In honor of Valentine’s Day !  This blog is dedicated  ” To Sir, With Love”

Amy  Winehouse said ” Love is a losing hand”…. then again she reluctantly ended up in rehab while screaming ” No, no, no”.  Lol (look yall,  I made a funny…er…..um uh rah…ok… I tried !)

One thing for sure, love is weird! 

How often have you or someone you know had to back up and ask themselves “Am I in love?”  This is such a tough question to answer because love is often confused with lust.  Both are strong emotions but with very distinct differences. 

Last year I came across a blog or a post that listed the “Top 10 ways to know your in love” .  In case your confused, and wondering if you’re in love, examine the reasons below:

  Top Ten Ways to Know You’re In Love

1. You’re in love if you think about them all of the time.

Well yah, I didn’t say that everything on this list would be profound or anything. This one is a no-brainer. If you love someone, they’re going to be in your thoughts all the time. In fact, you won’t be able to get them out of your head. Look at the rest of the indicators before coming to a conclusion, though, because this one could also mean that you’re just plain nuts.

2. You’re in love if everything reminds you of them.

Someone asks you to pass the ketchup and it reminds you of them. A flock of geese fly overhead and it reminds you of them. You get the picture. Oh, and for some reason, when you’re in love it seems like every new person you meet or see on TV or hear a story about has the same name as the person you’re in love with. I don’t know why that is, it just happens.

3. You’re in love if you care more about their safety and happiness than you do about your own.

For some weird and inexplicable reason, the whole “looking out for number one” thing you’ve been doing your whole life desolves away and gets replaced by an overwhelming urge to make sure that special person is as safe, comfortable and happy as possible. No, I’m serious. This totally because your number one priority. It’s kind of like getting super powers, in a way; you’d be amazed at what little-old-you is capable of when you’re trying to protect or provide for the one you love.

4. You’re in love if you start caring more about your own appearance.

Suddenly, without warning, you find yourself wanting to actually iron the wrinkled jeans that have been sitting in the dryer for the last three days before you wear them. If you’re about to see that person who you can’t get out of your mind, there suddenly seems to be a whole lot of reflective surfaces around to check yourself out in.

5. You’re in love if you’re actually interested in knowing more about them.

You can forget about the days when you went home from a date remembering absolutely nothing about the interests, career and dreams of the person you went out with. Finding out all about this fantastic person is your new favorite thing to do. If you could find a book detailing every minute detail of their life, you wouldn’t sleep or eat until you read every last paragraph.

6. You’re in love if you want to impress them.

You’ve always tried to be modest, but suddenly you feel like you’re a politician fighting to win the most important election ever in the history of the universe. You make sure that the faded newspaper article about you winning your third-grade spelling bee is left nonchalantly on the coffeetable when they come to visit. And you keep them as far as possible from that great aunt who loves to tell all of the embarrassing stories about you.

7. You’re in love if you aren’t as tight with your money or time anymore.

There was a time when the idea of shelling out your hard-earned money to buy someone dinner or a gift would have horrified you. Sure, you would buy an occasional round for your friends or bring grandma flowers on her birthday, but spending any more money than absolutely necessary just wasn’t going to happen. But now, no price seems too high as long as it makes that special someone happy.

8. You’re in love if hanging out with your friends just isn’t as appealing any more.

Remember when you and your friends made fun of the former buddy who ditched your gang to hang out with their new boyfriend or girlfriend? And when the thought of abandoning your friends to spend time with a member of the opposite sexseemed like sacrelige? Well you can try to deny it all you want, but you’re finding yourself constantly thinking about being with that special someone . . . even when you’re surrounded by your buddies!

9. You’re in love if commitment is actually starting to sound like something you could stand.

What, you commit to something that requires you to be faithful and responsible? Oh, the horror! What strange, evil spell has been cast upon you that would actually make you excited about a long-term relationship or even marriage with someone? Did someone slip something into your drink? Are you going insane? No. You’re probably in love, knucklehead.

10. You’re in love if you just aren’t noticing other members of the opposite sex.

Oh, the people you used to stare at are still there . . . you just aren’t noticing them anymore. For some bizarre reason, that special someone has suddenly become infinitely more attractive to you than any other person on the face of the planet. People who you used to think were good-looking suddenly pale in comparison to the one you’ve found yourself falling in love with.

 A few pointers, if you decide you are infact in love:

1. Be Honest
2. Have realistic expectations  and,
3. Take it Slow

Don’t be a Scrooge and get all Bah hum-bug on Valentine’s Day.   Be open to new love and the joys that come with. 

Oh yeah, Tbanana Pudding ….. Te quiero Papi.

MWAH ~ TTFN

One of the perks of being from the ”Borough that’s  Thorough” (that’s Brooklyn, NY for all that aren’t familiar), is having access to the best that NYC has to offer.  A new addition to the Brooklyn community is,  Mirrors on Grand,  located in the haute area called Clinton Hill.   

Upon entering the bar/lounge one immediately becomes seduced by the charming, seductive decor and warm smile of the bartender.   There are no strangers in Mirrors.  Patrons are treated like family and everyone is welcome.  Appropriately named, Mirrors on Grand reflects the neighborhood, which is known for its fashionable yet electic style, rich history and ethnic diversity.   

My favorite drink: Green with Envy,  try one you’ll LOVE IT !!! 

Just like the Anti~Diva, Mirrors is anything but stereotypical.  

Mirrors on Grand

284 Grand Avenue (btwnLafayette  Avenue & Clifton Plc)

Brooklyn, NY 11236

Karoke Night – Wednesday

First Fridays

Recession Hour Drink Specials       &

GOOD TIMES !!

Every girl dreams of  looking absolutely stunning on their wedding day. However, before the dress, the make-up, before the hair can be done, you need the perfect palette.  Say “I Dew” to healthy, glowing, smooth and dewy skin with just a few simple steps and products.

The Beautiful Skin Workout

In my never ending search to find the perfect product for beautiful skin, I learned that achieving creamy and flawless skin is easy and doesn’t need to cost you “an arm & an a leg”. In my travels I came across the best product ever for healthy skin – KNOWLEDGE ! Check out the book, “The Beautiful Skin Workout” by Michelle Copeland, M.D., D.M.D. I promise you it is the best $15.00 you will  ever spend on your body.

The rules are simple:

• Follow the Ten Commandments of Creamy Skin,

• Eliminate lifestyle habits that prevent you from looking your best,

• Identify everyday products that are ineffective or outright harmful to skin,

• Master the five exercises: Cleanse, Ex foliate, Activate, Moisture, and Protect, and

• Design a custom program based on your skin type.

What exactly are the Ten Commandments of Creamy Skin? Now, what kind of Anti~Diva would I be if I left you totally in the dark.

Ten Commandments of Creamy Skin

1. Thou shalt wear sun protection.

2. Thou shalt clean your face at least once a day.

3. Thou shalt not subject yourself to extremes, whether excessive UV exposure, binge drinking, and eating, or wildly fluctuating water temperatures.

4. Thou shalt treat your body’s skin as well as you do your face.

5. Thou shalt learn how to ex foliate properly and do it religiously.

6. Thou shalt eat a healthy balanced diet – and drink a lot of water.

7. Thou shalt slather on such antioxidants, as vitamins E and C or green tea every day.

8. Thou shalt not be afraid of pigment-reducing creams; use them daily.

9. Thou shalt make anti aging creams and serums your new best friends and apply them at least once a day.

10. Thou shalt not smoke.

This book promises to take you from Alligator skin to Creamy skin in just 8 weeks. I have a classroom fully of raging hormone teenagers that can attest to improving their skin by following only some of the commandments, some of the time !  Imagine if they actually stuck to the plan. 

My regimen for healthy skin:

1. Drink at least 2 gallons of water daily.

2. Remove make-up with Clinique’s “Take the day off Cleansing Balm” make-up remover.

3. Cleanse (various cleansers, depending on the area & what my skin needs) However, I never wash my face with bar soap – too harsh !

4. Moisturize with Clinique’s “Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion” twice per day.

5. Moisturize the body using Soft and Beautiful Skin Body Butter Cream (winter) and Body Oil Gel (summer).

6. Use UV protection ( usually SPF 30 or 45)

7. Ex foliate bi-weekly

8. See your dermatologist.

Finally, the one sure way to say “ I Dew” ….DO NOT HAVE A FACIAL IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO THE BIG DAY !!!

Mwah ~ Ttfn,

The A.D.

Ever feel like something was made just for you ? That’s exactly how I feel about Britney Spears’ Fantasy perfume.  Every time I wear it someone comments on how great I smell.  Even my boss, paused during the department meeting to comment !!

Fantasy was introduced by the design house of Giorgio Armani.  The scent is more fruity than flowerywith a blend of fruits (lychee, quince and kiwi), jasmine,  and heliotrope with low notes of cedar vanilla and musk.

Did I mention that I purchased a cute little set that included the perfume, lotion and a cute little lipgloss/perfume roller compact for the gold clutch purse, that was also included in the set.  (yes I said the purse was included in the set). 

Never thought I would purchase anything by Britney but everyone deserves to have a FANTASY !!!

Located in the Marina of New Jersey’s version of Sin City, The Borgata Hotel, Casino and Spa is the most stylish and sophisticated hotel in Atlantic City.  Recently, Borgata created an  all suite signature hotel called “The Water Club” (review coming soon).   

Since its opening the hotel has become increasingly popular.  It is the ultimate place to gamble, relax, shop or play. 

Helpful Tips to make your stay memorable:

Check in early (before noon, despite check-in starting at 4 p.m.)

Stay in a non-smoking room.

Request a late check out ( 1 pm for red label and 3 pm for black label card holders)

Skip the fancy, smancy restaurants and eat in the buffet or cafeteria. 

Skip the slots and hit the tables. 

If you play the slots, PLAY ALL LINES !!

Do not buy handbags from “Whim”. ( two words: last season )

Be sure to visit the Spa Toccare for a massage and mani/pedi session. 

Finally, be sure to keep the staff informed about your stay.

Who would have ever thought being too faced would be a good thing?  Yeah I know the negative version is spelled two-faced but I’m talking about too faced – the make-up product line.

Shadow Insurance is a eyeshadow primer.  Here’s what the company claims:

This is your full-coverage insurance policy against all fading, creasing, melting, blurring, oil slicked, and hard-to-blend eyeshadow accidents. Our silicone based eyeshadow primer transforms any eyeshadow into a perfectly blendable, color-drenched, intensified version of itself, then locks it down perfectly until you take it off. This soothing formula evens out the skintone on your lids and smoothes lines while securing a barrier between the oils of your skin and your makeup, so no shadow catastrophes will ever happen again. 
Truly versatile, Shadow Insurance can be used with powder or cream eyeshadow products, and it’s concentrated: the size of a rain drop covers the entire lid.

 My review

Now I’m a eyeshadow girl.  I love my shadows and you will almost always find me with some on.  Yes, darlings even in the day.  My eyes must sparkle by day and POP! at night.  Thus, my search for the perfect shadow primer began.  Without mentioning the others I will say that nothing I tried compared to my little geico policy in my caboodle. 

I used just a tiny tiny but.  Like about this “0″ (<<actual size) much, and spread with my fingertips across my entire lid.  Shadow Insurance is a tan color liquid with a creamy consistancy which comes in a small squeeze tube (sort of like lipgloss).  After applying my shadows, I immediately noticed how intensified the colors appeared and that they were blended together quite well.  So its 3 a.m. and I have been out since 10 p.m. and my girlfriend says “I love your eyeshadow”.  OMG !!! I quickly excused myself to the restroom to examine for myself.  NOT A CREASE IN SIGHT !!! And my shadow was just as intense and on point as when I’d strolled out my apartment door. 

Subsequent uses of “shadow insurance” only solidified its place as a product that I can’t live without.  A tube of shadow insurance runs about $17.00 and can be purchased at sephora, sephora.com, toofaced.com and other local retailers.  I purchased mine in D.C. @ Douglas’s retail store.

 http://www.toofaced.com/product_template.asp?dept_sub_id=18&dept_id=3&cat_id=37

 So I start this blog topic “My Favorite Things” because I want you to continue to share my world by actually living my world. Weekly I will update the “My Favorite Things” category inviting you to try the things I love and I hope that you will love them too.

Warning: I am a self-professed PRODUCT WHORE !!! I love trying new products, especially all natural products. Feel free to comment and give your feed back once you try some of my favorite things.

On a recent trip to out nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., I spent the majority of the week on my feet. I walked, danced, and walked some more. Needless to say, by Wednesday I was in desperate need of a pedicure/foot massage. Much to my dismay, I couldn’t find a reputable nail spa in all of downtown D.C. Now I know your thinking “yeah right…no nail joints in all of D.C. Who is she kidding ?” But seriously, I wasn’t just looking to get a pedicure or a quick color change, I wanted the works. So to the internet I go, in search of my nail spa and their location in D.C. Only to find that they do not have a D.C. Location

DASHING DIVA – My Favorite Thing !!

Ladies, Dashing Diva was designed for the little princess that lives in all of us. The décor transports you to a “ultra girlie very pink paradise”, with over 165 shades of nail polish to choose from. The pedicure stations are plush pink sofas, 1 step above a pedi-spa and 2 steps above the floor. The nail station is ultra modern with sleek furnishing in a soft muted pink tone.

Their services include a variety of “diva” manicures and pedicures, facials, waxings and mini massages. The nail spa even offers a signature service, virtual nails, that is not available anywhere else.  Unlike acrylic or gel nails, there’s no filing or drilling thus, no damage to the natural nail bed. Once the client is sized, application can be done within minutes. Virtual nails last for up to 2 weeks (mine lasted 3 weeks).

My favorite service is the Spoiled-Diva pedicure , which includes a micro-dermabrasion treatment from your knees to your tippy toes, a special foot wrap and a full leg and foot massage. Trust me, your feet will thank you.

Also, try a visit on a Thursday or Friday evening for “Girls Night Out”,  when you’ll be served Cosmo’s while your serviced. On Saturday mornings you’ll be treated to a light contenential breakfast before noon (check your location for details)

The most important thing about Dashing Diva is their commitment to cleanliness. Upon your first visit you will receive your own on nail file, buffer and cuticle pusher. If your fit for virtual nails, you’ll also receive a card with your specific nail size labeled for each finger.

Make your next nail treatment at “Dashing Diva” near you.  Dashing Diva currently has locations in Brooklyn, Manhattan, North Carolina, California, Japan, China, Kuwait, Australia and the Philippines.  Be sure to make an appointment or come in at least an hour before closing as most services take about an hour each.

Ladies, you can thank me by sending me gift certificates to “Dashing Diva” on Smith Street (Brooklyn, NY)

MWAH ~ TTFN

Brooke-Lynn.

I typed the name above and then couldn’t type any further.  Its 15 minutes later and I think I’m done crying. We shall see.

Last Wednesday, I came home like any other evening.  My son and I walked in and Brooke-Lynn greeted us in her usual hysterical fashion.  She was jumping, barking, rolling over and then of course leading us to her wee wee pad so that we can see that she’d been a good girl while we were gone.  Unfortunately, she forgot to sit in the middle of the pad and ended up going half on the floor/half on the pad.  Annoyed I decided to feed her first so she will be distracted as I clean up her soiled mess.   Recently, I’d purchased this deodorizing cleaner from the pet store that eliminates all smells and I was eager to try it out to see if it lived up to its promise.  Eventually we all retired for the evening, tomorrow was the last day of school we were anxious to get it over with. 

Thursday, June 26, 2008  5 a.m.:

I wake up and call Brooke-Lynn’s name to let her know it’s time to get up.  I don’t hear her bell shaking but quickly realize that I removed her collar,  before locking her in kennel for the night.  I open the door and she doesn’t move.  After calling her name to follow me, I notice that she still hasn’t moved but is crying and whining.   Picking her up, I noticed that sometime during the night she vomited.  Rub her tummy, wipe her mouth, proceed to feeding her.  She drinks all the water but, doesn’t touch the food. Picking her up she starts to cry like a baby.  I swear I see tears.  I panic and call the emergency Vet #, describe the situation and follow the directions given to me.  (Give her a teaspoon of Pepto and bring her in after work if she doesnt appear to feel better). 

Thursday 3 p.m :

I received a phone call from my son saying that he arrived home to find Brooke-Lynn dead.  Driving on the Belt Parkway is hectic and now I’m a blubbering lunatic trying to get home to my dog.  Brooke-Lynn looked peaceful but was lying in vomit.  I bathed her and took her to the Vet (after calling).  Yes, I bathed her, how can I take her out smelling horrible?  And yes, I swaddled her in my new beautiful Martha Stewart towel, she deserved the best !!

Friday, June 27, 2008 6 p.m. :

The autopsy showed that she had pneumonia.  Because there were no signs, it’s considered walking pneumonia.  In the 24hrs leading up to getting the results, I concieved every scenario imaginable of how I contributed to her death.  I was ill.  Did I leave anyting on the floor that cause her to have the upset stomach that seemingly killed her?   Did she accidently lick the cleaner from the floor and die of toxic poisoning?   I was very ill.  I cried myself to sleep and woke up crying the next day.   I didn’t kill my dog and for that I am thankful, its making her death a little easier to handle.  Still, but I miss her like crazy.  Turning the lock on my door is a sad experience for me daily. 

Brooke-Lynn was my YorkiePoo.  She was only in my life for 2 months, and was the best birthday gift ever.  I have been hesitant to publicize her death because that would mean that I am dealing with it.  For the last 6 days, I’ve been running from the reality that she is infact gone.

My warranty says that I can recieve a new dog, free of charge.  Everyday I say I need to find out more about this warranty and then I don’t call the store.  Puppy Paradise is aware that she is gone and aware of the results of the autopsy.  The store owner Mike, is very nice and called to see how I was feeling.  How nice of him to call.  Eventually, I’m looking forward to getting another Yorkie-Poo.  Unfortunately none will replace Brooke~Lynn,  but hopefully he/she (new dog) will fill the void in my heart.  Plus, I have about $200 in dog accessories that need to be used or sold. 

Brooke-Lynn was the daughter that I never had.  I loved her dearly.  She was spunky for her 4 pound frame and I was looking forward to growing old with her.  If you didnt meet her you missed one kewl and lovable chica! ( Yes, she spoke Spanish.. I taught her… and she knew eactly what I was saying) 

Goodbye Brooke-Lynn, you are always in my heart  !!

Many of my friends old and new have used the word “Diva” to describe me.  Usually because those that know me, know that I am very tenacious at being beyond my best.  Tenacity is a rare quality these days and seems to be very under-appreciated. 
When a woman is referred to as a “Diva”, its hard not to conclude that her qualities fall under the Diva stereotyped definition (see below). 
My motto:
“Being a Diva should never be stereotypical.”
Thus, I am “The Anti~Diva“!!
Consider this blog your invitation to share my world.

1. Anti:
–noun, plural -tis. a person who is opposed to a particular practice, party, policy, action, etc.

2.Diva:
Di”va a.) A prima donna.
b.)a temperamental person; a person who takes adulation and privileged treatment as a right and reacts with petulance to criticism or inconvenience.