I almost hate to admit it, but MTV’s “The Hills” is one of my guilty pleasures. Still, I’m disappointed by the show’s blatant lack of diversity. I suppose Audrina is the most “ethnic” girl on the show because she’s the only brunette in a sea of bottle blondes. So I looked forward to Whitney Port’s New York City spinoff, “The City,” where I thought for sure there’d be at least one woman of color represented in the cast. I was wrong.
Overall, “The City” doesn’t look much like the Big Apple I live in. So I was pleasantly surprised to catch tonight’s premiere episode of “Daddy’s Girls.” This spinoff of the wholesome “Run’s House” stars Rev. Run’s lovely daughters Angela (pictured on the right) and Vanessa Simmons (pictured on the left), and chronicles the sisters’ Los Angeles escapades — from the West coast launch of their Pastry footwear and clothes boutique to blind dates and shopping sprees.
Finally, there’s a portrait of young Black women with style, class, and poise on MTV.
First off, I want to thank all of the Hot Mama Daily readers who shared their thoughtful New Year’s resolutions. You guys rock! Unfortunately, I could only pick one grand prize winner and that lucky winner is Michelle St. James from Brockton, Massachusetts. Yay!
Michelle gets to select the clutch bag of her choice from Handbag Heaven. However, because I received so many great responses, I am also awarding two runner-up prizes to Lynda Kelly from Toronto and Margarita Viera from New York City, who will both receive a $10 gift certificate for Handbag Heaven.com or any of the Affordable Style.com websites. Who says Christmas is over?
Read the winners’ inspiring resolutions below:
Michelle:
Ihave given my resolutiontremendous thought this year because2008 was difficult and left me hollowed out, both emotionally and spiritually. There was a great deal of loss in my life and when December came around, the clich that life is short suddenly had real meaning for me and I took stock of my life and myself. I have a good and blessed life, but I am neither the person I want to be nor the person I always thought I would be. Somewhere along the way I lost sight of the dreams that were strictly mine and that once gave me great joy. I think that happens to all of us as life happens and we start putting others first, but my New Year’s Resolution is to reclaim my dreams and to work toward them. I have always wanted to write and have had small pieces published here and there, but I have never given it a fair shot. I bought Writer’s Market on January 2 andI have found amystery writing course I plan to take. I have no idea if I possess either the talent or the drive to be afull-time writer, butmy resolution is to dive in head-first, ignore the inevitable feelings of guilt for doing this one thing just for me, and give it a shot,hopefully recapturing the creative spark thatwas once such a presence in me.
Lynda:
My name is Lynda and I am a university student in Toronto, Ontario. In reviewing 2008 and the decisions I have made in my life thus far I am declaring 2009 my year of reconstruction. My New Year’s resolution is to get organized and get focused. Because no one has me as top priority but me! In the last week of 2008 me and a close friend got together and spent the day setting goals and the means of achieving them in 2009 this included finances (tuition, vacation, life savings, etc), career plans (associations to join, things to accomplish to make our dreams come true) and many other categories to help us come full circle in aspiring to be the best that we can be by our own standards. One of my favourites is the TRASH COMPACTOR (these are the people, things and places that are a waste and need to be removed from ones life). My friend and I are accountable to each other through weekly updates via email and encouraging phone call/texts no matter what the hour of the day. We each have a book to help us get more organized and eliminate clutter from our lives making more time for our priorities. The book is called Organize Now by Jennifer Ford Berry. It gives you a week-by-week guide to getting organized.
I know it’s only a week into the new year but by writing out a plan for my future and eliminating clutter from around me, I already feel a sense of peace that I want to work hard to keep with me all year.
Margarita:
My New Year resolution is to learn to say no to people. It may sound silly but I consulted a psychic at an event I went to and she told me that people take advantage of me, which is true. I was a bit skeptical, but she told me I have to learn to say no and heal. Her advice was to become more spiritual and to be strong so I have promised myself to do this by reading the Bible and reading “how to” books. I started reading the Bible already and by carrying and wearing a rose quartz crystal so I can heal. She told me to use the rose quartz crystal. I am also becoming more in tune with my spiritual needs. Sometimes we forget to meditate and take time for ourselves, which is vital for our soul. I had trouble saying no at work. I am no longer at that job, and I hope to be strong at my next job which I am currently searching for. I plan to learn to be more confident by improving my self-esteem and my self-image which will help me say no more often to people.
To be honest, I’m not a huge fan of Grammy nominee Leona Lewis’ voice. It’s a pretty voice and the natural beauty has all of the makings of a star, yet I’m just not feeling the “X Factor.” What I am feeling, however, is Leona’s flair for fashion. The Brit sure knows how to pull a casual yet chic outfit together.
The above photo captures her on a recent shopping trip in New York City and I love the riding boots, leggings, and black cap. I’venever considered a white coat, and I like the fit of Leona’s jacket. And Iknow it’s a big trend, butI’m on the fence when it comes to the black fringe hobo bag. What do you think?
After a couple months of searching, I found the perfect pair of black riding boots for a nice price at Nine West. I plan to break them in tomorrow on my birthday. So I have at least one component of Leona’s ensemble. Here’s how you can assemble all of her look:
Boots from Nine West, $130 (they’re 30% off at most Nine West stores)
For better and for worse, we women of color often have a little extra junk in the trunk. The challenge is keeping your rear assets toned, so a few months ago I tried VelaShape. I was inspired to try the non-surgical contouring procedure after watching honorary hot mama Kim Kardashian (she has a booty that rivals J. Lo and Beyonce) get VelaShape-d on her E! TV show.
By using powerful energies known as elos that reduce the volume and appearance of fat tissues, the FDA-approved VelaShape contours, shapes and slims the body by reducing cellulite and circumference.
My Experience
I went to the White Tea Spa in New York City. My goal was to tone my thighs and my main concern was that the suction-like instrument used during the VelaShape treatment would feel too hot. My friendly body and skin care therapist assured me it would feel similar to a warm deep tissue massage. Once she started on the back of my thighs, they did feel a bit warm. But I told her whenever it felt uncomfortable and she applied more gel to the area.
The procedure took about 40 minutes and at the end I was pleased to hear that I didn’t have much cellulite. Generally, gradual improvement of the treated area can be seen immediately following the first treatment, and my thighs did feel tighter, smoother, and more toned for at least a week following my visit. Although I planned to go back for a second treatment, I never made it.
If you have a lot of cellulite and you’re serious about getting rid of your tush’s dimply appearance or your cottage cheese thighs, however, it’s recommended you get at least VelaShape 4 sessions (single session for one area, $285) and adopt a regular exercise regimen for your desired results.
The beginning of the New Year usually means it’s time to make your New Year’s resolution. And I want to reward one lucky Hot Mama who tells me the best New Year’s resolution with the clutch/evening bag of her choice fromHandbag Heaven.
But I’m not looking for a simple answer like “My New Year’s resolution is to lose 10 pounds.” I want you to dig deeper and tell me something you intend to do or change and why?And you’ll increase your chance to win if you tell me how you plan to make the change.
For example, my New Year’s resolution is to be more patient and less critical of myself and my loved ones. How? By listening to spiritual teachers like Eckhart Tolle who focus on staying in the present moment; developing a regular spiritual practice like meditation or going to church; and believe it not, by taking dance classes.Why? Because doing so will make me happier and make life more enjoyable.
To enter the clutch bag contest, email your New Year’s Resolution (remember to give it some real thought) to tracy.hopkins@b5media.com by 12 noon on Tuesday, January 6 (yeah, that’s also my birthday).
