I cannot say enough about this charity event held at the home of Joumana Kidd, hosted by Allan Houston and David Tyree in Saddle River NJ. It was A very classy event held for a wonderful cause. The Xperience outreach foundation which caters to children in need received the proceeds of a silent and traditional Auction and to add icing to the cake Celebrity event planner Dina Manzo provided the decor. Speaking as an interior decorator I must admit I was highly impressed with Dina's work she accomplished an elegant sports theme with a splash of spring... complete with floating basketballs, a moving  statue, and floral centerpieces shaped like ...you know it...all types of "balls."  My favorite was the  beautiful poolside cabana bed draped in  yellow sheers and adorned with colorful throw pillows. Ahhh but I think I discovered my favorite person of the evening; Mark the famous mixologist was there mixing spritzer martinis and a specialty drink named after the theme of the event night  under the stars delicious it was not to mention that the event was catered to a tee! On the ones and twos was DJ Cubby Bryant and of course Hgtv was in the house filming and catching some great scenes for Dina's Party (Ireally hope they didnt catch me on the dance floor lol).

Enjoy the photos compliments of JW SD productions and stay tuned for my Red Carpet interviews.

All the proceeds for the event went to Dina manzo's project ladybug charity to help benefit children stricken by cancer.

Gayle Giacomo being interviewed by  Bailey Li

Debra Bailey at The gatsby salon

gayle with jerseyliciouss fans

Lasse Larsen & Bailey Li

On Wednesday July 20^th your COVERgirl Bailey covered the Finale of NBC's latest fitness show "The Great American Health Challenge" at Taj Restaurant & Lounge in New York. Joining me on the red carpet was the gorgeous International Model Lasse Larsen of “What Chilli wants”, contestant of the show Renee Jennings (whom by the way was so much fun to interview), Walter “Lucky” Simons and his lovely wife, singing group ALLURE, World renowned Artist Ryan Paul Simmons, Recording artist Shire.’
Walter "Lucky" Simons and Team Bronx all walked away with the Grand Prize of an all expenses paid vacation courtesy of the shows official sponsors.

Celebrity guest in attendance included Linebacker for the Jacksonville Jaguars Alvin Bowen, The Fabulous Five Creators of the "MILF" Fashion Line, Fred Williams of C&C Music Factory ,Stylists to Missy Elliott ,Brandon Atherly & Lexx Perry and many more.

Special thanks to Storm PR Agency /Jovana Jenkins for inviting YourCOVERgirl to cover such a energetic and exciting event filled with live performances and a

sexy atmosphere. Also special thanks to JW SD productions for the awesome photographs and video coverage.

Renee jennings & Bailey LiWalter "Lucky" Simons w wife & Bailey liMILF with Bailey liLex Perry (celebrity Designer w Bailey li

Ryaan Paul simmons & Bailey Li

If you go to Xplore Freedom's facebook page Serron  has "Im a F*ckin Artist" as his job title and rightfully so. Unlike the image you may imagine of a starving artist toting around his back Pack of aerosol paint cans while jumping turnstiles and missing weekly haircuts. Serron doesnt appear to miss any haircuts (nor have i seen him turnstile jumping lol). Interestingly enough however  is the fact that this talented force to be reckoned with has strategically kept his day-job and practices his art around his workshift; morning, night and weekends in his home studio or on the rooftop of his loft apt. He attributes his balancing act of artist/ author/ day-jobber to his daughter who as he puts it...”needs a prom gown and a car and whatever else daddy deems necessary.” So Its no surprise to me that he keeps one of his unintentionally –I might add- fashionable, paint splattered construction boots grounded while the other is vastly making strides in the artistic world. He was once modest to the point of refusing to acknowledge himself as an artist and literally argueing that he would not sell his work although I'd often catch him at the art supply store with his back pack in tow.  So I am personally elated to hear him utter the obvious ”I'm a f*ckin artist".. Because truth be told he's a f*cking amazing artist and personal friend of mine meet Serron  / XPLORE FREEDOM His work is an undefinable, raw expression of the black experience through painted vandalism on canvas and a depiction of unadultered love.

“The work was inspired solely by the ups and downs of my current relationship. They were all in some way shape or form inspired by my girlfriend and how people are afraid to show their emotions. I decided to show mine through my work”

Artist Statement

“While still maintaining my own artistic voice and focusing on the craftsmanship of my work, I aim to allow the viewers to peer into history. The rise and fall of historical leaders, the Black Power movement, and development of graffiti are just a few staples that influenced my creative process. I began as a graffiti artist yet now use urban media techniques to bridge the gap between street expression and historical education. Art must say something and I use different mediums to do that! ”

http://www.wix.com/xplorefreedom/xplorefreedom

http://www.youtube.com/user/xplorefreedom

http://www.facebook.com/xplorefreedom

Has reality set in for Kenny Anderson? Ex husband of Tami Roman of Tv’s Basketball wives. The Former 60 million dollar NBA Player has begun rebuilding his brand and is currently working on his very own Reality show along with his clothing line “Pass the roc” and is rumored to be writing a book where he mentions his ex wife Tami Roman and states “Don’t ever marry a Ho from the Real World” (yikes I hope that’s just a rumor). Kenny has made recent appearances on tv as he was seen toughing it out with his Ex wife on Basketball wives and called front and center to address the issues of not being present in ther daughters lives for over ten years and not having paid child support. He was also seen on Sweet 16 with Spinderella giving their daughter a sweet sixteen party. After many life lessons the loss of his career, his mom and his money and never having met his own dad til the age of 30, Kenny has humbled himself to living what he calls an Average life and his latest goal has been to be a good father and bring his seven children together and remain a constant part of their lives. Kenny is an aspiring coach and his been active in the community working with the youth in basketball clinics which he hosts regulary. I attended one of the clinics in Jersey city New Jersey with my son and got a chance to speak with Kenny and the Executive producer of his upcoming reality series Jarrod Greene who is very optimistic about Kenny’s future. I also attended a taping of the show at Rio 22 in New Jersey so look for me on TV haha! I hope you enjoy the picsBailey Li and Kenny AndersonBailey Li and Debra Bailey 

LOFT 47 has everything going for it. It’s a spacious multi-level wine bistro lounge stylishly equipped to accommodate live musical performances and so much more. The versatile décor serves as the backdrop for a melting pot of politicians/ after work professionals /the Artsy hipster/ the sports lover and of course the fashionable socialite. No one would feel out of place at LOFT 47

With its Black walls Massive crystal chandeliers a grand staircase that leads to the upstairs loft area which overlooks the elongated bar and downstairs atmosphere… Loft 47 is like no other venue you’ve been to in NJ. The huge Brick exterior and the Models greeting you at the door certainly gives you a taste of what we’ve come to love and expect from a New York City venue. Owned and Operated by Tami Brown of Sasha B enterprises who previously owned a highly successful upscale sports bar right in the heart of Newark she is no stranger to the restaurant and Lounge industry. When her and her Husband came across the property in a prime location on Edison place (directly across from THE PRUDENTIAL CENTER) Her business Savvy went to work and they erected from the ground up “Loft 47” which is expected to become the go to place for music lovers/ sports lovers/ and leisure lovers as well as Celebrity events. Tami has already gotten the warm welcome of Mayor Corey Booker who gave a speech at the ribbon cutting and spoke about how impressed he is with Tami’s drive and determination. Bacardi has already hosted an NBA draft Party there and Mission entertainment hosted a mix and mingle there all of this before the official grand opening which is going down tomorrow evening June 29^th from 6:00 pm -10 pm.

“Loft 47 is Located at 45-47 Edison Place, Newark NJ its a 6,840-square-foot minority-and female-owned upscale bar and bistro, specializing in American cuisine with a southern flair. It employs 35 persons, 15 of them are Newark residents” Newark press.

Benefit shows tend to be a dime a dozen, but this was not the case on June 18^th, 2011 with the P.O.L. event. P.O.L or Preserve Our Legacy is a Philanthropy group that was founded by Shana Melius in the memory of Jaden Hilton, 2, who died of a bone marrow related illness because no matching donor could be found. This is one of the main impetuses behind Preserve Our Legacy and when one hears Ezekiel “Freekey Zekey” Jiles, a major spokesperson for P.O.L, voice his concerns regarding bone marrow related diseases the passion is immediately evident. Most if not all of the celebrities involved in the event showed a similar concern, many of them even admitted that their involvement in the event also helped to educate them on how easy it is to donate bone marrow. Each and every person that would go on to “don the Jersey” for the game was more than happy to be interviewed and allow their faces to be associated with the event. However, there was no shameless self-promoting, everyone was there in memory of Jaden, but also to bring enough press to the event and its cause so that another case like Jaden’s doesn’t happen again.

The event was kicked off with Monifah singing the star spangled banner. Her rendition of our nation’s anthem was as jarring as one should expect and was the perfect pre-game prelude.Bailey Li and MonifahBailey Li and freakey Zekey

The actual basketball playing was surprisingly intense. It was the music team with the likes of J.D Williams of “the wire”, Tobias Travillion, Do it all Kelly DJ Clue, and many others coached by freakey Zeakey and Mama Jones of Love and Hip hop  vs. the sports team with actual American Basketball League players from the NYC Thunder team coached by Mike Logan, Liris Cross and WNBA player Maria Clifton. One might have expected the music team to get squashed, but in a crazy upset they managed to pull out a victory over the sports team. However, a degree of levity was allowed into the event by the inclusion of LJ in the Sports team’s roster. LJ’s story is special because he is currently undergoing treatment for a bone marrow related illness, but at the event he looked as bright and wide-eyed as any child. He even managed to score a few baskets despite the opposition he faced on the music team. LJ’s inclusion into the game demonstrated that at the end of the day, win or lose, the event was not about the celebrities playing in it, as it was about raising awareness so that children such as LJ stand a chance. by Dejon A. Turner

JD Williams and Bailey Li

Bailey li and Mama jones

Special Thanks and photo Credits to: Banks Photography. Thx Banks!!

If you've never met Vanessa Jasey or seen any of her shows then you are missing out on an opportunity to witness a true human butterfly. Vanessa floats through life with a daring uniqueness all her own. You can never quite nail her down to any particular look or style because one day you may see her in a blonde wig and furry boots and the next day she's in sequins and flip flops or a cocktail dress with a baseball cap on. Vanessa is not restricted to any season any reason or any label she is simply “Vanessa Jasey” the Queen of crazy and she makes her own rules. One of the many reasons I was drawn to Vanessa is because she boldly uncompromisingly “keeps it real” not only when it comes to speaking to and about others she’s interviewing but she always keeps it real about her own journey as well. Vanessa proudly professes to the world about such things as being a sucker for love and speaks frankly about her once, on again - off again tumultuous relationship with “Buck wild” of “the Star & Buck wild show. Prior to starting her own show Vanessa worked as an intern on the WENDY WILLIAMS EXPERIENCE with Wendy Williams who not only shared the mic with Vanessa but frequently raved about Vanessa on air. As evidenced on Vanessa’s website the first thing you hear when you reach her site is Wendy Williams voice singing Vanessa’s praises by stating that "once in a while you come across a star like Vanessa." Vanessa has no problem relaying the story about how she was “fired” from the Wendy Williams show after she took a picture in Wendy’s Brand new Bentley but sorry that’s a whole ‘nother article and if you want to learn more about Vanessa you’ll have to catch her on cable or the many avenues where she can be viewed.

This Article is about brand new beginnings for Vanessa with a brand new SET for her show! When she came to me and asked me to decorate her new set stationed in an old mansion in Newark NJ the excitement in her voice had me amped to work with her on her new venture. Knowing her story and her passion to continue on her path to being a radio/TV personality superstar I admired her honesty her determination and her drive. When I saw the space I thought wow it has potential yet needs "alot" of work and when she called me a few days later and told me her budget I thought "oh yeah she’s definitely certifiably CRAZY!!! There would be no contractors to make paint and make repairs in fact the budget didn’t even allow for much more than my gas money given the length of hours and time I would have to commit. I told her I would think about it knowing full well that if I took on this project I'd basically be working for free. Something drew me to Vanessa’s mission and because I completely believe in her vision I agreed to take on the challenge of transforming the drab space into something fabulously her own. It was soooo much fun working with Vanessa, we laughed most of the time, we screamed at each other a lot but we never took each other too personally no matter how many times I wanted to literally slap her back to reality! Vanessa would call and “say did I mention that I’m gonna need the DJ’s area decorated as well?” and “oh btw I would like a station for my lap top” and “Li make sure you include purple carpet” and I'd take deep breathes and kindly respond "B*TCH YOU HAVE NO MONEY!!! And she’d say “oh yeah ...I forgot!” then we’d laugh hysterically and go about our day. I never grew tired of her persistence however I don’t think I wanna see the color purple for a long time and I’m not talking about the movie, this chick wanted purple everything OMG! I hope you have as much fun checking out the small details of what makes her set unique to her as I had finding and placing them. Meet the Vanessa Jasey set filled with all the quirky things that make up her personality. (We drew the inspiration for her set design from her favorite show Bravo TV’s Andy Cohen show)

BLANKY is VANESSA"S FAVORITE PROP HER ONSET POOCH (taken from UGLY BETTY)

On Wednesday May 11th  I attended  the Love & Hip Hop reunion show Taping at NEP studios in New York. The first season of the show had a whopping 1.9 million plus viewers so it was no surprise to see the line of audience hopefuls waiting to get in. One girl told me she actually waited an entire hour in line just to be seated in the audience.

Both behind the scenes as press and front and center in the studio audience I witnessed the “bittersweet” reunion of Crissy, Olivia, Emily B and Somaya Reece. Backstage  We could feel the tension in the air as we walked pass each of the girls dressing rooms, they hadnt seen each other since the last taping so they remained secluded from one another. We caught up with the brains behind the beauty William Edmonds celebrity hairstylist and makeup artist of Soultry Scissors Salon in Livingston NJ. William is responsible for the fresh beautiful faces and healthy bouncy tresses we saw on all the girls during the first season. My photographer John Anthony caught some great flicks of Him styling Crissy.

Angie Martines surprised the audience as the host of the show. She introduced the cast and as each one approached the stage they became prey to the audiences responses: Everyone appluaded as Crissy Lampkin strutted her louboutin pewter pumps accross the floor  but  the crowd seemed to go  crazy over Emily B's china doll bangs and skin tight leopard print ensemble, Somaya's betty boop look wasn’t as popular with the crowd and “OLDLIVIA” was what I heard from behind me as Olivia stepped on stage. Jim Jones showed up without his engagement ring but featured his brand new pretty boy haircut and Maurice showed up apologizing to Crissy a second time.

The reunion show is a clear indication of whats to come in the new season: a relationship that’s still hanging on a hinge, a marriage proposal that never gets solidified .and based on the momma drama and disrespect I witnessed on stage …prob never will (but hey you never know Jim Jones might finally stay sober long enuf to step up and end the madness between his girlfriend and mom).

The spiciest scene of all was the beef between Rich and Somaya that not only got heated but turned into an inferno of curses and disses live on stage. People storming off stage some emotional outbursts that nearly led to tears and even some swearin at the audience. All this while Moscato was passed around and make up artists were flocking forward and back doing touchups on the girls.

The set design  was nothing short of glamorous featuring a gold leather victorian style chair which was tufted with rhinestone buttons and served as Angie Martines' throne. Two purple and gold velvet settees on either side seated Somaya and Emily B together  and Crisssy and Olivia on the other side.  Crystal chandeliers and silver/gray crushed velvet drapes served as the back drop and still none of the glamour overshadowed the fact that real lives and real personal issues and frailties were willingly being exposed for all the world to see and criticize. At one point  one of the producers of the show turned to the audience after three cast members stormed off stage almost at once and said  “ this is some real life stuff theyre dealing with… this isn’t easy.. please bare with us"  You really need to tune into VH1 on May 16th at 8pm so you can see the drama for yourself.