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The wine purse debuted two years ago. It can hold two bottles of wine and it has a spout so you can pour a glass anytime.
The lush bag just got an upgrade. The Portovino Double Pour Tote has two spouts. Now you can have white and red at the ready. The new bags come in merlot and chardonnay colors.
You can pick one up on Amazon for $89.95.
Seriously? All you want to do is pick up some painkillers for that splintering headache and it’s impossible to reach the medicine aisle without passing by Valentine cards and candy hearts, all in blinding shades of hot pink. Well, it’s clear that it’s that time of the year again. Why do half of January and half of February have to be defined by roses and chocolate?
Here at HelloBeautiful, we’re determined to make this Valentine’s Day season enjoyable for everyone, even those of us who are ‘ridin’ solo’. It’s really easy to feel lonely and desperate around this time of the year, so why not put that energy towards strengthening the relationships that mean the most to you? Not all Valentine’s day themes need to be about everlasting love and finding your one and only- spruce things up with a few ‘just because I care’ tokens.
Cards– It may seem a little “4th grade”, but go all out with Valentine cards this year. There are really cute friendship and family cards- and it’s never the wrong time to spread a little love around to those who you care about. Feeling adventurous? Design some of your own cards. Whip out your arts and crafts box and make personalized cards for those who make you smile during this time of the year.
Bake- There’s no better time than now to practice your baking skills while also gaining a leg up in some of your relationships. Try out a new cookie recipe and throw in some heart shapes and red food coloring to stick with the season. It’s fun to do and it makes for a good ‘just because’ present.
Plan Your V-day Night: No matter how you might feel, we promise that you are not the only single lady out there. Gather up your single girls (and guys!) and plan a pot-luck. Get everyone involved by having a fun night with the people that you love.
So what do you say? Save the bottle of red wine, tissues, and sad love songs for a night that’s not meant to be about expressing your happiness about your relationships. At HelloBeautiful we are interpreting Valentine’s Day as a time to remind your important people just how much you care about them. Keep yourself busy by thinking of ways to strengthen your friendships!
Top 3 Valentine’s Day Cocktail Recipes
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Our good friends over at tlcnaptown.com and Loverman Jerry Wade have some amazing advice about understanding a man’s commitment and we decided to share with you some of our favorites form their list.
#1. Do what he asks you to do, without question – If a man asks you for a favor, and you question him and say “why”…he will instantly feel like you just don’t want to do it. If you have to ask him why, it sounds like you need him to CONVINCE you to do it.If he has to convince you to do things, do you really understand him?
#2. Maintain yourself – Men are visual, which means if you let yourself go, he will lose interest. He doesn’t want to commit to a woman who is only going to get worse. Maintain yourself physically and health wise, to prove you are willing to be the best you can be for him.
#3. Trust him – Don’t be scared that he’s going to run off with some other woman, or that he’s lying to you about everything.
#4. Regularly give him space – Every guy wants time alone. We all need our personal space, and it’s better if you can give that to him without him having to ask for it or beg you. Do it naturally, and he will appreciate you and think you are marriage material.
#5. Be there for him, even if he says nothing about the problem – Show you are supportive of him, by BEING there; WITHOUT questioning him on the problem.
#6. Be financially dependent – It can help a man to know that you aren’t going to take every last penny he has.Some men fear marriage, because they are afraid of losing all of their money (in a divorce, or even just because of a wife’s spending).
#7. Compliment him
#8. Learn his insecurities – It’s not something people walk around talking about, but sometimes a man hints that he is insecure about something, so that you can avoid the topic or avoid hurting him in the future.
#9. Don’t act out toward your man – If he says something that hurts your feelings, or if he does something you disagree with…most women’s first reactions would be to become dramatic and emotional and nag the guy. Don’t do this…because it tells him that you are a nightmare to marry, because instead of remaining calm and allowing him some room to improve, you are just lashing out at him.
#10. Accept responsibility in a fight – Every relationship has its moments where they are disagreements and fights.The difference between a healthy relationship that encourages a man to marry you, and an unhealthy marriage that pushes a man away is this: blame or responsibility.
#11. Learn to take a joke…even if its personal
#12. Learn to take criticism – Men criticize to see improvement, and they do it in order to try to help you see things in a different light.They also criticize to try and show you a solution or a better way to do something, if they see you are struggling. This is why you should learn how to take criticism, because if you freak out every time he criticizes you, you tell him that you won’t be able to improve in the future.
#13. Be serious where it’s necessary – There’s nothing more discouraging, or annoying to a man, than a woman who does not take SERIOUS issues seriously.A serious issue is something that he considers to be important, and if you can’t take it seriously, he thinks that you don’t take HIM or yourself seriously.
#14. Keep your promises
#15. Don’t use excuses
Let’s say your boyfriend hits a Powerball jackpot of $338 million, and his first thought was to immediately pay the neighbor’s rent and utility bills. Well, Ines Sanchez knows this story all too well. Last spring, her former lover, Pedro Quezada of Clinton, New Jersey did just that and didn’t even think to cut her a piece of the check. Not only does Ines share a child with Pedro, share ownership of grocery store in Passaic, New Jersey, but also she lived with him for ten years.
Last month, Ines Sanchez moved out of the recently purchased home that she shared with Quezada. Attorneys say she has a pending domestic violence claim against him, but Quezada’s lawyers declined to remark on any aspect of the case.
According to the state lottery, Pedro Quezada chose a lump sum payment of $211 million and received a $152 million check after taxes, but now most of that money is long gone. Pedro sent $57 million to the Dominican Republic, $5 million was given away, and $300,000 went to furnishing the ex-couple’s new home. But, $20 million hasn’t been found, according to Sanchez’s attorney, Michael De Marco of North Haledon.
De Marco tells state Superior Court Chancery Judge Margaret Mary McVeigh, “I think we’re kidding ourselves to say we’ll ever see any of that money again.”
Pretty sure Sanchez won’t be seeing that money any time soon! What do you think?
Producer, domestic violence survivor and dedicated dv advocate, Moshay Laren stopped by Soulful Sunday to discuss her stage production of Voices of Domestic Violence: Dance, Music and Monologues starring TV One’s R&B Diva,
Ke Ke Wyatt, actress/singer, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Carol Riddick, Tiffany Bacon and others performing in two shows at the Freedom Theater, Philadelphia. at the Freedom Theater, Saturday, October 26, 2013.
In this day and age, relationships can be tough. The idea of monogamy is slowly but surely dying out as modern society has begun to blur the lines of relationship life and single life. For those who ACTUALLY WANT to be in a traditional relationship, the pressure is on! A “normal” relationship can present its challenges, so if you add in the factor of distance, the challenge intensifies.
Long distance relationships are by NO means impossible BUT there are certain factors one must consider. Before you and your partner even think about a long distance relationship, you must first be sure that both of you are ready and willing to put in the work!
So, are you thinking of engaging in a long distance relationship? Or, are you and your lover struggling to make your long distance situation function? Here are seven GOLDEN rules to make a long distance relationship work:
1. Communication is key if you want to make your long distance relationship work. Maintaining constant communication should be your number one priority to ensure you are always on the same page as your partner.
2. Think of ways to include each other. Just because you guys are not physically together, it does not mean you cannot watch a movie together! Schedule a time to call each other while watching the same movie so you can interact as if you were together. A movie is just ONE example of an activity you can plan, it is important to be creative, so put your thinking caps on!
3. Take advantage of visual technology. Instead of your routine telephone conversations “spice things up,” use free tools such as Skype and FaceTime, this will bring you together in a more intimate setting. For example, you can eat dinner together, hold a conversation, or even do something to keep your love life exciting. Doing so will ensure that your face to face chemistry remains intact!
4. Always let your partner know when you are thinking about them . Try to send each other “flirty” little text messages throughout the day. Don’t hold back from telling your partner how much you care about them.
5. Keep your partner guessing, when in a long distance relationship it is important to go the extra mile to keep you partner happy. Send flowers, cards, etc.- for no reason at all.
6. Try to avoid jealousy and false accusations. Avoiding petty arguments is very important in a long distance relationship. It is vital to remember you “love each other.” Sometimes, the want or desire to be near one another can cause a rift in your relationship. Don’t Let It!
7. Make sure every occasion you and your partner spend together is special. Make it memorable, so that during the times when you are apart you can reflect on those unforgettable moments. Having a good time when you are together will also help give you and your partner something to look forward to the next time around.
** Remember, romance is not always about material things, find out what makes your partner tick! Investigate the small things, and make your loved one feel special. **
Long distance relationships can be a lot of work BUT if you feel like the connection you and your partner share is worth it , GO FOR IT! ”Distance is not for the fearful, it is for the bold. It’s for those who are willing to spend a lot of time alone in exchange for a little time with the one they love. It’s for those knowing a good thing when they see it, even if they don’t see it nearly enough…” (Click here for similar quotes)
Thank your “Digital Diva” later!
If you would like more feed back and tips , talk to me via twitter : @arielledonce
Image courtesy of Getty Images
Contributed by Duane Williams, Jr.
Have you ever desired something so bad that you would go to any measure to get it?
So many people desire love and a relationship with another person but lose themselves in the process.
The bible tells us, “Delight thyself also in the Lord ; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” (Psalms 37:4 KJV)
We must realize that we must first must seek and find God and what he wants from us. That’s how we delight ourselves in him. Chasing after Christ is our number one desire. Everything that we do should follow Christ.
It’s almost like when you go to work and work hard everyday to get a paycheck. When we delight ourselves in him, he will reward you with what u desire in your heart.
As a single man I can admit that being alone is not the easiest thing. Many times we as people want to be in a relationship so bad that we miss what God wants.
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Your success in an area including your relationship begins and ends with you. If there is a gap between what you want and what you have then an intentional reevaluation is needed. Allow yourself some space by spending some time alone. Time spent by yourself should be time spent on yourself. As you do this know that the one constant in life lies in who we are, until we change who we are. Enhance who you are and watch everything in your life rise to the level of YOU as a result. Even the quality of the men you date will change as you do.
Notice I said the men that you date not the men who approach you. You can’t help who yells at you from across the street (however unpleasant). BUT you can help who you allow into your life. Keep this in mind as you continue to Date Responsibly.
Always with you in mind,
Kevin
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Also lets talk via Twitter! @Kev_Carr
Check out his site: www.KevinSCarr.com
from: news92fm.com
We all know breaking up is hard to do. According to statistics, more people learn that the hard way in January. More people decide to end relationships this month than any other time of the year.
Why do more couples pick the first month of the year to call it quits? One theory is that people who wanted to breakup back in October might have been holding out until the holidays were over. Now that they are, all seems to be fair in love and war in January. Another reason for the spike in splits could be the tendency for people to reflect on their lives and be more introspective than usual at the beginning of the year. For some, a new year means a new slate and their relationships just don’t fit with their resolutions for 2013.
If you’ve seen the Auld Lang Syne and know it’s time to go your separate ways, here are some tips to help you cope with a relationship breakup.
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To Whom It May Concern,
Let me start by saying that though I may not know your name, I do believe that I know who you are. I hope that makes sense. I truly believe that all of our paths cross at some point in life whether directly or indirectly and that we all can learn a little something from one another if we remain open. This year I have decided to dedicate my efforts to the spreading of a specific message. One that I feel will benefit all those willing to receive it, including myself. The message or the plea rather is to Date Responsibly. It will be outlined in a series of four e-books all with the aforementioned title broken down into volumes that will focus on specific and intentional information.
The message is a corporate one as it applies to women and men alike. However ladies, this series is for you. It isn’t my intention to pardon men from irresponsible behavior. Nor is it my goal to excuse their (our) lack of commitment to you at times. It’s just that I have come to learn something about men and women for that matter. It is this; many times it takes a woman to live in such a way that through her lifestyle she teaches the lessons that a man ought to learn. That’s power! But with that power comes responsibility and it’s on that responsibility that your true fulfillment hinges.
You see being consistently happy is more than a possibility. The more responsibility you take for your own happiness the more probable it is that what you seek will indeed come into fruition. I am not naive enough to assume that this message is for everyone. Although I am fairly certain that there are those who both need and desire it. Not because they are doing something wrong but because they desire to do something right.
Whatever your past, however your present let us focus on your future. Please know that I am writing this letter and have created this series with your heart in mind. I encourage you to guard it. It’s more than precious and every time it’s pricked it leaves a scar. These scars can be overcome but not undone. If not careful they can limit your capacity to not only give love but to receive the love you both desire and deserve as well.
I hope that we can continue to build on this conversation that is designed to climax with the release of the first volume of this series in March. I am available and open via twitter, facebook, email, etc. As we proceed please remember to #DateResponsibly.
Always with you in mind,
Kevin
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Also lets talk via Twitter! @Kev_Carr
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Laz Alonso star of T.D. Jakes “Jumping The Broom” was one of many in attendance at this years BET Honors Award Ceremony. I was able to catch up with Laz and discuss his new role on NBC’s “Deception,” where he stars opposite of Meghan Good and Victor Garbe. During the interview, I referred to the handsome actor as a “sex symbol,” surprisingly Laz seemed shocked! It’s hard to believe he doesn’t realize every woman with decent taste in America is DROOLING over him! The humble gentleman also gave a really surprising answer in regards to what he is attracted to in women.
Watch this “Digital Diva” exclusive below:
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The 2013 BET Honors red carpet was nothing short of a star studded occasion, but in my opinion the most exciting “star” to talk to was inspirational leader, director and overall great motivator T.D. Jakes. During the 2013 BET Honors T.D. Jakes was honored for his great accomplishments in the field of education. While on the red carpet I had a few moments to talk the honorable T.D. about the people who inspire him and the key to a happy marriage. Speaking of marriage, T.D. was accompanied by his pleasant wife Serita Jakes on the carpet, the pair looked happier than EVER! You could really see how much she adores him!
In this edition of “Digital Diva” exclusives you can watch T.D. talk about his personal inspirations and the KEY to a happy marriage!
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Women are always seen as being mysterious and confusing. But they aren’t always that complicated. So here’s the Top 10 secrets about women that you may not know.
1) They’ve done something they’d rather not tell you
Everyone has regrets. There’s no exception to that when it comes to women. Unless specifically asked about whatever it is, women will most likely avoid telling you about it if they can.
2) They need to feel special
It’s been said again and again, but it really is the little things that make a woman happy. Remembering what they say and actually listening will get you far. It’s not about how much you spend on her. She’ll remember what you say and how she feels when she’s with you.
3) Women are sensitive to criticism
Tell the truth… with delicacy. Women are more likely to focus on the negative that was said than the positive.
4) You get compared to Exes
The past should stay in the past, and you aren’t with your ex for a reason. But that doesn’t mean that women aren’t comparing how you treat them to how their ex did. Most of the time, you’ll win in the comparison.
5) You’re constantly being tested
Your actions, gestures, and words are being evaluated. Women analyze a lot. They react to you based on what they pick up on from you. While you may say something that you think is pretty straight forward, women are going to think about the deeper meaning behind it.
6) What you think is natural, probably isn’t
While this isn’t true for everyone, women spend a lot of time perfecting the “natural look”. Makeup, false lashes, hair extensions, the list goes on and on.
7) You don’t really know how much they eat
Ever wonder why when you go out on a date, she orders a salad or says she isn’t hungry? She probably ate beforehand, or is going to later. It might not make sense, but women don’t want to be seen as eating too much.
8) You don’t know their spending habits
Want to know how much she spent on her shoes, or how often she shops? You probably will get a number that’s rounded down. Women don’t want to be seen as spending too much, so they won’t tell you how much money they spent.
9) Hygiene/Cleaning habits
Women aren’t always organized. Sometimes things get messy, but you won’t really know her cleaning habits if you look at her apartment.
10) They try to make you jealous
This is something a lot of women are guilty of. She might do it to get your attention, she might just do it out of spite. But there’s a chance that she’s doing it to see how you’ll react.
Words by: Stephanie Lauredent
Twitter: @StephLauredent
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Renowned educator Dr. Steve Perry from TV One’s inspiring show Save My Son, shares an important message about one of the biggest issues regarding our children: LYING. Check out the video below as Dr. Perry gives parenting tips about why children lie.
Make sure you tune in to Save My Son w/ Dr Steve Perry every Wednesday 9/8c only on TV One.
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