The Romance Challenge Day 10

Today is the last day of The Romance Challenge Tips but not the last day of the challenge for you at home. I consolidated 28 tips into 10 days of post, now you still have the rest of the month to enhance your relationship with your mate. Those of you who are participating I hope that your relationship is in a better place before you started the challenge and I wish you continued success in your relationships.

Tips 25-28

• Public Indecency: Your backyard, deck or patio is outdoors but it’s your property. Get a little risky and see what you and mother-nature can come up with.

• On Demand: Expand your horizons and order a flick, yea that’s right a porno I’m not a fan personally, but for many people this is a way to learn some new tricks.

• Mother of Pearl: Pearls can do amazing things, get some and let your imagination run wild.

• Show Your Love: Sometimes we allow love to be an action word and while that works for some people others need to hear it. Express your love often as possible, let your mate know that you love them through your physical actions just as much as your verbal ones.

As of today you would have recieved 28 tips from me on how to increase the romance and intimacy in your relationship. I’ve laid the foundation now the rest is up to you. Don’t be afraid to mix things up, it will all pay off in the end. Happy Valentines Day!

The Romance Challenge Day 9

Tips 22-24
• Let’s Go Shopping: Go lingerie/lounge shopping together and pick out an outfit for each other. It's not about what you like for yourself it's about what they want to see you in, and vice-versa. Go with the flow get out of your comfort zone, whats more risky than being naked? 

• Blind Play: Use a soft or silk scarf to blindfold your mate while you tickle there fancy, if they will let you tie up there hands to. The sense are extra stimulated when the sense of sight and touch is removed at the same time.

• Oh My Baby Oil: Instead of turning on the water in the bath tonight or after the bath water is out, whip out the baby oil, pour and rub it all over your bodies while in the tub. I'll leave what happens after that up to you.  Be careful when getting out of the tub, but especially careful the morning after. Wash the bathtub out if you can remember before the next use.(non slip bath mat recommended)

Read More from The Romance Challenge Here. Friday is the last days of tips, I hope you have enjoyed the series as much as I have enjoyed sharing with you.

The Romance Challenge Day 8

Tips 19-21

• For-Play: Bring out the games and turn game night into the main night. Weather its strip poker, roll the dice, hide & go seek or put a new spin on your favorites, this might be a game you won’t mind loosing.
• Routine No More: Switch up your schedule and surprise your mate with a mid day rendezvous’ or offer yourself as soon as they walk through the door, nightime nookie is a dessert and not the main course anymore.

• Lights Costume Action: Using items around the house, seduce your mate through role playing. Costumes, wigs, aprons anything you can think of to get you in character for the role of a lifetime. Most adult novelty store sell costumes or you can always try party city for cheap accessories you can dress up with.

Read More from The Romance Challenge Here

The Romance Challenge Day 7

                                

I sure wish I had a romantic bedroom like this one, some of you do, but most of you probally dont. My bedroom is simple and comfy but there are so many other things I would like to do to my bedroom to set the mood right. Right now it's a room for rest, but in fact it should be a room of zest. Without being to complicated a nice collaboration of accessories, pictures and lighting of objects could give the impression of an romantic atmosphere quickly. Until I get that done, I've used other rooms to get creative.

Tips 19-21
• Rooms Service: the bedroom & couch are off limits tonight, take it to another room or piece of furniture in the house. Enjoy your surroundings and new positions you can try in the various rooms on various objects.
• Tonight’s the Night: Oh you don’t do that, well tonight try something that you’ve never done before.
• Tricks up your sleeve: Visit an adult novelty store and pick up a new toy the two of you can enjoy. If your afraid to shop in public browse online together.

Click here to read more tips from The Romance Challenge

The Romance Challenge Week 2 - Day 6

If you’re just joining us please take a look at The Romance Challenge days 1-5 first before reading on. We are now in our 2nd week and this week is key because in 6 days Valentines will be upon us, the ultimate romantic holiday. Some of us will have a good one and others will not, it's simply up to you. This year instead of focusing on a gift, or a dinner reservation, I think the day would be much more successful if it was spent doing something you both could enjoy and that would be memorable and cost effective.

Here are a Few His & Hers Ideas
Candlelight dinner prepared together at home $35 and under.
Visit the JeJu Sauna in Duluth GA for $25 per person and you can spend the night (included in your price).
His & Hers Mani & Pedi for $75 and under at various nail salons and spas across the US.
His & Hers massage for $165 and under at various spas across the US.
Personal chef or cooking class, at a nearby dinner studio.
Wine tasting and your nearest winery or vineyard. You could make it a day trip.
Private or public ballroom or salsa dance lesson at a nearby dance studio.

Tips 16-18
• Cyber Sextn: Catchem off guard and surprise your mate and erotic text message or email during the day. If you don't do this often this will definitely put a smile on there face.

• Turn off the lights: Tonight the bathroom is the perfect place for a perfect ending. Take a hot bubble bath together, but set the scene first. Turn of the lights use some scented candles instead, pop in some soft music to play in the background and the two of you get in and just relax. Fill the water as high as your can so that both of your bodies are covered and close the shower curtain after you are inside to keep the steam in and the water warmer longer. garden tubs, jaccuzzi tubs and

• Say It Loud: Sometimesyou just don't know what to say and of course you don't want to sound carazy but playtime is one of those time where what your saying doesnt matter just as long as your saying something. Giving out orders will definitely make the cut, just as well as reciting some vowels just let your voice be heard like no other. Let your mate know your enjoying the ride they will appreciate you for this one.

The Romance Challenge Day 5

For some of you these tips are just a brush up, an eye opener to others and a savior to some who are looking for a way to rejuvenate a stale relationship. For those who may be reading along but not learning anything new the fact of the matter is, we don't use or do what we did in the beginning of the relationship after some time have passed so this is just a reminder.


Tips 13-15

Do Your Homework: Visit the book store and take a look at the Karma Sutra together and discuss positions you can try when you get home. The internet is another great and free resource where you can explore many new areas and interesting ideas. It's more exciting when you look at together can you can discuss your thoughts together.

Wine & Dine: Prepare an impromptu candlelight dinner at home for your mate on a weeknight with some wine or champagne to toast to a good night. People tend to push everything off to the weekend and then try to cram so much in all at once. Not only is this a bad idea, but you or they will be so tired from regular weekend errands you won't have the energy to pull this off successfully.

Let The Music Play: Instead of going to bed watching TV, let music be your soundtrack. Make a special Ipod mix for the bedroom, or your favorite romantic CD to get the mood right. I have several compilation CD's that I play on my laptop since I don’t own an Ipod. If you choose an individual CD I suggest something like Jazz, Kem, or Sade, because most music CDs are a mixture of up-tempo and smooth music. The wrong song or beat can throw the entire mood off.

So it's been 5 days of juicy tips, I'm wondering how things are working out for you? Leave and anonymous comment if you will please and just let me know your thoughts, reaction and suggestions to my Romance Challenge.

Be sure to read days 1-5 If this is your first time reading.

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.

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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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.

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 :-)

Do You Need To Rekindle The Flame?

If you answer No To any of these Questions It's time to rekindle the flame

• Have you and your mate shared an intimate experience this week?
• Do you shut down the laptop or put down the phone when there home?
• Have you told them you love them today? Last Night? This Week?
• Have you told them you appreciate the joy the bring into your life?
• Have they told you the joy you bring into there’s?
• Have you sent them any sexy text messages lately?

 As you know Valentines Day is fast approaching and those who have defunct relationships, or sex lives will surely show it. There is so much pressure surrounding that day; and honestly I feel like 3 out of 7 days a week should be like Valentines day with your beau at least. Not so much with the gifts, but with the love, affection, attention to detail, going out of your way, romance, intimacy and all of that good stuff.

It's so easy to get caught up with everday life that we push creating special moments and memories to the back of our agenda. Then comes along special days like Valentines, Birthdays, Anniversaries; oh the pressure. I've found that if you make most of your time with your mate attentive and special, there is less pressure on the holidays because the love is frequently expressed and most likely you will get what you deserve. Whether it be a candlelight cooked dinner, a striptease, chocolates and champagne, a full body massage, a personal gift or just a full day of quality time.

Good memories are so much more valuable than things, the things will satisfy your wants but the good times will satisfy your needs. Take some time this weekend to do some reconnecting with your mate, like you used to. Super bowl is next weekend and Valentines is the weekend after that so honestly this weekend is the best time to show them how much you care for or love them in your own special way.

Stay Tuned for Tips & Tricks for reconnecting in the bedroom next week. It's a Sex challenge so I hope you will be up for it.

Top 5 Earning Couples in Hollywood

Jay-Z and Beyonce — 122-million

Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart — 69-million

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie — 55-million

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith — 48-million

David and Victoria Beckham — 46-million

Congrats to all of these power couples doing big things
Source: Forbes Magazine

The 10 Friends You Need to Make Before 30

I saw this article on on of my favorite websiste thefriskly.com that I wanted to share with you writen by editor Amelia Mcdonell-Parry Enjoy!

From the time you were in pre-school and your mom picked your playdates, you’ve been building relationships with people. And sometimes, when you have things in common and get along with one another, you become friends. You might think that you have enough friends in your life, but really, can you ever have too many? Plus, you never know when you’re going to need a hand saw, so you better have someone in your cell phone who owns one.

1. The Style Guru
Everyone needs someone who can help them figure out which dress is appropriate “black-tie optional” weddings, and whether you can get away with wearing a green sweater with a red belt. (The answer to the latter is “probably not,” unless you are a Christmas Elf.)

2. The Mr./Ms. Fix-it
You bought a new bike online, but the instructions for putting it together appear to be written in a language you do not speak. It’s time to call the friend who has a knack for building things and owns all the right tools.

3. The Good Time Gal
If you’re feeling antsy with nothing to do on a Friday night, call this friend, who is generally up for doing anything at any time. She’ll cook up plans that involve dancing on banquets or singing Madonna’s “Like A Prayer” in the time it takes you to change out of your work clothes and slap on
a fresh coat of mascara.

4. The Health Nut
During the times when you suddenly decide to start working out or eating food other than take-out and delicacies from the frozen-food aisle, it’s good to have someone who reads every health and fitness magazine and loves to dispense instructions for proper squat form and pass along recipes for protein-rich meals.

5. The Ear
You had a sucky day at work and hate everything in your closet. What do you do? Call the friend who will calmly listen to all of your problems and then, at the appropriate time, give you a few pearls of wisdom.

6. The Do-it-herselfer
Hemming vintage dresses or whipping up a crème brûlée might not come naturally to you, but with the help of a skillful friend, you’ll develop new talents in no time.

7. The Culture Guru
If you like the idea of going to see that new up-and-coming band perform, befriend someone who knows who’s playing and what exhibits are on display.

8. The Healthcare Professional
Make friends with a doctor or nurse. Then, when you wake up with ginormous swollen glands, you won’t have to wait for an appointment to get medicine to cure what ails you.

9. The Legal Adviser
We all make mistakes. A need for speed can lead to you getting pulled over, and a lively party might end with a noise violation. If you have a friend who’s a lawyer, at least you won’t be alone when you have to appear in front of a judge.

10. The Travel Buddy
There are those who like to stay in the same place and find solace in their homes. And there are others who need to get out and explore the world. If you’ve caught the travel bug, find a friend who has it, too. It’s way more fun (and much safer) when you share adventures with someone else.

Sidenote:
I had 4 of the 10 when I was in Atlanta but now that I'm Baton Rouge I guess have to somewhat start over. I should be able to knock this list out in the next 2 years before I'm 30.

Happy Anniversary Honey

Today marks 4 years since me & my honey have been together (not counting the break ups... tee hee) This is the day we officially became an item, it is also my late Grandmothers birthday, so it's a very special day for me.


Thank you honey for loving me and accepting me for who I am; flaws and all. Thank you for supporting my business and personal goals and dreams. Thank you for giving me guidance when I needed it, thank you for listening to my rants and most importantly thank you for being my friend. You are a terrific father to our son, a great provider, protector and leader in our home. We will always have ups and down but it's nice to have you to go through the motions with. Happy Anniversary!!!!! Wishing us many more.

RIP Quentzeline Norris, you are trully missed.

Coupled Up on the Carpet

It's been a busy week in the event world and it's only Wednesday. I love love and here are a few pics of celebs this week on the red carpet showing some love. 

Mary & Kendu

Monique & Sidney

Forrest Whitaker & Keisha

Paula Patton & Robin Thicke

Will You Be My Friend? Circle Yes or No

I’m enjoying being in a new city, I’m just wondering what’s the best way to make new friends as an adult.


Most of my friends I’ve had for years, some for over 20 years and I’m only 27. Your old friends know who you are, they have a little history on you, they know my family etc. When you meet someone new at my age are you suppose to give them a crash course on your life? I don’t want to have to tell my life story to every person I meet, but I do want to make a connection with some ladies in this city. Even if I tell them my back story as a writer, blogger, graphic designer, marketing consultant, former owner of a magazine, from New Jersey but lived in Atlanta for 9 years and San Antonio for 2 years before that; will they be able to identify, respect or understand who I am. Ok, I might be jumping the gun a little, of course I don’t have to tell them all of that at first sight, but that’s who I am, in addition to being a mother and a fiancé.

Being in Atlanta, there are tons of upwardly mobile people, so It was easy to find things in common with these women; unfortunately I have yet to see that same type of entrepreneurial spirit here. Most of the women are heavy into sports, nightclubs, rodeos and racetracks. Don’t get me wrong I can see the excitement in some of that, we went to the horse racetrack on Saturday and I had a great time. But where are my fashionistas, business divas, and savvy mommies at in Baton Rouge?

Thankfully the women that I’ve come across at stores, restaurants, the salon and my fiancés friends wives have all had warm spirits, but after a little small talk I wasn’t sure that we had to much in common. When I tell them I moved here from Atlanta, they look at me like I have 4 heads like “why would you do that” LOL.

I have met a few people on twitter from the area that I recently began socializing with and I’m excited to see how those relationship develop. Outside of that I’m sort of left scratching my head. I know it’s only been a week so help me out do you have any suggestions on how I can make new friends?

Would You Give Up QT with your mate for your Cell Phone

Recently a survey done in Denver found that 33 percent of Denver-area women would put their sex lives on hold for a year in order to use a mobile device. Hmm this got me thinking, I'll be the first to admit I'm a cellphone-a-hollic. Its the last thing I'm on at night, often checking twitter or email and playing bejeweld. It's the first thing I grab for when I wake up in the morning and it's constantly by my side during the day, but I don’t think I would give up love making for my device. I can spare 30-45 minutes a day, especially a night cap.


Do I care about my cell phone more than my boyfriend of course not. Could I leave the house without it and not panic, of course not. It's a love hate relationship with my phone and QT time. My fiancé joined twitter 2 months ago to see why I was always on there so much. since he's not a techy he has less that 5 twitter friends and doesn't have a real clue on what twitter is all about.

The survey, conducted in September by Samsung Mobile, also found that only 20 percent of men would make the same choice. I can definitely understand that, since most men think about "doing the do" every chance they get.

3's a Crowd

With all of the recent media frenzy surrounding the Kardashian/Odum wedding over the weekend, you would have thought Khloe might have finally claimed her own time to shine. Not so much, since she had to share the cover of OK magazine with her husband & more popular sisters. I thought the wedding was about the bride and groom; poor Khloe will always live in her sister’s shadow unfortunately. At least she had a free wedding, let's see if Kim or Kourtney can top that. I don't know what to make of this relationship but If they like, then I love it. Like Tim Gunn says "Make It Work."

Real Housewives IN Atlanta part 3

Dee Dee Cocheta, Husband & some of their Children

To some she's Dee Dee Cocheta, and to others she's the Hip Hop Mama; either way she is a great woman of integrity that has a really big heart, a natural love for hip hop and even greater love for friends and her family. You almost have to wonder how a woman who has been married for 20 years, a mother of 7, and owner of ABC publicity Firm still has so much love to give and show others; somehow she does it.

Dee Dee is one of the first women who embraced me after starting my magazine during my early years in Atlanta, she was so genuine and helpful to me and she introduced me to everyone I needed to know. She shared a wealth of information with me and I as our friendship continued, I realized that this is not something she only did for me, she helped countless others. Truth be told, she was also influential for the careers of many of Atlanta's publicist and entertainers. At one point or another she's mentored them, worked with them or influenced there want for being a publicist or entertainer.

Last December Me and my family went to a Kwanza celebration at her home, and we all joked how she should have her own reality show. Until she gets one, I want to share with you her thoughts on being a REAL housewife IN Atlanta.

NUAL: We know you have 7 children what are there names? Alkebulan - 19, Kadir - 18, Bomani - 13, Kmt - 11 (Only daughter), Katamba Lumumba - 10, Adafa - 9 Jonas - 5

NUAL: How do you balance work/parent/spouse relationships and time? I just go with FLOW, like my hometown NIKE's slogan I just do it...Every day is different, to whom is given...much is required.

NUAL: What can you do to be a better housewife? Great question, I can't honestly say I had put any thought into this nor ever given anyone advice on this...I would say BALANCE is the key...also knowing how to say "NO" and lastly being able to find YOU time in the midst of it all. This should make for a well rounded housewife to be able to take on the challenges of family, work and personal time.

NUAL: What words of advice can you share with other married or engaged couples? COMMUNICATION - never assume, always ask and be honest no matter what you think the other person will feel. If you are able to do this, LOVE finds the place there.

Who is your favorite Housewife from the Bravo Housewives Series & Why? Lisa Wu Hartwell, I love her personality, she's courageous, a great mother and wife (I LOVE Love & seeing her and ED together is so romantic). Lisa is also a strong entrepreneur in meeting demands & her goals which to me she seems to have balance in all that she does. Plus I have come to know her personally and observed her around others, she's a genuine spirit!

To find out more about Dee Dee Cocheta follow her on Twitter - www.twitter.com/abcpublicity or visit her website A.B.C. Associates Entertainment Firm - http://www.abc-aef.com/

REAL Housewives In Atlanta pt 2.

The Reed Family

Last week I got a little flack from a reader in regard to the family I featured on my post “They Really Do Exist…Housewives in Atlanta,” which is apart of a series that I am putting together to feature housewives in Atlanta.  I think it’s a great idea to profile housewives who are “Not So Average” to see how they make it work, other than to speculate on what we think is going on, as the tabloids often do.

This week I got a chance to catch up with a self made media mogul in the making, Tammie Reed. Most people know her as Talking With Tami, but I know her as the lady who juggles a full schedule being a producer of her own TV show, blogger, tweeter, a mom to 2 pre-teens and a wife to a husband who is supportive of her very busy schedule.

How long have you been married?
Tammie: Married 10yrs

Do you have any Children?
Tammie: Yes, two Tyra 12 Terrell 9

What is your profession or what type of business do you run?
Tammie: I'm a Talk show host

How do you balance work/parent/spouse relationships and time?
Tammie: It’s all about communication and prayer. We pray over everything. My husband and I tag team a lot, it’s a collective effort.

What can you do to be a better housewife?
Tammie: I can cook and clean a bit more, I’m always traveling or on red carpet, but we all chip in. Everything else is pretty good I guess lol.

What word of advice can you share with other married or engaged couples? Tammie: Talk to each other; have date a nights, that’s very important. Sometimes when people get married they forget to keep dating.

Who is your favorite Housewife from the Bravo Housewives Series & Why?
Tammie: My favorite housewife is Lisa Wu Hartwell. She is also a good friend of mine maybe that’s why. I can relate with how she tries to handle home life and the entertainment business.

For more information on Tammie visit www.talkingwithtami.com/blog
or follow her @ www.Twitter.com/TalkingWithtami