The vegetables that tend to be the bitter offenders are those from the cabbage family, including broccoli and cauliflower, as well as leafy greens and eggplant.

But there are ways to tame the taste in those nutrition-packed vegetables:

Veggie Tip 1: Add veggies you almost like to dishes you already love.

Layer zucchini slices, chopped spinach, or cooked carrots into lasagna. Stir broccoli florets into macaroni and cheese. Toss whatever veggies you like into an omelet or quesadilla. On spaghetti night, chop any vegetables your family likes (such as zucchini, onions, eggplant, broccoli, celery carrots) and add them to the spaghetti sauce (the smaller you chop them, the less likely anyone will notice that they’re even there). Don’t forget to throw some veggies onto your pizza, such as fresh tomato, onion, bell pepper, mushroom, zucchini, artichoke hearts, fresh basil leaves, and chopped spinach.

Veggie Tip 2: Try them in soup.

Embellish your favorite soups with added veggies. Some homemade soups already contain a nice amount of vegetables, but most canned and commercial choices can stand to have their veggie quota bumped up. Just add the raw or frozen vegetables while you are cooking or heating the soup.

Veggie Tip 3: Slip them into salads.

Load your salads with all the veggies you enjoy (or at least tolerate). The options are limitless, including cucumber, grated carrots, zucchini, tomato, broccoli or green beans. You can even use spinach leaves instead of lettuce.

3 ways to get hooked on lifting weights

Veggie Tip 4: Serve them raw.

Raw veggies can be more appetizing than their cooked counterparts to people who aren’t crazy about vegetables. The flavors of raw veggies can be milder than those of cooked ones. And the texture is crispy, rather than mushy.

Veggie Tip 5: Take raw vegetables skinny dipping.

There’s nothing like a little light ranch dressing or onion dip to make a platter of raw veggies disappear. Make it super easy by using bottled light ranch, bleu cheese, or Italian dressing. To make light onion dip, stir onion soup mix into some fat-free or light sour cream.

GET MORE TIPS HERE

5 reasons why you need cardio

Take two items out of your handbag.
Experts say women often carry too much in their purse. Plop your bag on a scale; lugging more than 10 percent of your body weight can hurt your posture and leave you stiff and sore, says Marie Savard, M.D., coauthor of Ask Dr. Marie.

Put fruit in a bowl on the counter.
You’re more likely to reach for a healthy snack if it’s visible and convenient, research has found. So keep apples and oranges out where you can easily grab them.

Don’t “forget” to pee.
Extra pressure from the bladder can stress the urethra, making a woman more prone to urinary tract infections. Don’t stall when the urge strikes, says Dr. Savard.

Click off the TV during dinner.
People who do other things while they eat, whether it’s catching up on e-mail or watching TV, gobble 30 percent more food than those without distractions, one study found.

Smile!
Grinning is a quick way to boost your mood. And research shows that the more you smile, the more you’re smiled at, lifting spirits even higher. SOURCE

Need An Energy Boost? Try These Quick Fixes

Lack of Sleep Leads to Lackluster Locks, Or Worse

What Can You Cook?

Flat pieces of meat like steaks, pork chops and tenderized chicken breasts work best for indoor grills. Seasoning them with a dry rub or just salt and pepper tends to work better than any type of wet marinate – this leads to a lengthy clean up and sometimes a lingering smell. Flat vegetables like sliced zucchini and eggplant will cook evenly but need to be watched closely so they don’t burn or start to stick.

What Can’t You Cook?

Grilling vegetables is tricky, but trying to do this on an indoor grill is literally impossible unless you lather the veggies with oil – and that sort of defeats the whole purpose. Using sugar based sauces like teriyaki and sweet and sour can be tricky also. This leads to the marinate getting stuck to the plates and a lot of clean up time. Hamburger meat is best use when it has about a 15% fat content.

Clean Up

Wait until the grill has cooled off, but not completely cooled. Then, taking a semi-wet sponge, squeeze out some soapy water on the surface and let it soak for a little bit. For tough stains you might need to really use some elbow grease to get the stains off – use a sponge with a scrubber side to it and go up and down the grooves of the grill until you loosen up the stuck on food items. Don’t use any type of metal utensil to try and loosen the food – this will ultimately leave the grooves gouged out and reduce the non-stick appeal of the grill.

Click here for more info on eopinions.com

Happy grilling y’all!!

Check out more Tips here!

Make it comfortable. Even if you like modern, minimal design, try to add those elements of comfort to the room. Whether it be with extra comforter tucked away or a nice rug underfoot, bedrooms were made for lounging.

Sheets – Choose high thread count Egyptian cotton sheets for the most luxurious feel. It’s worth spending a little bit of money here for the best quality. Egyptian cotton gets softer with washing and wear, but can fade a bit.

4 steps to a sexy bedroom

Pillows – Choose whatever kind of pillows you are most comfortable with, but have lots of them in different shapes and sizes. Not only does this look cozy, it’s comfortable too. I like a variety of pillows – foam, synthetic and down to mix it up a bit. Maybe a bolster or two for added texture and comfort.

At luxury hotels, a set of plush or thick and cozy robes are often waiting in the closet for guests to enjoy during their visit, or purchase and take home. Invest in a great hotel or spa style robe or some really soft and cozy lounge wear to enjoy at home.

GET MORE HERE

Take a look at some of our favorite trendy bedrooms:

1. Resist the urge to “treat” yourself. Often, the things we choose as “treats” aren’t good for us. The pleasure lasts a minute, but then feelings of guilt, loss of control, and other negative consequences just deepen the lousiness of the day. So when you find yourself thinking, “I’ll feel better after I have a few beers…a pint of ice cream…a cigarette…a new pair of jeans,” ask yourself – will it REALLY make you feel better? It might make you feel worse.

2. Do something nice for someone else. “Do good, feel good” – this really works. A friend going through a horrible period told me that she was practically addicted to doing good deeds; that was the only thing that made her feel better. However, don’t put too much pressure on yourself now. Don’t start planning an elaborate surprise party; email some digital photos to the grandparents.

3. Seek inner peace through outer order. Soothe yourself by tackling a messy closet, an untidy desk, or crowded countertops. The sense of tangible progress, control, and orderliness will lighten your mood. This always works for me – and fortunately, my family is messy enough that I always have plenty of therapeutic clutter at hand.

4. Tell yourself, “Well, at least I…” Get some things accomplished. Yes, you had a horrible day, but at least you went to the gym, or played with your kids, or walked the dog, or read a magazine.

5. Exercise is an extremely effective mood booster – but be careful of exercise that allows you to ruminate. For example, if I go for a walk when I’m upset about something, I often end up feeling worse, because the walk provides me with uninterrupted time in which to dwell obsessively on my troubles.

READ THE REST HERE

5 Simple Energy Boosters

6 Ways To Push Yourself Mentally

1. Save money by prepaying tax-deductible bills. For example, if you paid your January mortgage in December, you could deduct the January interest payment this year. The same with a property tax bill. If a property tax bill is due in January or February of next year, as a homeowner you may also pay it this month and deduct it from your taxes for 2010.

2. Max out college and retirement contributions. If you have a 401k for yourself or a 529 college savings plan for the kids, make the largest additional deposit you can according to the legal limits and your own financial comfort. Remember though, it would pay to stretch yourself in this area. First of all, the money is not leaving your life; its going into the future to multiply on your behalf. And second, the government is going to give you additional credit for preparing for your own future as well as your childs! Being paid to save can be worth the sacrifice.

3. Collect December payments in January. If you’re self-employed and you already know you earned much more this year than last year, you may want to defer collecting any payment for December services until January. This way you will not pay taxes in 2010 on what you earned in December. If you are an employee and expecting a bonus, try and see if your employer will pay the bonus after December 31st.

Read More Tax Tips Here

How To Set Financial Goals You Can Achieve In 2011

Broke, Not Broken: Letting Go Of Financial Stress In Your Marriage

Remember when you went to visit a friend and her new baby BEFORE you had a baby? At least for us, we just didn’t realize the place they were at. We wanted to stay and hear all about the birth and just hang out.

When we had our own baby, we saw things in a different light. We loved having visitors come and meet our new baby (and bring us food), but we were also really tired and preoccupied with a newborn baby. We noticed that quite a few non-parents made themselves comfortable and had a hard time taking our hints that it might be time to go.

“Oh, it’s time for me to feed her.”

“Oh, OK, go ahead, take your time.”

Here are some of our faves:

1. Don’t make out with my baby. Yea, I know you love her and all, but she’s still young with a weak immune system, and, well, it’s plain gross to watch! Reserve your necking for your significant other! If you want to show her love, donate $100 to her 529 Plan and give her a light hug goodbye.

2. Don’t expect to visit soon after the baby’s born, unless you are family. Well-loved family. Phrase the question: “When will you guys be ready for visitors?”

3. Make the effort to visit them. When the time is right, they will love you visiting them. Emphasis on you, because most likely it’s a lot more difficult for them to visit you. A lot more.

VIDEO: LisaRaye’s 3 Tips For Single Mothers

4 Do not visit new parents and their baby if you are in any way sick; yes, pinkeye and open sores count as ’sick’.

5. Be on time. It is quite a big production to prep a baby for visitors; tasks include: timing the feeding so that the baby’s in a good mood for you, changing her, cleaning her and calming her; and, let’s not forget the work involved with the parents trying to decently spruce up themselves and the home. If you’re late 30 minutes, it’s like tossing half of that work out the window.

6. Wash your hands; this will make mom feel better and think more highly of you as a righteous, upstanding citizen – and, someone worthy of holding her prized golden baby snow monkey.

READ THE REST HERE

How To: Talk To Your Kids About Money

GALLERY: Mother’s Day Gift Guide

FROM DIVINECAROLINE.COM:

A Hanes shirt is the white tee of choice because the shirt can endure anything. I think of it as a blank canvas: dress it up or dress it down, you can do anything you desire to your plain white tee. The plain white tee should be an essential part of a college girl’s wardrobe. There’s no need to spend fifty dollars on a designer plain white tee, when you can snag a Hanes tee shirt for usually five dollars or less, and that will do the trick. Here, 20 ways to pump up the volume with your plain white tee!

1. Layer It!: It’s always simple and fun to wear the season’s brightly colored tanks (teal, yellow, and neon pink) underneath your plain white tee. The white tee tones down these bold colors, and simply offsets the bottom of the tank top so that your white tee doesn’t look so plain anymore.

2. Dress It Up: Want to wear your plain tee to a party? Just pair it with a classy pair of blue jeans or even a cute black sequin mini skirt, and layer tons of flashy necklaces and pearls as your accessories. Everyone will be so dazzled by your necklaces, that they will have no idea that you’re wearing just a plain white tee!

3. Be Interview Savvy: One of spring’s premiere trends is the military blazer. The military blazer is a great piece to have when you are going on an informal interview. Just put the plain white tee under your blazer and button one button and you’re good to go.

GALLERY: Colorful Coverups

4. High Waist It: All you have to do with this look is simply tuck your plain white tee into a high skirt or short. The plain white tee has a great draping effect. It can look like you didn’t try hard and you threw it on mindlessly, or it can look crisp and fresh.

5. Wear a Vest: Vests are always a great way to layer your plain white tee and can be a great going out look. Look for great vests in the sale section of Urban Outfitters and even the Salvation Army.

GET MORE TIPS HERE

12 Trendy Flat Sandals For Under $100

We recently sat down with reality star and single mom LisaRaye.  The single mom shared her tips for raising a daughter on her own:

LisaRaye On Rosci: “I Would Whup Her Like She Was My Daughter”

LisaRaye, Lauren London & Stacey Dash Team Up For New Show

Call it nagging, call it scolding, call it…good advice? Take a second to listen to your mother—and get better skin for it.

1. “JUNK FOOD WILL RUIN YOUR SKIN.”

Conventional wisdom used to be that diet didn’t affect your complexion. But a recent study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that people who replaced processed carbs with foods high in protein and whole grains broke out less. The reason? “High-glycemic foods cause your blood sugar to rise, triggering a surge of insulin. The insulin stimulates oil-producing hormones called androgens, leaving you with pimples,” says Leslie Baumann, professor and director of cosmetic dermatology at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine. Cut the junk, and you could see an improvement in your acne in about six weeks.

2. “IT’S PAST YOUR BEDTIME.”

They don’t call it beauty sleep for nothin’. “Sleep deprivation causes stress, which can aggravate all skin conditions, including acne, eczema, and psoriasis,” says Grossman. “Sleep is also the time when your body repairs the damage from the day, and interrupting that process will slow down cell turnover.” This interferes with proper blood flow to the skin, making your complexion sallow.

3. “ALWAYS WASH YOUR FACE BEFORE YOU GO TO BED.”

Letting skin marinate in makeup (and a day’s worth of oil buildup) can lead to clogged pores and zits, especially if you’re prone to acne. “Your body temperature increases slightly when you sleep, which can enhance absorption of whatever’s on the surface,” says Rodan. “So you really want only beneficial ingredients on your face when you sleep.” Ideally, that means anti-aging retinol, as well as hydrating ingredients like glycerin. If you’re too wiped to wash, swipe your face with a premoistened cleansing cloth designed to take off makeup and dirt.

GALLERY: Mother’s Day Gift Guide

4. “GET OFF THE PHONE.”

Resting your chin or cheek against a phone—cell or old-school—can lead to breakouts, whether or not the phone is clean and bacteria-free. “Just leaning your face against it can cause friction, occlusion, and heat, all of which can make you break out,” says Rodan. Consider a headset.

5. “SIT LIKE A LADY.”

Yes, cross your legs. But do so at the ankles, instead of the knees, to help prevent spider veins. Although multiple factors contribute to the veins, “increased pressure from crossing your legs can lead to more,” says Grossman. So if you notice them, try not to cross your legs. If you want to get rid of spider veins, doctors recommend sclerotherapy—injections of salt solution that shrink and dissolve the veins.

READ THE REST HERE

7 Foods Every Woman Should Eat

Maintaining a healthy relationship is something every couple thinks about. Although most men will not admit it, we also think about how to keep our woman happy. We wonder what things we should do when our woman is feeling down, how to spice up the romance when it’s fizzling out, and how to be more compassionate. Today I am giving men five tips on how to spice up your relationship, be more romantic and keep your woman happy.

Tip #1: Go back to the basics – Sometimes we as men need to start doing what we did in the beginning, something! It seems like we go through so much to get a woman and as soon as we get her, we stop doing what we did to get her. Let’s go back to taking our woman out, wining and dining her, and showing her some attention. Your actions will let your woman know you care and make her feel special — and we all know that actions speak louder than words — so lets get back to the basics!

7 Sneaky Ways To Tell What A Guy Will Be Like In Bed

Tip #2: Don’t be scared to try new things — OK, I know some men are scared to try new things in the bedroom. But if your woman likes toys, why not try them. If she wants to play dress up, go for it, why not? Most women are pretty adventurous and love trying new things. So beat her to the punch, ask her if she would like to go to Inserection…blow her mind for one night. Trust me; trying something new can only help your relationship.

Tip #3: Date night — Taking your wife or girlfriend out consistently like it’s your first date will help maintain the romance in your relationship. Plan a weekly date night if you are single and monthly date night if you are married with kids. For those who are strapped for cash during these hard economic times, try things like picnics or cooking for your special lady. You will be pleasantly surprised at how happy a date night will make your lady…and how adding one to your schedule will keep the lovin’ coming. (Feel free to refer back to Tip #2 as often as necessary!)

Tip #4: Send a card, letter, or flowers — The most inexpensive way to let your woman know that you care is by sending her a card, letter or flowers. At the end of the day, all women want to feel appreciated. Nine times out of ten, when a woman feels appreciated and loved your home is a better place. As the saying goes — if momma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy. So start stocking up on those cards and letting your woman know she’s the best thing since sliced bread!

Tip #5: Pray together –- I am sure we have all heard the phrase — the family that prays together stays together. A healthy relationship begins with a healthy partnership, so men, let’s do what it takes!

Your Thoughts?

These are just a few tips on how to maintain a healthy and romantic relationship. What are your thoughts on the five tips that are listed? Have any of these worked for you? Share some things you have done to maintain the romance in your relationship.

Check Jason Smith out daily on his website, JLS360 and on on Twitter @amulemedia

8 Signs That You Are Dating A Bitter Dude

Ladies, before you start pining over phantom phone calls and missed dates, consider these hilarious tips from shine.com:

.Don’t be sad. It’s his problem, not yours. I’m sure there are numerous men out there who are attracted to you and don’t mind at all that you hog the remote, get text messages at 2 a.m. and pass gas in your sleep. We all have our little quirks. The key is avoiding the little jerks and finding someone who loves your idiosyncrasies. If that has become too difficult, find a good therapist, mix yourself a strong martini or see if one of the 10 reasons below applies.

1. He never really was into you.

He just wanted to hook up. (Oh, stop sobbing. You’ve done it, too.)

2. He found someone he’s more into.

It happens. Perhaps that lovely coworker he has been pining for suddenly left her boyfriend, whom she was just not that into.

3. He IS tired of being dragged to church…

…and malls and family reunions and baby showers.

4. Your friends and family members frightened him.

Maybe he sees too much of your mother in you already.

5. His friends finally talked him into leaving you.

They whined, complained, and poked fun at him because, since you came around, he can’t come out and play after dinner as often.

READ MORE HERE

10 ways to get yourself hitched

Some men really do want to get married. I personally know a few. Some men don’t know it, but they do want to get married. And some men just really need to get married. Are you looking for the right guy? Here are some tips on how to get started.

1. Smile - Nothing initiates contact like a smile. Sometimes women get confused and try to attract men with something tight or revealing. You might attract a man but it’ll be the wrong kind of attention.

2. Get rid of excess baggage – If you have any extra baggage get rid of it now! There is no use in punishing a new man for something that another man did to you. Get over it!

3. Get outside of your comfort zone – Try doing different things, meeting different people and dating different guys. Try the quiet guy out, let the polite guy take you out or try lunch with a nerd. You never know what will happen.

4. Your man unfortunately is not in the club. Guys in the clubs are only looking for one thing. Yes, you might find a handful of good guys there. But there is way too much garbage to wade through. If you want to go out and meet someone try an upscale bar instead.

5. Get a fresh start- If you are kind of dating someone and it has been dragging on; it’s time to let him go and move on to the next thing.

3 Dating Mistakes You Don’t Know You’re Making

6. Find out what’s up – Once you do meet someone and you get to know each other; openly ask that person what they want.  Please don’t start the conversation with “Do you think that you will want to marry me in the future?”. But saying something like “how do you see your self when you are 30 (or 40)”?  is a good conversation starter.

7. Guide your relationship – I always say a man does whatever a woman lets him do. If he cheats, you let him cheat, if he forgets your birthday, you let him forget it. If he isn’t ready to define the relationship, get him ready. If things are going well and you are enjoying each other, he will be willing to do what it takes to keep it going. But in return, listen to his needs and cater to them.

8. Don’t use sex as a tool – Some women hold out to try to keep a man, some women put out to reel him in. Men enjoy relationships that include passion. Rationing out sexual contact can be a huge turn off. Putting out before the relationship has been defined, quickly defines it as a booty call. I don’t care how good a catch you are, guys can really only read easy sex as one thing.

9. Take advice from married people – This is simple, don’t take advice from your friend who has numerous problematic relationships or your girl who is never in a relationship.

10. Be open & honest – Men hate when women have something to hide. Please don’t lie to cover up something you are embarrassed about. Be honest and end any awkward admissions with”That was my past, but this is me now”.

4 Compliments Men Crave

Models are the canvases upon which top makeup artists create their best work, and unleash all of their fiercest beauty secrets.

Accordingly, when one of these privileged insiders decides to share a few tips and tricks, we would all benefit by listening!

Glamour Magazine is  spilling the goods on all of the top beauty tricks that you absolutely need to know in order to remain chic and stylish in the coming seasons. Check out a few of the top tips below!

Easter egg colors are your friend

We’re loving this cheery remix of the smoky eye. Just swap your charcoal shadow for the grown-up pastels makeup artist Dick Page used on models at Michael Kors. He lined their eyes with black pencil, then added gold shimmer in the inner corners. Next, he applied light blue or purple shadow along the lower curve of the eyes and from the lash line to just above the crease, then smudged, smudged, smudged. He finished with black mascara.

Try a textured mani

Think of your nails as a showpiece accessory (they’re jewelry, but cheaper), and apply a polish with sparkle—like chunky glitter or gold flecks—built in. “It’s all about texture,” manicurist Elle told me at the Reem Acra show. Another way to wear the trend: Try a dark, opaque shade, with a sheer, shimmery layer on top.

BP Group Spotlight: I Love Makeup

Do an unboring decorated bun

Classic chignons are a runway staple, but the best ones this year got dressed up with fabric. At the Tibi show, hairstylists Kevin Ryan and Frank Rizzieri confessed that they used leftover fabric to frame the models’ updos. And at Jason Wu, hair pro Odile Gilbert used sheer black cloth to add drama to the models’ hair. “It’s fresh and spontaneous,” she said. To DIY, twist your hair into a bun, wrap fabric around it and make big loops with the material, pinning them into place as you go.

Vampy lips done right

The super-intense lipstick combo MAC artist Romero Jennings used for the Jason Wu show made me want to take a temporary hiatus from my usual nudes—it’s that gorgeous. First he applied a deep berry matte lipstick with a lip brush to create a base. Then he added a creamy eggplant shade on top, pressing it in with his fingers for a modern, stained effect. You can perfect the line with a cotton swab or a lip brush (no liner needed). As for your eyes, keep them simple like Jennings did. Apply bronzy shadow and brown liner, then curl your lashes. So fresh!

To read the rest of Glamour’s top model beauty tricks, go here.

Get Mary J’s get-fit-anywhere secret

Take a look at the hottest celeb pics on the net

Here are some tips from sheknows.com to stomp out some of that stresss and manage your guilt:

SHARE THE LOAD

More often these days, dads are stepping in to take on parenting duties. A recent study by the Families and Work Institute found that fathers spend an hour more a day with their kids than dads did 25 years ago. Dad’s participation can come in especially handy when the kids get sick or when you just cannot make that parent-teacher conference. So when it comes to parenting, do not hesitate to share the load of responsibilities with your husband.

Things to talk about on date night, besides the kids

MAKE YOUR SCHEDULE FLEXIBLE

If you are feeling super stressed, ask your employer about rearranging your schedule so that you work four days instead of five, or have every other Friday off. This may incur a pay cut, but it might be worth it to strike that delicate balance between your career and kids. But if a flexible schedule is not feasible, try to pick one evening or weekend day when you can focus solely on your family. That means turn off the laptop, leave your cell at home and hit the playground. In addition to being a stellar mom, this play time away from the job will recharge your batteries, and you can return to work fresh and less stressed.

FIND PERSPECTIVE

If you are at work right now, you are probably wishing you were at home. But guess what? You may not be that much more satisfied if you stayed at home fulltime. According to Dr. Leon Hoffman, director of the Pacella Parent Child Center, many working mothers wish they were home with their children, and while at home, wish they were back at work. Bottom line? Being a mom is a tough job, no matter how you slice it. But if you gain perspective on your situation and are confident about why you are working (or staying at home – whatever the case may be), you can get through even the toughest days with less guilt.

READ MORE OF THIS STORY

Life lessons learned at the playground

Pump Up Your Pony

Ponytails are usually the go-to when it comes to unruly hair. But more often than not, they can come off a bit casual. To dress yours up, bobby pin a 2-3 inch center section of your hair away from your forehead. Then pull your hair up and voila! You’ve added bit of volume and a hint of sophistication to your pony.

Hiding Split Ends

Straightening your hair will put your split ends on display, so bump those ends under with a curling iron instead. That will conceal them until your next hair appointment; a trim is the only to get rid of split ends altogether.

Limp Noodles

Avoid using conditioners and styling products if you have fine and straight hair. This will only weigh your hair down.

When All Else Fails

Choose an attractive hat to complement the day’s clothing and conceal unruly hair.

Fashion Week 2010 Hair: The Look at NIMA

Fashion Week Hair Trend: The Side Pony

In this month’s issue of Cosmopolitan magazine there was a story about inter-racial dating which features three couples who gave their take on dating outside of ones race.

It was very interesting that in 2010 we are still exploring this issue, but this is America which was founded on slavery. Therefore racism is still a disease, which we can all hope that one day will disappear. But today it is still an issue…just last week John Mayer was labeled a racist because of a quote that he gave to Playboy magazine when he called his “Penis A White Supremacist” and he also used the “N” word.

All of the recent controversy with Tiger Woods and his affairs with multiple white women which made some black women feel shunned by the golfer. I say, who cares if they do not like black women there are tones of man and yes-even white men, who do not have a penis that discriminates. Keeping in mind that every person is different and dating is not a one size fits type of thing, however here are a couple of tips when dating a white man.

Celebs Speak Out On Interracial Dating; Would You?

1) A bad hair day means nothing to him:People from the same background can be harder on each other, because they feel a sense on camaraderie. Men from another racial background, especially white men, seem to be more accepting of a bad hair day.  However, on the other hand, black men will be more forgiving if you happen to gain a little weight. The money that you save on the weekly trips to the salon will just have to be re-purposed for a trainer because slim and trim is the desired look.

2) Be prepared for the dirty looks:The same way some black girls see a black man with a white girl and give the couple a dirty look, white woman feel the same way when they see a white man with a woman of another race. I was shocked, when a white friend of mine told me that all of the good white guys were being taken by the Asian girls. If you’re going to be in an inter-racial relationship– do not take the reactions of strangers personal. A thick skin is mandatory–this is your man and you need to hold your head up high and ignore all negativity.

3) Just in case you were thinking it: Penis size is not an issue: I know that there is the myth of the big, black  penis but that is an urban legend. A small penis can exist with a black man or a white one. The problem could be that your new white boyfriend might believe that rumor and feel a bit insecure–which can really work in your favor when it comes to foreplay, if you know what I mean! Just use reassuring lines like “Give me that big…” (you fill in the rest)while making love, to restore his wondering mind and sooth his ego.

John Mayer: “My Penis Is Racist”

Check out these hot pics of inter-racial couples:

Why walk outside the house on Valentine’s Day when the holiday is about staying close to and spending time with your lover? Here are 10 ways to celebrate at home.

1. If Valentine’s Day falls on a weekday, call off work or take a vacation day first. Valentine’s Day is no reason to get fired, after all.

2. Leave a love note on his pillow or bedside table or find a classic love poem and write it on the bathroom mirror.

3. Make breakfast in bed for you and him.

4. Have flowers or chocolates delivered to your home on Valentine’s Day. This will save you the trip and will also surprise your partner.

5. Create a sensual bubble bath for you and him. Place candles in the room and put on some of your favorite love songs.

P.S. Find out how to make handmade soaps and bath fizzies, along with other Do-It-Yourself Valentine’s Day Gifts HERE!

6. Spend at least half of the day in bed. Don’t sleep during that time. You could watch romantic movies, play games, or engage in, um, other activities.

7. Cook dinner – together! – and make sure to include some aphrodisiacs in the meal. Don’t eat at the table; set a picnic blanket down on the couch or floor and surround yourself with pillows.

8. Watch the sunset together.

9. Create a dance floor in your own home. Lower the lighting if possible or simply light the room with a large amount of candles. Play some of your favorite love songs and dance the night away.

10. Move it back to the bedroom… [Source]

10+ Foods That Can Make You Taste Better

(From Countryliving/Shine.com)

If you’re hosting a Superbowl party this Sunday, here are some quick tips to make your day stress free and allow you to enjoy the game.

* Make food satisfying and yet easy to prepare, serve, and eat. That means lots of finger foods, simple to nibble between rolls of the die, and a hearty main course to provide sustenance as game goes on. With a few pantry staples, party food can be prepared quickly and easily.

* Assemble snacks on a tray for easy shuttling between the kitchen and the game-viewing area and then back again. Appetizers arranged and presented on trays with raised edges minimizes messes.

* Is your party potluck? Ask those guests who like to cook to bring offerings that can be dispensed directly from the serving dish. Have non-cooks bring snacks or drinks.

* Snacks such as celery and carrots can be prepared ahead. Store them submerged in ice water to keep them crunchy; blot with a paper towel before serving.

Check out our 2010 Superbowl Eye Candy

* No time to bake? Visit the bakery at your supermarket for fresh cookies or cake. Most will accommodate a special order even the morning before the big game.

* For an even easier dessert bar, set out the ingredients for banana splits so guests can make their own during commercial breaks.

Need Superbowl Cocktail ideas?  Click here for great drink recipes!

Quick Superbowl Party Snacks,click here.

For more snack ideas click here

Want to see some more NFL eye candy? Click here.

What’s up with your lip gloss game?Just in time for Valentine’s Day check out my Purple Lab Lip Gloss Giveaway. The lip plumping gloss is made with hoodia, named Big Lips and Skinny Hips and the clear shiny gloss is called No Panty Lines. Get your Kerry Washington on. Watch!

Here are some tips from ehow.com:

1) Sit quietly for a few minutes. Picture him in your mind. Think about the way he makes you feel and why.

2) Brainstorm some ideas. On a scrap of paper, jot down a few key words based on your thoughts about him. Is he strong? Is he dear? Is he funny? What about him makes you love him? What attracted you to him? Make notes about specific experiences you have shared. Also, jot down some action words to capture his attention. For example: kissing, cuddling, stroking. You get the idea.

How to spot the man who will help you to love you

3) Write your sentences. Choose your favorite thoughts from your brainstorm and formulate them into sentences. Maybe start with what attracted you to him, and be specific. Instead of saying, “I love your sense of humor,” say, “I loved it when you copied that waiter’s accent and he caught you, and then for the rest of dinner you pretended like you always talk that way. It was the funniest thing I’ve ever experienced!”

4 rules to follow when having sex with a new guy

So, you have an amazing guy in your life, and your urge may be to stay within your comfort zone and not risk doing anything that might screw things up.  But while it might be nerve-racking, in order to evolve and build a sturdier connection, you really have to venture out a little. Making certain bold calls allows you both to reveal your true colors and when you are willing to do that, you forge a stronger, tighter bond.

DO YOUR OWN THING…AND DON’T INVITE HIM
“If you’re always together, you won’t have much to talk about,” says relationship therapist Jennifer Oikle, PhD. “There is an actual psychological theory called habituation, which states that when people are together almost every day and get used to that person, their presence no longer elicits a feel-good response.”

Beyond that, it’s a fact that a guy is way more attracted to a girl who has her own things going on. “When a man feels like he’s the only thing a woman has in her life, it puts a lot of pressure on him, and he may freak out and distance himself,” says psychotherapist John Amodeo, PhD.

SERIOUSLY CUT BACK ON YOUR CALLS TO HIM
“Checking in frequently with your female friends brings you closer, but it can drive a guy away,” says psychotherapist Patricia Covalt, PhD. Men use the phone only when they need to get or give information. If you’re calling to start a conversation about the minutia of your life, he may jump to the conclusion that you’re being needy. It’s just a difference in nature.

Try this and you’ll see how well it works: When his phone is not ringing with updates from you, it makes him wonder what you’re doing. Then, when he calls you to check in, he’s more excited and invested in the conversation, and his bond to you tightens. READ MORE BELOW THE GALLERY!

4 Rules To Follow When Having Sex With Your New Guy

Moving In With Your Man: How Soon Is Too Soon?

DISAGREE WITH HIS OPINIONS
Obviously, don’t tactically voice your opposition to every little statement he makes. But stating it when you don’t see eye-to-eye on something like politics or moral issues makes for a healthier relationship. You might think that not being on the same page means your union isn’t solid but the opposite is true: Not holding back on what you believe lets him know you aren’t a yes-girl, and it makes you more intriguing.

“Men connect through verbal bantering and are attracted to women who challenge them,” says Oikle. “They respect a girl more if she can keep pace and get his competitive side riled up.” Just don’t make him feel stupid when you disagree (“Only an idiot would say that!”).

SEE THE REST HERE!

There comes a time in every relationship, whether it be sooner or later, when it’s time to get down to sex. The first time that you have sex with a new partner can be exciting, as well as filled with anxiety. Bethany Hitman has written a story in this month’s Cosmopolitan magazine on four simple rules to make your first time with a new guy more memorable and less stressful.

Rule 1: Don’t jump the gun: Sometimes the prospect of taking the shiny new car out for a ride can make even the most seasoned gal want to skip the foreplay and get right to putting the ‘frank in the bun.’  But that’s a rookie’s move, slow it down says sex educator Jamya Waxman, author of Getting Off, ”The goal should be to pay attention to what works and what doesn’t for the other partner.”

Rule 2: Acknowledge awkward moments: Just like he is new to you, you are new to him, too. If you acknowledge those awkward moments because they will happen, in a playful way it can help ease the “new sex” tension in the air.

Where To Meet Men In 2010

Rule 3: Say Something Nice: Most men do care about pleasing their partners so just throw him a bone. Even if he is messing it up find one thing to praise, that will build confidence for the next time.

Rule 4: Hold Back From getting Crazy Acrobatic: It’s new to both of you so those crazy tricks will be held for a later date. No need for tricks now, because the fact that he is a novice to your body is “trick” enough.

Check out the hottest celeb pics on the net:

Moving In With Your Boyfriend: How Soon Is Too Soon?

Luckily, New Years Day fell on a Friday this year, so if you have a hangover after partying – which you probably do – you have the whole weekend to recover. But because nobody likes spending countless hours sick in bed (after all, you have a resolution to get started on!) here are some tips on how to cure that headache.

1. Drink a sports drink, like Powerade or Gatorade. It will replace the sodium and potassium missing from your system.

2. As much as we like a greasy morning-after meal, for breakfast make sure to include lean protein, low fat, and moderate carbs. Think eggs and small pancakes.

3. Exercise. It sounds unreasonable but running, jogging, and cycling-type exercises will boost your metabolism.

4. Avoid caffeine. A weak cup of coffee may be okay but a lot of caffeine will continue to dehydrate you, the opposite of what you want right now.

5. Drink orange juice for Vitamin C.

6. Eat mineral rich foods. They’re great to get your blood pumping well. Due to alcohol being a blood thinner this will thicken your blood, so to speak.

7. Take a shower, switching between cold and hot water.

8. SLEEP!

Also, be aware of the side effects of aspirin. It is a blood thinner, just like alcohol, and can intensify its effects and Tylenol (or acetaminophen) can cause more damage to your liver. Ibuprofen can also cause stomach bleeding. So be cautious when going for the quick relief.

Check out the hottest celebs pics on the net!!

While watching the “Notorious” film on HBO, I was intrigued by not only the story which, I thought that I knew already like so many others of my generation, but also by how clear his relationships were with the women in his life. The Faith Evans and Lil Kim storyline was extremely telling. Kim and B.I.G seemed to have had a connection, she knew him before he was famous yet he choose to marry Faith Evans after only knowing her for a short time. When Kim said “Why her and not me?” I felt her pain.

Faith Wants Kim To Quit Whining

There are many theories on why men commit to marriage, but the way that these differences were illustrated made it crystal clear. Paying attention to how they both solidified the terms of their relationship early, will show the lessons for all single women. Here are top 5 relationship don’ts that I noticed:

1) Make him work for it: When you meet a man on a Tuesday afternoon then have sex with him by Tuesday evening; you should really check yourself.  Again, if you make it too easy he will never respect, cherish and adore you. Ex: When they met and he was standing on the corner; they have sex that day and then she asked him after, “Are you seeing anyone?” That’s just clearly, being too easy 101!

Are You Engaged If There Is NO Ring?

2) Have your own: There has to be something said for having your own career. Ex: Faith did not need B.I.G to put her on, she had a record deal before him. 

3) Curb your mouth: You can not say whatever you want in the heat of an argument and think it’s okay. Yeah, Kim was sassy and that’s cute to a certain point. Ladies we have to stop taking pride in being able to bring a man to his knees with our words. Ex: When she was in the recording booth and announced that they had oral sex, in front of all of his friends and colleagues– not a good look. Respect him and yourself.

4) Never let a man keep you in limbo: They decide nothing; if he has not committed to you the way that you need him to be then walk away, dignity in tack. Ex: Faith stopped while saying their wedding vows and said “don’t say it if you don’t mean it,” when the preacher got to part about being faithful. She let him know that monogamy was important to her.

5) Be Consistent: Faith made him commit but then she was not consistent, as evident in her book. Ex: she describes how he cheated and they went back and forth in their marriage.       

5 Secrets To A Happy Marriage

Check out our Faith and Lil Kim gallery:

There is something about the way these people talk, we have met one–a liar! They have the best stories and most of them could be novelist the way that they carefully craft the details of their life in an effort to, I guess be more interesting. You are intrigued by the lifestyle and taken in by the interesting and exciting, new person in your world. But do not allow yourself to be pulled into their universe because that road only leads to disappointment.

A pathological liar is usually defined as someone who lies incessantly to get their way and does so with little concern for others. Pathological lying is often viewed as coping mechanism developed in early childhood and it is often associated with some other type of mental health disorder. A compulsive liar is defined as someone who lies out of habit. Lying is their normal and reflexive way of responding to questions. Compulsive liars bend the truth about everything, large and small. For a compulsive liar, telling the truth is very awkward and uncomfortable while lying feels right , according to truthaboutdeception.com

Tiger’s Wife To Give Him The Boot!

There were signs that this was not an honest person but you weren’t paying attention so here is a recap.

1. No stories are too elaborate: Look, most people have elaborate things happen to them occasional, but no one but ‘Sasha Fierce’ has a fabulous life all of the time. These people never really connect the dots and/or introduce you to “key players” in their skims because all of this is a figment of their imagination.

2. They get annoyed if you ask questions: When people volunteer information, then you ask questions to clarify and they seem bothered– that’s a red flag. When someone is telling the truth they will answer questions willingly.

3. There is no one who can verify this “truth”: If a person never has an alibi for whatever story they have made up. Just walk away because a liar will never stop!

5 Questions To Ask If You Suspect He’s Cheating

Check out the hottest celeb pics on the net:

Not every woman needs to climb her way to the top, for some women success is so desired that they will do whatever it takes. They have no shame; and their mama did raise a hoe with lessons like “you gotta use what you got, to get what you want.” Besides, sex is used every hour of every day to exchange value and get things done. Sex is a commodity, like it or not.

If we are talking about two consenting adults that are upfront and honest about their intentions, and both parties are aware of the exchange, then live and let live.  Some will say that these shameless women make us all look bad but I say as long as she makes no apologies, and like Jay-Z said “What you eat don’t make me sh**” As always, know thyself and use condoms.

It’s No Judgment Friday, so here are 3 tips on how to sleep your way up the career ladder?

1) Be able to identify the gatekeepers: These are the people that can get you access to the powers that make the decisions. A true opportunist can size up the work place quickly then she will befriend and/or figure out how to get herself to someone that can get her that raise.

5 Friends You Should Have On The Job

2) You cannot discriminate when it comes to “the loving”: Your career is your number one priority, not being attracted to your “potential sex partner,” whether he is fat, old, has a hairy back and/or butty is irrelevant. None of these factors should be a deterrent for a true career gal, with few morals who is ready to advance. Just keep your eyes closed, while dreaming of your new corner office.

3) Train and save money: When you get to the position which took you so many hours on your back and/or knees to obtain you can show all (because word will get around– so having thick skin will serve you) that although you “spread it” to get there–you are also intelligent. Yet, if you do not have the job skills, save your money because if that person who “put you on” gets fired then you will be the first to go.  And who knows when your next opportunity will arise?

Top 10 Stars That Should Just Retire Already

Take a look at these celebs who have put their careers first:

There are some that choose not to discriminate when it comes to “the loving” and that reaches across all lines– even size. Some women say that they love a chubby belly, and once you go fat you can’t go back. Let’s explore: this is a man that is most definitely aware of his size, so he will caress your body like a delicate flower. If you do not mind a little extra sweat, then I am sure that the love making can be pleasurable, just keep a hand towel near by because you are going to need it; and as always, use condoms and know thy self.

7 Tips For Successful Gold Digging

Today is No Judgment Friday so here are some tips on how to make love to a Chubby-Belly man:

Step 1: Love and accept the belly because clothes tend to make men look smaller, so when the clothes come off –brace yourself, there may be even more belly there than you originally thought.  Just breathe and rub the belly, but if you cannot embrace it then move on.

Step 2: Missionary is not an option: The larger party must be on the bottom or the side, whatever your pleasure. The “love parts” can get lost in the blubber so keep positioning in the forefront of your mind.

Step 3: Learn how to cook: He is obviously a foodie, so if you want to keep that man happy and coming back for more, you have to burn those pots too.

Plus-Size Women Are Too Whiny!

9 Foods To Snag Your Man

Check out these sexy chubby belly celebs:

If you suffer from thick, clumply, spider-like lashes, you may be applying your mascara incorrectly.

Here are 3 easy tricks on how to apply mascara the right way:

1: Wiggle the wand left to right at the base of lashes. It’s the mascara placed near the roots not the tips that give the illusion of length.

2: Pull the wand up and through lashes, wiggling as you go.

3: Close the eye and place the mascara wand on top of lashes at the base and pull through to remove any clumps.

Look beautiful for less

Take a look at the hottest celeb pics on the net

Discover your fave celeb beauty secrets

Can the independent woman and the gentleman coexist? This is one of the questions that constantly surfaces within a relationship. There is this tension for assertive women who want their men to know and understand they can take care of themselves, but at the same time, the women want to be the object of chivalrous devotion. Women need to clarify the roles in the relationship. Do they want to be the man or do they want the man to be the man? Even popular musicians are unable to escape the conflict. Destiny’s Child released “Independent Women” in 2001 and “Cater 2 U” in 2004.

Well, ladies, there is a way for the independent woman and the gentleman to coexist. It is all about maintaining an equal ground. You will need to compromise. Sounds simple enough, however, the key is to compromise on the “right” things. Keep your self-reliance while still encouraging your man to be chivalrous. One thing to remember is that letting a man take care of you will not relinquish your power over your life.

Below are some tips to help you create a harmonious environment for a new coexistence between the independent woman and the gentleman.

Tips for Coexistence:

• AVOID telling your man, “I don’t need a man.” Then, what is his purpose in the relationship?
• Let the man be the man. Let him take the lead. Let him make the first move.
• You do not necessarily need to be LIKE a man to be independent.
• Dress like a lady. Act like a lady. Be courteous and pleasant.
• Continue to love yourself, and be confident.
• Appreciate your man when he is a gentleman and recognize it as being decent and honest. Do not accuse him of having a hidden agenda.
• Complement your man. He wants to hear good things about himself too.
• Keep your opinions, but do not be forceful with them.
• You do not need to be right all the time.
• Do not compete with him. Do not try to be better than him. If you are better than him, try not to brag about it and throw it back in his face.
• Independence is about being flexible and adapting to changing situations.

And, if your man needs a reminder on how to act like a gentleman, let him read over the basic tips below.

Gentlemen Tips:

• Do not lose your temper
• Remove your hat indoors
• Always open doors for women
• Help a woman put on her coat
• Pull out a woman’s chair for her when she sits down
• Stand when a woman enters or exits the room
• Offer her your arm when escorting a woman
• Ask her if she needs anything
• If it is cold outside, offer her your jacket
• Do not use profane language in front of women
• Always look into a woman’s eyes, and never at her body

Take a look at our independent and gentlemen gallery: