HollywoodWannaB

I Fell In Love Again

2009-11-15T12:05:00.000-08:00

…And it was totally unexpected!

Almost at the onset of meeting my husband in college he has requested, begged, and pleaded for us to get a dog. From dating to engagement and then marriage, he listed the three things that would make his life “complete” – a basement man cave (check), a flat screen TV (check) and a dog (uncheck).

Whether he was desperate to fill a void or have a playmate, I would not relent in my decision that we would be a dog-free household.

In trying to convince me otherwise, he went so far as adopting a mutt from the pound without my consent. Both college students at the time making $6 per hour and unable to afford more than a night out to McDonalds, I was furious and quickly found an adoptive home for the long-eared-unattractive mutt. We were both left heart broken for different reasons.

But call me a hero.

During the three days of owning the mutt, he coughed a constant nasty noise that always left me thinking he was having an asthma attack or chocking on something from our non dog-friendly college apartment. Luckily the new adoptive couple had a veterinary in the family who saw the mutt right away. Severe kennel cough and a multitude of other health problems left the mutt on antibiotics and other costly medicines we could have never afforded at the time.

Time heals all wounds but a man on a mission always remains focused.

As the years passed this story became one that garnered laughter and pity. Sometimes I was viewed as the hero, other times as the villain. But I always knew we did right for that mutt and I always knew that one day the topic of us owning a dog would be revisited.

Married and then a home owner, the request for a dog began again. As in the past, I reiterated all the reasons why I did not want a dog: they require time, they cost money, our lifestyle will have to change, we can’t come and go as we please, and most importantly it will poop and pee on our beautiful wood floors! Oh, our wood floors and how I adore them! Absolutely not!!

And then there was Sully.

My husband didn’t keep it a secret that he wanted a dog. His family knew. His friends knew. Our neighbors knew. So seven weeks ago when our neighbor (who volunteers for a rescue organization) received a call that a French bulldog/Boston Terrier mix needed a home, she thought of us first. My husband was at work. I drove home to meet the puppy knowing in my heart, that this was it. I was moments away from throwing all my arguments and logical reasoning out the window. Welcome poop and pee, meet my wood floors.

You can only imagine the joy, the pure ecstasy my husband felt when he walked through the front door and into a hall way that had a black-and-white-spotted dog with folded, floppy ears. I officially became the best wife ever. And I officially became a dog lover.

I said “yes” to Sully seconds after holding him. He was just days shy of his three month birthday. And now eight pounds heavier, seven weeks later and $400+ dollars poorer I wake each morning excited to see his wrinkly face (which says a lot because I hate mornings). I adore my puppy and his stinky farts, his bad breath, and most kind kisses on my face. I love his hyper play and gentle snuggles. He has been a test of our patience and the source of our laughter.

The biggest lesson learned from saying “yes” to our newest family addition is that sometimes at the right time and at the right place in life, logic need not apply.

A Snuggie for Dogs?

2009-11-15T11:00:00.000-08:00

When I first moved to the DC area I remember someone telling me if I were to ever meet someone and had nothing to talk about, discuss traffic. Everyone here shares the same opinion – it sucks, it is awful, and something needs to be done to alleviate the problem. The topic of traffic rarely results in a heated debate, it steers clears of religious beliefs, and for the most part dodges political points of view – Democrat or Republican, no one is in denial of the traffic torment we partake in seven days a week.

Being a new dog owner I now have learned that discussing pets ranks number two on the list of what-the-heck-can-I-talk-about-that-isn’t-uncomfortable. Most dog owners are dog lovers and sharing in your story of how you found your pet, what his or her name is, their breed and age along with swapping potty training tips bands together a whole new group of people I never knew existed before.

With that said, I hope this is a dog loving topic that I never need to broach with a stranger or most definitely not someone I know –

The Snuggie for Dogs.

When I passed by this at Bed, Bath & Beyond I did a double take thinking it must be a joke. Now I won’t lie, I do own three sweaters for my pup but not for reasons of vanity but rather for his health. Both breeds, the French bulldog and the Boston Terrier mix are extremely sensitive to temperatures so come below freezing days, we are prepared. And, I will admit further, I dressed up my puppy for Halloween. He was an adorable Bumble Bee. So I am guilty to some extent to being slightly ridiculous. However, the “Snuggie for Dogs” takes dog/owner humiliation to a whole different level that left me wondering how far industries will go to market and sell just about any product!

My Favorite Things -- NEW!!! (Dr. Katz Therabreath)

2009-09-22T18:49:00.001-07:00

The things I can't live without and the things I think YOU need to be living with! Got bad breath? Learn how to fix it quick! Dr. Katz TheraBreath will save you from all that GUM CHEWING!!!!

Nicole Richie's Weird Baby Name Pick

2009-09-11T19:12:00.000-07:00

And this is why Nicole Richie & Joel Madden named their second child, Sparrow James Midnight. Well, at least we get an explanation for the first name (via Twitter). James, no explanation needed. Midnight? Who Knows.

I don't get it, really. Do you?

My Favorite Things-NEW!! (Chop Wizard)

2009-09-08T20:21:00.001-07:00

The things I can't live without and the things I think YOU need to be living with! The CHOP WIZARD! Who cares how to cut an onion or peel an apple- this will do it for you!

Yard Sale Success

2009-08-30T19:15:00.000-07:00

A defining moment in my “grown up” life was hosting my first ever yard sale. I finally have a home, a yard, and a bunch of items that were no longer needed or of value to me. Biased as I may sound, I advertised my sale as “Quality Items” listing a poker table (barely used), dirt devil cone (bridal shower gift), Louie Vuitton handbag (fake of course, but still with the tags!), picture frames (still in the box), jewelry (that was no longer sentimental), comforter sets, bathroom sets, towels, DVDs, sporting equipment – you name it, we had it and were ready to give it away for cheap!

I started the yard sell playing hard nose, negotiating little from the price displayed on the yellow tags I stuck to every single item displayed. How could you think that my foot massager that heats up is worth less than $15?!! And my Nike sneakers, $2? Get off my lawn!

But after my first sale all my “quality items” became negotiable as I quickly realized receiving $2 for my use-to-be-favorite-shirt was better then having to find dresser drawer space for it again. My town home driveway seemed like a cruise line’s first foreign port where visitors and locals barter prices until both felt like winners! By early afternoon I was pulling items out of my drawers and closets that were never intended for sale but were needed to simply to fill up the vacant table space outside (and make a couple of extra bucks)!

6 hours later and $350 richer, the remnants of the yard sale were packed in black bags destined for Goodwill. By my measure, my first yard sale was a success!

Yard Sale Tips:

Be set up by 7 am - people were on our door step by 6:55 am!

Advertise on craigslist.org - it is free and people check here to get addresses and plan their yard sale itinerary for the day!

Convince a neighbor or two to have a yard sale the same day - this produces more traffic to your area.

Price all your items so less questions are asked.

Be reasonable when pricing your items. People do not come to yard sales to spend $20, $30 or $40 dollars on something - that is what craigslist and ebay are for!

Have a watchful eye! Unfortunately I had a nice watch for sale swiped from my table when not looking for a quick minute. Keep more valuable items closer to where you are standing.

My Favorite Things - NEW!! (Mascara)

2009-08-25T19:30:00.000-07:00

The things I can't live without and the things I think YOU need to be living with! Ladies, listen up! I found the best mascara...no more flakes, no more raccoon eye, no more stuck together eye lashes - it is my new favorite thing!

Remember to become a FAN on MY FACEBOOK PAGE by clicking HERE!!!!

My Favorite Things - NEW!! (Fabric Shaver)

2009-08-19T15:09:00.000-07:00

"My Favorite Things" is a new video segment I will bring to you each Wednesday, show day (www.parkersunshine.com)! These are items I can't live without, no matter HOW MUCH they cost. From the dollar store to Sak's - these items make me happy or make life easier and I think YOU should know about them!

Remember to become a FAN on MY FACEBOOK PAGE by clicking HERE!!!!

Parker Goes to Costa Rica

2009-08-10T18:03:00.000-07:00

Click the play button. Then click on the "white box" in the bottom right corner of the video player for a full screen view.

Costa Rica - The Experience

2009-08-10T12:17:00.000-07:00

I packed my luggage stuffing endless amounts of “what if” items in corners of my puke green-had-since-I-was-in-college-first-real-travel bag hoping to make the airline weight limit. I felt unprepared determining I hadn’t read enough reviews of places to eat and things to do. Twenty-five days of research just didn’t seem enough to prepare me for visiting a country as small as West Virginia but with options the size of America. I placed a tiny silver cross around my neck and prayed for two things – a safe flight and a good time. Being the family travel planner the weight of success or failure of this trip rested heavily on my mind and in my luggage that was 11 pounds too many.

From message boards to travel guides and picture blogs I had formed premeditated memories of what Costa Rica would be like – outdoor excursions, beautiful beaches and enough rice, beans and chicken to probably leave me salivating for McDonald’s once back in the U.S. I anticipated what you get from most vacations – a well relaxed much needed escape that would be summarized by countless self-took photos.

I took away much more.

“I didn’t come back from a vacation. I came back from an experience”. This was the line I instinctively told friends upon my return. Atypical from our previous travel stories that always start with descriptions of white sandy beaches, I first talked about the people of Costa Rica – each of their names cross-mapped to places we drove, the food we ate, the adventures we survived! I shared stories of Wilson Rojas – our driver, guide, and now friend. Three-hour transfers turned to seven-hour adventures with Wilson stopping along the way so that we could eat local cuisine, stroll beautiful parks, and pray at breathtaking churches. I spoke of the taxi drivers we encountered who were all so eager to learn our names and point things out that we may have missed along our way. I told of the locals who embraced us at their Discotech, one gentleman grabbing my hand leading me in learning the Salsa I so desperately was trying to master. I shared the story of the stranger who helped me use a calling card that repeatedly refused to work. When I impatiently decided I had had enough, he had more time to spare. These moments made us pause and reflect on the kindness and patience we rarely see exchanged in our motherland.

And don’t get me wrong – we took away more than just memories of the locals that warmly welcomed us. We embraced the adventure of Costa Rica. We white water rafted down the Rio Balsa and hiked a dormant volcano (Cerro Chato) that brought me to tears a quarter way up! We walked a trail to an amazing waterfall (La Fortuna) and jet-skied in 10 foot ocean swells. My shyness towards risks was shed.

We left Costa Rica with much more than sun-kissed tans and sleeveless Imperial souvenir shirts. We left Costa Rica embodying the philosophy of its people – “Pura Vida” – to live a pure life that is full, a life content with what you have.

*To watch a video I made about our trip to Costa Rica click HERE
*If considering a trip to Costa Rica read my reviews HERE and HERE!

What Happens In Vegas...as told by Nicole

2009-08-09T19:31:00.000-07:00

Everyone has heard the craziness that is Las Vegas...and I was lucky enough to experience Sin City for its self for four days this summer! I think that Vegas should have its own dictionary because 'FUN' doesn't do the city any justice. And while I feel I had a GREAT time, here are a few DOs and DONTs i have from my trip, so you know all you need to know when planning yours!!

DO...
STAY OFF THE STRIP IF YOUR BUDGET'S TIGHT!
Tight on the budget? Then stay at the Hilton Las Vegas. Not is it only the largest Hilton in the WORLD, but its just one block off the strip which will save you tons of money! Also, it has one of the largest casinos in Las Vegas with a great Happy Hour out by the pool (2-for-1 drinks!) and an awesome buffet!!

If you don't care about all the glitz and glam, there are also other choices like Motel 8 where you can stay, though I would try hard to avoid that just because you won't truly get the Vegas experience!

FILL YOUR DAYS WITH...
Las Vegas is amazing because there is soooo much to do just on the strip, so you don't have to worry about spending tons of money on gambling alone. No matter the price range, if you love shopping Vegas has it all! From Barneys to Forever 21, you can find it. And, of course, it being Vegas, the malls are definitely not your average shopping haven: Live fashion shows featuring top clothing lines like Betsy Johnson await you as you shop!

And I hate to state the obvious: GAMBLING! That's what most people do to fill up their days down in Vegas--just make sure not to combine shopping AND gambling together (unless you're winning $$$ of course). Oh and of course enjoy your various Happy Hours and food galore!

GO TO *BLANK* AT NIGHT...
Oh, what is there to say about the nightlife in Vegas? Well it's true what they say: The city NEVER sleeps! And I know, because I stayed up until almost dawn a night or two LOL. Fill your nights with gambling, shows, walking the strip, eating (and the like), bar and club hopping, etc,etc,etc!! I would definitely recommend going to a Cirque show! The tickets are on the pricey side but trust me, it's soooo worth it! I went to Cirque's show Zumanity and it was mesmerizing, hilarious, and emotional all at the same time! Also, if you're going with your girlfriends (or in my case my mother and cousin) check out a male entertainment show like "Thunder From Down Under" (but like they say, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas...pictures are not facebook material unless you want to be known as "that girl").

Also, the weather is ALWAYS warm so if you go in January don't worry about it getting cool at night! The weather will still be nice (hot, but still nice!)

DON'T...
STAY FOR MORE THAN 3-4 DAYS
I had the pleasure of staying in Vegas for four nights and while it was fun, it was definitely overwhelming and took me a while to get used to real life once I got back to D.C. It's called Sin City for a reason and all of the glitz and glam and nightlife and the circus feel the city has to it can also become a bit much if you're not into that scene (or if you over stay). So just make sure that you are up for the craziness if and WHEN you do go.

TRY TO LOOK CUTE DAY & NIGHT
If you think it's hot in your muggy, polluted city, I can say that where you live has NOTHING on Vegas. The strip is basically in the middle of the desert (that yes, you can see all around you). Because of this, if you expect to be walking around all day outside, be sure to leave the heels and pants at home ladies. Not only will you be uncomfortable after the first hour, but the pants will make you feel like you are suffocating during the day. Keep to light colored, thin clothing.

STAY COOPED UP IN YOUR HOTEL ROOM
Hey, if you wanted to catch up on "Law and Order: SVU" reruns, you could have stayed home to do that. Yes, it's great to relax and you did pay for the room, but if you don't feel like leaving your hotel one day, make sure to at least get out and go to a show that your hotel has to offer or sit in the lobby or the restaurants/bars/buffets that your hotel has so at least you are taking in all that you can while you are in the big city! Granted, I did stay in my hotel room my very last day, but like I said before, I already had three great days in the city and a fourth proved too much for me! LOL

PULL A BRITNEY SPEARS!
And I don't mean shaving your head (although, please don't do that either) but I mean getting married just because! And trust me, the city definitely promotes an impromptu wedding: There is a chapel in almost every hotel. Tacky-yes. Awesome-no.

Written by "Talk of The Town" co-host Nicole

Does this look like the face of a killer?

2009-08-05T10:17:00.000-07:00

If I saw his picture on Facebook or Myspace I would quickly think, "Handsome man" and move on without a second thought. His face does not show despair or pain. His body language does not signal distress or depression. He looks like any other person I would pass on the street or in the hallway of my office building. But unlike us, George Sodini not only took the lives of 3 young women and then himself, he blogged about his upcoming "exit" for over a year - plotting, planning, and probably desperately hoping someone would read his online words and help ease his pain.

On a public blog, Sodini documented his plot and openly spoke of his life that was filled with loneliness and an ongoing desire for the attention of women. He wrote:

"Moving into Christmas again. No girlfriend since 1984, last Christmas with Pam was in 1983. Who knows why. I am not ugly or too weird. No sex since July 1990 either (I was 29).

May 18: There are 30 million desirable women in the US (my estimate) and I cannot find one. Not one of them finds me attractive. These problems have gotten worse over a 30-year period. I need to expect nothing from me or other people.

August 3: Probably 99% of the people who know m well don't even think I was this crazy...Net worth slightly more than $250K".

We typically expect killers and psychopaths to stand out, to somehow appear "off" or different from the normal average-looking, average-working person. Not the case here. Perhaps this is the attention he always wanted. Shoot, couldn't he have found a reality TV show to be part of instead?

Love Letters...Does Anyone Write Them Anymore?

2009-06-10T13:09:00.000-07:00

My mom shared with me how she recently dug through junk filled draws in search of old love letters. She wanted to revisit the exchange of words she had with her first love, a young love. Reading line by line she said she closed her eyes and the former passion and excitement that use to race through her body came alive again allowing her to relive those tender moments that somehow seemed captured in time by moldy, folded yellow pieces of paper with blurred ink markings. A quiet and understanding smirk came across my face as I tried to recall the forgotten spaces I had stored my own love letters from first, second, and non-important boyfriends of the past.

The crumpled notes passed between classes, the simple post-it stuck to a rose left on my bike, the letters mailed from overseas, and those that came during great despair – I was left thinking as my mother continued to reminisce – does anyone even write love letters anymore? With email and blackberry’s, text messaging and facebook it seems modern day love is expressed by few words, sent quickly and viewable to the masses. Will today’s kindergartener’s grow up never anticipating the ripping open of a mailed letter with the musty smell of some cheap cologne bearing long-winded, hand-written (okay maybe typed), private words declaring absolute and certain love?

Single by choice, just dumped single, angry-hateful-I-want-to-burn-his-stuff single, married, married happily, married miserably, married with children, divorced or deceased – I believe everyone one with any status should hold on tight to the words that once described the many reasons why you were admired.

Love letters are evidence of memories.

Growing A Tree In Your Lung

2009-04-15T15:42:00.001-07:00

If you haven't heard yet a surgeon removed a FIR TREE from a man's lung that was diagnosed with cancer. Yup, they thought the image was a TUMOR....nope, just a tree. If you don't believe me watch video of what was removed HERE!!!!

Ways To Become A Better Person

2009-02-11T12:00:00.000-08:00

CNN had an article up today listing 10 ways to become a better person. So me and my sidekick went ahead and created our own lists of ways we think YOU and I can work on being better people (that is if you care to better yourself)!!!

PARKER SUNSHINE'S 5 WAYS TO BECOME A BETTER PERSON:

Don’t expose others to your annoying habits. If you bite your nails, pick your nose, scratch your balls, put your hand down your pants, wear strong perfume, hum in the office, tap your foot, tell awful jokes – (add yours here) – don’t do it! These small annoyances might be ruining someone else’s day and they may be too polite to tell you that you are driving them insane! Take hints from those around you and try to keep your bad habits at a minimum!

Be a good friend. Nowadays everyone is busy with their blackberry-calendar-don’t-have-the-time lives – jobs, husbands/wives, kids, second jobs, and gym classes. We can all create our laundry lists of what keeps us from picking up the phone or sending an email to check in on a friend. It is only in times or turmoil or times when it is too late that we realize what we should have been a better friend. Think about those friends who mean something to you and FIND THE TIME to keep them present and up-to-date on not just your life but theirs.

Don’t be so quick to judge. It is in our nature to judge the outfit, the attitude, the man on her arm. The car they drive, the job they have, the complaints they make. If only they knew that their life was really so much easier then ours! But who are we to judge? We never know the whole story of an individual – how their life, past or present, has impacted their behavior and outlook. So listen instead of assuming!

Thank God at least once everyday. On your worst day when you feel like giving up, when you can’t find purpose in your life, when you are angry and mad and don’t think you can bare one more day – Thank God for what you do have.

Exercise. It is good for your body, brain and confidence.

SIDEKICK NICOLE'S 5 WAYS TO BECOME A BETTER PERSON

Post 5 things about you that you like about yourself on the walls in your room. It will make you feel better, not only about yourself, but also what you could provide to others.

Self-reflect by writing in a journal—there is always something you could change about yourself---no one is perfect.

Do one kind act everyday to a family member, friend, significant other, or even a stranger. Pay it forward!

Smile more. If you smile more, you will automatically attract great energy from others.

Everyday write down at least five things you would to accomplish that day. Sometimes people go through the day and don’t realize how much they have done or achieved that day because it might seem like little things, but trust me, it means a lot to something or someone!

What do you think are some ways to become a better person?

Spooning…with a pillow!

2009-01-29T12:45:00.001-08:00

Would you seriously use this pillow? I know there are a lot of body pillow lovers out there but this is a pillow that hugs you back!

I had to share because I think this device, contraption, this thing…looks ridiculous!

Leave a comment and let me know if you like it or hate it!
Your comment is anonymous so don’t be shy!
PS - You can buy your very own at Babies R' Us.

Forget The Weight - Who Dressed Her?!!

2009-01-29T12:30:00.001-08:00

I hope that one day media outlets are held accountable for a young girls’ motive and action to become bulimic or anorexic because based on the harsh comments and coverage of Jessic Simpson - only one message is sent to females in this world - Thin is in.

As a wildfire of media have caught photos and video of Jessica Simpson’s latest country singing shindig the coverage focused on her distorted-images-shot-from-a-bad-angle-enhanced-by-an-unflattering-outfit weight gain. Legit news outlets like Fox News ran lines that read Jessica Simpson “Shocks fans with noticeably fuller figure” and The New York Post attacked the star with the hurtful and mortifying cartoon shown above (PS- In the background of the cartoon, referring to who she met is Ronald McDonald).

A barrage of media is attacking Simpson speculating anything from - she must be really happy, did she switch birth control, is she pregnant, simply fat again!

I feel that as a celebrity Jessica Simpson does have an obligation to maintain her appearance whether by long, shiny hair extensions, teeth whitener, or stylish clothes. But Simpson has never falsely advertised her figure selling herself as a size zero, health conscious, workout obsessed babe. Rather Simpson (and even her former husband, Nick Lachey) has vocalized her relatable feelings of being self-conscious of her weight and busty boobs since before she was ever a celebrity.

I am critical of myself as it is – I could not imagine having strangers attack the very things that heighten my insecurities when it comes to my figure appearance!

I suppose I feel more sympathetic towards Jessica’s recent and unwanted paparazzi attention because she unlike most stars, has most recently and purposefully stayed out of the medias line of fire. A non-attention seeker (other then from her boo), it seems unfair to bash her so harshly for outfit that accented all the wrong things.

I am actually more concerned about who her stylist is and why they picked that outfit!

Giving A Break To Those Who Need It Most

2009-01-29T11:06:00.000-08:00

The House moved quickly in passing a $819 billon stimulus bill yesterday with two items included that I think are not just a waste of millions, but a clear sign that our Government simply doesn’t get the desperate and in-need America.

Remember last year, shortly after tax season when most America’s received a generous $500 or $1,200 stimulus check in the mail from Uncle Sam? That approach failed miserably. Most half-way intelligent American’s didn’t put that money back into the economy by buying a flat-screen or going on a vacation – most used it to pay off debt or applied it to their savings, adding to their nest-egg that would likely be needed in the coming months. We are as a whole, more in debt now then ever – why would this administration believe that a similar approach would result in a different outcome?

“Through June 6, the U.S. Treasury had sent 66.6 million payments totaling about $56.8 billion…” in stimulus checks. *

And good news for first-time home buyers in 2009. If you purchase a home this year you are likely to receive a $7,500 tax credit which you do not need to pay back so long as you live in the house for three years and you qualify under the minimum joint salary amount of $170,000. Yes, you read that correctly – you will receive $7,500 for FREE. This is a vast difference from the current law which gives first-time home buyers a credit of $7,500 which must be repaid in equal installments over 15 years (with no interest).

My problem with this credit is that first-time homebuyers are already at an extreme advantage due to the unfortunate market conditions. Home prices have plummeted, foreclosures continue to rise, and interest rates are a record low (30 year fixed @ 5.3 today**). Our concern should not be on helping people buy their first home, but on assisting those who have LOST their home or who are BARELY able to keep their home. This incentive should have been implemented in 2005 when I was trying to buy a small condo that was priced at THREE TIMES what it is worth today! When young professionals like myself could not afford to get INTO the market there was NO ASSISTANCE so why should we fork over money to those who are excitedly benefiting from the housing bust?
In 2008, “The number of American homeowners who faced foreclosure proceedings…passed the 2.3 million mark, an 81 percent increase over the previous year”.***

But let’s stop and talk about all the American’s that have NOT BEEN FORECLOSED on but are hanging by a thread each month to pay their mortgage. Those who are working extra shifts, searching for a second job, forgoing hot water when washing clothes, turning off their cable, phone and internet, selling a vehicle, unable to afford prescriptions, forgoing meals – this is the real picture of the middle-class Americans cutting back on life’s necessities in the hopes of keeping their heart…where their home is. These are the American’s we should help first – those who have experienced no advantages from the economic turmoil that has hit us hard and fast.

As banks are slow to lend money and mortgage companies are diligent in approving buyers, we can make the assumption that those who are currently buying a home are doing so because they are not the Americans in need. The tax credit should help those who are!

If You Seek Britney

2009-01-28T12:00:00.000-08:00

I am a twenty-something whose immaturity comes out in my watchful ears and eyes of celebrity twittering – you know what I mean, I keep up with the stars! And so, before the new year ended I was able to check off an item from my “Must Do Before I Die” list. Drum roll please…I purchased Britney Spears tickets to her latest, and hopefully most fabulous tour – Circus!

Yes, chances are I will be huddled in with her new generation of tween followers screaming her name, wearing overpriced venue tee-shirts, knowing her dance moves and lyrics better than myself – but they can keep their youth and I will keep my seats!

Several years back during Britney’s last tour (The Onyx Hotel) I had purchased tickets. A poor college student at the time, the nose bleed section in the upper 400’s is all that my friends and I could bare to afford. Even then our excitement raged high from the glowing reviews friends in neighboring cities gave Britney and her entertainment act (we are not in denial, we know she does not sing live). However, weeks after her knee injury the tour was canceled and we were out of luck and out $26 dollars (thank you ticket master for not refunding your processing fees).

Years later with a slightly better job I vowed that ONE DAY when Britney would tour again (with no hair or a pink wig) I would be there rows closer with a seat that would cost three digits rather than two!

Section 102 – not too shabby!

Parker.TV Episode 3

2008-10-19T18:03:00.000-07:00

J-Lo's Loose Lips

2008-10-08T09:47:00.000-07:00

Click on this link to read a honest, no press purposeful interview Jennifer Lopez gave to Kevin Sessums. The interview was originally done for a major fashion magazine, however, Lopez regretted some of her comments and asked that the story not be published. Thanks to technology the article was realized online. I like her honesty, I wish she stood behind the comments she made. What do you think?

Living...and Reliving A Dream

2008-10-05T12:28:00.000-07:00

This past week me and a couple of girlfriends trekked into Washington, DC on a chilly Thursday evening to see the New Kids On The Block concert. It was a spontaneous purchase in which flashbacks of my childhood flooded my mind – dancing in front of my rabbit eared TV watching the NKOTB pay-per-view concert wearing hot pink spandex, a side pony tail with an oversized sweatshirt my Dad constantly reminded me not to put my knees in and stretch! My brother had his girlfriend over who was too old to enjoy the childhood lusting of Joey and Donnie, but oh boy, while he stole my stuffed animals to give to her as presents, my heart went thump, thump, boom – puberty was in full effect! At eleven years old I would have given anything to have attended a NKOTB concert (extra chores, no allowance, no sleepovers – you name it). But my parents like most in the late eighties, early nineties, didn’t have spare change that allowed for a $80 concert ticket multiplied by 2 for parental monitoring. So when I received the news months back that the NKOTB were reuniting my answer was a quick “Yes, of course I’ll attend”. My childhood dream was about to come true.

And as the months went by I easily forget about the NKOTB except for the occasional play of their new, not-so-popular, kind-of-hit Summertime. Oh gosh, remind me again, why did I purchase a ticket to their concert? I am grown now! I work long days and wondered if I’d gather the energy to act excited and remind myself if the allure of this spontaneous purchase would be worthwhile. Here goes nothing…

I should have had more faith in my first love boy band. Once we took our seats and the stage lit up with smoke, florescent lights, and familiar beats started to drum – a smile came across my face and I was a child again…a child who could afford the ticket on her own (upper level of course)!
The NKOTB delivered an entertaining, non-lip synching show that covered many of their earlier successful singles while mixing in a few new hopeful hits here and there. I recognized countless dance moves and adored the swinging side-to-side MC Hammer like steps that no other modern boy band would dare to add to their choreography. The slide shows that played to the side memorialized their past and the passing of celebrities and loved ones – small touches that reminded you why the NKOTB left such an impact. Tardiness, disrespect, drunken nights, and drug use were never associated with this group as is common with current pop tarts. Wholesome entertainment with lyrics about first and second loves left young girls everywhere wanting more…even fifteen years later.

Memory trunks were unpacked with denim and oversized buttons displayed throughout the crowded arena filled with mostly twenty and thirty-year-old something females still screaming, “Joey, I love you”! A karaoke scroll with sing-a-long words was not needed as we easily remembered the Hanging Tough, Step-By-Step, and I’ll Be Loving You lyrics better than we could recall the first boy we ever French kissed.

And the most poignant scene, a moment still resonating with me days later, occurred when Donnie Wahlberg took center stage. One arm extended towards the fans and the other bended inwards towards his face to wipe the swelling tears in his eyes. Arms swayed above heads side-to-side with countless screams of “New Kids, New Kids” echoing off the stadium walls. Seconds passed before he could speak in shock of the loyalty displayed and in awe of his groups revival. It was probably at this moment that he was ever so grateful for what he once had and for what he would have just a little bit longer.

SHWAYZE

2008-10-04T12:53:00.000-07:00

I am home alone folding laundry, changing sheets, picking up clothes that have been lingering on the floor for too many days. I am dancing in every corner my feet take me. I throw my arms above my head leaving space for my brain to bounce up and down, left and right. My hips rock side-to-side in extreme white girl form. Where have my moves gone?

It is when I am alone that the cloudiness of my brain clears and life seems less complicated. The nosiness of the constant negativity is silenced and I am at peace. Through my own dark days and the dark days of others I am able to see the purpose in our struggles. I have slowly learned that many avoid this approach to living and instead appeal to the doom-and-gloom of their circumstances continually making excuses for their present existence.

I AM THANKFUL FOR WHAT I HAVE.

Maybe The Unreal World of The Hills Is Becoming Real?

2008-10-03T13:02:00.000-07:00

HELLO, do you see Audrina's body in the picture below? Can we say amazing! Oh, and that is her little sister Casey who apparently just had a baby. I need their family genes ASAP!

So the drama on The Hills is becoming too quick for even the cameras to catch. Audrina moving out was captured by the paps and reported by the gossip mags probably weeks before we will ever see the footage on MTV. And today's leaking gossip is the worst of the worst for the even tempered, appears-to-be-normal Audrina! Rumors have it that LC hooked up with Justin Bobby - Audrina's on-again, off-again boyfriend who makes regular appearances on The Hills. Don't I recall LC speaking poorly about Justin and always persuading Audrina to want more for herself? Hmmmm. Manipulation?
I hope the rumor is TRUE forcing LC to repent for her own sins, her own forgiveness, and realize people do make mistakes. Forgiveness is part of reality.

Oh, and if you are wondering what Audrina thinks about all the most recent rumor mill - she post on her official myspace page the following: "I woke up this morning and it seems like just about every gossip magazine or blog has a story about Lauren hooking up with Justin. I'm not sure what to believe. Though Justin and I have not been exclusive for quite some time, these rumors are very confusing and hurtful. I can't comment on whether they are true or false."

Health Tip 105 From a Non-Health Fanatic

2008-10-01T13:14:00.002-07:00

Buy a scale and if you already own one – use it! How are you supposed to lose weight if you are not able to track your success by some legitimate measurement? How comfortable your pants fit today is NOT an accurate way to determine if you are overweight or on track!

Most of us avoid the scale to avoid the truth – yes you are 10, 20, 30, 40 pounds overweight! The scale can not ease its tone, hold your hand, or tell you things will get better. The scale shows it like it is. Go ahead, step off and step back on – the numbers are the same. Let your toes hang over the edge, maybe it will take off one pound (darn, you have fat toes). Strip – take off those jeans, eliminate the wallet, no shoes of course (everyone knows that rule). Make that scale go down! Typically it doesn’t so people simply ignore it. They hide the scale, throw it away, or even sell it at a garage sale!

If you are going to get serious about losing weight you need to know how much you currently weigh and how much you want to weigh (there is obviously a difference for most of us). The scale is not the enemy, in fact, many of days it is my best friend showing me the results of hard work while also showing me a weekend of poor eating and wine drinking doesn’t amount to a 5 pound gain (Halleluiah)! The scale keeps your butt in line – it is a simple device that says “good” or “bad” by the numbers it displays. If you're up you know to get back on track, work out slightly more. If you are down, kiss the scale and hope that it is not broken! HA, HA just kidding.

The point is simple. You can’t be serious about weight loss unless you know what you weigh as hurtful as that number may appear (think Biggest Loser national TV the whole world knows how fat you are). This is not that bad!

My approach: While trying to actively lose weight I used the scale every single morning (before I had 3 meals)! I knew whether I was up or down and that dictated what I ate and how much I worked out that day. While trying to maintain my weight loss I use the scale twice a week – once in the beginning (Sunday or Monday) and once towards the end. This allows me to quickly catch a mishap and reverse a gain always giving me control of my weight and more importantly my self confidence.

Sarah Palin's Daughter is Pregnant!!!

2008-09-01T21:38:00.000-07:00

Check Out this all new Episode of Parker.TV

From One Ass To The Next...A Very Random Thought

2008-08-22T09:20:00.000-07:00

Call me crazy but as I walked into the restroom at work and saw a colleague walking out of the stall that I planned to use (yes, I have a favorite) I thought - everyday my ass touches another ass. I am not lying, that's what I really thought.
Whether you wipe the seat down, make toilet paper strips to sit on, lay the sometimes available toilet covers, or you do the sit-squat and hover over the seat an inch above actually touching it - your ass more than likely touches part of at least one public toilet everyday which has touched someone else's ass, who has touched another's ass. Get the picture?

Who needs the six degrees of Kevin Bacon when all our asses reach out and touch one another?

My High School Reunion

2008-08-19T19:43:00.000-07:00

I went and although I had fun, I must admit that it was disappointing. And that is no fault to the people who did not attend but rather to the company that put it together. First, let me ask you all who are reading this dying to know the details of what it was or wasn’t like reconnecting with people ten years later: Would you go to your High School reunion if the cost were $112 per person? That is $224 per couple. I think most would respond “No” (as most did) and some would follow-up that question with, “What does that include?” Open bar, a buffet, and music at the Hyatt hotel.

My graduating class had approximately 700 students in it (seniors alone). Rather large compared to most. The reunion had approximately 30 former graduates. Less than 5% of my classmates attended! How disappointing especially when you have traveled from 5 states away to be present at the reunion. Even though I hoped of a festivity packed to the brim in all reality I knew turn out would be low due to the high cost to attend and the comments of classmates a year older telling me that their reunion too had very few guests. I can’t help but wonder if the cost were more reasonable (say $100 a couple/$50 a person) would I have seen more familiar faces?

P.S. Thank you very much to an “older” Long Wood graduate who informed us the “ticket lady” leaves around 10PM. Under 30, still not rich (yet) – our husbands were blessed with eating and drinking at Hooters until we called and told them the coast was clear – they could attend the reunion for free. We had been ripped off but they sure weren’t. Free open bar, here the boys came!

After the shock of realizing I would only get to mingle with about 25 people (because I came with 5 of the 30) I quickly noticed I did not recognize many faces! Who were these people? I went to high school with them? Oh wait, she looks slightly familiar, but umm oh yea, do I really want to catch up with her? We barely talked when we were 17 years-old why would we want to waste time making small talk now? I refused to waste time bragging about myself nor acting like I cared too much about everyone’s success (the total opposite of what we are suppose to do this night!) and so I did the next thing most would do – headed for the bar (at least there were no waiting lines)!

The reunion wasn’t all bad. Actually other then not really seeing anyone I was friends with throughout high school, I had a blast. First, two girls that I was close with K and C attended. I was BFF’s with both of them for many years – we went through boyfriends, heartbreak, street corner and Royal super market hangouts to parting ways once graduated. I might add, for the most part we looked the same (K’s nails did get longer though)! The top football player came (of course) and so did the almost student council president (of course again). And there was a very handsome fellow graduate in attendance who I don’t remember…going to school with nor being that handsome!

We danced. Get a few drinks in those New Yorkers and their high school moves come right back to them. Doesn’t matter if there were 5 people in attendance or 555 – the highlight of the night was of course MV breaking out FOOTLOSE on the dance floor (oh no she didn’t. Yes, she did)! My husband called it before the night begun, before the drinks were flowing – “MV will do the Footloose dance” he declared (and she was THAT GIRL and we all loved her for it).

Yes my husband, he arrived and we were grateful we did not shell out the $112 for him to attend on time! The reunion wasn’t too much fun for him…nah, but the huge Indian wedding taking place down the hall was. Him and several others invited themselves into the reception (yes, think wedding crashers). The husband danced in the conga line (think he stood out?), MV danced behind the groom, the football player and others soon all joined at disbelief that they weren’t getting kicked out but were instead making cameos on the couples WEDDING VIDEO!

Everything I thought a high school reunion would be – it wasn’t. We did not all chat and mingle and brag about where we are in life and where we are going. We didn’t share and see pictures of everyone’s children, their new homes or pets. Perhaps we lucked out that we got straight to boozing and dancing eliminating all the chit chat that can so often be painful. The high school reunion in fact, reminded me of high school – we sat with those who we knew, gossiped about those we didn’t, drank, swore, and danced! But besides the fun that I did indeed have, what I took away the most was the reminder that my best friends, my five New York girls, are part of my daily high school reunion.

Honorable Mentions

I can’t write about my high school reunion without noting my husband dressing up as a country boy ready to go hunting with Crocs, form-fitting jeans, camouflage, the essential cowboy hat, and ready-to-shoot-gun in hand at 2 AM in the morning. The real country boys, J and D look on in hysterics. If only these pictures had audio...

And a special shout out to our bulldog EVER (until we get our own) – Rocco Miller! Thanks for having a sleepover with us Rocco – you made my hubby’s night!

Countdown To The Presidential Election: Getting Educated

2008-08-19T09:10:00.000-07:00

As noted weeks earlier in THIS blog, I will be highlighting young adults who feel strongly about politics, a particular candidte, and know about the HOT campaign issues. These individuals will share with you their views on why they are voting for Obama or McCain here on HOLLYWOODWANNAB and live on-air with me Parker Sunshine.

This week, Wednesday, August 20, Josh St. Louis will be joining me in the studio to discuss why he is voting for John McCain.

I AM VOTING FOR McCAIN BECAUSE:

I am voting for John McCain because I believe in a cause that is greater than myself. I want the next President to be before party and polls. He needs to make decisions with all of the American population in mind. I believe that John McCain best represents American values, and I believe that he is the best candidate to protect America’s interests around the world.

On the issues, I believe that John McCain has shown the right leadership and has the courage to solve some of the most difficult challenges that face us. John McCain has a plan that will bring our troops out of Iraq with honor. He also has a plan that will cut taxes and offers ways to not only become energy independent, but to help the environment as well.

McCain knows when he needs to make the tough decisions to help promote the cause of freedom. At the time when the Iraq War was at its highest unpopularity, John McCain stood up to the Administration and had the courage to say that the current strategy was not working. He strongly advocated for a surge, which helped to reduce violence drastically and offer more stability to not only Iraq, but the surrounding region as well. Because of this winning strategy, the Iraqis are starting to take control of their country.

I think John McCain said it best when he said, “When politicians start acting like Americans instead of partisans, America will be even stronger.” I want the next president to have that attitude, and I believe that out of all of the candidates in the race, McCain has that attitude and is ready to lead on Day one.

Josh St. Louis is a sophomore at George Mason University, studying government and administration of justice. He is currently serving on the Executive Board of the George Mason College Republicans, and blogs for them, as well as the Virginia College Republican blog. He believes in the importance of student activism, and plans to continue serving as an advocate for conservative causes well beyond college. During his free time, he volunteers for many Republican candidates and committees, and just recently finished interning with Congressman Tom Davis.

To hear Josh St. Louis talk about his support for John McCain tune in to Talk Of The Town, Wednesday August 20, 2008 at at 7PM - Click HERE to learn how to listen!

Lauren Conrad - Get The Skinny!

2008-08-11T11:10:00.000-07:00

Mary Kate Olsen, Nicole Richie, Rachael Zoe and now...Lauren Conrad. It appears that the reality star is following suit with the shoulder and ribs diet!

Oh LC, you have it all wrong. Always petite with her girl next door appeal, she was a different kind of pretty that might have inspired girls to NOT be so thin, but I suppose her desire to remain in the spotlight drove her to cave to the demand to look like the rest of young Hollywood.

Where are these girls parents? Isn't there anyone in their lives that can put the brakes on their poor behavior? Partying ways? Drug abuse? Eating disorders?

I miss the more "grounded" LC who lived in Laguna, went to college, and hoped Stephen would want to date her -- that was relateable. Now...she is like all the rest.

PS - I do LOVE the dress though!!!

Ms. Sometimes Mom Spears

2008-07-23T10:20:00.000-07:00

Last Friday should have been a sad day for Britney Spears.

Her and her ex-husband, Kevin Federline, have reached a custody agreement in which Kevin will retain sole custody of their two boys.

People.com reports that, “All Britney was seeking was a formalization of her increased visitation that she's obtained over recent weeks, and the additional overnight. She won both of those requests."

Crazy or not, I do not understand how a woman can give up custody of her own children. I am sure it was the best decision for her sons; however I am not convinced it was the best decision for Ms. Spears. In fact, I believe that it was an agreement made to allow Spears to maintain her freedom and ability to be “mommy” at her own discretion.

The no-drama-Hollywood-parties-pink- wig-wearing rarely seen Spears, has led me to believe that Britney was on her way to recovery, that she would continue to prove that she could be a mother, a good mother, once she had a support system reinstated accompanied with professional help. This means she would fight until the death to at a minimum, retain fifty-fifty custody of her two boys. Instead she threw in the towel leaving me to question her selfishness (once again) rather than her insanity.

Even if Spears did not want custody of her children I expected her to fake it. She has a responsibility to make her boys believe that she wanted them, that she fought hard and long, while sane and insane. Even on her worst day, she knew in her heart and crooked mind that she owed her children the love and childhood she never had. Instead, Preston and Jayden will age and learn that their mother abandoned them earlier on.

With Spears’ next album and tour, the desire will return to be in the limelight, to be on top again. She will use the media and it will use her – a most desirable interview, that Barbara Walters will surely snag. Perhaps then, when I hear her side, I will feel empathy. But until then I laugh at the fact that Ms. Spears relinquished custody of her children while her 16 year old sister, Jayme Lynn, raises a child of her own.

Am I being too harsh?

Countdown To The Presidential Election: Getting Educated

2008-07-01T18:07:00.001-07:00

On November 4, 2008, we ALL have the power to vote for change, to vote for our future.

Since many young adults do not bother to vote, learn about the candidates nor understand the pressing issues facing and defining the future of our country, I want to help educate you and myself before the next Presidential election.

Every couple of weeks we will hear from young adults with an opinion on who you should vote for and why that candidate is the better of the two. Learn about the issues and importance of your single vote this coming election. Feel confident when you check that box knowing you are a piece of history, an impact on our future.

This week on Talk Of The Town, Matt Smith will be joining us discussing why he is voting for Barack Obama.

Why I'm voting Barack Obama:

Providing tuition assistance/reimbursement to get young people to serve in the federal government
His stance on providing additional Veterans Benefits to those who have served, such as health care extension, mental health benefits, and more money towards the GI Bill
Support for $150 billion dollars to be placed into the hands of businesses to help create new "clean technology" areas in former coal and textile towns and cities
His commitment to begin a gradual withdrawal of troops from Iraq with the advice of Generals on the ground and confronting the mounting rhetoric coming

Matt Smith. Born under the Jerry Springer Administration and a military dependent – of 20 years as an Air Force brat – his political beliefs are personal and gained from firsthand experience. While growing up, he attended 13 different schools (George Mason University being his last), lived in 8 states and 1 U.S. Territory. In 2000-2001, Matt served as Press Assistant to then-Senator George Allen (R-VA), has worked previously for campaigns such as Scott Klein for Delegate Campaign (VA-44) and as a volunteer for John McCain for President in 2000. Currently, he serves as the Marketing + Communications guy for a local college student staffing company, and is a proud graduate of George Mason University. When he has free time, Matt enjoys golfing, watching soccer, a nice pint of Guinness (or local micro brew), and traveling.

To hear Matt Smith talk about his support for Barack Obama tune in to Talk Of The Town, Wednesday July 2, 2008 at at 7PM - Click here to learn how to listen!

I Want To Be Amish.

2008-06-25T13:29:00.001-07:00

I know that sounds crazy, I wonder if they even allow those not born and raised Amish to come into their “world”? So what inspired my desire to want to become Amish? I watched last night’s Primetime special called “The Outsiders” which followed four teens and their journey of deciding whether or not to stay Amish or depart from their religion, culture, and family in order to enjoy and participate in modern society.

The stereotypes of being Amish are that you do not drive a car (horses are their main mode of transportation), electricity is forbidden , dress is extremely conservative, and education past the 8th grade is nonexistent. Video games, cell phones, Ipods, and computers are for the most part, not a presence in an Amish upbringing. So as young adulthood approaches, many teens begin to contemplate whether or not they too will take the path their parents have chosen and commit themselves to God.

Unlike myself, baptized as a baby, the Amish believe that children cannot meaningfully accept God as their savior at a young, ignorant, and unknowing age. And so the Primetime special followed four Amish, about-to-be young adults, as they approached a crossroad in their life – commit to God and the Amish community or leave. I must add, the Amish are extremely forgiving people – always willing for the most part, to welcome back their sons and daughters so long as the come home ready to pledge their life to ways of the Amish.

Most watching probably thought, “Run…break free.” My response was “Stay…and take me to your world!”

The Amish strive to live a life where the outside world does not impact their home – the stresses and pressures to have a lucrative career, to remain competitive and always connected to work, to raise a family with two parents regularly not present – these are the variables the Amish eliminate from their lives and from the lives of their family. They do not wish to win lotto or to make a million dollars. They have remained true to the concept of the American Dream – have a home, raise a family, and provide for your children. A simple concept that may have lost its originality by an expanding need for society to want and demand more outside our basic needs.

Being Amish I suppose is like being on a year round vacation with some hard labor mixed in – yes typical chores that may be more difficult without electricity must be completed; however the ringing phone, bombardment of emails, stresses of work, and pressures to perform are eliminated from your daily routine. Isn't this one of the reasons we all leave our own homes and head for vacation?

As a society we have become accustomed to the demands and pressures of everyday existence that the Amish simple way of living seems unfathomable to us –Not answering the house, work, and cell phone? Shutting off the computer and not checking emails? No TV? What would we all do?

Imagine a life disconnected from everything around us except from our family? How would the world be different?

Can You Afford A Baby?

2008-06-23T07:28:00.000-07:00

Many of my closely approaching thirty-year-old-friends have come to realize that timing will probably never be perfect when deciding to start a family. There will never be enough money, never enough time, never enough house to suit the needs and demands of a child. So with a bit of hope and a surge of excitement coupled with slight unease and nervousness many have thrown away the birth control and ridden their draws of condoms. But before you become spontaneous, acting on impulse and the dream of what it would be like to have a baby take this quick quiz by U.S. News and first see can you even $$afford$$ one!

The quiz told me “3 to 5 points: You are on the right track, but additional planning could help ease the transition to parenthood”. I think that is just about right! Find out if you are financially ready for a baby – CLICK HERE.

New Parker.TV Video Blog

2008-06-20T09:42:00.000-07:00

HAVE YOU HEARD?
17 high school girls made a pact to get preggers and raise their babies together

Who is to blame? How about YOU AND ME?

Check out my video blog on Parker.TV discussing my feelings about this unfortunate occurrence

To hear me on-air, LIVE every Wednesday check out:

www.parkersunshine.com

Health Tip 104 From a Non-Health Fanatic

2008-05-26T10:01:00.000-07:00

Oh boy, you are not going to like this tip.

Stop making excuses! No, this tip is not about exercising more, counting calories, eliminating carbs, or taking vitamins. This tip is about your desire to loose weight, get healthy, and become confident and comfortable in your own body.

Trust me, I understand the busy days packed full of work, errands, chores, and other obligations that take away time for you to invest in working out or cooking meals. But life is never going to slow down and pleasantly make time or space for you to incorporate getting in shape – you must make loosing weight a priority. By simply committing to set this goal and go after it, you will find the time (whether by waking up early or going to bed late) to exercise, eat more wisely, and enjoy your changing body.

Almost a year later, I still have to remind myself that just as I lost the weight, I can regain the weight. It is a scary thought and sometimes exhausting as I many times do not want to prioritize working out or eating healthy – sometimes it feels easier to give into the temptations around me than to remain dedicated to my self commitment. But when the scale slightly raises and the clothes fit a bit snuck I remind myself of my happiness when being thin. I remind myself of how hard it was to get to where I am and that by reversing this great goal I would experience heartache my self-esteem and health could not bare.
I have stopped making excuses.

When it is hot out. When I am exhausted. When I get home at 8 PM. When in a hurry and unable to find 30 minutes. When on vacation. When PMSing. The excuses are so easy to find, so easy to speak to, so easy to use – I remind myself they are just that – excuses. No real reason as to why I can’t exercise or eat the salad instead of the pasta. This week I ran 5 times and only enjoyed it once.

Find the time to love yourself and love your body. Stop making excuses and commit to becoming healthy and getting in shape.

Poor Jessica Simpson?!

2008-05-14T10:50:00.000-07:00

Is a picture really worth a thousand words? I hope for Jessica Simpson’s sake it is not, as this candid photo shows Tony a bit too close to a pretty blonde (at least we know what type of hair color he likes best). Of course we can think of all the possible scenarios in which this photo was shot but like most celeb magazines I quickly jump to the conclusion that:
--Tony is out in Chicago at the hot lounge Manor where he and his buddies throw a couple back – no ladies allowed weekend. A bunch of twenty-something girls quickly recognize him and start playfully flirting across the room with less than shy smirks. A couple of shots and shared drinks later Tony forgets he is in a serious, world-known relationship. The blondest of the group compliments Tony on his body, on his game, and on landing Jessica Simpson, but promises a young girl from Chicago knows a lot more tricks than a use-to-be Southern Bell. He doesn’t cross the line per say, as he only verbally flirts with his teasingly nature and frequent love taps – never kissing, holding hands, or dancing in close proximity. But as last call is announced and the two depart in separate cabs, those left behind know this night will end with a heavy secret Tony will carry.

That was good right??!! I mean come on, we know what the media will do with these images – the comments, captions and outright fibs they will add in order to suggest more than what we can literally see. So how should we probably view this photo?

--Tony is out in Chicago at the hot lounge Manor, leaving Jessica behind in Nashville as she works long days to finish up what he believes, will be a hit country album. Tony and his buddy throw back a few drinks, and as usual, many girls at the bar take notice to his good looks and well-known face. Several cute college chicks approach Tony – sharing with him how much they love Jessica and are a fan of their relationship. They of course interact with some innocent flirty behavior (which is healthy) and Tony kindly poses for some photos. Tony and the guys buy the girls a couple of rounds and at the end of the night “I love Tony Romo” can be heard shouted across the bar with Tony’s checks turning bashfully red. Tony catches a cab, calls Jessica and reminds her how much he loves and misses her.

Which scenario do you think is more likely?

*Photo obvioulsy from Perezhilton.com

Wishing Every Day Were Derby Day

2008-05-05T17:55:00.000-07:00

The Kentucky Derby – it is more then big hats, lavish sundresses, twenty horses, endless bets and mint juleps galore. It is the one event in the United States where your salary, profession, and social status mean the least because regardless of who you are or where you’re from everyone relates to the joys of a little booze, warm weather, and an opportunity to win big! Couple that with friendly southern hospitality and strangers eagerness to know one another and you have a modern day Woodstock event.

And so this past weekend my mother and I traveled for our second trip to the great Derby and once again it did not disappoint. Here are a few highlights:

Where else do people fancy big hats with feathers and lace in all shades and colors? And I can’t forget to mention my most favorite one – the horse-head hat that made almost every local Kentucky news channel (please take a look)!

The Derby of course has most dress up in their Sunday’s best but these two guys had a different idea about style and attention getting:

What about meeting the winning Jockey who rode Big Brown in the 2008 Kentucky Derby? Yep, that is me and Jockey Kent Desormeaux.

To add to my collection of famous meetings I could not pass up the opportunity to meet Jockey Edgar Prado, who rode the winning and late Barbaro.

You can’t help but notice nor forget the people you meet at the Derby that help to make your experience so memorable. Here is Apple and I – her and her boyfriend (who was quite a bit older I must add) sat in our box on race day. She wore a beautiful, and of course, big hat, that was cocked sideways and pinned on her head. But her dress was the eye stopper, hat or no hat. It was bright satin green and gathered in front – it screamed antique, Great Gatsby wear. Unfortunately for Apple with every move, applause, or quick step to the bathroom the dress ripped, ripped, and ripped some more! By the end of the day she was simply wearing material hanging on by literal threads kept together with a few close-pins!

And where else to meet the interesting faces that makeup the Derby crowd? The hotel bar of course! So as I sit between my mother and a handsome pilot who has solicited her counseling services free of charge, I beg the bartender (who we’ll call “G”) to lighten the mood with more appropriate conversation that can be understood while under the influence of alcohol. What I heard I almost did not believe as “G” pulls up his right arm sleeve and shows me several bandages wrapped around his bicep pointing to where his almost ex-wife shot him two weeks prior! Yes, you read that correctly. Dressed in garbage bags and perched outside the ally of his window she waited to get an opportunity to call him a bastard and cock her pistol (she is pissed that he has moved on and she hasn’t). “G” was hit and began to run. He said, “Just like in the movies, after a few steps I fell” while she continued to shoot. With the shots running loud neighbors phoned the police and his almost ex-wife now sits behind bars charged with attempted murder! For sure, an unforgettable story.

And for my mother's sake I must add a picture of my feet. Yes, my feet! The day before the Derby is called the Kentucky Oaks - and oh how I had such a cute outfit with adorable shoes that once rained on, caused my feet some serious pain! So I went "MacGyver" and created an invention that allowed me to at least walk the rest of the day throughout the track (I must admit my mom was quite embarrassed - but I wasn't!).

The flat lands, green grass, warm welcome, offbeat encounters and memorable personal stories are all small touches that make a huge event and a short weekend filled with memories of a lifetime.

If only every day were a Derby day…

DC Metro - Fav Vendors

2008-04-29T12:35:00.000-07:00

I can't help but offer advice to all the "almost brides" of the coming months who live in the DC Metro area. Here are some of the BEST vendors I suggest you use when planning your wedding!

Mywedding.com is a wonderful online resource that allows you to post as much or as little information that you want to share with your guests in advance in order to make their attendance most comfortable. You can post pictures, provide locations, times, and directions and add any bit of guidance you think a guest would need to know in order to be stress free. Did I mention that this service is for FREE and the templates are very easy to use?!

It has become the norm nowadays to send out a “Save The Date” long before your wedding day. Families and friends are spread across the country and people’s lives are busier with days and weekends booked far in advance. I used and am a big fan of Magnetstreet.com (note: they are not limited to just magnets and offer other announcement styles). The representative assigned to me over email was easy to work with and allowed me to request several changes that she promptly made. Nothing goes to printing until you are 100% satisfied with the draft of what your item will look like. Magnets are a smart choice for a Save The Date because they are unlikely to get thrown away or your date be forgotten about as the message on the refrigerator is a constant reminder!

Rosalin’s Bridal in Falls Church will negotiate all final prices with you. In fact I know several brides who found their dresses elsewhere but came to Rosalins’ to determine if they could have their dream dress for a little bit less! My bridesmaid dresses were $40 cheaper per dress ordering them through Rosalin’s. I also purchased my tiara from Rosalin’s and after I found another that I loved more dearly, Rosalin’s was kind enough to allow me to return the product even though that is not their formal policy. I searched high and low to find affordable pocket fold invitations that had a little bit of personality and matched my color scheme. At one point I was so desperate I considered making them myself (which would have been a bad idea considering I can barely draw stick figures).

Although a bit out of my way (The Hawthorne House, located in Occoquan, VA) I decided to find out, after several recommendations, whether or not they had what I was looking for so badly. And yes they did! They had a large assortment of pocket fold styled invitations at better prices then most.

If you are top heavy, busty, or have big boobs, your saving grace to making your wedding complete is finding a bustier that will hold you in and make you look as beautiful as you had hoped in your wedding dress. I dreaded this search as I can barely find bras that fit me comfortably and support my “twins.” But then on theknot.com I read rave reviews about a store in Vienna, VA called Trousseau. During one of my mom’s visits we arrived at what became my favorite store ever! Besides the fact that they understand all boob sizes and shapes, and even more impressive that they will alter any piece for FREE, the women who worked there were so accommodating, patient, and helpful – making me feel normal and ensuring me they would find the right bra for my dress. One bustier and several bras later I departed the store thankful that the apparel for my big day was now complete.

Last stop – bathing suit (which is just as dreadful as finding the right bra for us big boobed women). I wanted to look sexy on my honeymoon and be able to frolic along the beach in a two piece like all the other just married wives. I did not want spillage or a top that fit but bottoms that were too big. I wanted to feel like a perfect summer beach babe. And then I was just as thankful to find Lions Lair Designs as I was when I found Trousseau! Lions Lair is located somewhere in Florida. They are a store that specializes in carrying lingerie and bathing suits for big boobed females. This is the key – get measured at Trousseau for the Freya and Fantasie brand bras. Lions Lair sells suits from these designers so once you know your bra size in these brands then you will know the exact size you are in the swimsuits. In fact, my bikini top fits more perfectly than my bra top! All orders can be placed by phone to Lions Lair. They overnight whatever you have ordered and they do not charge you shipping if your purchase is over $90 (pretty positive that is the dollar amount but not 100% sure). On several occasions the bottoms were too big, too small and each time Lions Lair was gracious enough to not charge me the cost of shipping! I have never had suits that fit so perfectly! This is

Only Getting Worse

2008-04-23T08:02:00.001-07:00

Does this look like a Disney star? Well based on the former pop-tarts before her who also became has-been disasters, I suppose Miley is right on track. Her virgin-like appeal has quickly shed as her dresses get shorter and her tops get lower! Where is her Achy Breaky Heart Daddy? He needs to get her in check quickly! Pretty soon she will be known for a bit more then her singing, and you know what that means (wink, wink)!

Summer Fashion - Don't Be Made Fun Of!

2008-04-18T12:23:00.000-07:00

The slightly raised temperatures make most a bit more happy with frequent smiles on their face as they depart work knowing several hours of daylight and warm weather still remain. The mind travels to upcoming beach vacations triggering watering mouths eager for coronas, crab cakes, and barbequed treats. Golden tans, loosely tied pony tails, flowing sun dresses paired with bright colored flip flops – oh how I love summer fashion and the comfortableness of shedding the layers and heavy worn sweaters that keep us warm through the harsher months!

What could ruin this perfect image anticipated by most to become their three month reality? Woman’s fashion! Yup, you read that correctly. With the summer months shortly arriving woman everywhere swamp sealed boxes packing away their winter clothes to embark on a what still fits and what doesn’t from their summer storage. And in the next few months several fashion no, no’s will occur. So please, take a few minutes to read my suggestions – these bullets can save you from unknown embarrassment while educating you with some reasonable advice!

Shoes
-I love open-toed shoes and so should you. However, please do not wear shoes in which your toes hang over the edge. Ladies, if your pinky is sticking out between the sides of the strap or your big toe is hanging over the edge – you need a different size or a different shoe!

-Do not, I repeat, do not wear stockings with open-toed shoes. Listen baby boomers, if you cannot part with your stockings (that typical give fat rolls and highlight that your face, chest, and arms are a different color then your legs) then wear closed toe shoes. Stockings worn with open toed shoes highlight your age by this old school fashion no, no.
-Paint your toes! If you choose to wear open-toed shoes you do not need to get a $30 pedicure, however you do need to scrounge around for the nail file, clippers, and some pale nail polish (which can be purchased at the dollar store). Exposing your feet draws attention to them – please save yourself the embarrassment of snickers and “ewws” behind your back when others examine you toe-to-toe. Spend 20 minutes and get those feet in decent shape.

White
-I love white shirts. They look great under floral and patterned jackets by allowing the main piece of the wardrobe to stand out, however for most, they should be left as a layered item and never worn alone. White shirts show every flaw of your upper half. Fat rolls and nipples are not attractive so unless you are a tiny frame or anticipate being in the spring break wet t-shirt concert choose a color over the plain-white-tee.
-I love white pants. But similar to my comments above, this colorless pant allows the public to see your cellulite, underwear marks, and potential private parts sweat. How unattractive! If you must go white wear a fit that is loose and non-camel toe riding.

Belly Shirts
-Belly shirts are no longer in – skinny or plump, do not wear them. Make men use their tiny imaginations rather then have a clear, almost naked vision of what you look like bare. Cover your sh*t up and wear something that shows your curves but tactfully! Anything Britney would wear you shouldn’t and belly shirts are top on her list!

Bathing Suits
-It is not an option and there is no need to cover up completely. What’s the point of going to the beach if you aren’t able to get a little sun to tan those legs so you don’t have to wear stockings? Simply be sensible when picking a suit. If you have a few extra rolls wear a tank-kini instead of the string bikini! Busty women take note – make sure you wear a top that holds your breast in – spillage, nipples, and almost accidental exposure is not attractive.

Shave
-Yes, it is sad that I must provide a friendly reminder to women that during the summer months it is most important to shave your legs (and not just below the knee), bikini area, and arm pits. Ladies, your clothing will not hide the hair protruding from your unshaven knees. When you are wearing a skirt to work the light will hit your leg and all will see the sun-kissed hairs remaining on the back of your thigh – get the razor out now! And hello, shave around your vajajay please – you will not be considered a hoochie mama if you clean up the area so that the jungle that remains is not sticking out of the sides of your bathing suits bottoms! And arm pits???? No comment besides – we are not French – get rid of those straggles ASAP!

Wow, I am exhausted thinking about the common mishaps females make when preparing for the summer months. Please apply these do’s and don’ts when dressing for the coming summer months! Good luck ladies, I wish you fabulousness and fierceness in the Summer of 2008!

Brides-To-Be: Some More Advice!

2008-04-10T06:08:00.000-07:00

My Top Tips For Brides To Be

Brides are typically very informed ladies who research every topic under the sun to ensure they know it all. But there are always a few things when you look back, that regardless of how perfect your wedding day was, you wish you did different. Here are a few tips to help you plan - a few small suggestions that can make a huge difference.

1. Apply lip stick or lip gloss regularly before being photographed – this small touch of makeup can make such a difference.

2. Something is bound to go wrong and more than likely it will be a small detail that no one else will notice but you – let the mistakes and imperfections be part of your day, do not let these instances define your day.

3. The bride sets the tone for the wedding. If you are having fun so will your guests. Everyone wants to be by the bride – family, friends, and even those you do not know so well – if you spend time on the dance floor, so will your guests. Be seen and be the focal point – guests tale their cues from the mood and demeanor of the bride so let the stress disappear and soak up the few hours you have to celebrate this occasion.

4. If you can afford it, especially if you are having a high number of out-of-town guests try to provide transportation to and from the hotel and reception site. This helps alleviate guests being late, lost, or having to worry about how many drinks they will have at the reception. Check out trolley companies – they tend to be cheaper than limos and can hold more people (typically 20 – 30).

5. Tip your vendors in advance or put your husband or father in charge of giving all vendors final payments and/or tips on the day of. The bride should not have to worry about this, but at the same time you want to make sure those who have worked hard for you get their tips – create envelopes that are labeled on the outside with each vendors name. This is an easy way for your husband to know who gets what.

6. Put your card box and gift table in a visible spot and a location that is easily accessible. You do not want cards left on tables because guests did not know where they were suppose to go.

7. Add small inexpensive touches to your wedding to make it your own. This is when theknot.com is crucial to creating a detailed oriented wedding. A few ideas I took from “knotties” in order to give a beach themed vibe – skip the standard folded tent place cards and used sand dollars to write guests name and table number; use sand buckets instead of gift bags for out-of-town welcome treats – fill the sand bucket up with snacks and a welcome brochure that includes directions, locations, and things to do in the area.

8. Skip the processional line after church and greet guests during dinner – you will be served first and more than likely won’t eat much so spend time welcoming everyone then.

9. Logistics – When deciding where you will sit your guests place “fun” guests around the perimeter of the dance floor. Make sure bathrooms and smoking areas are close to the reception area.

10. Get in shape – look your best on your wedding day. The pictures taken on your wedding day will be forever in your household and shown to your children – be committed to get in shape and look your best.

11. Test your tux – at almost every wedding I have been in (and even at my own) there are always issues with the men’s tuxedos not fitting properly. Make sure the groom, father’s, and all others wearing a tux receive them prior to the wedding so that they can determine if they need to get something altered or a new one shipped ASAP. Do not worry – tuxedo companies can have the exact size the morning of your wedding – yes not ideal but a lot better then a groomsmen wearing high watered pants down the aisle!

Now This Is Beautiful.

2008-03-25T09:55:00.000-07:00

She is regularly teased by the media as being a bit porky with pictures and comment boxes suggesting the wanna-be pop singer far from fits the mold of the size 0, six pack, bare belly image that young girls try to obsessively emulate.

Does America really believe that Brooke Hogan is fat?!

Most tweens viewing this image will first point out Miss Hogan’s flaw – thick thighs, and oh my, do they touch?! Impressionable girls ages 8,9, and 10 are learning early on by the media and the images used to portray beauty that thin equates to more than a pant size. Thin is beauty. Thin is popularity. Thin is models. Thin is money. Thin is boyfriends. Thin is power.

Runway models, actresses, singers – all thin. Reality TV hasn’t helped any either. It appears that even “real” people are all thin too – The Hills, Real World, The Bachelor – these shows make their audience believe that waiflike figures are the norm, and to be average, maybe a size 9, isn’t.

Even at my age I am impacted (and regularly reminded) that women must look a certain way in order to be labeled “pretty”. And pretty only has so much to do with your face and a lot more to do with your image. Victoria Beckam – not necessarily pretty, yet she is classified as a cultural icon due to her thin stature, stylish outfits, and mischievous mannerisms (oh and her hottie of a husband). Fortunately, I am able to filter the distorted images and implied definitions of beauty and how they relate to myself in order to remain sane, average sized, and not on a hunger strike to shrink a few sizes.

Unfortunately, young girls are easily influenced by the powerful images splashed atop magazine covers and fashion runways leading them to believe if not thin enough they are not good enough. We need to change that.

*Picture courtesy of Perez Hilton.com

Move Over Mommy!

2008-02-27T07:47:00.000-08:00

Click here to watch Victoria Beckham's son, Cruz, break dance at the Spice Girls Reunion last concert. This is too cute! He is only 3. Is there a So You Think You Can Dance for toddlers in the making??!!

Health Tip 103 From a Non-Health Fanatic

2008-02-25T13:01:00.000-08:00

If dieting was easy and exercise enjoyable woman would hate each other more and men would stay single longer.

More importantly, we would all be a bit happier.

Let’s omit the concern of our health. Health you ask? I respond, “Who cares!” Let’s be vain and think about looking good in that short, lacy, black, sleeveless cocktail dress…that you need to be 20 pounds lighter to fit into. Let’s also imagine looking in the mirror and seeing a reflection back that is curvy but slender and much more slim than in years past – you smile, you are happy.

If improved health results from bettering yourself by becoming a skinny beeatch, then heck, that is an added bonus!

In the mean time, lets learn two more health tips (from a non-health fanatic) that seem simple but are difficult to execute. Read, absorb, implement. Don’t ask questions, I don’t have answers! Save them for the doctors who probably haven’t helped you get fit!

Just remember, I am like you and this worked.

Pass the pepper not the salt. I am neither a doctor nor a nutritionist but I do know two simple facts – salt makes you retain water and as a result, makes you feel bloated. Why do you want to feel bloated when your goal is the complete opposite – to look and feel skinny. Salt is not going to help you in this mission so get rid of this seasoning and supplement it with something else.

Eliminate bread. Bread helps make you fat and keep you fat. Why? Because bread is refined, full of sugar, heavy in carbohydrates, and we never eat it in moderation. We have it in the morning (bagel), we have it during lunch (BLT on bread), we have it with dinner (pasta and garlic bread – extra yum), we have it at home and in restaurants – it is everywhere and it is always welcomed!

Unwelcome the bread! Say goodbye to white bread forever. And when you occasionally need your fix, indulge with whole wheat bread only – be down with the brown not with the white. Why you ask? (I told you no questions!) Fiber! Fiber! Fiber! Fiber makes you feel full and it aids digestion – simply put, fiber does not stick inside of you so as easily as it g oes in so does it go out.

We are not done with this bread conversation yet! When out to eat if you must have some of that hot, full-flavored, smells so good bread – have a piece and then ask the waiter to take the basket away. I do it all the time – there is no shame in this act, only pride that you are on your way to becoming the skinny diva you always dreamed!

*Make sure to check out my previous Health Tip's 101 & 102 From a Non-Health Fanatic to learn more about what worked for me. You never know, it might work for you too!

Reminder: As Quick As You Rise You Could Fall

2008-02-08T13:51:00.000-08:00

I hope my skepticism proves untrue, but the recent coverage of Miley Cyrus makes me wonder if she is just a few short years behind becoming the next pop idol disaster.

The suggestive pictures of her at a friends sleepover, the black-dyed-hair and heavy make-up, and outfits like the one shown here forecast a bad-girl-rocker tone a bit too grown up for this current Disney star.

In an industry where warning signs and the outcome of poor behavior are splashed onto you tube and gossip mags within seconds – you’d think that Miley’s recent tabloid rumblings would cause her parents to replace the mini-dress with tie-dye denim and ked sneakers!

Saying No Is OK. They’ll Love You Just The Same.

2008-02-06T11:16:00.000-08:00

Could Natalee Holloway’s mother or father have saved her?

While hearing the emotionless Joran van der Sloot confess to having disposed of Natalee Holloway’s body, I hesitate for a moment but then proceed forward contemplating a different outcome if Natalee was never allowed to attend the informal school vacation.

I reflect back on my own teenage and young adult years where my mothers constant response of “no” drove me crazy. I was always the friend who had the earliest curfew, was unable to stay out the night of prom, and never allowed to attend far distanced trips unless one of my parents were a direct chaperone. Life at the time seemed so unfair.

As I get older and move further away from my teenage years and closer to having my own daughter one day, I think about the discipline and freedom that I will allow my children to have and I cannot help but think – unless myself or her father were present, my daughter would have not been allowed to attend the Aruba trip. And I am sure tears would have streamed down, red hot tempers would have flared and a few ‘I hate you’s’ would have been said, but in the best interest and protection of my child my answer would too, like my own mother, have been no.

What right does an 18 year old have to go to Aruba with a group of friends for a high school graduation party? Is a barbeque and pool party in the backyard no longer sufficient? Were parents aware that their children would be of legal drinking and gambling age in Aruba? Did any of these mothers and fathers stop to think that perhaps their teenage child was not yet mature enough to be situated in an environment that is loosely controlled? Even more disheartening is that the ratio of chaperone to students was 7:125, and as this was an “informal” high school event and all the students had recently graduated, the chaperones lacked the ability to implement hardcore consequences for poor behavior. If a student broke their curfew (were there even curfews?), became intoxicated, or slept in the opposite genders bedroom for example – what would be their punishment? They could not be expelled, miss graduation, or receive detention – all the possible deterrents that chaperones can typically emphasize and enforce were absent in Aruba.

Teenagers are not adults and that is why they are labeled with a term that references a transitional stage of human development. Teenagers, no matter how well they are raised, do not always understand the ramifications of their actions or overindulges – parents do. And parents are to be the literal and physical boundary which protects their children from the known and unknown harms of the world.

Natalee was not protected in Aruba. And I can only hypothesize that a response of ‘No” with a few “I hate you’s’ could have saved her life.

Black Out

2008-02-01T22:21:00.000-08:00

Britney just found out that her Father has been named the conservator of her estate and http://www.tmz.com/ reports that she went ballistic inside the UCLA Medical Centre.

Even being celeb-obsessed, it sickens me that an insider is feeding this information to a for-profit, spread-your-dirty-laundry, paparazzi friendly company. That healthcare professional or associate (be it the nurse, receptionist, or janitor) broke the law to respect and keep sensitive the privacy and rights of patients seeking treatment. They should be fired.

And TMZ is just as dirty as that insider mole. Do they not carry any sense of responsibility or understanding of a fragile girl who needs to gain control of her life? Gaining this control equates to eliminating the open door policy she so easily and regularly endorsed. The media needs to strike on Britney. Stop the coverage! Ignore her. Dim your lights and turn away. Britney is just as obsessed with the attention she receives from these hungry-for-a-dollar men, as they are for their next best money making shot. Each get off by the others actions and the sick relationship between the two have stripped away any sense of fascination and intrigue.

What is left to know about Britney Spears? I think we have seen and heard just about all of what could and could not be true. We simply can create her own reality in our minds by piecing together the puzzle as we see it best fit, just as the paparazzi do.

Perhaps her future would look brighter if all the lights went dark.

Still Recruiting

2008-01-23T06:16:00.001-08:00

Tom Cruise new prey is Ryan Seacrest! Hollywood sources are claiming that Cruise has been trying to causally introduce Seacrest to Scientology.

Seacrest needs to be out!

My Haircut.

2008-01-23T06:15:00.000-08:00

I chopped my hair off. And please, when you see me don’t ask if I like my new do while you hesitate to tell me your true feelings to see if they are aligned with mine. They’re not. I love it. I feel sophisticated. I feel chic. I feel sexy. Sorry you are boring or don’t adjust to change well.

Victoria did it. Katie did it. And so did I.

Brit-Aster

2008-01-16T12:44:00.000-08:00

Adnan Ghalib, the nasty, scheming, former paparazzi who is currently the lead user in Britney’s life is supposedly married. My question is, why haven’t any of the gossip mags or paps tracked down his to get some clarification as to whether this is true or not?

A few photographer stalkers coupled with badgering questioning might just make his wife want to be in the spotlight herself – offering up her side of the story for a ton of potential cash.

US Magainze suggested that the wife is in support of Ghalib’s infidelity so long as Spears is the only other woman – Britney is their winning lotto ticket.

Ghalib unfortunately, is just like the other media hungry, dying-to-be-their-own-star, Starbucks and Target companion of Spears. Spears picks associates who love the publicity as much as she does. Having another fame whore standing to her stand somehow makes her deep desire to remain famous okay.

Let me be Miss Cleo for a moment and predict the following:

Once Ghalib has award winning, never better, wait until the world see’s this footage – surprising, shocking, how did TMZ get that video material of Spears will surface probably showing some sort of disturbing behavior.
Within the next five weeks, in the interim of Spears not having any sort of visitation rights with her children, Spears will have another, potentially deadly meltdown.

Hopefully my crystal ball is wrong.

Big Girls Don’t Cry … Especially When Campaigning

2008-01-08T10:10:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Senator Hilary Clinton reminded us that she is a woman. Bad move.

Clinton’s emotionally charged response to a Portsmouth, New Hampshire audience member question caused her to become teary eyed when replying, “You know, this is very personal for me. It’s not just political it’s not just public. I see what’s happening, and we have to reverse it.”

For many, Clinton’s behavior reinforced the hesitation of electing a female Commander-in-chief. Her red eyes and shaky voice stripped her of the ‘tough guy’ image she regularly portrays and reminded voters that she is as feminine as Jessica Simpson.

Perhaps Clinton’s reaction was strategic and staged – but in a time of great uncertainty and change, Americans are searching for a leader not a crier. And although the ramifications of her tears have yet to be determined, this much is sure – On the eve of the New Hampshire primary, Clinton became a ‘typical woman’.

From the start to the end – her campaign may be a trail of tears.

What do you think? Did Hilary show she was more human, or will the perceived weakness end her campaign?

*First published on http://www.mindsay.com/, January 8, 2008

Flat again

2008-01-08T10:01:00.000-08:00

Ms. Spears has yet another flat tire. Hmmm...has anyone stopped to think that maybe the paparazzi are creating her flat tires so they can get close to the star and have an upfront photo shoot? Just a thought....

Pap's to the rescure - see the footage on TMZ.COM, file "Britney Has Another Breakdown"

http://www.tmz.com/tmz_main_video?titleid=1369819657

A Dose of Realism

2007-12-30T23:10:00.000-08:00

Lying on the couch with my husband of five months, two days before the turn of a New Year, I said in a daring but you know I am too chicken voice, “Let’s quit our jobs, cash out our savings, and go travel the world for one year”. My husband looked at me as if this was the most genius idea I had ever presented.

I rolled my eyes, laughed, and proceeded to explain why this was not realistic, why we could not partake in a twelve month journey of travel, exploration, education, and epiphany. Deep down inside I wish I were different. I wish I were a risk taker.

I grew up in suburbia New York where all families ate pizza on Fridays, attended Catholic mass on Sundays, and worked long hours the rest of the week. Each family yearned to establish the American Dream – defined as a consistent paycheck, decent sized home, college bound children, with yearly family trips that in most cases, were in driving distances. The overall theme of our parents American Dream was to institute a family of stability, success, and future advancement – none of which could occur by risky and uncalculated behavior.

And stability in any form was an early on goal of mine.

In pursuit of my growing up in the 80’s American Dream I have since resisted change, eliminated risk, followed all laws, and focused on generating a more than decent paycheck. But somehow, my own pursuit seems to fall short of internal desires that are regularly quieted by the realism that my childhood so strongly reinforced. Dream big, dream often, but dream within realistic boundaries.

Cautiousness keeps me on the couch but my journey of self will eventually get me out that door.

The Hills is Fake? Get Out!

2007-12-27T10:03:00.000-08:00

The truth is slowly unraveling and could prove damaging to other reality shows.

Page Six reiterated today previous reports that "The Hills" is nothing more than a staged production that includes reenactments, scheduled run-ins, and orchestrated love interests. The most recent report of fraud suggests that Lauren’s boy toy in Paris (episodes yet to be aired) was hand selected by the shows producers. This allegation is nothing more than a bullet point added to the laundry list of previously noted editing mishaps caught by celebrity obsessed watchdogs.

The intense coverage and scrutiny of the show has even forced The Hills' main character to come clean. In a recent Q&A session with Entertainment Weekly, Conrad admitted to doing re-shoots of incidences that occurred while the cameras weren’t rolling. She said:

“I went home and called someone [Brody], and the next day talked about it. [MTV] was like, Okay, well, we need to get that on tape, and since they're trying to tell a story the right way, I basically had to go and call [Brody] again, have the exact same conversation on camera”.

Most watching reality shows know that they are fake – audiences simply don’t want to be reminded of it. Pointing out the fraud behind the show takes away the glamour of the characters and the excitement of the storylines.

If reality shows were anything close to our own reality, wouldn’t we all be disinterested?

*First published on http://www.mindsay.com/ December 14, 2007

A Day of Progress For Current and Soon-To-Be New Jersey Criminals

2007-12-27T10:01:00.000-08:00

No appeal. No protest. No pardon issued a minute before midnight.

Today 8 death row inmates in the state of New Jersey played spectators to the sport of politics as Governor Jon S. Corzine signed legislation and made law, the abolishment of Capital Punishment. At the mercy of no jurors or judge, the 8 convicted criminals were given a new verdict of life in prison without parole.

According to Newsday, Gov. Corzine said:

“This is a day of progress for us and for the millions of people across our nation and around the globe who reject the death penalty as a moral or practical response to the grievous, even heinous, crime of murder”.

No wonder the Statue of Liberty’s ass faces that state.

*First published on http://www.mindsay.com/ December 17, 2007

Part-Time Mom Spears, Misses Court Date

2007-12-13T09:22:00.000-08:00

Her album (currently 51st place) and commitment to family are looking rather low on the ranking charts of both Billboard and the L.A. family court system. Britney Spears did not attend her court-ordered deposition Wednesday morning due to an "illness".

Spears's friend Sam Lufti told PEOPLE in an e-mail: "She's sick, both physically and high anxiety. Millions of press outside. It's too much."

Spears anticipated deposition is to be used as another piece of evidence determining the resolution of the custody battle that rages on between her and K-Fed.

Why is it that Britney had a panic attack when seeing the flurry of reporters outside her home when preparing to go to court, but she regularly gallivants around L.A. welcoming the paparazzi and overt attention when going to Starbucks?

Oh, and Ms. Spears, just some wise advice – if you’re too sick to go to court , maybe you should continue to play sick and not be caught out by TMZ (those same paps who gave you anxiety during the day) driving around town at 2 o’clock on the morning. Just a thought.

A Young Professional In Seacrh of A Future

2007-11-30T20:17:00.000-08:00

Dear Barbara (Walters),

I don’t know if it can be true, but it appears that I may be your third friend request on Myspace. I can’t help but hope that if this is the case perhaps my message will get to you sooner than when you shortly have 250 friends and I am simply another wanna be hoping to reach you.

I assume many will want to leave you messages of admiration, comments of support, praise for your journalism talent, provide feedback, perhaps even ideas for your TV and radio shows. I write you in hopes of defining a dream and linking with a resource who can guide that dream. I am looking for a mentor.

I write to you as en educated, college graduate with a Masters degree. A young professional who works at a top Consulting firm in the US. A volunteer of charities and a part time gymnastics coach. I write to you unsatisfied and confused as to how I attained a job and began my career knowing without a doubt, I arrived by wrong turns.

I want to be a television host, maybe even a radio personality. My degrees never enhanced nor assisted in leading me to a career that was a best fit – a career that made sense. I love talking, interacting, researching, learning, and sharing. I am not a sit-behind-the-desk, paper pushing, uniform wearing type of girl. I am loud, bold, outgoing, dynamic, sensitive, relatable, witty, and a sometimes confident woman.

Barbara, in convincing myself to go after my best fit I have limited faith that I too can be a story of unlikely success without a little miracle from someone like yourself. If you for any reason want to help and mentor me towards this dream, message me back on MySpace – this grand communicative technology that allows the ordinary to reach the extraordinary with a few thoughtful sentences and the push of a button.

Sincerely,

Danielle

Grown up.

2007-11-06T19:40:00.000-08:00

And one day I was a grown up.

I was driving home, stuck in bumper to bumper traffic. I hoped I’d made it to the town high school in time to vote for our election of local politicians. I worked ten plus hours today. After voting I was going to have to cook dinner and then clean up the kitchen – load the dishwasher, wipe off the table and place mats, wrap the leftovers, clean the oven and surfaces. Exhausting. It’s the sixth of the month. Darn it, all the bills are due – must write those checks tonight. Pick out clothes for work tomorrow. Pack my gym bag. Make my lunch. Check Perez, People, TMZ and My Space. Work on updating my resume and check job listings. Get six hours of sleep. Wake up and start the next day…stuck in traffic and running late, again.

Health Tip 102 From a Non-Health Fanatic

2007-11-03T11:24:00.000-07:00

Run! It is very simple. It doesn't require you to count calories. You don't have to think about portion control. And you do not have to do it more than once a day.

I initially believed that I could start to exercise, not diet, and still somehow manage to lose weight. After a month of proving myself wrong I decided to pay attention to the foods I shoved in my mouth and increase my exercise schedule to not only include 3 days of outdoor conditioning with a trainer but added 2 additional days of self hell - running around my neighborhood.

When running short distances in my conditioning class, I could barely keep up. I kept my inhaler in hand, breathed as if I was giving birth, and regularly stopped in the middle of the lap walking my way back to the finish line. It was embarrassing. I was pathetic. I could not believe I was this out of shape. I did not want to forever be the girl in last place.

I came home, put my work out clothes on, added some motivating music to my Ipod, grabbed my inhaler (just in case) and set out to make it around the one-mile circular roadway adjacent to my apartment complex. I jogged down a small hill and then walked to the first house on the left. Once I reached the mailbox I jogged to the Fire Station on the right. I walked down hill about 15 feet and then attempted to jog up a step hill on a major incline. It helped that the road parallel to this hill is extremely busy with traffic and I reminded myself that if I stopped jogging now all the people stuck at the red light would witness me quitting. In disbelief I made it to the top of hill.

And so I have continued my schedule of running the one-mile lap, shortening the distances in between my sprints and my walking. I know for most, especially those overweight and out of shape, the idea of running, not even the act of it - sickens you. You would rather starve yourself. Only eat vegetables. Never eat bread or any other kind of carb again. Perhaps you can walk you ask? The answer is No. You cannot walk! You cannot starve yourself! You cannot attempt to try and fail again at any of the million fad diets you have already tried in your crusade to look great and feel well. It will not work. Get your ass up and run.

I don't care if you run for ten feet, walk for forty, and then run for another ten. You need to start somewhere. You can run off the fat. I promise. I did it. And every time I ran I reminded myself that I was running the weight off (literally).

I would run and think about the red pair of pants I wanted so desperately to fit into. I would run and imagine looking in the mirror and not thinking 'I looked fat'.

I would run and think about the fight I had with my fiancé, the bills I needed to pay, the job I loved that I didn't have. Over weeks and the following months running became "my" time - it was fifteen minutes in which I self evaluated, it was the time where I pushed my body's limits, reminded myself of its purpose, envisioned the results of each step, and cleared my head of the days thoughts.

There are days I run longer distances than others. There are many days when I move slower, walk more, and curse the whole time I am pushing myself up and down the hills that I move over during the one-mile run. However, the one consistent is that I run - 5 days a week - when I feel like it and when I don't. I do this for myself. I do this for my body. I do this so the days I feel good about myself outnumber the days I feel fat!

It works. I was able to wear those red pants. And guess what? Now even the red pants do not fit --- they are too big.

A Few Tips To Consider:

Use landmarks to set short term goals. Run to the stop sign and then walk to the intersection. Run to the willow tree and then walk to the fire hydrant. Every two weeks change the landmarks so that there are longer distances in between the starting and ending points.

Listen to music. Music can distract you and motivate you. Who doesn't get pumped up when ‘Eye Of The Tiger’ is blasting in your headset? On days that I really did not want to run I would purchase a few new songs from Itunes so that I had something to look forward to during the run.

Self talk. Use the time you run to remind yourself why you are subjecting your body to this physical activity. Envision the results you want to get out of your run - imagine yourself in that black sexy cocktail dress or two-piece bikini.

Health Tip 101 From a Non-Health Fanatic

2007-10-09T11:25:00.000-07:00

Several months back when I decided to lose weight and get in shape I really did not know how to begin. My diet at the time consisted of pizza (Ellios was my favorite!), Mac and Cheese (Velveeta is the best), hamburgers, hot dogs (Nathan’s of course) and all things Italian. Give me bread, rolls, croissants, and add a little butter please! My physical activity was low, well actually, it really did not exist except my cardio at the mall (which I visited every Sunday while my than fiancé watched Football). The most common words of wisdom people shared when speaking to my future plans of becoming fit was “eat less and work out more”. The overwhelming amount of diet fads, cookbook literature, workout tapes, and co-worker opinions simply left me unsure of how to correctly approach implementing a healthy lifestyle.

I decided to eat better, and well, start working out.

I solicited the help of Weight Watchers and an Outdoor Conditioning Program and have since lost a total of 26.4 pounds. Weight Watchers continues to teach me foods I can and can not eat and foods I can have every once in a while. My Outdoor Conditioning class keeps me physically motivated by pushing my body to surpass the limits that I had previously set – running a minimum of five times a week has become a regular custom for me.

And throughout the process I have still been overwhelmed by the constant contradictions of how it is best to get fit and be healthy. However, some tips I have heard or read resonated within and now, every so often I would like to share with you my readers, my healthy tip from a non-health fanatic. These are tips that have worked for me and may not work for you. These are daily rituals of the sort that I incorporated into my life style because they are simple tips and easily understood. Counting calories, measuring food – that's all a bit complicated. I wanted to know the small, easy, no non-sense advise that could expedite my weight loss and would not cause me to have oily stools and surprise diarrhea!

Drink Green Tea. Why? Because the celebrities do it and you know those skinny bitches have the highest paid nutritionists and trainers advising them as to what helps facilitate weight loss!

Truthfully, all the tabloid magazines (that I am obsessed with) regularly have features on celebrity diets. Their inserts show before and after shots, and sample work out and diet menus. Green Tea is always a must have. I couldn’t bare to drink the hot Green Tea so I found the cold alternative – Crystal Light On The Go Green Tea Raspberry flavored. There are 14 packets in a box and all you need is a water bottle, water, add the mix and presto you’re no longer drinking soda, juice, or any other beverage that is high in calories and packed with sugar.

Green Tea has been a lasting fad and is regularly correlated with ‘flushing out your system’ – I knew it wouldn’t hurt incorporating it into my daily intake of fluids.

So now you’re wondering what is the real, medical conclusion as to why Green Tea is so highly recommended?

As noted in the October 22, 2007 issue of Healthy Living Made Easy First, Green Tea is full on antioxidants that
“…stimulates thermogensesis the process by which the body uses energy…Subjects who took Green Tea increased their metabolism by 34 percent…”. Antioxidants are also believed to help prevent cancer, heart disease, and stroke.

Take it or leave it folks...just a small tip that has worked for me.

*Blog References:
www.weightwatchers.com
http://www.customfitnessconcepts.com/
www.kraftfoods.com/crystallight/

Passionless

2007-09-27T12:34:00.000-07:00

I think the modern work world is overrated with high paying salaries to people who really don’t do much. But the economy and interest rates, and the increasing cost of living and rising tuition, expensive gas and environment friendly hybrid vehicles dictates what a job is valued at in order to keep money pumping into and out of the cities, states, countries, continents, and world. And somehow us human beings get lost in our materialistic need to keep up with our tainted environment, restricting our true desires from our must haves all because we need to survive - and surviving means renting, owning, eating, wearing, and worst of all- working! When I was a child and even into my teenage years, I spent many days dreaming and preparing for what I was to become as an adult. The world seemed to offer so many possibilities with so few restrictions. In the “old days” children were taught – be a good person (don’t get expelled, do drugs, or get arrested), get good grades, participate in sports or other extracurricular activities and well, all the rest will fall into place. For most of us, what we became or the job we might have, never had to do with how much we would make. Several years ago, where I was going and how I would impact the world was driven by the mere desire inside of me to do “something” that was influential. My passion so pure and virgin like, was not driven by a particular topic, cause, or dollar figure – it was simply the “compelling emotion” of wanting to become part of something bigger and greater than I had known at fifteen years old. So how did I get here? Sitting behind a desk in a nice windowed office, at a top consulting firm, making a decent salary (I take that back. I am underpaid. Why? Because everyone else is still making more doing less) somehow feeling less passionate and more confused about who I am and who I should become than when I was just a child.

Perhaps as we get older our passions become diluted by the driving forces of our environment that dictates what we should value, what we should become, what defines success. The “real” world my friends, is anything but real. We deceive children into believing that they can become anything they want – but then when they have received their education they also acquire high interest rates accompanied by never ending loans, we give them six months to find a job before they must pay up. The pressures from our external environment (rent, groceries, student loans) cause us to suppress our deep rooted passions in order to survive in this demanding, competitive society they we are forever indebted too.

An internal passion, a desire to have impact is like MasterCard, priceless. Never lose touch of your initial dreams, desires, and passions. Tap into your soul regularly in order to remain true to yourself and the path in which you anticipate sketching out over the course of your life. Sometimes we lose ourselves in all the things that everyone else values, we somehow convince ourselves that we value those same things and as a result our passions fade, and our dreams become blurred. Hold true to yourself – and when lost, continue to rediscover who you are as a person – you are bound to find yourself back at where you should have started.

What Went Wrong With The VMAs?

2007-09-10T18:31:00.000-07:00

Well maybe we should start by pointing out what didn't go wrong.

Alicia Keys was fabulous. Let's say that again- Alicia keys was FABULOUS. She is what singing, entertaining, and carrying yourself as a cool, hip, in-style not trashy slutty woman is all about.

Chris Brown- fun, fun, fun! Again, another entertainer who you are not stuck watching lip syncing swaying back and fourth on stage- boring, I could get that at the local karaoke bar. Mr. Brown put on a performance which the VMA's at that time very desperately needed- he made you realize you were watching an awards show with at least 1 talented person in attendance and on display.

JT and Company- a good, not great, closing. I guess in comparison to the rest of the evening, if we are grading on a college bell curve, he'd get an A. But on most typical standards- C+ at best. Don't get me wrong, JT is hot, Timbaland is Jacked, and Nelly, well she has weird blonde hair (and whose that other girl??)- but.....JT's acts all seem the same after a while. The "WOW!" factor is more like a "wow" turn the page, because he produces the same type of performances with just new songs and lyrics. (Let's not lie if I went to one of your concerts I would probably fall in love with you, put posters of you up in my bedroom, and pretend I never wrote one negative word about you)!

Jennifer Garner looked HOT. You are a MILF- I aspire to be you!

And there you have it folks- the few successes that sum up the 2007 VMA's- because the rest of the show will be remembered as MTVs worst in the history of awards show. Who cares that some 23 plus million tuned in to watch- the news articles haven't reported how many of those millions were left after the first commercial break...and even more so, what was the viewership number by the close of the night? The high ratings simply had to do with the world wanting to see the train wreck of a former teen idol crash and burn- and boy did she ever. But Britney simply set the stage for the rest of the evening- a half asses, most anticipated, hyped up performance that left viewers checking out and turning on the local news- even that is more exciting than this years VMAs!

Everything was wrong. From the several stages and VIP rooms- this is too confusing MTV, especially when you can't even have the names of the Artist performing on the screen. Yes we know the songs lyrics, but that doesn't mean know we know the band!

And no host? Come on! The best and worst of shows need a host- someone to simply facilitate the evening.

And Sarah Silverman just plain sucked! I mean she was not even funny nor crude she was dumb- like Britney, she needed more practice!!!

And the rapper that performed his little rap- ummm were his back up dancers all Dove Girls? I mean, couldn't we find a bit more in shape females to be wearing tiny clothing shaking their butts around stage? If we are going to sell these dirty, raunchy images to the tweens, well lets at least have the girls that are their role models be in shape!

Even more importantly, one of the things I look most forward to during the awards show is seeing who is in the audience- especially those candid shots of the camera panning the audience during the winners walk to the podium (oh wait another thing we were missing this year- a podium for lord sake! Everyone looked so awkward holding a mic in one hand and a moon man in another come on now!). Who the heck was in the audience? Too much common folk! I don't care nor am interested in seeing everyday people like myself! I want to see Paris, Mari ah, Kelly, etc. Where were they sitting? I was so sick of the same shots of Rhianna, Jay-z---- there was no one else to even put the camera on. How lame!

And there you go- the summary of all the disappointments big and small at the VMAs. Poor Britney took the heat for all that didn't work, when she simply was the forecaster of the nights events. Maybe no one else recognized all the other flubs because they simply couldn't get past hers (flub and flab I mean).