Under Pressure….It isn’t easy being a Rays player

Tropicana Field located in St. Petersburg, Florida is home to our own Tampa Bay Rays!!

Coach: Kevin Cash (Tampa Bay Rays)

Our starting lineup for the Tampa Bay Rays: Ji-Man Choi, Kevin Kiermaier, Yandy Diaz, Brandon Lowe, Daniel Robertson, Tommy Pham, Guillermo Heredio and Austin Meadows

Pitcher Tyler Glassman was 4-0 until last night when he was pulled from game 22 against Boston Red Sox after pitching his limit. It was devastating to the Tampa fans that we would pull our best pitcher out after losing 3 consecutive games in a row. This game was lost by 1 point.

Catchers Mike Zinino and Fernando Perez:

AL East Standings: W/L

Rays 14/8
Yankees 11/10
Blue Jays 10/12
Red Sox 9/13
Orioles 8/15

Following MLB Tampa Bay Rays baseball……check out the website by clicking below:

Tampa Bay Rays Sports Team

22 games so far and these are the results…..Tampa Bay Rays versus…..

4/22-4/24 Kansas City….starting tonight!

4/19-4/21L 4-6, L 5-6, L 4-3 (Tropicana Field)

4/16-4/18 W 4-2, W 8-1, L 5-6 (Tropicana Field)

4/12-4/14 W 11-7, L 1-3, W 8-4(Rogers Center)

4/8-4/10 W 5-1, W 10-5, W 9-1(Guaranteed Rate Field)

4/5-4/7 W 5-2, L 4-6, W 3-0 (AT&T Park)

4/1-4/3 W 7-1, W 4-0, L 0-1 (Tropicana Field)

Catch up on the latest in MLB baseball with Foxsports with the link below:

Foxsports.com

Visit Tampa Florida…where all the excitement is!!

To all my sports fans…Good luck with your teams!!

Subscribe and follow my blog to get the latest on Sports in Florida…GO NOW!!

Recommended movie for this week……

My friend and I saw this movie last friday and it was opening weekend. This movie grossed 15.5 million$ last weekend taking second over Hellboy which came in third to Shazaam which was 1st. This movie was written by a 14- year old star who is known as the youngest in Hollywood history. Her name is Marsai Martin and her movie is “Little”

This movie was hilarious and is a must see!!! It was inspired by the classic “Big” starring Tom Hanks.

If you live in Lakeland Florida, stop by Cobb Theatres for their award-winning Funnel cakes, Smoothies and fresh popcorn with an ice cold drink!!

Enjoy the Movie!!!🎬📽

Go Now…subscribe and follow!!!

Spotlight for April 2019

Changing your mindset…..with Kate

*When you focus on the good, the good gets better.✌K.S.

❤Love, Love, Love this months Spotlight!! She is just so extraordinary with the amount of energy and passion she has for people all over the world. We met last year through social media and it has been such a pleasure to watch her be so successful not only in business but in her own day-to-day life as a mom and wife. She is such an inspiration to me and I wanted to share her with you all…meet my good friend Kate Scully.

The many faces of Kate Scully…..

Check her out on Facebook and Instagram

Me: “What is your name?” Kate: “Kate Scully.”
Me: “Where are you from?”

Kate: “From Chicago, spent the last decade abroad in the middle east, and just moved back to Chicago last year!”
Me: “Tell us about your lovely family and what you all like to do for fun?”

Kate: “I have two wonderfully crazy sons, Jameson (5) and Rhys (3), my husband Joe, and our puppy Louie who is a 60lb bernedoodle. We love traveling, going on adventures, the beach, and just hanging out together as a family.”

Me: “Tell our readers all about your business(s) and what’s in store for 2019?”

Kate: “I am a wellness mentor with a virtual franchise in the health and wellness industry. I absolutely love making new friends, connecting with others around the world, and helping people learn how to live their best lives through changing their mindset and nutrition. Big things to come in 2019 as our company is in a massive expansion phase; and I am partnering with other entrepreneurs globally who have a similar mindset and a passion to help others change their life.”
Me: “What was/is your toughest battle personally or professionally?”

Kate: “Probably the last year of my life, moving across the world with my family, dealing with reverse culture shock after 10 yrs abroad, and starting both a brand new business along with a new full time job as well!”
Me: “Share your most inspired story with us from 2018?”

Kate: “During the summer of 2018, I followed my gut and took a huge leap of faith. I left my teaching job and took on a completely a new role as an instructional coach at a new school – which comes full circle as this school is where I went to elementary school! And at the same time is when I jumped into this new business opportunity to start helping more people beyond my classroom walls. I finally feel truly aligned in my passions and my role as a mentor in both the educational setting and the wellness world.”
Me: “As an optimistic women in all aspects of your life and in helping others, is there anything you can honestly say you tried and failed at and never did again?”

Kate: “Yes and no! Of course I’ve failed! Failure is simply a stepping stone to success and I strongly believe that in order to succeed you need to fail forward, many many times. But honestly I don’t think I’ve ever NOT tried something again after a failure. Besides art. 😂 I took an art class in high school which I failed miserably at. Haven’t tried my hand at art since then!!” 😉

success-just-ahead-road-sign--life-success-concept

Me: “What is your biggest pet peeve?”

Kate: “People who are close minded and refuse to listen or have a conversation.”
Me: “What social media links and pages can we find out more about you and your business?”

Kate: “I use my Facebook page to network and connect with others – and would love to meet you through Messenger! Send me a friend request and a message and would love to chat! Also you can follow my Instagram page – my handle is Kates0486.”

fbmessengerlogo-5c60802ac9e77c00010a49e5

Me: “Do you have any special offers or discounts in your business you would like to share with us?”

Kate: “Yes!! This week actually we have a double promotion going on. I’m offering free memberships (which give you 25% off all of our products for an entire year – like a Costco membership but guaranteed to get you feeling better than you ever have!) Also this week there is free shipping and an additional $30 off on our starter packs! As always we have our eat for free club which I’m a HUGE fan of – free food ALWAYS tastes better! 😉😉 Please do let me know if you have any questions and looking forward to connecting with you a soon!”

Interviewer: LaFrieda Smith

Guest: Kate Scully

*I want to thank Kate Scully for being my Spotlight this month. Check her out on Facebook and Instagram for more of her story!

Subscribe and follow now to see next months Spotlight and other exciting new blog posts!! Go Now!!

Blessings to Success……with Anjie

About the Author:

Anjie Williams-Brown is from Nashville, Tennessee. Her background and specialty is organization. She lives in Nashville Tennessee but home is Birmingham Alabama. Anjie has three children and six awesome grandchildren, the youngest is two and the oldest is 15. She is married to an awesome man of God. She is the proud owner of Phoenix Rising, specializing in handmade candles and glass etching. She also enjoys reading, writing, and crafts of all types.

*To find out more about Anjie on Facebook by clicking here Anjie Williams-Brown

AGAINST ALL ODDS by Anjie Williams-Brown

Imagine what it would be like if everyone allowed life’s obstacles to slow them down. Just think how stagnated life would be if we allowed two little words to control our lives. Those two little words are “I Can’t”. I can’t causes several domino effects:

1. It puts our minds in a defeatist state.
2. It causes us not to accomplish our goals.
3. It is contagious; it tends to affect everyone around you.

There are a few things that come into play if those two words take up residence in our minds:

1. We sell ourselves short.
2. We will not allow ourselves to reach our peak potential.
3. We exhibit a negative opinion ourselves.

Think for a moment—what if………
1. Justin Timberlake was afraid to sing.
2. Daniel Radcliffe had never stepped out to be Harry
Potter.
3. Howie Mandel didn’t start out on St. Elsewhere.
4. Jay Leno never told a joke
5. Keanu Reeves, Whoopie Gold berg, Sylvester Stallone
and Danny Glover all stuck their heads in the sand.

If they used the “I can’t” theory they would have never been successful. Justin Timberlake has a combination of ADD and OCD. Daniel Radcliffe has dyspraxia –a neurological disorder that affects his motor skills. Howie Mandel is ADHD and OCD. Keanu Reeves, Whoopie Gold berg, Sylvester Stallone, Jay Leno and Danny Glover are all dyslexic.

There are so many ordinary people with extreme dysfunctions, the Vietnam vets who lost their limbs, but never stopped striving for a better world. The banker with Multiple Sclerosis. The lawyer with the scars of Polio or the quadriplegic mother of three. Yet, they never stopped realizing their dreams or reaching their goals.

Each of us are reasonably healthy, but yet we constantly use the words “I can’t”. Can’t is such a helpless word that it needs and apostrophe to hold it together. As women of faith we should never put I and can’t in the same sentence. It has been said that God has blessings stored up for us and all we have to do is ask. If we constantly say “I Can’t” we will never be in a position to receive them. Remember, some of our best accomplishments are the ones we obtained against all odds.

Anjetta (Anjie ) Williams-Brown

Anjie Williams-Brown is also an #Organizational Moderator for a great group of ladies called Lovely Liberated Ladies….click here to check out our group Liberated Ladies Group and also like our page at LL Facebook Page

Related image

Subscribe and follow my Blog to enjoy more great reads…Go Now!!

Spotlight for March 2019

This month I am so honored to feature not only a great business lady and mother but a women who has been like a sister to me and a great friend for over 7 years. We met in 2012 when I was looking for a natural hair braid specialist and she was remarkable with how she did her work that ever since she has been my go to person for everything from braids, sew-ins, curly hair and the recent bold short styles are just many of the styles she has “Slayed” for me and others. Introducing my girl with the magic touch……

Danielle Renee Julian

“Great hair doesn’t happen by chance, it happens by APPOINTMENTS” Renslayedhair

click above to visit her instagram website for Renslayedhair

Me: “What is your name?”
Danielle: “Danielle Julian but everyone calls me Renee”.

Me: “Where are you from?”
Danielle: “I am from the beautiful island of Antigua. Located in the Caribbean”.

Me: “Tell us about yourself and your beautiful family?”
Danielle: “Omg ! I am a family of 5. I have 4 beautiful children. 3 princes and 1 princess! Love them more than life itself.”

Me: “Tell our readers how you started with your business and what your plans are for 2019? ”
Danielle: “When I was younger my career goals were to be an Immigration Attorney, I started school and while going to school I hated it. I said this is not for me. I was bored and didn’t want to fail so I went and got my braiding license since I already knew how to braid hair. And I fell in love from doing hair! I would watch other stylists in the salon that I worked and I would get so inspired! So i stop going to school and invested in my new career! I gained clientele and grew more as a stylist! I decided to go back to school and obtain my cosmetology license and I now currently rent a suite inside of a Barbershop where I am doing great as a cosmetologist. For 2019 I plan on preparing to open my own upscale salon offering hair and aesthetic services and also provide professional products.”

Me: “What is your greatest accomplishment to date and why?”
Danielle: “My greatest accomplishment are my children! They are my motivation to do what I do and to grow as a stylist and good person.”

Me: “Do you consider yourself pessimistic or optimistic when it comes to your business?”
Danielle: “I consider myself optimistic, I am a person who sees so much potential in myself! I picture a vision of what I want for myself and for my business and I can see great things in the future for me as a professional stylist and a successful business woman.”

Me: “Is there anything in your business you would like the opportunity to change?”

Danielle: “Not really but I plan to do more in this business than stand behind the chair. I wanna have my own products as well an educational system for future stylists.”

Me: “What do you love about your business and why?”
Danielle: “I love putting a smile on my clients face and what gives me more drive is that fact that they are all super supportive of me.”

Me: “What was the most difficult thing you ever had to deal with when it comes to your business?”
Danielle: “Unsatisfied and Problematic clients and working for people who were envious.”

Me:“If there was any advice you would give a young entrepreneur starting out, what would it be?”

Danielle: “Yes of course! Stay focused, take classes to always perfect your craft and your client is your main priority in this business it always helps to keep them happy! And always be reliable I had to learn that tremendously!”

Me: “What social links and websites can our readers connect with you and your business?”
Danielle: “As of right now I am working on connecting more to other people on a broader scale but as of right now Instagram (@renslayedhair) is my main connection”.

“One of many satisfied customers including me…thank you for having a Passion for hair and your customers!” LaFrieda Smith

I want to thank Danielle Renee Julian for being my spotlight for this month and if you have not checked out her website do so on instagram by clicking here Renslayedhair.

Interview by: LaFrieda Smith

Guest: Danielle Renee Julian

Black History Legends….Day 22

Lonnie Johnson

(October 6, 1949-

Pictured above: Lonnie Johnson-The creator of one of the most fun things to play with in the summertime to cool-off….introducing…

Super Soaker!!! Greatest toy invented by Johnson that shoots water for fun and play!!

Pictured above: His ideal for the Super Soaker originated in the U.S. Air Force. The Super Soaker to date is the best selling item in the toys product line and continues to make billions since its release in 1990’s. It was reported that he received 73 million in back royalties for his product after being underpaid for many years for his Nerf products. He holds more than 120 patents to date and is married with 4 children in Atlanta Georgia.

Think about Lonnie G. Johnson when you buy your next Nerf Toy and Super-Soaker…Have fun!!

Available on Amazon.com

More to come in Black history tomorrow…

Black History in the Making….Day 19

“Style should not be sacrificed for comfort!” J.K.D

Jazmine Kionna Davis

Click above to visit her website

Jazmine K. Davis founder and first black scientist to create a designer high-heel shoe with insoles for comfort. She, from a very young age, was an orphan and attended Virginia Commonwealth University. When she graduated, she joined the Research and Development team there and decided to learn about how products were made. When she bought her first pair of designer heels and they hurt after 5 hours… it sparked the ideal for her revolutionary new way of “Adding Comfort to Style” J.K.D.

Pictured above: A collection of designer high-heels created by Jazmine in the U.S. with insoles that are functional for any occasion.

**Join the campaign with Jazmine Kionna to begin the quest for helping young women experience a pair of designer shoes. Visit Ifundwomen Project

Learn more about Jazmine K. Davis:

Hope you enjoyed reading about Jazmine Davis. A women I didn’t know could solve the problem of a painful high-heel. Check her websites out for more. Stay tuned for more Black History tomorrow. Subscribe and follow…Go Now!!”

Marriage and Relationships are like owning a business….ladies & gentleman

Married almost 20 years and have realized that everything needs constant attention!!

Happy Valentine’s Day to all the relationships that exist in this world from married, to just dating, great friendships or parents who are so in love with their children as I am. We have to treat every relationship with care and make sure we keep our attention to those we love and cherish for they are who we have when life gets rough and who helps us celebrate our accomplishments.

*Marriage and relationships are like a business and I am not talking about the rich and famous who get together for the benefit of their finances but I am talking about maintaining ( 6 ) good practices day in-day out.*

#1 The Interview– When you go on a job interview, the employer ask questions about you and qualifications, just like when you go on a date. This first date will determine whether there is a second or not…so make a good impression always.

#2 Customer Satisfaction- When you are in business, your customers are the most important for sustaining your business, in a relationship, couples need to know when their needs aren’t being met and what they need to improve on.

#3 Communication- When you are in business, make sure that you are knowledgeable about the products and services you are are selling and where they are coming from, in a relationship, it is important to keep all lines of conversation open to let the partner know where you are in your thoughts and feelings about certain topics. If something bothers you or is offensive and hurts you let them know. This allows for each person to get to know where each other’s placement and views come from.

#4 Quotas- With any successful business, there are deadlines, schedules and maintenance needed to keep the business fresh and new, meanwhile, in a relationship, whether you are abstinent or having intercourse regularly, it is very important to have time set aside for Maintenance needed on both ends. Making plans for date night every week incorporating family events or just some self-reflection time makes for a healthier relationship. It also gives an opportunity for excitement and adrenaline rush like when you know you are about to go on vacation from work. Time is precious-use it wisely.

#5 On-boarding of New Recruits- When in business, employees specialties come into play when it comes to a successful operation. Now, when it comes to relationships-I am not talking about three-somes and freaky stuff-O.M.L. I am talking about friendships with couples alike. Making connections with others like yourself and spending time exchanging stories while having a good time, it helps relationships grow. It is okay to be each other’s best friend at times because being able to laugh with one another is a plus for a healthy union.

#6 The Bottom-line- When you are running a business, there are going to be times of success and failures. Mistakes made in business can be costly, so you have to get together as a team and figure out what is needed to get back on track. In relationships, we are all human and make mistakes and as a team we must communicate, apologize and forgive mistakes. Find out from each other what is needed to do better next time. Open lines of communication keep the relationship and individual changing for the better. Closing the door, leads to heartache and shutdown.

Happy Valentines Day from a wife of almost 20 years married to my best friend who has made mistakes and has learned alot through these practices. May the relationships you share be as fulfilling as mine. Love, LaFrieda and Brian 2019

Black History Legends….Day 10

Charles F. Gardner

( 1886-1951)Elfrida, Arizona

Pictured above: Charles F. Gardner- the owner of the only Negro store of its kind in the electrician and locksmith business. This shop was located in Chicago, Illinois on 2933 State Street during circa 1899.

Pictured above: Marian Anderson born February 27, 1897-April 8, 1993 in Philadelphia.

Pictured above: Marian Anderson performing her first open-air concert in front of Lincoln Memorial on April 8, 1939 and continued breaking the record in the United States when on January 7, 1955 as the first African -American who she sang at the Metropolitan Opera House. After her death she was honored with her own postage stamp.

Pictured above: Marian met many people, received a Kennedy Center Honor in 1978 for her lifetime achievements. She won a Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1963 along with another African-American named Ralph Bunche. She also but was banned from singing at the Constitution Hall in 1939 because of the (DAR) so she sang at Lincoln Memorial with the honor of having The President and First Lady Roosevelt’s support.

Pictured above: Marian Anderson books and music dedicated to the memory of great opera singer.

Pictured above: Marian Anderson died at the age of 96 April 8 at the home of her nephew conductor James DePreist and is buried Eden Cemetery in Collingdale, Pennsylvania. She was married to Orpheus Hodge King.

Networking with Your Business in Mind

LaFrieda Smith– Mom, wife and entrepreneur blogger on the Rise!! My blog is M.M.M of Family Entertainment and I write about Music, Movies, Sports in Florida and I also help entrepreneurs boost business by getting their specialties out there. Whether you work full-time or part-time on your business…..

I am here to help!!

Place and ad for only in my blog…Yes, I said 10$!!! Can’t beat that price!!

Here some examples of my work from very satisfied customers-

Get to Traveling with Tiffany Hiatt

Commented: “This is amazing WoW!!” “You are amazing!” T.H.

Money Matters with Laurie Goodman

Commented: “I love it!” “That is your gift, Thank you.” L.G.

On the Radio…Chi-town living it up with Demetria Brown aka Mz. Metchi

Commented: “I love it!” “Let me share this!!” D.B.

click above to check out each of these ads featuring a Independent travel agent Tiffany Hiatt , Finance expert Laurie Goodman , and Radio host with event planning specialty Demetria Brown

Whether you are working from an office building, home office as a dad, a new mom or an entrepreneur looking to get your business out there, advertising makes all the difference in the world. Get your name out there!! Place an ad and see results!