by

Nutrition: The Missing Link

Nutrition: The Missing Link | Photo Source: Canva

In November, I started a new journey. I hired a nutritionist with hopes of maintaining my health. I recently took an extensive health assessment at my job and my only low score had been my BMI (Body Mass Index). After talking with my company nurse, we both concluded that because I exercise regularly and have good eating habits my blood work and other assessments were great!

Being 40+ and on no medications, I was pleased with my results, however my BMI still bothered me. I decided to hire a nutritionist. I had a consult with the nutritionist and in a few days she sent me my eating plan. Interesting enough, everything that was on my plan I already had in my kitchen! So, I was eating the right foods, but not the right combination of foods. I also wasn’t drinking enough water and getting proper rest.

I have been amazed at the difference these small changes have made. Not only have I lost weight, but I’ve lost inches in my chest, waist, and hips. I finally realized that nutrition was the missing link in my health plan. Shout out to my nutritionist ShLanda of Balanced By Burton. She is very knowledgeable and has been my biggest cheerleader!

To learn more about nutrition and what impact it has on weight loss you can contact ShLanda at Balanced By Burton. Nutrition could be your missing link too!

Tonya Cross – The Vine Events Visionary

 

 

 

by

Fall Community Gathering 

P8perglass Jewelry/Beads, The Vine Event Planning, and First Legacy Community Credit Union is collaborating again for Fall Community Gathering on Saturday, October 22nd at 3pm. We’re continuing our #BankBlack campaign for the Salisbury NC/Rowan County area. Join us for music, face painting, giveaways, and much more. Our giveaways will be from local black owned businesses. #FallGathering #BankBlack #FirstLegacy #GroupEconomics #BlackBusinesses

 **If you’re a local black owned business that would like to participate in our event giveaway, please contact The Vine Event Planning.**

Fall Community Gathering Eventbrite Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fall-community-gathering-tickets-28584466910

by

NYC Trip For Urbanworld 2016

In July I got an email from ArrayNow informing me that I was receiving a pass to Urbanworld Film Festival 2016! The pass was a thank you for valuing and supporting their work. Array was originally AFFRM (African-American Film Festival Releasing Movement), which was founded by one of my SHEroes Ava DuVernay. I became an ArrayRebel a few years ago because foremost I LOVE black film. Secondly, I understand the importance of supporting indie films by people of color and women filmmakers.

I was already off from work during the time of film festival, because I had originally planned to travel to Washington DC for the inaugural of the National Museum of African American History and Culture with my hubby. I’m a black history nerd too! My husband convinced me to bypass the trip to DC and head to NYC for the film festival. He also made it very clear that he still planned to attend museum opening without me!

Urbanworld Film Festival was amazing! I was in film heaven. I got an opportunity to see some great independent films and engage in post-screening dialogues. I also meet some amazing people from fellow film enthusiasts to filmmakers! It was like a big family reunion centered around the love of film. Thanks ArrayNow, I will forever cherish the experience!

Tonya Cross – Visionary of The Vine Events

 

Director Leila Djansi and actor Jay Ellis of Like Cotton Twines

Director Mira Nair and actor David Oyelowo of Queen of Katwe

Dialogue with Class Divide Cast

Dialogue for young filmmakers showcase 2016. My favorite film was Silent Night!

by

Why is it important for us women to identify our Tribe?

Great read from our friends at AfroLatina Natural! Have you identified your tribe?

afrolatinanatural's avatarAfroLatina Natural

By: AfroLatina Natural

It is important for us women to identify our Tribe.

As women, to reach our best selves, it is important to search for our life’s purpose, follow it and fulfill it. However, finding your purpose, let alone fulfilling it, may not be an easy task. It is a work in progress at whatever stage you may be in that journey. As women, there are many factors that may help or sidetrack us from staying on track. Often times, we fail to realize that there are key people in our journey that will help us stay on the right path to reaching our best selves and follow our life’s purpose. Whether you are 16 in the midst of high school, 22 fresh out of college or 30 starting true adulthood, it is highly important that we as woman IDENTIFY who are the people in our TRIBE.

You…

View original post 737 more words

by

Come Back Home

Come BackHome

First Legacy CCU – New Account Drive

P8perglass Jewelry/Beads and The Vine Event Planning is co-hosting a “New Account Drive” during the entire month of September at First Legacy Community Credit Union in Salisbury, NC. We’re encouraging the local Salisbury/Rowan County African American community to “bank black”. This is a movement taking place across the United States signifying a shift towards economic empowerment at a local community level. Our hopes is that this is the beginning of greater things to come towards building a stronger community. First Legacy Community Credit Union website link: http://www.firstlegacyccu.org/   Photo Credit: CreateHER Stock

by

For The Love of Men

We’re hosting “For The Love of Men” on Saturday, July 30th at 1pm EST. This event is for women who have fathers, husbands, sons, brothers, and/or nephews of color. We will have a conversation about loving the men in our lives, knowing our rights, and the importance of restoring and replenishing ourselves. Visit our Facebook event link for more details: https://www.facebook.com/events/1725819641001724/. **This program is not sponsored by Rowan Public Library** #ForTheLoveOfMen #LovingOurMen #KnowingOurRights #SelfCare #TheVineEvents #TheVillage #TheTimeIsNow

by

RSVP…Put Some Respeck On It! 

FBLive Broadcast
RSVP stands for the French phrase, répondez, s’il vous plaît, which means please reply. I recently did a Facebook Live broadcast about RSVP and received much feedback from viewers. There seems to be a lack of respect for RSVP in our society. As an event planner, I know first hand the fallout of when event guest don’t honor RSVP and treat it as optional. I personally feel like it’s just a matter of most people not understanding what’s fully involved in planning an event and need to be educated or brush up on guest etiquette. So, here’s a quick Event Planning 101 overview for event guest.

1. Event Purpose – Most great events don’t happen spontaneously; most start with an idea or purpose. The host must design an event that incorporates the ultimate purpose whether it’s to celebrate, honor, or educate. An effective event design must be developed around the idea that creates a memorable experience for all guests. 

2. Event Location – Location is key in hosting the perfect event. There’s research involved and site tours that must be taken of top choices. The event host must be able to transform the location into an environment that lends to an unforgettable guest experience.

3. Pre Event – Every event needs a way of notifying guest about the occasion whether it’s through invitations or an online event page. Some events requires that host actively promote event to create a buzz that encourage guest to attend. Other events may also include getting event sponsors and vendors.

4. Day of Event – The host must make sure everyone and everything that’s a part of the event is in place and on time. Proper pre-planning will minimize mishaps on event day. A good host will work the room to ensure everyone has what they need and are having a great time. At end of event there must be a breakdown and cleanup of what ever props/setups and equipment used at event. 

5. Post Event – The most important part of event planning is evaluating the event; being open and honest about what went well and what didn’t. The host must also send thank you responses to guests, vendors, sponsors, and anyone else who was involved in making the event a success. It’s also helpful for the host to get feedback from those who participated in event as well. 

I hope this gives you a better understanding of what’s ALL involved in planning an event. As you can see a great host puts a lot of heart and soul into creating a memorable event for their guest. So, the next time you get an RSVP invitation don’t take it lightly. It’s an invitation to enjoy the fruits of someone’s labor who consider you special enough to share the event experience with!

Tonya Cross – The Vine Events Visionary 

by

It’s Not Too Late 

Recently I did a Facebook Live broadcast titled “It’s Not Too Late” and got a great response. People notified me and shared how encouraging and inspiring the broadcast was. The conversations reminded me of the beginnings of my brand launch of Accented Glory. In June Accented Glory will be celebrating 3 years of being in business! I launched Accented Glory, a handcrafted hair accessory brand for women, at the age of 43! My husband said I was going through a mid-life crisis. I say I finally found my passion!

So, to ALL my fellow “Forty Pluses” out there it’s NEVER TOO late. For you it may be learning a new hobby or experiencing a new activity. We should forever be students of life and always learning something new. Some may desire to go back to school or even go for the first time; just do it. Others may want to simply just become a better you, by eating healthier and exercising. My personal motivation is that I never want to have to ask myself “What If?”. Be encouraged and always remember it is NEVER TOO late!

Tonya Cross – Visionary of Accented Glory and The Vine Events

 

by

Pretty Doesn’t Have To Hurt 

(Excerpt from The Vine Events’ visionary guest blog post on kurlquest.com)

Wanted Too Tight Headbands RewardToo often, hair accessories get a bad rap and are accused of causing damage to hair. One of the primary suspects is the headband. As a hair accessory designer and natural, I embrace opportunities to educate other fellow naturals on what to look for in hair accessories. So for the record, it’s not the headband that’s the problem. It’s the misuse of it, bad fit, and materials used that create the problem…Learn More

Tonya Cross – The Vine Events and Accented Glory’s Visionary

by

One Word

img_0866Guess who has joined Facebook Live? I have and I’m loving it! After conducting a survey in February, I discovered that a large portion of my audience is on Facebook. Right now I’m only broadcasting live from my personal page and Accented Glory’s business page. On my personal page I share live video shorts about how to be a better you, small business owner, or organization leader. Last week I challenged my viewers to ask three people to describe them in one word. Below are the responses I received when I did the challenge.

Michael – Busy. My husband for over 20 years was able to give one word off the bat. His word was VERY accurate. Building a brand occupies much of my time, but I’m able to find balance. Thursday night is date night and it’s an opportunity for us to spend quality time together and catch up on what’s been going on with each other.

Desere’- Multifaceted. Desere’ is Accented Glory’s social media specialist and my oldest daughter. She’s also the reason why I have four responses instead of three! She said she had to think about it…by the time she got back to me, I had already asked two other people. Despite her late response it was on point, because I do wear many hats!

MJ – Innovative, Caring, Oriented. I recently met MJ this pass November. I was very surprised by his words considering we just met. I’m glad I made a great first impression.

Donna – Engaged, Determined, Entrepreneur, Devoted, Committed. I’ve known Donna for over ten years and she’s a registered pharmacist too. I’ve had the pleasure of working with her at two different job locations. Even though she couldn’t think of just one word, her description let’s me know that I’m exemplifying great qualities.

Candace – Awesome, Kind, Proactive. I met Candace over two years ago via Twitter when I launched Accented Glory. I consider her one of my business besties! We share resources, bounce ideas off each other, and support one another in any way we can. Her description is a direct reflection of how I feel about her!

As you can see, I truly enjoyed this challenge. I also look forward to the regular engagement I have on Facebook Live. It gives me an opportunity to interact in “real time” with my fans, followers, and customers. Be sure to like  Accented Glory‘s Facebook Page to catch my “Hair Accessory Myth Buster” Facebook Live video series I kicked off this week!

Tonya Cross – Visionary of The Vine Events and Accented Glory