The Art of Waffles & Coffee-- Mad Chiller Morning

What's better than waffles in the morning? How about waffles with cured thick cut bacon, sage maple sausage and a fruit medley salad! It was an amazing combination served at our annual holiday breakfast at WPLG Local 10 News with Mad Chiller Catering!

Homemade Candy Ornaments

How adorable is this! I follow the Honest Company's blog & found this amazing DIY Project with Peppermint Candy! This is a perfect project to do with your kiddo's this holiday!

Constance Jones Host the 2014 Forever Pink Soiree

Constance Jones Host the 2014 Forever Pink Soiree

A night filled with lavish entertainment all to showcase the power in all breast cancer survivors! I had an amazing time hosting the "2014 Forever Pink Soiree" at the Miramar Cultural Center! It was an exciting night of lavish entertainment set to ! Funds raised benefited the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation!

Save the HOOTERS!

Save the HOOTERS!

For over 3 years, MZ & Emmers Sports Bra Auction for Breast Cancer has raised $38,000 in the fight against breast cancer. Julie Durda and I are doing our part, by donating decorated sports bras that will be auctioned off! The proceeds benefit the Keep-A-Breast Foundation. 

2014 Prestige Pageantry Awards

Constance Jones from Local 10 News Host Prestige Pageantry Awards

There are award shows for movies, tv shows and music! Why not have one for those who have made a significant impact to the world of pageantry?  It was a historic weekend with the first ever Prestige Pageantry Awards at the Trump International Hotel in Sunny Isles, Florida. I hosted the event along with Fashion Stylist and noted Fashion Commentator, Louis "FabuLouis" Calveiro! 

Standup For The Cure

Super excited to join my co-worker Julie Durda from WPLG Local 10 News and ABC News Good Morning America Meteorologist Ginger Zee for Standup for the Cure Miami 2014! The goal is simple-- to raise money for the Miami/Fort Lauderdale affiliates of the Susan G. Komen! Every $125 raised may save a life by enabling a mammogram!

Ginger Zee, Julie Durda & Constance Jones

Raising Funds For Alzheimer's

Local 10's Constance Jones with Susan Wise from Easy 93.1

That's me, with the big smile on my face at the 2014 Broward Walk To End Alzheimer's. Although I look happy, I was trying my hardest to hold back the tears. Susan Wise from Easy 93.1 shared her emotional story about her mother living with Alzheimer's.  She spoke about her daily heartbreak, watching her mother's decline because of this horrible disease.

Constance Jones Host Hypoglycemia Gala

The 4th Annual Hypoglycemia Support Foundation, Inc. "Glitz & Glam Gala" was an amazing night! It was such an honor to serve as the Mistress of Ceremonies for this event! Special congratulations goes out to Roberta Ruggiero and HSF for creating such a successful gala!

Barbie Puts the "B" in BOSS!

I love getting a glimpse into the lives of my favorite fashionista, that's why I started following Barbie on Instagram! But what really makes Barbie fabulous is her new job! She now works at LinkedIn—a business-oriented social networking service. Barbie just joined the social media site a few weeks ago, and she already has thousands of followers!  

Using Faith to Conquer HIV

       Miami-Dade County ranks number one in the state Florida for new HIV and AIDS cases.  Florida ranks third in the nation in the number of newly diagnosed HIV infections.The numbers are startling so, it is no surprise that AIDS advocacy groups are coming up with new ways to stop the spread of the virus.  

Social Media Week Miami

Media Blogger Talitha Haynes & Constance Jones

Social Media has become one of the most important tools journalist use! If you know anything about me--I am constantly connected to all of my social media accounts. It allows me to find new story ideas, stay connected with my viewers, and create a space to create conversation about news topics. 

Constance Jones Speaks at Morning Glory-1000 Women in Prayer & Pink

I was honored to serve as a guest speaker at Dr. Rosalind Osgood's 5th Anniversary Morning Glory: 1000 Women in Prayer and Pink 2014. It was a time to join together to pray for the female leadership in South Florida.

The focus of this event was empowering women! There were a number of influential ladies in attendance including Broward County Mayor Barbara Sharief. She is the first Black female Mayor of Broward County.  

Go Pink- Take the Pledge!

Go Pink! ABC News & WPLG Local 10 News is going PINK during the month of October! The purpose is to shed light on breast cancer. Here's a look at our promotional commercial.

 For me, it's a personal mission. I lost my Grandma Lela to breast cancer years ago. She was the glue that held the Jones family together—until she lost her battle with breast cancer.

 It was very taboo to talk about Breast Cancer back in 1976. When they found the cancer in my Grandmother it was too late! According to the National Cancer Institute, black women are twice as likely to die of breast cancer compared to white women. The problem is that when the cancer is finally diagnosed it often in its late stages.

That's why I took the Go Pink Challenge!  Arm yourself with facts about breast cancer--and take the pledge to know your risk.

Celebrating K. Foxx's Return to South Florida!

 Energetic, Connected, & Beautiful: K. Foxx from 103.5 The Beat was recently featured by The Source Magazine as one of the “Top 30 DJs of Power!"  She keeps South Florida up to date with the hottest news in hip-hop music & culture! 

Miami's Top Tastemakers joined together to celebrate her return back to South Florida, along with her recent magazine feature! The event was hosted at Bianca Restaurant at Delano Hotel on Miami Beach!

St. Jude Trike-A-Thon Miami

Riding Her Trike for St. Jude

It's a ride that teaches children about the importance of helping others- all while having fun! St. Jude is hosting a Trike-A-Thon in Miami this Friday! My dear friend Christina Boomer Vazquez's daughter will participate in the ride!  Little Mina will be riding her tricycle, while raising money for her cousin-- 9 year old Asa who battled melanoma.

 No matter what the color-- Melanoma can affect children of all shades!  The disease is more frequently associated with Caucasian adults-- but the cancer also effects kids.

Melanoma occurs so rarely in young children that pediatricians may miss it during routine checkups. That's what happened to Asa!

Teaching Kids About Diversity!

Do you remember your first day of school? My adorable nephew just started kindergarten & he loved meeting his new classmates!

Why are Constance Jones & Julie Durda talking about boogers?

 

Sharing a special moment with my co-worker--Local 10's Julie Durda!  Yes we talk about boogers in the morning! 

Gross right--but hey, it got your attention! Find out why we talk about boogers during the morning news-- click on the image below! 

 

At a time where Local TV news viewership is down—news anchors and reporters have to find better ways to connect with their audience. According to Pew Research Center’s annual “State of the NEWS Media”—there has been a 6 percent declined in viewership between 2006 and 2012! Only 28 percent of those aged 18 to 29 now regularly watch TV news. That’s down from 42 percent just six years earlier!

So, why do I say all this?!? SIMPLE—Dare to be different. Its helped our morning newscast! Our ratings continue to climb in a highly competitive South Florida Market. Don’t be afraid to take risk and find new, unusual or unexpected ways to connect with your audience! (or customers) 

What tips would you give to connect with viewers?

Wearing Cruciani For Children: Fashion With A Purpose!

Miami Children's Hospital Cruciani Bracelets

What's better than fashion with a purpose! This limited edition bracelet featuring the Miami Children's Hospital (MCH) logo was created by world-renowned Italian fashion brand--Cruciani!  They recently partnered with MCH to create this unique fundraising initiative! Cruciani made a historical contribution to MCH Foundation--by donating more than 600,000 lace bracelets--which are available online! 100% of the proceeds benefit the Together For The Children campaign!  By wearing this bracelet, you share the mission for healthy, happy children everywhere! So, I rocked mine on-air! Take a look!

Who says Orange and Red doesn't match!

Leather and Orange-- ALWAYS a good combo!

You may be asking yourself-- What Is Cruciani Bracelets? These Italian macrame (the same knotting technique used to make friendship bracelets) lace bracelets exploded in popularity in August 2011! Tons of celebrities have worn them-- as you can see below!

Beyonce, Heidi Klum and Rita Ora all wear Cruciani

  Please be sure to check out the website-- and support CHILDREN!

Join the movement by making a $15 donation and you’ll receive a bracelet of your choice, available in 10 different colors. 

6 Things You Should Know About the Hamptons

Summer in South Hampton 2014

 When I first learned my husband was accepted into two major Summer Art Shows in the Hamptons, I flipped! Not only did this signify an amazing step forward in his career, but for me (The Artist Wife), it meant a posh coastal getaway!  

Me & The Hubby-- #HappyInTheHamptons

 The location was definitely foreign to me! Outside of what I’ve learned from Sex in the City and Gossip Girl, I was truly clueless to the “Hamptons Summer Lifestyle.” I goggled and researched travel blogs to no avail. After spending two weeks in the Hamptons, I felt the need to put together my own list of things YOU MUST KNOW about the “Hamptons Summer Lifestyle!”

Sex and the City - Hamptons Scenes

 1.      Book Early-   You will not find big-name chain hotels in the Hamptons. There are a few bed and breakfast locations and rooms for rent.  If you have enough cash- you can book a house. Since there are limited places to stay, rooms fill up fast. So be sure to plan your vacation early. There are dozens of travel websites that offer great suggestions.   

We stayed at the Southampton Village Motel-- which was far from a motel as we know it! There are free bikes available for you to ride into town or to the beach.  It was a cozy beautiful hotel, but the average weekend stay can cost over $560 per night—so be prepared (and save your pennies)! 

2.      Dress Code-  This “Texas-turned-Miami Girl” was definitely overdressed for several events!  The Hamptons Summer Lifestyle is completely fun “Country Chic!” So pack the shorts, tanks, sundresses and flip flops. 

3.      Where’s the money?  This shouldn’t come as a surprise, BUT not everyone in the Hamptons is rich. Upon my rough survey of the residents, I would say over 30% of the people who vacation in the Hamptons are just regular, hard-working people wanting some vacation fun. (or maybe just trying to make some connects)  However, during our time there, we met members of the Kellogg Family (Net Worth $3.5 Billion)! They have several homes in the Hamptons. 

My New Hashtag- #ArtistWifeLife--This was taken at Art South Hamptons Art Fair

4.     Where’s the party?  There are no clubs in the Hamptons and there are only a handful of pubs!  When it comes to nightlife in the Hamptons, you have to be invited to a house party. These parties range from fraternity-style college parties—to P. Diddy’s All White Party.  During my stay, we went to a few house parties. Nice, simple, and yes of course-FUN!

Strawberry Cucumber Cocktail-- Hamptons Style

5.      Late Night Munchies? - The Hamptons are known for being a community of small villages—with most businesses closing early at night! There are just a few places that stay open late. And when I say a few- I mean like 3.  After a long day at the Art Shows, we wanted to order pizza. Well—that’s not an option. No pizza delivery. We did find a great Chinese place open till late (11pm) It’s located right on Hamptons Road. It was our saving grace on a few nights!

Beach Life- SELFIE!

6.      Parking at the Beach—For RESIDENTS ONLY- The Hamptons truly prides themselves in being an exclusive community. That means, if you want to enjoy the beautiful white sandy beaches, you have to have a “Residents Only Parking Pass.” The good news-- the Hamptons are so small—it’s easy enough to just ride your bike or walk.

Have you traveled to the Hamptons? If so—what tips could you offer for travelers?

Constance Jones takes the Ice Bucket Challenge

 

Wet hair--Don't care! This week,  the Ice Bucket Challenge has truly soaked the nation. Everyone from Justin Timberlake to the Miami ABC Local 10 News Team has poured ice water over his or her heads!  The goal is to raise awareness for ALS-- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease!  Since the challenge started, the Association has welcomed more than 100,000 new donors to the cause and challenged others do the same or make a donation to fight ALS within twenty-four hours.

 The Association’s mission to find a cure for ALS while funding the highest quality of care for people living with the disease. Not only did I take the plunge-- I made a donation!

  Join me in supporting the ALS Association in creating a world without ALS! Click here to find out more-->  http://inflnc.us/TbkQ6 

  Here's my video below!

 

 

Constance Jones Summer Looks

Sexy Romper

 Here are some of my favorite looks from the summer! 

Rompers ruled my world at all of my events! There's no better time than Summer time to wear a fab romper! These floral prints are both from Touchdolls. And most of these outfits are less than $50- right in my price range!!!

Pants Romper Set from Touch Dolls!

Floral Fun Dress

Stripped Sun Dress