Dominican Diva's Delights

To Text Or Not To Text... That Is The Question

2009-12-07T21:28:00.000-08:00

Communication is one of the foundations that create a healthy relationship. Or at least that's what our mothers told us as little girls growing up. A phone call used to be the norm aside from face to face interaction. In these times, the dating scene has taken a technological turn, which some might say for the worse. Now it seems that you go from email to text messaging to "Ok, I'll let you be my friend on Facebook." If you're lucky it eventually leads to a phone call that gets you a coffee date. This whole time you're exhausted thinking, "Wow! We haven't even reached a dinner date yet."

It makes it difficult for the person who really wants to find a relationship. You have to jump through more hoops than a three ring circus to get what you're looking for. Unfortunately, I feel that this new method of communication within the dating realm is benefiting one sex more than the other... Men. The men who get giddy at the thought of sex with no strings attached. The internet, texting and emailing make it easier for men to connect with more women than they normally would. This in turn will better their chances at being able to score in the bedroom.

My advice for the ladies who are having a hard time maneuvering this new age dating scene is simply this. All these new technological forms of communication do have their positives when it comes to flirting and allowing more options for yourself, if you know how to use them right. If you're questioning a man and his intentions remember that a real man will put himself out there. A real man will face the fear of being rejected whether it's in a phone call or face to face. If a man asks you out on a date via text then he needs to be bitch slapped or ignored if you want to take the peaceful route. So if the question is to text or not to text... My answer is only in moderation.

Tis The Season To Give

2009-12-04T21:02:00.000-08:00

There is something about the holiday season that makes us want to give back. Maybe it's the reminder of the immaterial things that we have been blessed with, the successes attained or challenges that we have overcome. A small act of kindness can go a long way in the life of a person who does not have any of these things to show for. Throughout the year our lives can get so hectic that we lose sight of what's important in life. Giving back is the perfect opportunity to take a step back, appreciate the important things and make someone's life just a little bit more enjoyable. Now since giving back is the best gift you can give, here are a list of outstanding charities that could use your most precious gift on this season.

New York Cares
If you're a New Yorker who is always caught up in the hustle and bustle of the "city that never sleeps," then this is the volunteer opportunity for you. New York Cares host various projects in all five boroughs of NYC and offer an array of variety within them. If you want to work with the homeless, underprivileged children, animals, senior citizens or help plan a fundraiser, they have it all. You can search projects based on your schedule and what you want to contribute as a person. A one time orientation is required and you can attend as many or as few projects as you're able to. It's a volunteer organization that adapts to any schedule.

Make A Wish Foundation
This organization has been making children smile for years. You can be placed on a team that will work cohesively to help grant a child's wish. The wishes fall into four major categories, which are I Wish To Go, I Wish To Be, I Wish To Meet & I Wish To Have. All of these wishes are made sure to be appropriate by the physicians that care for these children. This isn't just a gift for the child but also for the family who is always there supporting. Giving them the ability to see their own child happy is a gift in it of itself.

Coalition For The Homeless

This organization doesn't just give people the opportunity to assist the homeless. It helps people take a stand for them. It's a movement that will educate people on the not so apparent struggles and give them ideas on how to get involved. There are five central programs that allow people to volunteer in some way. The Grand Central Food Program , Camp Homeward Bound, The Development Department, The First Step Job Readiness Program and The Advocacy Department all have very different opportunities that will tailor to your strengths and what you're looking to achieve. This gives those an opportunity who literally have nothing the ability to gain something just by you simply showing kindness.

ASPCA
If you're a sucker for animals then this may be the right fit for you. The ASPCA does have a more extensive volunteer program that requires a 6 month commitment but it's worth it. The volunteers make an impact by helping in the care and placement of the animals housed in the shelters. There are also options to help educate the public about what the organization stands for and providing support for administrative programs. Their volunteers can assist by being an animal care technician, a cat or dog volunteer, a humane educator, a public relations assistant or even a veterinary assistant. All in all this benefits animals to feel safe, loved and keep them from cruelty.

If these organizations didn't seem to be a good fit for you then here are a list of sites that can help you narrow down the perfect opportunity for you to give back.

Volunteer Match

Serve

Idealist

So be thankful these holidays for the things in your life that you were blessed with and remember that the best gift you can truly give to someone who needs it, is your time and effort.

Recession Proof: Winter Hair & Skin Care

2009-12-03T21:40:00.000-08:00

We've all heard the statement... "But we're in a recession!" Just because the economy is suffering doesn't mean that your skin and hair have to. The winter season can wreak havoc on us with snow, sleet, frigid winds and dry air. During these coming months, your skin and hair will need some extra TLC. So here are some recession proof tips that can have you flaunting smooth skin & shiny hair with items that can be found right in the comfort of your own home.

Problem: Brittle Hair
Almond oil can be found in most supermarkets or even try to find hair care products with the ingredient in it. It contains a natural emollient that moisturizes, softens and strengthens the hair. The oil can be applied to hair for 15 minutes because too much time can weigh hair down or make it too oily. Then shampoo and condition as usual.

Problem: Dry Skin
You loved it when you were a child and it does a body good.... Milk. It contains lactic acid that will help to soften and smooth your skin. The best way to let it work effectively is by taking a milk bath. While the bath is running add in 2 to 3 cups of milk and swirl it around until it dissolves. Then step in, relax & enjoy.

Problem: Cracked Lips
Double your strength with a honey and oat mask. The honey helps to trap and seal moisture while the oat will remove dead skin. Mix 2 to 3 teaspoons of honey with just enough oats to make a paste. Massage your lips and then leave on for 2 minutes. Remove the paste with a warm, damp washcloth. This will keep your lips kissable and soft guaranteed.

Problem: Unsightly Pores
This face mask complete with plain yogurt, honey and lemon will help to tame those unruly pores. Yogurt is full of gentle compounds to boost the softness and health of your skin. The honey aids in moisturizing while the lemon evens out the skin tone discolorations. Mix 3/4 cups of yogurt with a spoonful each of honey and lemon. Use a washcloth pre-soaked in hot water to place on your face for 5 minutes before applying mask. Massage onto your face and leave for 15 minutes. This will to give your pores a boost and leave you with healthy, soft skin.

Problem: Dry Hair
This deep conditioner will help reverse the damage that the frigid, winter winds will have on your locks... with a tropical twist! This conditioner includes the dynamic duo of avocado and coconut milk. Avocado will have a hydrating effect and the addition of coconut milk softens hair and conditions the scalp. Use one avocado and 3/4 cup of milk. Mash them together until it turns thick enough to be a shampoo. Comb it through your hair and leave for 15 to 20 minutes. This conditioner will leave your hair shiny, strong and smelling yummy.

Hopefully these recession proof tips will keep your skin and hair looking lovely this winter!

Surviving The Break Up

2009-12-03T19:34:00.000-08:00

It's an extremely rare occurrence that most of us get it right the first time around. Relationships... we all fall short. Maybe it was truly a blessing in disguise. You feel like you just saved yourself from living an eternity with Mr. Wrong. Even if you did the dumping, you could very well be questioning whether you made the right decision or not. It's possible you feel like you were deceived and you are beating yourself up for not seeing the signs. Before you decide to retreat into a cave of self pity filled with enormous amounts of Ben & Jerry's, just think about how boring life would be if you did get it right on the first try. Life experiences are what foster self discovery and shape you into the person you become, including break ups. So here are a few tips to help you get through the emotional storm and make you own your new single status.

Do Not Call Your Ex

Your eyes are most likely plastered to the phone waiting for that call, text or email showing you some inkling of an idea that your ex is thinking about you. When you don't get that satisfaction your hands are twitching to press his speed dial. Delete him from your contacts because this type of communication will just prolong your ability to get over the relationship and him. If need be have a friend who can be your heartbreak sponsor. Someone who you can call anytime you feel a moment of weakness.

Take An Impromptu Vacation
Traveling can help you think about things and get clarity on the situation. It helps give you distance and the ability to relax. Pamper yourself because this is the time to focus on you.

Say No To Rebounds
You need some time to heal from the pain that your heart is experiencing. Being single will keep you from trying to replace the comfort of having a lover in your life. What your mind and heart need right now is time to breathe.

Make Sure You Have A Support System
Family and friends can be your sounding board at this point in time. It's good to have people to go to when you feel like you're too weak to stand alone. Setting up events like a dinner party or wine and cheese night can help you enjoy yourself with good company that has your best interest at hand.

Don't Fall Into the "Ex-Sex" Trap
Do you miss him? Do you love him still? Are you lonely? The answer is usually yes but don't give into old minded feelings. It's a lot harder to think logically on a night out with your girls after more than your share of cocktails but remember that the relationship isn't working for a reason. Think about what needs to be done to fix it and if the solution is not something that can be attained then don't give in. It will only make things messy.

Retail Therapy
Who says that a fabulous new outfit or a sexy pair of stilettos can't help the cause?! Buying out stores is not the intended solution but a little retail therapy never hurt anyone.

Pick Up A New Hobby
Is there something you always wanted to try but your ex hated it? Now is the perfect time to pick up that hobby or anything that will occupy your time. Try taking a photography class, visiting the local gym or doing some volunteer work. The key is to do something YOU enjoy or have an interest in.

Get Back Into The Swing Of Things
Once enough time has passed to heal wounds, say yes to a stranger who asks you out on a date. Don't just go back into the dating scene expecting to meet Mr. Right but just try to meet new people. Try out a dating site to surf for potential dates. You never know what you can find.

We can only hope that we go through less break ups than we have to. So just remember that they are part of the life experiences that make us who we are. If you didn't break up with Mr. Wrong, then you wouldn't be the stronger, smarter and more fabulous version of yourself. So embrace your new found sexy, single self and be thankful that you didn't get it right the first time around!

5 Fabulous Fall Finds For Under $100

2009-11-24T20:29:00.000-08:00

With the Fall season in full swing, the trends are everywhere! Unfortunately, the recession has put a cramp in some people's styles but I'm here to let you know it doesn't have to. Being stylish doesn't mean that you have to go broke to do it. Here are five items under $100 that can keep you trendy and fabulous with cash to spare.

Tap into your animalistic side with animal prints that are popping up everywhere this Fall. This leopard print scarf can add an explosion of jungle to any outfit. It comes in an array of three colors with gray, natural and ultimate pink depending on how wild you want to get. It makes a statement without overdoing it and is easy on your wallet.

www.expressfashion.com

Square Exploded Leopard Scarf
$19.50

It seems that accessories are now becoming statements and that's what has been happening with jewelry. This gorgeous flower pendant and beaded necklace will grab anyone's attention from the moment you walk into a room. It can turn any outfit from nice to amazing and you won't have to break the bank.

www.piperlime.com

GS Lillian 22" Single Strand 6 Bead Flower Necklace

$95.00

Boots are a regular staple of the Fall season but the style that is growing are "booties." The shorter the boot, the better! Here is a sexy, edgy ankle boot that will turn heads on any night out. They are leather, studded and platformed boots that can give any outfit a boost without leaving you broke.

www.dsw.com

Baby Phat Marinela Studded Leather Platform Bootie

$89.95

Metallics are great this season to jazz up any outfit. This gold crochet gilded vest can add just the right cast of metallic luster to your look. The lace details add a touch of sexy and the price give you more to work with for less.

www.bebe.com

Crochet Gilded Vest

$29.99

One beauty trend that will work with any outfit this Fall is red lipstick. More and more women have been layering their puckers with crimson colors. My pick for a great long lasting red lipstick that can accompany any of these accessories is Maybelline Moisture Extreme Lipstick. It helps to keep your lips moisturized during this colder weather and keep your pockets heavy.

www.walmart.com

Maybelline Moisture Extreme Lipstick

Royal Red

$5.00

Now you can go out shopping for Fall items without having to feel guilty about your purchase!

American Music Awards: Recap

2009-11-23T19:03:00.000-08:00

Jennifer Lopez took a spill, Adam Lambert simulated oral and Taylor Swift managed to beat out Michael Jackson. There were so many memorable moments from the 2009 American Music Awards and there was no shortage of performances. With all the acts that graced the stage, I almost forgot there were awards to give out.

The night started off with Miss Nasty herself, Janet Jackson, who performed a melody of her greatest hits. She still has the ability to make you want to rock out and dance.

Lady Gaga created a memorable performance in only the freaky, innovative and artistic way she knows how. She sang Bad Romance dressed in a flesh colored unitard topped off with dinosaur looking bones on her body and head. She followed it with her new song Speechless that incorporated a fire lit piano.

A very touching moment was when Whitney Houston took the stage to sing her new single "I Didn't Know My Own Strength." She received the International Artist Award, which has only been given out to six other artists. The crowd gave her a standing ovation and showed her an amazing amount of love. Tears were definitely flooding the room at that point.

The last artist to hit the stage was the highly anticipated Adam Lambert who took second place in the American Idol competition earlier this year. He brought raunchy to a new level by simulating oral with a male dancer, kissing a male band member and including more crotch grabbing than I've witnessed in a five minute period. There's a way to sell sex and a way not to. Unfortunately, he figured out the way NOT to.

In case you missed it, here are some pictures of the star studded event and a full list of the winners.

Lady Gaga

Janet Jackson

Fergie

Rihanna

Neyo & Guest

2009 AMERICAN MUSIC AWARD WINNERS

Favorite Male Artist (Pop/Rock)

Michael Jackson

Favorite Female Artist (Pop/Rock)
Taylor Swift

Favorite Band, Duo or Group (Pop/Rock)
Black Eyed Peas

Favorite Album (Pop/Rock)
Michael Jackson / Number Ones

Favorite Male Artist (Country Music)
Keith Urban

Favorite Female Artist (Country Music)
Taylor Swift

Favorite Band, Duo or Group (Country Music)
Rascal Flatts

Favorite Album (Country Music)
Taylor Swift / Fearless

Favorite Male Artist (Rap/Hip Hop)
Jay-Z

Favorite Album (Rap/Hip Hop)
Jay-Z / Blueprint 3

Favorite Male Artist (Soul/R&B)
Michael Jackson

Favorite Female Artist (Soul/R&B)
Beyonce

Favorite Band, Duo or Group (Soul/R&B)
Black Eyed Peas

Favorite Album(Soul/R&B)
Michael Jackson / Number Ones

Favorite Soundtrack
Twilight Soundtrack

Favorite Artist (Alternative Rock)
Green Day

Favorite Artist (Adult Contemporary)
Taylor Swift

Favorite Artist (Latin)
Aventura

Favorite Artist (Contemporary Inspirational)
Mary Mary

Artist of the Year
Taylor Swift

T-Mobile Breakthrough Artist
Country Breakthrough Artist – Gloriana

International Artist of the Year
Whitney Houston

Warning: Their Bringing Sexy Back

2009-11-22T20:24:00.000-08:00

Ladies, hold on to your seats cause it's going to be a bumpy ride! People magazine has unleashed the Sexiest Men Alive in 2009 and apparently, sexy never left. There are 100 men with varieties that appeal to any woman's taste whether you like them preppy or rugged. And who may you ask stole the number one spot? None other than the swashbuckling sexpot himself, Johnny Depp. Other honorees on the list are Ryan Reynolds, Jake Gyllenhaal, Bradley Cooper, Robert Downey JR. and many other tempting heartthrobs. This compilation of studs is enough to make all women around the world swoon. Now I've already picked up my copy, so what are you waiting for?

Johnny Depp

Ryan Reynolds

Bradley Cooper

40 Never Looked So Good

2009-11-22T19:11:00.000-08:00

Sir Sean "Diddy" Combs threw a 40th birthday party for himself the only way he knows how... in style. The fancy soiree was held at the Plaza in New York City this weekend with no shortage of money to spend. The price tag on this party totaled a whopping three million dollars!

The guest list for this event included Martha Stewart, Will.I.Am, Keri Hilson, Russel Simmons, Jimmy Fallon, Christy Turlington, Kim Kardashian, Jay-Z, Neyo, Tyrese, Nelly, Bono, Denzel Washington and many more.

The garden of Eden themed room that was created immediately transported guests into a fantasy world. It included black chandeliers, a customized black dance floor and orchids galore. Although there was no red carpet at the entrance, it did not make the event less of a celebration. Diddy proved once again that he knows how to throw a party and that aging can be fun.

Say Bye Bye ToThe Big-O

2009-11-20T11:41:00.000-08:00

Wait, no more free cars, couch jumping or book club selections to run off and buy!? That looks like the reality as Oprah Winfrey announces today on air that she plans to end her talk show after 25 years. The sun will set on Oprah's highly successful program on September 9, 2011. It's the end of an era for a show that has an estimated 42 million viewers a week and is broadcast in 145 different countries.

A tearful Winfrey tells her studio audience, "I love this show. This show has been my life. And I love it enough to know when it's time to say goodbye." Ellen Degeneres, good friend and talk show host also took the time out on her show to say a few words about the news, "I don't think I could be here without her. I think she blazed a trail... She will always be the queen of daytime television. She deserves to rest. She has worked really, really hard... She is fantastic, and I love her and I wish her the best."

Over the years this show has had a slew of guests on to tell their personal struggles from Whitney Houston to Mike Tyson. Along the way, Oprah also talked about her own struggles of weight loss and as a survivor of sexual abuse. It has also served as a launching pad for several experts and TV personalities such as Dr. Oz, Dr. Phil and Suze Orman. From the talk show she has created the Oprah Angel Network, O Magazine, Oprah's Book Club and various other successful projects.

Love her or hate her, she has made an impact on television and on the world that most people couldn't fathom. She will leave her mark and TV won't be the same without her. Our hats are off to you and thank you for the memories Big-O.

It's A Party & The Vampires Are Coming

2009-11-19T19:26:00.000-08:00

Halloween has been over for weeks but the vampires are still out and partying. With the anticipation of the second installment of the Twilight Saga: New Moon, hysteria will be taking over movie theaters on November 20th at exactly midnight. This has become a larger phenomenon than all of the best boy bands of history combined! New Moon, staring Robert Pattinson as the brooding vampire Edward Cullen and Kristen Stewart as the heartbroken Bella, gives Twilight fanatics a new cinematic experience to look forward to. They obviously took advantage by selling movie theaters out nationwide three months prior to the actual release date.

I admit I was initially skeptical of the "hype" surrounding the books, characters and movies. I came from the generation where Buffy the Vampire Slayer satisfied my vampire cravings. I decided to be open to the idea that maybe there was something to this Twilight obsession if so many people were going crazy over it. It was probably one of the better decisions I made because I fell instantly deep into the story within the first couple of pages. I found myself carrying an installment of the book with me so that I could keep reading every free opportunity that I was given.

Now even though millions of fans are wondering how close or how far the movie storyline strayed from the actual writings of author Stephenie Meyer. The number one question on everyone's mind is who will win, team Edward or team Jacob. Seeing these two polar opposite men go toe to toe is enough to make any woman's blood boil, dead or alive. So new mooners, enjoy the party and when it comes to Edward or Jacob, choose wisely.

The Day The Music Died....

2009-06-26T06:41:00.000-07:00

It's like September 11th or Barack Obama's Inauguration... If you ask anyone where they were and what they were doing at that moment they could tell you instantly. It goes the same for the death of Michael Jackson. I was in a pizza place yesterday before going to get TLC for my hair at the salon. The television was reporting that he had been rushed to the hospital due to cardiac arrest. That turned into a 10 minute conversation with the pizza guy about the life of MJ and how much of an impact he made on us and other people's lives.

In the salon, it was the topic of interest and obviously so because he was one of the largest music legends if not the largest of our time. I remember watching his videos on MTV constantly and trying my unsuccessful attempts at the moonwalk while watching. Women and men alike all have been inspired by him in some way whether it was his dancing, music or the legacy he created for himself. The news was so chaotic! One website confirmed him dead another one didn't and the next was taking their sources from another website who said he was in a coma. Everyone is trying to figure out who's telling the truth and who's just speculating. I kept my blackberry glued to CNN and refreshing every minute possible. There was a sense of anxiousness that swept over me to think that this was truly possible. He was one of those figures that you almost felt was invincible because he was capable of anything. There was nothing that he couldn't do.

Then the verdict was in.... he did in fact pass away. It's crazy for me to think about it and how one man can affect the world in such a large way. It's like he took a piece of the world with him when he died. As I've said before... I've never been in a world that existed without Michael Jackson... until now.