My Birthday Wish

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray the day may appear.

I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.

I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.

I wish you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger.

I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.

I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.

I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final goodbye.

They say it takes a minute to find a special person,
an hour to appreciate them,
a day to love them...

But then an entire life to forget them.

Take time to Live. And Love. 

Lessons Learned

On my 30th Birthday (last year), I asked that my friends personalize my 2013 calendar. They marked their own birthdays, a special anniversary, and a suggestion of something I should do. Upon their suggestion - I tackled my first 5K, watched a body building competition, mailed out anniversary cards, celebrated special birthdays, remembered life-changing moments... and so much more... all for the first time. This has been such a productive year, and I have my fantastic friends to thank. 

I definitely look to the future as the wise Maya Angelou shared in her own reflections too -

I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today,
life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.

I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these 3 things: a  rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas  tree lights.

I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents,
you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.

I've learned that making a living is not the same thing as making a life.

I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.

I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands;
you need to be able to throw some things back.

I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.

I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone.

I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.

I've learned that people will forget what you said,
people will forget what you did,
but people will never forget how you made them feel.

Fresh Prince Grows Up

Nothing in my life is going to be without purpose.

I’ve grown to a place in my life that the only way to be happy is to live in service to humanity. Not wasting time and not letting people waste your time.

I don’t want to waste this gift of life that we have, specifically in this time.

Your life will become better as you make other lives better. [Will Smith]

Eva-lasting

What I tell girls is - What they don't like about themselves now, they will probably end up loving as an adult. Because that's what happened to me!

When I am complimented on things that I didn't like when I was 13, like my overbite and my mole, that's when you realize that your imperfections are why people love you.

[Eva Mendes]

Heaven : Phone Home

There are moments in life,
when you wish you could bring someone down from Heaven...

and spend the day with them just one more time.

Give them one more hug or kiss them goodbye.

One more chance to say - I Love you.

I wish heaven had a phone, so I could hear your voice again.

I thought of you today, but that is nothing new.
I thought about you yesterday, and days before that too.

I think of you in silence. I often speak your name.
All I have are memories and a picture in a frame.

Your memory is a keepsake from which I'll never part.

God has you in His arms; I have you in my heart.

Balloon Buddies

Life is too short to wake up with regrets.

So love the people who treat you right.

Forget about the ones who don't. Believe everything happens for a reason.

If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands.

If it changes your life, let it.

Nobody said life would be easy; they just promised it would be worth it.

Friends are like balloons - once you let them go, you can't get them back.

So I'm gonna tie you to my heart, so I never lose you.

Golden Moments

Oprah retired from 25yrs of her talk show to have her OWN network (pun intended). I've been pleasantly surprised to hear several guests of Oprah's Next Chapter share some incredible insight.... Read on. 


Superstar Olympian Bart Conner - In life you can be lucky to be born good-looking or rich, but there is only one way to the top of the podium at the Olympics: hard work, focus, and determination. It's great to be around our fellow Olympic champions because there is a certain air of credibility. They didn't get there because their dad knows a guy or their family has connections. The Olympics is one of the few industries where there is only one way to the top, whether you come from the ghetto or whether you come from royalty. It's an elite club to win because you actually earned it. It's a moment shared with an enormous amount of people because they helped make that win happen.


Rihanna - Marry someone who loves you more than you love him... because a woman will always give, even more than they need to. It's maternal to care for those around you, especially your husband. They'll only meet you halfway if they love you a little more. (Gran Gran Dolly)


Kim Kardashian - I'm a better person now. As heart-breaking as that was to go through and for anyone that I hurt, I truly am sorry. I truly don't wish pain on anyone, but for the lesson that I learned and the person I am now because of that crazy experience, I wouldn't trade it for the world. It wasn't a mistake, it was a lesson. I was disappointed in myself. Things happen they way they're supposed to to eventually bring you to where you're supposed to be. When you're at a certain age, when you're old enough... I've obviously made plenty of mistakes in my lifetime, but I'm not the type to beat myself up over it. If a real lesson was learned, I'm so okay with having experienced that.


Oprah Winfrey - If you go back with a man who hits you, it's because you don't think you're worthy of being with a man who won't. I've said before, 'Love doesn't hurt, and if a man hits you once, he will hit you again.'

Impossible Combination

Welcome to the A List... 

Paparazzi know her by first name, and fashion blogs have started tracking her every outfit.

But even though life for Zoe Saldana has changed dramatically post-Avatar, there are some things that will always stay the same –
not least of all her values and loyalty toward her loved ones.

Saldana is more than simply legit.

She is, in J.J. Abrams words,
an “impossible combination of strength and beauty, and wit and humor.” 

- Latina Magazine feature - 

Words of a Shoemaker

High heels are sexy because you have to move more slowly in heels.

Walking fast is neither sexy nor engaging.

Nobody notices the people who race around.

If you're walking in heels, you've got time.

It's much more attractive.

All in all, shoes are just a pedestal.

What interests me is the power of the woman who wears them.

[Christian Louboutin]

Lady Game Changers

I just needed a friend to vent to, someone I could get a little teary eyed with.

It's very rare in these sorts of busy, crazy lives we lead to have someone like that, but you need them. We are very honest with each other, and we root for each other.

I've had unbelievable male mentors, but my relationships with women have been game changers. There's no agenda except our well-being.

(Mellody Hobson, President of Ariel Investments)

Long-distance Love

If a kiss was a raindrop,

I’d send you showers.

If hugs were a second,

I’d send you hours.

If smiles were water,

I’d send you the sea.

If love was a person,

I’d send you me.

Groupon Tips

Anyone can act professional, but it takes a real pro to look professional. Here are the pieces of attire you'll need to look like a million business bucks:

• Suit Jacket: A well-fitted suit jacket ties together the whole outfit and gives you something to unbutton so clients know when you're about to let out a hot, steamy idea.

• Tie: A tie is how a businessperson expresses his personality. The three acceptable business personalities are: golf, dad, and thin stripes.

• Shiny Black Shoes: Your shoes should be so shiny that when you walk into a meeting the glare from them temporarily blinds your opponents, which is what you call your coworkers.

• Belt: The only people who don't wear belts are people who don't want to succeed and those who think success can be found in the arts.

- Excerpt from The Groupon Guide to: Business Attire -

Youthful Wisdom

I adore my friends. I like introducing new connections. I love when they come to the outings and theme parties that I host. What is it that I love even more? When my singleton friends meet each other at such events... and start dating. Maybe I should incorporate these kids' advice into my matchmaking ways: 

No person really decides before they grow up who they’re going to marry. God decides it all way before, and you get to find out later who you’re stuck with. – Kirsten, age 10

The right age to get married is 23 because you know the person FOREVER by then. – Camille, age 10

Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know each other. Even boys have something to say if you listen long enough. – Lynnette, age 8

On the first date, they just tell each other lies and that usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date. – Martin, age 10

If my first date went bad, I’d run home and play dead. The next day, I would call all the newspapers and make sure they wrote about me in all the dead columns. – Craig, age 9

The rule goes like this: If you kiss someone, then you should marry them and have kids with them. It’s the right thing to do. – Howard, age 8

What makes a marriage work is that you need to tell your wife she looks pretty… even if she looks like a truck. – Ricky, age 10

Props to the Pops

Great wisdom from (or about) incredible Fathers…

The measure of a man is how he takes care of his children. [Sydney Potielle]

The most significant value I learned from my father is that if you give a child unconditional love, it’ll inspire the child to live life to the fullest. [George W. Bush]

Food is essential to life; therefore, make it good. [S. Truett Cathy]

Muddy water is best cleared by leaving it alone. [Alan Watts]

You are defined by your sense of honor and redeemed by your loyalty. Bravery lives in every heart and is expected to be summoned. Failure at some point in your life is inevitable, but giving up in unforgivable. [Vice President John Biden]

My dad would say, “Honey, I love you too much to deny you the privilege of making mistakes.” Although as a parent your whole being wants to protect [your kids] from harm, they grow up the most when you let them learn from their mistakes. – Kathy Lee Gifford

What is the greatest accomplishment in my life? That my children still come home to see me. [George H. W. Bush]

Only a life lived for others is worth living. [Albert Einstein]

Our children are not our property. They are little people without a lot experience, but they still deserve our respect. [Will Smith]

My kids get mad at me for telling everyone about their accomplishments or for finding cute girls for my sons. But even though they love to hate me for it or cruelly imitate me, I can’t stop bragging. They are my true credits. [Dustin Hoffman]

Having a father who adores you the way that my husband adores our daughter is very good for your body image. The more we can love her and let her be who she is, the more confident she'll feel. - Gwyneth Paltrow

Happy Father’s Day!

Songs of the 2000's

Sexyback by Justin Timberlake:

Justin brought sexy back, front, side, and all the way around.
- Ashley Roberts (Pussycat Dolls)

Since You’ve Been Gone by Kelly Clarkson:

This song was the break-up anthem of the decade. This is the song you are singing in the shower, in the car, by yourself… and all you want to do is put your hand up and cry and sing and get your period. - Michelle Buteau (Comedian)

Crazy in Love by Beyonce and Jay-Z:
It really does infect you with a musical disease, and the only cure is shaking it.
- Baron Vaughn (Comedian)

ConGRADulations

For the Class of 2013 graduating from schools everywhere,
here are some unique words of wisdom from celebrity Commencement speeches... 

In my first few months at CBS, TV critics said I lacked 'gravitas' which I've since decided is Latin for 'testicles.' (Katie Couric at University of Virginia)

It is the fool who puts all his eggs in one basket. Spread your eggs. Don't like eggs? Too bad. That's the analogy Seth Rogen wrote for me. (James Franco at UT Arlington)

If life gives you lemons, grab it by the horns and drive. And, yes, I just mixed three metaphors. Remember, I was a C student! (Jane Lynch at Smith College)

The following majors are useless after tomorrow: Folklore and Mythology. Come on, guys. Play World of Warcraft in your free time. (Andy Samberg at Harvard University)

If you live your life only following the path you think is approved or acceptable, or the one you think is expected of you, you'll be making a huge mistake. Not a single successful person... has ever done great things because they played it safe. You've got to be true to yourself. (Carson Kressley at Philadephia University)

Find something that makes you want to five 'til it hurts.
(Darius Rucker at University of South Carolina)

Remember that while there will be plenty of signposts along your path directing you to make money and climb up the ladder, there will be almost no signposts reminding you to stay connected to the essence of who you are, to take care of yourself along the way, to reach out to others, to pause to wonder, and to connect to that place from which everything is possible. (Arianna Huffington at Smith College)

Be curious. Be open. Be flexible. Let your life unfold as a series of chapters. Don't be so fixated on a specific ending that you neglect to open the door when opportunity knocks. (Steve Case at University of North Carolina)

Mother's Prayer

Written by Tina Fey in her book Bossypants...

First, Lord: No tattoos. May neither Chinese symbol for truth nor Winnie-the-Pooh holding the FSU logo stain her tender haunches.

May she be Beautiful but not Damaged, for it’s the Damage that draws the creepy soccer coach’s eye, not the Beauty.

When the Crystal Meth is offered, may she remember the parents who cut her grapes in half and stick with Beer.

Guide her, protect her when crossing the street, stepping onto boats, swimming in the ocean, swimming in pools, walking near pools, standing on the subway platform, crossing 86th Street, stepping off of boats, using mall restrooms, getting on and off escalators, driving on country roads while arguing, leaning on large windows, walking in parking lots, riding Ferris wheels, roller-coasters, log flumes, or anything called “Hell Drop,” “Tower of Torture,” or “The Death Spiral Rock ‘N Zero G Roll featuring Aerosmith,” and standing on any kind of balcony ever, anywhere, at any age.

Lead her away from Acting but not all the way to Finance. Something where she can make her own hours but still feel intellectually fulfilled and get outside sometimes and not have to wear high heels. What would that be, Lord? Architecture? Midwifery? Golf course design? I’m asking You, because if I knew, I’d be doing it. 

May she play the Drums to the fiery rhythm of her Own Heart with the sinewy strength of her Own Arms, so she need Not Lie With Drummers.

Grant her a Rough Patch from twelve to seventeen.Let her draw horses and be interested in Barbies for much too long, For childhood is short – a Tiger Flower blooming Magenta for one day – And adulthood is long and dry-humping in cars will wait.

O Lord, break the Internet forever, that she may be spared the misspelled invective of her peers and the online marketing campaign for Rape Hostel V: Girls Just Wanna Get Stabbed.

And when she one day turns on me and calls me a Bitch in front of Hollister, Give me the strength, Lord, to yank her directly into a cab in front of her friends, For I will not have that Shit. I will not have it.

And should she choose to be a Mother one day, be my eyes, Lord, that I may see her, lying on a blanket on the floor at 4:50 A.M., all-at-once exhausted, bored, and in love with the little creature whose poop is leaking up its back. “My mother did this for me once,” she will realize as she cleans feces off her baby’s neck. “My mother did this for me.” And the delayed gratitude will wash over her as it does each generation and she will make a Mental Note to call me. And she will forget. But I’ll know, because I peeped it with Your God eyes.

Amen.

Kelly Clarkson

The most important thing to do is just be yourself,

and be comfortable and confident in that.

I'm too happy with my relationship!

I try to write a tough song and it comes out like butterflies and rainbows.

What I've figures is this -

As long as I'm healthy and happy, cool.

I'm just me - take it or leave it.

And personally, I think I'm looking GOOD.

Gloria Estefan

There are very few people that compete with Gloria Estefan. 

She has a little piece of magic,

that rare moment of immediate connection with the audience.

She walks out and takes the place over.

You're dealing with someone who's

very successful,

very talented,

very personable,

and who still remembers where she came from.

That's what makes Gloria successful.

She hasn't forgotten her past.

(Jack Sussman)

Get Off-line

Stop hiding behind the Internet.

Kids are bold online, but they should work hard, sweat, and make muscles you don't build at the gym. My identity did not come by online party DJing; it came from carrying heavy equipment, setting it up, paying people, counting money, making relationships -- not the illusion of work, prosperity, creativity.

It came from actually being involved in things.

Kids should get off the Internet and live.

I can't sit online and pretend to be someone I'm not. I'd rather get my hands dirty.

- DJ Venus X -

Emma Stone

I think she's a phenomenal person.

I don't talk about anything personal, but I can talk about working with Emma Stone.

She's such a huge talent and just full of life. She's incredibly spontaneous and present, so every moment is something new and something unexpected -- to work with that is the ultimate thing. Really, i could talk for a long time about it.

She's going places.

You know what I mean?

She's going to be fine.

(Andrew Garfield)

Les Miserables recap

Anne Hathaway: Les Miserables is a musical that follows the story of a former prisoner who is hunted for decades by a cold-hearted policeman. Their lives change forever when the fugitive agrees to care for a factory worker’s young daughter.

Hugh Jackman: That’s the traditional description… but we’d like to describe it in more 2013 movie terms – Wolverine is being chased by Gladiator.

Anne: Catwoman gets knocked up and for some ungodly reason goes to see Bella Tricks the strange from Harry Potter and Borat.

Hugh: Then, Wolverine agrees to raise Catwoman’s baby.

Anne: And she grows up to star in Mama Mia.

Hugh: Check it out. See if we nailed it.

Anne: I think we crushed it!

[As presented at the 2013 SAG Awards]

Marriage Graph

I've come to see that sex is the thin, hot line

that divides dear friends from spouses.

It will spike, dip, and wobble over time... 

but it's a key lifeline on the marriage graph.

(Agnes Dawson)

Job Tips

By Noelle Llewellyn - the MTV PR Queen

*Do what you love: Don't underestimate the importance of being happy at work. People who are happy at their jobs are also awesome at their jobs.

*Try everything: To know what you don't want to do is just as beneficial as what you do want to do. There's nothing wrong with figuring that out!

*Send a thank-you note: If somebody goes out of their way to help you, definitely send a note. People remember when you don't thank them.

*Stay inspired, be prepared: I always keep a notebook on me- you never know when an idea will strike.

*Go above and beyond: For one job I applied for, instead of submitting the typical three pages of writing samples, I sent about 15. It was obvious I really wanted it. (And yes, she got the job!)

Fitness Element

As people put the usual 'get in shape' tasks on their 2013 New Year's resolutions,
I found these quotes that just made my heart happy. Enjoy!


Celebs Admit: Staying in Hollywood Shape Sucks

"I kill myself. I put in a minimum of an hour and a half, five days a week. There's no magic; there's no fairy dust. It's not good genes." (Gwyneth Paltrow)

"Your body is your office... Whenever everyone else is having pizza and beer, you kinda have to have the celery stick." (Zoe Saldana)

"I lived on kale and dust to play Catwoman. The catsuit's unforgiving, man. It took three of us just to get it on!" (Anne Hathaway)

"I hate working out. I wouldn't run if there was a fire. I wouldn't run anywhere. I hate running." (Olivia Munn)