With Nicky out on maternity leave, Sherrell, our fave beauty freelancer will give you the best in all things beauty! She is working on her license as a skin therapist while balancing an unhealthy obsession with makeup, hair and skin care products. 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
With the myriad product lines on the market it can get a little overwhelming as you begin to navigate makeup counters looking for the right foundation to match your skin tone. You can simply head to your favorite cosmetics counter and ask for a makeup application. Sephora, MAC and Aveda are great places that have well-trained staff and make-up artists that can help you. Simple applications are usually complimentary but some lines do charge a small fee for a sitting so be sure to ask prior to booking.
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….)
I’m not pessimistic (well not all the time) but I’m a bit tired of hearing the term “soul mate”. What does this phrase even mean? There are tons of articles on “How to find your soulmate”? “Are you married to your soulmate”? The list goes on and on. It makes me wonder do we use this term as genuine affinity for someone or to allow ourselves to believe that the person we selected with all their faults– is just perfect for us? Are people so overcome with being “in-love” that they cannot fathom being with anyone else, (well at least for now). I was having one of those sister-girl conversations with my homie Trace, who blurted out matter-of-factly, “Sometimes, I think couples stay together because it’s easier than looking for someone else, easier than having to self-examine what’s not working in your relationship—so you stick it out and hope for the best.” Is this true? Am I missing out on this private world of euphoria that others seem so wrapped up in. Honestly, I don’t believe in a “soulmate”–here’s why?
We have all experienced the familiar yet weird dream of falling from great heights or the sound of water that equates to a mad dash to the bathroom but exactly what does it all mean? Why do we have some dreams in common, while others are so far-fetched, we awake scratching our heads in thought? Dating back to Ancient Rome and Greece, dreams have always been an interest and mystery. Theorists such as Freud called dreams “‘the royal road to the unconscious,” left open to interpretation—his theory bordered on sexual desires—maybe or maybe not? However, one thing is clear dreams are often the response to daily life, whether it’s our subconscious thoughts, sensations or activities.
Did you know infants spend 70% of their sleep time dreaming, while adults average about 24% in dreamland and even animals dream? In the end, what do our dreams mean and how do the “experts” interpret some of our most typical or even outlandish dreams…well let’s see
The Falling Dream
-Falling dreams are one of the most common dreams that people have. When you fall in the dream there is nothing to grab or hold onto that is sturdy enough to save you. Studies reveal that in many cases, dreams of falling may be due to physiological in nature (i.e. a blood pressure drop at the moment of slumber or out-of-whack equilibrium). However, dream analysts suggest that falling dreams can have a symbolic significance that indicates a feeling that life is spiraling out of control. Falling dreams are interpreted as insecurities, and anxieties. There is an overwhelming sense that your situation in life is out of control. This may be a personal relationship or career-oriented. This type of dream may also indicate a fear of falling.
The Flying Dream
“Hey is that Superman?” Have you ever had a dream where you were flying amongst the clouds, free and unburdened by the world? In this dream you have no cares or worries, no schedule, no responsibility. Many dreams are forgotten by the time we awake, but that is not usually the case with flying dreams. This dream seems to be divided among those who fly spontaneously in their dreams and those who have a lucid dream and choose to fly. These dreamers have a powerful feeling of freedom, exhilaration, a feeling that you control your own destiny. Kudos to those who fly!
As women we all have our hang-ups, whether it’s our breast size, butt size we dislike at least one aspect of our body part, especially during sex. While talking to a few of my girlfriends, the same statement kept coming up “My man loves it, but I don’t know why?” Isn’t it interesting the things we find intolerable, they consider womanly. Even though men look at the perfectly sculpted bodies of swimsuit models on the cover of sports illustrated or the bony A$$ chicks that walk the runways, they still know a woman isn’t perfect (thank God).
Fellas, next time you’re giving her the business, she is wondering about what jiggles or wiggles. To help you guys out, here are the top three things we hate the most and I know you all probably don’t care—as long as you’re getting some…
1. We think about how our booty looks from the back…does it resemble jelly or jam?
2. We may love it on top, but some ladies are conscious of that little bulge on our otherwise perfectly flat tummy
3. Whether your chick is sporting double D’s or barely reaching a B-cup, or boobies gotta look good, especially in jockey position.
Ladies, what do you hate most? Guys, do you really care if her rump jiggles too much? What bothers you most about women in bed? Is this a turnoff?
Make Thursday Night Special at Philip Marie
By Miss Jane
Philip Marie located in the vibrant West Village offers up stellar New American cuisine including a “to-die-for” wine and food pairing menu on Thursdays, which I greatly enjoyed. The cozy eatery has low lighting and an atmosphere that is classy, yet not stuffy.
The pairing includes four courses for $32, and the menu changes often.
The first course, the Smoked Ravioli a la Bolognese with crispy sage, was paired with Tunnel of Elms Merlot Beringer (2007). The raspberry undertones of the wine went well with the tomato sauce in this pasta dish, accented lightly with carrots. Crispy sage gave the dish a nice light crunch.
The second course was the Stuffed Prosciutto Di Parma with creamed spinach, pecorino Romano cheese, and braised asparagus, and was paired with Gloria Ferrer Carneros Merlot (2006). The hints of plum in the wine were a nice match with the saltiness of the prosciutto. This was not a combination I am use to, but found it exceptionally delightful.
In the age of inventions like the Snuggie (which I love), I thought modern day inventions couldn’t get anymore kooky and quirky—I was wrong. Here are two new inventions that make you wanna go “hmm”.
It’s a bird, A plane…No a boobs mask?!
Okay, how many times have you been to a function or out shopping and wished you had a reason to ripe of that confining bra and sigh with relief—well Dr. Elena Bodnar obviously thought the same thing but umm with a twist?
Dr. Bodnar, who resides in Chicago, started as a scientist in the Ukraine when she witnessed the life-changing effects of Chernobyl in 1986. Unlike other scientist and medical professionals who tried to discover new ways to do-away with nuclear plant or take up the cause for environmental protection—this doctor thought way outside-the-box-and created the gas mask bra.
So, imagine your out with a gal pal and someone starts to cough and sweat and show outward signs of the Swine flu—well just whip your bra off and it doubles as a lacy, gas mask or maybe your enjoying a night out and hazardous fumes are released into the air—fear not, since each cup doubles as a mask, you got your friend’s back too.
Think I’m kidding? Well at a recent ceremony of the Annals of Improbable Research, Dr. Bodnar demonstrated her gas mask invention, which according to her, could have aided in preventing the inhalation of the Iodine-131 fumes during Chernobyl. Talk about functionality ladies!
Just Add Some Water
Either your day will get a bit more interesting or parents will be upset about this new product called Booz2Go—a new alcoholic powder where you just add water to get a bubbly, lime-flavored buzz. Invented by five Dutch classmates (had to be European), this latest innovation is available in 7-ounce packets with about 3% alcohol content cost about $2 bucks. The controversy—because it’s in powder form, they want to market the powder to underage drinkers (yikes).
Congrats to our V-Day contest winner Sheryll Durrant, who dined with hubby at IL Punto Ristorante on Sunday, February 14. Thanks to IL Punto for providing our readers with this wonderful dinner for two! We asked Sheryll to give us their thoughts on the night. Here’s what she had to say…
We never win anything, and being that we hate to leave Brooklyn on the weekends, we were half expecting an expensive but mediocre experience. As the winners of the Valentines Day dinner for two at IL Punto Ristorante, located in Midtown, we were pleasantly surprised–the food was excellent and the service was exceptional.
Having traveled a bit in Europe, I was always impressed by the level of service that I found in France–no matter where I went, the waiters always seemed extremely attentive. They never interrupt our meals with a “is everything all right” but rather they tend to wait and watch for a cue to see if we needed anything. I later learned that wait staff in France as well as other countries are trained at restaurant schools. Waiting on customers is as important as the quality of the food and wine. In essence, everything is important.
Our waiter immediately struck me as someone out of this sort of training. I mentioned this to my wife, and I waited for the appropriate moment to ask. When I did, he told us he just came from Italy, where he had also worked in restaurants. He was schooled as I thought but in Italy at a very reputable institute in London.
We selected the Valentine’s Day special which was prix fixe. Instead of the complimentary champagne, we opted for a carafe of red wine on the waiter’s suggestion, which was excellent. Sheryll went for the stuffed Porgie (forgive me, but I have forgotten the Italian names) and I went for a sort of veal pastry, which was surrounded by a ragu (stew of ground beef and tomato sauce). Our desserts were Tiramisu and Tortino di Cioccolato con lamponi (a light chocolate cake topped with chocolate sauce.) Top that off with an expresso and you are done.
Our overall experience was very gratifying. It was well worth leaving our son at home and enjoying one of our rare moments alone together.
Grazie
Sheryll & Bruce
The other day I was watching my new “never-miss-an-episode” reality show, Let’s Talk About Pep, where her friend Jacque, who has never had an orgasm (gasp!) takes a love class in order to get that kitty purring. I was so stuck on her never reaching the climactic Big O, I forgot to note that there’s a class for that. I have always been curious about sex classes but never took the time to find a workshop that fit my interests–until a recent Time Out New York (TONY) article titled: “Sex Ed Classes in NYC” caught my attention. Imagine my pleasant surprise, when I saw the red headline flash across my eyes detailing a colorful array of workshops that ranges from Vaginal Stimulation to the Ins and Outs of Hand Sex, and get this the Shaggin’ Mama Moves, which teaches new mothers how to get back into the swing of things, in particular, pelvic floor love exercises. So whether you’re looking to spice up the bedroom, get nasty on the kitchen table or enhance your inner exhibitionist–one can venture to Brooklyn or Manhattan and indulge in the art of pole dancing. Whatever your pleasure, these raunchy classes leave little to the imagination– have fun and maybe I’ll see you there!
To check out the various classes click here:
Would you attend a sex classes? Is it too vulgar for your taste? Would you take your partner with you for a couple’s class? What workshops interest you?
Valentine’s Day is not the only time during the month of February to wear red. In recognition of American Heart Month–celebrities, survivors and healthcare providers alike are dunning red as a symbol to fight heart disease, the #1 cause of death among women in the United States. Most people don’t realize the affects of cardiovascular disease on women’s health. Of the 700,000 deaths each year, women account for 51 percent of the deaths. It is the third leading cause of death in women ages 25 to 44 years old and the second leading cause in women 45 to 64 years old. According to the CDC, heart disease is now the leading cause of death among Black women—-with 26% of deaths in the last ten years, outweighing more than cancer or any other disease.
This month is a great time to make slight changes in your lifestyle to promote a healthy future. Here are a few heart healthy tips to reduce the chances of heart disease from Diane Meader-Schenk, an advocate for cardiac patients with cardiopulmonary rehabilitation in Illinois.
EAT HEART HEALTHY FOODS. Eating healthy and balanced foods helps curb extra pounds, which is essential in the fight against heart disease. A good diet can lower blood pressure and high cholesterol. It is important to avoid foods high in trans fat, sodium, saturated fat, and cholesterol, all of which can deteriorate a person’s cardiovascular health. A heart healthy diet should also include: fruits and vegetables (avocados, broccoli, apples, onions, and more), fiber-rich foods (legumes and wholegrains), Soy, nuts, and fish containing omega-3 fatty acids (salmon).
