The Light of My Life

The many faces of Mason ;)

This past weekend was an emotional one for me. Our family celebrated my son Mason's third birthday, and I have to say the nostalgia surrounding his birth and my subsequent reflection on our mother/son relationship, and the bond we share at present really made me very sentimental. (I love you soooooo much baby =)!!!!)Mason has definitely been a great light in my life. He's just an extraordinary kid with an infectious personality that whomever comes in contact with can't get enough of. He's grown leaps and bounds and amazes me every single day. At 3 years old he's incredibly intelligent, (I'm not just saying that because I'm his proud mommy, trust me... ask anyone who knows him ;) and just a sweet, innocent soul. As he gets older, and as I start to know him more as his own individual, a new life has been breathed into my lungs. When I look at him and I see all the life, innocence, potential, and the raw self-confidence that radiates from his little body, I know that life is just a series of glass ceilings that can always be broken, and for my son, sky is the limit. But, sky is not just the limit for him, but for his greatest benefit, myself as well ;). As parents, we are our childrens primary example. How can we tell our children to chase their dreams, to be their greatest, that they can accomplish anything, if we don't exemplify that through ourselves? Mason has shown me, just by being him, that life is great, and that he along with his brother Chase are my reasons for still chasing my dreams and accomplishing the goals I've always had for myself. I want the best for them, so in turn I want the best for myself. Mason has reignited a motivation within myself that could have died out before. He's given me a reason to want more for me and my family, and a motivation to make his and his brother's lives the best possible. Kids are blessings in so many shapes and forms...they uncover places in your heart and mind that are unexplorable to others...He's made me look at my husband and appreciate him as well. Only Vic and I could make Mason...no other two people in the entire world...without each other, we'd never have our light. Our bond as husband and wife is definitely strengthened by Mason & Chase =)....All this love, and just to think I have another one who's coming into his own and is already shining down a ray of his own into my world...I'm truly blessed to have children as wonderful as mine and I'm especially blessed that God put a child like Mason into my life when he did. I've started to see the world through the eyes of a three year old with the keys to life in his hands, and you know what? Its looking more beautiful then ever... You're one in a million baby.... I LOVE YOU!!!!!

Lingerie for Comfort of All Things

The spectrum: Sexy lingerie from demure to in-your-face $29.50-$58 at www.victoriassecret.com

With a dip in the markets as low as an unlucky 777 ;(, chances are you and the love of your life might be trading those nights on the town for a little more at home romance. So, utilize those XM channels and IPODS, mix up a couple drinks and don't forget the most important element, a sexy outfit. In an earlier blog, Romancing the Stone, I wrote that not every woman feels comfortable in lingerie, but she should. Like choosing any otherpiece of clothing, staying true to your style, and being conscious of your body (playing up what you like, playing down what you don't), when choosing lingerie is important. Consider things like underwire for support, what underwear shapes look good on your bum, and what silhouette fits you best (flyaways, babydolls, slips?). If you're more conservative in your style of dress or maybe don't feel that comfortable displaying too much skin, teddys, slips, and bustiers are nice. Especially now, with a lot of vintage 50's and 60's inspiration permeating through fashion, demure lingerie is in very high demand. If you're more daring in your fashion approach or love putting your body on display try lacy merrywidows, styles that have cutouts, or a bra/panty combo. Remember confidence is sexy...if you're in an outfit you don't feel comfortable in, you won't look confident or sexy no matter how much skin is showing. Reflect your sex appeal in the lingerie you choose and you'll be effortless ;)...Its nice to explore outside your own box when you're comfortable in your style of lingerie. If you usually choose soft romantic shades like pastels, nudes and whites...get racy in darker tones like black or navy. Once you start feeling comfortable dressing up, if you don't already, you'll find out how much more fun it is to play dress up ;). Flip the coin on these harsh times and look at the bright side, an intimate at home evening with your man in an outfit that he'll love u in....and you'll probably love yourself in more;)...can be really nice...LOVE!!!

I wasn't kidding about the XM Channels ;)!!! If you have satellite radio or your cable provider provides XM or music channels like it...take advantage! Set the tone for the evening by escaping into one of the exotic music channels and a lot of candlelight. My favorites are channels 843 Suite 62, and 872 Caliente ;)...Good music and lingerie go hand in hand...at least I think so ;)....LOVE!!!!

Red Carpet Reality:Olivia Wilde

Effortlessly Romantic...an easy look to duplicate ;)

Alpha Dog beauty Olivia Wilde looked exceptionally beautiful on the Emmy Red Carpet in her romantic ivory Reem Acra gown. Romantic gowns are in high demand this season, and hers was soooooo beautiful. A soft updo and smoldering eyes complete her movie star look, but you of course can achieve a similar one. Not every woman can fit the bill of a Reem Acra gown; they start at about $3000. But, I think every woman desires to look this painlessly beautiful ;). I searched the web for some affordable & beautiful evening gowns that can instantly place you in the same league as this Julietesque beauty. Here are 6 that I found at Nordstrom.com. They range in price from about $196-$368...visit this link to check out details http://shop.nordstrom.com/C/6014150/0~2376776~2374327~2374331~6014150?origin=leftnav

• Consider your body when choosing a Romantic gown-Chiffon and free flowing materials like organza and other sheers are really forgiving on women. Because they're flat in sheen and are usually pleated or loosely gathered they do a great job in concealing any flaws you may want to hide. Cap sleeves and tiers are also great embellishments that aide in concealing while looking romantically sweet. Satin and lace detailing work on almost all romantic gowns. Demure sex-appeal is the foundation for a romantic look, so stay away from gowns that display too much cleavage or fit too tight.

• Keep your accessories to a minimum- In a gown like this, you want to incarnate an ingenue. So, try to keep things as sweet and minimalist as possible. Opt for one accessory that shines and another that just accents. Try glittery chandeliers and a subdued bracelet. Or understated earrings with a baublous cocktail ring. Explore stones like opals, cameos, and pearls. Diamonds and clear stones always work too!


• When it comes to making your face, once again think minimalist. Black liner, lots of girly blush and mascara and a pink based nude lipstick should be all you need on top of your foundation. If you want, you can also try a highlighting powder under your eyes and on your cheekbones to give yourself an ethereal glow.


• When it comes to hair-mess is best! ;) Of course you can't pull off the "I haven't combed my hair in three days" look in a gown like this, but you should look like you just rolled out of bed and looked beautiful almost effortlessly ;). Loosely pin your hair into a mid to low bun and pull down a couple pieces. Finish with a vintage pin or brooch for a little extra shine.

When achieving this look, channel Shakespearean femininity. Embody a soft, effortless beauty, and be graceful in your stride. Remember that a whole look is a culmination of various complimentary elements...including your aura. If you feel soft and beautiful you'll look your best in this ultra soft, ultra feminine, ultra romantic look!LOVE

Olivia's look is also great for a destination wedding bride or for a bride who loves a tailored silhouette. Remember its the woman that makes the dress, and wedding dresses like evening dresses don't have to cost thousands of dollars to look amazing....LOVE

What to do with $700 Billion

Who's gonna spend YOUR money the best way possible?

Unless you've been sleeping under a rock, you know that the Stock Market is crumbling, Wall Street is under Federal investigation, the economy is the worst its been in a REALLY long time, and experts are comparing our economy at present to that of The Great Depression Era. What is now at stake, and apparently up for grabs is $700 billion of taxpayers' hard earned money to mend the crisis. While Republicans and Democrats fight about who will spend it and just how, what do you know about where your, or your significant other's hard earned money will be going? Does it mean stability for you and/or your family or a multi-million dollar severance package for a Wall street exec? Its no secret of mine that I fully support presidential candidate Barack Obama and his plan to mend the national crises, and his run for presidency. No matter who YOU support, I think we can all agree that the American public deserves to be considered in this financial "clean-up", especially when our hard earned dollars are the medium being used to fix the economy. I want to invite you to visit a link about what Obama/Biden are considering in their quest to rebuild the faltering economy, (eg. no exorbitant buyouts for Wall Street execs, helping homeowners facing fraudulent foreclosures etc.) and support their campaign by adding your name to the petition that I think will help EVERYONE. What's happening now doesn't just affect the rich. As we have already seen, the everyday Joe has already been called to help through his/her taxes. Economics def has a trickle down affect, and times are projected to get worse; try to secure stability for you and yours by taking heed to this crisis and the subsequent "economic fix" that politicians are presenting. If everyone plays a part, there can be a change....LOVE



http://my.barackobama.com/page/s/econprinciples

Why The Women Rocks

No better movie to watch with the girls than this one!

Sooooo, last night me and my girls Emijaa, Lisa and Sonja (I love u guys ;) made a girl's date to see The Women, and it was a fantastic movie! We ALL really enjoyed it. The all star cast of Debra Messing, Jada Pinkett Smith, Anette Benning, Meg Ryan, Eva Mendes, Candice Bergen and a surprise cameo ;) delivered unbelievable performances. The characters and situations were very real and relatable, and the plot line hits very close to home. The comedic moments were hysterically funny, the serious ones, just that. An overall great movie that's worth every cent of a movie ticket, The Women exhibits women from every point of the spectrum and the situations that rock their individual worlds. From marriage, career, children, and chasing your dreams to sexuality, self-awareness, friendship, and loyalty...this movie covers it all. My opinion, the best "girlfriends" movie of the year. The genuineness, comedy and scope of this movie beats out Sex and the City 100 times over. If you loved the bond of Carrie Bradshaw and her girlies, you'll be enamored by the one shared with Mary and her girls. An unbelievable movie that you have to go see if you haven't already...take your besties and prepare for a good time...in the vault ;)...LOVE!



Who doesn't love to discuss a good movie over drinks. We surely do! But, with the recession getting worse and drinks as expensive as ever, its kinda hard to get "nice" without depleting your savings. Try a Texas-Size drink at a low-key restaurant where ONE is def enough!!! Saving while having fun is always nice!LOVE

Lockdown Some Good TV with Prison Break

Wentworth Miller still commands attention almost 4 years after "We Belong Together"

Honestly how many different (of the same) reality shows can we really sit through. Good shows with actual plot lines are in rare supply nowadays. Of course there's your Lost, Heroes, and Grey's Anatomy that fill the void, but do you know about Prison Break? If you don't-you should! When I gifted my husband with Season One of this Fox Five series, I didn't know it would eventually become an obsession, maybe even an addiction of my own. This show is GREAT. Already in its fourth season, Prison Break, on Monday nights at 9pm, is one of the smartest, sexiest shows I've seen...three reasons why you should watch...

• The Hidden Uber-talented Thespians- Two of my favorite actors complete the cast of Prison Break. Robert Knepper, who plays sociopath Theodore "T-Bag" Bagwell, and William Fichtner, who plays special agent Alexander Mahone, are ones to watch. When it comes to fully embodying a character, these two are magnificent. Their performances are always chillingly believable, and force a likability to their not-so-likable characters.
• The Eye Candy- Amaury Nolasco, Dominic Purcell, Wentworth Miller...need I say more. If you need to find escape in one of the most beautiful sets of eyes I've ever seen, then watch Prison Break for this reason if no other ;)
• The Plot ALWAYS Thickens- There's a little grit, a little love, a lot of brains, and even more action & suspense in this series. Just when you feel yourself drifting from the infectious plot line, there's a suspenseful twist to reel you back in. And, just when you think it can't get any better, it does. There's literally NEVER a dull moment in this show.

Prison Break + Autumn nights= amazing date nights. A love story entangled in a web of mystery, suspense, and action, Prison Break makes a good watch with hubby-love! He'll enjoy all the Forensic File-like suspense (you def will too), and you'll enjoy the genuine love story between beautiful Michael Scofield and his girl next-door love interest Sarah Tancredi. See the lengths people go for family, love, freedom, corruption, money, and power. This show has it all...if you're not into it...get into it!

Prison Break Seasons 1-3 are available now on DVD...Try to watch it from the very beginning if you can. You can catch the current episodes every Monday on Fox at 9pm...

Check out this link for the Official Website where you can watch full episodes or just see what the show is all about http://www.fox.com/prisonbreak/ Happy watching...LOVE!

Emmy Fashion: My worst picks :(

Bright stars....dull choices

So like I said, there were few stars that faltered at the Emmys, but the ones who did, flubbed badly. Where exactly were America Fererra, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Jeremy Piven's ( I'm soooo sorry Jeremy...you are one of my favorite actors ;) stylists for the Emmy's?...

• Why I didn't love America Ferrera- The classic style is to die for and almost always works, but here it doesn't. The shape of the gown is very unflattering to America's body type, and the hair and makeup makes this young beaute look too old. A beautiful girl with a nice body who just chose the wrong look...hey it happens!


• Why I didn't love Jennifer Love Hewitt- Because she looks like she's trapped in 1998. We know that was the height of your career Jen, but you gotta roll with the times. The updo is atrocious, and the shape of the gown is very sweet and flattering, but the contrasting "stitch" design just doesn't scream..on screen siren! Once again beautiful girl...great body...wrong choice!


• Why I didn't love Jeremy Piven-But I really do...I just didn't love his look on this carpet ;). The informality of the pinstripes and the tailoring/fit, especially for a winning actor, just doesn't work for me! But you can look anyway you want Jeremy when you act the way you do-Congrats on your win!

Emmy Fashion: My best picks!

Christina & Diddy send glam through the roof

A lot of stars shined on this red carpet, and there were lots of stars whose gowns I loved... Lauren Conrad looked chic as always in a black empire waisted gown and etheral updo, and Terri Hatcher, not a usual fashion favorite of mine looked especially beautiful in a strapless sunshine yellow mermaid gown. Taraji Henson took a risk in animal print and looked fab...Heidi always wows, Debra always wows...the list could go on and on because the stars really brought it out this year. Even the men held no punches when choosing their red-carpet garb. Seacrest, Krasinski, and the Entourage fellas surely showed the boys how to rock a formal suit ;). Few faltered in their choice of award evening attire, but there were some that definitely shone more than others on this year's carpet...I narrowed it down to those two I loved the most. For best dressed woman I chose Christina Applegate, and for best dressed man, Sean Combs.

• Why I loved Christina Applegate- As a small screen star, the Emmys is your big night and she really showstopped in her Reem Acra dress. The hair was perfectly polished and the oxblood lips and nails were a great accessory for her regal gown. Also, the girl just battled cancer and I think she's never looked better! Good job Christina...I loved your look!


• Why I loved Sean Combs-Because when it comes to wearing a suit, or a tux for that matter, honestly who does it better? Velvet lapels & bowtie, and a classic white tuxedo shirt make his look timeless but up-to-date! Expert tailoring and just enough bling to balance it out...you're still preserving your sexy Diddy-you looked fantastic!

If this Emmy carpet is any prediction of the award season to come, then I'd say we're in for some good fashion... Stay tuned!LOVE

FALLing into Emmy Fashion

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Unfortunately for myself, I missed award season's first red carpet...:(...! The Emmy's premiered last night and starlets were rocking a lot of this season's biggest trends. Bold colors, chiffons and lace designs were scattered about the carpet. Bows and bejeweled fabrics added a much needed glimmer to the carpet...I scouted out those fall fashion trends that were on huge display last night, and here they are...

• Purple-Definitely this seasons biggest color choice! Nicolette Sheridan wowed in a violet, strapless cascading gown by Angel Sanchez.
• Lace- Grey's Anatomy star Sandra Oh channeled dark femininity in one of autumn's most popular fabrics-black lace. She looked great in a tiered Oscar de la Renta design.
• Chiffon- Probably the biggest trend this fall, all things chiffon, Jenna Fischer looked pretty in a strapless, soft, multicolor design by Gustavo Cadile
• Winter Florals- Ugly Betty beaute, Vanessa Williams opted for winterized florals in a muted black,white, and pink asymmetrical gown by Kevin Hall.
• A Girly Frock- Definitely keeping with the trends of this season, Eva Longoria's Marchesa cocktail dress was very feminine, airy, soft and shimmery.
• A Pop of Color- One of my favorites of the evening, and usually one of my favorites on any carpet, Mariska Hargitay blinded in a yellow, one shouldered Carolina Hererra floor length gown.
• A Wow-Factor Evening Gown-Reem Acra always takes fashion to an opulent plateau and Christina Applegate took full advantage of this fall trend! This seafoam grecian design with dramatic train and gold detailing was perfect for putting aristocracy on display on the carpet. (Kudos for the ox-blood lipstick to finish off ;)
• Shimmer and Glimmer- My favorite mother of three, Heidi Klum, who always looks phenomenal, sparkled in a free flowing and curve hugging at-the-same-time embellished gunmetal gown by Armani Prive
• Return of classic black- Always a stunner, Debra Messing showed up in a classic but edgy black evening gown by Monique Lhuillier.

It looks like the stars are coming back out...the dresses were fab and the trends were everywhere! How could I have missed this!? Stay tuned for my picks of this year's best and worst dressed men and women at the 2008 Emmy's and how you can duplicate a red-carpet look...(holiday season is right around the corner ;).....LOVE!

Bouncing Back After a Breakup

Thank God I lost all the losers in my life, or this may have never been ;)

Ahhhhhhh....I wasn't always basking in the wonderful bliss of love and marriage. Trust me, I've definitely had my fair share of relationships that were WAY less than perfect. And at the special request of a very good friend of mine ;), I want to share this post about what it might take to make recovering from heartache just a little shy of difficult; because when is it ever really easy? Of course everyone and every situation and relationship is different, and as always these are the things that worked for me. But, I think we can all agree that bouncing back from a breakup is no easy feat and that a little advice from a first hand source can always help. Finding love again is not only a possibility but an inevitability, because out there for everyone is someone...

• Know Your Worth- I always say that settling down is cool but settling is not, and its not. If you've just ended a relationship where you felt you were given less than you deserve, in any aspect be it emotionally, sexually, or mentally, then you made the RIGHT choice by moving on. Feel comfortable and gratified by your decision. Life is way to short to be settling for less. The person you ultimately want to be with should make you feel like you need to keep striving to better YOURSELF, not like you're doing them a favor by being with them. In life always seek out the person who brings out the best in you!


• Ex's are Ex's for a Reason- When all those beautiful longing feelings begin to fill your heart... remember all those that broke it and smashed it into thousands of pieces. There's a reason things didn't work out, and there's no need to revisit the pain if you don't have to. Remember that history almost always repeats itself. Once you realize that this particular individual just wasn't for you...moving on may be a little easier. Also, relationships shouldn't be hard labor. Of course, anything worth value takes time and effort to nurture, and NO ONE is perfect just like NO RELATIONSHIP is either. A relationship may have little kinks that need working out, but,if you're crying more than you're smiling then some thing's wrong. There's a concrete reason to move beyond this particular chapter.
  
• Sever ties- Some people just can't remain friends after a breakup, and honestly its healthy for both parties. Absence in true love will make the heart grow fonder, but if it just wasn't meant to be, it may start to wander...(into more welcoming arms ;). Staying connected to those old flames will only drag things out, and prolong the inevitable. If you can, try to start living your life with that person outside of its walls; after all you're going to have to get accustomed to things being that way. If its possible to remain friends, try not to do so until you're 100% over the relationship, and there's no fear of relapsing. Of course, when children and shared assets are involved this isn't quite as easy, but just try to be strong and keep things as cordial and neutral as possible.
  
• Don't hold Grudges & Choose Your Enemies Wisely-If its over, its over...and guess what its just time to move on. Your ex's new prospects have nothing to do with the breakup. Even if your man was a cheater..it was HIS infidelity that led to your relationship's demise. (Of course, homewreckers are NEVER cool with me ;) Sometimes innocent people get caught up in the matters of our hearts and its unfortunate. Think about yourself and who next YOU may introduce into your life, and ask yourself if you'd want them entangled in your past relationship's web of mess before taking out your anger and frustration on the next person your ex may have in his life. Also, its such a waste of time and energy...focus on a better you and a better relationship to come.
  
• Be OPEN to New Prospects- Perhaps the reason things didn't work out is because what you thought you liked isn't what you really like at all. As we grow in relationships we also grow within ourselves as individuals. Maybe things didn't work out because you and your partner have outgrown each other. It happens....so what should you do? Date date date! And date DIFFERENT people. Open your mind about your prospects and be open to different people. I alluded to the fact in an earlier blog, The Quarter Life Crisis: Let's Talk About It, that a lot of what we don't even know about ourselves we find out through other people. Explore different potentials to find one that's gonna make you happy next time around.


• Don't Make Excuses for NOT moving on- When someone shows you their a**, take notice of it. We as women, the nurturers of the world, automatically want to heal a relationship or make excuses for those we love, but sometimes the answer lies in the truth. If its broken and unfixable, accept it, and begin to heal YOURSELF.
  
• Be Strong- My mother guided me through my dealings with men with the mantra "A man will only do to you what you allow him too." Truer words were never spoken. If you have a problem with they way you're being treated in a relationship, nip it in the bud or keep it moving. Honestly, if you set the guidelines down from the beginning of what you will and won't stand for, a first mistake should be the last. If you allow someone to continue to hurt, use, or mistreat you, you honestly have no one to blame but yourself. If you don't allow it-it won't happen.

Recovering from a relationship is never easy and its especially hard when you're really truly in love with someone. But, to my knowledge, no one has ever died from a broken heart; it will heal and you'll be better. What doesn't kill us makes us stronger, and as for relationships this is absolutely true. NO real man wants a weak, vulnerable woman to lay his head on. So take your experience and turn it into strength for the Adonis that awaits you. KNOW what you want next time around and don't be afraid to say it. Its your best life you have to live and you should live it with the best person possible. Love is synonymous with happiness...move forward and find what's real....LOVE

The New Joan & Melissa

In an earlier blog, Return of an Icon, I alluded to the fact that the Red Carpets of late have been lukewarm; and they definitely have. The correspondents have been really boring, and now that all the A-listers are starting families and trading in walking the carpets for changing diapers and family time, wow factor fashion has been scarce on the scarlet floor. Hopefully that's all about to change. Diva fashionistas, media moguls, and my new favorite mother/daughter duo Kris Jenner and Kim Kardashian are now the new celebrity correspondents for E! News. Thank god! Finally some interesting people with actual style who'll make the celebrities bring their "A game" to the carpet. If they want to show up these Armenian & German/Irish beauties, celebs are gonna have to dig into their red-carpet archives and see just how the icons of past stood up to Joan and Melissa Rivers. Award season is right around the corner..hopefully we'll get a glimpse of Berry or Blanchett alongside these two aphrodites and have some carpets worth watching....LOVE

Romancing the Stone

In numerous convos with my girlfriends one subject seems to resonate throughout, sometimes it can just be so hard to get emotion out of the stones we call husbands and boyfriends. Men are just the less emotionally driven sex lets face it. So while their intent may not be malevolent, overtime it can be harder and harder for them to display their amorous affections. They're comfortable, they're complacent....they're MEN! But there are ways to romance those stones and keep those fires burning. They work two-fold; allowing you to shower your man with the love he deserves while giving him reasons to reciprocate it 20 times over, naturally. Forcing emotion out of someone is unnatural and unreal, but everyone needs a boost from time to time, and men are no different. Here are four little things I think you can do that I'm sure will get a rise out of your man...pun definitely intended!

• Mail him a nice card at work- If he's able to receive it that is. Keep the message short and very sweet; something that he can quickly read over and won't risk getting caught reading by his colleagues. Most men are VERY personal about things close to their heart, and that's why they battle with displaying emotions-remember that. If you can't mail your man a card find another way to get a sexy message to him. Fold a note in his towel or in his shirt for the next morning. Put it on the seat of his car or in the back pocket of his jeans. Either way, surprise him with a written display of your love. The element of surprise makes anyone feel special, and guys love to think they're the center of your universe. Let him know you're always thinking about him even when he least expects it! It will elate him, no doubt!
• Buy him a gift for no reason at all- And in this case, less is more. Try to find something small and close to your man's heart and present him with it. Think a nice t-shirt from his favorite sports team, a movie or TV series he loved as a child on DVD etc. Make sure its as unpretentious and personal as possible. Guys actually love things that are directly connected to them. So think small for a big impact.
• Give him a massage- There's a reason after thousands of years this still works. Give your man a nice kneading, but take it up a notch. Think about your spa experiences and reproduce them for him. Light votives and play exotic music. Use a nice massage oil and go to work. Touch everything from his head to his feet. Women are not the only ones who need to be pampered...you want the best from your man, he deserves the best too. Mommies, your Boppy pillow doubles as a nice headrest for a full body massage. Place it at the head of your bed, drape a white or ivory sheet over for a makeshift massage table. Don't forgo any details when massaging your man. He may have had one before, but never one like this...make it an experience for him!
• Indulge his sense-of vision of course. Men are definitely the more visually stimulated of the two sexes, so give him what he wants. Take advantage of what seems to be a booming collection at Victoria's Secret (because Vicky's def has dry spells from time to time) and dress up for him...but really dress up for him! Make yourself as beautiful as you possibly can. Burn the image into his brain for weeks to come by stepping out of your own box. If you usually choose lingeries that are racy and in your face-opt for something sweet & demure and vice versa. Make this evening the only evening its okay to sleep in your make-up. Its a universal theory-guys need to see it to react to it-give him something to react on ;)

Guys are always a conundrum and they will take eternity to completely figure out. Don't be discouraged by their displays of nonchalance or take it personally. Men are men...don't they always need a little boost for something? Balance it out by showering your man with little random acts of am ore'. I guarantee the results will work in your favor. Of course your man has to really love you...even these tips won't work on a jerk! Try this if the rock of your life can sometimes be just that...a stone...trust me there's a soft center in there...you just have to get to it....LOVE!

Not every woman is comfortable parading around in lingerie...but she should be! Look for my upcoming blog on Lingerie for Comfort of All Things where I'll show you my picks for body conscious lingerie you can wow in....LOVE

Celebrating your Assets and Embracing your Flaws: Post Baby

My bestie Shana, beautiful & confident 2 kids later!

Having a child is definitely a life changing experience. Not only are you adjusting to your new lifestyle, but all the physical changes that come along with. After the birth of my second baby Chase I was VERY unhappy with all the changes that took place with my body. Luckily for me, I was fished from the gene pool where post baby weight just falls off, but after Chase's arrival I was unhappy with EVERYTHING about myself, even my weight. My girl Shana and I were going through the same things around the same time (both our kids are literally the same ages) and we both came to realize how those imbalanced hormones can make you feel about your self image, and as long as they inhabit your body your self esteem may suffer. But together we found there ARE ways to appreciate and love yourself flaws and all...

• Celebrate the changes you love-Enjoy your fuller more womanly figure if you were thinner before. Appreciate the thicker healthier hair and nails that came along with your baby. Pregnancy does bring on some positive and welcomed changes. Discover what yours are and display them with pride.


• Be Active & ProActive- The leading complaint from women post-baby is, you guessed it, they've gained too much weight gain and have problems shedding the pounds. Keep your body moving and get up and move around. Exercise with all your new baby gadgets and go for lots of walks with your little one. You won't lose if you don't exercise so stay as active as possible while of course taking your health and post-partum healing process into consideration. MAKE a plan and STICK to it. Its YOUR physical appearance so be proactive in getting it to where you want it to be. If you were lucky enough to not have issues with your weight post baby, lucky you! But you should still stay active to remain healthy and in shape. A lot of women actually start gaining once the hormones exit their system or upon starting a new contraception- so stay as fit as possible!


• Embrace your baby boobs- They may have gotten dramatically bigger or even smaller. Either way be proud of what you have NOW. Take advantage of clothing styles you may not have been able to before. If your breasts are bigger now try more curve hugging blouses that accentuate your womanly figure; if your breasts are smaller try more fashion forward pieces that celebrate a smaller bust.


• Know the Power of Water- Its a natural system flusher, a water weight shedder, a skin clarifier, and an evacuator of those annoying and causative pregnancy hormones. Drink as much water as possible post-baby; it really helps.


• Love the Person in the Mirror- Skin issues are another post-partum problem that affects a lot of women. During the pregnancy of my eldest son Mason, my face was ravaged by Acne. Unfortunately until all the hormones left my system my face and neck never cleared up. But what I did, and what you should try to, is to stay on top of your skin. It may not clear up right away, but you want your skin to be in the best condition when it does. Stick to a skincare routine and visit a dermatologist if you feel you really need to. But just try to wait it out, and don't pick or aggravate your face; you don't want acne scars later.


• Deal with your Stretch Marks- A lot of women complain about the appearance of stretch marks after the birth of their children. What are they? Actual tears in your skin as a result of a dramatic stretch. Genetics play a role in just how severe you will get them, but moisturizing with Vitamin E and Cocoa butter during and after your pregnancy can really help. What do you do if you have them? Embrace them and look at the beauty from which they came. You birthed a child and had a battle with pregnancy...so you have a couple scars. If you can't learn to deal with them or maybe even love them, you can try topical creams to try and fade them. Stri-Vectin is a popular brand that has been around for years. However a lot of people I know that have used it say they can't get results on African-American skin. But this new cream, Trilastin-Sr, is supposed to show results on ANY skin type. Check out this link to see what its about http://www.ecresearchcorp.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=33&FiliAff=1794&Click=30657&gclid=COCeos294JUCFQTEGgodNAdAZA

• If all else fails look at your baby- After all its not about you anymore. Whether its for motivation & inspiration or just to draw comfort and joy from another source, look at your baby and be happy. Don't spend too much time dwelling in depression about your physical appearance; it takes valuable time away from bonding with your baby. At the end of the day you've acquired another beauty in motherhood.

Remember to give yourself some time. It took nine months for your bundle of joy to grow. Things won't change over night. Its natural to feel a little unhappy about your physical appearance after the birth of your child because after all you have changed. Don't compare yourself to the person you used to be. You ARE a different person NOW; move forward and be happy. Being happy with yourself is important to the relationship you're building with your new baby and your mental state as well. Remember, if you ever feel resentment towards your baby or are feeling REALLY depressed don't ignore these emotions. They could mean you're suffering from PPD & need to speak to a doctor before it gets worse. Spend the time after you've given birth loving and enjoying your baby and accepting who you've become. Don't sweat the things you can't change and devote time to working on the things you can and want to. EVERY woman is beautiful and mothers are ESPECIALLY beautiful...celebrate in just that...LOVE

Having the blues after baby is normal-PPD is not. What's the difference? Check out this link to find out http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/postpartum.htm

Sex on Display

Don't you wish you knew what was in this viewfinder? ;)

This weekend was my cousin Emijaa's 25th birthday celebration weekend and one of the things she wanted to do to celebrate was to visit the Museum of Sex in NYC. I have to say it was definitely an experience! The exhibits were very interesting ;). My favorite was actually the permanent collection on the third floor. It featured lots of tasteful nudist art, period items from burlesque shows, and lots of toys and contraptions you might see in a sequel of Saw or a vintage Marilyn Manson Video...think "Beautiful People". I encourage you to visit if you've never been, but you do need to be prepared before you go! To get the most out of your experience I recommend visiting with your girls or alone with your significant other. The overt displays of sexuality and porn at every turn might make it a little uncomfortable to get the most out of this environment in a group setting. My suggestion...a great threshold date spot. You know what the threshold is...its the point when IT is inevitable..ITs GONNA happen or IT probably just did...;). If your relationship is about to near that pivotal point...see what you're working with together by visiting this museum...its alot easier to talk about sex in an environment like this with a partner who's not so open about it, and it definitely gives those mounting sexual tensions the push they need to put them over the edge. Its also a great "dating-out-of-the-box spot" so visit with your longtime hubby or beau for some extra spice! Don't forget to check out the gift shop for some interesting reads and prepare to be shocked and maybe even a little weirded out by some of the exhibits. There are definitely some "colorful" things going on throughout the entire Sex Lives of Animals exhibit, and the Action: Sex and the Moving Image exhibit will take you on a VERY visually informative evolution about the revolution of sex and pornography. (You'll even see a few cameos by Paris, Colin, Pam and Tommy.) Just remember look but don't touch...the museum's staff is strict about touching the exhibits.....even if you REALLY want to ;)

The Museum is open Monday through Sunday and open late on Saturday. Visit this link to see what you're getting into before you go....but def go!LOVE


http://www.museumofsex.com/

Detoxing on Mondays

I don't know about you, but it seems like weekends are getting more and more hectic. With less and less time to get things done during the week, and events scribbled in every weekend for the next lifetime...weekends are getting used to their fullest potential. Whether you spent this past one hanging and partying with friends, or catching up with people or errands, or maybe even a little of both, chances are you need some down time. And nowadays Sunday isn't always that lazy day anymore is it? So what do you do? Improvise on Monday. If you have to go into work or you can't just lay in bed because you've got kids to tend to find a way to rejuvenate yourself for the week ahead. Treat yourself to a power nap...at your desk during lunchtime or when the kids are sleeping. On days when you feel burnt out...relax and reenergize. Not allowing your body the time it needs to recoupe will only make you cranky(ier...lol). Don't overload yourself on caffeine....it will be a crash and burn later. Of course, give your body the energy boosts it needs to keep you functioning, but think rest not overstimulation.

• When you do finally have some down time...use it. Relax by dimming the lights and lighting candles. It sounds cliche but it actually works. Scents like chamomille, lavender and vanilla are good for relaxing.
• Steam yourself in a shower. Adding a lavender scent to a hot shower releases a chemical that reduces cortisol...a trigger of stress. And as always a warm shower or bath is relaxing in and of itself.
• Turn off your cell and television and turn on your iPod. Play songs that are going to soothe you, or that resonante happy memories. Have a glass of red wine. The melatonin in red wine will actually induce sleep. Try Merlots, Chiantis or Cabernet Sauvignons which are rich in melatonins.
• Blow out the candles and get some uninterrupted sleep. Once you're down stay down! ;)
• Re-energive yourself in the a.m. with a natural energy drink and a good breakfast. Regain all the energy you lost this weekend by refueling yourself with Vitamin C, protein and natural energy boosters like Ginseng and Green Tea. Light a citrus scented candle while you're getting ready or preparing breakfast in the morning.

With life being as fast paced as it is and weekends being venues of craming it all in, its important not to forget to rest and take time to reenergize your body. Sleep is important to your body's overall wellness and important functions such as your metabolism and immunity. Don't forget to detox after a full weekend....its also important for your mood, beauty, and happiness!!!LOVE

Don't really know just how important sleep is to your health? Check out this link and find out why rest is soooooo important!

http://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/HEALTHbeat_011806.htm

Remembering 9/11

No matter where you are or what you're doing today, take time out to reflect on the importance of today. No one will ever forget this American tragedy marked by today's date. Remember the people who lost their lives seven years ago and the families and friends who lost as well. Remember that each day we have is a blessing and an opportunity to cherish our loved ones and the gift of life...LOVE

Grocery Store Beauty

Honey...one of nature's best beauty secrets

On your next supermarket excursion pick up an extra box of sugar, a jar of honey, a box of oatmeal, a cucumber, an extra carton of eggs, and a lemon. Why? These six grocery buys double as beauty buys. When combined with each other or other things hiding in your cabinet and fridge they make some of the best masks, scrubs and conditioners etc...

• Sugar-This naturally abrasive exfoliant also contains glycolic acid. When combined with your facial wash and witch hazel it makes a great scrub. It can also be combined with your body wash as a body scrub to slough off the dull top layer of your skin.
• Honey-This tastey goo has millions of uses. Add it to bath water to soften your skin. "Pat" it all over your skin in the shower to improve your circulation and give yourself an instant glow. Use it after you towel dry your hair for a natural shine. Pinken your puckers by rubbing it on fiften mins. a day and then rinsing it off. Honey is also naturally moisturizing and anti-bacterial. It can be rubbed on small cuts or nicks and used to moisturize legs post shaving.
• Oatmeal-Another natural exfoliant, oatmeal is great for scrubs. When combined with honey and milk it makes a very moisturizing and soothing bath. When combined with banana and milk it makes a great facial mask.Oatmeal is also good at healing itchy dry skin. Make a paste, rub it on your problem areas, and rinse off.
• Cucumber- I once heard that every woman over 19 should have a cucumber in her fridge. Its very true! Cucumbers are fantastic at removing under eye-circles (its not a myth). Especially when combined with potatoe juice and placed on eyes for 15 mins. They are also great promoters of hair growth. When mixed with carrot juice, the juice of a cucumber does a great job of nourishing your hair and nails when you drink it. Cucumbers are also VERY hydrating and great for glowing skin.
• Eggs-The pore and skin tightener!!! When combined with honey and olive oil eggs make a great firming mask. Its also a great conditioner for your hair because its rich in protein. Mix the yolk with olive oil for shiny hair. Try an egg white and oatmeal mask to clear up breakouts!!! You can even apply a thin layer under your eyes UNDER your foundation for a temporary but quick eyelift!
• Lemon-Nature's detoxifier is also multifunctional. When combined with honey it lightens dark lips. When rubbed on freckles and age spots it lightens and fades them.When mixed with warm olive oil and applied to the scalp it combats dandruff.It also works as a great astringent full strength on your face.

So there you have it...six grocery beauty finds that really work. What you see here is just a small fraction of the versatiliy of these ingredients. They can be combined with so many things for hundreds of naturally beautiful uses!!! Natural beauty is by far the best beauty because its the healthiest for your skin and body. Makeup companies are now more than ever leaning toward natural cosmetics with the explosion of mineral make-up. Set the base for your skin and body with these picks...

...and check out this link http://www.care2.com/ for more combinations and other natural beauty ingredients...LOVE!!!

Building Blocks

If you're a stay at home mommy, eventually your little one will have to go off to school and you'll have the joyous but tedious task of finding a preschool for him/her. Experts agree that a child's preschool years are very important in the future of their education because they are some of the most important years developmentally. Choosing the right preschool requires a lot of research because you want to place your child in the most optimal environment for him/her. Generally preschoolers range in age from about 2 1/2 -5 years of age depending on the program. Curriculums vary school to school. The 3 most popular are the Montessori, Waldorf, and High/ Scope curriculums. Check them out to see which one is good for your preschooler.

• Montessori-My personal favorite, this curriculum has a focus in five important areas. The first is practical life where children are taught independence by way of tying their shoes, dressing themselves, preparing their own snacks etc. The second is sensory awareness where children are encouraged to use all five of their senses to learn through exploration, play, and hands on activity. The third is language arts where children learn the building blocks for reading and writing. Fourth, children learn about geometry and math (even decimals) through play and hands on aides. Last but not least, fifth is a concentration on cultural subjects such as geography, history, art, animals etc. This type of curriculum was founded by psychiatrist Maria Montessori in 1907 and is great for children who learn best hands on. Children are encouraged to learn at their own pace and teachers are very in tune with individual children!


• Waldorf- Waldorf preschools encourage kids to learn through free play in an environment that is very similar to their home. Pretending and lots of self expression through singing, arts and crafts are fostered in Waldorf preschools and are great for children who love to be part of a group.


• High/ Scope- This program is built on the theory that children need to learn through active involvement with people, ideas, events, and materials. Like the Montessori curriculum children are encouraged to learn at their pace, but High/ Scope children are the organizers of the materials and activities. Computers are usually part of this curriculum which focuses on creative representation, music, classification and other things. This school setting is good for preschoolers who need very specialized attention from teachers, and has proved very effective for children with learning disabilities and delays.

Many preschools offer half-day and full day programs based on the needs of parents. Like anything else, education, especially preschool, can be costly, but in the long run it will pay off. Choose a setting that your child will be learning and interacting at his/her fullest potential and won't lag or regress in.

"Children who attend high-quality preschool enter kindergarten with better
pre-reading skills, richer vocabularies, and stronger basic math skills than
those who do not,"says NIEER director W. Steven Barnett, PhD.

While children can ALWAYS learn and play at home or in childcare before kindergarten, preschool teaches them how to socialize and be students. Give your child the head start they need in school and the edge in life. Make sure you research lots of schools before you choose one that's right for your little one. Take into consideration the location, the hours and the staff. Check for licensing and if the school you choose is a member of NAEYC. Best of luck....LOVE

Check out this link to hundreds of listings of preschools following these curriculums in the US. http://www.savvysource.com/

Also check out the Bank Street Curriculum if none of these interest you!

Stay In with the Girls this Saturday Night

Watch this biography about THE fashion icon

Instead of ranting about those sub-par VMA's that we all dreadfully sat through this past Sunday, I invite you to join me in what I hope will be a pleasurable viewing experience this weekend. Stay in with the girls and watch a film about the incredible rise and fall of fashion icon Gabriel Bonheur Chanel or Coco Chanel as the world came to know her. Shirley MacLaine (actually a GOOD actress) plays the role, and the film debuts this Saturday at 8pm on the Lifetime network. What am I looking forward to? The costume design and all those sordid love stories of course! Make sure you check out the chronicles of this legend who's inner turmoil was never satiated by marriage and children, but who managed to revenue over $160 million a year at the time of her passing. Coco Chanel was such an interesting person and such an incredible woman that her story alone is enough to make this movie more than entertaining! So gather the girls and pop a cork, I def. think this is worth watching.

Entertaining your gals? Try this drink..its easy to mix and tastes very refreshing not to mention GOOD. I call it a TING-tini. Its made from an imported grapefruit soda from Jamaica called Ting that you can find at a Jamaican bakery or some supermarkets and grocery stores. Mix in a shaker with your favorite Vodka (mine is Stoli) to taste. Garnish the bottom of your martini glasses with a pink grapefruit slice, add sugar to the rim and serve!!!LOVE

You See Me: Hi Hater

A bouquet of pink roses for my haters...Thanks!!

The proverb is very true: The best revenge in life is living well. Unfortunately, with the gain of success, be it personal, career based, or otherwise comes at least a hater or two. What exactly is a hater? The definitions are plentiful, but I basically define it as a jealous individual who exhibits the weak and envious emotions he/she has regarding another in a contemptible and juvenile manner. How do you deal with them? When you're great you have to. They never go away, but there is a way to recognize them, pick them out and keep them at bay. Because what more is a hater than a leech? And no one wants a bloodsucker feeding off of themselves or their accomplishments

1. Trust your gut- If you feel like you can't trust a person...don't. Your instinct is your body's natural firewall, and it will prove you right every time. First impressions are lasting impressions; keep them in the FRONT of your mind.
   
2. Beware of Wolves in Sheep's clothing...- You'll eventually meet those individuals who are all smiles and conversation but are speaking and grinning from a dark place. Rely on the first rule to weed those individuals out. Every smiling face is not a friend. If you think people don't operate with ulterior motives...think again;). Give a hater what he/she wants; the sound of your voice, the stroke of your keys, the sight of your face. Remember the only reason someone would hate you for no reason is because they want to be just like you!
   
3. ...and Crabs in the Bucket- There will also be individuals who want to stagnate your growth in life. Jealous feelings about how you're progressing in your marriage, with your children, in your job or even within yourself will mold a hater's actions. Keep these individuals out of your personal business and remember that because they are opportunistic and lack in their own lives they want you to as well; they will use any means to try to make it happen.


4. Decipher double entendres- I'm excellent at this. Start knowing what people actually mean when they say something. Read between the lines of shady individuals, and don't entertain idle chatter. Haters are leeches. They will suck what they can out of you; don't give them the opportunity.


5. Go hard- If there is one thing, and there is only one thing, that a hater is good for is keeping YOU on your toes and motivating you to continue to be great and to better yourself. Who doesn't love to go against the grain and oppose the opposition. Turn the negativity a hater throws your way into positive reinforcement for yourself. Give 110% to everything and give HE/SHE something to talk about!


6. Keep the focus on YOU- When I think of the word hater, or even just the haters I've come into contact with the following words come to mind...insecurity, dregs, weakness, prevaricators, serpents, WASTES!!! Continue to focus the attention on yourself and pay no mind to a hater. Realize that the problem they have with YOU is not really with YOU its with themselves, and they're just putting it on blast for you and EVERYONE else to see.

Wave "hi" to a hater the next time you see them. Inspire them to be a better individual. Keep the successes, people and situations in your life that you feel proud of strong. Exude your beauty, style, and intelligence with confidence, and feel sorry and compassionate for a hater. After all, they feel so bad about themselves they have to find another outlet to direct all that negative energy. You unfortunately just happen to be the recipient. Its all good though. Take pride in the fact that you and/or your life were just great enough to be targeted. So keep doing what you're doing, and you hater... you keep watching....LOVE!!!

Return of an Icon

Jennifer Lopez on the cover of the October issue of Elle

When you're perusing the newsstands for something to read on your trip into work or during your boobies' afternoon naps, join me in purchasing a copy of one of my favorite fashion magazines, Elle. This October, Jennifer Lopez graces the cover and dishes on a lot of issues especially....what else...fashion! When it comes to fashion icons, JLo is one of the greats in my eyes. In her prime she ruled the red carpet alongside Catherine Zeta-Jones, Julia Roberts, Halle Berry, Penelope Cruz, Cate Blanchett and Renee Zellweger, and she along with these women recalled the days of classic beauty and "Old Hollywood" glam. Think back for a moment to that sheer gunmetal Chanel gown, those blinding chandeliers, and those mink eyelashes....Ahhhhh.... the carpet hasn't been the same since the 2001 Oscars. Here, she poses in confections by nine designers: Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Diane von Furstenberg, Marchesa, Michael Kors, Oscar de la Renta, Versace, Brian Atwood and Sweetface, and in true JLO form she rocks it out. Debuting her post-partum figure in her first spread since having twins she looks phenomenal in the amazing clothes and accessories. The photos are beautiful and really capture a stylish, glamorous JLo. She talks babies, marriage, getting back in the swing of things and her undeniable style. Definitely check it out if you love this fashionista! Its also the Personal Style issue so I'm sure there's lots of other articles worth checking out.....LOVE

Getting the Most from your Pre-existing Wardrobe

Myself in a creme de menthe silk cocktail dress and Black Suede T-Straps

Getting ready for your next event doesn't always mean running to the store and splurging on a new outfit everytime. Revamp pieces you already own by pairing them with new things or things you normally wouldn't for a fresh look. Suede sandals are probably the most versatile piece season to season. Peep toes, slingbacks, and maryjanes in this fabric add warmth to summer dresses for an evening look and are a staple for fall. I wore my favorite black and gold pair from last fall with a floral dress on a recent date for a luxe feminine look...and I loved it!

Don't just rely on your shoes to carry you over....Clothes make a good transition from season to season. This season especially lends itself to florals and sheer fabrics so take advantage of this opportunity, and don't pack these things away just yet. Carry your sheer blouses over from summer and give them an autumn flair by lairing them under suits and pairing them with pants and skirts. Winterize floral frocks with opaque tights, blazers, sweaters, and belts in heavier fabrics and darker hues. While you should stick to muted tones in the colder weather, a pop of color still works. Think a hot pink bag or shoe; stay away from things that look overtly out-of-season. Playing with different colors, patterns and textures make for very interesting outfits. Try not to be too matchy-matchy when it comes to building an outfit. A little element of surprise makes an outfit look haute. ALWAYS be cohesive and pull out a common thread. You should never look like you just threw different things together, the elements should work well with one another. Summer jewels in corals & turquoise etc. look very exotic when paired with simple evening gowns. Jeans and sweaters always transfer season to season. Your favorite boxy winter sweater looks great closed with a brooch over a feminine dress on a spring evening. Jeans work well season to season, day to evening. Try wearing a pair you usually use to relaxe in on a date instead and vice versa. The possibilites are endless...

After a couple of pre-event shopping binges of past, you should have a closet with an excellent structure for building different outfits. Build upon it when you can and when you need a little retail therapy, but always utilize what you have...You'd be surprised at what you can come up with!!! LOVE

The Quarter Life Crisis: Let's Talk About It

You've probably heard about Freedman's dilemma, if you or someone you know hasn't already experienced it first hand, but its the Quarter Life crisis and its the identity crisis of the new age. Identity crises aren't just characterized by your sterotypical 40 something male parading his vitality around in an expensive sports car. Think mid to late twenty somethings and early 30 year old's struggling with their lives' defining questions and issues. Who am I? Where am I going? Is it time to commit? Am I on pace with my career? With matriomy and parenthood becoming more prominent and even more attractive in these age brackets, men and women alike are getting swept up in this wave. I've definitely dealt with it; feeling rushed to maturity and responsibility by way of motherhood and marriage while longing for the freedoms and excitements of youth. How do you deal with being pulled in two different directions? The answer for everyone is different, but here are a few thoughts I think can help in the quest:

1. Growing older is inevitable. Growing up is a choice- There comes a point in time when there are just more important things in life than getting wasted every weekend with your friends (among other things). We may not want to grow up but we have to if we want to live full lives in the future. Accept the fact that changing and maturing is a part of a healthy life cycle. Don't stagnate your life by dwelling in your youth...definitely enjoy it as much as you can, but get a perspective on just how long its going to last. Growing up doesn't have to mean being or having less fun. It just means being and acting responsibly.
   
2. Deal with yourself first- We all have internal struggles and issues that we deal with. They can be an inability to trust, narcisissm, unwillingness to commit, self doubt...the list goes on and on. Try to get them in check before you dive into the relationships of the real world. Being happy with who you are comes with knowing who you are, and the things within in yourself that could use a little work. In life you are always part of a whole, be it in the workplace, in a relationship, in a friendship etc. Make yourself the best person you can be and the rest will fall into place.
   
3. Get serious about the people you date if you're not already in a relationship- At this point in time any realtionship you engage in is a serious one. Why? Because it is a consumer of time, and time is of the essence now more than ever. If you realize something is a waste of time...don't waste yours. Empty prospects who aren't on the same page as you only hold YOU back. Don't waste the most valuable years of your life on nothing.
   
4. Take charge of your life and put the plan into action.-Prioritze, prioritize, priortize. Some things that were once rulers of your world will now have to take a backseat. Focus on what it is that YOU want out of life and make provisions to get those things rolling. It may mean taking time away from friends, recreations and other things and focusing your attention elsewhere, but in the end you have to think in the long term. Be responsible when it comes to things like your credit, your spending habits, and your dealings with the opposite sex. The decisions you make in this pivotal time are important.
   
5. Don't be afraid to commit- Marriage or commiting in a relationship doesn't mean sacrificing your youth. It just means you've found someone worth sharing it with. Stay youthful by keeping up with friends and activities you love, going out and enjoying life. Commitments should enhace your life not take away from it.
   
6. Settling down is cool. Settling is not.-Not everyone will find the love of their life by age 25, but if you do...great. Good men and women alike are scarce in today's world. So if you find one that you love and share's your game plan...hold on to them. Remember never sacrfice your goals and dreams for the sake of being with someone. We all have pre-existing plans for our lives, that may be compromised by the curveballs of life. But essentially hold on to all the aspirations you have for your life and don't settle down until you found someone who's supportive& cool with the road you're traveling...no matter how long it takes!
   
7. Branch Out- While you may feel like those long standing friends of yours know you inside and out...alot of what you don't even know about yourself is revealed through the new people you meet. Open up your mind and start branching out. Its amazing how much self discovery you'll do when you meet people from different walks of life. Its also healthy to be around people with different views and opinions, and motivated people who are gonna encourage you to move forward in life.
   
8. Be true to you- Nothing great in life has ever been done by a follower. Lead YOUR best life. Hold on to the things you've always wanted to accomplish, and navigate life with this focus. No one wants a better life for you than YOU (and maybe your parents ;). Make YOU and YOUR life a top priority now. The people who mind don't matter and the people who matter won't mind.

Set realistic goals for yourself and stick to them. Life is definitely not easy and there will surely be more roadblocks to come. Know what you want and what it is you want from this world. Grab the reigns and conquer life!!! You've only got one to live....LOVE

Visit this website http://www.quarterlifecrisis.com/ for more info on just what the Quarter Life Crisis is and alot of helpful advice and resources to help you get focused!!!!

Celebrating Your Assets & Embracing your Flaws

Lisa showing off her gorgeous legs in black shorts

When you're drowned in a world of seemingly perfect beauties, e.g. those Kardashians, Lauren Londons, and Angelina Jolies, the feeling of comfort in your own skin can be a very flighting one. But once you realize that NOONE is perfect, that perfection is just an illusion and that some illude better than others, accepting yourself and LOVING yourself will come naturally. Alongside that will come a new confidence that will enhance your beauty. EVERY woman is beautiful in her own way, and EVERY woman also has flaws and faults. Get in touch with things about yourself you feel you could work on, and in the interim acknowledge your best qualities and play them up. My bestie Lisa definitely embraces the killer legs she inherited, and guess what? Everyone else takes notice of them too. (She literally ALWAYS gets complimented on her gams when we're out.) She plays them up and draws attention to them by displaying them in shorts, short skirts and thigh grazing dresses. She's shown me that the universal display of beauty and sexy is cool confidence...Check out these tips to help give you a boost

• Don't be your own worst enemy. Instead of downing yourself and dwelling in your flaws, pick yourself up by basking in your good qualities whatever they may be. Choose one or as many things about yourself that you love and play them up.
  
• Step outside of the Superficial Realm of what qualifies your beauty. There was once such a thing as a beautiful mind, beauty in a woman's stride, and in the sound of her voice. Dig deeper than the "skin-deep surface." Also, embrace the qualities about yourself that make you unique. My girl Lisa also has some of the most unique eyebrows I've ever seen, and she's never waxed them to change their shape. They add so much beauty and character to her face, and once again they always get noticed! Physicality and classic cookie cutter beauty are just fractions of the beauty pie; explore outside of them.
  
• Don't buy the hype of print and media. No one looks the way they do on the cover of a mag. Remember that you're a REAL person so try not to be so hard on yourself. Give yourself some credit by not comparing yourself to other women especially celebrities.
  
• Stay beautiful inside. Don't hate on another woman because of her attributes. Ugliness ALWAYS shines through from within. If you're happy, confident and secure within yourself that will peek through the surface, and that's always beautiful. Wishful thinking for ourselves is a healthy, natural human emotion...envy is not. No matter how much MAC concealer you paste on your face...green is a very hard color to camouflage ;). There is absolutely NOTHING beautiful about hate and jealousy...they are weak emotions that only MAGNIFY your flaws.

Like anything else, feeling good about yourself if you don't already will take some time. You've got to build up your confidence level and let go of all those negative feelings you once had about yourself. Accept the things about yourself that are unchangeable. Some things you may not be happy with but are out of your control. Don't beat yourself up about them, focus your attention on bettering your other qualities. Put on a pair of "rose-colored" spectacles when you're self evaluating. If you take a picture EXPECT a beautiful one when you review it. Pessimistic expectations can cloud your self image. Be positive, be confident and be YOU and your beauty will be blinding...LOVE

Look for my upcoming blog about Celebrating Your Assets & Embracing Your Flaws- Post Baby