Southern Belle Dish

5 Diet Myths Making You Gain Weight

2012-02-29T11:24:00.000-06:00

The diet strategies you swear by may be flawed. Dr. Oz reveals 5 diet-destroying myths that may be hindering you from achieving the weight-loss you desire.

Added to Articles on Fri 02/24/2012

Could the diet you're on right now be full of lies and misinformation that are making you pack on the pounds? Many of the things you've been taught about dieting may be stopping you from reaching your ideal weight. Dr. Oz reveals the shocking truth about the dieting tips you swear by.

Diet Myth #1: Diet Soda Helps You Lose Weight

Most diet sodas are lower in calories than regular soda because they don’t use regular sugar. The problem here is the artificial sweeteners, which have been tied to weight gain. Why?

Research shows that artificial sweeteners stimulate taste receptors that sense sweetness in both the esophagus and stomach. Anticipating energy, the pancreas releases insulin, an important hormone for accumulating body fat. At the same time, chemicals are sent to the brain’s satiety center, which becomes confused as to whether or not the body is actually receiving calories.

As your body gets “tricked” by the sugar substitute, you crave more food and become susceptible to overeating in order to feel satisfied. The result? You feel even hungrier and less full, which can lead to weight gain.

Artificial sweeteners are more than 100 times sweeter than natural table sugar – this is cause for concern since naturally sweet foods, like fruits, won’t seem as sweet to a desensitized palate.

Choose a healthier alternative, like a glass of seltzer with lemon or lime, the next time you reach for a refreshment.

Diet Myth #2: The More Calories You Cut, the More Weight You Lose

It may seem counterintuitive, but cutting too many calories from your diet can be bad for your waistline. Because 3500 calories equals about 1 pound of fat, you would need to cut 3500 calories out of your diet each week to lose 1 pound a week. In order to do this, you’d have to cut 500 calories a day to lose 1 pound a week.

The problem with severely restricting diets, however, is that they jolt your body into “starvation mode,” preventing your body from burning unwanted fat. This mechanism, which is thought to have evolved as a defense against starvation, helps the body make the most of the calories it gets from food and drink; the body, in order to keep functioning, then looks to get some of it calories from lean muscle. This results in muscle loss. Less muscle means a slower metabolic rate – and in this case, stalled weight loss.
If you want more information about diet myths please go to http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/5-diet-myths-making-you-gain-weight

SBD Staff Pick for Oscar 2012

2012-02-28T11:13:00.000-06:00

SOFIA VERGARA

Showing off her bombshell curves in a delicate white appliquéd gown, accessorized with a colorful clutch, mega-chandeliers and Casadei pumps, the actress has a white night at the Vanity Fair party in West Hollywood.

Dancing with the Stars Season 14 Cast Revealed

2012-02-28T11:07:00.001-06:00

Spring is just around the corner – and so is season 14 of Dancing with the Stars! Twelve new cast members, including Sherri Shepherd, and their professional dance partners were announced on Good Morning America Tuesday.

"It's a dream come true," The View co-host told PEOPLE about training with returning pro Val Chmerkovskiy. "He is one of the best frickin' dancers in the world. He's hot!"

And here's who else is preparing to take the ballroom by storm when the show's new season premieres March 19 on ABC:

• Former child star and Screen Actors Guild president Melissa Gilbert will dance with Chmerkovskiy's brother, ballroom bad boy Maksim.

PHOTOS: Meet the New Cast of DWTS

• Family Matters star Jaleel White will dance with former champ Kym Johnson

• Tennis legend Martina Navratilova will dance with Tony Dovolani

• Soap star-turned-singer Jack Wagner will dance with Anna Trebunskaya

• Green Bay Packers receiver Donald Driver will dance with Peta Murgatroyd

• Extra host Maria Menounos will dance with three-time champ Derek Hough

• The Disney Channel's Roshon Fegan will dance with Chelsie Hightower

• Cuban heartthrob, actor and model William Levy will dance with two-time champ Cheryl Burke

• Singer Gavin DeGraw will dance with reigning champ Karina Smirnoff

• Music legend Gladys Knight will dance with Nancy Grace's former partner Tristan MacManus

• And singer Katherine Jenkins will dance with perennial finalist Mark Ballas

What Dresses We Loved At This Year 2012 Oscars!

2012-02-28T11:01:00.000-06:00

Oscars 2012: Two Dresses, One Night

2012-02-28T10:48:00.000-06:00

Kevin Mazur/WireImage; Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Feb 27, 2012 @ 3:45 pm

Oscars night was so big that some stars required two dresses! American Idol judge Jennifer Lopez was just one of the many celebrities who opted to change looks between the awards show and the after-parties, as she switched out one Zuhair Murad gown for another. See all of the stars who made quick wardrobe updates in the gallery

Happy 24th Birthday Rihanna!

2012-02-20T11:04:00.000-06:00

Happy 24th Birthday Rihanna!Rihanna turns 24 today!

First kisses: the new rules

2012-02-20T10:52:00.000-06:00

By: Denise Young

Your lips touch for the first time and the earth moves. The angels sing...or, at least, that’s what you hope will happen, right? The reality is, anticipating that first smooch can be one of the most exciting and nerve-wracking moments in your dating life. So much hangs in the balance: Will your date like how you kiss? Will there be chemistry? Does this person even want to lock lips with you in the first place?

Dr.Locker, have helped thousands of singles and couples navigate this tricky first-kiss terrain. And don’t worry, there are many ways to pull it off with ease while letting your date know there’s plenty more where that came from. Check out her tips for kissing:

Secret #1: Time it right
The most common question I get about first kisses is this: When should I do the deed? An understandable concern. No one wants to make the move too soon and get the dreaded cheek-turn, and yet, if you wait too long it sends the vibe that you’re not interested or that you lack confidence. So when should you dive in? Most women I’ve spoken to say it should happen on the first or second date — provided you don’t wait until that very end when you’re standing in her doorway. That’s too predictable, awkward and likely to be framed by those “Umm, I had a really good time…” comments. Instead, go for something sexier and more spontaneous. Says Missy Barcic, of New Vernon, NJ: “A first kiss has to have something that’s dynamic to it. Surprise me, catch me off-guard. That’s passion.” And creative, which earns bonus points, too. Women have told me about incredible kisses happening on the way into a restaurant (getting it out of the way early), across a dinner table, in a movie theater (during the opening credits), or just walking down the street, when the guy “noticed” that there was a romantic full moon overhead.

Browse Local Singles at Match.com on Yahoo!

Secret #2: Guys and girls can take the lead
Some people think that a guy has the responsibility to initiate a first kiss. But what I’ve heard over and over again from men is this: They love, love, love it when a woman makes the first move. “My best first kiss was when my now-girlfriend just went for it. We were standing in the kitchen, getting ready to go out, and all of a sudden she just pushed me against the wall and we sort of melted into each other,” recalls Tao Nguyen of Washington, D.C. Guys love knowing that they’re wanted, so go ahead, girls, give him a break and go for it. One woman I interviewed did this with fabulous results. “After our third date, we stayed up talking until 4 a.m. and still no kiss!” she says. “So at the very beginning of our fourth date, I walked into his apartment and instead of saying, hello, I kissed him — and we wound up making out for hours. Sometimes I wonder if I hadn’t given him that first kiss if we’d even be together today. He assures me that he would have gotten around to it, but I am glad that I took charge. It gave me kind of a rush.”

Secret #3: Leave the other person wanting more
Sure, you want your first kiss to be passionate, but that doesn’t mean rough or messy. As one woman put it, “The worst first kiss is an aggressive kiss. If a guy does that, I tell him that I have to be at work early in the morning to cut things short.” Aggressive kissing communicates that you’re overeager, which can convince someone to put on the brakes. Give the recipient some air — and he or shee will be raring for more. “The one time I kissed a guy for the first time I made sure to pull away after a few seconds,” recalls one woman. “It was great, since it gave me a second to look into his eyes and silently ask, ‘Is this okay? You liking this?’ before we dove back in. If we hadn’t hit pause, I would never have known whether he was just kissing me to not be rude.”

Secret #4: You’ll win points for being romantic
While a standard first kiss can be great, the men and women I’ve spoken with always remember — longingly — the ones that had an extra maneuver that heightened the romance factor. Usually, these are little moves that ramp up the sensuality of a kiss. For instance, Samara O’Shea of New York, NY, recalls a great first kiss in which her guy “put his index finger gently on my chin to guide my mouth toward his — it was so sexy.” And Lori Conte, of Providence, RI, shares this moment: “My boyfriend first kissed me softly on my neck, worked his way up to my ear and then my mouth — that pretty much blew me away.” Guys also love this kind of thing: Dan Allen, of San Antonio, TX, says, “One of my best-ever first kisses was when my date gently raked her nails through my hair — that get my nerve endings revved in an unexpected way.” So feel free to add a little extra bit of romance with techniques like these.

Secret #5: You won’t win points for being weird
While playing with your date’s hair or ear may be great, please don’t go out on a limb in the name of originality. A 38-year-old married woman put it this way: “The first time my now-husband kissed me, he licked my face, kind of like a dog. I thought, What the heck is this? Believe me, I thought twice about ever seeing this guy again… I still tease him about it today by calling him ‘puppy lips.’”

So there are two lessons to this story: Originality isn’t always a good thing when it comes to first kisses, but — if there’s enough of a connection there — even the worst of first kisses can be forgiven.

Whitney Houston Funeral: Singer Laid to Rest

2012-02-20T10:42:00.000-06:00

By ALYSSA NEWCOMB and SHEILA MARIKAR (@SheilaYM)

Feb. 19, 2012

Singer Whitney Houston was laid to rest this morning in a private burial service in Westfield N.J.'s Fairview Cemetery.
She was buried next to her father, John Russell Houston, who died in 2003.
A small procession of limos followed the hearse carrying her casket as it headed toward the cemetery with a police-escorted motorcade.
The actually site where Houston was buried cannot be seen by any of the media on the ground.
The burial follows a nearly four-hour "home going" ceremony Saturday at the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, N.J.
Houston's mother Cissy Houston and her daughter, Bobbi Kristina Brown, were joined by mourners at the invitation-only service.
"I never told you that when you were born, the Holy Spirit told me that you would not be with me long," Cissy Houston wrote in the funeral program, The Associated Press reported Saturday. "And I thank God for the beautiful flower he allowed me to raise and cherish for 48 years."
There were musical tributes from some of the biggest names in the industry including Stevie Wonder and Alicia Keys.
The audience included the likes of Oprah Winfrey and Mariah Carey.
A tearful Alicia Keyes remembered how Houston would reach out to young artists.
"[She] made us feel strong and capable and loved," Keyes said before she sang.

Jason DeCrow/AP Photo

A coffin holding the remains of singer... View Full Size

Whitney Houston Funeral: Private Family Viewing Watch Video

Bobby Brown Performs Hours After Whitney's Service Watch Video

Farewell to Whitney: Breaking Barriers Watch Video

Aretha Franklin, who had been confirmed as a performer, said Saturday she would not sing at Houston's funeral. "Unfortunately I had terrible leg spasms and locked leg muscles," Franklin said in a statement. "My heart goes out to my dear friend Cissy, Dionne, Bobbi Kristina and the rest of the family. "
Houston's longtime friend and the man who jumpstarted her career, Clive Davis, said a talent like Houston's was rare.
"You wait for a voice like that for a lifetime. You wait for a face like that, a smile like that, a presence like that for a lifetime," he said. "When one person embodies it all, it takes your breath away."
During the service, Kevin Costner remembered his "The Bodyguard" co-star as someone who shared the same interests and values. Both grew up in the Baptist church, a bond he said they shared over the years of their friendship.
Costner recalled Houston's nervousness when she had to do a screen test for the role of singer Rachel Marron in the movie.
"The Whitney I knew was still wondering if I'm good enough. Am I pretty enough? Will they like me?" he said. "It was what made her great, and what caused her to stumble at the end."
One person conspiciously absent at the service was Houston's ex-husband, Bobby Brown.
Brown made a brief appearance at the funeral. He touched the casket and then left with his children Landon and LaPrincia at the start of the ceremony.
In a statement put out by his representative, he explained, "My children and I were invited to the funeral of my ex-wife Whitney Houston. We were seated by security and then subsequently asked to move on three separate occasions."
Brown had had spent much of the week with his daughter with Houston, Bobbi Kristina, who was hospitalized for stress and anxiety after Houston's death on Feb. 11.
READ: Top 10 Things You May Not Know About Whitney Houston
One of Houston's family members told ABC News that while many people in the family didn't want Brown to attend the funeral, they had no way to stop him because of his connection with Bobbi Kristina.
At the end of the nearly four-hour long funeral, Whitney Houston's rendition of "I Will Always Love You" played, as her mother Cissy led her casket out of the church. Bobbi Kristina followed.

Ray J Finally Breaks His Silence

2012-02-20T10:32:00.000-06:00

Whitney Houston’s funeral was clearly emotional for Ray J, and now the singer’s on-and-off boyfriend has finally broken his silence.
The singer/rapper/producer released the following statement Friday morning:
“Over the past few days I’ve tried to process the emptiness that I am experiencing. What my heart feels cannot be expressed in words. The world lost an icon but I lost my close friend. Nippy I miss you so much! You were so happy and full of love. Your smile will live in my heart forever.”
-Ray J Norwood

Here you come again:See Dolly Parton’s Transformation!

2012-01-13T22:35:00.000-06:00

BY:Denise Young

In Dolly Parton’s four-decade career, the 65-year-old superstar has charted 25 number-one hits, sold 100 million records and even opened her very own (enormously successful) theme park. Her frankly artificial beauty, from her platinum wigs to her Coke bottle figure, are just part of her ample charm. “People say, ‘Are you offended by the dumb-blonde jokes?’” she joked on The View. “And I say no, because I know I’m not dumb and I know I’m not blonde.” With her new movie Joyful Noise in theaters today, check out Parton’s transformation from Tennessee tot to all-out superstar in the gallery now.

Check out Dolly Transformation! http://www.instyle.com/instyle/package/transformations/photos/0,,20290120_20451359_20889285,00.html

Christian Louboutin Jeweled Platforms

2012-01-13T22:25:00.001-06:00

By: Denise Young

Shoes,Shoes! I love Shoes:My ultra-stylish friend calls these Pop Rocks-coated slingbacks "outfit-makers." I prefer the term "ridiculous," when speaking of these multi-colored crystal peep-toes with their five-inch metallic leather-wrapped heels. As in: "It's ridiculous how happy wearing these would make me."

$2,830; at bergdorfgoodman.com.

Golden Globes 2012

2012-01-13T22:22:00.000-06:00

The 12 Riskiest Golden Globes Looks Ever

JANUARY 3, 2012

All-gowns-all-the-time? Not at the Golden Globes! The laidback awards show encourages stars to take risks, trying out unexpected looks like Diane Kruger's belly-baring two-piece, Sarah Jessica Parker's corset or Nicole Kidman's low-dipping flapper shift. Click on for more of the most daring ensembles from Golden Globes past.

Star Finder Photos

Site-wide galleries of your favorite celebrities

Diane Kruger

Nicole Kidman

Sarah Jessica Parker

Critics’ Choice Movie Awards: All the Fashion Details!

2012-01-13T22:19:00.000-06:00

The Critics’ Choice Movie Awards took place in Los Angeles last night, where some of our favorite celebrities opted for the most tried-and-true formal-event colors: Black and white. Charlize Theron chose form-fitting Azzedine Alaïa, Tilda Swinton picked two-tone Yves Saint Laurent, Michelle Williams went for one of her favorite labels in Chanel, and Kirsten Dunst wore a bow-decorated Christian Dior LBD. However, the carpet wasn’t entirely colorless. See what everyone else wore to the Critics’ Choice Movie Awards in the gallery now!
— Sharon Clott, with reporting by Lindzi Scharf

She said: “My relationship has to have ____”

2012-01-13T22:11:00.000-06:00

By Dave Singleton

When it comes to dating, we all have our romantic checklists.

For the most part, I think men and women agree on the key attributes we consider important in our romantic partners. Don’t we all want someone who’s decent, attractive, confident, loyal, has a great sense of humor, shares our values, operates with integrity, a good communicator and emotionally healthy? Oh yes, and it doesn’t hurt if Mr. or Ms. Maybe is independently wealthy and has rock-star charisma, too.

But what if you just had to pick one attribute as the most critical for your mate to have? That’s where the sexes part company and prioritize some traits over others — or, in some cases, define those traits differently. For example, men and women might have separate definitions for an adjective like “passionate.” Everyone wants a passionate partner, but if you believe some stereotypes and outdated research, men more often associate that word with pure physical, sexual voracity, while women think of a deeply felt, lusty emotion that’s directed only at them.

Recently, I spoke with a variety of women to get them to tell me the one thing they absolutely, positively had to have in a guy they were seriously dating. With a little thought — and some prodding — most of the women I spoke with were clear about their top demands. Which one tops your list?

Browse Local Singles At Match.com

I am a:

Seeking:

Near:

“I want to be wooed; I need the romance”
Virginian Mary, 33, says: “I’ve been so disappointed when, after a few months, a guy loses all his romantic impulses and just settles in. I can be attracted to many types of guys; my boyfriends have been tall, short, funny, serious, really financially successful, and [one was] even a struggling artist. But the one thing I now know that I need is ongoing romance. Don’t send me flowers in the first two months and then stop after we’re comfortable with each other. And please don’t think that ordering Chinese food and watching [something on] TiVo five nights a week is going to work for me. I want to be wooed; I need the romance. I want to make out in the car like we did on our first date. I want to meet you somewhere new as if we are having a secret rendezvous, not going to the same place on the same day of the week.”

Clearly, the takeaway for guys here is: don’t settle into a boring routine. Keep finding ways to spice things up and treat your girlfriend like your date, even if — and after — she becomes your wife.

“I need a man who is generous in every way”
North Carolinian Sarah, 35, explains: “I need a generous guy. My next relationship has got to be with a guy who is generous…or maybe ‘not cheap’ is a better way to put it. I think women are misunderstood about this concept of generosity; it’s how you define it. I think a money-conscious guy is great. That implies stability to me. And I don’t need him to pay for everything, although I like it when a guy pays for the first couple of dates. I just don’t want a stingy, bean-counting man who knows the cost of everything, the value of nothing, and is a total cheapskate. I’m willing to be generous in return.”

Sarah raises a good point about how we define key traits. Being generous doesn’t necessarily mean loading you with jewels like Richard Burton did with Elizabeth Taylor, though wouldn’t that be swell? It’s about less about money and more about acting in a giving, graceful way with your partner.

“As I get older, I want someone who genuinely cares about me”
“I know this might seem obvious,” says Virginian Charlene, 42. “But after being in relationships for a couple of decades, I just can’t imagine being with a guy who doesn’t genuinely care about me, and about us. I have dated lots of types of men — a swaggering cowboy, an uber-confident executive, and a smooth-talking lawyer. Each had his good points, but the truth is that authentic caring is rarer than you think. Does he always put himself first? Is the relationship more like a transaction, where we look and act a certain way to get our romantic needs met? I’ve been in those relationships and they feel very conditional to me. I want to wake up next to my guy knowing that we both want the best for the other one no matter what — and that we value what’s important to the other one, without expecting something in return.”

Maybe genuinely caring about your partner (and vice versa) seems like an obvious thing to demand in any relationship, but it doesn’t often pop up on the standard “must-have” lists, at least not ahead of the usual suspects such as confidence, passion, looks and humor. But for those who’ve been in a relationship without feeling genuinely cared for by their partner, it shoots to the top of the wish-list for their next romance.

“I need to feel true chemistry with him”
Marylander Marisol, 33, stresses: “It’s not like the other important characteristics don’t matter. They do. But I can’t think of anything else for the top of the list. I need to feel the chemistry. With a boyfriend, I need that elusive... something.” Maybe it’s what famed fictional icon Carrie Bradshaw referred to as “zsa zsa zsu” — the unexplainable chemical reaction that happens when you just can’t get enough of your hot, new guy. Marisol’s choice brings up an interesting point: Do the rules of attraction play out in your subconscious? The elusive feeling of “zsa zsa zsu” is probably not something women can pinpoint ahead of time, but maybe that’s when the senses take over.

According to a 2002 study by J. Philippe Rushton and Trudy Ann Bons published in the journal, Psychological Science, women prefer the scent of men with genes that are somewhat similar to their own over the scent of nearly genetically identical or totally dissimilar men. Ah, pheromones! Those sneaky chemical signals produced by the body to communicate one’s reproductive qualities definitely can cast a spell. It’s important to remember that non-visual cues might be driving your decision when it comes to defining the one trait you can’t live without in a partner.

“I want a guy who’s got a big, soulful heart”
Of course, there were a few women that had a hard time choosing just one trait — and some even had quite creative reasons as to why they chose the way they did. “I have three,” says Washingtonian Kristen, 27. “I just watched The Wizard of Oz with my nephew and it occurred to me that the guy I want next has the three things Dorothy found on the yellow brick road. I want a guy who has courage, heart and a brain!” Good luck, Kristen — even Dorothy couldn’t find one guy in all of Oz who fit that bill. With a little prodding, Kristen finally narrowed it down: “If I have to pick just one, I want a guy who’s got a big, soulful heart and is kind.” And when push comes to shove, if you really think about what’s most important when it comes to guaranteeing your happiness, it makes sense that a man’s heart would claim the top spot.

Preparing To Become A Wife – 10 Tips For Single Women

2012-01-11T22:21:00.000-06:00

By Tanika Jones
Many women dream of that special day. You know the one, where all of the attention is on her in that gorgeous white dress. The flowers, the decorations, the fancy cars and let’s not forget, her Prince Charming.
Most women have an idea of what age they will be when Mr. Right asks her to spend the rest of her life with him. She has the colors picked out, the ideal season, the wedding party and even the guest list! To many women, the wedding day is the turning point in her life that will lead to her happily ever after. Many of us have focused (let’s be honest) so much time and thought on the wedding and the marriage that we have never spent enough time and energy on the most important part…preparing to become a wife!
I too used to get excited about getting married, having a family and living the fairy tale princess life. But then it happened; reality hit me smack in the face. I started paying attention to women who were already wives. I quickly noticed that marriage takes work! I am talking about 24/7/365 work! The great thing about the marital covenant is that when you give it your all, you can live “happily ever after”!
As a woman involved in a courtship, I have obtained the counsel of women that have been married for 10+ years. I ask two questions that I believe will help prepare me to be the best wife that I can be. The first question is, “What are some things that you wish you would have done to prepare for marriage differently?” The other question is, “What advice would you give that would help me to be the wife that God calls women to be?” I have received great wisdom and advice from Godly women who have been married for close to 40 years! I would like to share that advice with other single women.
1. Develop an intimate relationship with God. You cannot enter into a successful covenant with a husband if you don’t first have one with God. Seek biblical wisdom, study the word, develop a life of prayer and be dedicated to living for God. This will strengthen the marriage covenant when God allows you to walk into that season. A three-cord strand is not easily broken (Ecclesiastes 4:12)
2. Master the art of fidelity and trust. No man wants a woman that cannot be faithful nor one that turns her neck at every fine man that she sees. Learn to 100% committed prior to a serious courtship. Be happy with what God has blessed you with and cultivate your relationship. It is also important to be a woman of your word. If you promise to do something, be sure to do it!
3. Develop the ability to take care of a home. Ladies, in order to be a great partner in marriage, we must bring the ability to emotionally and physically take care of the house. Learn to set a atmosphere of peace and love. Avoid quarrels when possible. Practice gentleness with others that cross your path.
4. Learn how to cook! My mother once told me that a woman that cannot cook is not cute! We know that men like to eat. Let’s be serious here. We all need to eat to live. Eating out all of the time can become expensive and who doesn’t love a home-cooked meal from time to time. If you cannot do anything beyond boil water, invest in a cookbook. Try one new meal a week and you will quickly improve your cooking skills.
5. Make smart financial decisions. If you desire to marry a man that provides and makes the best decisions for his family, you need to do the same. Smart men don’t want to marry a woman that spends way more than she saves. Work on your budget and be sure to have an emergency fund that covers 3-6 months on expenses along with retirement savings. Preparing for tomorrow is important. The ability to manage money is important in marriage.
6. Be complete as one. Be comfortable with not having a man in this season. Learn to be happy on your own. Find joy in those things that make you happy. Love what you have and don’t covet what others have. Spend time in your singleness doing the things that you love to do. Travel, find hobbies and do the things that married women tell you that you won’t have time to do when you get married and then become a mother.
7. Learn the art of compromise. Marriage will be about give and take. While you are single, learn that you don’t always have to be right and accept that most things will not always happen your way. Be willing to sacrifice what you want for the benefit and happiness of others. Wives have to compromise many things. The earlier we learn to compromise, the better off we will be in marriage.
8. Be committed to pursuing your dreams and supporting others. It is important to have your own goals and motivations prior to becoming one with your future husbands. The single season is a great opportunity to begin building your career, business or working towards other goals. Learn how to support family and friends in their endeavors as well. When you become a wife, you will have to support your husband’s dreams, possibly at the expense of yours. You must me ok with this level of sacrifice and compromise prior to committing to marriage.
9. Know what submission is and be ready to walk in it. Many people shy way from this discussion. Submission is not equivalent to obedience. Submission is yielding in love. Study God’s design for marriage and understand the role of a wife. In your singleness, God is your husband. Submit yourself to Him. Trust His plan and timing for your life. Seek His guidance in all that you do. Practicing submission now will be the driving force to it being second nature to you once you become a wife.
10. Be holy and feminine in your conduct. Always carry yourself as a classy woman who walks with confidence. Men want a woman they are proud to take home to their families. They want a woman with high self-esteem, one who walks gracefully, respects herself and others around her.
Marriage is a sacred bond between God, man and woman. This is a great starting list to help single women prepare.
Whether you are single or married, share with us any other advice that can help women (and men too) prepare for a successful and lifelong marriage.
Tanika Jones is a marketing professional, aspiring Christian author, and a student at Rhema Correspondence Bible School. She is also the founder and editor-in-chief of Armed Magazine, a Christian magazine created to “Spiritually Equip You for Victory in Battle.”

Torn between two lovers?

2012-01-11T18:31:00.000-06:00

By Kimberly Dawn Neumann

Balancing multiple suitors on your dance card? While it may seem like an embarrassment of riches to anyone on the outside, having several really great dating prospects approach you simultaneously can, in reality, be quite stressful. How do you choose amongst them? Which one is possibly The One? Do you have to tell them you’re dating other people [that would be yes!]? What if you make the wrong choice? Surely you can see where we’re headed with these “what if?” questions...

“Psychologists say that the hardest decisions are made between two positives. You ask someone to pick between a sensitive, hot, funny billionaire and a crass jerk that lives with his mother, and the choice is clear. But it’s a lot harder when both people have relatively similar pros and cons,” says Alisa Bowman, author of Project Happily Ever After and founder of projecthappilyeverafter.com. “Suddenly, you worry that the choice you aren’t making just might be the biggest mistake of your life.” But before you panic and think you have to decide this instant, take a deep breath and realize that the right information will come to you in time. To help you narrow the search down from too many options to The One, keep in mind these eight expert tips:

Browse Local Singles at Match.com on Yahoo!

I am a:

Seeking a:

Near:

Tip #1: Think about how you’ve handled difficult decisions in the past
Sometimes making the right choice feels impossible, but chances are, you’ve had to make some pretty tough decisions before and survived… right? Take a step back and think about similar tricky situations you’ve dealt with successfully throughout your life. “Maybe when you were younger, you had to choose between two equally good universities — or between two equally good job offers. Or, heck, sometimes it’s deciding between the crème brûlée and the molten chocolate cake for dessert. Did you regret the option you didn’t take in those situations?” offers Bowman. “Chances are that you didn’t. You just made a choice, you went with it, and you never looked back. Even if you did, the glance over your shoulder was fleeting at best. Life goes on.” In other words, you’re choosing between two “goods” here, so there really is nothing to fear. You’re not in a life-threatening situation. Keep things in perspective and give yourself time to make the decision that feels best for you!

Tip #2: Notice how you feel about yourself when you’re around each prospect
Different people bring out different parts of your personality when you’re around them. This gets amplified even more when you’re dating two people at once. It’s striking to notice the changes in yourself when you’re around one person versus the other. “The first clue is to pay attention to those differences in how you feel about yourself when you’re around each person,” says Dr. Ish Major, a psychiatrist and author of Little White Whys: A Woman’s Guide Through the Lies Men Tell and Why. “Ask yourself the following questions: Which one makes me feel more alive? Which one makes me feel more comfortable? Which one makes me feel more my true self when we’re together? Which one do I feel more in tune with? Which one makes me feel like the person I believe myself to be?” Ultimately, you want to find someone who not only lets you be yourself, but who also brings out your best qualities when you’re with each other before committing to dating that person exclusively.

Tip #3: Determine which person’s lifestyle is most similar to yours
Marital therapists compare couples in which both people share many similarities to having money in the bank. Dr. Karin Anderson, an Associate Professor of Psychology at Concordia University Chicago and author of It Just Hasn’t Happened Yet, agrees: “Opposites may attract at first, but over the course of a lifetime, couples who have more in common have less to fight about. Their simpatico perspectives generate few areas of disagreement. If you’re thinking long-term, ask yourself if one of your suitors is more similar to you in terms of character, values and lifestyle.”

Tip #4: Compare your communication styles
It’s important for a couple to communicate clearly for things to work — and this includes both of you being able to ask for what you need in the relationship. “Assertiveness is a skill that can be learned, but a partner who already has it is a great catch,” says Bowman. “Has this person asked you to change anything about your behavior? Was that request made in a way that was not hurtful?” The ability to listen is equally important, stresses Bowman: “When looking at your prospects, ask yourself if they hoard the conversation and make everything about them. Or, do they ask about you, sincerely listen to what you have to say, and respond to it in a thoughtful way?” The better match for you will be the one who communicates clearly, actively listens and keeps your needs in mind throughout the conversation.

Tip #5: Evaluate your potential social status as a couple
Most of us don’t live in a bubble; meaning, eventually, you two will have to go out in public together as a couple. And when you do, how you feel can indicate what kind of shape your relationship is in, according to Dr. Major: “Sure, we can say the social stuff and what others think shouldn’t matter as much… but if we’re being honest, it is a big deal!” To assess which person might be your best public partner in crime, Dr. Major recommends asking yourself the following:

Are we into some of the same things?
Do I feel comfortable taking this person anywhere?
Do I feel comfortable introducing my date to friends and family [and do they like this person]?
Can I take him or her to a work-related function?
Am I proud to be with this person when we’re out and about?
When we’re together, does it look like a good fit?

Tip #6: Weigh the baggage each potential partner carries
Often, we get distracted by the baggage a potential partner brings into the relationship. So, which prospect would you choose if there weren’t anything in your way? For example: If Prospect #1 has been through a recent divorce and already has three kids, it might make Prospect #2 look a lot more appealing. However, if extraneous factors are influencing your decision between two possible love interests, try imagining whom you’d prefer if they both showed up sans luggage. “Couples who are conscientious and committed can work through just about anything, so don’t let a few unexpected variables cloud your ability to see the person that’s in front of you,” says Dr. Anderson. “First, figure out which person you prefer — and then the two of you can figure out what to do with the carry-on.”

Tip #7: Do you feel like you’re “cheating” with one of your dates?
“At some point, you may find that when you’re out with one person, you feel guilty about it — almost as if you’re betraying the other prospect,” says Dr. Anderson. “Of course, you’re not really cheating, as no commitments have been made yet. But if you begin to feel like you’re being unfaithful to someone, that is actually important information which helps you recognize which match is the right one for you.” In other words, your conscience may have already made the decision for you.

Tip #8: Follow your heart
Finally, no matter how you answered all the previous questions, love is ultimately still a matter of following your heart. “This criterion is where the rubber meets the road and it’s called the ‘Love Factor,’” says Dr. Major. Listen to what your heart tells you when you ask yourself the following questions:

Which one can I not wait to see?
Which one can I not stop thinking about?
Which one makes me smile at the very thought of him/her?
Which one makes me think up little things to do just to make this person happy?
Which one’s birthday do I actually remember?
Which one makes me feel giddy when we’re together?
Which one can I not imagine hurting?

Remember, you don’t need to force a decision until you’re ready. The answers will eventually become clearer as you relax, get to know these potential partners better, gather additional information and let things unfold naturally. One day, you may realize that The One is simply the person that’s always on your mind.

Khloe Kardashian’s father's ex makes crazy claims........

2012-01-11T18:22:00.000-06:00

By Sarah Anne Hughes

Khloe Kardashian. (Brandon Wade - AP) Khloe Kardashian, arguably the most likable family member of the reality show bunch, has been the subject of many tabloid reports during her time in the spotlight. But the one she woke up to this morning seems to have broken the camel’s back.
Star magazine, via Radar, is reporting that Khloe isn’t the child of the late lawyer Robert Kardashian, based on the musings of two of his ex-wives. (Naturally, Khloe’s mother, Kris Jenner, is not one of the aforementioned exes.)
Jan Ashley, who was married to Robert Kardashian in the late 1990s, according to the New York Post, claims her ex-husband told her Khloe wasn’t his child. Ellen Pierson Kardashian, who married Robert Kardashian shortly before his death in 2003, told the gossip rag that her late husband had doubts about Khloe’s paternity. Pierson-Kardashian cites the super scientific reasons, “She looked nothing like the rest. She was tall, had a different shape, light hair, curly hair.” Tall and curly hair! It must be true!
Robert Kardashian and Kris Jenner were married from 1978 and 1990, and have four children together — Kourtney, Kim, Khloe and Robert.
Khloe Kardashian responded to her former stepmothers’ allegations on Twitter.
“The audacity you have to mention my father’s name like this! Should be ashamed of urself! I let a lot of things slide but this one is really low,” Khloe tweeted early Wednesday. “YOU ARE DISGUSTING! (yes you know who YOU are).”
So far, that has been the only word on the tabloid report out of the Kardashian camp.
Even though the Kardashian family has put themselves into the public eye, this report seems particularly cruel and unnecessary.
Do you think Star magazine crossed a line with this story? Tell us in the comments.

The Best Golden Globes Gowns of All Time

2012-01-10T16:41:00.000-06:00

By: Denise Young

We love beautiful growns take a look at the The Best Golden Globes Gowns of All Time! http://www.instyle.com/instyle/package/general/photos/0,,20554298_20558045,00.html

Drew Barrymore Is InStyle’s February Cover Girl!

2012-01-10T16:36:00.000-06:00

Sjödin

Want to know what the newly-engaged Drew Barrymore thinks about life and love? Find out in the new February issue of InStyle, where our cover girl opens up about her cute beau, Will Kopelman. “He’s lovely,” she says. “He’s very, very nice. It’s really positive. I’m super-happy. We go on group trips and spend holidays together—there’s a lot of love! And that is really nice and very different from the way I grew up, which was more unstable and inconsistent, with a lot of highs and lows. It’s funny, when I was younger, I used to say I’d hate a flat line—that I want the ups and downs, the rollercoaster. But I’m actually really enjoying the flat line.” She goes on to emphasize the importance of striking the perfect work/life balance, which allows her to run her own production firm and star in films, like the upcoming Big Miracle, in theaters February 3rd. “I’m pushing 40,” she tells us. “I feel like those things that I always aspired to are finally being realized. I used to be afraid to let go of the intensity. I thought the work would suffer. But the lesson is, No, it’s still good, and I’m a lot happier—and less of a nervous kid.” Read more of our exclusive interview with Barrymore in the latest issue, on newsstands Friday.

Cover: Max Mara dress, Tiffany & Co. earrings, Alexis Bittar and Manon Von Gerkan rings, Dolce & Gabbana bracelet. Photo: Dior coat, Chanel top, Dolce & Gabbana skirt, Bulgari, Harry Winston, and Tiffany & Co. rings.

Fashion Faceoff: Who do you vote for

2012-01-10T16:31:00.000-06:00

OLIVIA VS. JENNIFER

For the 2011 Golden Globes, the actress pairs her Marchesa gown with straight strands, while the singer chooses waves and pink lips at Walt Disney World in Florida.

I Really Love.....

2012-01-10T16:28:00.002-06:00

EMBER SKYE BAG

Vanessa Hudgens accents her hippie-chic outfits with a flouncy, fringed Ember Skye "Kate" bag – a style she's so obsessed with that she has it in black and ivory.

Hit or Miss: Fashion

2012-01-10T16:27:00.002-06:00

ROONEY MARA

Taking a break from her all-black routine, Rooney goes with a scarlet Valentino lace-illusion frock for the Rome premiere of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

Queen of th Night

2012-01-10T16:23:00.002-06:00

QUEEN OF THE NIGHT

Showing off her curves in a formfitting dress, Queen Latifah shines at the Hollywood premiere of her new comedy, Joyful Noise, at Grauman's Chinese Theatre on Monday.

Tia Mowry Talks Post-Pregnancy Weight Loss: “It Was A Struggle”

2012-01-09T17:26:00.000-06:00

Tia Mowry, like many mothers, was determined to lose the baby weight she gained during her pregnancy. But, like many of us, she wasn’t able to do so without a few troubles.
She told On The Red Carpet:
On losing the baby weight:
“It was a struggle, it was hard. I definitely focused on what I ate. A lot of people are like, ‘Oh my gosh, how did you do it?’ Everyone knows that I had a cesarean, and when you have a cesarean, you can’t work out a lot until like eight weeks, nine weeks afterwards. So what I did focus on was eating healthy – I stayed away from sugar, I stayed away from carbs, and I just ate like protein and veggies and I would do a lot of walking.”
On her son:
“I love my son, I’m kind of obsessed. I have a little bit of separation anxiety. He sleeps in his crib and then he’ll wake up around 4:30 to 5 in the morning, and I’ll kind of put him in our bed.”

Beyonce and Jay-Z welcomes a baby girl

2012-01-09T17:20:00.000-06:00

Beyonce has given birth to a baby girl on Saturday evening in New York, a source has told the Houston Chronicle. Both are said to be doing OK.
The baby girl is the first child for Beyonce and her husband Jay-Z who will be married for 4 years this year.
A very pregnant Beyonce checked into Lenox Hill hospital last night under the name “Ingrid Jackson,” a hospital staffer told the NY Daily News. Staffers at the hospital said that Beyonce and her Jay-Z, rented out the hospital’s entire fourth floor for $1.3 million.
With reports that a New York hospital was put on alert for a celebrity birth, the rumors went into full swing over the last few days. Some websites even posted the rumor that the singer had given birth to a baby girl and named her Tiana-May Carter on Thursday, December 29th.
Auntie Rihanna was the first to tweet the good news:

Congratulations to the happy couple! Now can we all get back to our regularly scheduled lives!