I always leave Valentine’s Day plans up to the man. I’m old school and think it’s my day to be wined, dined, serenaded, swept off my feet…anything will do. But of course, I never let the day go by without returning the love and appreciation for my other half. Nothing fancy, just simple, sexy and romantic ways to say, “I love you.”
TEASE HIM…
BCBG Jeweled Satin dress - $93 at Nordstrom
Wear something sexy and festive, like this BCBG jeweled satin red dress that will give him only a glimpse of what to expect for the rest of the night.
Yes the economy is in a downturn, unemployment is still below the national average and many people are watching their finances as well as the stockmarket but why not treat you and your sweetheart to a much needed break from the hassle of life. There is no better time than Valentine’s and even better it’s a three-day weekend (President’s Day id 2/15)! If you find yourself with extra cash flow and want a little fun in the sun or a quick trip out-of-town, I compiled a few last-minute travel hotspots, plus some cute, maybe cheesy, romantic ideas in the name of “love”.
CARIBBEAN FUN
Depending on where you live, winter is brutal this time of year, with snowfall up to 30 inches, so if you’re looking for a break from the winter gear head to North America’s neighbor. Always a great and inexpensive destination, lovers or the whole family, can frolic in the sun, visit the ruins and lounge around sipping some tropical concoction.
Resort Deals
Villa Del Arco - 4 star luxury resort- 50% off 4nights or more as
low as $160.00 p/n .
Head off to Belize and Costa Rica. For travel deals visit: http://www.perfectfamilyvacation.com/deals.
Occidental Hotels- Located in Mexico’s Riviera Maya region, is
offering free rounds of golf and up to 30% off rates with minimum stays through April 30, 2010. Round trip transportation to the golf course is also included, as well as snacks and beverage consumed at the course + a shared golf cart!
NEW YORK/NEW ENGLAND
North America, Finger Lakes Wine Country, New York is also the largest wine country destination east of California. Finger Lakes Wine Country offers couples a wealth of activities and plenty of opportunity to cozy up by the fire with a glass of world-class wine. Weekend package will also receive a FREE bottle of Finger Lakes wine. Visit: FingerLakesWineCountry.com.
The Harborfront Inn is Long Island’s North Fork in the heart of Long Island wine country overlooking the water. Spend the romantic weekend at the Valentine’s Day with a romantic getaway weekend offered Friday, February 12th through Sunday, February 14th. The price varies by room but the range is $179 to $349. Visit: www.theharborfrontinn.com.
The eco-luxury, Four Diamond, Inn by the Sea is the most romantic spot for a V-day getaway. On the coast of Maine, the Inn boasts great spa suites with panoramic ocean views, king beds, spacious bathrooms and a living room and galley kitchen on a lower level. Enjoy the full service spa with coastal treatments that will put any couple into the mood for love.
Woods Hole Inn is a great package is a great New England destination. Packages include a couple’s massage. Check it out: http://woodsholeinn.com/packages.html
The Red Clover Inn, Restaurant & Tavern in Killington, in Vermont is a fabulous Valentines destination. Located in the secluded mountainside they offer guests ski & ride shuttle service to the mountain, in-room fireplaces and Jacuzzis, an on-site Tavern with pub fare and our amazing restaurant that serves plus American cuisine with a European flair. For February 13th and 14th rooms range from $195 - $340.
Valentine’s Day is 13 days away and some of NYC’s amazing restaurants are offering pri-fixe menu steals. Here are a few options in case you don’t win the contest giveaway.
Ornella Restaurant
This BYOB spot in Astoria Queens, offers the best pri-fixe bang for the buck so far with a choice of 1 appetizers, 1 entree and 1 dessert for 35.00 per/person. Want fine dining with trekking to the city–check them out!
Love Punch Party
The Summit Bar’s will offer three stimulating elixirs formulated by resident alchemist Greg Seider on Sunday, February 14th from 6:00 pm to 3:00 pm. For $7 per glass you and your sweetheart will have a night to remember with your choice of aphrodisiac punches - one for him, one for her, and one for those who are a little of both!
On Sunday, February 14th, Mercadito (179 Avenue B between 11th and 12th Streets) and Mercadito Grove (100 Seventh Avenue South at Grove Street) will offer 5 course $45 per/person family style menus and a special cocktail and shot until 10:00 pm.
Yikes, no teeth please!
I have a fixation, not a compulsive or dirty one (I don’t think) but one that makes for quite an interesting night. A few months ago, I wrote an article about “the art of the job,” where I mentioned my umm oral interests so to speak. Don’t get me wrong, not everyone is blessed with my touch but I do so love to please my partner and definitely do so willingly. However, as a woman, I often wonder “how does it feel?” or “is there anything I can do to make the experience better?”
Since I’m not a man, and I love getting to the head of the class (pun intended), I decided to reach out to a few male readers and get their take on what they consider good head….. so here we go ladies:
1. Absolutely no teeth- ladies this is where deep throat comes in to play, teeth is an automatic no no.
2. Like Trey Songz says, “No hands its better that way”. Sometimes you have to let go of the hand usage- we guys definitely like it that way.
3. A big plus is the females’ attitude, she has to really enjoy it—it massages the ego and enhances the entire experience
4. Make sure there is a good amount of lubrication from the mouth with sliding up and down action and don’t forget to combine with the hands, (see #2) ratio: 70% mouth, 30% hands
5. A woman should always remember to keep it moist, never get tired, uses hands, deep throat a must, and finally takes it all during climax.
6. Lips, tongue, hands…that’s all I am going to say…
Okay well we always knew men were simple creatures. How many women think they got skills? Why? Who think they need work? What does your man like most?
COUTURE, NEUTRAL AND FLOWING WAS THE THEME OF THE NIGHT!
Black Eyed Peas gave one of the best performances of the night, Beyonce owned the stage, as usual, but confused me for a minute with her rendition of Alanis Morisette’s You Ought to Know and Taylor Swift continued to soak up, what now seems like, ‘pity publicity’. Of course, I couldn’t sit through the entire show, but I was so elated by winners of last night’s red carpet fashion that I want to just focused on them and ignore the misguided and repeat offenders of poor fashion sense.
Beyonce in Stephane Rolland
Rihanna in Elie Saab
Clinique High Length Mascara - $14
Anastasia Mini Wax Kit - $12 at Sephora
February kicks-off Black History Month! Over the next 28 days and throughout the year, we must all celebrate the accomplishments of the many Black men and women who have contributed to the history of America. From inventors of a century ago to the election of the first Black President, let’s take a brief look at some of the familiar and not-so-familiar faces who played a significant role in changing the face of our country for the better:
1877
Traffic Light Patent
Garret Morgan, born in Paris, France was the child of former slaves. He along with his brothers invented the first gas inhalator after rescuing a group of men caught by an explosion in a smoke-filled tunnel under Lake Erie. In 1872, he also invented the traffic light, can you imagine the chaos without this significant invention.
1885
In 1885, Sarah Goode, was the first Black woman to patent an invention. A furniture owner from Chicago, she developed the first folding cabinet bed.
There’s nothing like a woman scorned! President Obama’s economic aide, Charles E. Phillips, discovered why not to mess with a woman, when his 41-year old jump-off YaVaughnie Wilkins splashed the two “lovebirds” faces on a three-story high billboard in three major cities: one in New York (Times Square), one in Atlanta and one in San Francisco (where they both lived). Each costing a whopping $50,000 a pop!
The married, ex-lover and advisor to Obama, left Ms. Wilkins after 8 ½ years of mistress bliss to go back to his wife karen. Her grown a$$ decided to make this affair public with not only a picture of the two but includes a quote that Charles apparently told YaVaughnie, which reads “You are my soulmate forever!” To top it off, she created a website (not up and running yet) —WHOA, talk about making a statement!
Speaking of comeback trends (see Monday’s post), I now have my mind set on getting a cross body bag for next season. I had plenty of these bags in the late 80s and wasn’t that excited about this look when it was reintroduced last spring/summer. But, I decided to give the cross body bag a second chance as more designers begin to include this style in their collections and as I begin to think of practical yet trendy options for my motherhood adventure.
On my wish list, is this Salvatore Ferragamo calfskin cross body in chalk. I love the bold neutral, color and the fun design that is different from the typical rectangular or square cross body bags.
Salvatore Ferragamo convertible crossbody bag in Chalk - $1,390
Although I treasure all things Ferragamo, here are some more practical and budget-conscious options:
Marc by Marc Jacobs crossbody bag in Raw Sugar - $188
After two painful days of sitting hours at a time and taking breaks to ease my aching back or just calm the 6 pound baby that seemed to be practicing self defense in my uterus, my extensions are finally done! These half braided, half wet and wavy extensions are exactly what I need in my life. The only maintenance required for the next couple months will be keeping my scalp clean and keeping it tangle free and shiny.
One must-have product that I’ve always used for extensions is Fantasia IC Herbal/Vitamin Braid Sheen.
Fantasia IC Herbal/Vitamin Braid Sheen - $5.99
