Raising a Rock Star

Experienced parents roll their eyes at my naiveté when I say this, but I am determined to raise a musical child.

I had a girlfriend in college who impressed all of us one night when she started making beautiful music on a piano that, until she arrived, none of us had even noticed in the common area of our dorm. She said yes, of course her parents had made her take lessons, and forced her to practice. But then, when she got to high school, they said, ‘enough, if you don’t want to play, that’s up to you’. From that point on, she couldn’t stop.

The lesson I took away from the experience is that, as a parent, it’s my job to lay the foundation. What my daughter does with it from there is up to her.

So, the last time I filled in on The Morning Blend, I was thrilled to interview singer/song writer Inda Eaton.

“Let’s be honest,” says Eaton. “We all want our kids to be part of the arts, but we don’t want them to starve.”

One might argue that she’s living proof of the challenges of earning a living in music. She and her band are traveling the country in a 31 foot RV.

But on the other hand, you could say she’s living the dream.

Each city on their tour represents the home town of one of her band members, and at every stop they make an effort to experience local culture.

In Wisconsin that meant sampling local cheese, and tail gating at a Packer Game.

She says the experience has brought her band together, but she also hopes they’ve brought something to the communities they’ve visited, showing first hand that a career in the arts is attainable.

And that’s what I want to share with my daughter. What she does with the information is up to her.

The tour is called “Go West” and promotes the album of the same name.

Click here to see our interview with Inda Eaton on The Morning Blend.

Enjoy.

Corinna on Better TV

Corinna with JD Roberto on the set of Better TV

Need a little jump start to your holiday shopping?

Check out my “Holiday Stocking Stuffer” segment tomorrow on Better TV!

Co-host JD Roberto and I run down all of the coolest gifts for kids of all ages, and on any budget.

Thanks to the everyone at Better TV for making me feel so welcome!

Check out the list below to see when Better airs where you live.

A couple where I know friends will be watching:

Atlanta WGCL CBS 12:30pm

Portland KPTV/FOX Meredith  2PM

Medford KMVU/FOX Northwest  10AM

Green Bay WGBA/NBC Journal  6AM

Enjoy!

Better TV Local Listings

New York  WNYW/FOX Fox Television   3AM  Saginaw WNEM/CBS Meredith  9AM
Los Angeles   KCAL/IND   CBS   4AM   Toledo WUPW/FOX Lin TV  11AM
Chicago  WPWR/MYTV  Fox Television   7AM

Green Bay WGBA/NBC Journal  6AM
Philadelphia/Allentown WFMZ/Ind Maranatha Brdcasting  11AM   Honolulu  KFVE/MYTV  Raycom Media  9AM
Dallas KTXA/IND CBS  5AM   Des Moines  KCWI/CW Pappas Telecasting  2PM
San Francisco  KTVU/KICU   COX  12PM   Springfield, MO  KRBK/IND  Koplar Communications  9AM
Boston   WZMY/ MYTV  Shooting Star Brdcsting 1PM   Spokane KAYU/FOX Northwest  9AM
Atlanta  WGCL/CBS Meredith  12:30PM 

Omaha   KPTM/FOX  TTBG LLC  8AM
Phoenix KPHO/CBS Meredith  10AM  Portland, ME WPXT/CW New Age Media  9AM
Seattle KIRO-DT/CBS  Cox 9AM  Columbia, SC   WZRB/CW   Roberts Brdcsting   9AM
Tampa/Sarasota  WWSB/ABC   Southern Brdcssting Corp  10AM  Huntsville  WZDX/FOX Grant Comm.  6AM
Cleveland  WBNX/CW Winston  8AM  Rochester WBGT/MYTV Vision Comm.  10AM
Sacramento  KQCA/MYTV   Hearst Television   1PM   Syracuse   WSYR/ABC   Newport TV   3PM
St. Louis WRBU/MYTV   Roberts Brdcsting 2012 Shreveport  KPXJ/CW  KTBS, Inc.  8AM
Portland KPTV/FOX Meredith  2PM   

Champaign WRSP/FOX GOCOM  9AM
Pittsburgh  WPMY/MYTV  Sinclair Brdcsting  1AM  Chattanooga WFLI/CW MSP Media  1PM
Raleigh-Durham  WRAZ/ FOX  Capitol  Brdcasting   6AM Jackson, MS   WRBJ/CW  Roberts Brdcasting  9AM
Baltimore   WBAL-DT/NBC   Hearst Television   3PM  Colorado Springs KKTV/MYTV Gray Television  8AM
Indianapolis WNDY/MYTV Lin TV   2AM   South Bend,IN WHME-TV LeSEA Broadcasting  4PM
San Diego XDTV/CW  Groupo Televisa   11AM  Baton Rouge, LA   WGMB/WBRL  CommCorp of America   10AM
Nashville WSMV/NBC Meredith  1PM  El Paso, TX  KDBC/CBS  TTBG LLC  6AM
Hartford WFSB/CBS  Meredith  3PM  Charleston, SC  WTAT/ WMMP Cunningham Brdcsting   10AM
Kansas City KSMO/MYTV Meredith  8AM  Johnstown-Altoona   WHVL/MYTV  Channel Comm.  9AM
Salt Lake City KJZZ/MYTV Miller Comm. 10AM  Evansville, IN  WAZE/CW  Roberts brdcsting  8AM
Cincinnati  WXIX/FOX   Raycom Media   12PM Reno, NV  KAME/KXRI  Cox Broadcasting  9AM
Columbus WWHO/CW Lin TV  5AM  Tyler, TX   KFXK/KLPN  Warwick Comm.  11AM
Greenville WHNS/FOX Meredith  9AM  Springfield WSHM/CBS Meredith  6AM
San Antonio  KCWX/MYTV  Corridor TV 7AM  Boise   KNIN/KIVI  Journal Brdcsting   8AM
Harrisburg  WLYH/CW  Newport TV  9AM  Macon, GA   WPGA/ABC   Radio Perry Inc.   9AM
Grand Rapids WOTV/ABC Lin TV  12PM Santa Maria   KKFX/FOX  Cowles Publishing Corp.  11AM
Las Vegas KVVU/FOX Meredith  11AM  Lafayette, LA   KLAF/MYTV  CommCorp, of America   10AM
Norfolk WVBT/FOX Lin TV  2AM  Yakima KFFX/KCYU Northwest  9AM
Austin  KBVO/MYTV Lin TV   9AM  Wausau, WI  WSAW-DT/MYTV  Gray Television   9AM
Albuquerque KASA/FOX Lin TV  5AM

Medford KMVU/FOX Northwest  10AM
Greensboro  WXLV/CW  Sinclair Brdcsting  9AM  Panama City, FL  WJHG-DT/ CW  Gray Television  8AM
Buffalo WNLO/CW Lin TV  6AM  Binghamton  WICZ/FOX  Northwest   10AM
New Orleans WWL/WUPL  Belo 6AM  Gainesville, FL   WMYG/ MYTV  New Age Media   6AM
Providence WNAC-DT/FOX Lin TV  12PM Dothan  WTVY/MYTV  Gray Television   9AM
Wilkes-Barre/ Scranton WOLF/FOX New Age Media  8AM  Elmira  WYDC/FOX  Vision Communications   9AM
Albany WXXA/FOX  Newport TV 8AM  Harrisonburg, VA   WHSV-DT/MYTV  Gray Television  9AM
Mobile-Pensacola WFGX/MYTV Sinclair Broadcasting  Fall 2011  Charlottesville  WAHU/FOX  Gray Television   8AM
Dayton WDTN/NBC  Lin TV 9AM Meridian, MS   WTOK-DT /MYTV  Gray Television   9AM
Fort Myers  WFTX/FOX Journal Broadcasting 5AM  Parkersburg  WTAP-DT/FOX  Gray Television  8AM
Roanoke WFXR/FOX Grant Comm. 6AM US Virgin Islands WCVI/CW Virgin Blue, Inc. Fall 2011
*CW100+   70+ Markets  CW Network
2011 Market Clearance List
150+ Markets Sold & Counting… Including 8 of the Top 10

GI Jane Halloween Hoorah… the photos!

Corinna and David in 1940s gear at G.I. Jane Halloween Bash

G.I. Jane’s first annual Halloween Hoorah was a huge success!

Hundreds turned out, in costume, to support deployed single mothers and their families.

My husband David, a recreational pilot, was dashing as a
WWII Pilot, and I was his pin-up girl!

Corinna emcees the costume contest

One of the evening’s highlights was the costume contest that I judged, along with event founders Jula Jane and Keith Coggins.

Bonnie Schneider as a USO Girl

David and his pilot costume was in the top three, along with CNN’s Bonnie Schneider dressed as a USO Girl.

But the hands-down winner of the grand prize was a couple who emulated the Legendary “Kiss” that was captured on film  on “V” Day in Times Square, at the end of WWII.

"The Kiss" Costume Contest Winners

Take a look at the original photo, and you’ll agree, they deserved to win!

The Legendary Kiss in Times Square on "V" Day

All in all a wonderful night.

Already looking forward to next year!

Join me for Operation GI Jane’s Halloween Hoorah!

Still looking for something to do this Halloween?

Why not join me in supporting Operation GI Jane by attending their Halloween Hoorah, Saturday, October 29th in Buckhead, (Atlanta, GA).

If you’re anything like my husband, dressing up is not your favorite thing to do.

But relax, this one’s easy.

Betty Grable -- The Classic Pin Up Girl

The invitation says “Come as you favorite War-Time Hero, Politician or Pin Up Girl”.

So even the most costume-phobic soul can get away with just wearing a suit.

I, on the other hand, am busily Googling phrases like “polka dots” and “40s style rolled back hair”.

The best part?

You’ll be supporting a great cause.

Deployed Single Mom

I pulled this from their website:

“Operation G.I. Jane is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting deployed, single moms in the U.S. military by providing means of communication, airfare, necessities kits, healing therapy and career transitioning. Additionally, we work diligently to assist in any way we can to ensure the family bond remains strong.

There are single mothers serving all over the world away from their children and families, who need financial, emotional, and critical assistance beyond what is offered through established military programs and charities. Operation G.I. Jane was formed to fill that need, to pick up where the red tape leaves off.”

Click here to buy tickets.

Check back soon to see pictures from the event!

Join me for Atlanta Corporate Fight Night!

Corinna with Terri "The Boss" Moss

Would you step into the ring with this woman?

If you’re smart, you won’t unless you’re prepared! I wasn’t ready to strap on the gloves with this World Champion, so I settled for mugging for the camera with Terri “The Boss” Moss at her Decatur boxing gym.

Corinna with the women of the Decatur Boxing Club

I had the opportunity to meet the women of the Decatur Boxing Club in preparation for my role in the upcoming “Atlanta Corporate Fight Night”.

No, I won’t be stepping in to the ring. but I will be on hand as other Atlanta professionals duke it out for bragging rights.

The competition, (and the gym), are open to men as well.

The big night will include doctors, lawyers, accountants, anybody who’s ready to work some aggression out in the ring.

I can’t wait!

For more information you can read the official release, below.

See you there!

Corinna and David with Xavier "Bad Pads" Biggs (mens coach) and Terri "The Boss" Moss (womens coach)

Corinna Allen, Emmy award-winning personality for CBS Atlanta is hosting Atlanta Corporate Fight Night 2, April 23 at Wild Bills. Challenges are nothing new to Corinna, who has done everything from work red carpets to crash a hot air balloon.

“Participating in Atlanta Corporate Fight Night is a tremendous honor for me,” Corinna said. “As a television personality, my mission has always been to reach out to encourage young women to live a life based on choice rather than circumstance. Terri Moss, a respected leader in the boxing community, carries the message of female empowerment to the masses; encouraging women of all ages to be the best they can be both personally and professionally.”

The idea of business professionals shedding their day-to-day image and battling it put in a boxing ring intrigued Corinna. “Atlanta Corporate Fight Night is a unique opportunity for professionals of all ages and physical abilities to step out of their comfort zone and try something new,” Corinna said. “Atlanta is home to its share of charity benefits but seeing our colleagues and friends lace up boxing gloves and step into the ring for a good cause, promises to be something unique and different and with former champion Terri Moss at the helm, you can bet it will be a night to remember, and I am looking forward to it.”

Atlanta Corporate Fight Night 2 is Saturday, April 23, at Wild Bills Crown Room and Expo. VIP reception, dinner and silent auction begin at 5 PM, and fights commence at 6 PM. For tickets and more information, visit www.atlantacorporatefightnight.com or call 678-364-8204. Fight fans can follow Corinna Allen and ALL the ACFN 2 news on Facebook and Twitter.

Corinna on the “Wall of Fame” at the Palm!

Corinna's Portrait on the wall at The Palm

The Palm restaurant in Buckhead has long been one of my favorite haunts, and their steaks have become my go to meal after any sporting event.

So I was thrilled and honored when they asked to include my Portrait on their wall of fame!

Corinna reacts to seeing her portrait for the first time

The hardest part of the whole process was waiting to see what the artist came up with!

When the day for the reveal finally came, The Palm was kind enough to host a little party for me.

They kept my portrait under wraps for most of the night.

Finally, they brought out a step-ladder for me and I was allowed to rip down the paper that hid it.

I was thrilled!

My good friend, photographer Scott Reeves was there with his camera and caught my reaction moments after seeing the portrait for the first time.

Corinna with fiancée David Cook

It was such a great night, I used it as an opportunity to announce my engagement to David Cook.

David did it in the form of a toast, confirming “the worst kept secret in Atlanta”.

I couldn’t have been happier.

Corinna with The Weather Channel's Nicole Mitchell

My girlfriend, Nicole Mitchell was one of the wonderful folks who turned out to help me celebrate the night.

We’re both fan’s of clothing designer, Vanessa Vinci, who provided my electric blue dress for the night!

Emmy Award — the video

Corinna in an Emmy night portrait by Poane

I’ve spent the summer celebrating my Emmy win with many of you.

Thank you for all your kind words of congratulation!

Many of you have asked to see the video that was nominated.

Now, thanks to my brilliant editor, Aaron Childers, I am happy to comply.

The Emmy is from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Southeast Chapter for Outstanding Achievement: On-Camera Talent – Performer/Narrator.

Click here to enjoy.

Rooftop dining at French American Brasserie

Yummy!

I entertained some out of town friends last night at the French American Brasserie in downtown Atlanta.

I’d originally invited them there because I know the dress code is so flexible, with business suits and cocktail dresses in the dining room, and jeans and boho chic at their iconic zinc bar.

But at the suggestion of manager Cindy Brown, we decided to sit upstairs on their rooftop patio.

So glad we did!

Rooftop cocktails at French American Brasserie

The view is breathtaking during the day, but at night, with the lights of the city reflected on the surrounding buildings the sight is nothing short of stunning.

French American Brasserie 30 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd., Suite 125, Atlanta. 404 266 -1440

And with September here, the time is right to venture back outdoors and enjoy some of the best weather Atlanta has to offer.

Check out this article I found in West Cobb Magazine rounding out some of the best spots in town to enjoy “Dining Afreshco Style”.

Girls Night Out



Corinna with Holly Firfer of CNN's Headline News and Evelyn Mims of 11Alive's "Atlanta and Company"

Okay, you know me too well. We did invite some boys, too. But the night belonged to the girls as two of my favs helped to host an event for 3vodka at the MF Room in Buckhead.

I had a friend in town from Oregon, so this seemed as good a way as any to introduce her to my crowd here in the ATL.

She was a little put off my the “MF” ackronym, until I explained.

It’s short for “Magic Fingers”, as in the magic fingers of the chef who rolls your sushi!

And yes it’s the same folks who have the infamous MF Sushi on Ponce.

Now you know!

My Cat Fight with Natasha Bedingfield

Corinna and Grammy nominated singer Natasha Bedingfield

We look friendly in the photo, but read on…

The best way to experience a new city is with a local, and I met a bunch of them this week as a judge of the “Locals Know Best” contest at the Indigo Hotel.

I shared my judging duties with Grammy nominated singer/song writer, Natasha Bedingfield, so needless to say, I’ve had her song “Pocketful of Sunshine” in my head ever since!

I’ve met her several times in the past, and as always she could not have been more friendly.

Mid-way through we stopped to take a “jewelry break” to check out some pieces a local designer had brought in.

There was a bit of a tense moment, (not really, but it makes a better story that way), when we both fell in love with the same necklace.

(That’s the cat fight that got your to click through to this article).

As tempting as it was to offer to arm wrestle her for it, I bowed out, since I live here and could alway have the designer make me another one.

The real fun was with all the locals who came in to brag about the best part of their neighborhood.

I learned a lot from a gal who does real estate and started a blog for all the folks she meets who move here from out of town.

It’s called Atlanta: 365 Days, 365 Things To Do and it now has thousands of hits a day, profiling everything from festivals to out of the way restaurants.

Another man called himself “The Mayor of Ponce” and then told us about all the times he’s been arrested on Ponce de Leon Avenue.

My favorite was a woman who drove all the way in from Birmingham for the contest.

Locals Know Best contestant

She and her husband love the Hotel Indigo in Midtown, so she talked about drinking margaritas on the patio.

In fact, she loves the margaritas so much, she brought one into the interview with her, along with her cigarettes and lighter.

I think she brought the champagne for us on the judges panel, but I guess she thought better of it, because she took it with her at the end.

If you have something to brag about in your neighborhood, but didn’t make it down to the hotel, you still have time to enter.

Just head to:  www.LocalsKnowBestContest.com to upload a photo and answer, in 75 words or less, “what makes your neighborhood so great”.

For a list of live auditions at Hotel Indigo properties, visit www.hotelindigo.com.

Four Grand Prize winners will win a VIP trip to New York City for two to meet Grammy® Award nominated singer/songwriter Natasha  Bedingfield and take in a special performance at Hotel Indigo’s “Locals Know Best” event.  The winners will also be featured in a Hotel Indigo advertisement in People® magazine.  Three of the Grand Prize winners will be chosen by entering online and one Grand Prize winner will be chosen from the live auditions