This New Year, Eat, Drink and Be Warm

So 2009 is quickly coming to a close, but not before temperatures dip to annoyingly low digits. Here are some delicious drinks to warm your New Year's Eve party. Did I mention that they are deliciously warm alcoholic beverages? Don't worry, I have nice "virgin' treats as well. These soothing treats are perfect with sweet or savory appetizers.

HOT HOLIDAY MULLED CIDER

For this sharp cider you will need:

• 2 quarts apple cider
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tbsp. sugar
• 2. tsp cloves
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 2 oranges, sliced
• 2 lemons, sliced
• 1 cup Captain Morgan's spiced Rum (optional)

Mix all ingredients and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10 minutes, then strain and serve. Garnish with fresh lemon, orange slice, or cinnamon stick in each mug.

HOT HOLIDAY PUNCH

Give your New Year's party a warm touch with this punch:

• 3 cups apple juice
• 3 cups orange juice
• 6 cups cranberry juice cocktail
• 3/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 tsp. powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 3/4 tsp. ground cloves
• 3/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

Combine all ingredients in a very large saucepan and bring to a boil. Simmer for a few minutes. Put mixture in a Crockpot after it has boiled and keep warm over low heat. Yields 20 servings.

COLONIAL HOT BUTTERED RUM

You will have to start making this cozy drink ahead of time!

• 2 cups brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter of margarine
• 1 pinch of salt
• 2 quarts hot water
• 3 sticks cinnamon
• 6 whole cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 cups rum
• whipped cream
• ground nutmeg

Combine all ingredients except rum, cream and nutmeg into a 5-quart crock pot. Cover and cook on LOW for 5 hours. Stir in the rum. Ladle from the slow cooker to heatproof mugs, and top with whipped cream and a dusting of ground nutmeg. Makes 8 servings.

WARM CRANBERRY WASSAIL

If you'd prefer a non-alcoholic end to the year, this one-for-the-road is just for you!

• 1 (64-ounce) bottle of Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice Cocktail
• 2 1/2 cups apple juice
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar, optional
• 3 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks
• 1 tsp. whole allspice
• 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
• Orange slices (garnish)
• Whole cloves (garnish)

Combine all ingredients except the garnishes in a large saucepan. Heat till boiling, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain punch to remove spices. Place in a heat proof punch bowl. Garnish with the orange slices studded with cloves if you'd like. Makes 14 (6-ounce) servings.

So eat, drink and be merry, but also be safe: Never Drink and Drive...Ever! Now, if you're worried about calories, well, what else are New Year's resolutions for?

Happy New Year!!

How to Protect Your Relationship on New Year's Eve

With New Year's Eve right around the corner, parties, drinking and wild times are sure to follow. Before the stroke of midnight, partying goes up and relationships can go down - Especially if you can't party with one another! With booze flowing and good times in the air, innuendos, dirty dancing, and old flame drunk dialing can rear their ugly heads. While it may seem harmless at the time, what you do at that New Year's Eve party could have lasting effects on your relationship long after that apple falls in Time Square. With a few steps, however, protecting your relationship on New Year's Eve can be as easy as making a list of resolutions you won't keep!

• Watch Those Parties - New year's Eve parties receive a lot of hype for drinking, dancing and wildness. But take a good look at the party you're going to and be aware if there will any temptations, desirables or individuals that could cause trouble for your relationship. Old flames, co-workers or friends who may have had their eyes on you should be warning signs on parties to skip or leave early.

• Be Careful with Drinking - "En vino veritas!" In wine, there is truth. Watch how much alcohol you intake as every glass could be leading you to bad choices and skewed perspectives on what's acceptable behavior. Remember, even the best boyfriend, husband, wife or girlfriend could make a mistake while under the influence. It could be unnecessary physical contact that could make your partner jealous or get back to them (if they're not with you) and be much worse as the story gets relayed!

• Have a Designated Conscience - Designated Drivers are a must and so are Designated Consciences. Have a good friend or relative who you trust that will keep an eye on you in case a situation arises that has you making a jackass out of yourself. If you're doing Tequila shots and that cute girl from the apartment upstairs starts dancing with you, having a friend keep you on the straight and narrow could keep you from entering 2010 single and a jerk.

• Keep Your Special Someone on Speed Dial - If your sweetheart isn't with you at the party, have them on speed dial and as a picture on your cellphone. Nothing keeps you as grounded as having your baby's face looking at you from your iPhone even as that hot guy is winking at you. Also, if you get the drunk loneliness syndrome, you can call them up and talk to them. Drunk dialing your girl is much better than drunk dialing an ex-freak from back in the day who may meet you up while you're drunk.

• Think "What if They Were Here?" - The ultimate way to keep yourself from screwing up your relationship on New Year's Eve is to think "What if They Were Here?" Regardless of how drunk you are or how hot the person flirting with you is, keeping a mental picture of your special someone should keep you from royally screwing up.

Ultimately, having a good time on New Year's Eve is important. But having a safe one is the real goal. Ring in the new year correct and you and your honey will start 2010 off right.

Gift Ideas for YOU!

Christmas is almost here! Have you finished your Christmas shopping yet or are you still scrambling for last minute gifts? Have you bought anything for yourself? Yup, for you! I know, it's not necessarily the time to think about yourself in the spirit of giving, but if you have been good this year, then chances are you deserve it. Even if you reward yourself with a relaxing massage, it's for you! I've found a few gift ideas at various price points for a browsing shopper:

$50-$100

This beautiful "When Deco Met Pearl" necklace from Etsy seller Ruby Mines. This decadent pearl and crystal necklace with satin ribbon guarantees that you will never be under dressed.

This convertible dress from pavlinadadakova on Etsy is also called the "reccessionista dress" due to it's flexibility. Have you been looking for that little black dress for awhile now? Look no further! It can be made in any size specified and then it's up to you to decide how you want to wear it. Give yourself a chance to be creative and bold!

$100-$275

Every girl needs a nice watch in her life and this watch by Japanese watchmaker Orient does the trick. For $180, these stainless steel, water-resistant watch is simple yet sleek enough to go with whatever you wear.

A nice, sturdy and classic handbag never goes out of style, either. Plus, you can never have too many, right? This bag is super soft and perfect if you are a lady on the move! You can find this roomy bag for $265 from Etsy seller valhallabrooklyn.

$275-$500

Alright, we are getting a bit high in the price points, but you deserve it, right? And who doesn't love a new pair of shoes? These Loeffler Randall platforms spice things up a bit with an ornament, but still classic enough to wear for ages. For $475 on Bird's website, you will cherish these shoes forever.


And if you live in a cold climate, you know the value of a nice and warm coat. Coats by Soia and Kyo are mid-priced (this one is $395) and functionale as well as fashionable. If you're looking to spend money on something that you can wear for a couple of seasons, it's great to invest it in a good coat.

Avoid the Hellidaze! Tips for surviving the holidays with your special someone

It's that time of the year. The holidays are upon us and while there is yuletide spirits in the air, there is also stress and anxiety. Unfortunately, the seasonal stress hits our relationships the hardest. However, with a little work, love and these helpful tips, you'll be under the mistletoe with your sweetie in no time.

• Think about your spouse’s past holiday stories – Your sweetheart has told you stories about their family. Whether it was eating turkey the night before Thanksgiving, opening gifts Christmas Eve or going to temple with their special aunt, you’ve heard stories about your baby’s holidays. Turn back your mental recorder and take note of what’s been important to their celebrations.

• Mentally review previous holidays you’ve shared with your spouse – Did they put special focus on the prayer of giving thanks? Did they make sure it was a real tree instead of a fake one? What events made them happy as a sugar plum fairy, sad like a lump of coal or happy like a joyous elf? This information will help you know what's important to your partner and what's not that big of a deal for the holidays.
  

• Get an early view of seasonal plans – Talk to your family and your spouse’s family (if you can) ahead of time. When you know what’s coming, you can try to plan and maneuver yourself around the pitfalls ahead. Inquiring about what’s going on may allow you to get in on the planning phase. You could be able to help schedule and avoid stress!
  

• Communicate – Talk, talk and talk with your spouse. Plain and simple. Make sure you both know that neither of you is trying to “get over” on the other one. Emphasis that while you’ll be running around seeing each other’s family, the holidays are about YOUR family (you two) together first and foremost.

• Volunteer – Doing community service together can get your perspectives in order. You’ll naturally feel the good work you’re doing radiate into you both. Plus, you’ll be helping out others.

• Be flexible – It will take some managing here and there. It will be give-and-take but in the end, after good meals, happy moments and joyous time, your hazardous-holiday minefield-maneuvering will have been worth it.

Countdown to a Healthy New Years Resolution

 Healthy New Year With Fitness Expert Andrea Metcalf

It's less than 2 Weeks until the stroke of midnight brings in a new year and a chance for many to reflect and project where their paths should be moving. So with 10 days to make some decisions on where your life can take you, here are a few things to do each day to develop your goal!

Countdown:

Dec 21st - What have you done in the last year that you are proud of? Soul searching right before Christmas can put you in better alignment for developing strategy for your new you in 2010. Being grateful is the first step to recognizing where you are starting. Make yourself a list of at least 5 things you are grateful and proud of from 2009.

Dec 22nd - Where do you see yourself in the next five years? Just like losing weight is a day by day process, the next step in your career path may need a year by year vision. Think about what your job looks like, your family, your home, your car, yourself.

Dec 23rd - Only two days left to holiday shop, but you need to think of yourself once in a while... Not talking about what gift to give your self, but taking time to reflect and project! You are almost seven days away from celebrating the New Year. Start to give yourself the gift of time and write down your first impulse or word. This will help you develop a plan for 2010.

Dec 24th - It's about family and friends, love and cheer. Take many snapshots today not only with the camera but in your mind.

Dec. 25th - Take a deep breath and enjoy the sparkle of the holiday and how good it feels to see others happy.

Dec 26th - Regrouping and time to plan out 2010! You'll want your best foot forward and now is the day to decide your biggest goal for the year.... whether it's weight loss, regrouping with friends, or just putting yourself in the driver's seat to taking better care of yourself... make the decision today. Now write it down.

Dec. 27th - Now that you have a direction... make sure it has three components:

• Can be measured - Make sure you can have a way of measuring the success of your goal
• Realistic - Make sure it is achievable! There is only one of you and you still have to work, take care of others, and sleep. 
• Specific - make sure they are clearly written and objective rather than subjective  

Dec. 28th - Decide on your team. It takes a village to raise one child and it takes a team of support to make any change happen. Email your friends, family and co-workers to ask for their support in your new year's goals. Decide exactly whom you can check in with to make sure you stay on track.

Dec. 29th - Start writing out the plan. You know the goal and you know who can help you, so now write out a short plan. Even visualize the plan happening and what it will feel like you when reach it.

Dec. 30th - Get it together! You might need a few things in place for your plan to succeed and don't forget a Plan B. Even the most successful projects have unexpected road bumps. But remember, they are only bumps and not blocks. You can do anything you put your mind to thinking--what the mind can conceive it can achieve.

Dec. 31st - Happy New Year! You are ready to start, have a great plan in place, and a team to help you make it happen. Go after it with all your strength and shoot to be a "10" in 2010.

Lose 5 in 10 Program

If you start with a few small changes and lose 5 pounds a month in the upcoming year that would equal a "60" pound weight loss, approximately 6 dress sizes, and 12" on your waistline. If you have that to lose, more or less, than you can easily achieve that goal with my 5 for 10 program. Here's the simple formula:



1) Wear a pedometer and walk at least 10,000 steps every day.

2) Eat at least 5 servings of vegetables and fruits each day.

3) Take 10 minutes at the end of the day to write down five things you are grateful.



Walking 10,000 steps a day equals approximately 30,000-35,000 calories burned each month. That coupled with better eating habits and reducing stress will easily translate into your 5 pound or more weight loss.

Keep it simple and you simply will succeed!

Holiday Glam with Celeb Make-Up Artist Tia Dantzler

Holiday Make-up Tips from Tia Dantzler

This Holiday Season is all about "The Pretty"!

Think rich, glossy, matte, colored lips, with well defined brows and fresh, glowing skin...my staple. In case your planning on hopping from one hot party to another make sure you use a eye cream that keeps your eyes free from puffiness. This Holiday season I recommend playing up one feature on the face to create the perfect Holiday look.

I'm loving all the great wine and deep purple lipsticks/lip glosses that are worn glossy or matte. When wearing a bold lip always keep your eyes soft and pretty. Another great look this season is all about the shimmer. Adorn your eyes with a shiny, metallic liquid eyeliner to create a sparkle. Be daring and try wearing a deep blue eye kohl instead of your basic black and brown. No look is complete without applying the perfect pair of faux eyelashes for a sultry look.

Purse must haves for midnight touch-ups are blot tissues which fits in the smallest purses as well as your lip color for the night.

Let you makeup reflect your personality and shine bright!

A Different Kind of Barbie Doll

While Christmas shopping for my young niece earlier this weekend, I immediately went to the Barbie doll section to see what was available. I haven't played with a doll myself in years, but I do remember that the selection of dolls has never been diverse. Yes, Barbie now comes in different colors and ethnic backgrounds, but the actual features of Barbie never really change. Barbie, no matter what color or ethnicity, usually has the same hair, facial features, and body shape, no matter what.

I found a maker of Barbie dolls, Tabloach Productions, that features custom dolls with a wide range of features. Want a doll with dreadlocks or super curly hair? You got it. Want a geisha Barbie? You can have that, too. It's a wonderful way to to put diverse dolls into a young girl's stable. Plus, they might just be able to find a doll that looks more like them.

How will NBC's "Sing Off" Sound Off?

In a two hour premier, NBC Debuted its newest reality show, The Sing Off. The four-night, eight-episode competition series is the first of its kind, because competitors will perform with no music, fully a capella, giving the show a unique twist.

There are three celebrity judges: former Boyz II Men member, Shawn Stockman; Pussycat Doll, Nicole Scherzinger; and former front-man for the Ben Folds Five, singer songwriter, Ben Folds. The host is no stranger either: Nick Lachey, former leader of 98 Degrees.

The show features eight a capella groups from around the country, singing popular songs, but in ways that viewers have never heard before. Groups named "Nota," "Maxx Factor," and "Solo" added flavor and excitement to the premier. It's America's votes that will determine the winner who will win an Epic Records/Sony Music recording contract.

The Sing Off finale is on December 21 at 8 p.m. ET.

Russell Krumps His Way Into America's Hearts

Russell Ferguson is the season six winner of "So You Think You Can Dance." The 20-year-old Krumper hails from Boston, MA and started dancing when he was 3 years. Russell auditioned for the popular Fox dance reality show, and when he made the coveted "Top 20," he would be the first krumper to do so. When asked what that achievement meant to him, he said, 'It's just the beginning of the rest of my life."

The two-hour finale of SYTYCD aired Wednesday where the remaining six dancers were one-by-one told how they placed in the competition. Ryan Di Lello placed sixth, followed by his wife, Ashley, who came in fifth. Crowd favorite, Ellenore Scott, and strong female contender, Kathryn McCormick were fourth and third. Contemporary dancer, Jacob Karr was the runner up

What did the krumper win? $250,000 in cash and the title of "America's Favorite Dancer." See the dramatic announcement and reaction below.

Don't Hate the Player? NBA Star Ex-wife Chimes in on Woods' Predicament

Don't hate the player, hate the game. We've all heard that saying and Rita Ewing, ex-wife of NBA legend Patrick Ewing admits no amazement to Tiger Woods' bad slice of late. "It's not a surprise," commented Rita Ewing on the news of Tiger Woods and his infidelity. She continued to state that infidelity is "par for the course" when married to a celebrity athlete.

Ewing cited elements in the world of basketball that were conducive to infidelity. Wives are not allowed to tour with players and teammates and coaches are proponents of love on the road provided that athletes practice safe sex.

Although Woods' world is golf, the same apparently can be applied to some degree. With celebrity status, comes power. And power, especially absolute power on the court or the green, corrupts absolutely.

Learn to Love It - College conferece focuses on Relationships

Ever been told that you need to learn a thing or two about relationships? Usually you hear this from someone you're dating (or was dating!) right as they're about to kick you to the curb! However, your prayers (or the prayers of your significant other) have been answered: a class for relationships has been offered.

In November of 2009, over 200 students from 50 colleges and universities converged on Princeton campus to attend the second annual conference "Sexuality, Integrity and the University." The conference focused on the mentalities of sex and relationships on college campuses today. The conference's purpose was education of the students in attendance towards sex and relationships and how students can "uphold ...in our very sex pressured society."

Students from universities including Harvard, University of Virginia and Princeton gathered to discuss beliefs in sex, relationship practices, pressure on campuses towards negative sexual views and self-happiness and esteem.

Hopefully, universities will adopt this idea and start teaching more incoming freshmen about relationships as well as graduating seniors. Too many educations are side-tracked because of broken hearts and wounded loves. In addition, how many of us could use a little love tutoring? Most would (and should!) stay after school for that.

Susan's Dream, Our Wake-up Call

Susan Boyle dared to dream on an international stage. Now, her album, “I Dreamed a Dream,” released on Nov. 23, is now No. 3 on the iTunes Top Ten selling albums list. But when the then 47-year-old Scottish woman stepped onto that “Britain’s Got Talent” stage on April 11, she was not welcome. Susan was scoffed at and ridiculed for just her physical appearance

After a few eye rolls from Simon Cowell, Boyle started singing. The laughter stopped, replaced with cheers, gasps and standing ovations. Happy ending, right? Why was I so upset? Why am I STILL upset?

Susan’s rocket-fast launch into fame was because she proved us wrong. Are we that superficial a society? We were so shocked, that the surprise alone was the catalyst to Susan’s fame.

When Susan sings, I cry. Yes, her voice is beautiful. But my tears aren’t from gushing appreciation. I cry FOR Susan. For every person who admires her story of courage, there are more who still laugh at her appearance and conclude that she is … nothing.

Until we stop judging books by their covers, we will always miss opportunities to discover truly beautiful and meaningful people that cross our paths.

The Most Fascinating Person of 2009 is...

On Wednesday evening, the ABC Barbara Walter's yearly special, the "10 Most Fascinating People" aired. Some of the most talked about people of the year were honored and interviewed by Walters. The end of the special revealed the First Lady, Michelle Obama as THE most fascinating person of. This accolade comes one year after President Barack Obama won the honor in 2008.

In the past year since the Obama family has been living in the White House, all eyes have been on Michelle Obama. From her fashion sense, to her awesomely toned arms, and her dedication to healthier eating, people listen and watch when Mrs. Obama is on television, the cover of magazines or attending a function.

Mrs. Obama was up against some stiff competition in Sarah Palin, Kate Gosselin, Tyler Perry, among others, but she pulled ahead to take the number one spot. And really, would there be any other fitting choice?

Do you feel that Michelle Obama is the Most Fascinating Person in 2009? Who would be your choice?

Biggest Loser Wins

The Biggest Loser finale Tuesday night crowned Danny Cahill as the season eight winner. Cahill has lost the most weight ever – 239 pounds – on the show dropping from 430 to 191 pounds! Congratulations Danny!

I’m always inspired by the show, and make lofty promises of lower calories and higher cardio, but I procrastinate. I keep waiting until I “feel like it” before I start eating right and working out. That moment never comes. I have to start … now.

When I work out, something amazing happens. I am less likely to eat poorly, because I know just how hard I worked out. Once I got moving, the rest followed.

Danny has some great advice about starting and sticking to your weight-loss goals. “An object in motion tends to stay in motion; an object that is at rest tends to stay at rest…”

Until you start to move, you won’t move at all! So, let’s start today to change those weight-loss goals into plans, and join the winning ranks of losers!!!

Condolences Goes Out To Tyler Perry & Family

We would like to send our condolences out to movie producer, Tyler Perry. Via his website, Tylerperry.com, he has announced that his mother,Willie Maxine Perry, has passed away Tuesday December 8th, 2009.

She's Baccckkkk!!!

America's favorite sultry jazz artist Sade is back giving music lovers just what the doctor ordered, a dose of real passionate music. She first achieved success in the 1980's with as the frontwoman and lead vocalist of the popular English group Sade. However, the dynamic songstress has been known for hits such as; Smooth Operator, No Ordinary Love, The Sweetest Taboo and many more. Fans are anticipating her album that is set to be released in Febuary 8th, in the meantime she has released a mid-tempo hit called "Solider of Love". Take a listen

Tiger Caught in a Bear of a Situation

By now, mostly everyone has heard about the situation of golf phenom Tiger Woods. What began as a vehicular incident has turned into a life-changing exposure of Woods' infidelities and "transgressions." While Woods situation has differing details, one can't help but compare this to Kobe Bryant, Elliot Spitzer and Mark Sanford - another powerful man fallen by sexual foolishness, in this case, a Tiger caught in the trap. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.

While no one has all power in the world, in their worlds, these figures were kings. With everyone from big companies to cocktail waitresses offering the world on a platter, for some, it is only a matter of time before they fall. After hearing "yes" from everyone for so long, the human creature can start to answer yes to breaking any rule, especially that of fidelity.

Tiger Woods has believed the hype and showed that the cookie jar wasn't too small for his hand and that the rules didn't apply. Now, it's out of his world and back into the real one where the reality of his shaky household waits.

Police Policy Comes Up Missing

When should fact trump policy? Jahmeshia Conner’s family wishes it did two weeks ago. Jahmeshia was last seen by her aunt on Nov. 15 when she boarded a bus to go home just seven blocks away. She never made it.

Jahmeshia’s mother thought she stayed with her aunt that night, but when she didn’t come home from school the next day, she called police. Police said they had to wait 48 hours before starting an investigation. Why? Priority missing cases involve children 10 and under. Jahmeshia was 12. Monday, two weeks after her disappearance, Jahmeshia’s beaten and strangled body was found in an alley.

Despite the pleadings of her family that she just did not fit the profile of a runaway, that she was a good child, police followed their Policy. Why no Amber alert? Why classify her as an “endangered runaway?” And the question no one wants to explore: Would Jahmeshia be alive today had she been a “priority” to police? Sadly, we will never know.