Get a jump start on spring and give your room a floral view. Set up a mini-flower garden on a windowsill, counter or breakfast bar. Bringing the outside in boosts your mood. Collect your favorite herbs in small pots and put fresh cut flowers in a vase. And there you have it…instant-bliss!
The things we women go through to look good. I’m sitting in my stylist's chair getting a much needed transformation. Girl, give me the works: wash, color, cut, and locks! It’s my birthday weekend and I want to look fabulous. Plus, I want to look good for any potential job interviews next week.
What is it about coming to the salon and getting pampered? Honestly, my favorite part is getting my hair washed. All the past drama and stress streams from my hair into the wash bowl; it’s uplifting. And then the scalp massage during the conditioning treatment; it feels like new ideas and creativity are being worked and molded into my system. AHHH, a fresh start!
As I pan across the salon I’m wondering what has brought the other women here for a mane make-over and mental nip and tuck. We come here not only to look fabulous but to feel fabulous. This is the one place we can let our hair down –literately-- and be ourselves. We talk about it all…work, family, relationships, and the latest sales at the mall. One sister many speak out on a situation all of us are going through and we all come together with a solution, group therapy any one? Or sometimes, we come to relax and not talk or think about anything at all. Whatever the reason, these moments with our sister-friends and or brother-friends are priceless.
When I need to refresh my look and mind, Lisa’s chair is my solitude. I love chatting with the ladies as Lisa’s magical hands transforms my look. And from the moment she turns the chair around to the mirror and I see the renewed me…the pick me up is instant. I’m thinking…I should have done this weeks ago.
I’ve gone from Almost Fabulous to Totally Fabulous in two hours flat. Happy Birthday to me!
If you are in the South Florida area, check out Lisa Cummings at Salon Ménage in Pembroke Pines.
About: The Working Divas Blog
The Working Divas Blog was spawned from a spa contest I developed for my radio show in Baltimore that has blossomed in to a lifestyle of women that want to live a fabulous life while keeping everything in perspective. It’s Desperate Housewives-meets-Sex in the City-meets-Living Single. Yes, I’m a mixture of all these women…aren’t we all.
What is a Working Diva? A Superwoman; multi-tasking goddess; Go-getter; trendsetter, Problem solving guru; A Woman with the outstanding talent to juggle life, work and family and still look fabulous. Yes, I’m talking about you. So join!!!
Fellas, we haven’t forgotten about you. Every Working Diva needs a Working Don. There is a special place for you my brother in the “For the Fellas” section.
About: Karen Vaughn
An award winning broadcaster, Karen Vaughn is an advocate for helping women stay fabulous while juggling life and work. The originator of the Working Diva, Karen empowers women to put themselves first and enjoy the “bliss” that life has to offer.
She became consumed with work life balance after she and her husband experienced the joy of their first child. “Women have to find ways to manage daily demands and still achieve happiness in their lives,” says Karen.
Karen has worked in major markets including, Philadelphia, PA, Washington, DC, Baltimore, MD, and Miami, FL. Her distinct personal approach and vibrant personality makes her one of the most recognized talents in the nation. She was named on R&R Magazine’s “Women on the Rise” Top Ten list.
Karen, a graduate of Temple University, is deeply committed to using her platform to inform, entertain and inspire. Whether she is facilitating book club discussions, involved with community organizations like the March of Dimes, and the Sister To Sister Foundation, reporting entertainment news, conducting in-depth interviews with her casual conversation style, writing her “FEEL GOOD” column, speaking on self-empowerment, hosting Girls-Night-Out events for today’s women or giving advice on how to go green - Karen continues to empower her audience.
Karen Vaughn is currently writing her first books “Working Divas: from an 80’s Fly Girl to a Millennium Woman” and “Mommy Me Time Momments.”
When we put together out "Valentine's Day Delicious Dishes," we didn't know we were going to have such a huge response. So, we have enlisted the culinary expertise of Chef Mark Watkins: Catering by Mark "at your Service" to create tasty simple meals for all Working Divas(TM). Mark believes in a health lifestyle and has created the "Change" menu which promotes healthy, hearty, lite meals your entire family will enjoy. Look out for the launch of the Working Divas(TM) "Change" demonstrations. Where Mark will show you first hand how to make the meal of the month. Bon Appétit!
After a two month break, I'm back on the radio in Charleston, SC at Star 99.7. Thanks to the entire staff at Star 99.7 and the listeners for the warm welcome. "The Working Divas' Happy Hour" airs every weeknight from 7pm-10pm. Check it out via the Internet at http://www.star997.com/. It's the perfect blend of music, girl chat. Connect 24/7 here at the Working Divas Blog. Join me when you can.
Happy Valentine’s Day to all!!!
Working Divas…relax, relate, and release today. It’s a day of love and lounging. Whether you are in love with your boo or yourself. Embrace the love within. Love ya!
Ingredients
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 (4-pound) whole chicken, cut into pieces (giblets, neck and backbone reserved for another use)
1/2 cup low-salt chicken broth
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley leaves
Directions
Whisk the vinegar, mustard, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in small bowl to blend. Combine the vinaigrette and chicken pieces in a large resealable plastic bag; seal the bag and toss to coat. Refrigerate, turning the chicken pieces occasionally, for at least 2 hours and up to 1 day.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Remove chicken from the bag and arrange the chicken pieces on a large greased baking dish. Roast until the chicken is just cooked through, about 1 hour. If your chicken browns too quickly, cover it with foil for the remaining cooking time. Transfer the chicken to a serving platter. Place the baking dish on a burner over medium-low heat. Whisk the chicken broth into the pan drippings, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom of the baking sheet with a wooden spoon and mixing them into the broth and pan drippings. Drizzle the pan drippings over the chicken. Sprinkle the lemon zest and parsley over the chicken, and serve. (source: foodnetwork.com Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis)
1 1/2 cups chopped onions
3/4 cup chopped carrots
3/4 cups chopped celery
4 cloves garlic, smashed
3 bay leaves
1 cup distilled white vinegar
3 lemons, quartered and juiced
3/4 cup salt
2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
2 (1 1/4-pound) lobsters
8 cups mache or a chiffonade of mixed greens
Cilantro-Avocado Dressing, recipe follows
1 1/2 cups halved teardrop tomatoes
1 1/2 cups diced hearts of palm
1 1/2 cups orange segments, white pith removed
Fresh cilantro sprigs, for garnish
Directions
Set a 6-quart stockpot with 1-gallon of water over high heat and bring to a boil. Add the onions, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaves, vinegar, lemons and juice, salt and cayenne pepper. Bring the pot to a boil and allow to cook for 15 to 20 minutes. Place the lobster into the water and cook until red and cooked through, about 7 to 8 minutes. Immediately immerse in ice water to halt the cooking. Once the lobsters have cooled, remove from the water and set aside.
Use a chef's knife to crack the shell of the lobsters and remove the tail meat and claw meat. Chop the lobster into 1/2-inch pieces, and set aside. Place a sixth of the greens into each of 6 large chilled martini glasses. Drizzle a little of the dressing over the greens. Place 1/4 cup of the tomatoes in each of the glasses, as well as 1/4 cup of the hearts of palm, 1/4 cup orange segments and a sixth of the chopped lobster. Drizzle more of the dressing over the parfait and garnish with fresh cilantro sprigs. Serve immediately.
Cilantro-Avocado Dressing:
1 ripe avocado, diced
2/3 cup mayonnaise, preferably homemade
1/2 cup packed cilantro leaves, blanched and drained
1 1/2 tablespoons orange juice
1/2 lime, zested
1 to 2 limes, juiced (4 to 5 tablespoons)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 teaspoon green hot sauce, or to taste
Combine all ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth.
Yield: about 2 cups
Cook's Note: Any leftover avocado dressing makes a great dip for chips or veggies!
(source: The Food Network: Recipe courtesy Emeril Lagasse)
Our favorite Working Diva, First Lady Michelle Obama, is the cover girl for the March issue of Vogue Magazine. Looking elegant in another Jason Wu design, Michelle is radiant. Shot just before her husband's historical inauguration; Michelle talks about being a wife, mother and the new First Lady.
The eight-page spread shows off Michelle's fearless fashion. Being the trendsetter, she selected all her out-fits for the shoot herself. Sounds like a true Working Divas...doesn't it! When asked about her style she says, “First and foremost, I wear what I love. That’s what women have to focus on: what makes them happy and what makes them feel comfortable and beautiful. If I can have any impact, I want women to feel good about themselves and have fun with fashion.” (virtual hi-five) We here you Michelle!
Our Mom-in-Chief is an inspiration to us all. The March issue of Vogue hits news stands Tuesday. Take a sneak peak of the story. Check a a few more photos below.
CUPCAKES
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon fine salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons red gel paste food coloring (see Cook's note)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream, at room temperature
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon baking soda
Red, pink and white miniature nonpareils, for sprinkling
Meringue Icing
5 large egg whites
1 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoons cream of tartar
Pinch fine salt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 to 3 drops pure almond extract
Equipment: Standard 12 (1/2 cup) muffin tin
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line the muffin tin with pink or white cupcake liners.
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder and salt.
In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar on high speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Occasionally turn off mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Reduce the speed to low, add the eggs, 1 at a time, and mix until incorporated after each addition. Add the food coloring and vanilla and mix well.
With the mixer on low, alternately add the flour mixture and sour cream in 3 additions, beginning and ending with the flour, waiting until each addition is well incorporated before adding the next. In a small bowl, combine the vinegar and soda, and once fizzing has stopped, add to the batter and mix well.
Divide the batter evenly in the tin, filling each liner about 3/4 full. Bake until cupcakes are set and spring back when touched, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.
For meringue icing: Bring a few inches of water to a gentle simmer in a saucepan large enough to hold a standing mixer bowl above the water. Whisk the egg whites, sugar, cream of tartar, and salt together in the bowl until combined. Set the bowl over the simmering water and whisk constantly until sugar is completely dissolved and mixture is smooth and hot to the touch, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to the standing mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and beat at medium-high speed until meringue is cool and holds a soft peak, 4 to 5 minutes. With the speed on low, add the vanilla and almond extracts; increase speed to medium and continue whisking until mixture is glossy and holds a stiff peak, 1 to 2 minutes more.
To decorate: Using a spoon or offset spatula, spread about 1/2 cup meringue over each cupcake and sprinkle with nonpareils. Cupcakes are best served the day they are made.
Cook's Note: If you're unable to find gel food coloring, add drops of liquid food coloring until the desired shade of red is achieved. (source: The Food Network)
Henrietta Hughes - like so many American's need help. Her family is homeless and living in a car. Watch as she gets emotional asking President Obama for help. Watch here!
Julio my man! Check out this college student take the last question at President Obama's Town Hall Meeting in Ft. Myers, Florida today.
After complications from plastic surgery in Brazil Tameka is doing fine. She is in stable condition with her husband Usher by her side. Usher flew in neurosurgen Dr. Gabrielle Hunt who is assisting in her recovery. Tameka's family has flown in to Sao Paulo to be by her side.
Usher is the kind of man every one should want by her side. Wifey first! (virtual hi-five)
Chris Brown can kiss his Wrigley's and MILK endorsements good-bye. The both companies haves pulled his Ad Campaigns.
See what happens when you can't keep your hands to yourself. Just because your step-father beat you as a child does not give you the right to allegedly beat up your girlfriend. He could get 10 years behind bars for this...was the agruement really worth it? Naw...
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Wrigley says it’s suspending ad campaigns featuring Chris Brown as its spokesman for Doublemint gum.
The company stopped short of saying they will drop the troubled R&B star completely.
A company statement expresses concern about what it calls “serious allegations made against Chris Brown.” He was arrested Sunday night for an alleged battery on a woman, and canceled his Grammy performance.
Wrigely said it would suspend any current advertising or any related marketing until the situation is resolved, adding that the 19-year-old should be “afforded the same due process as any citizen.”
1 pound linguini
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
2 shallots, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
Pinch red pepper flakes, optional
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup dry white wine
Juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup finely chopped parsley leaves
Directions
For the pasta, put a large pot of water on the stove to boil. When it has come to the boil, add a couple of tablespoons of salt and the linguini. Stir to make sure the pasta separates; cover. When the water returns to a boil, cook for about 6 to 8 minutes or until the pasta is not quite done. Drain the pasta. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter in 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Saute the shallots, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using) until the shallots are translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper; add them to the pan and cook until they have turned pink, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the pan; set aside and keep warm. Add wine and lemon juice and bring to a boil. Add 2 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons oil. When the butter has melted, return the shrimp to the pan along with the parsley and cooked pasta. Stir well and season with salt and pepper. Drizzle over a bit more olive oil and serve immediately.
(source: foodnetwork)
Valentine's Day is upon us. Starting thinking now about what you are going to prepare for your sweetie or soiree. Here are a few ideas from allrecipes.com and food and wine magazine to get the evening started. Enjoy!
Here's my favorite from realsimple.com. Each day until Valentine's Day we will feature a special dish. If you would like to submit a dish, email us at workingdivastaff@gmail.com
HOT CHOCOLATE CAKE
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus extra for coating 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
1/2 cup sugar, plus extra for dusting
10 ounces semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
4 large eggs
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup mini marshmallows
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
Preheat oven to 375° F. Generously butter, flour, and sugar eight 6-ounce coffee cups or mugs made of ovenproof stoneware (see tip below). Wipe the rims clean. Place the 8 tablespoons of butter and the chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water and melt, stirring once or twice until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool 5 minutes. Using a handheld mixer, beat the eggs, yolk, vanilla, salt, and 1/2 cup sugar at the highest speed until the volume doubles and the mixture becomes foamy, about 5 minutes.
Stir the 3 tablespoons of flour into the chocolate, then gradually add it to the egg mixture, beating on low until it's fully incorporated. Ladle the batter into each cup until it's about 1/2 inch from the rim.
Bake until the cakes puff and begin to crack but the centers are still a bit runny, 13 to 17 minutes. Remove from oven. Sprinkle with marshmallows, then return to oven for 2 to 4 minutes, until the marshmallow tops begin to crisp. Remove from oven; let cool about 5 minutes. Sift the cocoa on top.
Tip: You can bake these individual cakes in coffee mugs or teacups, or use eight 6-ounce ramekins. (To determine if your mugs are ovenproof, refer to the packaging or check with the manufacturer.) Alternatively, a single cake can be made in a 10-inch springform pan or pie plate with enough regular-size marshmallows to cover. To do this, increase the initial baking time to 22 to 25 minutes or, if you prefer a more gooey center, to 17 to 20 minutes.
Yield: Makes 8 servings
Halle Berry looks stunning on the March cover of Essence Magazine. This makes her 7th. The Oscar winning actress and new mom opens up in the issue on motherhood, love, and her forthcoming movie she produced, "Frankie and Alice."
Take a look inside the pages:
On dating a White man:
"I tried Black men. I tried," she wails in a mock southern accent. "I married two Black men. You know I tried." She laughs again before making clear that "I don't hold all Black males responsible because of the two bad eggs I got. I even dated Black men after my last divorce, but this is just where I found love."
On her longevity in Hollywood:
"Setbacks energize me. They make me realize that I have more work to do."
On being a mom:
"I thought I knew love before, but I never knew anything like this."
On going bald for a role:
"I am shaving it off,'' she says. "I know. Here comes the controversy, but I have to do it for the role and it will grow back - I hope."
As I collect my thoughts bring you something fabulous to keep you motivated. I in turn, am trying to keep myself motivated. This downsized thing is no joke. Everyone tells you to stay positive. At times, it's extremely hard. So as I collect my thoughts and meditate on the joy and happiness in my life...minus a job, check out this article by Karen Salmansohn. I find it refreshing!
The Map Out Of Doomsville
Losing a job isn't fun. But instead of wallowing in Doomsville, you must see it is an opportunity to take a new and better path -- a road of opportunity which will lead you to that career you've always wanted. Be honest with yourself! Did your ex-job pay your bills, yet empty your soul? Instead of earning a living - were you merely earning an earning? If so, this treacherous economy might have served you up a big, fat opportunity-- to finally take that path towards doing what you love and making even more money.
According to Jonathan Fields, author of Career Renegade: How To Make A Great Living Doing What You Love, "Promises have been broken on a scale we haven't seen since the Great Depression. If you lulled yourself into believing that a honking pile of money or a seemingly Teflon job was your ticket to security, you're likely smack in the middle of a really rude awakening."
Fact is, everyone's worlds are being shaken and in this shaking lies opportunity--the chance to come alive. Fields shares these 7 critical actions to set in motion a more conscious career change:
1. Don't Freak Out - Remember, you may have left your job, but everything that's gotten you this far, your skills, abilities, knowledge, drive, work ethic and relationships, go with you.
2. Own up to your passion--We all know what we really want to do, we just don't know how to earn a living doing it, so we pretend we don't know. Time to step up and give it life.
3. Research your renegade path--Given the right tools, technology and information, now nearly any passion can be turned into a viable living, often from your kitchen table and at little expense or risk.
4. Speeducate yourself--It's never been easier to bone up on any body of knowledge or skillset in very little time, if you know where to look, both on and offline. And, often, it's even free.
5. Turn out your tribe--Tap the blogosphere and social media to showcase your mastery and your passion, build a personal brand and drive future clients, partners or employers to you.
6. Rally your rabbis--Present the case of a lifetime to rally the support of those closest to you and connect with mentors and "rabbis" who've done what you want to do.
7. Master your mind--Cultivate a daily mindset-enhancement practice to help manage stress and keep you focused, motivated and moving aggressively forward.
***
Need a little psyche-ological boosting during this challenging time -- an emotional boost to push you forward? Check out THE BOUNCE BACK BOOK: HOW TO THRIVE IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY, SETBACKS AND LOSSES by clicking here
(source) The Huffington post
Chris Brown surrendered to Los Angeles police on Sunday evening regarding a felony battery investigation of the R&B singer, Officer Karen Smith confirms to PEOPLE. "He turned himself in around 7 p.m. to one of our stations and is being interviewed by detectives now," Officer Smith said.
In what may or may not be related news, ET confirms that pop singer Rihanna will not be performing at tonight's Grammys following sustaining a bruised face in what sources called a car accident.
Coincidentally, Rihanna's rumored boyfriend Chris Brown is under investigation for alleged domestic violence felony battery related to an alleged attack on a woman in a car who sustained what police call "visible injuries."
Sources at the Grammys tell ET that Rihanna's face is slightly bruised and no announcement has been made as to who will be taking her place on stage. "We have just been informed that Rihanna will not be attending tonight's 51st Annual Grammy Awards. We're sorry she is unable to join us this evening," The Recording Academy's statement reads.
Related to the Brown investigation, police say Brown and the woman were in a vehicle in the Hancock Park area of Los Angeles when, following an argument, the woman was allegedly injured, naming Brown as her attacker. When police arrived, they only found the woman; Brown had left. The Associated Press reported Sunday afternoon that police were still looking for the male R&B star.
Police say they received a 911 call related to the incident which occurred around 12:30 a.m. on Sunday. The LAPD is investigating the incident.
Rihanna and Brown were just photographed together at a Pre-Grammy party on Saturday night. (source: Entertainment Tonight)
The count down is on to the next cycle of ABC's Dancing with the Stars. Who will mambo and waltz across the ball room March 9th. The names are being revealed and we have them!
Rapper Lil Kim, actor Steve-O, NFL Super Star Lawrence Taylor, Actress Denise Richards, Comedian David Allen Grier, Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson, Country singer Chuck Wicks, actor Gilles Marini, broadcaster Nancy O'Dell, Go-Go member Belinda Carlisle, Steve Wozniak, singer Jewel and her husband Rodeo champion Ty Murray.
Jennifer Hudson opened the 51st annual Grammy Awards on an emotional note. The singer collected the evening's first major award, best R&B album for her self-titled debut, making reference to her slain family in a tearful acceptance speech. "Thank God, who brought me through," Hudson, 27, said. "I'd like to thank my family in heaven – and those who are here today." The singer also thanked fiancé David Otunga, who told E! before the show, "the last few months have been an ordeal and it just brought us closer," for his support. (source)
Whitney Houston is back. Check out the video a fan put together of her performance Saturday night at Clive Davis' Pre-Grammy Party. She sings a series of her hits. Whitney doesn't hit all the high notes, but who cares. She sounds great! Whitney we are cheering for you.(virtual high five)
Singer Usher Raymond has canceled his performance at Clive Davis' pre-Grammy Gala after learning his wife Tameka experienced complications from plastic surgery in Brazil. Tameka's nip and tuck emergency must be serious because the family has a neurosurgeon flying to Brazil for evaluation.
Tameka is set to star in "Real House Wives of Atlanta." Nothing wrong with getting trimmed in the right places to look hot for your new TV show after the birth of your child. Maybe if everyone left her alone she wouldn't of had to go all the way to Brazil. Hopefully, she will pull out of this with a full recovery. We send good will wishes to you girl.
Tameka gave birth to the their second son, Naviyd Ely Raymond, in December. Their first son Usher Raymond V was born in November 2007.
The Martin's are expecting!!! Tisha Campbell-Martin and her husband, Duane Martin, are elated about making their eight year old son, Xen, a big brother. Tisha's former Martin co-star -- and best friend --Tichina Arnold, confirms to Usmagazine.com.
"She hopes to have a girl this time, and has said she would love to name her Derek," Arnold adds. "She has been wanting a girl for almost six years. Everybody is so excited!"
We have watched First Lady Michelle Obama vibrant style from the campaign trail to the White House. She is elegant, youthful and knows how to make clothes from the rack shine. From J. Crew to the White House/Back Market, ladies across the nation have been running in the stores to duplicate her style. What is your take on the First Ladies Style? Everyone at Working Divas, LOVES IT!
(read more)
For the past two years I've been taking yoga class on and off. Yoga is a great exercise because it reduces stress, relaxes your mind, and connects you with your inner-self. A 2008 study by the Harris Interactive Service Bureau on behalf of Yoga Journal shows that 15.8 million people, practice yoga. Of current non-yoga people nearly 18.3 million Americans, say they are extremely interested in yoga, triple the number from the 2004 study.
So if you ever wanted to learn Yoga, here is a great video to get your started. Begin the new year with a new practice that will improve your well being. It's perfect for Me Time.
Beyonce is the golden girl in Hollywood. Producer-writer-director Rachid Bouchareb is filming a movie based on the life of Black Panther, Angela Davis. Beyonce is his first choice. Bouchared says “I want Beyonce Knowles to play Angela Davis,” he said. “It’s a great dramatic role for her.”
We have to wait and see if Bey takes him up on his offer. Until then, you can check her out in "Obsessed" opposite Idris Elba in theaters April 24th.
The music superstar reveals her 6 secrets for transforming mind, body, and soul:
Embrace exercise, even if you hate it. "I do not love it," Blige says. "I appreciate what it does for me. And I wish there was a pill you could take that could do everything that is in that gym." But she finds that putting in her time on a hard cardio workout pays off later on stage with better endurance and stamina. "All that stuff that you hate that you do, it pushes you further," she says. "It makes me feel like a rocket, almost."
Set realistic goals. Blige dropped 9 pounds in three months and is trying to lose another 10 to get her 5'5'' frame down to 125, which she thinks is her ideal weight. To get there, she sets a daily calorie limit of 1,500 and tries to work out five times a week. That's a very realistic goal, and a realistic calorie total for someone as active as Blige, says Bonnie Taub-Dix, RD, a New York dietitian who often helps celebrities deal with weight issues. "She's avoiding the mistake many people make, dropping calories below 1,200, which makes it next to impossible to fulfill your nutritional needs," Taub-Dix says.
Celebrate small victories. To motivate herself, Blige bought a pair of too-small size 28 jeans and dubbed them her "goal jeans." She'd try them on, and they wouldn't fit. She admits to feeling disgusted with herself. Blige promised herself, "If I can't fit in those jeans soon, I am giving them away." But she didn't give up. And within a few months, they fit. "I was so happy!" she says. "Goal" clothing is good motivation, Taub-Dix says. She tells clients to hang that too-tight dress they are dying to get into in plain view. "If you live by yourself, hang it in the kitchen, near the refrigerator."
Inspire yourself. Blige's personal trainer is Gregg Miele, a New York City-based personal trainer who's also worked with artist Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter, actor Chloe Sevigny, Sports Illustrated model Lujan Fernandez, and other celebrities trying to fit a regular exercise routine into a hectic, globe-trotting schedule. Miele posts motivational sayings in front of Blige's treadmill so she can read them as she works out. Her favorite: "What you eat in private shows up in public." Miele has other tricks, including giving his clients a black wristband stamped with "self discipline." His clients see them constantly throughout their day and are reminded to follow good health habits, whether that means saying no to dessert or making it to the gym.
Acknowledge your weaknesses. And focus on your strengths,she adds. Blige loves7 salt and also has a wicked sweet tooth. "The only sweets I hate are black jelly beans and black licorice." But thankfully, she also loves vegetables --cucumbers, tomatoes, asparagus, broccoli, okra, corn, zucchini, spinach, and cabbage. "Raw, cooked, it doesn't matter." And she makes sure to drink plenty of water. She also tries hard to not get down on herself. Her trainer helps her see weaknesses in a whole new light when he tells her and other clients, "Weaknesses are goals to work on in the long-term."
Appreciate your uniqueness. On Blige's new album, one song is called "Work That." The premise, she says, is this: "Whatever I have, I am going to make it work for me. I don't have what everyone else has, but whatever I have I am going to make it work." Miele heartily agrees this is a good attitude when working out, too. Because he works often with celebrities, he sometimes hears from other clients that they want so-and-so's great arms or another star's awesome abs. He advises them, as Blige has learned, to focus on their great or unique body parts -- and make improving the other parts long-term goals.
This is so darling. Mika Brzezinski interviews Senator Webb with the Executive Producers baby on her lap. He was the perfect baby. 360 degrees from when I had my son in the studio with me. Check out the video below.
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Before you head to the grocery store this weekend to stock up your shelves. Read this and SAVE!
Jennifer Hudson during the Grammy rehearsals. After her stellar performance at the Super Bowl all eyes are on J-Hud. We are routing for you girl! The Grammy Awards air Sunday night at 8pm on CBS.
Shante' from "Two Can Play That Game" is hooking up couples on the little screen. Vivica A.Fox is back on the reality show circuit. She has signed on with TV Land to host, The Cougar. A dating series that follow professional, beautiful women looking for Mr. Right.
Etta James' war on words this week were enough to make us all yell like Macaulay Culkin in "Home Alone." Honesty, did Etta James have to rant about President Obama and Beyonce because she wasn't the one to sing "At Last" at the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball on January 20th? Etta James should be showing President Obama and Beyonce love and her publicist the door. Weren't there like ten Inaugural Balls With "At Last" playing at all of them? (we know because we watched) Couldn't Etta James' camp book her at one of them? Someone should have been on the phone the second it was announced that Beyonce would sing during the first dance of the newly elected President and First Lady. This isn't' the first time Etta missed out on a grand opportunity.
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