Let Me Buy Him a Drink

That's right, I'm buying him a drink and let me explain why. Ne-Yo told us he likes Ms. Independents and females who "got their own." I wanted to find out if this was really true because I thought guys like being guys. You know what I mean? They like to wear the pants in the relationship or be the pursuer instead of being pursued; they like to take control and take care of a lady. The kind of stuff that makes them feel like a real man because they can provide for a woman. But I also think that deep down inside (even though they don't want to admit it), they wouldn't mind it if a women treated them every once and while. So that's where the idea of "Let me buy him a drink" came from.

Have you ever been out and met or ran into a guy you were interested in? If you guys are engaged in good conversation, ask him if he drinks and if he says yes, then ask him to name his favorite drink and buy it for him. Now that's really Ms. Independent. Tell him guys usually have to pay more to get into parties or clubs, so this one's on you. And this also goes for eating out, regardless of what point of the relationship you're in. If you suggest lunch, then treat him and don't take no for an answer. But if he insists on paying, then tell him he can pay the tip. Just give a it a try. What the worst that could happen?

Awkward moments of networking

I went to yet another young black professionals networking event and there were a lot of people in attendance, but I don't know too many people that like networking. There's just something strange about going to an event where you have a set agenda to exchange business cards and make small talk about topics you don't find that interesting. Oh yea, with people you don't know. Here are a few of my most awkward moments at social networking events and how to use them to work in my favor:

You're standing next to someone and you have no clue how or who should initiate the conversation: Turn to the person and talk about a recent current event that almost everyone knows about, like the AIG bonuses or American Idol; tailor the conversation to the type of event you are attending. If it's a music event talk about the best new song you are playing over and over again on Youtube and if its a medical event talk about the last article you read from a medical journal. Another really easy thing to do is complement the person on an article of clothing they're wearing and ask them where they got it from.

You've met the person before, but can't remember their name: Don't fake it, just tell them you're horrible at remembering their names and ask them, " Could you please tell me your name again; I'm good with faces, but horrible with names."

It's time for the small talk to end and you don't know how to end the conversation: Wait for that awkward moment of silence (you know the one I'm talking about) and say "It was really great talking to you (insert person's name while you reach for a business card and if you don't have one just smile), do you have a business card?" Then say something like I have to find my friend that I came with and haven't seen for the last hour or excuse yourself to the restroom or to get something to drink.

The person clearly isn't listening to you: Just say, "It was nice talking you, here's my business card." Or ask for their card and walk away. Don't waste your time on rude people

That's all I can think of for now, but if you have any moments you'd like to share then comment away!

Oh the Madness!

March Madness and the college basketball season are coming to an end. But this is the perfect time to throw a March Madness party for the Final Four or Championship game. And especially the perfect time for all the single ladies to meet some new guys. Even if you don't follow college basketball and have no clue what's going on, this is a great event to host to bring old and potential new friends to together. So when you invite people through evite or facebook, make it a point that each person that attends should bring someone new. Also, throw a little extra hint to your guys friends to bring their single guy friends. It shouldn't cost much to have food and drinks, all game watching food has been on serious sales at the grocery stores. Here's a menu for March Madness night:

Tortilla chips w/ various dips: Mix it up and have more than one dip like salsa, queso, spinach and artichoke, or 7 layer. Here's a really easy recipe for salsa and cream cheese dip:
Leave an 8 oz package of cream cheese out until it reaches room temperature
Put cream cheese in a bowl and warm in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes
Mix with a jar of salsa and you're done!





Wings, what's a party with out them?
Thanks to Lawry's Marinade, making wings has never been so easy
Get 1 bag of frozen wings and let them defrost in the fridge
Put them in a bowl and marinate with my favorites like Buffalo BBQ,
Teriyaki (add crushed red pepper and 2 Tablespoons of pineapple or
orange juice), Caribbean Jerk, or add a dash of salt and pepper to the
wings and toss them in some Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce for the last 20
minutes of baking




Pigs in a blanket w/ honey Mustard dipping sauce
Buy them pre-made or some little sausage links and a package of crescent rolls
and make then yourself. Just roll the links in small strips of crescent rolls.
For the sauce, mix 1/4 cup of whole grain mustard and 1/4 a cup of honey, and
add some kick with a dash of hot sauce and stir

Frozen Pizza
Buy a few thin crust frozen pizzas and cut them into little squares; so easy!

Brownies
You gotta have something sweet and Duncan Hines has a great mix

There you have it, enjoy the game and the good food!

Ciara & JT: Love Sex Magic

Yes! It's Fab Friday and this week I'm feeling Ciara and Justin talking about Love, Sex, and Magic. Let me just say that Ciara's body is AMAZING and she is the best dancer in the game right now. And of course, Justin is his usual good looking white boy toy. Turn this one up loud and practice some of those moves for the club. Oh yes, the people will love you when this comes on.

Ciara featuring Justin Timberlake - New Music - More Music Videos

Scents of Spring: Love is in the bottle

Spring is here! Time to break out the print dresses, pastel tops, tote bags, and sandals, but no spring ensemble is complete without the perfect spring fragrance. Perfume is a symbol of femininity that's right up there with high heels and lipstick. As the flowers and honeysuckles begin to bloom outside, designers are releasing scents heavily fused with floral and fruity notes to reflect the ambiance of the season. Whether you're a 20-something girlie-girl with a passion for pink, a femme-fetale who likes to linger on a man's mind, or a sophisticated business woman who needs the perfect power scent to close a deal, there is a fragrance for you this season. The beauty of perfume is that there is a scent for everyone, no matter what your style or taste.

Here are my top 7 picks for Spring 2009

DKNY Be delicious fresh blossom- For those breezy spring afternoons. This floral-fruity scent is a blend of grapefruit, cassis, apricot, muguet, petal rose, jasmine, and blonde woods. Get lost in the world of beauty.

Viktor and Rolf "Flowerbomb:- A very sought after fragrance for its elegant and sexy quality. Rose, jasmine and orchid, that lie on a base of patchouli and vanilla.The fragrance remains gourmand and consistent, designed to have people under your spell. If they ask what you're wearing, tell them its "the bomb".

Pearls by Carol's Daughter- Classy, perfect for work or play. Top notes of lemon verbena, apricot and peach and floral notes of jasmine, rose and violet leaves sealed with warm vanilla and sweet caramel. To sum up this scent, it captures the essence of womanhood.

Vera Wang "Rock Princess"- Ultra-feminine florals and spicy accents. Top notes are peach, raspberry and bergamot; middle notes are heliotrope, rose, jasmine and lily; base notes are cashmere wood, musk, iris and coconut. Mysterious and lovely.

Marc Jacobs "Daisy Limited Spring Edition"- A favorite, back with a new look. Notes: Strawberry, Violet Leaves, Ruby Red Grapefruit, Gardenia, Violet Petals, Jasmine Petals, Vanilla, White Woods.Daisy spring edition features a green, vinyl flower bouquet cap and comes with a packet of charming stickers. Add flowers, bees,and dragonflies to your bottle to create a truly personalized experience.

Sali Oguri, Pink Manhattan- Cosmopolitan and Sweet. Top notes of peach, french vanilla, mid-notes of flowers such as pink hibiscus and gardenia. The delicious, upbeat vibe of life in the city!

Jo Malone Nectarine Blossom and Honey- Like bees to a flower. Peach sorbet, nectarine with hints of plum, blackcurrant and vetiver are combined with the sweet warmth of acacia honey make this fragrance one that will leave others craving more.

*Guest Contributor: Bontu Itana

How to be a Recessionista

Being frugal is really in right now and so are recessionistas. Are you a recessionista? Can you go to TJ Maxx and find Theory dress pants for $15 or the Goodwill and find a $4 Ann Taylor skirt? If you answered yes, then you're a recessionista: a fashionista that knows how to maintain her fly stature during an economic downturn. I know people are struggling to make ends meets and you're probably thinking that you should be saving and not spending. But you can't keep wearing the same tired clothes all the time, so act like a recessionista and look like a million bucks when you only spent $20.

1. Shop at thrift stores and consignment shops. Make sure you're well rested and drink plenty of fluids if you want to get the best bargains. In fact, make it a trip with your girlfriends and see who can find the best deals. Try looking for items you can easily make fresh and new. Buy a t-shirt dress and a belt that contrasts the dress; for example, a fuchsia dress and a brown belt to wear around your waist. Then, get creative by changing the buttons, cutting it shorter, or adding patches.

A guide to thrift shopping in DC: http://dcgoodwillfashions.blogspot.com/

The "must go-to" consignment shop in Brooklyn: http://www.beaconscloset.com/ ( amd make sure you go to the one in Brooklyn)



2. Buy staple items out of season. You always need a pair of black winter boots, a peacoat, a "go-to" swim suit, or a timeless Little Black Dress. Buy the winter items in the beginning of Spring and Summer items in the beginning of Fall. You get everything for 50 to 75%.


Target; $11.24

http://www.target.com/Isaac-Mizrahi-Target-Polka-Dot-Eyelet/dp/B0015CDNGK/qid=1238037862/ref=br_1_16/190-5562314-6975369?ie=UTF8&node=10828011&frombrowse=1&rh=&page=1

3. If you can't live without your designer duds and don't want to buy them second, then shop at places like Filene's, Loehman's, Off 5th, TJ Maxx, Nordstrom Rack, or Ross. Make sure to take your time and be patient when you're looking; patient people find the best deals.

Barack on 60 Minutes: AIG, Economics, and adjusting to the White House

Barack Obama is doing a great job of staying connected to the American people. He made an appearance on Jay Leno last week and was on 60 Minutes last night. Of course, the hot topic of this interview was the $165 million dollars in bonuses that AIG recently distributed to top executives. Some people need to learn how to down-grade their lifestyles, but the topic of greed in America and living within your means is for future post. I just want to ensure that we're informed about where some of our tax dollars are going to and Barack seems to think similarly. I really like this interview because he basically broke a very complicated issues down in a way anyone could understand. Thank you, Mr. President

Part 1:

Watch CBS Videos Online

Part 2:

Watch CBS Videos Online

White House Easter Egg Roll 2009

Once again, Barack and Michelle are taking the president and first lady role to a new level. For the first time ever, tickets for the White House Easter Egg Roll festivities will be available online. More people have a chance to get tickets and celebrate Easter on the White House's south lawn! The distribution starts this Thursday March, 26th and is open to children 10 and under (each child can be accompanied by two adults). This is a great event to take your little to if you have a Little Brother or Sister from Big Brothers Big Sisters of America or if you have younger siblings or cousins or nieces or nephews. Come on, it's Easter at the White House with Barack and Michelle, you have to exercise all your options to possibly get in. More details here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/eastereggroll/

Jennifer Hudson: If This Isn't Love

It's Friday! I love rockin' my thang to this Jennifer Hudson song. The tempo and beat are perfect for grooving and swaying side to side. Not to mention, she looks simply stunning in the video.

My trip to Brazil-(Sort of)

Spring is just around the corner and its time to renew and refresh. "Out with the old and in with the new" is my mantra. At my latest trip to the spa- I decided to go beyond the trite mani/pedi combo and requested a deep bikini wax. I've had a waxing before but this time it would be different, this time all the hair will be gone!

Of course the spa esthetician - Aliezca had a European accent which added to the whole affect. I was very anxious and nervous and scared but she advised me to relax and to lift my leg. I was all of a sudden getting warm and sweaty all due to fear and anticipation. After being powdered up in the most uncomfortable way- she placed the wax and RIP! it was quick and painful. By the time I was almost done I had gotten accustomed to the pain and couldn't wait for it to be over. I was very good with the way I took it. I had a friend call me during her brazilian wax screaming and crying over the phone! After all was done I sat up looked down, and saw an unusual strip-But was very pleased with the finished result.

Ingrown hairs are a major after sympton from shaving and waxing. Listed below are great products to heal your vajayjay!

For Ingrown Hairs try Prince Reigns (http://www.princereigns.com/ $24.95)

Bliss Ingrown Hair Eliminating Peeling Pads (http://www.blissworld.com/ $38.00)

Will I travel to Brazil again anytime soon? Most likely, but it depends on how fun my summer will be ;P

Harmony Skin Care

37 West 43rd Street

New York, NY

212-239-5220

What to do with that tax refund??

1. Save it ( personally my favorite option)
Being frugal is totally "in" right now and spending money for no reason is "out." If you file your taxes on Turbo Tax, you can directly deposit your check into 2 different accounts. Try to put at least 25% of your refund in your savings and the rest in your checking. And if you don't have a savings account think of this as the perfect time to open one. You may not want to save now, but this will definitely benefit you in the future. Save it for a "rainy day", emergency stash, vacation funds, grad school, or a house. The possibilities are endless!



2. Take a vacation
The best thing about refunds is everyone gets one around the same time, so get a couple of your best girlfriends or your boo and take a trip. Cruises and all inclusive vacations are really cheap now, not to mention airline are reducing prices on tickets (they still need to get rid of that ridiculous baggage fee...). Travelocity has a some great deals, like 3 nights at the Bellagio plus flight from $316!!! Or just take a road trip to the closet big city or outdoor place near you. Better yet, go to the Hamptons!
Travelocity Las Vegas deals: http://leisure.travelocity.com/Promotions/0,,TRAVELOCITY|2141|pkg_main,00.html



3. Donate to your favorite charity
You should donate out of the goodness of your heart, but you can also get a tax deduction when you donate. If you don't want to donate your money, then donate about $50 dollars of your time (that should equate to 2 hours) to a place in your city. Volunteer Match is a great site to find out what places need volunteers: http://www.volunteermatch.org/



4. Splurge on the 1 thing you've really wanted
Just go for it; buy that new designer bag, KitchenAid mixer, Jimmy Choos, front row concert tickets, or some 1000 thread-count Egyptian cotton bed sheets. And make sure you feel good about the purchase, you know, the kind you will never regret and never want to return.



5. Pamper yourself
As women, we work hard and rarely have time to seriously take care of ourselves. Use some of your refund to get completely pampered at the best salon or spa in town. That's right, don't go to Aveda this time; go to a place that serves you tea and gives you fluffy robes! Get a message, facial, manicure, cut, color, or your eye brows done; get the works. And always ask about packages.

Harlem Heights

I haven't watched BET in years because there is nothing on that channel that appeals to me. I understand that BET stands for Black Entertainment Television but recently, they haven't had any shows to entertain black people over the age of 16, until now. I haven't been able to catch a full episode the new show Harlem Heights yet, but I like the idea of following the life of 20-somethings living in Harlem.

I checked out some clips on Bet.com and the show has great potential. The cast and the city make for a perfect addictive combo, but there's a lack of focus on the "go-getting" aspect of each cast member. For example, Bridget, the show's narrator is in law school but I didn't hear what law school she attends or what year she's in during her introduction. And basically every cast member is on their grind like Bridget, but the show focuses more on the drama than the go-getting. I know people like to watch "drama", but it would be great if the show emphasized the fact that this incredible group of future leaders all work real jobs (unlike other reality shows that shall remain nameless) and also have time to spend with their friends and go to various events in the city. BET is trying to show us in a positive light and there have only been a few episodes, so we'll see what direction they take the show. I'm just happy there's finally a show that portrays young African-Americans in a positive light.

"Harlem Heights" Trailer - New Reality Series on BET
Uploaded by wiredset

Beyonce's Vogue Cover

photo from www.popcrunch.com

Can you believe this!!???!!!!!????!!!! For the first time in history, Vogue has put 2 black women on the cover of the magazine in back-to-back months! Michelle Obama was on the March cover and now Beyonce is on the April cover. Looks like President Barack Obama is changing the way people view everything in America, including the way Vogue editors think about their magazine. She looks beautiful!

Ryan Leslie: How It Was Supposed to Be

Love this song and the different versions, turn both of them up loud, dance it out, and have a Fabulous Friday!

Video 1 (my favorite version)

Video 2

Michelle Obama on Good Morning America

Robin Roberts interviews Michelle for her first TV interview as First Lady. She lets her down-to-earth side show in this interview. I love it when she says, I'm just trying to be me, expect I'm First Lady. She's great! Watch the interview:

http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=7074489

First Lady Fashion

Luckily, Michelle Obama has taken the basic dress to a new level. And with the weather getting warmer, it's time to start getting dresses for Spring. Before she was First Lady, Michelle Obama was a high-powered VP making over $200,000 a year, had 2 young daughters, and balanced a household while Barack was campaigning for Senate. Now with a schedule like this, who has time to think about what to wear? That’s why Michelle’s style is effortless, simple, elegant, and oh so fab! She probably doesn't have a lot of time to put outfits together, so she creates instantly great looks with dresses and statement accessories. I think we can all take a lesson from Michelle and invest in a few "go-to" dresses for our closets.


Arden B.; $78
The belt and floral print are so Michelle
http://www.ardenb.com/catalog/product.jsp?categoryId=136&subCategoryId=582&productId=18469



Forever 21, $22.80
Michelle always looks great in purple and the bubble hem gives the dress a youthful feel

http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog_name=FOREVER21&category_name=whatsnew_app&product_id=2060576604&Page=1


J. Crew; $69.99
I always J Crew was over priced and for white suburban moms, but Michelle has made J Crew the place to shop. They offer bright colors and flattering cuts, and their sales are great!

http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/dresses/patternsprints/PRDOVR~12469/99101666079/12469.jsp


Delia's, Purple "Lavia dress; $19.99
Definitely wear this with some pearls and belted with a black or brown belt


http://store.delias.com/item.do?itemID=50519&siteID=J84DHJLQkR4-f2XcY0SEtEEICdCKRFCBvg

White-Knight Syndrome

Lance Gross, he seems like the optimal white knight


According to Cosmo Magazine, White-Knight Syndrome is when a girl has dreamed up every detail of her ideal man and she's spends so much time looking for Mr. Right, that she spoils her view of the great guys she meets everyday. I have diagnosed myself with this syndrome because I have my idea of the "perfect" guy for me and I automatically write-off any romantic interests that don't meet my criteria.


Paul Walker, why can't I "bump" into guys like this everyday?


My ideal guy is intelligent, has some type of relationship with God, very attractive (doesn't matter what skin complexion, just as long as he is fine!), well-spoken, charming, has a great smile, would help if he is college educated (but not a requirement), driven, motivated, can dance, dresses well, is taller than 5'11, has a nice body, can make me laugh, doesn't like to stay in the house too much, stays out of trouble, and has an adventurous side.


Nate Parker, he's extremely intelligent and well spoken

Ok, so that list seems a bit long but I know there are guys out there like this! But, I also know I created this list as a way to avoid the complicated world of dating outside of a college setting. Dating in the real world is scary, and this list gives me an excuse as to why I don't date certain guys. I need to get over myself and get over my fears; and take each date as it comes, but that's also easier said than done. I have decided to cure myself of this syndrome one step at a time . I am going to start by talking to guys that approach me, but don't "fit my mold" of the ideal guy. I won't limit myself and I could potentially end up going out on some fun dates. Lastly, I challenge all my girl's reading to do the same!

Oprah and Michelle on O Magazine

For the first time ever, Oprah is sharing the cover of O Magazine. Of course she would share the cover with our favorite First Lady, Michelle Obama. The April issue hits newsstands March 17th; Michelle is quickly becoming the hottest cover girl for major magazines. And don't those two look great? I can't wait to go out and buy every single article of bright clothing I see!

Keri Hilson: Return The Favor

I have officially become a Keri Hilson fanatic; she's the next wave of superstar greatness. I love her hair, her style, that swagger, and the fact that she sounds different in every song I hear. It's Friday, so bang this one really loud when you're getting ready tonight!

Rip the Runway

BET had yet another Rip the Runway event, I didn't watch the show, but it will replay about 50 times over the weekend. All jokes aside, this is actually one of the best programs BET airs out of the entire year. It showcases African-American designers, both established and up-and-coming. And it also features models that don't look like walking coat-hangers.


Johnny Vincent swim wear





Korto Momolu, BET does a great job of featuring our favorite "Project Runway" alumni, they have also featured Micheal Knight








Byron Lars Beauty Mark





All photos from BET.com
http://www.bet.com/specials/riptherunway09/riptherunway09_photos/

Jamie Foxx-Blame It

I have been waiting for a long time for this video to come out. I love dancing to "Blame It" in my car or when I'm out and basically anywhere I hear it. Jamie definitely called all his celebrity friends to make appearances, because the cameos in this are crazy!

Michelle Obama's Official White House Photo!

Isn't she lovely?

Michelle Obama's official White House photo was recently released and I must say she is looking quite fabulous. It is definitely a step up from the negative depictions of her, released by The New Yorker, during the campaign seasons.