cane to a walker to a wheelchair to being bedridden during the last 31 months of her life. There were many times when I had to leave the room so that she wouldn’t see or hear me crying when she told me that she could no longer read the side of a cake mix box. Watching your “she-ro” slowly lose control of her body took my mind, heart, and faith in many different directions. There was the guilt. One time I came home from college and realized that I left my keys in Chambana. As I knocked on the door, I remember thinking “Is she sleeping? What’s going on?” When she opened the door, I looked down and saw her on the ground. Turns out that she’d pulled herself across the floor from her bedroom to the front door because she had to let her daughter in the house. GUILT. I cried silently for hours in my pillow because I felt so terrible.

Or there was the time when I came home to find out that my mother had been sitting on the floor for over a day because she’d fallen out of her wheelchair while reaching for something and her caregiver had the day off. I mean, as a young person living the life in college, I began questioning myself as a daughter. How can I be away at school living it up and my mother was at home dealing with these things? I thought about transferring to the Chicago campus to be closer to her, but she refused. “No. You stay down there and finish…in Champaign.”

That selflessness and sacrifice is what I think of every single day when I remember my mother and when I think of every parent battling multiple sclerosis. It takes an immense amount of sacrifice to turn your children loose into the world when you know that you could use their assistance at home. Throughout her fight, my mother remained selfless and giving. Smiling when she preferred to cry. Encouraging us when her hope was gone. Even in her passing, there was an element of giving. She gave my sister and I the “freedom” to pursue our dreams. She empowered us to take her legacy and story and use it to change our lives and the world.

When I volunteer at the MS Society, I love meeting parents with MS who have young children. I love looking at them and telling them that although it will be difficult, it’s not impossible. My mother did it. They will do it. And, their children will love them even more for it. After all, those of us affected by multiple sclerosis are warriors. We fight every single day as this disease continues on its destructive path. But, we will never give up. Not now…Not never…Not until there’s a cure.

-kb

*The featured tee is for sale in my “Fab Giving, Fab Living” shop. 50% of proceeds to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Illinois Chapter.

Am I the only one who feels like this year is just zooming by? I mean, really flying by. March already? Wow! I’ve been buzzing around town meeting great people and attending some educational events and thought I’d give you guys a mini-update, so you don’t think that I ran away from the blog!

Last week, I attended a panel on Sports Philanthropy hosted by the National Association of Black Sports Professionals. It was a great discussion moderated by Scoop Jackson (ESPN), and panelists included former Chicago Bears player Jerry Azumah, Chicago Bulls’ Luol Deng and Halleemah Nash, Joshua Mercer, Reg Hamlett, and Karl Benson. All of the individuals spoke about their role in supporting the community and some of the challenges associated with starting and/or maintaining a foundation that is relevant, active, and financially stable. I will provide a more in-depth recap over on my Chicago Philanthropy Examiner column this week. But, great job to all the panelists and NABSP for spotlighting philanthropy in sports and particularly Black philanthropy in sports!

Over the past few weeks, I’ve made a more conscious effort to get my patootie out there and really meet more people in my wonderful city. I’ve attended tweetups, including a Blissful Blogette soiree hosted by CRAVE Chicago; had breakfast/coffee with people, including Fred Cadena of Young Professionals of Chicago; and met some great individuals who are working in the fight against HIV/AIDS. That’s right…You know there’s no way that I can do anything these days without thinking of The Red Pump Project or working on behalf of my baby the organization.

Speaking of Red Pump, we will celebrate our first anniversary next week with a host of events, and will officially celebrate on Thursday, March 25th with a fashion show in Chicago. Separate blog post coming soon!

So, TFG family, that’s what I’ve been doing…Not to mention working hard in my new job. Did I tell you guys that I’m no longer an intern? Yep, I’m back in the workforce full-time and in the field that I wanted. I couldn’t be more excited *happy dance*

-kb