I'm Too Sexy for Myself...or Am I?

I have a confession...

"My name is A.Marie and I have been dating myself for quite some time now. I know, I know! It's oh so wrong, but I love it so much! I can't get enough of myself."

What do you think about what you just read? Conceited, self-involved, crazy, lonely? You're entitled to an opinion, but admitting my confession has given me so much liberation! I believe everyone should experience this feeling, at least at some point in their lives.

MY LOGIC?

Who knows what you like better than YOU?

If someone else knows you better than you know yourself, then you're in big trouble! Often times, people might believe that taking the time to spoil yourself is selfish or conceited. But, who cares? It's not my fault that whatever my girl wants, she gets! (And by "my girl", I mean myself.) In all actuality, that's what every woman wants, right? For a MAN to provide it all, and spoil her rotten? Ha! While you sit around and wait for that to happen, I'll be "wining and dining" my own person. When I'm not doing that, I wouldn't mind a little quality time with the girls either. Sometimes a cliche brunch is just what you may need to get your mind off of being single, or being obligated to a significant other. Find your happy zone!

Don't get me wrong, there are men willing to provide a woman with such privileges. However, you should think about this: I happen to know exactly when I want something, as simple as a cup of ice cream or a spur-of-the-moment iced coffee...a better guess than what any significant other can possibly know. I'm just saying, treat yourself once in a while! Who knows, you might enjoy the solitude. Being alone is NOT the same as being lonely. If you find that being alone makes you feel lonely, then perhaps you have more exploring to do. What do you like to do? Where would you like to go? No distracting whispers, groping hands, conflicts of opinion, or refusal to see that "chick flick".

**Here's a little secret! He comes second. Because without your kind, there would be no him. No unit. No mutual relationship, or whatever you've got going on.

How do you DATE yourself?
Here are 10 TIPS that I personally came up with:

1. Wake up. Give yourself a compliment when you first look in the mirror.

 

2. Treat yourself to a nice, hearty meal. Whether it's by cooking, or visiting your favorite restaurant.

3. Pick something to wear for the day that makes you feel sexy and trendy.

4. Take time to do your make-up. Create a new & refreshing look that you can fall in love with.

5. Think of things that make you laugh or smile, repeatedly. Enjoy your own ideas and thoughts.

6. Plan something nice for yourself. Movie, ice cream, or shopping. Window shopping works too!

7. Listen to good music. Find something that makes you feel good to be a woman.

8. Brag about yourself! Tell others that you did something for yourself...but don't make them jealous.

9. Plan a future. Take a walk by the park or beach, and do some deep thinking. What do YOU want?

10. Talk to yourself. It's not crazy! You'll have some of the best conversations.

So, you see? Dating yourself is not unheard of. I encourage you to try it. Even if you're already dating someone else. There's no shame in that! Remember though, it's a personal journey. Make it an adventure! Add it to the top of your bucket list, and good luck!

Opening New TUBES!

Hello World. I have decided to create and share my first YouTube video with you all! It's nothing extraordinary, but I did enjoy making it! I have actually been thinking about it for a while now...

What's interesting about me is that whenever I think about starting or doing something, I ponder it for a while and then GO FOR IT! Hence, my nose ring...and my dramatic haircut.

The reason I decided to do my first video about make-up (lipstick particularly) is because it was a topic that directly interested me. As you watch the video, you'll learn more about another "Youtuber" who inspired me. In turn, my interest in video editing handled the rest! The only thing I did not like about uploading this video is the fact that Youtube didn't allow me to choose my own thumbnail, which is the image you first see before clicking to start the video. I look like a clown coloring my face before the circus begins! But, I digress...

Back to the subject, I have never really worn bold, pigmented lipstick! If I ever wear lipstick, it's always a light stroke of a coral or brown tone, mixed with a shimmery light brown sheer gloss (Beauty Rush's "Hot Coconut" to be exact). But RED? I never thought I was a red lips kind of gal. However, I have been inspired enough to reach outside of my box and take a lunge at the No. 1 color that screams "look at me!" Pun intended. Anyway, after trying this out, I look forward to walking right up to the MAC counter and saying, "Lay that Nicki-Minaj pink on me!"

So, here it is! Take a look, and let me know what you think. Enjoy!

Keep Your "Pink" Hand Strong...

Is it just me, or are women taking over?

Perhaps it's only what I have been witnessing in personal experiences, but I believe women are learning to step up to the plate and remain solid in their decisions, wants, and needs.

And so I begin...

The color PINK is recognized by society as feminine, soft and flirty; partly the reason why it is an absolute favorite among many females. The only problem is, when a man and a woman decide to join forces, the male has to make a few sacrifices. More than likely, he will have to accept walking into a room with pink-plastered walls, lying in a bed with pink sheets, and/or borrowing a phone studded in pink rhinestones, if his cell just so happens to die!

I guess what I've been pondering lately is, "Are men intimidated by TOO MUCH pink?" What if I decide to do something over-the-top and dye my hair pink, like Kelis or Nicki??

...or dye my DOG pink?

I feel like they should accept the color in all of it's beauty. After all, a man has no problem tolerating pink boy-shorts, or "PINK" unmentionables. Hmmm...

I'm sure you've all seen this photo of Mya already! Rocking that pink!



I understand that there is a line a man just has to draw when it comes to certain things. I'm sure that a man will feel like all dignity is lost if he has to suffer living in a house full of pink furniture, being forced to plant pink flowers and buying the children magenta and rose-colored garments. Although it does sound nice...I will digress.

I'm sure that there are plenty of other instances where "girls run the world"...(yes, a Beyonce reference). We all can state the obvious! However, women are also learning to advance within their respective work industries, while possibly juggling a family and being a good wife simultaneously. I suppose it's safe to say that women know what they want these days, and have no problem following it, then tackling it and grabbing it by the horns until it gives! I'll even throw in the observation that women are more secure with their decisions and learn to move on and cope in more effective ways; or at least, that what I would hope to see us all learn to do in the future. Realistically speaking, I am NOT every woman (sorry Chaka Khan).

 

I'll wrap it all up by stating this: women can get whatever they want if they know what they're doing. In my case, the ultimate goal is to possess as much pink as possible and get away with it! I hope my future husband can deal with that. It would be in his best interest, after all...or else I would have to go "mad black woman" on him!

 

I mean, it's not like I'm asking him to swallow his pride, right?



Drop It Like a Lobster!

This topic may sound just about as weird as McDonald's release of the McLobster sandwich roll. Actually, while we're on the subject, how in the world was McDonald's able to pull off such a stunt? I am aware of the larger lobster market in the New England (U.S.) and Canadian regions, which is where the McLobster was released, but seriously.

So, my question to is: Has the value of lobster gone DOWN?

Lobster happens to be my favorite edible aquatic creature...no butter sauce needed! As disturbing as this may sound to SOME of you, I happen to believe that lobster, also known as "Homarus americanus", is one of the many delicacies of fine cuisine, when prepared correctly. Anyone can boil the thing, but if you steam, sautee` or even grill it just right, it shows you the variety of texture and flavor that it can display to your tastebuds.

I have always viewed lobster as an item just as reputable as your typical caviar or filet mignon; but seeing food items these days - like the McLobster, for crying out loud! - makes me wonder where culinary sophistication has gone wrong. Heck! Even Ruby Tuesday had a special going on for quite a while...steak and lobster (with two sides) for only $13.99 every Tuesday. I admit, who wouldn't take full advantage of such an awesome deal? I'm no "crab"! However, after Ruby Tuesday ended the promotion, lobster became known to me as a "cheap piece of meat". And now that I realize the value of my favorite ocean fantasy has decreased, what am I to move on to?

Calamari? Been there.

Shrimp? Over-saturated.

(It's too "available". I'll spend the extra money if it's worth it!)

Sushi? Played out.

I guess I'll just have to settle for every dish at the crab boil. Don't get me wrong, I still appreciate GOOD FOOD!  A part of me just doesn't understand why everyone doesn't appreciate and uphold the standards of being served a luxurious lobster!

I Got A Mad Sweet Tooth...

I picked up a book. A good book...

Unfortunately, J.K. Rowling has decided to end the famous Harry Potter series years ago, so I have been stuck without a good fiction novel or two ever since!

I'm not particularly a fan of African-American fiction (not that I don't like it, I just never usually read it), but this book revived my hunger for reading, and thinking. Although it was no autobiography, nor an account of the conspiracies behind "9/11", it made me appreciate the men who allow female readers, like myself, an opportunity to explore the  mind of the masculine, and learn some true life lessons at the same time!

The name of the book is Sweet Tooth, written by Lamar Brookes...

After reading this novel, within days I had a chance to speak with the author one-on-one! How exciting is that? In school, after we were assigned to read anything, we usually had to spend an entire week analyzing what the author intended to portray in his or her novel...most likely because the author had been deceased since the Great Depression!

Anyway, if you ever desire to read this book, you will have a heck of a time reading about a male protagonist who loves his variety of women! Don't worry, you will learn every little detail about each encounter. Trust me! If you still don't catch my drift, the author's writing style in this novel is very descriptive. You won't have to imagine anything about any of the characters, what they are wearing, or even where they are (especially if you are familiar with the Cleveland, Ohio setting). Ever seen the movie How To Be A Player starring Bill Bellamy? I will say that the main character in the movie has many similarities to the character in Sweet Tooth. However, this book gives you so much more! You will feel like you know the characters in the novel personally! Heck, you might even have friends in real life that act like them. Not only that...the plot gets a lot deeper than what you will expect. It's a real page-turner, literally.

Going back to the discussion that I was priviledged to have with the author, I remember him mentioning that the novel was more than just an account of sexual escapades and/or rollercoasters of relationships. There was an actual message that he intended for the reader to detect. He explained to me that some people are unaware of the message, but many readers eventually catch it. I am proud to say that I understood and received the knowledge provided within the pages. What was intended for the reader was not subliminal at all. I truly believe that a person with an understanding of self will enjoy this read. Then again, it's JUST my opinion.

On a funnier note, who knew black women came in so many different flavors? You better believe it! But just as we have favorites within the sweet and sugary world, we must choose what will appease our appetite the most effectively. That is not from the book. This is simply MY advice to YOU.

Lucky No. Seven...

It has been mentioned many times that there is something special about the number "seven"! Referred to as the number of entirety and life...it seems to have formed into the number of prosperity and success!

No offense to the members of our country's youth, but I am absolutely flabbergasted! While so many adults struggle with the thoughts and procedures of building a business, a jewelry business owned by a young girl (more than TEN YEARS my junior) is thriving!

Take a look at the video below to see what I'm talking about:

Now that you are aware of what YOU could be doing with your life, I'd like to share some of my thoughts (if you would be so kind to continue reading)...

There is nothing wrong with allowing time to pass in our lives. Each human being living on this planet has a separate agenda. We are each dealt a different hand from the infinite number of life's cards. It's all one huge, ongoing, never-ending, continuous GAME! Do we get to choose the next number that the dice rolls? Absolutely, positively, certainly, undoubtedly MAYBE. But 9 times out of 10, we do not! Therefore, it would be common sense to just take everything with a grain of salt and deal with it. We have to play with what we are given...like it's silly putty. Playdough wasn't invented for nothing! I'll explain further...

If you take a look at Nzinga, the seven-year-old business owner, and you feel unworthy of achieving anything in life, simply because of the fact that YOU are not in the position she is in, you are wrong. Plain and simple. Upon viewing the video for the first time, and learning about how this young lady (and her parents) made her vision realistic, I felt as though there was something wrong with my plan. Like there was a huge gap in my life, which I chose not to fill with business plans and money-making schemes. I felt like an old slacker! However, I learned something from this girl. I never really knew that adults could learn so much from children...but we must rid ourselves of such pride and stubborness to learn the most simple of lessons. I learned that adults have a tendency to over-analyze things. We look at the world with a hesitant eye. We don't have to be cockeyed! If we have dreams, no matter the circumstances, we have a right to pursue them. We never wash our dishes...meaning, we don't allow ourselves to start new things with a clean slate.

All in all, I guess that what I'm trying to say is...we have seven options to choose from:

1. Be optimistic vs. pessimistic
2. Realize what our goals are
3. Prepare to ATTEMPT to reach our goals
4. ACTUALLY reach for our goals
5. Doubt ourselves
6. Settle for less
7. Die without trying

If you're anything like me, you will realize that you can choose which of the seven is best for you; but I know for a fact that I want to live by the "First Four". You can never become Lucky No. 7 without learning how to count. Although you cannot change the numbers, you can surely define what steps you will take to reach your peak of success and satisfaction.

I hope that you are inspired. Good luck with your dreams and realities...

Do the Unthinkable...

Have you ever felt as though you're reaching for a star that is SIMPLY just too far? Like the dreams you have are far too extravagent...your hopes, just plain outlandish? Why is it that what we want is sometimes held captive, miles (or even years) away?

Opportunities arise, making one a FOOL not to take advantage of them.

What's stopping me? Oh yeah, I must visualize things "rationally" and be "realistic". Tote a light pale, gather the smallest sticks...

In all honesty, what is real and what isn't? What happened to our power to dream our goals into a reality? Or is that just describing me? I have been nothing but spontaneous lately. No matter what I do, a chance is around the corner...gaping and waiting! I move too slow, the anxiety kills me slowly. The delay sends me into a spiraling depression  that patience does not seem to cast away. I move too fast, I might frighten the moment! A mirage it proves to be. A chapter of my life, yet to open...

Forgive me for my tendency to seize the moment. I may just live in a land of fantasy, where loves meet and live happily ever after...and where perfection is unfeigned! Regardless of whether this is "possible" or not, I vow to chase and tackle what I want.

Aspects of our lives are set up a certain way. If you would not have had the parents you have - you wouldn't have gone to the school you attended - or became the person you grew to become - or met that special someone you "just so happened" to meet. IT'S ALL DESTINY; and I honestly believe that destiny is what's REAL. Thus, who am I to say that I am crazy to pursue my dreams, no matter what, or whom, they may be?

If you ask me, I just don't see why many of us, aren't crazy enough...

Lusting After the City Lights...

Why am I fascinated by the city lights? The line of colors on the skyline...the high buildings paralyzing my thoughts while I drive. I was never a city girl. Yet, I was never a country, southern bell either. Never being exposed to "real" urban living, I have never known the feeling of gazing at the inner city from my window. Witnessing the bustle of legs moving, heels clicking on the sidewalk, and jackets swaying as young men power-walk while chatting on their cell phones was only a dream to me. Where I'm from, one can't tell that everyone has their own agenda to tend to. It's all meshed together. Thoughts and reactions are predictable. The talk is despicable, while the walk appears invisible. Big things don't happen in my city. Thus the small infrastructure of big buildings, big lights and big scenery.

Porch Light, hear my plight...

I drink your light, like nectar...

Dream of you, by day...

Gaze in your eyes, all night...

Porch Light.

I feel like an insect that can no longer resist the light's shine. I am under the spell of the city lights. Big city lights. I fantacize about shadows waiting to breathe life, after conception by the lights' wife. I yearn to explore the potential in the lights' eyes. Do I dare lust after it, after few brief encounters? Where lies my boundaries? I desire close proximity, between the city lights, and I.

Or else I must die as I try.

I am a woman with big dreams, which thrive off of the city lights...



Men! Smell Like Heaven...

*This one is for the men!*

ANY WOMAN, I don't care who she is, loves a man who smells good. No questions asked. No doubt about it! A man who smells good should know that he has a certain level of extra power...if you will. Oops...did I just tell a woman's secret? I sure did!

A man who smells good can make a female embrace him just a little bit longer, and follow him a little bit farther. We don't even have to know your name!

"Hi, it's nice to meet...(omg, this man smells SOOO good!)" - A woman's thoughts...

I'm sure that I can go on and on about the wonderfulness of a man's dreamy scent, but I did all of that babbling to tell you which colognes are the BEST!

Paris Hilton for Men

Hands down, this scent is an a-phro-dis-i-ac. (Yes, I said it!) I'll be honest. One whiff of this is sure to make a woman's knees buckle. Think about it...this scent was formulated by a woman, and we definitely know what we like. Need I say more?

I can't tell you how much I absolutely adore Paris Hilton for Men, but I also have a new-found admiration for Polo Black. If there are any ladies reading this post, I advise you to take a trip to Dillards, or any department store, and smell the different types of cologne there are...for MEN! I know it seems boring, and a little weird, but it's always good to know what you want your man to smell like. We all know that men don't know anything...a woman has to do all of the work behind-the-scenes anyway! But AT LEAST you can have your king smelling like royalty. And DON'T WORRY about what the other broads will think when your significant other passes by smelling like a dapper bliss. Be secure with yourself, especially if you know YOU are the one who he can thank for making such an awesome recommendation.

-(Thank me later!) *thumbs up*

Hip-Hop Gives Me the Blu's...

Okay, guys...I'm officially a "music-head" now! I've fallen in love with HIP-HOP again, and I think I hit my head in the midst...

I recently downloaded the Pandora app on my phone, and I have been missing out! Why hadn't anyone told me about this sooner? I just so happened to read a few tweets about various people listening to their "Pandoras", like:

" I feel depressed...now turnin on my Pandora :) "

....so I decided to see what all of the hype was about. But ENOUGH about why I love Pandora...let me tell you about this new artist that I discovered...

Although this album was released in 2007, Below the Heavens is MIND-BLOWING! I definitely think differently about a few things now that I have heard these songs. I'm still trying to figure out if I fell for the music, or Blu himself!

Blu & Exile are the names of the pair that are behind this melodic phenomenon. Blu is the exceptional lyricist, while Exile is the producer...or should I say, mastermind! According to the way their music makes me feel, I'm going to go ahead and classify them as "dateable"! Ladies, check for them!

Good music HEALS...and good music STEALS your heart, your ears, and your soul. I will not regret to admit that this has happened to me, simply by listening to a few songs from this album, including:

• "Below the Heavens"
• "First Things First"
• "Blu Collar Workers"

Here are a few song links...enjoy, luvs! I know you will, if you have any SENSE...and if you can appreciate music that not only mentions drugs, sex, or "making it rain". I refuse to listen to such balderdash (it's a real word, look it up).

Click here to "Like" them on Facebook!

1. "Below the Heavens"

2. "First Things First"

3. "Blu Collar Workers"

Short Hair DOES Care..

The first time I chopped my hair was in November 2008...
My hair was thinning and the length began to serve no aesthetic purpose whatsoever! I decided to cut my hair into a popular style at the time, to make myself feel better about the drastic change. To add onto my new-found spunk, I highlighted my hair with a lighter hue...lighter than I had ever colored it before!

I ended up with a golden brown, inverted bob. The nape of my neck was showing, for crying out loud! So very bittersweet. I felt that the absence of hair to cover the back of my neck was demoralizing. It wasn't until November 2010 that I felt differently about short hair...

Just last year, I went from shoulder-brushing strands to hair that just barely touched my ears! Many people will ask a person why they would make this type of decision. The reason that I decided to cut my hair so short this time around is basically because I felt I needed a change. Something to make me feel like a different person. I wanted to view myself in a different light...to separate myself from the old girl in the mirror, whom I have grown used to, and no longer expected anything unique or groundbreaking from. By cutting my hair, I felt revitalized. This may sound silly, but "Girl Melanie" from The Game had a reason to do the same thing, and the emotional result was the same (for the most part).

Cutting your hair VERY short doesn't make you less beautiful. Sure, a lot of guys are attracted to the long, thick and flowing mane, especially if it's not weave! However, I have recently discovered that guys like a chic, fierce cut even BETTER (or maybe that's just my personal experience). Having short, "irregular" hair, which is what I like to call my asymmetrical cut, gives people an excuse to look at you, and wonder if you're as sassy as your hairstyle. As long as you keep your cut trim and sleek, you evoke a sense of individuality like no other.

There are thousands of ways to style shorter hair, believe it or not! I'm always ready to try new things, and I definitely don't regret my new style. If you're a woman pondering the big chop , I would advise you to JUST DO IT! When you get tired of the short-do, you can always spice it up with a little color, or take a break with those good ol' trusty extensions.

Get Your Cocoa Out of My Applesauce!

Now, I know that the name of this post sounds funny and weird, but I can explain!

Everyone who knows me personally is aware of my not-so-secret addiction. Who can resist the sweetness, smoothness, and chilled swagger of the one and only: 

So what's the big deal? Well, apparently my tastebuds have declared a new sheriff in town, and his name is Jello Chocolate Pudding! I can't seem to figure out what to do. This is more serious than I thought it would be, so I HAD to tell someone! I feel like I've  been having a culinary affair!

Breaking this down logically, what makes chocolate pudding better than applesauce?

Texture: Chocolate pudding is a LOT smoother...like comparing a Kappa to a Que!

Temperature: Chocolate pudding never gets too cold...no brain freezes!

Flavor: If someone buys sugar-free applesauce, one can taste the difference. With chooclate pudding, it's not even noticeable.

I'm starting to think that the only things making applesauce a better selection than pudding, would be:

a. Variety of flavors. (Original is my personal fav, but there are a million others!)
b. Healthiness! (One applesauce cup = 1 daily serving of fruit! Who can beat that?)

I sit back sometimes and think to myself...what would MOTT'S do if he found out I was having an affair with JELLO? Would he think of a way to win my loyalty back? Come up with some type of marketing scheme to let me know why applesauce is better than pudding? Part of me assumes not...so am I really sorry for making such a dramatic switch?

I think NOT. Sorry!

And the winner is: CHOCOLATE PUDDING! (Until I taste something better!)

My 1st Blog: Why Am I Blogging?

I am in no way, shape or form, a mind-reader, but I'm guessing that before you even got here, you were probably thinking,

"A.Marie with a blog? Why would I want to read that?"

My intentions are not to strain your eyes, stir your thoughts, or even tickle your ears with the latest in music or celeb gossip. Starting this blog was totally sporadic, and even intimidating. I don't know what I'm supposed to say, as a blogger. I don't know what people want to read about. All I know is that I LOVE expressing myself. Facebook and Twitter have allowed me to do just that, but I realize that it was never all about ME on those sites. I finally created something that is solely about what I want to discuss...what I want everyone to see...with no interruptions or distractions.

That being said, let's get this show on the road, luvs! Quick fyi: my inspiration comes in phases, but I will try to keep everything consistent. Thanks for reading!

P.S. To my #1 fan, I dedicate this site to you...