Welcome to The WaughSome Group Blogsite!

Welcome to The WaughSome Group Blogsite!! This blog will be filled with lots of information on a variety of topics from travel, entertainment, music, fashion, beauty, festivals, and events. This blogsite was created to share my experiences with others who have an interest in the topics that will be featured. Many of these experiences will be told from a first time experience adventure to sharing many years of behind the scenes fun facts about places to go, things to do, and people to see.  We will share helpful tips, interviews, and new ways to enjoy places to go, things to do, & people to see!!!

 

THE PASHMINA CASHMERE SHAWL HAS HISTORY AND THE WAUGHSOME GROUP HAS THEM FOR SALE! ALL COLORS ARE AVAILABLE and ORDERS OVER $100 FREE SHIPPING!!

The Pashmina cashmere shawls were first made by Mogul craftsmen for Emperor Akbar to give to his chosen wives and in the early 19th Century these shawls were a favorite of Empress Josephine, wife of Napoleon Bonaparte. As in 19th century France, Pashmina cashmere shawls have become a coveted fashion accessory. The WaughSome Group has partnered with a company to provide 100% cashmere and cashmere silk blend Pashmina’s now available for the holidays. All colors are available. Currently only selling cashmere and cashmere/silk blend Pashmina’s. They can be monogrammed as well but it may take up to 3 weeks for delivery with minimal additional charges for the monogram.

Pashmina’s make a great gift as a stocking stuffer, a beautiful gift for the hostess of a holiday party, and a cozy accessory for all seasons especially the cashmere silk blend. Pashmina’s are not just for women because men can wear them as an accessory as well. Each Pashmina is standard size 28 x 72. They can be monogrammed, however, that will take up to 3 weeks for delivery. FREE SHIPPING for purchases over $100 otherwise shipping charges will be added within 24 hours of order placement. The 100% cashmere Pashmina’s are (1) for $15 and (2) for $25. The cashmere/silk blend Pashmina’s are (1) for $12 and (2) for $20. These beautifully made Pashmina’s are gifts given in love and will last a lifetime with proper care.

You can place your order via email at: thewaughsomegroup@gmail.com and on the subject line: Color and Quantity. Once the order has been placed the shipping charges will be added (any order under $100) to the amount and payment for all orders will be due immediately upon receipt of the invoice sent via email before any order is shipped out.

What is special about Pashmina shawl?

The wool is delicate, fine, and exceptionally warm. This wool acts as an insulator and keeps the goat warm and active. Even though the diameter of this fine wool is just 12-16 microns, its warmth is such that never has an animal died due to cold, as long there was Cashmere over its body! Popularly known as cashmere wool, derived its name from Pashm, which refers to the under fleece of the Himalayan mountain goat, called Chyangra (Capra Hircus) which lives in the high altitude of 12,000 feet in Himalayan regions of Nepal where the temperature drops below -40 degrees and in some remote regions of Tibetan Plateau. One pashm goat yields 3 to 8 ounces for fiber a year. This wool has a thousand years of history of being woven into shawls, and blankets, and praised for its exquisite softness, long life, warmth, and beauty.

The thermo conductivity of this wool is very high and proves to be the best insulator. Pure Pashmina wool is coarse and too delicate to wear. So, it undergoes a process that makes it soft as silk and is referred as cashmere. Pure Pashmina comes from Tibet and not Kashmir. Cashmere is any wool under 19 microns in thickness.

Here are five interesting facts about the history of cashmere pashminas:

1. The cashmere wool industry dates back to pre-14^th century Persia

Only small communities in Nepal and across Persia were crafting the woollen scarves until the late 14^th century, when the poet and scholar Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani introduced Himalayan goats’ wool to Kashmir, where the word ‘cashmere’ has come from. Their wool is extra thick to insulate them from the cold weather on the mountains. Hamadani helped develop a weaving industry in Kashmir. The ruler of Kashmir, Zain-ul-Abidin, also had an important role to play – he introduced weavers with more advanced techniques from Turkestan.

 2. Napoleon Bonaparte’s 18^th century campaign in Egypt brought pashminas to Paris

The scarves reached Western Europe following the 1799-1802 French campaign in Egypt. The general in chief sent one back to Paris and its popularity put plans in motion for a French pashmina industry. Bonaparte’s wife, the Empress Josephine, began wearing pashmina-style shoulder shawls, sealing their reputation as the height of fashion amongst the upper class. In particular, they would wear scarves with elaborate patterns for significant political and religious events.

3. Scotland, France and Italy were the main European cashmere manufacturers in the 19^th century

In Scotland in 1830, a £300 reward was offered to the first person able to spin cashmere using the same system as the French. Captain Charles Stuart Cochrane received the prize in 1833. He collected the information he needed on a visit to Paris in 1831. His discovery triggered the beginning of a large-scale Scottish cashmere industry after he received a patent for the process and sold it on to a manufacturing company.

4. The first commercial cashmere dehairing machine was invented in 1890

This greatly simplified the production process. These machines remove guard hairs from the material which would make it feel too coarse and not soft enough. Also, the invention of the mechanised Jacquard loom rapidly accelerated the manufacturing timeline. It allowed for mass production of elegant patterns and helped increase supply of cashmere pashminas.

 5. The American Industrial Revolution secured cashmere’s global popularity

Once cashmere reached North America, its world tour was complete. Uxbridge, Massachusetts was one of the first textile centers in the Blackstone Valley and became known for its production of cashmere wool. By the mid-20^th century, cashmere manufacturing had become a large-scale business.

Dotsibaby Dreampreneurs

Dotsibaby Dreampreneurs

My Mother Yavon M. Cooper-Davis one day before her 76th birthday suffered a massive stroke and was taken off of life support on November  4, 2019.  During her lifetime, she lived several lives both in the public sector in Los Angeles in the 60s and the 70s working in the insurance industry and in Chicago in the 80s working for Chicago Board of Education finally retiring from the Chicago Public Library in the early 2000s.  In the private sector as an entrepreneur many times over.  As an entrepreneur, Mom worked as a Mary Kay representative (3yrs); in-home daycare provider (6yrs); finally after retirement became an online entrepreneur selling jewelry.  I am not sure who gave her the nickname “Dotsibaby” but everyone in the family called her by that name and to my cousins she was “Auntie Dotsi”

I often told Mom that I would try as best possible to continue her legacy in the entrepreneurial world to help others and donate funds to various organizations in her honor.  Mom always maintained her independence even after the death of my Step-Father several years before she passed away.  Mom always encouraged me as her only daughter oldest child to maintain my sense of independence by keeping an entrepreneurial mindset and encourage others especially young women to create ways to be entrepreneurs in their own right.

I began a fundraiser in her honor to help other entrepreneurs fulfill their hopes, dreams, and wishes as my Mother did during her life time.  Mom grew up poor one of eleven children in 1943 Chicago Altgeld Gardens.  My GrandFather was an entrepreneur owning an Automobile lot all his life and my Grandmother was a homemaker. Mom sold Jet magazine as a child and she always told the story her first magazine sold had Emmett Till on the cover she was twelve years and that was her first entrepreneurial experience.

My goal is to raise funds to help another young person have an opportunity to fulfill their dreams, hopes, and wishes to become an entrepreneur and pay forward to another young person. The goal is $2,500 and thus far $1000 has been raised.  Please help meet the goal of $2,500 and the funds raised will go to several organizations helping young people creatively think outside of the box to have some resources available in pursuit of the dreams, hopes, and wishes.  No seed sown is to small to grow our resources to meet our goals.

Donations can be sent via online:

Cash App: $TWaugh2236

PayPal: tracethewaugh@gmail.com

Thank you on behalf of myself and my late Mother Yavon Margo Cooper Davis aka Dotsibaby.  Many Blessings to everyone.

#entrepreneur #businesswoman #creator #founder #dotsibabydreampreneurs

No More Sippin’ Tea In 2018 Time For The Strong Stuff!

When 2017 rolled in didn’t know it was going to be an arduous year but little did I realize in the midst of the chaos, confusion, betrayal, painful deep hurt, lies, & deceit, I had to become like the coffee bean. The coffee bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain.

When the water got to hot, it released the fragrance and flavor of the aromatic smell of the bean into the universe. Like the bean, when things are at their worst, tried to get better and change the situation around me or at the very least move the board not the pieces. Game recognize game, Playas play but don’t hate the playa, hate the game. Defining own rules of the game played & who to play with in the game

When I began visiting Jamaica in the mid 1990s, I fell in love with Blue Mountain Coffee. I have traveled to many places and had coffee but by far the best for my taste buds is and always will be the Blue Mountain Coffee with its rich robust flavor and a delightful smoothness in taste.

Watching the process from the plant, seeing the seeds being released, to the roasting process, until finally those same beans from plant to seed to roasting was made into a cup of realization that life is to short for a bad cup of coffee.

Going into 2018 all bought lessons & taught lessons from 2017 has created a magical strong coffee bean with no bitterness or bitter after taste.  Smooth cream for smooth elevation, hint of whisky or scotch for badazzery, & a little raw sugar for right amount of sweetness. When the water gets to hot always will be thinkin’ of coffee beans elevating to another level. May not be everybody cup of coffee but that’s their problem 😉

#NoMoSippinTeaTime4DaStrongStuff

You Must Have A Subscription To Onyx Box. Once A Month Delightful Beauty Treats Delivered To You.

Once a month my Mom receives an Onyx Box filled with lots of delightful beauty treats and I am the beneficiary of some of those treats.  My Mom is 73 years old and has survived cancer so I am excited to see her still loving the fabulousness of receiving beauty products in the mail and especially because she is supporting a B.O.B. aka Black Owned Business.

Each month for your $25 subscription, you receive a beautiful box with full size products and my Mom chooses the items she does not want or can not use, she gives them to me. I have so far loved many of the products. I never know when they will arrive until she either asks me if I want a particular item(s) or let me pick myself, either way I am always happy with the product.I had always wanted to try micellar water but never took the time to remember to buy it nor really wanted to switch up my consistent routine of what works for skincare routine.  When I received one of the items, it was Ziaja Sensitive Skin Micellar Water. It was a full product size and because I have sensitive skin, I have to be extremely careful with my facial products they can not have any perfumes, any soap, or any parabens in them.

This micellar water removed my make up easily and cleansed my skin effectively without my face feeling like there was still make up on it.  It soften my dry spots for sure and my skin felt baby soft smooth.  Although it is a no rinse product, out of habit, I still rinsed my face and my face still had that clean silky smooth feel to it. Another great thing this product is it helps your skin with its pH Balance.

Ohhhhh yesss! You can never have to many lip liners and this one by Sorme Treatment Cosmetics has me in love with it.  The pencil was a neutral color called “DECAF 12” so smooth and so creamy but not oily/greasy. It was definitely drink proof and did not leave a stain on my glass when drinking nor my food while eating. It lasted throughout the evening. Longlasting liner without looking like a ring around your lips as the day winds down into the evening.

For a monthly subscription fee of $25, you can receive wonderful products, discover new brands, and support a B.O.B. aka Black Owned Business. For more information on how to have a brand partnership with Onyx Box, get a subscription for yourself or a loved one (think holiday season, if order in November, 1st box arrives in December) or want more information about the products mentioned, click the links below.

Thanks Mom for giving me a new way of staying beautiful without the hassel of going into a store and I get the opportunity to discover new and wonderful brands and products.

https://shop.weareonyx.com
http://www.sorme.com/
https://www.zjashop.com

Kilimanjaro International Is In The Heart Of The Arts In Hyde Park

When you are in Chicago you must visit the Hyde Park area to enjoy the beautiful artwork and one of my favorite places since I was a teen, Kilimanjoro International. If you are walking very fast you could walk right past it but if you are casually strolling down 53rd Street, chances are you will be drawn in by its vibrancy and the showcasing of its paintings, sculptures, and carvings which are prominently displayed or even created right before your eyes on a beautiful Summer day in Chicago.There are beautiful paintings, exquisite sculptures, and wonderful carvings which are one of a kind pieces that will start conversations in your home, office, or venue.  Also available for purchase are gorgeous jewelrypieces and fabulous authentic clothing items for everyday wear and some can be custom made for special occasions.

Kilimanjaro International has been a part of the Hyde Park community for many years and has given many new artists opportunities to be a part of the Hyde Park community to showcase their pieces of art or mentor many who have developed into well respected international artists.

The Hyde Park area is changing from what I knew growing up in the area attending Kenwood Academy, however, one thing remains the same, the arts is in the heart of Hyde Park. It is an area being somewhat gentrified but many of the long standing business owners have remained along with their love of the neighborhood.

The next time you or someone you know visit Chicago, make sure you stop by Kilimanjaro International at 1305 E. 53rd Street. You find that one of a kind piece that could be a collectors item one day.  Kilimanjaro International Is In The Heart Of The Arts In Hyde Park.For more information: http://www.oneofakindafrica.com or call them at: 773.324.4860

Lets Get Decadent In The Park because Bon Appetit presents the 10th Annual Chicago Gourmet in Millennium Park

There is going to be some great tasty goodness going on in the city of Chicago September 19th-24th. Bon Appetit presents the 10th Annual Chicago Gourmet at Millennium Park. Celebrate this flavorful and mouthwatering birthday party with some of the greatest chefs in the world, dynamic sommeliers, and brilliant culinary educators.
Wooohooo!! 10yrs old and it is time to enjoy this festive and joyous time surrounded by food, fun, and delectable libations.  This event will showcase wine & cocktail seminars, wonderful cooking demos, along with delicious food, wine, spirits, and beer.  There will be 250 chefs, 50 sommeliers, mixologists & experts, 175 vitners, distillers, & brewers, grand tastings, book signings, and special anniversary events.
Celebrating 10 years of the chef community and restauranteurs coming together in the name of the love of food and all things related to the love of food. What is more exciting about this event is that many iconic chefs will be participating, the ability to get up close and personal with the chefs to ask questions, learn new cooking techniques, and sample some of the dishes that has made Chicago the home of acclaimed international culinary scene and the 2017 James Beard Foundation Awards.
This wonderful weekend will offer a unique opportunity for Chicagoans and visitors alike to learn, interact, and dine with some of the brightest and best super stars in the industry.  The Illinois Restaurant Association and all involved every year has continuously presented the city of Chicago world class culinary dining experience in the heart of Chicago’s lakefront with the city’s fabulous architecture as a backdrop.

So join the dining eXtravaganza with eXtraordinary chefs, sommeliers, mixxologists & experts, vitners, distillers and brewers along with fellow Chicagoans and visitors while enjoying the great tasty goodness and have an awesome time!!

For more information: http://www.chicagogourmet.org

I Am In Love With Lana by Nars

A few months ago I went to Sephora to buy a new lipstick. I have usually purchased lipsticks at various price points from drug store brand to high end name designer brand. However, my biggest problem with many lipsticks not enough hydration, not as long lasting as I would like, and not enough shine without looking greasy or melting during the warm weather when wearing it.

I was looking for a lipstick that could give me a pop of color even on days when I did not wear make up.  One day while downtown, I stopped in Sephora and spoke with an associate about what type of lipstick I was looking for and my price point.

She guided me to several brands and did several swatch tests on my arm and the one that had the creamiest feel was the Nars brand.  It was creamy, rich, highly pigmented, and most importantly it had great hydration with a wonderful long lasting shine.  I did not have to add an extra lip gloss for additional shine.

The hydration and color gives your lip good love.  I purchased Lana because of the pop of color it gives me even when going make up free.  The lipstick is enriched with vitamin E for great wearability.  I have never purchased a lipstick by Nars but I am so happy I did.The price point was about $28 at Sephora which may seem pricey for a budgetnista but it will last you for several months and is worth the investment as a treat to yourself.  Sometimes it is best to treat yourself and not cheat yourself.

http://www.narscosmetics.com http://www.sephora.com

#NarsCosmetics #Sephora
#TWSG

The Night I Met Genius Extraordinare Multiple Grammy Award Winner Marcus Miller

Last month Chicago Music Exchange hosted a wonderful night of great music and a meet and greet with Grammy award winning bass guitarist extraordinare Marcus Miller.  He has had his own solo career, collaborations with many musicians and artist throughout his career, it is relationship and friendship with the late Luther Vandross where I truly fell in love with his sound and his magic.

He is a producer and has scored a host of movies and television shows which many of have heard the music and listened to its melody but did not realize it was him and his bass guitar or his way of musically make a scene come alive frame by frame. He has given us jazz, funky funk in rhythm and blues, and genres in between.

In 1987, I went to the Budweiser Superfest at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.  It was a great line up because besides Luther there was also Patti LaBelle, The Whispers, and a host of others.  The show started at 3:00p and my friends and I made sure we were planted in our seats no later that 2:00p

It was a great night but when the bass guitarist hit that first note in “Bad Boy Having A Party” my ear perked up, my body was ready, and my happy feet gave way to a wonderful evening. That point forward I have been a huge fan.  I have now seen him live at various jazz festivals and other events but never thought I could scratch off my bucket list, one day meet Marcus Miller.

The Chicago Music Exchange sent invite via social media and I immediately registered to attend.  As the days leading up to the night of the event, I had to keep my mind occupied with other things so I would not go into overload fan girl in my head.  I kept saying to myself “he puts his pants on one leg at a time” to keep from over exciting myself with anticipation of meeting one of the greatest bass guitarist extraordinare.

The night of the event those in attendance were also fans but they were musicians who at one point have worked with him or local musicians wanting pearls of wisdom from the genius extraordinare.  When he arrived I to catch myself from running up to him saying how much I have adored his music over the years but thank goodness I thought better of it because I did not want to scare him back to his bus.

The beauty sometimes of my height often times I can maneuver my way to the front and on this night I was like a ninja moving stealthily to the front  where I see facial expressions and finger movement glide across those strings.

Every song he played and every note that came from his guitar sent me back to why I originally fell in love his his music and his musicianship.  He gave the group his time and his love of the craft. The question and answer session was the best.  I am not a musician but have worked in the music industry and have family members still heavily entrenched in the industry as well but the questions asked and his answers made me appreciate the knowledge I learned.

By the end of the night I was in love with spirit of giving the musicians tips and sharing of wisdom and knowledge of the business of music, and the ability to give of himself to make us all feel like we were his friends sitting in his living room having a jam session.

Afterwards, I had the chance to speak with him and take some pictures.  By the time we were taking the pictures, he had made us all feel so welcomed into his world my nervousness and over anticipated excitement had tampered down and I became a fangirl without the extra overzealous fandamonium that was in my head and spirit.

It is now crossed off my bucket list to meet genius extraordinare Marcus Miller. I am a happy woman who now listens to Luther and many others including Marcus’s solo project with a deeper love and respect but also with a more enriched love for the sound of his music and musicianship with his fellow community of those in the industry.  He gave all of us wonderful pearls of wisdom, great music, and friendship.

This was one night I was to cool for school and I loved it! It was a great way end out the Summer and a delightful treat.

#ChicagoMusicExchange #GeniusExtraordinareMarcusMiller #JazzRhythmBluesFunkAllGenres
#LutherMarcusPeanutButterNJelly #AMusiciansMusician

Chicago’s First Tiny Home Resident From California to Chicago

This beautiful tiny house is going on a road trip. The new adventure will be the chance for those who may have considered living in a tiny home the opportunity to see it upfront and in person.

It will reveal how living the tiny home lifestyle can be lived anywhere in the world and traveling from California to Chicago meeting and greeting Americans and visitor’s from all over the world during this experience will be the way to promote and encourage the tiny home lifestyle of living.

Be a part of the adventure of moving a tiny home from California to Chicago. It will showcase tiny house living during the cross country trek over two thousand miles.  People move homes everyday in cities and towns across the United States

The tiny house living lifestyle is growing and the ability to feature how one can live a quality lifestyle under 1,000 sqft and still have a quality of life is what this journey is about.

Toni Shelton, CEO of aNotherToniSheltonProductions and Chicago’s first tiny home resident is the owner of the home which is currently in California.  Born and raised in Hyde Park, as a teen and into adulthood Toni has been a part of the house music genre in Chicago and early in years promoting events and house music she was given the moniker “Queen of House” or lovingly called “Disco Toni” even has had her name said as if it was one word “Hey ToniShelton”.

Toni will be bringing her tiny home to Chicago and give her hometown city a chance to envision the lifestyle of living in a tiny house, imagine the concept of owning land with a mobile home of own design, and the ability to think about an outside of the box lifestyle.

She has been a business entepreneur for many years in the Hyde Park neighborhood in Chicago and currently still has several businesses in the area. Her foray into tiny house living comes at a time where she can have the “have home will travel” lifestyle.  Now she wants to share this concept with others. Sometimes one must think outside of the box to achieve the quality of life one wants to live. Tiny house living is possibly that lifestyle.

Her beautiful home was designed to her specifications for living life as a soon to be empty nester. As a Mother and Grandmother who is also running several businesses and now is truly living large in a tiny house.  The Queen of House Living Large In A Tiny House.

On this tiny house adventure will be Toni, her driver, and her house driving across the country from California to Chicago showcasing the home along the way.  They will be going through many big cities and small towns near you.  She did this trip previously with great success and many people along the journey were stopping her to take pictures and asking many questions.

It will be truly a great travel marketing opportunity to share with others.  This is going to be an audaciois, bold, unusual, and exciting cross country adventure.

If you are interested in having your company brand logo as part of this lifestyle of living adventure, send an email to: thewaughsomegroup@gmail.com

If you want to read more about Toni Shelton, her tiny house, and some of her recent events, click the link’s below:

http://tinyhousetalk.com/chicagos-first-tiny-house-resident-toni-shelton/

http://ndigo.com/2017/06/26/qa-toni-shelton-queen-house/

http://govnews.us/id/16234498669

http://rollingout.com/2017/07/01/toni-shelton-talks-queens-of-house-and-the-future-of-house-music/

http://chicago.everyblock.com/news-articles/jun22-hyde-park-native-hosts-dance-party-daley-plaza-7566189/TinyHouseLivingCali2Chi

#QualityOfLife #LivingLargeTinyHouse #CaliforniaTinyHouseLiving2Chicago #LifestyleLivingTinyHomeLiving #TinyHouseCommunityGrowing #TinyHouseJourneyNAdventure #aNotherToniSheltonProduction
#TWSG #HomeLifeTinyLife #LiveLifeTiny #LiveAnywhereWithTinyHouse

Summer 2017 is starting off just right~ The Original Queens House Music History will be back at the Daley Plaza Chicago and you need to be there 6.26.17

The Original Queens of House Music History will be back at the Daley Plaza Chicago and you need to be there 6.26.17.  Once again, Toni Shelton Productions presents The Queens House Music History and lunch time will be a great time to celebrate our Queens of House Music.  It is going to be a great time for all. The dynamic DJ Lori Branch, Celeste Alexander, and First Lady will have the Daley Plaza celebrating the female dj who have been a part of the House music world for many years including giving birth to many djs who are still spinning the music making people “jack their body”.

There has always been the male domination of djs in the house music world and it was time to celebrate the ladies who have been a part of the house music world since the beginning of its inception. Since Chicago is the birthplace of house music it only seemed fitting that if it is the woman gives birth then we need to celebrate the women djs who have shed the same blood, sweat, and tears to make house music a household sound and known across the world.  Many of the djs have gone on and worked in other industries but their first love will always be music, house music. It has been exciting to see the growth and be a part of the movement to keep house music and its legacy alive for many generations especially for those little girls who may one day want to be a dj.

Last year was the inaugural event for the celebration of the contributions of female djs to the house music genre. It was a great time for all and many were there from all walks of life and from other countries dancing and had a great time. It was fun for all and this year 2017 will be no difference!! It was such a joy to see so many old friends, new friends, and those who never have heard of house music but stopped by because they heard the ladies on the turntables! There were workers from various office buildings surrounding the plaza and a few people who were visiting from other countries who took the time out on their lunch break to join us!