Archives for February 2022

You So Crazy! BET+ Set to Air ‘Martin’ Cast Reunion Special this Summer

If you’re a fan of the hit ‘90s sitcom Martin, you’re in for a treat. 

The hit TV series starring Martin Lawrence, Tisha Campbell, Tichina Arnold, Carl Anthony Payne II, and the late Tommy Ford is celebrating its 30th anniversary this summer. I know it’s hard to believe that the show that made Martin a household name with countless catchphrases and unforgettable characters debuted three decades ago. 

In celebration of the milestone, BET+ is airing a reunion special slated to premiere this summer. Hosted by comedian and actor Affion Crockett, the reunion will feature Lawrence (Martin), Campbell (Gina), Arnold (Pam), Payne (Cole), and surprise guests. Taking a look at the show’s origin and evolution, the reunion will feature interviews with the cast, original directors, special musical performances, and behind the scenes commentary on the importance and impact of the show that shaped a generation.

Martin TV Show

Martin is one of the most beloved sitcoms in our community, both because it is hugely entertaining and because it played a pivotal role in changing the narrative of Black voices in entertainment and in culture through the portrayal of young, ambitious Black leads and healthy Black relationships,” said Scott Mills, CEO of BET said in a release. “Decades later, that representation is still just as important, which is why we’re so excited to honor a series that put Black culture front and center on our platform that embraces Black culture everyday.”

The show’s influence was immeasurable. From the trendsetting fashions to the eye-catching hairstyles and haircuts, Martin was a force whose effect is still felt and relevant today. 

“To be able to sit here thirty years later with this amazing cast that has had such an impact on pop culture is truly a blessing, ” Martin Lawrence said in a release. “I am always humbled that the fans still want more of the show and its characters. I am looking forward to the reunion special.” 

We can’t wait to see it too! If you want to get reacquainted with the show, you can catch up and binge-watch the entire series on BET+.

What’s your favorite Martin episode? Let me know in the comments. 

How to Make a Candy Cake Tower for Birthdays or Special Events

My daughter, Ava, has been allergic to eggs all her life. I remember the first time she tasted scrambled eggs — I was so excited to feed her something new. Little did I know that she would break out in hives immediately following those first few bites. Fast forward 12 years later and my baby girl still can’t eat them. Not even in baked goods. Needless to say, she has never had her own birthday cake.  I know, I know… I could’ve given her a vegan option, but she was never interested. Well, this year I took matters into my own hands and made her a cake that I knew she’d love — one made out of candy!

candy-cake-diy

I got the idea of making a candy cake tower after seeing one online at Dylan’s Candy Bar. Being a crafty and creative person, I thought it would be a lot more fun to make my own. Plus, it would give me the opportunity to customize her cake with some of her favorite sweet treats. To say I had a blast shopping and putting her candy cake together would be an understatement!

diy-candy-cake-tower

My hard work and passion paid off — Ava absolutely loved it! In fact, she and her brother MJ couldn’t believe that I made it. They were beyond impressed and in complete awe of the confectionery wonder.

It was such a big hit, I thought I’d share how I made it with you guys. Below, please find the simple step-by-step instructions and materials you’ll need to make your own candy cake tower!

Materials you’ll need: 

  • Candy (all your child’s favorites)
  • 3-piece round cake foams  (I purchased mine from Amazon)
  • Large piece of cardboard
  • Hot glue gun
  • 1 Paper towel roll
  • Scissors
  • Ribbon
  • “Happy Birthday” cake topper

candy-cake-tower-3jpg

candy-cake-DIY-2

Instructions: 

Step 1: Plug in your hot glue gun.

Step 2: Sort your candy.

Step 3: Cut out a large circular piece of cardboard (Ideally 12-14 inches).

Step 4: Cut one paper towel roll in half (you’ll need two halves or you can use two toilet paper rolls).

Step 5: Glue the large cake foam onto the cardboard.

Step 6: Wrap decorative ribbon around the paper rolls; covering them entirely. Glue the remaining ribbon piece to keep in place.

Step 7:  Glue one of the paper rolls onto the largest cake foam.

Step 8: Place the medium size cake foam on top of the paper roll.

Step 9: Glue the other paper roll on top of the medium size cake foam.

Step 10: Place the small size cake foam on top of the paper roll.

Step 11: Start glueing your preferred pieces of candy to the cardboard because this will be used as the decorative base.

Step 12: Affix your candy onto the tower by working your way from bottom to top.

Step 13: Insert lollipops and cake topper into the top cake dummy for an eye-catching centerpiece.

Have you ever made a candy cake? If not, would you?