Men and Games/ photo chrisflett.com

Video games have been a constant in my life since 1983.

Gaming has always been a great stress releaser and just plain fun. I can lose myself for hours in all sorts of worlds but throughout it all I am fully aware that it is entertainment and in no way reality. At 45, so many folks of my generation look at video games as a kids’ activity even though we all grew up with it but particularly women. A good majority of women feel that as an adult man playing games, it somehow shows a lack of maturity, responsibility and direction.

What’s sad is that this perception creates a lost opportunity to get closer, to become more intimate with their mates. Playing video games is just another way for a man to relax just like watching sports. Video games don’t dictate how a person is just as a person’s taste in music doesn’t dictate who they are. If a man is immature and irresponsible—guess what—he was like that from the moment he was born. Modern Warfare 3 isn’t going to make someone immature.

Women should see video games as an opening to know more about what turns her man on, what fascinates him about playing and how she can support his hobby. Nothing is sexier than a woman who can understand the allure of playing video games or even better, is into it herself. In all my years playing, I’ve come across only one woman who got it. She was the girlfriend of a friend’s friend who joined us in some gaming matches. All of us were skeptical but she was into it, even busted several of our asses in the matches but what it showed was how tight they seemed to be because she accepted video games as part of their lives. It was really hot to see.

Generationally, the perception is changing but it’s harder to knock some sense in my generation. Like I said before, video games are just another way to enter your man’s heart.

BNM, what do you think men and video games?

Gilda Dormevil and Karen Taylor Bass at the Harlem book signing for ‘Brand’ New Mommy: From Babies To Branding To Bliss.

I cherish the gift of friendship.

There have been many folks who have entered my life and many more who have departed; the constant stream is the lesson of friendship. #Cherish

Allow me to introduce you to a best friend and road trip buddy, Gilda Dormevil.

Gilda The Builder

Gilda is a single mom of two, entrepreneur, and a bad sister when it comes to painting and giving your space that feeling of #bliss.

Recently, Gilda left her big time job in the city to go back to school and get a trade certificate in Interior Painting and scored a position with Jersey City Board of Education as an Interior Painter. Wow!

Gilda Dormevil, Reinventor!

BNM: Who is Gilda Dormevil?
GD: She is learning, growing, and loving every moment of her reinvention act.

BNM: Why was it important to reinvent?
GD:I had to reinvent because corporate America was no longer working for me as a mom when my eldest turned 13 year old, I needed to present as a single mother.

BNM: Your greatest joy to date?
GD: Raising Asia and Jasmine (my children).

BNM: I love being a mom because …
GD: I learn as much as I teach.

BNM: Tell me why you created Gilda The Builder?
GD: To build on what I enjoy doing each day as it relates to relationship, personal growth, and family, while giving joy to my clients when a paint color transforms their space.

BNM: Most painful lesson learned to date?
GD: Growing pains. As you get older you realize that letting go is growing and that can be difficult.

BNM: I know I’m getting stronger when …
GD: I see and can predict the lesson before it happens.

BNM: Who is ‘Brand’ Gilda Dormevil?
GD: A child of God, Mom, Motivator, Reinventor, Friend, and Daisy’s daughter.

BNM: What would people be surprised to learn about you?
GD: I believe in karma just as much as I believe in God, it’s so important to treat people the way you would like to be treated.

BNM: Favorite quotes or book?
GD: ” Whatever effects one directly, affects all indirectly” by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Listen to Gilda Dormevil on ‘Brand’ New Mommy Radio and “Like” her page on Facebook.

I can’t tell you how many times we have been asked the question, ” How do you make time for intimacy between having six children, home and career?”

Over the years our strategy has been ever changing, however, with a vasectomized hubby and our infant on solid foods, romance is definitely in the air.

In a recent conversation with friend and brandnewmommy.com founder, Karen Taylor Bass, the magic question comes up, “How do you guys do date night?”

HMMMM…This term “date night” was a little foreign to me as it conjured up a vision of a planned evening complete with teenage babysitter, dress clothes, and reservations. These days the closest thing to “planned” that we get is the covert convo between me and the hubs when we recognize an opportunity to meet secretly while the kids are occupied. The artist in me decided not to mourn the absence of this “Cosby-esque” date night format but rather create my own version.

This little personal think tank sparked the memory of a recent “Date” that really left a lasting impression on the hubby and me. I thought it would also be a useful template for my new, personal definition.

Neo Date Night rule #1: Taking advantage of our unique lifestyle to carve out alone time. Business is business but there is nothing like a little sunshine and a tropical setting to make work seem like play. While enjoying some downtime we decided go shopping. As we strolled down Lincoln Road feeding our mutual shoe addiction, we stumbled upon something that could spark romance into any relationship, the perfect pair of leopard print pumps.

Rule #2: Using even the smallest commonality in interests to create a fun outing. I tried them on and walked around the store. I was in love and as I gawked in the mirror I noticed that someone else was in love too.

Rule #3: Never waste that “aha” moment. We both agreed it was a must buy. Watching his reaction started my romance wheels a turning. I told him I had a few more stores to look into so we parted ways and agreed to meet back at the hotel. After pulling together an outfit to match my purchase, I made arrangements with my travel nanny aka willing relative who agrees to go with us and low and behold a plan was made.

Rule #4: Always utilize the babysitter. I headed back to meet my husband and on a mission.

Rule# 5: You can never go wrong with a surprise that includes lingerie.

There you have it, somewhere between business and shoes, relatives and room service a mother and father of six managed to squander some romance, fun, spontaneity and passion.

When you have a lot going on I’ve learned that you have to go with the flow. Sure I’d love our quality time to include evenings out at a show or dinner at a swanky spot but it can’t always happen that way. In fact, it rarely does. Like every woman, I make the best out of my circumstances and get creative!

Romance, like your relationship is tailor-made to you and your boo. For us I know our approach to “Us Time ” will probably change again but I look forward it.

Looking back I’ve decided I like a date night that looks like mine. Unplanned and “out of the box” but loosely based on a few simple rules.

Aja Graydon is a contributor to The Brand New Mommy, speaker, singer, writer and Chief Wife at Kindred The Family Soul.

Kindred’s latest album, Love Has No Recession is available now!

Spread the word – we have OPTIONS!

Having a baby at 40+ scares us a little bit, but it’s a reality we’re facing. (It’s not that we chose career over conception–just one of those things. Looked up one day and it was like, “oh shit, I forgot to have kids !!!”)

But, gotta tell you, spending a day with my “Brand Mom” reaffirms that we have OPTIONS.

An episode of Brand: Mom shows having a clear sense of self and a strong support system (doula, anyone?), can make the journey a lot smoother. See more in this INSPIRING EPISODE! http://chicrebellion.tv/video/lifestyle/mommy-roundtable-doulas-and-having-babies-40

Miami Heat – photo from BleacherReport

If you are a competitor, play maker, sports enthusiast, dreamer, entrepreneur or a ‘brand’ new mommy looking for an ounce of inspiration — check out the game of basketball and watch the Miami Heat.

The beloved San Antonio Spurs and the Miami Heat went into battle last night for a chance to inch closer to winning the 2013 NBA championship. This game had all the excitement of a great life battle – heart, spirit, fight, euphoria, heroes, champions and an often simple play and plan which changes the course of the game/life. Are you overlooking a simple plan thinking you need something extra fabulous?

The reason I love the game of basketball is that it mirrors life; nothing is ever a ‘sure’ thing until the game is over. And, as much as you plan and prepare, it doesn’t mean the outcome will be in your favor.

Let me share with you what I’ve learned from watching basketball:

1) Team work is essential to win
2) If you want to WIN, someone must emerge as the leader
3) Don’t over-think your decision; if you need to take a clutch shot — do it and if you miss, at least you tried
4) Even if you play hard – doesn’t mean you get the WIN
5) Life is about heart and dreams – live yours and see what happens

Let me know your thoughts on winning?

Presenter, Kimra Major-Morris, ESQ

Join me for an hour on Thursday, June 6, 8-9PMEST as we discuss #BuildBrandBuzz and how to protect your intellectual property. Opportunity cost is ONLY $15.

This is a MUST for entrepreneurs and sane individuals.

TaylorMade Media & Karen Taylor Bass

present

Build, Brand & Buzz

Teleseminar #4:

*Call in # will be provided by 5:30PMEST on 6/6/2013

What Entrepreneurs Need to Know But too Proud to Ask: Copyright, Trademark & Patents

Presenter ~ Kimra Major Morris, ESQ

Intellectual poroperty advisor to Trayvon Martin Foundation

“Are You Overlooking Your Most Valuable Asset?”

Understanding the difference between copyright, trademark & patent
Overview of intellectual property rights
Why Register? (Advantages of registration)
Life after registration (marketing, licensing, and monitoring)
Cost to protect intellectual property
What can you do and when to hire a lawyer
What is protected and NOT

Format:

30 minutes presentation

30 minutes Q&A * please email questions to kt@taylormademediapr.com

Kimra Major-Morris, Esq.
Major-Morris Law, LLC
522 Hunt Club Blvd. #356Apopka, FL 32703
Phone: (407) 230-0540

www.majormorrislaw.com

Meet Brandi Mitchell – The Visual Strategist

‘Brand’ Moms and Movers & Shakers!

How important is your visual image when creating your brand?

According to celebrity makeup artist and visual strategist, Brandi Mitchell, your IMAGE is everything especially when redefining and renewing your personal ‘brand.’

Here is an interview from Pam Perry’s popular Synergy Energy radio show with Brandi and myself talking about renewal and the steps to channeling your best self.

Listen to internet radio with

Let me know your thoughts on visual brand strategy and makeup.

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I simply love when women/moms create a platform to entertain, dream and get paid. Woo-hoo!

Actress/Writer Saadiqa Muhammad has created her very own series “Moms” that takes a humorous look into the life of a single mom, friendship, dating and balance.

Please Check Out The First Episode and support and spread the word.

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Own your domain name

Have you made certain that your ‘brand’ business is in order?

Who owns your name and domain? *Register for ABCs of Intellectual Property Teleseminar

I own ‘Karen Taylor Bass, but can you say the same?

The past few weeks I’ve been busy coaching clients on public relations. I’ve learned from my ‘brand’ clients that many do not OWN their domain name or think it’s important to invest a mere $7 to purchase a domain name.

If you are reading these words, please click to yahoo.com, godaddy.com, network solutions.com, register.com and pay your $7 and purchase your name like I did with KarenTaylorBass.com to have peace of mind.

Start thinking about self as a ‘brand’ always. Owning your domain name has many rewards but the best one is knowing that you are in control of how you are presented always to the world.

I have a client who is waiting for her domain name to expire from an individual who purchased it two years ago. The law states the first person who files or register is recognized as the owner.

Here is a great article on Inc.com about what you should know about OWNING your domain name:

Just because you pay the domain name bill doesn’t mean you own it.
That’s right. You may not be the legal owner. Whoever is the legal owner of your domain name, that person has total control over it including – what Web site it points to, what domain name registrar maintains it, changing information about your domain name account, controlling who administers it, and being able to sell it. Read the entire article here.

Recently I wrote on Facebook that having a strategic press release in your arsenal is one of the best ways to procure an opportunity and the feedback/questions were INTERESTING.

Many emailed and said I did not know what I was talking about; the misconception is that if you have over 2k followers on social media you are a rock star. I hate to break it to you; however, it takes more than social media to create a strong/competitive brand. Start thinking differently and go back to the fundamentals, say an old school press release to get the word out.

You might be wondering in the age of social media why the heck would you need a press release? A press release probably sounds old school and antiquated in a microwave society, but, it still works best for longevity and positioning.

Know that social media announces what is happening at the moment; traditional press release builds a brand, anticipation, and is a slow cooker and tells a complete story and not just the super highlights. A press release is your story with a cause and effect.

Also, a press release can sell your talent and unique abilities in 4 strong paragraphs with an exceptional headline and have a longer shelf life to get noticed and garner major opportunities from talent bookers, editors and employers than social media.

A strategic press release is great for:
1) Elevating expert status
2) Showcasing past to current accomplishments
3) Announcing a project, job or award
4) Establishing consistent impressions
5) Becoming ‘Brand’ you

Book a 1-hour consultation with KTB today and get ‘Brand’-spired!

Karen Taylor Bass, PR Expert and Chief Mom at TaylorMade Media/The Brand New Mommy.

Let me know your thoughts on using a traditional press release to standout.