Celeb Groom Feature - Ruben Studdard

Today's celeb groom feature is Ruben Studdard and his wife, Zuri. They met at an autograph signing at a Walmart in Atlanta and had been together nearly two years before getting married. In June 2008, they wed at Canterburg United Methodist Church in Mountain Brook, Alabama in front of 400 guest.

They had a beautiful black and white wedding. And I love the cake! Check out a few pics from their big day (courtesy of Essence)







Photos: Essence.com

Creative Diets - Tea Diet ...does it work?

So for pretty much all of my younger years, I was skinny and I HATED it! (See throwback pic to the left). I remember always wishing I was bigger. I even used to wear clothes underneath my clothes in high school to try to give myself a "thicker" illusion! LOL

The irony is that I find that all very funny now that Im actually trying to lose weight! I remember a time I could literally eat anything I wanted and lots of it and still had a flat stomach. Uhhhhhh those days are long gone. Now I have to work for a flat tummy! :(

But I guess thats what comes with age.....a slower metabolism.......and a harder time trying to lose weight.

Last month, I was featured in Woman's World Magazine for participating in a 7 day tea diet. I had always seen the mag at the grocery store but never picked it up but once the opportunity came to try out the diet, I jumped at it. To my surprise, I actually really lost 7 lbs and one inch off my waist in one week!! And it really wasnt too bad to do either.

FYI: you have to drink alot of tea with this diet, so you will have to go to the bathroom alot. And remember, a diet is just a way to kick off a lifestyle change. If you go back to your regular eating habits, the weight will all come back!

BEFORE YOU GET STARTED

• Measure yourself around the fullest part of each arm, your bust, your waist, your tummy, your hips, each thigh and each calf. Jot down the measurements and hang onto them.

• Weigh yourself and jot down your “starting weight”.

• Try on a too-tight pair of jeans or a dress that’s a bit snug. Jot down how it feels, where it’s tight, etc.

• Keep a food log including everything you eat each day

EXERCISE GUIDELINES

Do some form of cardio exercise, such as walking, or cycling, at least five days a week for at least 30 minutes. If you are not able to do one 30 minute session at a time, feel free to have more frequent, shorter exercise sessions that together accumulate to 30 minutes or more.

TEA REGIMEN

Always put a slice of lemon or dash of lemon juice in your tea. Lemon contains vitamin C, which has been shown to boost our absorption of the slimming compounds found in tea. No milk allowed. If you want to add sweetener, please use stevia (a natural sweetener sold in health-food stores and more large supermarkets.)

After breakfast --Drink one cup green tea

Mid-morning --Drink one cup black tea

After lunch -- Drink one cup oolong tea

Mid-afternoon --Drink one cup peppermint tea

At least three hours before bed --Drink one cup weak oolong tea

At bedtime --Drink one cup white tea

THE DIET

In addition to the tea regimen, above, drink as much water as you’d like. Tea and water are the only beverages allowed. (Definitely no diet soda permitted.) You can add any sodium-free herbs and spices you wish when preparing these meals. Sweeten fruit with stevia, if desired.

Breakfast (choose one daily)

1/4 cup whole grain cereal, 6 oz. low-fat yogurt, 1 cup berries OR

1 whole-grain English muffin, 3 Tbs. low-fat cream cheese1/2 large pink grapefruit OR

1 fried egg, 3/4 oz. cheese, 1 whole-grain English muffin3/4 cup cantaloupe

Lunch (choose one daily)

3 oz. lean deli meat, 1 oz. part-skim mozzarella, veggies to taste, 1 tsp. each mayo and mustard, 2 slices whole-grain bread1 cup strawberries OR

4 oz. cooked chicken breast, 1 cup cooked broccoli, 1 cup whole-wheat spaghetti, 1/2 cup marinara sauce 1 kiwifruit OR

1 veggie dog, 1/4 cup vegetarian chili, 1 whole-wheat bun2 1/2 cups mixed salad, 1 segmented orange, 1 Tbs. almonds, 1 Tbs. fat-free vinaigrette

Dinner (choose one daily)

5 oz. grilled salmon, 1 Tbs. teriyaki sauce 1/2 cup brown rice 2 cups broccoli OR

1 grilled chicken breast or thigh, 1 Tbs. barbecue sauce1/2 cup whole wheat couscous,1 Tbs. almonds, herbs to taste2 1/2 cups mixed salad, 1/4 cup low-fat cheese, and 1 1/2 Tbs. fat-free vinaigrette OR

1/2 cup vegetarian refried beans, 1 1/2 oz. low-fat cheese, 2 Tbs. low-fat sour cream, salsa and diced onion to taste, 20 baked tortilla chips2 cups mixed salad, 1 Tbs. fat-free vinaigrette

Snacks (choose two daily)

1 small baked potato, 1 Tbs. low-fat sour cream

1 ear grilled corn, 2 tsp. butter

1 snack bar (up to 150 cals)

12 baby carrots or celery strips,1 1/2 Tbs. ranch or blue cheese dressing

2/3 cup whole grain cereal,1/2 cup soy milk

3 wedges Laughing Cow cheese, 12 grapes

Me in mag

Girl Fun...MAKEUP!!

Soooo Im pretty sure every little girl loves makeup (well maybe not every one of them) but I know I loved all things girly as a child! From the time we were old enough to hold a doll, most of us were doing its hair and trying to put makeup on it! So having a fascination with makeup just seems natural for most women!

The things that can be done with makeup is absolutely amazing to me! Most of us dont walk around with a full face on everyday, but when its time to get painted...we are all for it!!
Im no pro with makeup but I know the basics..... I thought about taking a class one day .... but I figured I'll leave makeup artistry to those who are truly passionate about it! I love makeup but its not my passion!

Another thing I love are beauty shots...and I came across some I wanted to share. Makeup should enhance our beauty not take away from it and I think these pics all show that! Check them out...what do you think??


Makeup done by http://www.aboutfacebeauti.com/ Richmond, VA



Makeup done by http://www.aboutfacebeauti.com/ Richmond, VA



Makeup done by Sam Fine http://www.samfine.com/



Makeup done by Sam Fine http://www.samfine.com/






And while we are on the subject of makeup and skin care, I thought I'd share some of the tips Ive picked up over the years.

1) Sunscreen is a must! Dont be fooled by the whole "black dont crack" and "dark skin doesnt need any protection" .... because we do!! So my dermatologist recommends using a moisturizer -- at least SPF 30. And dont forget your neck!

2) Drinking lots of water truly does hydrate your skin. If you've ever gone thru periods where you drink more water than other beverages, you should have definitely noticed the difference in your skin. And if you paired that with some healthy eating... the difference is truly amazing!! You get a natural glow! Because at the end of the day, no matter how many topical creams we put on our outside skin, its what we put inside our bodies that ends up shining thru!

3) If you are around my age bracket, then eye creams are a must too! Actually its prob never too early to start using that. Getting proper sleep too (something I dont always get) really helps under your eyes and your skin overall!

4) Having a good mild skin cleanser is a priority too. Alot of dermatologist recommend Cetaphil. Ive been using it for years. It works well with most skin types too.


5) Dr Brian and Susan Evans (the African American married couple on Dr. 90210) recommend trying licorice extract to lighen dark spots and brighten under eye darkness. Ive never tried that but I have had a chemical peel before. Whats funny is that everytime I hear that term, I automatically think about Samantha's face on that one episode of Sex and the City!! LOL
But a chemical peel is good to get if you want to even out your skin tone/complexion... if you have alot of blotchiness, it can really help. I only went one time.... I couldnt swing the $200 price tag back to back. They recommend 6 to 8 peels for optimal results! Soooo if you have an extra $1000 laying around for skincare, definitely check out this procedure! Your face will literally feel like the bottom of a baby's behind! :)
http://www.imagedermatology.com/ - my dermatologist

6) Last tip... Vitamins Vitamins Vitamins. Now there are definitely alot of debates about whether vitamins really work or not...but in my experience they do! My BF Jackie got me hooked on them...because I too was a non believer at one time. But between her and I and a few of my other friends, we have tried a few brands of Hair, Skin, and Nail vitamins and by far we have chosen Solgar to be the best. They are sold at most vitamin shops but not all. I get mine from The Vitamin Shoppe. I pair it with a One A Day Multivitamin and I really do notice a difference. Give it a try!

Real Wedding - Latiffany & Rudy

Today's real wedding feature is on Latiffany & Rudy Wilson. The couple met at Texas College in Tyler, Texas and have been together for 3 years. They wed at the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada on June 6, 2009 in front of 68 guests.

Latiffany joins the DIY Club because she made her own veil and created her bridesmaids bouquets. Their wedding colors were very pretty and I loved how Latiffany made a wardrobe change for her reception! Too cute!

Check out some of the pics from their big day! Congrats again to the newlyweds! :)

Real Wedding - Jehan & Jeff

This real wedding feature is on one of my oldest friends, Jehan and her new hubby Jeff! Jehan is probably the most unique friend I have. She has always been the type to stand out and be different. She is definitely an earthy girl and is very environmentally conscious. Her and Jeff are such a perfect fit for each other! They make a great couple! They had an outside wedding in Harper's Ferry, West Virginia this past weekend (June 20, 2009) with about 150 guests. Her wedding dress was made of organic cotton and had the option to tie it a zillion different ways. It was very cute!

Jehan is totally in the DIY Club. She did a ton of stuff herself for their wedding! She created the invitations. She made the necklaces that she and her two sisters/bridesmaids wore. She also made the jam that she bottled for favors. In addition, she created her own bouquet. Originally she was suppossed to go pick the flowers herself but ran short on time. And her mom created the potted plant centerpieces for each table in the reception tent. Also, instead of a traditional wedding cake, they opted to do a brownie! Check out the topper.....too cute! And sooooo Jehan! :)
I didnt get to take many pictures but here are a few from their big day! She looked lovely! It was a wonderful day and a beautiful wedding! Congrats Jehan & Jeff !!

Real Wedding - Danielle & Harold

Today's real wedding post will be my first destination wedding feature. And its for two of my good friends, Danielle and Harold Booker. We all attended Hampton University together which is where Dani & Harold met. She was a freshman and Harold was a sophomore at the time. The beautiful couple wed in Montego Bay, Jamaica at the Half Moon Resort on May 17, 2008 in front of 75 guests. I was invited but sadly, did not get to attend the wedding but as you can see from the pictures below...it was an absolutely beautiful wedding!!

The couple has been together almost 11 years and guess what?? They are now expecting a little one in November of this year!! Yayyyy! I think its a boy but we'll see.... :)
(UPDATE: Its a girl!! So I was wrong! lol.....Congrats again yall)
Check out some pics from their big day! I loved the whole look of the wedding...and I loved Danielle's dress esp the back.....It was perfect for a destination wedding!