Bring the Fireworks to Your Bedroom
I know first hand that when in a relationship we women tend to get a little comfortable with our bedtime appearance. Remember, the first night you spent together? Girl, I made sure my hair looked a certain way (usually the pin up technique), so I wouldn’t have to go to bed looking like Aunt Jemima and wake up looking like HIS Mama! I made sure my nails and toes were immaculate, brought the cutest and sexiest lingerie which he adored and would always compliment me on. I usually got a “DAMN girl!” or “U sexy as hell” and as we know, women soak up compliments like a sponge. Just feels good to know the person you’re with appreciates you. If you haven’t been feeling appreciated lately or just need to put those fireworks back in your bedroom, starting this weekend, may I suggest this oh so sexy La Perla babydoll culotte. I know the fireworks will be lighting up the skies this weekend so why not put some fire in your bedroom.
La Perla hyperion babydoll culotte 437.00 Saks Fifth Ave
If you would like to save some of that La Perla money for passionate play in the bedroom, then checkout this Floral babydoll from Fredrick’s of Hollywood – same results! Nicky and Cari have some suggestions on what you may choose to do with all the left over cash.
Juliette babydoll - $36.00, Fredricks of Hollywood
Happy 4th of July!
Tasty Love
Dust Up Kissable Body Shimmer by Booty Parlor - $28
As fellow grown ass women, we’ve all come to realize that beauty is more than skin deep. The girl who would spend hours fixing her hair, picking out an outfit or padding her bra (not that I had that problem) now knows that being a beautiful woman requires more than just keeping up your physical appearance.
With maturity and self-actualization, we all come to realize what other qualities make us truly beautiful – confidence, intelligence, charm, spirituality, sexuality, sensuality. The men who want more than just a good time from us will recognize these attributes.
As a matter of fact, the Princeton dictionary defines beauty as “the qualities that give pleasure to the senses.” When you’re able to stimulate his sight, hearing, smell, feel, and taste, that’s what makes you beautiful, Of course, some men are simpler, but ladies those are the fish you toss back in the sea. So just thinking about this, I can’t bring you these weekly beauty pieces without touching on more than just lipstick, blush and firming cream.
Over the next week, I’ll be looking at what gives pleasure to all five senses. Today we begin with TASTE: Your taste should be as irresistible as your smile and I found just the thing that will do the trick. My latest beauty purchase is Dust Up Kissable Body Shimmer by Booty Parlor! It leaves your skin feeling soft and has a super-fine sparkle that looks like crushed diamonds. The packaging is so sexy and it comes in three different flavors – cinnamon, honey, and, my favorite, cotton candy
Let me know what products you use or things you do to arouse his sense of taste:
Hey Guys it’s that time again for Relationship (aka sex) Thursdays. If you have followed NUBIA for a while, you know we are all adults and sometimes we need to get raunchy and discuss a few things. I have a delicious one for you today. Can you guess the new trend that’s causing celebrities like Eva Longoria, Paris Hilton and Posh Spice to dish out buku bucks for one of these babies? Not sure what I may be referring too, well let me bring you up to speed, it’s the vibrator (yes pun intended).
I recently read an intriguing article on the sexual habits of celebrities and “regular” people that stated over 50% of women have tried a vibrator to buzz their love. As I read on, it reminded me of my own somewhat embarrassing-but–I-don’t-care moment with an ex. On a spontaneous trip to Las Vegas, I was selected by airport security for one of those random luggage searches. I hate this violation of privacy and on that cold December morning, I was particularly antsy about what he might find deep within the folds of my clothing. To my horror and his delight he pulled out my Beaver. What is that you ask?
STAY AWAY FROM THIS JOINT
The Smoke Joint BBQ in Fort Greene, Brooklyn
Since Cari is preparing for her trip to the Essence Fest, I’ll be covering Eat-Out Wednesdays (or my own version that is). While she’ll only bring you the best places to eat in NYC, I’m taking this opportunity to do something a little different. First of all, we’re not food critics, this weekly post is not intended to tarnish the reputation of any dining establishment, and for the folks that invite us to dine at their restaurants — if we don’t like it, we just won’t review it. However, as a fellow consumer, sometimes we get cheated, hoodwinked, bamboozled or just have a bad experience overall AND as a blogger, I feel the need to put these mofos on BLAST!!
My girlfriend recommended the Smoke Joint on 87 S Elliott Place in Fort Green, Brooklyn. So, I decided to go with MB (aka my man) over the weekend. As usual, we were hungry and I couldn’t wait to try this barbeque that my friend was raving about. The facade reminded me of one of those authentic southern BBQ spots with a visible seating area that resembled a front porch. MB and I entered and waited patiently for someone to come over and seat us. For the first two minutes, the waiters bustled back and forth with plates of food or just empty handed. I tried to make eye contact and MB made a few hand signals, but no one looked our way; except one guy who just gave us a blank stare like we were waxed statues that went with the decor.
A college buddy noticed MB from where he was seated and came over to chit chat for another two minutes. Now, I hope you’re counting because that’s all of four minutes without anyone acknowledging us. How is that possible? Did they not notice all five feet, nine inches of me with a man that’s six foot two, Wesley Snipes black and two hundred and forty pounds? Finally, we walked over to, what looked like, the take-out counter.
“Do we get seated or order here?” MB asked the dude behind the counter.
“You can order here,” he replied.
Oh I get it…they weren’t being rude…it’s just one of those down home style places, I thought. When we asked if we could just sit anywhere, the dude looked confused and said he assumed we were doing take-out since they close at eleven. Guess the poor service was our punishment for not knowing their hours of operation and getting there at ten forty-five!
They “accommodated” us by saying we could sit and eat yet the red head waitress totally ignored our table —no utensils, no napkins, no water, not a word. By this time, I’m heated and urged MB to get a refund so we could get the hell outta there. Of course, he felt that I was being dramatic and dismissed my complaints. But, when the bus boy brought our meal, I knew he would regret sticking around.
To sum it all up, the oversized, steroid fed chicken served on a tiny plate was unappetizing. The cornbread was dry and cold and the barbeque sauce seemed like it was diluted with water and sugar. The only thing that excited my taste buds, a little, was the seasoned fries.
Not only did they have bad customer service and bad food, but my trip to the ladies room set off red flags that they’re probably within violation of some health inspection code. The funky odor, exposed rusty pipes, peeling paint and dirty toilet seat made my stomach turn. I walked back to the table, told MB what I saw and that was the end of that nightmare. F what you heard about the barbeque and stay away from this joint. Dallas BBQs is cleaner, cheaper and they have some damn good cornbread.
Thursday was the finale of the “ Get Beach Body Glam with NUBIA” workout sessions with personal trainer Alethia Osbourne-Folye at Printing House Fitness and Squash Club in Soho. Our winners Pebbles and Donnette (below) were fantastic and it was cool getting to know you ladies every Thursday and Saturday for the last two weeks. Alethia was a drill sergeant but they were dedicated to getting their workout on and feeling the burn. Now my penchant for honesty makes me admit that my butt was not at every session—you go Nicky! But you know my iron is low and I get weak easily, no lie (wink). We hope to see you guys along with our other readers at Nicky’s Birthday bash and NUBIA All-White event at Providence NYC on July 2. And remember ladies, if you got it, flaunt it!
Pebbles, our "Get Beach Body Glam w/NUBIA" contest winner
“It was great meeting you guys. Again thanks to all the NUBIA women for making it possible. I’m now spoiled by Alethia and have no choice but to continue using her—Pebbles
Donnette, our "Get Beach Body Glam w/NUBIA" contest winner
“This experience was such a great jump start as I discovered new physical strengths and weaknesses. “Mind over matter” was my mantra that kept me moving when it hurt like crazy! It feels great to know that with the right encouragement it’s always a little bit easier. Thanks to NUBIA mag, and our trainer Alethia, the workout was great and so are you chocolate divas!”–Donnette
I hate to be “that girl”, but any activity that will get my hair wet or frizzy puts me in panic mode. Every time I go on an island vacation or to the beach, I end up spending hundreds of dollars on a weave or just avoid the damn water all together. I would love to just go natural, but I’m always afraid that my big “Tina Turner” hair will get out of control, tangled and damaged.
I switched from a relaxer to a texturizer two years; hoping that it would give me the option to wear natural or straight styles but the only thing I’ve achieved is bigger hair with wild undefined curls. Until, I was introduced to Keneesha Hudson, owner of Urbanbella – an Atlanta based retailer and consultancy service specializing in curly, kinky and wavy hair needs. Who would of though!?
“Anyone who says they hate their curly hair just simply is not using the right products. Or maybe they are using the right products but applying them the wrong way,” Keneesha told me.
I guess she was right because I’ve tried every product under the sun only to end up unhappy. But, after following Keneesha’s styling tips along some products from her website, I was amazed with the results! I used Miss Jesse’s Rapid Recovery treatment which made my hair softer, shiny and more manageable. I followed the treatment with Miss Jesse’s Curly Pudding by combing through small sections of my damp hair and air drying. I never thought that I could have such bouncy, defined curls without the use of chemicals or curling rods. I can even hit the beach or pool without worrying about my straightening, curling, weaving or braiding!
Miss Jesse's Rapid Recovery Treatment 12oz - $48 on Urbanbella.net
Miss Jesse's Curly Pudding 9.5 oz - $22 on Urbanbella.net
Hot Accessories for Your Holiday Getaway or Beach Day
By the time you read this, I will be in the Bahamas soaking up the sun. All I can think about are the beautiful skies, clear blue waters and sexy island men I’ll run into…I’m no “Stella” but who knows! Lord knows I needed this vacation like a pina colada needs pineapples; I’ll need a couple of those too, but before I go there, let’s talk about my packing saga. No matter how hard I try or how far ahead I plan, I always end up packing for a two week trip to Africa. I mean, do I really need that much clothes when I’ll only be sitting by the pool or laid up on the beach somewhere? Yet, I find myself lugging 3 to 4 bags for a 4 or 5 day trip. Enough is enough. This time around, I’m only taking the essentials and essentially all I need is something for taking a cool dip, sipping a lot of coladas or sashaying around showing off my goods (not to pat myself on the back but a sista looks good for her 30s)
I’ve bought more than enough swimsuits this year but somehow forgot about all the necessities to go with them – sarongs, flip flops, sunglasses, hats, bags etc. How would I cover up the goods at breakfast, lunch and between the beach/pool and still have those Bahamian men drooling?
Now shopping is my all time favorite thing to do, so I had a ball doing a last minute shopping spree.
Because I have a round face, I always go for larger Jackie O inspired frames. These Roberto Cavalli shades puts me start status mode. If you have a narrow face, choose a square or wrap-around frame.
Robert Cavalli Iconic oversized logo sunglasses - $475 at Bloomingdale's
This Victoria Secret purple linen tunic and pink flip flops from Havaianas is a cute colorful look for my first day in paradise.
Victoris Secret linen open stitched tunic - $49
Hot pink thong flip flop from havianasus.com - $30
Holiday Cocktails That Will Impress Your Guests
Once again, it’s time to celebrate the red, white and blue. This year, I will spend July 4th in New Orleans at Essence Fest, while my friends will host or attend a few parties, picnics and BBQs in recognition of America’s Independence. My days and nights will be filled with sipping unique cocktails in the “Cajun” city wondering if I will ever learn to make awe-inspiring concoctions like a professional bartender. After attending and hosting numerous festivities, I discovered that most people have no clue what cocktails to serve their guests. With an assortment of folks in attendance, it can be difficult to create the right blend of alcohol beverages to meet everyone’s taste. Whether it’s an old favorite like the smooth daiquiri or new finds such as the Acai berry martini, impress the crowd with these drink recipes without breaking a summer sweat:
TY KU, a premium Asian liqueur known for its cool citrus taste and less than 100 calories, is absolutely delicious. My suggestion is the Superfruit Mojito, served on the rocks with a lime garnish.
TY KU Premium Liqueur
Recipe
2 oz T Y KU
Fresh Mint leaves
Fresh Berries
Splash of diet citrus soda
Squeeze of lime and serve on the rocks
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You Rock My World - Michael Jackson
Yesterday when I got the text about Michael Jackson’s passing, I thought it was just another sick celebrity rumor. Then I turned to CNN and saw that there was some truth to it, but he was only in a coma…not dead. Friends from all over kept sending me messages that he was gone, and I was like…where the hell y’all getting this shit from? Michael ain’t dead! I’m watching CNN!
After the LA Times confirmed it, I was speechless; tears welled up at the corner of my eyes. It’s not like I knew him personally. I’ve never been to a Michael Jackson concert or even caught a glimpse of him in person. But how many fans have?
The man, the music, the message behind his music is embedded in so many childhood memories…memories too good to let go.
I remember winning this Michael Jackson doll for a Bible Study contest in Sunday school. He was the splitting image of Michael! Black tuxedo pants, white tube socks, shiny red military jacket, aviator shades and one silver glove. All the kids in my Sunday school class were mad as hell, and I was happy that my black Barbie (Lindsay) had a boyfriend to take her on dates…they could even get married I thought; just like ‘regular’ Barbie and Ken.
My cousins and I watched every Michael Jackson video and would practice the moves later. It was good material for our frequent talent shows that were rehearsed and performed in our yard right by the Big Steps (as we called it). My cousin Randy had a sick moonwalk and my cousin Rod, who for sometime only wore black skinny jeans and white tube socks with black penny loafers, was always the MC. No matter what the judges (aka Denise and Duane from next door) decided, he would always make me the winner.
And I can’t forget our neighbor, the Michael Jackson impersonator.
