Tag: Tennessee

My First Public Event

Creative Confetti, Memphis, Uncategorized, Woman Power Up

Woman Powered Up

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Me the closer it gets to my first public event. I have done private events, conferences, empowerment seminars. But this is MY FIRST. I am always nervous during these events. I have decided to call it butterflies. This is my newborn baby project. I don’t expect it to crawl, walk, run, feed itself, change itself. I DO expect to be rewarded by the Universe as I am obedient to the Creator. Nicole, you do “alot” of things. Sometimes TOO MUCH and the MOST. But so did B. Smith and Martha Stewart. I can’t help who and what I am when I am operating in my AUTHENTIC vein. Check out my blog nikkisconfettilife.com and FB page Nikki’s Confetti Life

~Nikki

Confetti Weekend: Art. Orijennal Art to You

Uncategorized

Last year I had the opportunity to sale and show my work at an art event for African American/Black artists in the Fall of 2018. The B.A.E (Black Art Experience)! It was the first showing of my art and I sold three pieces I believe. In the city of Memphis, and many other cities, there is not enough exposure or outlets for people of color and their art. Well, this young lady created an event that did just that.

Fast forward to this year and here she is opening up her own art gallery, teaching art to children in a school system, and with many more things on the horizon for all things art!

This was the GRAND OPENING that houses several artists in the city, including her beautiful art of black women and girls. Hopefully, I will be able to get a piece of my art in there soon. I marvel at the artists and their works. I got to speak with one of my favorite artists at this opening, Mosal Morszart, and met many more new artist.

Seeing their work on the walls really inspired me and talking with Mosal gave me a confidence boost in my own lane as an abstract artist. Jennifer, has also been very supportive and encourage of my work. This means so much to the black girl inside of me who’s work was shunned by an art teacher in High School. Up until then, many teachers were supportive and I was asked to take on many creative projects in school. I stopped painting after that teacher in High School. It wasn’t until about two years ago I put the brush to the canvas and it was like I never left.

Each artist was able to speak about their work.

Not only is there art for purchase, there is also art to wear and art for your home. I really like this space and I am really proud of Jennifer, a sister that has opened up another door for artists. Click the link for more Orijennal Art!

And also check out Mosal’s Page!

https://www.facebook.com/oriJENNalart/

https://www.facebook.com/morszartmosal

Also, you can find my art and my crocheted art on my Facebook page and you can find me on Instagram @theconfettishopbynique

https://www.facebook.com/TheConfettiShop/

~Nikki

Confetti Weekend: Jazz Fest

Memphis, Uncategorized

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It was a hot and sunny evening! I am talking southern heat and humidity, but I was so stoked to be there to see one of my favorite jazz guitarist of all time, Mr. Norman Brown. Plus, having all the other jazz artists before him come on was like the cake! I am a huge fan of jazz and just a huge fan of music period. This was a few weeks ago!

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Keyboardist, Keiko Matsui has gained a new fan. Me! I have heard one of her songs played frequently on the jazz stations here. But, I did not know it was her! And everything that she played I enjoyed so much I have purchased more of her music.

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Mike Phillips is a dazzling jazz artist. He is energetic and what we would describe with slang “off the chain.” He jumped off stage and headed for the audience. He brought so much energy to the stage and to the crowd. Mad love and Mad energy was amazing!

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A headliner in his own right, Will Downing was there! I wanted to hear him as much as I wanted to see and hear Norman Brown. All of these artist are superb and hold their own in the business. The smooth voice of Will Downing is intoxicating along with the love songs he sings. The ladies in the crowd were swooning! And rightfully so! He song all of the songs we knew and we sang along.

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And here is where I lost my cool. As soon as Norman Brown came onto the stage I was star struck! Totally unexpected from me! I was just so overwhelmed by his presence, his brilliance as an artists,  and thought to myself, “Is this really happening? It is! I am really sitting here, seeing an artist I have ALWAYS wanted to see perform live AND I HAVE AMAZING SEATS!” It took me a moment to come out of my daze, but once I did I enjoyed every single minute of this man’s performance. He gave it ALL he had!

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This will go down in history of my memories as one of the greatest experiences of my life. Hearing and seeing Norman Brown perform live is a highlight of music memories.

~Nikki

Rooftop Views. City Life Confetti.

Memphis, Uncategorized

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I got a chance to get a view from the new Hu Hotel in downtown Memphis, TN. It was a private party for a great group of women I am in. You hear many things about Memphis and most think if Elvis, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and crime. However, just like other cities there are so many other wonderful things about Memphis. I won’t get into the details, but just follow my blog and you will see.

Here are some more views & the wonderful sunset that evening. All photos are property of Nicole Jackson and Confetti Photography. They may not be used, shared, or copied without consent and written permission. Thanks and enjoy!

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~Nikki

Weekend Confetti: A Farmer’s Market & Time With Mom

Memphis, Uncategorized

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Memphis has several farmer’s market during the week. I often get out on a Saturday morning, bright and early. Last Saturday I called my mom as I often do to see if she wants to go. She is a country girl by heart and loves fresh fruit and vegetables straight from the farmer as my grandfather was a farmer. He farmed right here in the city of Memphis until the day he passed a way. I remember shelling peas, picking vegetables from the garden and being afraid to go down the rows of corn. As we got older and would visit our grandparents, you were required to take something back home to your parents. Something from the garden like a watermelon, cantaloupe, tomatoes, or some canned good. My parents told me to never say no, just take it. I do the same with them now. I just take whatever they send home with me.

On my mom’s list was fresh peas and a cabbage. I wanted whatever fancied me. I like to be surprised and try new things. I also try to visit each table and buy something from a variety of farmers. They were ready for fall and wrapping up all the of summer fruits and veggies. I will be going back this weekend to grab a few more things to chop and freeze for the winter. I love the market feel.

 

It’s also time spent with my mom and afterwards we usually make a few more stops at different grocery stores or shopping just to see what we can find.

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Fall was definitely in the air! I bought some gourds for decorations. I like the white pumpkins as well and just having the variety of pumpkins were cool.

 

Plenty of canned goods, peppers, baked pastries, natural cleaning supplies, pottery, and fresh flowers were available. Oh and I almost forgot the green apples are so good from one of the farmers. I have to go back and get those.

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~Nikki

Crosstown Concourse: Memphis, TN

Memphis, Uncategorized

Crosstown Concourse, formally known as the old Sears building, has been rehabbed and remodeled! It has given life to the Crosstown area which businesses and neighborhood committees have worked tirelessly over the years to revive. They are still at it and we appreciate it because this is the inspiration Memphis needs.

The shell of the old Sears building, which holds memories for many Memphians, is still there in it’ massive form. The photos that line the building of the renovation are astounding. On level one there are shops and restaurants mainly. On several levels are businesses and health facilities such as the Church Health Center and the YMCA. There are dental offices, tech companies, educational and nonprofit organizations, and….residencies!

It’s an artsy building and that is one of many of Memphis’ niches. It is architecturally appealing and spacious. It has local bars serving beer and cocktails and a coffee shop for all of us coffee connoisseurs.  So much more is on the way!

 

My lovely daughter!
A Unique Library System
MemPops
Hitchen Kitchen
Yummy Turkey Burgers from Hitchen Kitchen
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Artist painting a mural and the photographer of the day

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This will be amazing!

~Nikki

Weekend Confetti! Memphis Farmers Market Opening Day Pt 2

FOOD, Memphis, Photos, Uncategorized

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My next stop was at Wilson Gardens. As you can see they are our neighbors from Arkansas. I am trying the pumpkin squash and was given simple directions on how to roast it. I was happy to find butter lettuce and fresh spinach. I’ve already made an omelet and tonight I will saute some along with the lasagna we are having. We had a garden salad my daughter made last night. This is what I like about the market. Many times you end up learning new recipes or trying different vegetables.

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Lydia’s Healthy Edibles is a GLUTEN FREE company. Many people are choosing gluten free products. Some because of health reasons and some because of “healthier” options. I have an illness and I do notice a spike in my inflammation when I eat some of my favorite desserts. I also have friends that MUST have gluten free products. I could not wait to share this with them because often it is difficult for them to find. I saw blueberry muffin mix, carrot cake muffin mix, lemon! My next go round at the market I will certainly purchase one or two of the mixes. I was adhering to my budget as one knows at a market you can lose it! (Okay, maybe just me!) They have granola ( I want that too!) and other products. To learn more check them out on: Facebook or on instagram @lhedibles

Next up is deliciousness that almost was gone before we made it home! Las Delicias Corn Chips and the amazing guacamole!!!!! I cannot wait to purchase these again. I had to share with family and thank goodness because I may have eaten more than my share!

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~Nikki

Weekend Confetti! Memphis Farmers Market Opening Day Pt. 1

Memphis, Photos, Uncategorized

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It was opening day for the Memphis Farmers Market this past Saturday. Multiple product vendors and multiple local farmers bring quite the variety. Each week there is something different and some vendors are staples. My first stop was the all natural soap station. How could you not notice all of the beautiful colors and the fragrances floating in the spring’s wind? I did not know which ones to choose as I wasn’t the only having a hard time deciding because the table was crowded with customers. I finally settle on lavender lemongrass and two cherry blossoms. One for my daughter and the other for my niece who hung out with me all day Saturday. Cosgrove and Lewis. cosgroveanlewis.com an also on Instagram! @cosgroveanlewis

Cosgrove and Lewis
Cosgrove and Lewis

Next was an amazing all natural cleaning company. I smelled each product and wow! Your brain is going “Wait, that smells familiar. Oh, now where have I smelled that before…is that oregano?” When these guys say all natural they really mean it! So Fresh and So Green Housekeeping Co. www.etsy.com/shop/sofreshsogreengreen You can follow them on Instagram! @sofreshansogreen.memphis

Handmade pottery is always something that catches my eye and local pottery is always under the pavilion at Memphis Farmers Market. Erica Bodine has beautiful, quality, colorful pottery. facebook.com/ericabodinepottery and you can find her on Instagram as @ericabodinepottery

 

Fresh flower are what I look forward to at the Memphis Farmers Market. It is an instant mood booster in my early morning daze and graze through the market. I may have had my coffee to get me there, but I am nowhere near awake. Luckily with the colorful flowers and smiling cheerful vendors it all quickly changes as the hustle and bustle of the market gets underway.

~Nikki

Food Confetti: Cafe 7/24: Memphis Black Restaurant Week 2017

FOOD, Memphis, Uncategorized

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The first thing you take in when you walk through the door of Cafe 7/24 is the beautiful dark wood and then you suddenly look up and your breath is taken away by this huge, yet dainty, elegant chandelier. This was my third stop this week on the Memphis Black Restaurant Week 2017. It was created for numerous reasons and one was to expose all of Memphis to it’s diversity in the restaurant industry right here in our own amazing city. Well, I have discovered another jewel in downtown Memphis and it’s worth the trip.

I invited my brother out to spread the love this week and it was bustling with patrons from Memphis. Mr. Charles catfish platter is what I ordered and it was delicious. My brother ordered the Delta Burger on Texas Toast and it was also delicious. Food here is reasonably priced and the cocktail I chose was the CirocObama. Put your political preferences aside and order it. You’ll thank me later! I can’t wait to go back here for happy hour and more food. As a matter of fact, maybe today will be the day! It’s a great tourist spot.

https://www.cafe724.com/

~Nikki

Food Confetti: Scoops Parlor: Memphis Black Restaurant Week 2017

FOOD, Memphis, Uncategorized

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Husband and wife team, QuaSheba Jones-Callicutt and Terrance Callicutt, are the owners of this unique place in in the city of Memphis, TN located at 106 GE Patterson Ave. I visited them next on my tour for Memphis Black Restaurant Week. The diversity of African American culinary is extraordinary and reaches beyond stereotypes. At Scoops the gelato is locally made! I had the salted caramel gelato and it was the best I’d ever had. It is the perfection of salty and sweet! I find the salty caramel mix either too salty or too sweet but this was perfection. I had the Main Street Crepe. Savory savory savory… and my spinach salad was fresh. Service here was excellent. I definitely have found a new lunch and gelato spot.

~Nikki