In today’s corporate ladder zooming, glass ceiling busting, post graduate degree(s) wielding Superwoman crazed society, are there women out there who still want to be a homemaker?

I don’t mean the multi-tasking, double duty brand of working mom who miraculously balances a challenging career AND carpooling to soccer practice. I’m more interested in the women who can do without amassing promotions and titles…the kind who desire no more than to meet Prince Charming, walk down the aisle and raise 2.5 kids within the confines of a white picket fence. Does this woman really exist in 2012? Will she suffer a life sentence of derision at the hands of both men and women who find her aspirations banal?

Manning a household and raising tomorrow’s thought leaders is no walk in the park and rarely receives its just accolades. It’s a dirty job, we all know someone’s gotta do it, but professional women, is it you? Could you trade in that Louis Vuitton (or Coach) briefcase and BlackBerry (or iPhone) for a broom and dustpan?

Let us know…

We all want healthy skin. And with a proper health and beauty regimen healthy skin can be yours. Then age sets in, ailments on the skin and wrinkles are unavoidable. The topic of skin enhancement treatments seems taboo in the African American community, but women of color are embracing skin treatments and procedures too.

“The bottom line is African American women are seeking healthy skin,” says Dr. Sheri Hicks-Graham a dermatologist based in Ohio. “They desire skin that is even, toned, smooth and free of acne, moles and unwanted hair. To that end, several therapies are becoming popular.” Check out a few below:

1. Chemical Peels and Microdermabrasion
“This involves the application of a fruit acid extract like alpha-hydroxy or beta-hydroxy acids to the skin after removal of the oil from the skin with the use of a medical grade astringent. The procedure works well in a series of at least three to five treatments,” explains Hicks-Graham. She warns that, “it is not safe to do deeper peels which peel deep layers quickly due to the high risk of discoloration that can lead to scarring.” Another popular procedure is microdermabrasion.

2. Laser Hair Removal
“This improves the appearance of hair bumps which are painful and unsightly due to dark marks which often form. Laser Hair Removal smoothes skin over time and is excellent for the face, bikini area or underarms which are places likely to develop razor bumps,” says Hicks-Graham.

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Gone are the days when one could generously pack for a trip. Thanks to ever-rising fuel prices, most airline companies have been forced to charge for any bags checked-in. So how do you keep from paying an extra $30-$50 round-trip for checking-in one bag of luggage?

Tackle the pay-per-bag blues by learning to pack the all-inclusive carry-on bag.  Here are three timeless tips to help you become a resourceful packer:

1. Liquid Love
   The Transportation Security Administration’s regulations for liquids can be confusing. Many stores like Target sell  name-brand products that are regulation size—making your job that much easier. If you’re not picky about your products, consider using hotel-provided goods. If you are, try buying 3 oz. bottles and fill them up.
2. List It
   A packing list has two purposes: To remind you to take necessities you might otherwise forget and to separate the “wants” from the “needs.” This should be a “base” list that can be used as a packing guide for many trips.
3. Clothing Lure
   There’s no room for “possible” outfits, or “alternative” accessories on carry-on’s. Simplify your life by taking only what you will wear, and leave room for what you might buy to bring back home.

—Tracey Calvo Clarke

Spring is here, but there’s still time to get in shape for bikini season. It is important to incorporate cardiovascular exercise and strength training into your workout. Other options like yoga and pilates will help too. Eating is just as important. Hollywood Trainer and Creator of Bikini Boot Camp Jeanette Jenkins, offers five eating tips to keep you healthy.

1. Eat Five to Six Small Meals a Day
This is not a cue to go crazy. Try creating a mix of 100-200 calorie(s) snacks and 300-400 calories meals.

2. Take a Daily Fish Oil Supplement
This supplement will help you burn more fat, decrease risk of heart disease and to supply the brain with the building blocks for feel good hormones.

3. Eat 25 Grams of Fiber From Fruits, Vegetables and Whole Grains
Fiber helps you slow down the absorption of sugar so your body can burn fat. Also helps you feel full.

4. Keep Your Sugar Intake Down To 13 Grams Per Serving
You do not want to spike your blood sugar level which will hinder you from burning fat.

5. Stop Eating Two Hours Before Bed
For the person on the go, late night meals is a normalcy, but they can add weight to your frame. Try to plan your meals daily, so you avoid binging bedside.

—Yvelette Stines

The sun is out, birds are chirping, flowers are blooming, and people have traded in layers of clothes for a little skin exposure. Oh yes, make no mistake about it, Spring has sprung. But how is this shift in weather impacting your relationship?

Conventional wisdom tells us to find someone to hibernate with through the cold months and when the temperature rises, we break free to find what’s fresh. But is that true? I’ve always looked at spring as a time for blossoming and growing in your relationship.

Does Spring make you want to blossom in your relationship or prune it and start anew?

—Al Butler

Raggedy edges and a thinning crown can murder a sickening hairstyle. Before you go on the wig-hunt, Toppik Hair Building Fiber will provide the illusion of fullness needed to drive the boys wild. Available in numerous shades (auburn, blond, black, and light brown) the fiber is best effective when applied with the special spray applicator. Loving this right? ($21.95, size highlighted above available online at Toppik.com).— Q. HARDY/Justin Dwayne Joseph

The idea of reuniting with a former lover in the hopes of reconciling, makes me sick to my stomach. Why? Simply put, I’m hating. I don’t’ have any past loves that could reappear and sweep me off my feet. And to be honest my rule of thumb has always been: If it didn’t work the first time, what would make it work a second? A breakup usually causes us to self reflect and move on—Lessons learned, and we’re on to the next. But, when is it okay, to give love a second chance?

CASE IN POINT: A girlfriend of mine has recently been caught up with a “blast from the past” resurfacing. Although she is excited about the possibility of rekindled love, she’s worried about playing herself with reconciliation. Consequently, its caused her (and me) to weigh the pros and cons of such situation.

THINKING IT THROUGH: Yes recycling exes can be dangerous, and depending on the reason for the split, might not be the best decision. But on the flip side, down time can be integral for sorting things out and totally coming to grips with personal needs and those of your significant other—Clearly this approach is on a person to person basis.

Aside from what I feel personally, If love comes a knocking the second time around do your best to pump the brakes no matter how “meant to be” it seems.  Take things slow, and get to know each other all over again. Don’t be afraid to hash out what went wrong in the past—this will prove to be an important step in determining the direction of the exchange. Recognize that although you may have dated he/she years ago, things change. People change. Stay open and get to know who they are today. —Nicole Spence

Over the past decade, news of celebrities disclosing their personal battles with lupus has become more and more prevalent, especially among Black names. Singers Toni Braxton and Seal; rapper, Trick Daddy and—most recently—actor, Nick Cannon have all admitted to being diagnosed. Their public admissions, have brought much needed public attention to the autoimmune disease that affects 1. 5 million people in the country, and over five million globally.

So you’re probably thinking what exactly is lupus. Is it contagious? Is it like HIV or AIDS? Does one die from it?—these are all relevant and general questions that are asked.

While celebrity attention shouldn’t be the catalyst for one to educate themselves on health and wellness, it does present a learning opportunity. Let’s discuss.

PHOTO GALLERY: BLACK CELEBRITIES WITH LUPUS

What is Lupus?
Lupus is short for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). According to the Lupus Foundation of America, lupus is defined as a chronic, autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body including the skin, joints, and/or organs inside the body. With lupus, something goes wrong with your immune system, which is the part of the body that fights off viruses, bacteria, and germs. This makes it difficult for your body to tell the difference between the healthy tissues and foreign invaders that attack your system. Due to this, the bacteria will invade the healthy tissues and cause damage. At times difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are similar and/or masked as other illnesses.

What Causes Lupus?
The exact cause of lupus is unknown. However, researchers believe that lupus is caused by a combination of genetics , hormones, and environmental factors that act as “triggers.” Some known triggers include, emotional stress, physical stress, vaccinations containing live virus, viral or bacterial infections, and penicillin or other antibiotic drugs. Read the rest of this entry »

Yes, Miami is the home of many things—Trina (woop,woop), Rick Ross (uuhh), Basketball Wives (insert: blank face), and the 80s classic series Miami Vice (naturally). But it’s the perfect destination for a domestic getaway. Whether its a friends-only weekend or romantic jaunt for two; the temperature, vibe and environment is made for fun—the I’m- sweating-yet-I’m-loving-it type fun.

If you are trying to make the upcoming Jazz In The Gardens music festival (plug), or thinking of vacation alternatives if you can’t make next year’s Soul Train Cruise (yes, that’s another plug); Miami is the perfect the place.

Need more convincing? Check out our short list of reasons why you need to be shouting Bienvenidos a Miami. Read the rest of this entry »

There is nothing better than a great love story.

Movies allow us to step away from the reality of whatever our present situations are and lose ourselves for a few hours in the love and lives of some of our favorite characters. We all have that one movie that makes our heart skip a beat every single time we see it.

Throughout the 90’s and early 00’s, a string of Black romantic comedies and dramas were released that told tales of love lost, lessons learned and the beauty of friendship.

In the age of Netflix and movies on demand, there’s no excuse not to indulge yourselves in some good ol’ fashion Black romance—that is of course if you can take a break from all of the vampire/warlock themed action that seems to dominate the box office. Needs some options? No worries, here’s our list of the Top 10 Black Romantic Movies of the 90’s and 00’s:

1. Boomerang (1992)
This romantic comedy is hands down one of the funniest films of the 90’s. Complete with an all-star cast—Eddie Murphy, Robin Givens, Grace Jones, Eartha Kitt, David Alan Grier and Martin Lawrence—this movie about karma coming back to a player is definitely worth standing in any film collection.

2. Love & Basketball (2000)
Who knew basketball and love could make for such a great love story? Gina Prince-Bythewood—director of the film—knew. Starring Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps, this story of two neighborhood friends turned lovers is definitely a slam dunk.

3. The Best Man (1999)
Directed by Spike Lee’s cousin, Malcolm Lee, this film is undoubtedly a black cinema classic. Starring Taye Diggs, Terrance Howard, Morris Chestnut, Nia Long, and Monica Calhoun; this film is filled with love, friendship, fighting and the revelation of secrets—elements that make for a great story.

4. Love Jones (1997)
Probably one of THE most underrated movies, Love Jones, starring Larenz Tate and Nia Long perfectly intertwines the jazz and poetry that are so indicative of the late 90’s period that birthed neo-soul. The film’s soundtrack is also cause for celebration (does “Sweetest Thing” by Lauryn Hill ring a bell?)

5. Waiting to Exhale (1995)
Yes there is an abundance of drama and female sulking (yes we said it), but this film is the perfect story of finding strength self love and awareness. Whitney Houston, Angela Bassett, Lela Rochon, and Loretta Devine—you can’t get any better than that. And lest we forget the all-female Babyface produced soundtrack (insert: faint).

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