“Tough Love” ain’t easy March 27, 2009

So I’ve been watching a new reality show, Tough Love, on VH1 and surprisingly it’s very entertaining. Basically, there are 8  women that are looking for love but have yet to find a man. Their issues run the gamut, from the desperate to the insecure, to the icy.  The host, a professional matchmaker, takes these women through a Tough Love “bootcamp” in hopes of better preparing these women to ditch their bad, self-sabotoging love habits and become smarter daters.

On the episode I’m watching now, the ladies were paired up with these personal trainers under the guise that not only should they be emotionally and spiritually fit, but physically fit as well. Turns out these trainers are actually there to test the women of their communications skills and how they do on the first impression.

Here’s how of few of ‘em did: view clip here.

This is really crazy. Instead of talking, Jody (the quintessential Careeris) seems like she’s applying for a job. Big no-no. Unless you’re networking, a guy is generally not interested in hearing your resume, I would assume. I’m no dating pro, but I know you never tell a man “I’ve been hurt before” on the first meeting! Arian (the girl you’d like to sleep with but wouldn’t dare bring home to mom): try again. Like the host said, “Rule #75: Shut your yap!” But for some reason, she seems like she’s acting a lot on this show. Of course, that would never happen on a reality show though (sacarsm). And Stasha, the former Playboy bunny, is just plain scary. Nuff said. Oh, did I mention she was a Playboy model. lol.

Later in the show, Abiola (aka Miss Picky who is absolutely adorable) gets to go on a solo date with a nice chocolate drop. They seem to really be feeling each other. She really reminds me of myself. Not  because she’s black but she portrayed as the type that has a mile-long wish list for the guy of her dreams.  No really, she actually has a hand-written list! That’s definitely me. Check out this clip.

While this is a tv show and for entertainment, women actually do some of these things in real life. I know because I’m one of em! But I’d like to think that I get better with time. Good night!

(non) Cooking tips from a single gal December 19, 2008

It’s been awhile but I’m baaack! With the economy in its current state, I’ve had to be real creative in thinking of ways to cut costs. I tend to eat out a lot, so I’ve been trying to eat in more to save money and pounds! Here are some tips:

Buy a rotisserie chicken. There’s no way I can eat a whole chicken but I buy them, eat some for dinner one night, and use the leftovers to make other dishes. Here are a few ideas:

• Make chicken salad. Shred the chicken, add Miracle Whip, apples, walnut or pecans, onions or whatever tastes good to you. Spread it over bread for a sandwich or top over a bed of lettuce.
• Make enchiladas. Tonight I make what I call an “Easy Enchilada Bake.” I took tortilla chips and spread them over the bottom of a casserole dish. I combined the shredded chicken with Old El Paso enchilada sauce and spread it over the chips and topped it off with cheese. I baked until hot and until the cheese melted.
• Make a green salad. Top salad greens with the shredded roasted chicken and your favorite salad toppings like cranberries, cheese, nuts, wonton strips, mandarin oranges, or whatever you like!

The possibilities are endless. Please comment with your ideas.

Back from my cruise July 29, 2008

Well, I made it back from the cruise. We had a great time despite hurricane dolly. I was a little sea sick but not for long. Check me out. Here are my top ten do’s and don’ts for going on a cruise.

10. Do eat as much as you want. It’s not everyday that you’re on vacation, right? The cruise ship had an endless supply of food, from sun up to sun down. Pretty good, too.

9. Don’t forget your cute little black dress or cocktail dress. Each night you’re invited to a formal dinner and won’t be allowed in with shorts or casual clothes.

8. Do flirt with your waiters and bartenders.

7. Do decide how much you want to spend before you go. After tipping, drinks, souvenirs, excursions, etc., the bill can really add up.

6. Don’t order a lot of sodas or alcoholic drinks if you want to save money. I paid over $2 for a can of Sprite!

5. Do go on an excursion. They are fun and culturally enriching.

4. Don’t pay for a shopping excursion. There are plenty of shops located right outside of the ports.

3. Do get your passport ahead of time. It will definitely expedite the process of embarking and debarking.

2. Don’t buy something at a port without first making a bargain with the vendor. You can get some really good deals.

1. Do have lots of fun!