Sex and the City 2: More of What You Love, But Not Much New (Review)

Does Sex and the City 2 live up to the hype?

By: Tiffany M. Jones

After many stalls and delays, the girls—Carrie, Miranda, Samantha, and Charlotte—have made their way back to the silver screen once more in Sex and the City 2. Yes, fans of the series flocked to theaters over Memorial Day weekend to see the much anticipated sequel, dying to catch up on the new developments of this fabulously stylish quartet. Many guessed about what this new installment would produce. Where would Big and Carrie’s relationship go now that they were married? What new pursuits of perfection would Charlotte be chasing now that she finally had the pregnancy and birth of her baby girl? Is there enough room left to develop new drama for Steve and Miranda now that they’ve almost gone to the brink of divorce? And, what unsuspecting thing would Samantha do next? Especially, since she had already tried the extreme makeover of herself by becoming what we’d never expect: a one man woman. While the ultimate end of such a great run of drama, sex, fashion, and—let’s be honest—more sex would be devastating to imagine, it was even tougher to imagine where the story could go next. And, unfortunately, the answer is that it could not go far.

This is not to say that fans will ever tire of seeing the girls do what they do best. We can always appreciate Carrie as a fearless fashionista who thrives on melodrama, Miranda’s no-BS philosophy, Charlotte’s idealism to the point of humor, and Samantha’s wonderful ability to turn the most serious of subjects into a playground for sexual exploitation. The formula works! It’s interesting and it’s engaging. And it’s necessary for us eager, die-hard fans. If nothing else, it’s also hard to let go. Though now it may be time to do just that because Sex and the City 2, with all it’s glamour and gush, was just like a pair of Jimmy Choos, fashionaly cute, not always functional and sometimes tough to buy. (Ok, maybe only for those who can’t afford Carrie’s endless shoe budget.)

The series’ jump into cinema with the first installment, like the second, had its ups and downs. The biggest success of Sex and the City (2008) was that it answered so many questions, as the end to the HBO series left so much room for development. And, it managed to re-up in the fashion department, bringing new fashion eye-candy to the screen. Yet, it was criticized for deviating away from the series’ formula (mostly because of Samantha’s departure to L.A. and monogamous relationship, meaning less sex in the city, and the introduction of a new main character played by Jennifer Hudson, who took time away from the four we paid to see). Well, Sex and the City 2 basically exchanged one headache for the other. (Ok…they can never go wrong fashion wise—thank Goodness! ) This film has brought the real feel and flavor of the HBO show, but there is a big lapse in plot development. In short, fears of the “no-where-to-go plot” may have come true.

In fact, in some ways Carrie, who leaped light years ahead of herself in the last film, ending her single gal run and becoming Mrs. Preston, almost seems to go too retro—so much so that we come across an old page in her black book. Yes, if you’ve seen any of the movie trailers, you already know that Aidan’s back. This is definitely the writer’s attempt to try and create some new, interesting twists in the storyline. But this twist may very well be more of a predictable annoyance than anything else. Without spoiling, it’s best to just say that Aidan’s appearance is nothing more than proof that new developments were hard to come by or impossible to create. Other than the fact that Samantha has a new playground for her sexy escapades, which may be the most controversial point of the film, it’s all hand-me-downs now folks. But who’s to say that you can’t appreciate a good hand-me-down?

All in all, just like fan’s of Batman and maybe even Rocky (ok, not the best example, but you get the point), the ultimate Sex and the City enthusiast will always pray for the chance to see the next installment. And while Sex and the City 2 may not be up for grabs for any Best Screenplay awards this year, devotees will see a glimpse of what made them fall in love with the show from day one. Those four single girls, though grown up and now hot flashing.

Thought The “Snip And Clip” Was Only For Men? Pediatricians Oppose Female Genital Cutting

The emotional effects of female genital cutting on young girls

By: Taren Vaughan

When you think of genital cutting, the first thing that normally comes to mind is the circumcisions that are made on baby boys. That process has now made its way over to the other gender.

So where did it all begin?

Although this may be new news to many of us, this process has been taking place for many years. It is most popular in countries like Asia, The Middle East and Africa. Members of the communities there say that the process is supposed to "mark a woman's journey to adulthood". So exactly how pain is this journey supposed to be?

After discovering the actual process of female circumcisions, one can see why pediatricians are fighting so hard to outlaw it. Since we obviously are not equip with the same genitalia as our male counterparts, our "snip and clip" process is slightly different. Female genital cutting can vary from culture to culture. But one of the most intense forms of it requires the stitching together of the inner and outer labia of the vagina. Keep in mind that the majority of these processes are done in third world countries so you know what that means: No top notch anesthesia. I have no personal experience with this but this just sounds horribly painful.

Luckily for American women, female circumcisions are prohibited in the United States. Although this is true, there have been instances where females who reside in America have fallen victim to genital cutting. According to the African Women's Health Center at Brigham and Women's Hospital, there were approximately 228, 000 women living in the United States in the year 2000 who were already circumcised or at risk for it. If you think this number is startling, the number of women worldwide who undergo this process is even more disturbing. It is estimated that 140 million adult women and girls all over the world have gone through the process of genital cutting.

Female genital cutting may be viewed as a sacred ritual in some areas of the world. But it can cause some severe emotional damage to the females that have to go through this process. Every culture is entitled to engage in whatever ceremonies that they see fit. However, the health, safety and emotional well being of the participating individuals should be considered.

Source: CNN Health

Praise God For The Second Chances

Even when we don't deserve them, God gives us second chances

By: Taren Vaughan

As human beings, we continuously do things that we know we have no business doing. We behave this way for self pleasure or to please those we are involved with.

No matter how many times we do things that are not pleasing in His sight, God still offers us chance after chance to fix things. This is not to say that we are not punished for our misdoings because we are. But God still gives us the opportunity to repent and start over with a clean heart, mind and spirit.

It is a true blessing that God is not an unforgiving God. What if God had the same views on giving people multiple chances as some of us do? We as sinners would never get a chance to redeem ourselves, no matter how bad we wanted to. The understanding spirit of the Lord is something that we all should be very thankful for.

God gives us chances over and over again because He wants us to better ourselves. God wants to see all of His children make it back to Heaven. Even though God provides us with chances to do the right thing, it is ultimately up to us as to whether or not we are willing to make the turn around. Second chances from God should not be taken advantage of. We should all use them wisely.

Fighting Temptation: Can You Resist The Urge To Cheat?

Resisting the temptations that could ruin your relationship

By: Taren Vaughan

When you were living the single life, it seemed like there just wasn’t a good companion out there for you. Then out of nowhere, you meet that special someone. A person that you could potentially see yourself spending the rest of your life with has finally found you. As you all really begin to work towards building your relationship, other people start to ease their way into the picture. These individuals try to tempt you into doing something that could potentially ruin your relationship. Even though it’s hard to do for some, the battle against temptation can be overcome.

As I scanned through my Twitter page one day, I ran across a tweet from someone that I follow. The tweet read “Every time you try to get your act together things (people) start popping up”. This comment made we think for a second. Is it really that hard to focus all of your attention on one person? Or do we make it hard for ourselves to do so?

It is true that some tempters are a little more aggressive than others. There are people out there who get a sick thrill out of throwing themselves at those that they know are married or seriously involved with someone. Because these tempters are all over the place, it is up to you to avoid them at all cost.

One of the easiest ways to fight temptation is to avoid tempting situations all together. If you know your co-worker has a thing for you, why would you accept their offer to take you out to dinner? You already know what their intentions are so stay as far away as possible. No, you don’t have to be rude or nasty to them about it but just simply let them know what the deal is. You are involved with someone and can't not pursue anything with them.

Sometimes, I think people enjoy giving in to temptation. It’s almost like they feel as if they are missing out on something. If that’s the case, then maybe those individuals should remain single. Then they can indulge in all the “temptation” that they want to without feeling guilty about it afterwards.

No one ever said fighting temptation was an easy thing to do. It takes a lot of discipline, self-control and maturity. At the end of the day, it all comes down to how much the person means to you. If this is a person that you truly care about and have a high level of respect for, the “tempters” won’t succeed at distracting you. Nobody forces you to give in to temptation; that is a personal choice. So if you can’t look temptation straight in the face and say “No thank you, but I’m seeing someone” then you may have a bigger problem than you think. Bottom line is, once you meet that person who is truly worth your time and effort, nothing will get in the way of what you two have. It's so hard nowadays to find good, genuine people, especially for us sisters. So once you find that individual, fighting temptation won't be nearly as hard as for you to do.

Some Of This And Some Of That: The Positives To Having Multiple Business Ventures

Why stop at one business? Having numerous businesses does have its positives

By: Taren Vaughan

As an entrepreneur, you may start out putting all of your focus into one particular area of interest. As you get deeper into your career journey, you begin to discover new interests, some of which you have a desire to pursue in the form of a business. Some people may shy away from the idea of taking on multiple business ventures. But there are a number of positives things that can come out of having them.

One of the main reasons why entrepreneurs look to start various businesses is so that they can increase their wealth. Having multiple ways to accumulate money is always a positive thing. If one of your businesses falls through, you still have several other ones that you can earn money from. Some businesses will be much more lucrative than others. But with the type of economy we have at the moment, any amount of money that one can potentially earn is great.

Aside from serving as a way to help your bank account grow, having multiple businesses under your belt can add a little flavor to your professional life. Let's be honest. Sometimes going to the same job day after day can become rather boring for some of us, especially when it is a job that we don't have a true passion for. We need to have an array of options when it comes to our careers. And what better way to do that than by starting several unique businesses.

Last but not least, starting numerous businesses can be a great networking tool. Depending on the types of businesses that you own, you could become associated with groups of people that you never imagined. Not only would your professional platform grow, but your social network and cultural exposure would flourish as well.

Although there are various perks to having multiple business ventures, you must make sure that you have enough time to operate all of them successfully. The last thing you want to do is to have all these businesses that are not managed properly. That would be a huge waste of money and time. So before you come up with all your wonderful business ideas, think about the costs associated with them. But most importantly, think about whether or not you have time to run all of your businesses. Many have tried it and with lots of support and organization, have been extremely successful at doing so.

Fab Fashion Spread: Sex and the City Goes Urban Belle

By: Amanda Anderson

One of the reasons women love Sex and the City so much is the delicious, breath taking, and bold displays of fashion from our favorite New York gals: Carrie, Samantha, Miranda, and Charlotte. Sure we love the dramatics of their pursuits in love and even becoming mothers, but we wouldn’t be honest if we didn’t say that we especially enjoy their shoe shopping adventures just as much as we love the drama. It’s such a guilty pleasure that keeps fans all over the world anticipating the next installment in the film series since we said goodbye to our favorite gal pals 5 years ago. With the changes in their lives such as husbands and babies, the fashion has not only evolved with each character, but made such an impact in fashion, that all four girls are now fashion icons in their own right. Carrie Bradshaw might be the biggest influence of the foursome, but each character’s own unique style not only makes the series addictive to watch, but also makes it extremely easy (and fabulous) for fans to identify with their favorites.

So what better way to celebrate the release of Sex and the City 2 than to have a fashion spread with beautiful black women putting their own spin on the cult phenom?

Here’s our take of Sex and the City, with a pretty fabulous twist that only Urban Belle could properly pull off.

First up, Charlotte York.

Charlotte York is the most conservative of the quartet. A huge believer in perfection, she always seeks to make perfect in her life and in her fashion. She is ultra feminine, and usually goes for pastel colors such as pinks and purples, but doesn’t shy away from more daring colors such as reds and blues.

She is particularly fond of romantic accents such as ruffles and bows, and shows off her curvy figure in such a classic style that emulates Charlotte’s continuous quest for perfection.


Our model Lisa embodies Charlotte's ultra feminine and conservative style in a metallic cocktail dress designed by London Times. The ruffled collar adds the perfect touch of romance, while a string of pearls and studs keeps the look chic, yet simple.

Miranda Hobbes

Known as the no nonsense career woman of the group, Miranda’s style has evolved more than any of the other characters. At the beginning of the series, she was easily the worst dressed character. She mainly stuck to boring pants suits and never seemed to quite fit in with her fashionable girlfriends.

By the last season of the show, Miranda had become just as much of a fashion powerhouse as the other three. She loves prints, darker shades such as browns and deep blues, and keeps her accessories sophisticated.


Our model Chitara captures Miranda's style in a leopard print cocktail dress designed by Candie's. To add a little more sizzle to the outfit, the look was completed with bronze toned New York Transit gladiator sandal stilettos. Since Miranda is also a lover of dramatic earrings, these Candies statement earrings completed the look.

Samantha Jones

Easily the most outrageous of the group personality wise, Samantha Jones’ wardrobe always reflects her outgoing persona. She is the oldest of the group of girlfriends, but that does not keep her from wearing some of the boldest pieces. She is all about bold colors such as bright reds, yellows, and metallics; and she only wears jewelry that makes a pretty bold statement.

With Samantha Jones, fashion is meant to make you stand out in a room full of strangers. A little skin doesn’t hurt either, as Samantha loves to wear pieces that show off her great figure. You’ll usually see Samantha in pencil skirts, sexy fitting tailored skirt suits, and glamorous cocktail dresses on a night on the town with the girls.


Our model Taren is wearing a cocktail dress designed by Banana USA. Limelight gladiator stilettos created the sassy look that makes Samantha one of the most fashionable of the foursome. Since Samantha is all about statement pieces, a statement necklace and a Daisy Fuentes cocktail ring added the perfect touch.


Carrie Bradshaw

Carrie Bradshaw has become one of the biggest fashion icons to ever step foot in the hearts of women everywhere. When it comes to fashion, Carrie knows no limits; and we love her for that. She is known for mixing and matching vintage pieces from some of the most respected fashion designers. Simply put, Bradshaw can make anything look fabulous. Who else could wear a bird on the side of their head and make it seem so chic?

She is bold and frankly fearless when she steps out of her cozy one bedroom apartment throughout the series. It’s all about the drama for Carrie, and she has no problems committing the fashion no no’s and making it look damn good. She’ll mix patterns, wear outlandish hats and accessories, and make a tutu the hottest piece of the season just because she believes that fashion has no rules. Shoes are everything to this New York gal, but so is originality. She puts her own spin to every piece she owns.


Model Traci is seen here wearing a two toned cocktail dress designed by high-end designer Zac Posen. Since Carrie is all about adding her own touch to all of her fashion pieces, a floral statement necklace designed by Candie's and vintage New York And Company clutch add flair to the look. Studded gladiator sandals designed by Chinese Laundry created the sass we all love Carrie Bradshaw for.

Credits:

Label Love: Zac Posen, Londen Times, Candie's, Chinese Laundry, Banana USA, Limelight, New York And Company, New York Transit, Daisy Fuentes.

Photographer Love: Mitch Webson

Creative Geniuses: Amanda Anderson (Editor-in-Chief), Treasure White (Creative Director)

Money, Power And Respect: The Perks Behind Obtaining A PhD

The positives behind having a PhD. How valuable is it to you?

By: Taren Vaughan

We were always told growing up that receiving a bachelor’s degree would make us stand out from the rest. As time progressed, more and more people started to go to college. And getting a bachelor’s degree was not as uncommon as it once was before. So then getting a master’s degree became the thing to do. Even though receiving master's degrees is still considered a major accomplishment, having a PhD has been said to allow a person to write their own ticket.

Individuals who teach on the university level will find that having that “Dr.” in front of your name does hold a lot of significance when it comes to job positions that are offered to you. The amount of money that you make and the way you are treated is influenced by that PhD that you have obtained. As a former college student, I myself saw how students reacted towards teachers who were doctorate professors versus those who only held master’s degrees. The level of respect that was given to PhD professors was much higher than that of non-PhD professors.

Although having a PhD can result in a number of positive things for a person, especially when a career choice is concerned, its usefulness varies depending on what field a person is in and what kind of job they are looking to get into. If you want to go into scientific research of some kind, then getting a PhD is definitely worth your while. Maybe your calling is teaching at the collegiate level. In this situation, a PhD will serve its purpose as well. But there are some career fields where having a PhD is almost equivalent to having a high school diploma simply because it is more about your experience than your education. The only difference is that a high school diploma doesn’t cost you thousands of dollars to get.

Surprisingly, some people get PhD’s for other reasons that are not related to their career goals. From conversations that I have had with several peers of mine, their desire to get PhD’s was to fulfill that sense of true accomplishment. Not so that they can necessarily make more money, but it was more so a personal goal that they had set for themselves.

Obtaining a PhD requires a lot of hard work, time and dedication which is why people are heavily applauded for getting them. Yes, it is very impressive that you took the time to go to school for all those years to obtain one of the highest level of degrees out there. No one can argue with that. But if you are in a profession where experience is the determining factor as to whether or not you get that great job offer, then what can a PhD really do for you?

Not Your Average Tennis Skirt: Venus Williams Criticized For Revealing French Open Outfit

Tennis superstar catches slack for inappropriate attire

By: Taren Vaughan

The Williams’ Sisters have always had their own style that set them apart from other professional tennis players. It is normally their hairstyles that draw the most attention from spectators. But one of the sisters has recently caused a huge stir with her "outlandish" outfit. At the 2010 French Open, Venus Williams shocked the world with her revealing outfit. The black and red lace dress was not a huge hit as many chastised the tennis star for not leaving much to the imagination.

So was it the lace material of the outfit that has everyone so upset? Because if you take away the lace and replace it with cotton or spandex, it would be quite similar to what she would normally wear on the court. Or was it the nude colored underwear that she was rocking underneath? Either way, a boat load of attention was directed to Ms. Williams’ clothing rather than how she performed in the actual tennis match itself. I thought we cared more about an athlete’s performance versus what they have on? I guess I was terribly wrong.

Now if I recall, female athletes are supposed to be sexy and feminine during play? Aren’t they required to show a little skin? According to the laws of the male chauvinists, women are supposed to keep their feminine appeal no matter what sport they are playing. It’s funny how Venus Williams caught so much slack for her outfit when female beach volleyball players have bikinis as their standard attire. With all the jumping around that they do, a wardrobe malfunction is bound to happen at some point.

As female athletes, it’s not enough for them to just play the sports that they love. They have to look a certain way while they are performing them. They have to look appealing to their viewers, especially the ones who have the most clout, which are usually men. If they look too manly, they face criticism. If they are too sexy and are revealing excessive amounts of skin, somebody has something to say about it. I mean what do they want from them? It’s just a no win situation for female athletes. No matter what they look like or how they dress, there will be someone who doesn’t agree with it.

Venus Williams’ outfit selection may not have been deemed tasteful by many people. But the fact is that she has the right to wear what she wants to. The only way she should be confined to a particular style of dress is if it would directly affect her endorsement deals or if it is in violation of the rules and dress code of the WTA. Some of you may not agree with what I am saying but freedom of speech and expression applies to all of us whether you are an athlete or not.

Nail Salon Junkie: 5 Reasons You Need To End Your Addiction

5 reasons you should forsake the nail salons.

By: Amanda Anderson


We have all been victims of the addiction. Who hasn’t spent more money than they could afford to keep their nails in top condition? Nails are one of the crucial aspects to a woman’s beauty regime. And in a world that is so focused on a woman’s looks and charm; no woman wants to walk around with a set of unflattering nails. So it’s perfectly acceptable to want to rock beautiful nails in addition to having the flyest wardrobe ever. The only thing you should reconsider is how you choose to maintain a beautiful set of nails. Should you continue to be a nail salon junkie and spend thousands of dollars on fake nails and sloppy manicures or should you take matters into your own hands (literally) and become your own nail technician?

Before you tell me I am crazy to tell you to forsake the nail salon, here are few reasons that I may be a little more sane than you would like to admit.

1. The amount of money you could save is mind blowing.

When you think about the costs of maintaining beautiful nails, the numbers are a little shameful. To get a full set of acrylic nails, you will have to spend at least $20. Fill-ins which will be needed at the maximum every two weeks, will run you around $15. And that’s not factoring nail repair (which you will need), that can run you anywhere for $7 to $10 per nail.

Pedicures are steeper, with them usually ranging around $30. There are some women who only get these occasionally, but there are some that get pedicures every two weeks.

If you factor in all these costs, it’s easy to spend at least $100 a month just on your nails. And if you do this each month, that is a whopping $1200 a year for nails.

If you wear your natural nails, you could paint your own nails and do your own manicures. Manicure sets and polishes can be found in any drug stores for a little under $10. These sets last for months, and can keep you from spending lots of money in the salons. Not to mention, natural nails don’t require fill-ins since there are numerous polishes on the market that can protect and naturally thicken nails.

I haven’t taken a trip to a nail salon in years and I always get complimented on my natural nails that I do myself. It’s a short learning curve that can save you lots of money.

2. You may be the topic of discussion in your favorite nail salon, and not even know it.

Let’s have some honest girl talk here. Most nail salons aren’t run by people that look like us. Now that doesn’t mean that other businesses don’t deserve our services, but there have been plenty of times when I had to questioned what my nail technician was really saying about me in her native language. It’s a very uncomfortable situation, and frankly, it makes the trip to the nail salon a lot more unappealing. I don’t know about you, but it’s hard to hand over my money to someone who isn’t necessarily giving me the best customer service.

3. The health risks aren’t worth it.

Ever noticed that your favorite and trusted nail technician has a mask over her face, but you’re just sitting there inhaling all the toxic fumes she’s chosen to avoid? Yeah, that’s definitely a signal that you are in a place that isn’t necessarily good for your health.

Research shows that some of the most toxic chemicals on the planet are found in most nail salons. Inhaling these fumes can cause health defects such as cancer and even cause defects in pregnancy. To put it short, it’s not safe for anyone to inhale these products. That’s why your nail technician was smart enough to keep her face covered. So maybe you should be smart enough to skip the nail trip, unless you too plan on wearing a mask on your next visit.

4. Your real nails hate the products you’re using.

Even if you opt to use fake nails instead of relying on your natural nails, the damage that you can cause your real nails just isn’t worth the trip to the nail salon. A lot of nail salons are not necessarily hygienic when it comes to nail equipment, and they do not keep their tools properly cleaned. There have been many cases of nail shop enthusiasts getting a nasty case of nail fungus. It is an itchy and painful type of fungus that has to be treated medically.

5. It’s an ego boost to do your own nails.

Maybe I’m just a little bit on the vain side, but I can’t tell you how good it feels to hear someone compliment me on my nails. When you do your own nails, you will gradually get better after each time. Next thing you know, you’ll be doing your own manicures and pedicures. And don’t tell me you won’t feel a little diva knowing that you did own nails.

I gave you five reasons to skip the nail salon, but ultimately, it will take time to get used to doing your own nails. The best way to start is to master a simple polish. It may take a few trials and errors to find a nail polish brand that you like, but when you do, you will easily have some of the most beautiful nails that any one has ever seen. Next you can learn how to do your own manicures, and eventually do your own pedicures. There are so many products (some without toxins) and gadgets (there are at home pedicure stations) that you can use to make your nails look as if you never gave up the professional visits.

When you think back on how much money you could save, it makes the learning curve a lot less painful and totally worth it.

Will Alabama Make History? Dems May Nominate Alabama’s First Black Governor

Alabama could make history with first black governor.

By: Amanda Anderson

Although the political scene has been filled with many controversies lately regarding racial division, that doesn’t mean that black politicians aren’t attempting to make history during the administration of the country’s first black president. In Alabama, black congressman Rep. Artur Davis is making strides to becoming Alabama’s first black governor. And by the looks of things, Davis might really have a chance in making state history. The Alabama Democratic Party is close to selecting the congressman to be the first black nominee for the state’s governorship. And what’s even more interesting is Davis isn’t even being backed by the traditional civil rights groups.

Artur Davis may only be steps away from clinching the nominee from the Democrats, but Alabama is still very much a red state that generally favors the Republican Party. The state has gone Republican in five of the last six votes for governor.

And when it comes down to what Davis is stacked up against, one Republican seems to be extremely popular with voters due to his apparent protest against illegal immigration and blunt ads: Tim James.

There may not be a clear leader in the primary election with either of the two political parties, but history is not in Davis’ favor, and he would have to work hard to convince voters in a red state that a Democrat is capable of being tough on issues that most tend to shy away from.

A red state may be one obstacle in Davis’ way of becoming governor, but he also may have hurt his chances with blacks who make up nearly half of the voters who vote in the Democratic primary. Artur scorned four of the states black political groups, and lost many African American voters in the process. He also failed to support President Obama on Health-Care Reform, although Alabama residents would have benefited tremendously from the policies.

Most political pundits have accused Davis of forsaking black voters in order to appeal to the white voters. The president emeritus of the Alabama New South Coalition Hank Sanders said the following regarding Davis’ alienation of black voters:

"The idea is to attack symbols, such as black leaders and black organizations, in a way that sends messages to white voters without alienating black voters. It's easy to miscalculate, and Artur Davis miscalculated."

The Congressman does have some black support from the Mayor of Selma, Alabama and Rep. John Lewis of Georgia, a significant figure of the Civil Rights Movement. Rather these significant supporters will be enough to attract black voters once again is a question that will not be answered until all votes have been counted. One thing's for sure: forsaking black voters for white voters may not be the surest way to become Governor of Alabama.

Source

Couples That Could Work: Alicia Keys and Andre 3000

In another life, Alicia Keys and Andre 3000 could be soul mates.

By: Amanda Anderson

Just a few days after singer Alicia Keys and producer Swizz Beatz have confirmed their engagement and pregnancy; I like many others, wonder if these two really are as compatible as they need to be to withstand a marriage. I am guilty of placing Keys on an undeserved pedestal for her many women’s empowerment themed songs and superior piano skills, and find it hard to see Swizz Beatz being an evenly yoked match to the powerhouse that is Alicia Keys. Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t know these two personally, so I can’t be so certain that they aren’t a match made in heaven. Nonetheless, I am a firm believer that the conditions in which one’s relationship was formed plays a huge factor in its outcome. And since these two began as an affair (allegedly) that caused Beatz to leave his first wife, the future for these two doesn’t look so promising.

This leads me to question who would be a great match for Alicia Keys. Many great candidates came to mind, such as Common, John Legend, and a few others; but Andre 3000 really stuck out as a potential match. Here are a few reasons why he and Keys could work.

The Intellect Factor

Both Alicia Keys and Andre 3000 are intellectuals. In school, Alicia Keys made good grades and even graduated high school as the class valedictorian at the tender age of 16. Her intellect is one of the main reasons she has such a huge interest in international events that led to the founding of her non-profit organization.

Andre 3000’s intellect is so apparent that it always seems to come through in his lyrics. Just like Keys, he has a deep interest in current events, with politics drawing most of his attention.

Why this works: These two could naturally intrigue one another based on their intellect. Together, they would have stimulating conversations and encourage each other to think outside the box on many different issues.

Who doesn’t want a partner that could stimulate them mentally?

The Creative Factor

Talent is something these two have in common. Keys has been playing classical music on the piano since she was seven years old, and writes her own songs, and even arranges her own music.

Andre 3000 began as a rapper, but has evolved as an artist who plays many instruments including the guitar, piano, saxophone, harmonica, and violin.

Why this works: Creative people tend work better with other creative people. These two would constantly encourage each other to remain creative and understand/encourage their talents.

The Zodiac Factor

Alicia Keys is an Aquarius woman, while Andre 3000 is a Gemini. A relationship between an Aquarius and Gemini is one based solely on harmony. Both signs enjoy each other’s ability to intellectually stimulate the other. Great conversations are everything to both the Gemini and the Aquarius. Their creative traits, talents, and passions will make interesting conversations; while their concern for the world around them will make for meaningful ones.

The Rundown

A relationship between Alicia Keys and Andre 3000 would be a harmonious one. Both are creative intellectuals with a passion for the world around them. They crave good conversation and share many of the same view points of life. Not only will they have a life full of passion together, they also could have a relationship based on the most solid foundation of all relationships: friendship.

What can you learn from this prospective couple?

The best relationships begin with solid friendships. And the best friendships are a product of two people who share the same interests, view points, and needs. If you are an individual that needs and requires great conversation in order to have a healthy relationship, you will need to be with a partner who values conversation just as much as you do.

Creativity and passion draws and keeps two people together because they keep the two people interested in one another. It’s no coincidence that we fair better in relationships with people that encourage, understand, or share our creative interests, morals and talents.

Contrary to belief, opposites may attract, but rarely do they stay together. As we get older, we tend to seek partners that we have a lot of things in common with. By doing so, we increase our chances of having partners that understand us. This makes a relationship more peaceful.

The Reality

Alicia Keys has chosen Swizz Beatz rather we like it or not. I can’t honestly say I feel like he’s on her level, but if she plans to marry him, just maybe he is. One thing’s for sure, we all are guilty of feeling like he just isn’t the best she could do. But maybe we should apply all of that energy (and well deserved opinions) to our own relationships, and just maybe we could end up with people we are equally yoked to.

Straight Cooning (Groupie Edition): Why Does Kat Stacks Grab Your Attention?

Why is Kat Stacks important?

By: Amanda Anderson

What is it about video girls and groupie chicks that cause such a stir on the popular urban blogs? It’s not like we aren’t used to seeing beautiful women with an obvious case of low self-esteem become prostitutes to some of the biggest names in the rap game. And it was just a few years ago that the world was introduced to one of the most ratchet women ever and the Queen of all Video Vixens, Karrine Steffans. But somehow after two successful books on industry whoring (courtesy of Ms. Steffans) and a pretty pathetic VH1 documentary on the sad lives of these young women, we still seem to give these “women” way more attention than they deserve. And I just have to ask, why is that?

Now before you tell me that you pay little attention to the newest “Superhead” Kat Stacks, let’s talk about the reality that the web statistics shows. For one thing, Kat Stacks went from an unknown groupie to a household name in a few days. After having many casual and paid encounters with the Young Money crew and other popular rappers, she created a blog and posted entries on their sex skills. She also went into detail on how much money she made from each encounter, all while enduring many threats from some pretty guilty well known artists such as Bow Wow.

Although her blog was only a few days old, she managed to attract millions of hits.

The blog is a few months old now, and Kat Stacks has been the topic of discussion on just about every major black blog in the business. Readers can’t get her off their minds, and rappers wish she never happened.

But what’s the most startling thing that just continues to baffle me?

She has invoked a high level of anger among men (particularly rappers) that makes me question if the mistreatment she has been receiving is well deserved. A few days ago, rapper Bow Wow sent some of his goons to “handle” Kat Stacks for her recent remarks on their past encounters. These “men” slapped, push, and verbally assaulted the young woman to a point that made the video uncomfortable to watch.

And what I don’t understand is why these rappers are angry when they made an obvious choice to pay this woman for sex. While we can all agree that prostitution is classless no matter who participates in the act, why isn’t anyone disgusted at these “men” for having the audacity to sleep and pay a woman for sex? Why is it acceptable for rappers to partake in these activities but the females involved somehow become the topic of disgust?

Personally, I find any man that feels the need to pay for sex absolutely disgusting and to be the nastiest piece of scum on the bottom of my stilettos. If Kat Stacks is a slut, any man that willingly sleeps with her deserves the same label.

What hurts most is that Kat Stacks was a trending topic for two days on Twitter. Our economy is still in shambles, BP hasn’t handled that oil spill in The Gulf, and countless statistics come out each week claiming that the African American community is in trouble; yet we are more concerned with the affairs of Kat Stacks.

Maybe it’s the train wreck factor. Is it that Kat Stacks is such a horrible disaster that we can’t help but keep our eyes on her although we wish to turn away and look at something else?

If that is the case, maybe we need a serious surge of will power. There will be many more Kat Stacks’ and Karrine Steffans' of the world, but it surely doesn’t mean they deserve our undivided attention.

I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to give my attention to the black women who actually love themselves enough to never place a price tag on their self-worth. How about you?

Erykah Badu Says Cheating Is Not The End To Relationships

By: Taren Vaughan

Just a few months ago, Singer Erykah Badu was heavily criticized for her "Window Seat" music video. She will probably face even more criticism now as the Grammy award winning songstress recently discussed her views on infidelity in relationships.

On Whether Or Not Cheating Caused Break Ups In The Past:

“No. Infidelity is not a deal-breaker for me. We’re all born sexual beings. I myself am not someone with a very high libido. I don’t require sex for happiness – I need companionship. I need a partner I can depend on, that I can love and grow with. But I do understand the nature of these men I’ve been with, and men in general. They have a need to chase.”

On Her Tolerance For Cheating:

In my own kind of way. I’m having to recondition my brain, ’cos the first thing I got was a doll named Barbie and she had Ken and that’s how it was supposed to be. You’re conditioned to think that way, and when it doesn’t happen you feel you’re a failure. What we have in common, me and the brothers I’ve known, is that we are all trying to evolve.

“We talk a lot about things that men want. Because I want them to be happy and the more I see how the male of the species behaves, the more I understand, and the less I blame him. It’s just who he is. Is there a solution?” “Honesty is it. It will get you everywhere. Mind you, I have friends who are in polygamous relationships – they’re no more happy or sad than we are. But at least the b*tches know what’s comin’ next!”

Now we can’t be all that surprised about these comments. Erykah Badu is a very free spirit so her tolerance of infidelity should not be too shocking. But how many of you agree with Ms. Badu’s views on infidelity? Is cheating really not as bad as we make it out to be? Or is Erykah Badu by herself on this one?

50 Cent Drops Massive Weight For Upcoming Movie Role

By: Taren Vaughan

Aside from his hardcore rap lyrics, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson is definitely known for his chiseled physique. But as a result of his recent 54 pound weight loss, he looks like a totally different person. The Queens rap star is preparing for his role in the upcoming film “Things Fall Apart” where he will be playing a football player who is dying from cancer. We all know celebrities have to lose or gain huge amounts of weight to portray characters for movies so I’m sure 50 won’t keep the pounds off for long. He accredits his overnight weight loss to 9 weeks of drinking nothing but liquids and exercising 3 hours a day. Folks, please don’t try this at home unless you plan on taking on a major movie role in the near future.

Actor Gary Coleman Passes Away From Internal Brain Hemorrhage

By: Taren Vaughan

We all knew him as “Little Arnold” from the famous TV show “Diff’rent Strokes”. For years, Gary Coleman has made us laugh with his witty sayings and vibrant on screen personality. Even though he appeared to have a great life on set, Coleman’s life was not always full of joy as he struggled with personal issues involving his family and past relationships. Now he has to suffer no more as his life came to an end at the young age of 42. On May 28th, 2010, Coleman fell at his home and suffered from a severe head injury which caused internal bleeding of the brain.

All of the pressure that Gary Coleman faced led him to become very overwhelmed at times. Even to the point where he was wishing that he didn’t have to see another day. Here is what he said in an interview with NY Daily News after settling his differences with wife Shannon Price:

"It's not her fault," he says. "I always feel like I have the weight of the world on my shoulders every day I get up. ... There are days I don't even want to get up."

Gary Coleman, like many other child stars, never really got a chance to lead a normal life. Constant criticism and being surrounded by people who don’t always have your best interest at heart can be too much to handle at times. Although he was small in stature, Gary Coleman will always be remembered for his larger than life personality.

Urban Belle Magazine Is Now Looking For Interns For The Summer Internship Program

Urban Belle Magazine, a magazine for the woman of color, is now seeking interns for an extensive Summer Internship program. The details are as follows:

Salary: Non-Paid
Minimum Hours a Week: 10 Hours
Positions Available: Public Relations, Marketing, Social Media Networking, Journalism/Editing
Open to: All Undergraduate and Graduate students

Social Media Intern
Specific Duties Include:

Minimum Requirements:

- Updating and maintaining the online presence for Urban Belle Magazine through social media sites such as Blogger, WordPress, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn and Flickr.
- Create blog posts on all events, programs, and news regarding Urban Belle
Magazine.
- Increase readership through social media sites.
- Knowledge of blogging using Blogger or Wordpress.
- Excellent Social Media Skills with Twitter and Facebook
- Strong communication, writing, and research skills
- Willing to take direction and motivated to work independently

Preferred requirements: Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Advertising (or related) majors preferred.

HOW TO APPLY: Cover letter, resume, and two writing samples.


Media Relations Intern
Special Duties Include:

- Compose press releases, press kits, PowerPoint presentations, Q&A’s, Campaigns, Calendars, and PSA’s
- Pitch news to the media and the community regarding Urban Belle Magazine
- Create and distribute flyers
- Post press releases to newswires
- Monitor media coverage and track media hits
- Stay up-to-date about events happening that focus on the target audience of Urban Belle Magazine

Minimum Requirements:

- Knowledge of Microsoft Word
- Excellent writing and editing skills.
- Excellent Social Media skills with Twitter, Facebook, etc.
- Strong communication and research skills
- Willing to take direction and motivated to work independently.

Preferred Requirements: Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Advertising (or related) majors preferred.

HOW TO APPLY: Cover letter, resume, two writing samples.


Community Relations Intern
Special Duties Include:

- Engage the community about Urban Belle Magazine through programs, events, and activities
- Manage contact list for community relations databases
- Stay up-to-date about events happening that focus on the target audience of Urban Belle Magazine
- Manage contact list and email database
- Design and distribute email newsletter
- Distribute flyers and other promotional materials
- Compose letters and communicate with various community groups and businesses
- Support marketing efforts for sponsorship

Minimum Requirements:

- Knowledge of Microsoft Office
- Excellent writing and editing skills
- Excellent social media skills in Twitter, Facebook, etc.
- Strong communication and research skills
- Willing to take direction and be motivated to work independently

Preferred Requirements: Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Advertising (or related) majors preferred.

HOW TO APPLY: Cover letter, resume, two writing samples (Business letters or memos)


Copy Editing/ Journalist Intern
Special Duties Include:

- Write, edit, and submit articles weekly.
- Assist in the development of each magazine issue.
- Research news and create blog posts weekly using Blogger.
- Research topic ideas and conduct interviews.
- Meet all deadlines regarding the production of all editorial content.

Minimum Requirements:

- Create at least 15 blog posts per week.
- Have knowledge in using Blogger or the quick ability to learn the blogging software quickly.
- Meet all deadlines each week of internship program.
- Be in attendance for all staff meetings and conference calls.
- Promote each issue and blog post created through Social Media Networking.

HOW TO APPLY: Cover letter, resume, two writing samples.

Important Notes: Due to the overwhelming response we are receiving regarding the Summer Internship program, it is imperative that all interested applicants follow the instructions on how to apply to each position. Any applicant that fails to send a cover letter, resume, or the correct number of writing samples will automatically be rejected from consideration in the program. Writing samples are as crucial as a resume and cover letter when it comes to applying for any magazine position.

This internship is not your average magazine internship program. You will work and learn valuable skills that will prepare you for the competitive field of Journalism. To provide our interns with quality experience, we have made sure the internship program is extensive and hands on. As an intern, you will not be fetching coffee for the editors.

Also be sure to review the magazine to become familiar with the publication. Pay close attention to the About Us page to make sure you agree with the objectives of the magazine.

All documents, emails, questions or concerns can be submitted to the Editor-in-Chief at staff@urbanbellemag.com (Attn. Amanda Anderson).

The deadline to submit all documents is June 14, 2010 at 5:00 pm.

Confirmed: Alicia Keys Is Pregnant By Swizz Beatz

By: Amanda Anderson

Who didn't see this coming? Grammy winning singer, songwriter, and actress Alicia Keys is pregnant. While the urban blogs have been speculating for weeks that she and beau producer Swizz Beatz are expecting, Keys has been silent and wearing an awful lot of belts around her belly lately. According to to her representative, Keys is officially ending the shenanigans and officially letting the public know that she is indeed with child.

Her representative confirmed today that she and Swizzy are expecting a baby. While they haven't said how far along she is in her pregnancy, the representative has also confirmed that the two are engaged and plan to marry later this year.

While they appear to be happy, one has to wonder if Keys could have done better. The two started their relationship on controversy, which resulted in Swizz Beatz divorcing his first wife Mashonda. We may not know all the details, but it also doesn't help that Swizzy already has 3 other baby mommas.

So that makes the fabulous Alicia Keys baby momma number four for the mega producer.

I honestly wish them the best, but Swizz's track record makes me a little nervous. I know we would all like to believe that Keys is beautiful enough to avoid a broken heart, but pain has no restrictions (just ask Halle Berry). Besides, didn't he just have a baby with some other model type singer from Europe who is a year old (he's been with Alicia Keys for two years)?

I just hope she keeps making good music.

Game 5 Between Suns And Lakers Goes Down To The Wire

By: Taren Vaughan

After struggling several times throughout the game, Ron Artest finally found his stroke at the very end of the fourth quarter. Kobe Bryant was the designated player to take the final shot but it was Artest who came through in the end. His buzzer beating shot gave the Lakers a 103-101 victory over the Suns. The Phoenix Suns were playing catch up for the majority of the game but managed to pick up up the pace. With better shot selection and stepping it up on the defensive end, the Suns chipped away at an 18 point lead, eventually tying the score with a desperation three pointer from Jason Richardson. This by far was one of the most intense games of the series. Suns’ coach Alvin Gentry, despite falling ill during the game, was very impressed with his team’s performance. It will be challenging for the Suns to win two games back to back but it definitely can be done. Laker fans shouldn’t get too comfortable just yet.

Reggie Bush Accused of Accepting Extra Benefits While At USC

By: Taren Vaughan

Even though his collegiate career is far behind him, Reggie Bush could cost USC their 2004 championship. It was alleged that Bush and his family members were accepting gifts and money from agents while he was playing for USC. Clearly, this is a violation of the NCAA and the BCS as college athletes, under no circumstances, are to accept money, gifts, cars, clothes or other material possessions while they are playing for their respective universities. If Bush is found guilty, USC could be stripped of their 2004 championship title. Reggie Bush is one of the many players that has been said to have taken money and gifts. Remember LeBron and his “birthday” hummer? This is an issue that will never get old. For the Trojans sake, this Reggie Bush accusation will be proven untrue. Even if that is the case, USC is still receiving a lot of backlash for their lack of control when it comes to their student body as a whole.

Hit TV Show “The Game” Makes A Comeback

By: Taren Vaughan

Now everyone has been wondering about the future of hit sitcom “The Game”. That question has finally been answered. Last month, BET announced that new episodes of the popular TV show will be airing this fall. It appears that the majority of the cast members will be back for the new season. But there may be some changes to the upcoming season’s cast. “The Pitts Family” which included Jason Pitts (Coby Bell) and Kelly Pitts (Brittany Daniel) may not be returning this fall. Hopefully this rumor doesn’t surface. We all know how missing cast members can cause a show to lose its spice.

The previous seasons of “The Game” were full of that drama and comedy that we all love. I have a feeling that “Game” fans won’t be disappointed.

Regina King Encourages Black Women To Date Other Races

By: Taren Vaughan

In the entertainment industry, there are plenty of celebrities that date outside of their race. Actress Regina King has expressed that she sees absolutely no problem with it. And she has made it a point to convince other African American women that there is nothing wrong with dating a man that isn’t black.

King believes that some of us give too many excuses as to why we don’t give man of other races a chance. Here is what she had to say:

"They never really say it’s because he’s White, or because he’s Spanish or something like that. It’ll be more like, 'Well, you know he works at such and such, and our schedules don’t match.' But we’ll know really what it is. It's 'cause he’s White."

Is Regina King on to something? Should be step outside of our comfort zone and date men of other races? Or is it not as realistic for African American women as she may make it out to be?

Ludacris Helps Build Playground For Elementary Students

By: Taren Vaughan

Trick Daddy is not the only one who loves the kids. Rapper Ludacris has always shown his dedication to the success of our youth. Just recently, his foundation (The Ludacris Foundation) got together with Entertainment Industry Foundation and United Healthcare and built a brand new playground for students at Venetian Hills Elementary School and participated in a campaign. This renovation was long overdue as Venetian Hills had not had a new playground in 15 years. This project really hit home for Ludacris since the school is located in his hometown of Atlanta, Georgia. During this campaign, Ludacris heavily encouraged community service and stressed the importance of volunteer work to the students. Although rappers are catching a lot of slack nowadays for their “stingy” ways, Ludacris is one that definitely knows how to give back.

Suns Turn Up The Heat In Game 4 Against Lakers

By: Taren Vaughan

Even though the odds were against them, The Phoenix Suns managed to defeat the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 3. But everyone wondered if they could pull it off again. Even though Kobe Bryant has been virtually unstoppable during this series, The Suns came ready to play once again, snatching a Game 4 victory against the Lakers. Amar’e Stoudemire and Steve Nash led Phoenix in scoring. Unfortunately, Kobe can’t carry the Lakers by himself. The Laker bench needs to step their game up if they want to win this series. The Suns are not backing down by any means as they have taken every game beyond 100 points. Will the Lakers regain control of the series? Heading back to LA might give them the boost that they need.

The Boondocks Recap- "The Story of Jimmy Rebel" (Video)

Watch last night's episode of the Boondocks, entitled "The Story of Jimmy Rebel."

By: Amanda Anderson

Last night's episode of the Boondocks stirred a lot of controversy. For one thing, the episode focused on the most controversial character of the series, Uncle Ruckus, and we all know that Ruckus is that character that you either love or hate with a passion. While most were offended by last night's episode, some of us have come to understand how Aaron McGruder uses Uncle Ruckus to deliver satirical messages about racism and self-hate.

While I won't get too deep into the episode (you'll be able to watch the entire episode for yourself below), I will say I find it interesting how black people were offended by the continued use of the "N" word, when most African Americans throw the derogatory term so loosely around with their own people. But it's no harm when it's just us using the term right? I mean as long as white people don't say it, it's harmless right? Sure, keep thinking that. It's easier to get through life being blind and totally ignorant to the truths around you.

With no further ado, here is last night's episode "The Story of Jimmy Rebel." If you have any thought or opinions, we'd love to hear from you in the comment box below.

African American Women Are At High Risk for Hair Loss

African American women are at great risk of hair loss due to many damaging hairstyles and practices.

By: Amanda Anderson

I have heard many times that a woman’s locks are her glory and a central part of her true beauty. In essence, most people define a woman’s hair as one of the many things that makes her beautiful. Even though natural hair is becoming popular in our culture once again, rather you are a relaxed or natural belle, we all value our hair and continuously seek ways to enrich and nourish it. Through our search, we have all encountered products that were not necessarily healthy for our hair, and we may even discover that some of our favorite hairstyles were more damaging than we originally believed. A recent study conducted by the American Academy of Dermatology has concluded that nearly one-third of African American women and 17 percent of African American girls aged 6-21 will lose their hair due to traction alopecia.

So what are the main causes of traction alopecia? Hairstyles and styling practices such as tight braids, waves, cornrows, weaves, relaxers, dyes, and bleaches are some of the biggest factors in developing the hair condition. Dr. Joshua Fox, the leading dermatologist in New York says that changing hair practices is the surest way to decrease chances of hair loss. The dermatologist also warns African American women that these practices may have originally been used to protect hair, but they are causing more damage than they are offering protection. He says:

“Ironically, the very hair care and styling practices designed to improve their appearance can actually cause young girls and women to lose their hair and feel that they no longer look as good as they want to.”

And when it comes to race, traction alopecia is more common in African Americans than any other race.

Although the condition is more common in children and teenagers, it can occur in an adult of any gender at any age. Dermatologists also state that if the condition is detected early, it is possible to prevent hair loss. But early detection is crucial in order to prevent losing tresses.

Dr. Fox says:

“The key to stopping traction alopecia is detecting it early. Most patients do not notice this “slow killer” of hair as it happens so gradually over months and years – much as people often do not notice themselves putting on weight or aging.”

Those that are not so lucky to catch the condition in its early stages will not be able to rely on medication to aid hair loss. Hair loss as a result of traction alopecia is permanent and irreversible. A surgical hair transplant procedure is the only form of treatment for those experiencing the later stages of the hair condition.

Symptoms of traction alopecia include itching with or without dandruff, inflammation, thinning of the hair, intense shedding, a tingling sensation or pain in areas where hair loss has occurred and a thickening of the scalp just to name a few.

While early detection is best in order to prevent the development of traction alopecia, it is also suggested that hair styles and practices that cause the condition are avoided.

Workout Buddies: The Benefits of Exercising With A Partner

Why workout alone? Find yourself a workout partner.

By: Taren Vaughan

As we all know, exercising on a regular basis can be a challenging task. It can be even more difficult to accomplish when you are working out by yourself. Acquiring a workout partner is a wonderful thing to do. Here are some of the benefits to having someone to workout with:

True Motivation

Of course, a number of people who engage in exercise routines are self motivated individuals. But for those new to the world of fitness, the motivation factor is not as strong. This is where having a workout buddy comes in handy. On those days when you just can’t muster up the energy to hit the gym, that workout buddy of yours will encourage you to go. When you are approaching that final lap around the track and you feel like you are about to give up, your workout partner gives you that extra push that you need to see it through.

Guidance

Although some workout partners are equally as clueless when it comes to which exercise routines to do, there are cases where one is more experienced than the other. Having a workout buddy that is very knowledgeable when it comes to exercise routines and how to use the different types of workout equipment is a plus. It prevents you from possibly injuring yourself which could have you out of the workout loop indefinitely.

Safety First

When you exercise outdoors, having a workout buddy is great simply because you are not alone. Some of us like to go for late night or early morning runs in the early hours of the morning. Due to the fact that there are some vicious predators out there, it is best that you do not exercise alone during these hours. Find a close friend, relative or co-worker that will be willing to go for a midnight stroll with you. That way you can maximize your workout without having to worry about being attacked.

Good Company

Good television programs, iPods and MP3 players are things that entertain us while we burn off all those calories. But nothing beats having a workout buddy to talk to. Even though you are supposed to go into your workout focused, it doesn’t hurt to engage in a little conversation here and there.

Having a workout buddy is not something that you have to do. It is all about personal preference. But I can say that from experience, working out with another person or a group of people can really provide you with that extra boost of energy and motivation you need.

Trends We Love: Tier Dresses

Here's how to rock one of fashion's hottest trends.

By: Amanda Anderson

When in search for the perfect dress, there are so many things that a true fashionista must look for when selecting her pieces. The trends of the moment will surely dictate which dress we pick up and which dress we avoid like an unfashionable plague. Sure, it may be all about print, brighter hues, and the maxi dress this spring season; but one of the hottest fashion trends of the moment is taking the entire fashion world by storm, and the result is extremely fabulous. If you haven’t picked up a tier dress this season, you are truly missing out on a fashionable spring wardrobe.

Tier dresses are becoming more and more popular with fashion addicts because they mix runway chic with everyday chic. With these pieces, it’s extremely easy to wear these dresses for daytime and evening wear. These dresses aren’t too over the top in the glam department, and they aren’t too casual for belles looking to make a statement that screams chic. So if you’re looking for a piece in your wardrobe that is diverse enough for you to wear to work and to happy hour with the girls, this dress will be one of the best additions to your closet.


With tier dresses, you can take advantage of your love for print. There are many beautiful tier dresses that have print detail, so those that are trendy can appreciate the ability to rock multiple trends without going overboard.

How to Rock This Look

When it comes to this fashion trend, those that know how to get the most out of their accessories will pull this look off better than the accessory challenged. If you have a more casual type tier dress, use bold accessories such as chunky statement necklaces to add a little more glam. A simple statement necklace will change your more conservative tier dresses to chic in a matter of seconds.

Heels will make tier dresses perfect for the night out on town, so don’t be afraid to put on your favorite pair of pumps. Sandals are a great pick for those who rather be a little more casual and comfortable. Flip flops, however, are a no go since they are just way too casual for this look.

If you are new to tier dresses, here are a few of my favorite picks to gets your stylish juices flowing and inspire you to get your own:



bebe Tier Ruffle Garden Party Dress

Trend Factor:

1) One of the hottest shades of the season

2) Perfect for day and evening war

Price: $119

To die for? Get it here.







Forever 21 Pearl & Chain Print Dress

Trend Factor:

1)Beautiful print

2) Belt adds more chic

Price: $38.00

To die for? Get it here.







Trend Factor:

1) Two toned, which adds the drama

2) Vertical ruffles creates an elegant look

Price: $79.90

To die for? Get it here.

One More Chance: Baby, I’m A Changed Man

They claimed to be different, but are they really worth a second chance?

By: Taren Vaughan

Once you have ended a relationship with a guy, it seems as though there is no turning back. He showed you his true colors and at that point, it was time to make that move. Time passes, and this same guy tries to come back into your life, claiming that he is a changed individual. He wants to try again with you, he is looking for a second chance for you all. So the question is, do you give him another chance to make things right? Is it really possible that he has changed his ways?

It is very possible for a man to change his ways. During the time period that you all were apart, he could have really undergone a true metamorphosis. And now he is approaching you as a totally different person. But then again, it could all be a huge front. He could be the same trifling behind person he was before. He is just trying to see if he still can come back to you. I like to refer to it as “stroking his ego”. If that is the case, you already know what to do…keep it moving. A man like that doesn’t deserve a second chance from you or anyone else. He is not being sincere about his so-called “change”.

But if he is sincere about his change, does he truly deserve another chance with you?

Some would argue that he isn’t worth it at all. Backtracking and dating a guy from your past could be setting yourself up for failure. It didn’t work the first time so why would it work now? On the other hand, taking a trip back in the past is not always a bad thing to do. He may really have his act together this time around.

A man may appear to have his act together but how do you know he is about something this time? If he claims to be a changed man, make him prove it to you. Saying that he is a changed man means nothing until he puts those words into action. When his change becomes visual, then he has validated his words. Now you can really take him seriously.

I myself believe in giving people the benefit of the doubt. That way of thinking has back fired on me several times in the past but I still stand by that belief. People can change their ways and become better prospects for relationships. But there are those men out there that are pretty much set in their ways. They are who they are, so giving them another chance would probably be a waste of your time. That time could be spent with someone who really cares about you and enjoys your company and good conversation.

Giving a guy another chance can be very risky. You risk the chance of developing those old feelings that you had towards him. You could also risk getting yourself hurt again. Everyone’s situation is different so what you feel is right for yourself may not be what someone else sees as the right way to handle it. But before you are so quick to say yes or no to your "old" friend, be sure his intentions are good and make him put his words into action. Remember, anyone can claim to be a changed person and make it sound believable. Be careful who you give a second chance to. You don't want to regret it in the end.