Powered by Blogger.
RSS
Post Icon

Mixed Signals: Stop Getting Trapped In The Friend Zone

Hello Dolls,

   

Today we're going to talk about misinterpretations.  Have you ever thought a guy was really into you?  He did all the right things, said all the right words.  Everything about his actions were perfect.  You went out, to dinner dates, movies and had other activities together formally and informally.  So you probably thought to yourself, everything he did told you that he wanted more than just a friendship. Suddenly, your decision to make your move to take things deeper by expressing your feelings is met by disaster.  Not only are your feelings not returned, but you've possibly ruined a good friendship.  Does this sound familiar to you?  How can you prevent such an embarrassing moment?
     To be honest ladies some guys just give mixed signals.  Seemingly they play upon the edges of friendship tipping upon the boundaries of something more whether this is initial or not.  How can we read the signs of such mixed signals?  Is there a way that we could accurately interpret them?

Really? He is not interested in a relationship.
 Don't read more into it.
 Exit Now!
     This subject is very vast in that some guys actually play upon such boundaries by flirting and so forth in order to see actually how far they can get with you without an actual commitment.  Others may do so in an attempt to respectfully let you know that they are into you without putting themselves out there in case their feelings are not returned.  Then there are those men who really may just be being nice, who maybe outgoing and even free with their feelings with only the thought of doing so much as being a platonic friend, whether it's to boost you up because of some recent traumatic event like a recent break up or for no reason at all other than to be nice.
     In the eyes of some, even many all of these perceptions maybe very difficult to interpret.  But with some key information you maybe able to identify what type of man your dealing with which would help you to determine the signals projected properly.  Is your friend guarded or more outgoing?  Is his personality inverted or external?  While there are different ways to determine this.  The truth is, the only way to find out is to ask plainly. Do you consider that embarrassing, or are you too shy?  Consider the old statement" a closed mouth does not  get fed."  If you'd like to ask a platonic friend a question without going too far, simply be frank.  If he asks you out for an informal dinner, movie or any informal setting that you begin to wonder about.  Simply ask what is his intent?
 The question can easily begin a deeper understand of his and your intentions.  Or is it you enjoy the cat and mouse game as well?  One key thing to remember men are not the only ones that give mixed signals, even for all the above mentioned purposes.
     So in conclusion Dolls if you really are not into beating around the bush and would like to avoid what misinterpreting mixed signals can bring.  Be frank, and ask the intention of whom your dealing with.  Otherwise not only could you experience an embarrassing moment at the least.  But you could be giving the same mixed signals yourself.  Until next time ladies be safe!

XO

Nikki

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS
Post Icon

How to Remain Fly in the Skies (Or on the ground) during this Holiday Season

Hello Dolls, 

During this holiday season, most of us will be traveling to our family and friends (or to avoid them lol). And while taking a trip is always exciting (or should be), it can become quite stressful , especially if you forget to pack things you will need to remain your usual fashionable self. So I decided to share my list of must haves for your carry on bags.


Travel Flat-irons or Curlers (battery operated preferred):  I cannot tell you how many times I have gone international and forgot converters are needed for plugs and outlets. So to avoid this drama (and a vacation filled with bad hair days) invest in some quality battery operated flat-irons or curlers, they especially come in handy for road trips. It will certainly make the vacay much more enjoyable if your hair stays fly!


Hair Mousse or a light oil:  Weather definitely affects our hair in several ways,  and during the winter months, it can be super harsh on our hair.  I recommend a nice light mousse or light (non-greasy)oil or serum that will keep your hair looking healthy without weighing it down.




Tide to Go Pen: I cannot begin to tell you how this little pen has worked its way into my heart (and my purse of course).  Dramatic? Trust me I am not trying to be.  Being a naturally clumsy person, when I eat I tend to make a mess at times; and well when you are on the go sometimes, you cannot just change your clothes, so what can you do? Grab your tide to go pen, head to the nearest bathroom and start to scrub that pesky stain out!



Sunglasses -Shades:   There is nothing like a cute pair of shades to compliment any outfit. And while traveling sunglasses, can be the perfect accessory when feeling to lazy to maybe put on lashes or other makeup.  So make sure you pack a pair or 2 of shades to block the sun and your haters.


Well, that is the end of my little list of things to pack to remain fly while traveling.  Hopefully, this will help you during this busy holiday season. Have a suggestion for my list?! Please comment :) We love them!

Love Always XOXO,

Paper Doll 

T



  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS
Post Icon

Beauty Secrets and Bananas

Hi Dolls,

We spend time and money to investigate the products that are suppose to keep our skin healthy and beautiful. We are suppose to drink water, eat the right amount of protein, and eat our fruits and vegetables. But here's something that will make you go BANANA'S literally.
Bananas' are a healthy food source.  They are abundant in vitamin and minerals including potassium, iron, and zinc.   What was very surprising to me is that they are also  packed with Amino Acids and antioxidants that supply nutrients good for your skin and hair. So what does all this mean? Well vitamins are away for the body to get essential organic compounds for normal growth and nutrition. Amino Acids is a class of organic compounds to help with your body metabolism.A banana has terrific vitamins and nutrients that can not only help your skin look great, it has so many uses including for your hair.
     Here are some homemade beauty tips that will help to beautify you skin and hair while putting these extra ripe bananas' to use.
1.  Dry Skin- Turn an extra ripe banana into a moisturizer.  Smash the fruit into a bowl and apply to your face.  Leaving for 15 to 20 minutes then wash off of your face with warm water.  Close your pores with cold water and your dry skin will be smooth to the touch.

2.  Dry Hair and Scalp- Try this mixture: Place two over ripe bananas, one avocado, and yogurt into a blender.  After applying this mixture to your scalp let sit for 20 minutes and then rinse with warm water.

3.  Wrinkles- Using the above combination apply cream to face as a facial mask.  The properties in this combination will reduce the appearance of lines and prevent new aging spots.

4. Shaving-Some people are allergic to shaving cream, an excellent alternative is using the inside of the banana as shaving cream. This will allow you to have a smooth shave and your legs will also smell great!

5. Teeth-We all love our teeth to look great, if you want to naturally whiten your teeth, you may use the inside of a banana peel to do so. Rub your teeth with the inside of a banana peel for about two minutes a night and rinse with salt water. The results are going to be amazing and you will never feel the same about a banana again.
 
      These are just some of the tips that I have tried.  But consider even these for the use of the banana peel:  
It is said that the peel of a banana has enzymes, anti-fungal and antibiotic properties.  It can be used to treat mosquito bites, small scratches and poison ivy rash.  I was very surprised to come across this information about the uses of a banana and it's peel.  I'll never throw away another banana again!  Please try these helpful tips to beautify your hair, skin, and teeth.  But for now be well and safe.


XOXO

Nikki


  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS
Post Icon

Hydration: Beauty's Best Secret

 Hydration: Beauty's Best Secret


Every lady must know her skin, body, and hair, knowing what makes your skin radiant, what keeps your body soft, your hair strong and beautiful is essential to staying beautiful. A lot of of  women adore the styles and admire women on television and in magazines, they wonder what the key to their success is. The key to their success is make-up, make-up, make-up and fantastic editing. Make-up, clothes, and even hair extensions can cover a lot of flaws, why spend thousands of dollars a year to cover up? 
Now I am a person who loves options so I am not against anything that enhances your beauty. We spend hundreds and some of us thousands of dollars a year to be the perfect you. Some us of hide our secret weapons in our purses so that we can stay beautiful all day. Well enough is enough it is time for us to start using beauty's greatest secret to achieve our goals. Beauty's greatest secret is water, yes H20, it is essential to beautiful lips, face, hands, body, feet and hair.
 Just a note, water is a secret ingredient however vitamins included with 8-10 glasses of water each day will help you reach your goal. Hydration is a key to your lips, face, hands, body, feet, and hair staying healthy soft, and strong. The products that we use can also be a deal breaker, for instance I can not use Pantene Truly Natural Hair Products. It stiffens my hair and does not give me soft and manageable hair, yet I can use other products from Pantene Pro-V. So you have to be mindful as to what works for your body and your hair.I did not know how much hydration played a part in the softness of your lips, I apply lip balm each day and now I know that is a total no. Some items are topical and just provide a layer over your lips like Chapstick
If you just need a layer of protection sure use Chapstick, however if you do not want chap lips and soft kissable lips you should use a product with shea, emu, and/or vitamin E oil.You also have to ensure that your body is not deficient of vitamin B, iron, or essential fatty acids. A trip to the doctor or a simple multi-vitamin may solve your problem. Ulta Beauty Store has a great product called E Oil Stick by Riviva Labs and it is around $3.99.The winter is a tough time for the body and face because enduring unfavorable temperature and windburn can damage your skin. It is important all year to wear a moisturizer and especially in the winter. I just recently discovered Kate Somerville 'Nourish' Daily Moisturizer there are two sizes that range from $20.00 to $65.00. I also use Kate Somerville daily wash, combing the use of these two products can lead to flawless skin. Ambi is a great way to repair your skin, Ambi mixed with Cocoa Butter helps to repair any sun damage. 
Now let's talk about feet most people are on their feet a lot and if you are on your feet with heels each day your feet may be in need of a spa day. Moisturizing your feet to keep them soft and smooth is easy to do at home. There is a great place called Lush that sales wonderful kits to help you achieve this. Another great tip is to wash your keep and then place vaseline on them, after applying vaseline wrap them in Saran Wrap and leave it on overnight, wash them in the morning and your feet will be softer than a tempur-pedic pillow.

Your hands are so important to staying hydrated; you use your hands to touch, feel, write, eat, and so much more. I wash my hands a lot each day and they are always dry, so I have to reapply lotion each time. One great product I have found to abate this is Baby Oil Gel, it helps to hydrate the skin as well as offers a layer of protection, which keeps your skin becoming dry. Hand creams with vitamin E  and SPF will surely make your hand worth holding. The best products in the world can give you the comfort and results you want, however nothing will help you stay beautiful inside and out like staying hydrated, water yes water is essential to a beautiful you. 



Keep your skin hydrated, moisturize daily.
"Be Your Own Kind of Beautiful"

XOXO

Nikki

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS
Post Icon

Stop Wasting Your Money

Hi Dolls,
     
With the way we spend our money on a day to day basis it should come as no surprise that there are many easy ways to cut back.  Also as we get our daily spending under control we will begin to have the confidence to look for more significant ways to cut our expenses.  But first things first.  Consider these 5 suggestions as a means to guide and get a handle on your day to day spending.
     PUT YOURSELF ON AN ALLOWANCE.
     Allowances aren't just for kids.  One of the best ways to get your spending under control is to monitor and limit the amount of cash you spend on incidental day to day items, many of which are unnecessary.  Figure out how to spend your day to day cash, look at purchases that can be avoided or reduced and put yourself on an allowance.  Start each Monday with a set amount of money that should last you for a week.  Of course if you run out of money you will take out more spending cash, but at least your impulse to excess will be tempered by the realization that you've exceeded your present limit.
     DON'T CARRY EXCESS CASH
     All too often the extra cash people carry for "emergencies "ends up being spent on frivolities.  You really don't need to carry a lot of cash.  Keep it in the bank, where it can earn interests. If you don't trust banks a nice safety deposit or safe in your home will do.
     USE YOUR ATM MACHINE SPARINGLY
    ATM machines are convenient, but do you know that they can be expensive?  An increasing number of banks are assessing charges for each use of the ATM machine. At some banks if you get cash back at let's say a local drugstore, you are charged an ATM fee. Find out your banks policy, and if you're paying for the privilege, keep your ATM machine visits to a minimum.
     MAINTAIN A SUFFICIENT BALANCE IN YOUR CHECKING ACCOUNT TO AVOID MONTHLY FEES
     Chances are your bank will waive it's monthly checking account fees if you maintain a sufficient balance in the account.  If not, you can certainly find a bank that does.  Even if you fail to balance your account on one occasion, you may call the bank and request the fee be waived. It may seem like a lot to keep up the balance.  But compare that against the fees you'll other wise be assessed.  Usually you're far better off keeping the sufficient level to waive the fees than you are by having that money earning interest somewhere.
     PUT AWAY YOUR CHECK BOOK 
     Lastly, the greater the distance you can place between yourself and your check book or debit card (not to mention your credit cards), the less the temptation there will be to spend money for something you don't need. 

    Ladies these are some tips that will help you with your initial day to day impulses to over spend but it is up to you to use them.  Until next time Dolls be well and be safe.

XOXO

Nikki

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS
Post Icon

Are We Conditioned To Believe That Every Man Cheats?

Hi Dolls, 

The topic of this blog "Why A Woman May Think That Every Man Cheats?" Is not a new one, remember there is not much new in the world today, however it is a topic that should be addressed, and as a woman you should have high standards and some resolve about the issue of cheating. So, why do men cheat?
     There is no exact science for why a man cheats.  Women contribute cheating to loose women and standards, psychologist contribute it to a man's moral character and his upbringing.  Everyone is right in this instance, men cheat for all these reasons.  What women have conditioned themselves to believe is that " all men cheat!"  Yes I said "all men cheat!"  So why do women believe this?  They believe this because all the men they know have cheated.  If they come across a man who says that he doesn't cheat then they believe he is lying or, that something is wrong with him.
    I'm not sure as to when this malarkey started and who made cheating cool and accepted, as long as they didn't find out bring them any diseases and/or illegitimate children, however plainly stated that is just dumb.
     Whoever accepted this behavior caused a trend of broken homes, children with absent fathers, spread diseases, and increased the rate of divorce.  Sounds like Marxism to create a Proletariat society, but who knows?  The fact of the matter is that people are brain dead they accept a nickel worth of pay for a dollar worth of work.  Yes women when have been cheated on some in return have cheated on their man, and without resolve, they forgave them and stayed. Why?
     Lets talk about it.  Why do women stay after they have been cheated on?  Women are conditioned to bear the way they have been treated in today's society.  More often than not women have been abused physically verbally, and emotionally.  They have moved from one mane to another over and over from man to man, down graded by society; treated as second class citizens, whores, sex objects, and joys for the moment.  Young girl's grow up in homes where they witness this ill treatment from the same man or even the same type of men.  Then they observe these same women who they look up to sisters, mothers, cousins and aunts alike make themselves up beautifying themselves with lipstick, hair-do's toes and finger nails, and out fit after out fit for these same men who seem to mistreat them.
     This behavior is learned and taught as these same women pass the tricks of the trade saying," This is what you  must do to get this man, make him yours, and make him love you."  At an impressionable age we are all conditioned ladies to desire to be a man's prize, the apple of his eye.  No matter what we strive for ourselves or are, be it an ambitious career woman, to be a beautiful trophy wife, babies mama, or homemaker we all want our man.
     However, what women are missing is observing the qualities of the right type of man to search for.  What women are not taught is to have self-esteem beyond their identity of one's mate.  Nor are women taught to look for these qualities in a man that or one that influence these qualities in us.  As we seldom see woman treated right and decently on a wide scale what is prevalent is the opposite.  The negative.  As that information is processed in our brain it becomes the norm.  Women become bearers of such behavior and begin to perpetuate what one becomes accustomed to.  What is most comfortable and in turn most widely accepted.  In essence women stay due to a deficiency in one's own persona.
     So why do men cheat?  There are so many factors that contribute to this.  Still it comes down to a few basic things that are not limited to male behavior.  One basic truth is that people with low self-esteem use a means to build it up.  One of the ways are sexual conquests.  So the larger portion of men who cheat do so because this is what makes them feel empowered or in control, it gives them a sense of esteem.  Otherwise they feel inadequate and useless.  This is not limited to men of a certain class or status (you watch television right?). This marks true of all men from all walks of life that cheat.  This behavior stems from an emotional deficiency that is triggered by many factors.  Upbringing, what they feel they are deprived of, moral value and yes personal character.  In a similar way acceptance of this treatment that we as women pick up.
     So what if you have a man that has cheated or is cheating on you?  Well, is it time to leave?  That is a decision that of course is up to you.  In some instances I have known of relationships that has survived mistakes.  But consider this.  Is it a mistake for a man to take off his clothes and have sex with a woman?  That sounds like a deliberate action.  So what was the mistake then?  Was it his mistake to devalue your relationship?  Consider a males position in the regard.  "A man who recognizes his woman's' worth respects her and their relationship in front of her and behind closed doors", says L.T.
     Unfortunately ladies after a man cheats on us we don't value ourselves enough to say that we will not put up with this.  Is this you?  Mentally have you conditioned yourself to believe that you lack value?  Women who allow such ill treatment feel as if a man has provided her with an identity and she is nothing or powerless without him.  In reality, a woman may be nothing to him, surely not enough.  But in that event when you allow or perpetuate that kind of treatment you are in effect devaluing yourself.  What women must realize is that we are of value and any man who doesn't see value in you or your relationship is not worth your time.  And you are not the one that is valueless.  Your cheating man is.
     Now can a cheater stop cheating? Or will your man stop cheating?  Well ladies that is a difficult question to answer.  But the answer depends upon both of you.  First of all in if you continue to make excuses for him and continue to enable his behavior and disrespect he will not.  In this regard whether your cheater reforms his ways or not you must demand through your words and actions to be loved and respected, and that your man shows that he values you and your relationship.  In this regard if your cheating man can in turn find esteem in you and your relationship, reform is possible but this is by no means a guarantee.  The cheating is due to his own deficient character, lack of moral, and low self-esteem and until he is able to become a man of character and stand for something greater than what he is presently, he will never stop cheating on you.  He will continue to tear down your character in order to build himself up.
     Lastly, why every man does not cheat?  Believe it or not there are some men that do not cheat, yes ladies they do exist.  Frankly, put there are men who may have been brought up in homes, raised in environments, and experience things that could produce in them the characteristics that breed cheating.  Some men actually love their women too much to disrespect them in this manner.  Some of them love and respect themselves more than to devalue themselves to be disloyal, and dishonest.  Some men value principals like loyalty honor and respect.  One gentleman put it this way.  "Although I have many opportunities to have other women, even without my woman finding out.  I'm secure in myself and my relationship.  I love my lady and even though she may not witness my actions in my heart I'm pleased to put her first and choose her above other woman."  Another man put it this way.  "Men are like vampires.  (The character) Blade is superior to the whole species.  Some women to men are like blood to vampires. When a man is in his youth he tries to prove himself to his friends and peers, some of those conquests are not the smartest.  A mature man is like Blade.  Although he is a vampire and has the same temptations as one he resists these inclinations.  So too with a mature man as he is comfortable in who he is and who he is with he maintains control."
     I hope this inspires and answers questions that you may have asked yourself, and most of all empowers you if you are faced with such a dilemma.  As always dolls "Be Your Own Kind of Beautiful!"-Marliyn Monroe

XOXO

Nikki

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS
Post Icon

Bad Habits: Relationship Woes

Hello Ladies,

 Remember the fire that you've had in the beginning of your relationship?  Passionate kissing, him opening the door, fantastic little surprises, cruises, dinner & a movie, ski trips, you name it, the two of you have done it. So fast-forward to the present has the pressures of life turned that flame into a flicker?  If so let't talk about steps that can bring the spice back into your relationship.
     Most times we become weighed down and consumed with bills, child care, and even our personal pursuits and goals.  In this regard scheduling time for you and your partner can do much for a relationship that needs it's burner re-lit.  This time scheduled can include a date night whether it's once a month, once a week, or every two weeks which ever you both agree upon.
     Secondly, after a time is scheduled communication is important.  Ask your partner are all their needs being met within your relationship?  Whether the answer is yes or no, ask what can you do to make things even better? And ladies if there is any deficiency within your relationship respectfully let your man know what areas are he may be able to give attention to as well.  Be sure to be respectful of your mates feelings if the subject is sensitive.  Be sure to let him know that you wish to improve your relationship in any way possible.  Now here comes the fun part!  Express your wants!
     In fact, you can tell your man for instance that any wants that he'd like you to pay extra attention to you will provide to if he trades you for some of your wants, which will motivate your doing so.  Here's an example.  You could say, "baby I know that you like me to massage your shoulders and back.  As I'm on my feet all day at work a foot massage would be good motivation for me to give you that back rub you so desire.  We could even use our massages as a step of foreplay."  Not just communication but the way you converse with you mate could light embers that turn into a blazing fire.
     Third, is one that could easily become your favorite.  Role play.  Before you begin to role play though it is good to establish some ground rules.  Ladies some men and some women alike may experience insecurities from the idea of you entertaining the advances of another person even if it is planned and make believe.  Yes some of us are sensitive to such.  So establish ground rules in the beginning to insure that this doesn't happen.  For instance Jennifer let your husband know that when you role play your name is Lisa for the evening and with your new name change your personality. Try meeting at a bar as if you don't even know one another and let the sparks fly.
     Next up dress sexy for bed at times.  That same old T-shirt or night gown may not be as flattering as you may think.  Try getting ready for bed as if you were going out for a date.  Instead of wrapping your hair up for the night leave your hair down or in a comfortable style.  Lingerie, heels, lace, see through material is a sure way to raise the temperature of night time moments that might other-wise be could.
  Now ladies, last  but definitely not least.  Take a break from your same sexual routine.  The same positions can become mundane.  Not to say they are not pleasurable but consider this:  Do you always have sex with your mate at night?  During one of your date nights schedule a daytime rump.  Just that difference will certainly add to the prospective creativity of what could be in store.  If your man always initiates sex a sure way to adding some spice could be your motivation for taking your turn to initiate the loving.   As you do, get right into "character".  This would be a great time to role play.  Maybe you'll be a nurse or even a noisy neighbor.  Whatever you do, do it with confidence and style, and let your imagination run wild.  Once you cross those lines what is mundane will no longer be apart of your life.  For a flame will be ignited within the both of you that will not only add fun and spice.  These 5 steps certainly will bring satisfaction that will energize you for whatever life brings your way.  Until next time doll's be well and be safe and have fun adding Spice!

Stay beautiful!

Nikki




  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS