Scandal…and Other Happenings

If you follow me on Twitter or we’re friends IRL (or at least on Facebook), then you know that I have been OBSESSED with “Scandal” since it premiered earlier this year.  First, I’m a fan of Kerry Washington.  I love EVERYTHING that she does, from “Lift” to “She Hate Me” to “For Colored Girls”.  Kerry is an amazing actress, and I think her starring in a Shonda Rhimes show is fantastic.

If you have not been watching “Scandal”, you are missing out.  Lucky for you, it’s still early in its existence, so you can catch up before next week’s episode.  Last night’s episode was by far my favorite. And I said the same thing two weeks ago, which proves this show is getting better and better.  Even Southern Mom is a fan!

I just had to share with you all that you really should be watching this show.  You have NO idea what you’re missing.  It’s probably the best show on television right now.

Lastly, Benevole, the non-profit I work with in DC, is hosting “Be a Hero” on Veterans’ Day, November 12, which is this Monday.  The event benefits Heroes Place, which is a non-profit that works with low-income and homeless veterans.  From 12-4 pm, we will be at Heroes Place (1204 Queen St. NE) collecting business suits (for men and women) and toiletries to assist their clients.  Veterans have given so much for our country, and there is no reason why they should struggle once they’ve served.  I, and the Benevole team, hope you will come out on Monday and drop off a few items.  I know some of you need to clean out your closets.  So go ahead and bring your suits!  And if you are unable to come but would like to donate, you may do so here.  I hope you all have an awesome weekend, and until next time, I’m just a Southern girl…in the city!

Michelle in Training

If you’re an avid reader of this blog, you’ve heard (well, read) me state several times that we need to provide positive role models that our young women can look up to-women they can be proud of-women they can hope to aspire to be one day.  Well, my friend Kelley, along with some of her friends, have taken those thoughts and beliefs and decided to do something about it. 

Michelle in Training (aka [MiT]) is a program that not only exposes girls to women who are independent, educated, and innovative; it also teaches girls the skills that they will need in order to be successful, regardless of their background. 

For the next 25 days, MiT is having a campaign to have 500 supporters give $25.  If you feel so inclined, which I hope you do, please visit Michelle in Training here to donate.  Also, to find out more about Michelle in Training, including its inspiration, goals, and plans, visit their website

I do hope you’ll join me in donating.  This is an amazing cause, and I plan on being involved for the long haul.  I hope you’ll do the same.  Until next time, I’m just a Southern girl…in the city

What’s Happening-Atlanta Edition

Happy Thursday!  If you are in the Atlanta area this weekend, you will have the opportunity to meet your favorite Southern girl at not one but TWO events! 

First, “Mood“, a fashion, entertainment, and business magazine based in Atlanta, GA, is hosting its official launch party tomorrow, April 29, at Luckie Food Lounge in Atlanta.  (Yours truly serves as a writer and editor for “Mood”.)   The party begins at 8 pm, and tickets are $10 and can be purchased here. Proceeds will benefit Benevole, Inc. and Families First, both non-profit organizations. 

Next, on Saturday, DC-based Benevole, Inc. will be hosting it’s third fundraiser “Walk-A-Mile In Someone Else’s Shoes-Atlanta”  at the Westin Peachtree Plaza.  The event is from 7-11 pm. Donations are $25 (go here to purchase your tickets), and proceeds benefit Families First.  The attire is cocktail, and all attendees must wear high heels; it’s called “Walk-A-Mile” for a reason! 😉  There will be an open bar and heavy hors d’ouvre. 

If you have ANY questions about either events, feel free to e-mail me at evolvingelle@yahoo.com.  Both “Mood” and Benevole can be found on Facebook and Twitter.  If you’re unable to attend either event but would like to donate, feel free to go to the site for “Mood” and Benevole and make a donation.  I’m really excited about both events.  Who doesn’t like giving back and having a good time doing it???

I would love to see you guys this weekend.  Both events are sure to be a lot of fun, plus you’ll get the chance to meet ME!  Until next time, I’m just a Southern girl…in the city!

Happy Birthday, Elle! The Year of Possibilities

Well, it’s here… my 29th birthday! (Go, Elle, it’s your birthday!!!)  All of my previous birthdays, I have used as a time of celebration and been excited knowing that at least one day out of the year I can let things be all about me and people wouldn’t give me the side eye.   Today is no different :), but I’ve asked my friend’s to donate to a local DC non-profit instead of giving me gifts.  I’m exctited about my celebration tonight and have people coming from near and far to help me celebrate.

The gift that I am giving myself is possibilities.  I’ve decided that for the next year, I will go on at least one date each week.  Any reasonable request I get (thanks to my homie “TyAnthony” for that clarification) to go out with a nice male, I’m going to take him up on it.  Of course I’ll share some of the stories with you guys, but I have something even bigger planned to share my dating adventures (or misadventures-but I’m staying positive!). 

I’m also working hard to change careers and do this writing thing full time.  All of my extra energy is going to be spent honing my craft and looking for opportunities to make a career for myself.

I’m happy and blessed to see another year of life.  I may not be where I thought I would be, but I’m where God wants me to be, and that’s what matters most.  What are you happy about in your life?  What will you be giving yourself for your next birthday?  And how will you be celebrating your next year of life?

To all of my friends, I can’t wait to see you guys tonight and party hard as we celebrate the “End of a Decade”!!!! Until next time, I’m just a Southern girl…in the city!

What’s Hot in the Streets

For some reason, I always find out about things that are going on in the city (and elsewhere), but I don’t do a great job of sharing that with you guys.  Mainly because I’m selfish, hate crowds, and like to keep the good stuff to myself.  But I realized it’s not right to be selfish (most of the time), so today I’m sharing some events with you guys that will be going on in the DMV.  And most of them are FREE!

In case you didn’t know, my birthday is next month, and to start Birthday Month off right, tomorrow will be the commencement!  First, Ryan Leslie, one of my favorite singers and an awesome live performer, will be at The Park.  The event will is free; you just have to register here.   The Park can get crowded pretty quickly, so make sure you arrive early!  The next stop on my tour will be the Gentleman Jack-Arts, Beats, and Lyrics event.  Blending hip-hop, paintings, and photography, this is sure to be a pretty cool event, and I’m excited to attend.  When you register, you can bring a guest, but all attendees have to be at least 21. 

Lastly, just so you can get ready, for my friends in Atlanta, Benevole, Inc. is taking their successful fundraiser on the road.  Walk-A-Mile (in Someone Else’s Shoes)-Atlanta will be taking place on Saturday, April 30 at the Westin Peachtree Plaza.  To find out more information you can check out my previous post here and you can find out more about Benevole, Inc. on their site.  If you or your business are interested in serving as a sponsor, feel free to send me an e-mail. 🙂

That’s it for today!  What events are going on in your city?  Or what events did I miss that are happening in the DMV?  Until next time, I’m just a Southern girl…in the city!

One of my favorite Ryan Leslie songs!