The Romance Challenge Day 4

 Consistency during the Romance Challenge is most important. Some of you will master each of these tips every day and others will have to space them out. Either way it's okay just as long as you are making an effort to stick with the challenge schedule permitting.

• Ask & Peak: What worked years ago may not work anymore so ask your partner what turns them on. Ask what they enjoy most about your imtimacy, and what new things they would like to try. You want to keep doing what they like and add a few new things to the mix. The element of surprise is always a good thing.

• Lube it Up: From KY to warming and flavored lubes you should add a little lube into the mix. Great for before, during, or after. A trip to an adult store can be fun, you can pick out things together share a few laughs. Shop online if your to shy to go to an adult store. But it's a fun trip I promise.
• Upside Down Show: Never do it in the same position two nights in a row, let your imagination flow. Don't be afraid to do some reasearch on the internet for ideas for the bedroom. Most people get tired of sex because of the routine, they know whats going to happen when-where-and how. If you think outside of the box it can be a delightful experience for you and your partner. Going into new rooms, or just getting out of the bed period is a great start.

Throwback Thursday's: Lauren Hill " Turn Your Lights Down Low"

Lauren Hill " Turn Your Lights Down Low" featuring Bob Marley

To Do Or Not To Do: Hair

Last Night Michelle Williams attended the after party for Beyonce new fragance launch Heat in NYC.

Are We Feeling Michelle Williams New Hair Do? I think I like her better in soft sultry looks. Edgy is not the way to go for Michelle-I'm just not buying it.

Beyonce is byfar the hardest working lady in show biz, she is trully unstoppable. She is officially the Queen of Multiple Streams of Income. Of Course Beyonce was looking smoking hot in all red. Love the little print on the bottom of those shoes.

Divine Women Of Our Time: Beverly Johnson

Beverly Johnson (born October 13, 1952) is an American model, actress, and businesswoman. She made history when she rose to fame as the first black model to appear on the cover of American Vogue in 1974 and has been on 500 magazine covers since then. Johnson paved the way for black women in fashion, and future models like Naomi Campbell and Tyra Banks. She was honored in 2006 at Oprah Winfrey's Legends Ball along with Coretta Scott King, Rosa Parks, Tina Turner and other female African Americans in entertainment, civil rights, and the arts. The New York Times named Johnson one of the 20th century's most influential people in fashion.

In addition to modeling, Johnson has also authored a book, Beverly Johnson's Guide to a Life of Health and Beauty, and embarked on an acting career. She has also had roles in Ashanti (1979), The Meteor Man (1993), Def Jam's How to Be a Player (1997), and Crossroads (2002). She has also appeared in guest spots on several television series including Law & Order, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, and The Parent 'Hood. She had a brief singing career releasing one album in 1979 on Buddah Records.

Johnson serves as a celebrity judge on the TV Land series, She's Got the Look, a reality series where women over 35 compete for a modeling contract and magazine spread.
As an entrepreneur, Johnson partnered with Amekor, owns the Beverly Johnson Hair Collection a popular line of wigs, and hair products for the African American market. Source:Wikipedia

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Divine Women of Our Time is a series to remind us of the rich culture we come from and to celebrate black history month. I will profile strong women that have been apart of building a culture, paving ways for those after them and who have made a memorable impact within their industry. These women were not only leaders, but they were role models for many people at an appointed time. Most of these women are still with us thankfully. Rightfully so, I want to celebrate them while they are here and can understand that there relevance is appreciated as apart of our rich history.

The Romance Challenge Day 3

Here we are, already at day 3 of this challenge, I hope its been enlightening and entertaining so far. Before reading ahead make sure you have read Rekindle, The Romance Challenge Day1, Day2.

Don't be discouraged if things don't work out according to plan, but make modifications to suit your situation. I'm just giving you the foundational steps and ideas to reconnecting romantically. Creating special moments and memories is the goal. Let's give them something to think about, to talk about, and to daydream about.

Tips 7-9

• In the Nude: Sleep in the nude- that’s right no pjs or undies allowed in the bed tonight. The other day I told you to access your wardobe so now you know what sexy Items you can wear outside of the bed but tonight that won't be neccesary. 

Sidenote* Do me a favor No Sweats Allowed this month. Step your lounge game up & get creative. Work with whats already in your wardrobe. Leggings and a tank top or boy shorts ladies and for the men a wife beater or tshirt and some silky lounge pants or a fresh pair of boxer breifs will do.

• Keep it Old school: Write a love note to your mate & leave it on their pillow, slip it in their purse or jacket. A short and sweet note is perfect. Tell them about the last couple of nights, or just write a note of appreciation. Everyone likes to have there ego stroked every once in a while, if you don't pay them compliments at home someone outside of the house may get there attention by doing so.

• Stroke of Genius: Oil always does the trick; surprise your mate with foot, back, or full body massage or rub down. If they fall asleep thats okay, they will appreciate you doing this for them and they will definitely get a good nights rest. If it leads to something more great, just remember that this challenge is about romance not hurry up and get it.
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Bet Honors Highlights

Bet Honors aired last night and it was a treat. Whitney Houston and Queen Latifah recieved special tributes.  Here are some highlight performances from the evening.

Kim Burell Performance I Believe In You & Me Tribute to Whitney Houston

This sent chills through my body.

Jennifer Hudson Performs I will always Love You in Tribute to Whitney Houston

This girl can saaaannnng!!!!

Jazmine Sullivan & Patti Labell performance

Patti was my grandmothers favorite artist. RIP Grandma

Mary J Blige performs Ain't No Body, she looked fabulous.

Trey Songz & Stevie Wonder performance.

Gabourey, Monique, Morgan & More Nominated for Oscars

Gaborey Sidibe, Monique, Morgan Freeman, Princess Tiana

Today the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the nominations for the 82nd Annual Academy Awards. Congratulations are in order for Precious-nominated for 6 Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Actress in a Leading Role for Gabourey Sidibe, Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Mo’Nique and Best Directing for Lee Daniels, Best Writing of a Screen Play and Editor Joe Klotz is nominated in the the Film Editing category.

Morgan Freeman was also nominated for his portrayal of Nelson Mandela in Invictus, the only nomination for the film. Disney's film ‘The Princess and Frog’ is up Best Animated Feature and  Best Original Song. The winners will be announced at the Oscars on Sunday, March 7, on ABC. The show will be hosted by Alec Baldwin and Steve Martain. I hope all of these nominees bring it home.

Best Picture Nominations
Avatar, The Blind Side, District 9, An Education, The Hurt Locker, Inglourious Basterds, Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire, A Serious Man, Up, Up in the Air

Actress In a Leading Role Nominations
Sandra Bullock, Helen Mirren, Carey Mulligan, Gabourey Sidibe, Meryl Streep

Actor In a Leading Role Nominations
Jeff Bridges, George Clooney, Collin Firth, Morgan Freeman, Jeremy Renner

Divine Women of Our Time: Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou born Marguerite Ann Johnson on April 4, 1928) is an autobiographer and poet who has been called "America's most visible black female autobiographer." With the publication of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Angelou was heralded as a new kind of memoirist, one of the first African American women who was able to publicly discuss her personal life. She became recognized and highly respected as a spokesperson for black people and women. Angelou's work is often characterized as autobiographical fiction. Angelou has, however, made a deliberate attempt through her work to challenge the common structure of the autobiography by critiquing, changing, and expanding the genre. Her books, centered on themes such as identity, family, and racism, are often used as set texts in schools and universities internationally.

Angelou has been highly honored for her body of work, including being awarded over 30 honorary degrees and the nomination of a Pulitzer Prize for her 1971 volume of poetry, Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water 'Fore I Diiie. At the age of seventy, Angelou was the first African American woman to direct a major motion picture, Down in the Delta, in 1998. In 2006 she had a cameo in Madea's Family Reunion as "May". In 2008, Angelou wrote poetry for and narrated the M. K. Asante, Jr. film The Black Candle. She has served on two presidential committees, and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Arts in 2000 and the Lincoln Medal in 2008.

Still I Rise is one of her most popular bodies of work among poetry and is one of my favorite poems of all time. Mayou Angelou is the reason why I write and is one of my heroes. I hope to one day to be able to make 1% of the impact she has made in her lifetime.
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Divine Women of Our Time is a series to remind us of the rich culture we come from and to celebrate black history month. I will profile strong women that have been apart of building a culture, paving ways for those after them and who have made a memorable impact within their industry. These women were not only leaders, but they were role models for many people at an appointed time. Most of these women are still with us thankfully. Rightfully so, I want to celebrate them while they are here and can understand that there relevance is appreciated as apart of our rich history.

The Romance Challenge Day 2

Hopefully You have read Rekindling the love and The Romance Challenge. If not please take some time to do so otherwise this post will seem out of place.

Remember all of these tips are not meant to end in the bed, but they will definitely enhance your current relationship and love making experiences with your mate. Some of the tips will have to be done multiple times, but in the end you will start reconnecting more and will take each other for granted less. Enjoy!

Tips 4-6
• Out with the old: In with the new- undies included. Toss your worn undies and pj’s out it’s time to go by some sexier replacements. Men are visual creatures and women applaud effort.

• Reading Rainbow: Read an erotic book by yourself then on later that night read your favorite passage with your mate.

• Affection Overload: Don’t just save your long kisses, sexy hugs and touching for the bedroom, express these feelings throughout the day.

See You Tomorrow for tips 7-9.

Haiti Volunteer Oppurtunities

While the total cost of rebuilding Haiti is still unknown, Jean-Max Bellerive the prime minister of the republic of Haiti is vowing to build a prosperous future for his country. In a recent article he said “A major focus of our rebuilding will be providing jobs for the people of Haiti, and tourism will be an important component of that effort.” Additionally “we will report regularly on our progress. Donors will see the impact of their support. We expect to be held accountable - not only by our supporters but by our citizens and by the memories of so many lost loved ones.”

Personally, I hope this type of transparency remains during the rebuilding process, and as long as it does I foresee continued support and new businesses poring into the country for years to come.

If you or your business would like to volunteer in Haiti, here is a list of organizations who are actively recruiting volunteers for Haiti relief efforts.

1. The American Baptist International Ministries http://www.internationalministries.org/ Doctors and nurse practitioners interested in becoming part of a team are asked to email BIMvolunteers@abc-usa.org to register.

2. The newly-created FlightToCrisis seeks volunteers to join its group of physicians, nurses, clergy, medical specialists, engineers, and first responders. To apply, email reliefcharterflights2haiti@gmx.com and briefly state your area of expertise, and how you feel you may be able to assist. (They ask for only serious inquiries, please.)

3. Doctors, nurses and EMT's who wish to volunteer: The Jatukik Providence Foundation http://www.jatukikprovidence.org/ is offering free flights from Miami to Haiti. Travel dates and arrangements are relatively flexible. To apply, contact Fr. Jean-Claude Atusameso, executive director of the Washington, DC, based non-profit at 202-429-2067 or via email: jatusameso@jatukikprovidence.org

4. Medical professionals and French/Creole translators are sought by Partners in Development, http://www.pidonline.org/ an Ipswich, Mass., nonprofit that has been helping Haiti's needy since 1990. Interested volunteers can apply on there website.

7. A multi-agency group called Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti (ARCH) is now in Haiti assessing what the animals need are. They are lining up volunteers with a history of responding to major disasters and with experience handling small and/or large animals. If you are interested in volunteering, please email bfvolcoord@bestfriends.org

8. Mission-Haiti http://www.mission-haiti.org/ Most babies in Haiti are born at home on a dirt floor. If it is a complicated birth, the mother and the baby often do not make it. We have a couple women in Ti-Riviere willing to be trained to be midwives. If you have this knowledge and you are willing to spend a week in Haiti training them, we need you. If you would like more information on this volunteer opportunity, please contact Colleen at 605-526-4299 or colleen@mission-haiti.org This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
For more volunteer opportunities in Haiti visit www.tonic.com

Divine Women of Our Time: Diahann Carroll

To celebrate black history month I will profile strong women that have been apart of building a culture, paving ways for those after them and who have made a memorable impact within their industry. These women were not only leaders, but they were role models for many people at an appointed time. Most of these women are still with us thankfully, rightfully so, I want to celebrate them while they are here and can understand that there relevance is appreciated as apart of our rich history.

Diahann Carroll (born July 17, 1935) is an American actress and singer. Born in New York City, she attended its LaGuardia High School for performing arts. She appeared in the prestigious African-American themed films, Carmen Jones (1954) and Porgy and Bess (1959). Between 1968 and 1971, Carroll starred in her own television series, Julia, which made her the first African American actress to star in her own television series where she did not play a domestic worker. In 1984, she joined the evening television soap opera series, Dynasty as Dominique Deveraux. She went on to appear in its spinoff, The Colbys, in 1987. She is the recipient of numerous stage and screen awards and nominations. Carroll has been married four times and became the mother of a daughter in 1960. She is a breast cancer survivor and activist. Source:Wikipedia

Music Monday: Keri Hilson "I Like"

Keri Hilson "I Like"

Belle of the Ball: Keri Hilson

By far R&B songstress Keri Hilson was the best dressed on the carpet last night. No need to mention the others becasue she shut it down.

Dolce Gabban Gown on Keri Hilson at the Grammy's

In Case You Missed it: Beyonce On 60 Minutes

Beyonce On 60 Minutes

The Romance Challenge -Are you Down?

Last week I touched on Rekindling the love between you and your mate this week I'm going to get a little more specific with tips and tricks you can use to enhance the romance in your life.

Studies have shown good sex can do wonders in your life so I’m issuing a challenge to whoever is reading this article to follow these simple and surefire suggestions to help get your sexy back in the bedroom and your life back on track. After being in a long term relationship or marriage you can easily let your routine or the busyness of life consume you. I’m here to tell you missionary is just not cutting it anymore. If you agree then keep reading; it gets better.

The key to spicing up your love life is to shake things up a bit. As you spend time with your mate focus on creating new situations and memories you can share. This is definitely not an overnight process, so I’m sharing a few tips over the next 2 weeks that will get you and your mate in the mood and will definitely spice it up inside and out of the bedroom. You can try one tip a day, or as many as you like, just don’t try them all at once.

Remember all of these tips are not meant to end in the bed, but they will definitely enhance your current relationship and love making experiences with your mate. Some of the tips will have to be done multiple times, but in the end you will start reconnecting more and will take each other for granted less. Enjoy!

Tips 1-3
• Get Dressed: Access your current lounge & night wear wardrobe mix it up a wear his/her favorite piece to bed tonight. The bed is a romantic & relaxing place no room for sweats or frumpy seperates.

• Bringing Sexy Back: Introduce a little exercise into your daily routine, your mate will find your new zest for working out irresistibly sexy and your workout will increase your flexibility and endurance. Once that body is toned up the possibilities are limitless.

• Clean It Up: Shave, trim, wax, do what you gotta do for a smooth move. Everyone has there own prefrence so all I'm saying is make sure your legs, underarms and private areas are manicured.

Check Back Tomorrow for tips 4-6. It get's jucier as we go on, but we have to get some preliminaries out of the way first. Don't be afraid to leave an comment :-)