“A new perspective on being a single girl in the city”-How to be single movie coming out Friday!

 

 

It all depends on your view of being single when you live in a major city. I remember being single and I know the feeling all too well when you are single I try to imagine and remember how my life was before dating, how it was when I first started dating at sixteen. My mother agreed this would be the age I would start dating. My father was okay with it always too he just had concerns of course like any other father. He always kind of prepared us as well on the kind of people we would meet too. For him it was just about wondering would he and my uncles need to use their shotguns (I am serious gentlemen don’t play with me). So with that being said when it comes to dating of course we know it can get complicated, it can get tiring, you feel like I just want to meet that special person who fits into my life right now.

That is the message with this movie as I take it and who better than the beautiful funny woman, television star, actress, and comedienne, Rebel Wilson and Dakota Johnson who gets to play someone entirely different from her steamy role as the former literature student in “Fifty Shades of Grey” series (she will star in “Fifty Shades Darker” in 2017). The film also stars the hilarious Leslie Mann who has been in films like "Knocked Up" "Big Daddy", and so many more. I love that they are making it a positive thing. I was just looking at some cute, funny articles about things you give a single woman. I think it’s a great idea and gift idea for single women all around. You want to keep them motivated. I think in your late teens and early 20s it’s a great time to date. You are still figuring out who you want to be, your skin is at its peak, your hair is at it’s peak, you are at your best, and you are becoming the woman you want to be as well.

So with this film it celebrates the independence, the freedom you get, you can embrace it, you travel, you meet people and characters all over the world. You get a chance to experiment, you try different clothing choices, hairstyles, you can live how you want to live as well. There’s something powerful for women who are single. You get to call the shots and don’t always have to compromise as well. So if you choose to be single ladies it’s nothing wrong with that at all. Embrace it and do what you need to do.  I am glad actually that I had a chance to really learn who I was before dating, or getting breaks in between time to not think about a relationship as well. You get to have fun and discover everything you really want.

                I hope you all will too and will find that being single is something every woman should treasure! So go see How to be single this Friday, February 12. Visit http://www.howtobesingle.com for more information.

"The King of New York"

He cried when I was born…he stood up for me when I was born, fought security, and always stood up for me if anyone ever questioned, insulted, or had anything to say about me.

He pushed me when I wanted to give up so many times on my first day of school in second grade I cried I didn’t like my new school. He wiped my tears, kissed me, and still continued to push me.

He video taped me cause he made me feel like most special person on Earth. He videotaped all of my childhood events, birthdays, ballet recitals, he saw my college graduation from Hunter I am so proud he had that chance to be there for that.

They say you treat your Earthly father just as you would in heavenly father (God) or whoever you believe in as  well. I try to do both and honor them as much as I can.

He taught me how to ride a bike and forced me to push through never give up.

He cried when I won an award for Washington Opera House in Washington, D.C.

He talks with his big chocolate brown hands, he has a big wide smile. I actually inherited his teeth he always teases me about that. He’s proud I received quite a few of his genes.

He gave me “The Golden Rule” as a kid I wish I still had this but it’s one thing that taught me about treating people with respect, goodness, and being kind to them.

The man who made me feel so special, talented, and gifted is from Brooklyn, NY. He may not be a millionaire but he does have a millionaire’s heart. He would give you anything and everything you ever need. One thing about him always made me love him more was

He’s such a big part of my identity, a part of my soul and my heart. He and I share the same name (my middle name is his name)

I call him the King of New York he can recite to you streets, subways, nightclubs, concerts all in New York. He tells everyone the stories about how and where his children were born right here in New York City and he’s proud to tell you where he came from as well.

To “The King of New York” and the “King of my heart” I can never be or stay mad, disappointed at my father. There is a piece of me that forgives cause he’s such a huge part of me. So I dedicate this to him.

I love you dad so much you know I had to write something about

As Valentine's day approaches I wonder has Chivalry disappeared in 2016?

Has chivalry died in the new millennium? Has decent respect, courtesy, and generosity been replaced by selfishness, forgetfulness, disrespect, and impoliteness. What happened to when men used to open doors for women? Open a car door, an actual door, pull out a chair. I have experienced and seen both sides of it and I can find that a lot of men still need to train their sons. Those women who are raising men on their own should train their sons as well. What happened to a time when there was an admiration and appreciation for women. Now although I didn’t grow up in let’s say the 1950s and 1960s men had a certain quality of respect towards women. It was a different time of course there was more conservatism. Today in 2016, we are way passed being conservative, I get it the current generation we are more open, more liberal, and there is a lot of political correctness that takes place in our society. Even against women I guess some men may feel well she’s got a job, she’s independent, she can open her own damn doors. At the same time my unwise friend you have to remember although she can handle her business in the workplace, take of herself, and provide for her family as well (if married, in a relationship, or with children). She still needs to be appreciated and valued. I have seen some sad faces from women who look disappointed when men don’t take the time just to do a simple act of kindness.

I am going to give you three real life scenarios I witnessed earlier this year it happened literally before my dark brown almond shaped eyes. I will explain what happened and You tell me where was the appreciation or just common courtesy?

Scenario#1-“The Laundromat”

I am at the laundromat and I am washing about 3 large loads of clothes (As many of my readers know I am a busy lady so clothes pile up quickly in my apartment). So I am washing clothes and reading my book as well. I pass the time even when I am washing clothes still multitasking getting ideas for the blog ready, getting clothes ready for the week, you name it, talking on the phone, etc. So a woman ahead of me was getting ready to leave out. She just finished doing about 3-4 loads, mind you also had 3 kids with her a baby, 2 preteens a boy and girl. So they are heading home and then as this man gets ready to leave. He grabs his bags opens the door and leaves the woman standing right there when she is about to leave. I am like really dude come on. You cannot even just open and hold the door until she walks out with her belongings and children? What happened to just a simple act of kindness? I know the men who I have been around wouldn’t do that. If they want to get popped upside the head sure be my guest. Don’t slam a door in front of me or any person for that matter who has things in their hands. It’s just plain rudeness. I know people’s parents raised their children with better sense and politeness than that. How do you feel if someone does the same to you? Upset is usually the normal reaction.

So whoever that man is I hope you will learn the value of decency, courtesy, kindness, and respect towards women. It doesn’t take much but showing her you care says a lot. Actions speak volumes to women never forget it. You can say anything but your actions everything you do for her, to her, with her, and around her family and friends says so much to how you treat her every single day. Also remember someone’s always watching you never know.

Scenario#2-“Stepping in front of a woman”

Okay so I am on the crowded six train in Manhattan on my way to work to Lord & Taylor to start my busy day ahead. Then a gentlemen decides to step in front of me as I am rushing to head upstairs. Now mind you I am a New Yorker I get when people are rushing and you want to push through. However, in this case and situation this was really not cool and I wasn’t too crazy about this actually. It was like something told me no you have to do something about this immediately. You can’t allow this to keep happening not just to you but to other women as well.

So I went ahead I walked right but something told me there’s a pattern here with all of these men consistently showing lack of respect to women and pushing ahead. Is it men feel more entitled to first? Do they feel we should only be treated as second class citizens? What is the problem seriously with lack of respect and common decency? What happened to the men who knew how to value, appreciate, and adore women? I miss those men actually I had a grandfather god rest his soul who spoiled me, and was just the best thing in my life. Without him I wouldn’t have learned about good men like him. He appreciated women and he would open a door or wouldn’t step in front of them or cross them period. It just says a lot and its kind of unfortunate cause there are many good role models out there. They just need to step up and show the younger people what to do.

 

Scenario#3- “Pouring a glass for a woman”

I heard D.J. Self “The Prince of New York” on Power 105.1 talking about how he was supposed to pour a glass for his lady and he neglected to it. It just reminded me how the simple gestures I mentioned before have become ignored now. If he’s a fully grown man you should understand by now this is an act that is simple to do. You have coordination and stability right? If you have it pour your woman a glass of whatever she enjoys drinking. It shows you adore her you don’t want her to lift a single thing when you’re around her at all. I think this situation is simple it’s something you have to instill in little boys early. Do not hit a little girl or woman period, don’t touch her hair, don’t call her out of her name, I believe these gestures are something a man should do from the beginning. This is how you maintain that connection and bond.

                Women have so much on their minds on their plate and just to give them a word of appreciation, makes them feel like their hard work and efforts to you and themselves were not ignored. I have learned the difference of having a man in my life who can be thoughtful, appreciative, vs . a man who is selfish, inconsiderate, and forgetful.  Don’t do that to yourselves gentlemen. Be her “Knight in shining armor” not the “jester” cause you’ll be taken for a joke and she will ignore you right away.

To my beautiful and handsome readers this goes both ways appreciate and love one another while you can. I hope you will continue to treat other in the highest regard and respect. All the best and see you very soon my friends. Hugs and Kisses to All! Your friend, “ Honey Brown Sugar”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Smart move gentlemen offer her your coat

 

Superbowl 50 Halftime show featuring Coldplay

I am so excited for this year’s 50th super bowl . I have been watching the halftime shows since I was a kid but for the last maybe 8 or 9 years the shows have had some of my favorite celebrities performing and this will be no different. I am a big fan of Coldplay they are on my ipod actually. Early mornings I listen to “Clocks” when I am sitting reading my book or newspapers and listening to my ipod on my way to work every morning. I listen to a variety of music on my playlist and the radio still too.  (I am a radio kid grew up around it always). So I multitask on the train also paying attention to look out for my next topic. I haven’t had a chance to buy their last couple of albums which include some songs I have become a fan of over the years too.

So who is Coldplay it consists of front man, Chris Martin, Guy Berryman, John Buckland, and Will Champion. The group first started

in 1996 they were first found all together. They earned their first Grammy in 2000 for best Alternative Rock band, A British Award, an award for Indie Rock, and won Mastercard album of the year. They have seven albums, 40 singles underneath their belt.

So I am sure their halftime show will include some of your favorite hit songs and mine as well this year. I know they will include some surprise guests as well. I don’t want to say anything too much this year cause you all have to watch for yourselves. One thing I will say this February we are in for it definitely. Between the game, the Oscars, the Grammys, there will be so much going on I know I always have to be on my game when it comes to this time cause there’s so much happening all at once. So I will say this to all of you and you know who you are performing I hope you bring it for the 50^th anniversary for the Superbowl. There will be millions watching and we’re all so excited that they chose a group everyone can kind of relate and listen to their music as well.  So I am sure we are all in for a great time. Their music is moving, conscientious, fun filled, and makes you want to dance, you’re transported to another world when you hear some of the instruments used, the violins, the flutes, the piano, and other strings are featured in their music. They have a way of making a bold meaningful statement in all of their music. I love “Viva La Vida”, “Paradise”, and their new song, “Adventure of a Lifetime” which is from their 2015 “Head full of dreams” album.  Great title actually the title is perfect symbolizing dreams their intangible until we put them into reality. In our minds their beautiful, exotic, fun, ethereal, and like a kaleidoscope they change quickly looking for deeper meaning. Their music reminds me a lot of Beatles something they would have created if it was 1966 vs 2016 right now. They have a way of capturing every human emotion and element in their music that’s a gift. That’s hard to do for any artist. So congratulations to Coldplay we’ll be watching you soon.

Superbowl airs February 7, 2016 on CBS network at 6:30pm Eastern Time and 3:30pm Pacific Time for all of the west coasters.

So for more information on Coldplay, the Superbowl, and the halftime show visit super bowl visit http://www.cbs.com,  http://www.coldplay.com  and      http://www.pepsi.com/en-us/sports/

 

Who will it be for this superbowl stay tuned it looks like Denver, Colorado Broncos vs. the North Carolina Panthers will compete in the last game before the superbowl. So show your American spirit and support. Hope you will be watching too. Oh you know I always included Coldplay's music videos just for all of you. Stay tuned my readers I have a lot more coming for you soon of course. xoxoxo see you soon.

Get ready to love and love hard for Valentine's Day...gift and fun ideas for you

 

                Hello my lovealicious readers lol. Valentine’s Day is approaching and I wanted to do a fun gift idea section this time around so you and your significant other and grab some ideas. I have found some cool ways for you to cozy up to your boo and stay warm, fun, and share with one another too. So hear are some fun gift ideas for everyone that are affordable, creative, and memorable too.

 

1.       Are you two getting married?, renewing vows in Times Square-This is really sweet I actually thought about this too a long time ago. Getting married right in Times Square but then I kind of rethought the idea. I want to go a bit bigger than Times Square let’s go even bigger than that. (Dream big right). However, for those of you who do want to though in one of the greatest cities in the world go for it. You will be in the presence of millions of tourists and locals for all to see. http://www.timessquarenyc.org/events/valentines-day/weddings-in-the-square/index.aspx

 

2.       Taking a romantic trip to a place you both have never been at all

3.       Doing something daring and spontaneous challenge each other to do something you both never have done.

4.       Recreate your first date how would you both have done things differently that night to make it more romantic or to impress one another?

5.       Doing something together like taking an art class, painting class where you can paint one another or each other literally. Taking cooking classes together. Competing against each other in a fun sport

6.       One idea taking a romantic getaway with the snow on the way why not hit up a ski resort, or better yet take your date up to a park and create your own sleigh rides. It would be fun, affordable, and you can stay within your budget too.

7.       Taking a hot air balloon ride across with someone is definitely a high flying experience you and the one you have “the hots for” will enjoy.

8.       A Spa Day with just the two of you together.

9.       Relaxing and watching all of your favorite films, getting a fondue chocolate machine, and making dessert for another.

10.   Making a photo album of all the places you have been together, or taking a journey back into the past how about show them where you had your first kiss, show them where you played basketball, keep it about the two of you and that will be a memorable, loving, and fun time for the two of you.

Now my readers as you know I currently work at Lord & Taylor but I used to work for Macy’s too as a seasonal associate and I enjoyed it.  I can tell you I wanted to work at Macy’s for years and I cannot believe why didn’t I think of this idea earlier cause they always have great ideas for gifts for Valentine’s Day. So for 2016 here are some of my favorites I chose for you all and you can check out your local Macy’s near you or visit the website too.

CUTE GIFT IDEAS:

For Her

1.       Dooney & Burke’s Bitsy Collection

2.       Kiss Me Pump

3.       The Kiss Me Shoe

4.       The Coach wristlet

5.       The heart wristlet

 

 

For Him

1.       North Face Fleece Pullover

2.       Nike Sneakers

3.       Givenchy Cologne

4.       Prada Cologne

5.       Tommy Hilfiger watch

Everything else can be found for you, your significant other, your dogs, children, and your home as well at http://www.macys.com . I hope you and all of your loved ones will have an amazing, loving, eventful, and a great Valentine’s Day 2016!!!!

 

For the guys just an idea you can go to forever21.com to get this dress $25.99

MAC Cosmetics newest, Viva Glam Star Ariana Grande!!! for January 2016

Who knew that Mac Cosmetics had a way of taking you into a whole different world? Their products transform you instantly with a make- up brush, wand, eye brow pencil, or lip liner.   Mary J. Blige, Fergie, Lil’Kim, Miley Cyrus, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Pamela Anderson, Christina Aguilera, Rupaul, Ricky Martin, all of these pop, R&B recording artists , actresses, and triple threats have been a part of the MAC Cosmetics campaign. Cue in new artist, pop/dance songstress and actress, Ariana Grande the newest face of Viva La Glam for January 2016.   All of these stars have amazing, long careers that have been successful in every single avenue. They have proven themselves as artists, philanthropists, and connect with many of their fans worldwide. I love the VIVA Glam concept because it’s not just about the make-up and cosmetics. The concept is really about the giving back to their customers too. Those who may suffer from some of the most serious diseases in our world have been given so much back with their help from companies like MAC because of their generous donations, support, and their consumers who buy many of their products and cosmetics.  MAC continuously reinvents themselves and has much fun, poppy, creative collections I have loved them all. Anyone remember the Marilyn Monroe collection, their fun Play land collection. They have light hearted pastels, whimsical and fantastical colors in lavenders and pinks.

                Now we have this fun, playful, girly, rock and roll collection from Ariana Grande is both edgy, pretty, and has a punk side to it too.  It shows the versatility of what MAC is looking for too in each of their artists they are diverse, they are fierce, strong, confident, fearless, fun, and positive women. They all come from different backgrounds, experiences, and have different talents.

I started wearing and experimenting with makeup vividly remember actually trying MAC cosmetics for the first time I was about 15 when I started wearing them. I saw my mother she loved the products always buying their Chestnut lip pencils, their lip glass, I used to love this one color called gold color called Viva Glam 3 that sparkled and shined I loved it. I always loved how they made you feel just like the celebrities themselves. Now as I have gotten older I have experimented with all of their colors actually. I love one we used it for my friend’s wedding last year called Candy Yum Yum we used which comes in a bright fuchsia pink. All of their colors can make you want to change up your look instantaneously.  

Mary J. Blige and Lil Kim Viva Glam 3 I loved this color when it came out!!!!

One of my favorites

Some of the beautiful state of the art MAC stores.

Here’s a little history on MAC Cosmetics as well MAC cosmetics was found in 1984 by Frank Toskan and Frank Angelo. The first store was built in New York City in 1991. Th

Too cute looks just like Ariana Grande

Miley Cyrus for the Viva Campaign

Ricky and Nicki Minaj for the campaign

Eve for the campaign

Christina Aguilera for viva campaign

Lady Gaga for the campaign

Cindy Lauper & Lady Gaga

Nicki infront of her campaign photo

Just thought this was too cute she's proud

Fergie for the Viva Glam campaign

e stores have gone on to spread in all major sections in the United States expanding the brand and their products as well. There are over 1,000 MAC Cosmetic stores worldwide.

Now as I mentioned with the philanthropic side you see that with MAC major contributions go towards their AIDS/HIV awareness campaign helping the millions of those worldwide who suffer still with this condition. So buying make up is a great thing with MAC Cosmetics; you are making someone feel better about themselves. You help women feel more confident, powerful, and even more beautiful from the inside and shows from the outside as well.

I personally love their products as someone who cannot use cheap cosmetics, it’s a genetic fact, poor- quality cosmetics irritate my skin. Anything that may contain lead I know I couldn’t use on my skin. A product that has a higher quality of ingredients I am able to use. You get what you pay for with cosmetics, higher quality, higher price, and you can treat your skin even better from the inside and outside. Plus you all deserve the best so whichever cosmetics makes you happy and feel confident you should go with it too. As for MAC Cosmetics I suggest you continue to expand I hope I get to see Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Selena Gomez, Britney Spears, Mariah Carey, and many more women of this generation and previous apart of this campaign as well. I love Candy Yum, Explicit, The Lipglass, Rebel, and looking forward to trying so many more in the near future.

For more information on Ariana Grande visit http://www.arianagrande.com                                              And more information on MAC Cosmetics visit http://www.maccosmetics.com . You can find their products in Bloomingdales, Macys, and their own MAC Cosmetics store around your city and state. Make sure to follow them @maccosmetics on http://www.twitter.com . Visit for information on the MAC Campaign AIDS foundation and fund visit www.macaidsfund.org/theglam/campaignhistory

I included a couple songs featuring some of the artists too in the campaign as well. The color you see me wearing in my photo is Rebel my MAC Cosmetics. I will make sure to post more photos as well for all of you. Stay tuned.

 

Yep I am a millennial and proud...but how are millennials as parents?

How will the "Selfie" obsessed, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter conscious twenty and thirty-somethings be as parents? I believe we may supersede expectations of past generations before us and will continue to do so if we stick to our traditions and values.  I believe we will surpass their expectations. Some of their perceptions are we may raise children who will be overconfident, condescending, rude, or impolite. A lot of Millennials actually grew up in households with parents who had traditional core values and believed in strong family values as well. Some of the generations before us believe that we are spoiled, entitled, yet we struggled especially during the mid part of the 2000s when our economy suffered greatly. One thing I love my generation and am proud to be a part of it. I feel like I am part of something so much bigger actually. I am so proud I witnessed the beginning of social media to be directly apart of it and witness the beginning of Myspace, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and see how just so many companies, celebrities, and so many people have evolved all through millennials.

We have upgraded our parents, our grandparents. We can reach them instantaneously now as well. So I wonder how will we be now as parents? I have about seven girl friends who I grew up with as a child who have now become parents. I have been an aunt myself since I was seven years old my older brother has 3 children two boys and one girl ages 22, 17, and 15. I also have two stepbrothers who are 27 and 19. I grew up around my younger stepbrother. I learned quickly how raising a boy is so much different than raising a girl.

 I was pretty young yes I know but it allowed me to grow up very quickly and learn things about life even faster. I often wonder how will I be to my own children. How will I treat, raise, talk, and interact with my own children. Will I be able to give them what was been given to me and double that. Can I raise a sane, smart, thoughtful, loving, level –headed, and kind human being? It takes trial and error I believe as well. Your children have to learn right from wrong as well before they acknowledge what is the proper way to conduct themselves in society and around different types of people of all backgrounds. I believe our children will be even smarter, wiser, and fast paced than us. So you know what that means we have to be patient, more mentally sharp, and have a lot of stamina to keep up with our children even more. Our society changes a lot so I believe for us to interact, communicate, and stay “cool and hip” we have to internalize all of the tech-savviness and knowledge as much as possible. I think if we continue on that path, dig down to old traditional values of teaching our children respect, know that I am your mother….not your friend. I am you father not your friend. I am not saying you cannot be a friend to your child but I am saying you have to set the foundation you will respect me, my household, obey, and honor me as well. I mean showing appreciation, showing affection, showing that you actually care as well.

 

You also wonder how will I raise my child can I buy a home, can a buy a house for my child or children and support them. Will I be able to give them a decent education and start a college fund for them as well. For me, my friends, my relatives it does put a lot into perspective. I believe things will work themselves all out. It’s just a matter of also realizing it’s no longer about “me, me, and me…it’s about you and your family too”. It’s about raising a child, prioritizing your life to make sure both your and your child(ren’s) needs are met.

"Let me take a selfie" video from 2014