Brand New You with Karen Taylor Bass- Brenda Braxton on Starting Over

As you know, I recently started hosting ‘Brand New You’ - a web series on Black Enterprise.com about reinvention, branding and all things essential. Here is the latest installment — take a watch and please post a comment. Here’s to brand you!  Click here to watch.

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Is BETs Version of ‘The Game’ Working?

I must admit it — I am a little under-whelmed with this new slicker version of the show.

I loved it on the CW and then continued to watch each marathon on BET as if it was my first time over and over again (and, you know BET can pimp a show).

Now – I am in a quandary.

Do I continue to watch it because I want to support this brand or do I simply go back to watching ‘The Good Wife?’

I thought the ‘older’ version showcased smarter dialogue, the characters had chemistry, and, each episode had enough swag but not too over the top to make it unbelievable? Continue reading

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A BNM Beats Cancer, Hypertension, Obesity and Inspires Us All To Get “Mental”

Nyla (BEFORE)

I love the BNM, it’s an authentic community. The letters I receive are very personal and I NEVER share, however, when my sister posted this COMMENT, I thought it was imperative to share how much of life is MENTAL.

Wow, sis every time I log on I feel inspired to look up new information.

Okay as you now, your niece was recently born and everyone says I don’t even look like I just had a baby; but, after being overweight most of my life and then in 2009 losing 50 pounds, I need to maintain my look. LOL.

Seriously, weight means so much; I will share with everyone.

Because of my history with Cancer, then Hypertension, I had a miscarriage and was told by my OB to see a High Risk Pregnancy doctor that she recommended. I make the appointment and see this petite woman who runs tests and says before we focus on you becoming pregnant let us look at your obesity.


My thoughts were I am only 182 pounds. She was like exactly your obese for your height you need to focus on losing weight she then recommended me to a doctor in my area to help me lose weight.

I cried, I couldn’t even bring myself to call my husband. A week later I spoke with my husband and he came with me to the weight loss center. I stayed on the plan and my husband even sneaked a few of my shakes and diet bars. How dare he, he was deemed, “fit” at the weight loss center. LOL.

Anyway I paid for the program for three months but the beauty was the doctor gave me homework every week and he changed my mind set towards food the whole diet thing is also mental. At least it is for me.

I am comfortably in my size 4 jeans again after giving birth 12/29/2010. Without paying for a program or even having time to go the gym. I just consume better and smaller meals; walk and I wore a “bellyband” after having the baby. Shhhh! LOL.

But I am still working on my torso, I have that apple shape and I am working on my “FATBACK”. Anyway I need to be sexy for the walks in the park with Annorah, my daughter.

Good luck to everyone trying to lose weight – remember, it’s all mental. Sis, you look great. Now I am researching Kettle bells???

Nyla Lee

Please click here and fill out this survey, we are changing BNMs one voice at a time. Will you join me and become a BNM tastemaker?

Nyla (AFTER)

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It’s Not The Number, It’s The Sexy

There is nothing like weight loss to spark a spirited discussion on any forum.

I mean weight has been the elephant in the room for many hiring managers, decision makers, entrepreneurs, and, Brand New Mommas.

Let’s stop giving folks excuses not to utilize our services; and, although folks are progressive — well, you can finish the sentence.

It’s no secret that I am on a weight loss/new life/get sexy back challenge and I am pleased to say that several BNM has joined in  (Darisha Miller, Maxxi Williams, Lacey Clarke!, Pam Perry, Eula Young, Authoress McGregor) and I thank you.

Becoming a reinvented brand is no easy fete; and, having an extra twenty pounds doesn’t make the reinvention process any sexier. I would say for any person in the challenge it’s important to filter out all the noise, and listen to your body. I have said it a million times — it’s not a number game – it’s a lifestyle journey.

My yoga teacher said in class today that, “our bodies are ruling us and it’s time for us to be the champion and rule the body.”

Deepness!

Do you know how extra weight can impact us, especially as African Americans?

Diabetes – talk about motivation.

I have heard from many folks that Kettlebells are the new “it” workout.

My birthday is in early March and I am determined to look like a Brand New Me! My true motivation was to get sexy back and secretly had to come out of denial, now that Jennifer Hudson is smaller than me (how the heck did that happen)? Kudos to her – but damn!

What are you doing to get sexy back?

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Dinosaur Train – All New Episodes, “The Good Mom:” Monday, Jan. 17th

Sofia as "Buddy" from Dinosaur Train - Costume #1

Sofia’s favorite show, Dinosaur Train, has new episodes on Monday, January 17th, PBS-Kids (check local listings).

In the all-new episode, “The Good Mom;” “Diamond Anniversary,” Mrs. Pteranodon meets fellow mom Millie Maiasaura, who is a little too over-protective of her kids. The two moms share some time comparing mothering methods in a play date at the Big Pond.  And, Mr. and Mrs. Pteranodon decide to surprise each other with gifts on their anniversary.

I figure the family will watch Dinosaur Train in the morning, then off to a MLK Celebration afternoon event. It’s truly important for my kids to understand the impact of MLK Birthday and at the same time learn a thing or two about harmonious behavior from Buddy and Co., on Dinosaur Train.


BTW: In addition, BNM has a giveaway opportunity featuring a new Dinosaur Train sleepwear item for our followers in a size 4.   All you have to do is subscribe to BNM and your name will be entered in the drawing. Any takers?


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Are You Watching The Game Tonight?

I will be in front of the television tonight (Tuesday, January 11), wearing my jersey and watching Melanie, Derwin, Tasha, Malik, Jason and Kelly bring it L-I-V-E to BETThe Game offers witty and intelligent writing for grown folks and that’s refreshing.

Let’s see if BET can keep the production level at EXCELLENT!

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Love Me, Monday!

It’s Love Me Monday!

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of doing nothing and basking in girlfriend love and tooo many cocktails at the Taylor Bass’ Girlfriend Spa Retreat hosted at the  Hotel Hershey.

It was great to share in estrogen power and celebrate the beauty and complexity of sistership, motherhood, life, entrepreneurship, and everything in between.

I welcome you to celebrating self on ‘Love Me Mondays.

It takes a lot of courage to share your hills and valleys and that’s why I am happy to share with you Gilda Brown and Dr. Tarani Johnson testimonials as they proudly proclaim victory on ‘Love Me Monday.’

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