The Pill turns 50 on May 9th!! The irony—its on Mother’s Day. Who would have thought that this little tablet approved by the Food & Drug Administration, approved in 1960, would change the lives of women forever? The creation of the pill wasn’t a matter of XY chromosomes becoming “promiscuous or loose” as many critics preached but a sense of female liberation. The right to our own reproductive choices, the right to be in charge of our own bodies, the right to choose a career over motherhood—or at least postpone it a bit.
With over 100 million women world-wide affected by this medical breakthrough, how can we not celebrate it? In honor of the 50th anniversary, CBS aired a segment on the impact birth control pills had on society and what it means to women of the past, present and future!
WHAT’S NEXT: Maybe a male contraceptive—now that may be a hard pill to swallow, but you never know?
Click here to see CBS special:
Fellas, would you take a male contraceptive pill? Ladies, how has the pill liberated you?
Caribbean Cuisine with a French Flair
The light island vibe and airy atmosphere is what, next to the food, makes Arcane (111 Avenue C, bet. 7th & 8th St) a great place to eat, drink and reminisce about your vacations to Turks & Caicos, St. Maarten or better yet Guadeloupe!
New Yorkers Benjamin and Christine, part of the Guadeloupe-raised brother-and-sister team, spent their younger years in French island—and thank you for it! This year-old Alphabet City gem invites you into the dim lighting, rustic ambiance, soft music with a friendly staff that helps you select from a menu full of French Caribbean delights.
A few years ago, I was in-lust with a co-worker. I mean serious bathroom, office action and it was so good. Unfortunately, at the time, I didn’t think about the consequences of my actions. What if, we break up, how will I handle the situation? What if our colleagues found out? Eventually, we ended the relationship, without malice but things definitely could have been a lot worse.
Workplace romance can start in many ways, from groaning about your boss and low pay to organizational restructuring. Whatever the cause, it can lead to ups and downs. Yes it can be fun and exciting when you brush up against each other, or share intimate looks on the low but is it really worth the drama? There are some people who find their future spouse at work but that’s rare.
By Sherrell Dorsey
There is no such thing as instant gratification when it comes to getting or maintaining naturally healthy skin and hair. You can’t go to a plastic surgeon for a procedure and you can’t buy a “fix it” pill that will turn dull, abused and neglected skin into a glowing spectacle overnight. With a little bit of time and undying commitment you can transform your skin this Spring with our recommended naturally beauty fixes.
FOOD
You’ve heard the saying: “You are what you eat.” And it is true. What we put in our bodies greatly influences the appearance of our skin and hair health. Instantly improve the look of your skin by changing your diet and purging any destructive lifestyle habits by incorporating foods high in anti-oxidants (blueberries, strawberries, green tea), essential fatty-acids (salmon, walnuts, canola oil and flax seed) and whole grains (wheat bread and cereals). Smoking, drugs, a high-fat diet and an overall unhealthy lifestyle not only contributes to sallow skin and hair, but also diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease amongst many others.
VITAMINS
Remember your alphabet when choosing supplements. Vitamin’s A, B, C, and E are the best natural beauty enhancers that you can get from food or food-based vitamins.
I am not Moses and don’t cross the Red Sea. However, I have friends who do and one in particular who would save all the red condoms to use during the 5 days a month to make sex less—obvious. I thank goodness that I always had partners who did not get down with the red-light special and was willing to wait until “Aunt Flow” left town.
It’s not that I look down on it–okay that’s a lie, I do…but with cause–afterall how unsanitary is that? I can wait but I know some people can’t. First of all, it’s messy, you shower before, shower after, lay down a towel, clean towel–too much damn work and I am aware of the “myth” that it eases cramps.Then again, in college I had a really bad experience that scarred me for life and may have contributed to may thought process.
So what are your thoughts, I mean even TLC sung about it? Do you engage in sexual activity during that time of month? Fellas, do you cross the sea during this time? If so, why?
by Sherrell (A Seattle native currently surviving the stiletto clamored streets of NYC, Sherrell enjoys quenching her thirst of finding the latest and greatest in beauty. You can find out more about Sherrell by visiting her blog at www.OrganicBeautyVixen.com)
Situated conspicuously amongst a never ending row of re-furbished brownstones, Turning Heads Day Spa sits as a hidden gem in a converted townhouse offering wellness and sophisticated salon services for clientele that desire mind, body and wellness services within a natural setting. A walk through the front entrance is met by a friendly receptionist who leads you quietly up the stairs to the salon to meet your stylist along with your choice of green or apple tea. Under the hum of bristling dryers the atmosphere encourages a balance of the mind and body, reinforced by the earth tone covered walls and tribal inspired décor.
Downstairs provides a sanctuary of blissful skin and body treatment rooms encompassed by several stress relieving services like anti-aging facials, deep tissue massages and paraffin hand and foot treatments. The salon/spa provides a great local escape for those looking for the same resort-style comfort and relaxation without having to spend a fortune. Upon moving to Harlem a few months ago, I immediately booked an appointment to check out the only salon I could find in the area that would pamper me like a princess and give me the phenomenal service I was looking for.
Ceviche
Is sushi so yesterday? More and more, we are hearing the word ceviche talked about in the same pretentious manner as sushi years back. Although, there is definitely nothing pretentious about either, the word has been flung around Manhattan’s east side to the point of no escape. Therefore, let’s get to the rawness of the matter–what exactly is ceviche and how does it differ from sushi?
Sushi, known as “’vinegary rice” not “raw fish” is Japanese in origin, while ceviche has a Latin origin from South American countries, Peru and Ecuador. Although, many people are more familiar with the Japanese dish, ceviche, generally starts with raw fish and is combined with other ingredients like onions, tomatoes, and peppers, and then marinates it in a very acidic citrus (usually lime) mixture.
For more tasty tidbits on the two, I turned to Jill Hough, food connoisseur, and author of “”100 Perfect Pairings: Small Plates to Enjoy with Wines You Love,” to give us the facts. “Both Sushi and Ceviche have their differences but it comes down to freshness, texture and heat involved.”
One a scale of 1-10, how shallow are you? When I meet a dude I find interesting, my initial reaction isn’t wow check out the personality on him! I want it all–the hot, athletic, educated guy with a great personality on my arm. I make no apologizes for thinking about good genetic genes (in case I ever want kids). I don’t mind a woman checking out my man–cause guess what he’s with me. I love a man with swagger, a bit arrogant and even a tad vain–it keeps me on my toes.
I know a few women and men who only go after the “fugly,” less-attractive mate because it makes them look better. Now which is worse me or them? I have heard the comment, “I don’t want to date someone who draws too much attention because of their looks” or “I want to be the better-looking person in the relationship, it makes them adore me more.”
What’s your take on it? Do you prefer a hottie or a nottie? Must they look just as good as you or not? Is looks the deal breaker?
Latex, rubber, S&M—what’s your freaky fetish? I would be a complete liar if I said I didn’t have a fetish (but will keep that tidbit to myself), we all have something that turns us into an all-out freak. I once dated a guy who was obsessed with underwear. Now I don’t mean those guys who want to see a woman in some lace cheekies or barely-there thongs—he liked to smell and caress them. He would lay them on his face and say “I love the scent” or “It’s so soft and feminine” (ok dude, now you’re ridiculous). He would ask me to leave some at his place and when I returned they were nowhere in sight—damn did he start wearing them? Obviously, this situation was not going to work, I moved on—fast!
I am in awe at some of these outlandish fetishes—from rubber, latex to nylon-clad babes engaging in kinky sex—whoa. A fetish is essentially the devotion exhibited towards material objects such as body parts, textures or shoes. Some people like to be spanked, choked or indulge in some bondage. Others prefer movie erotica, swinging partners, and exhibitionism. Whatever your fetish—have fun with it and don’t take it too seriously. Are you a weird freak—maybe but hey isn’t everyone.
What’s your fetish? Have you ever dated someone who was too freaky for you? What was their addiction? Are you willing to try anything new? What’s off-limits?
South Beach, Miami
There are many things that affect how you feel about the city in which you dwell. It may be the taxes, cost-of-living, nightlife—but what about the people? How do America’s cities rank when it comes to the number of attractive people. In 2009, some cities ranked surprisingly higher than others on the beauty meter. In a recent “America’s Favorite Cities” survey, conducted by Travel+Leisure Magazine and CNN Headline News, over 125,000 travelers voted and (drum roll please….)
