Bring on the hearts!  It’s February Divas…and that means it’s the month to celebrate love!

Even if you’re single there are endless opportunities for spreading joy, but will lip-smacking be in your Valentine’s equation?

Check out your February Diva-scope by our ever insightful star gazer Patrice Kamins. Because love on the horizon is always a good thing!

ARIES

You have finally come to terms with how your personal life does or does not mesh with your future goals.  If this requires a necessary separation, you will find yourself making a decision on the 8th. Soon some of your visions will take on a higher purpose and you need to be free to dream and roam. Yet, on the personality front you are all guns blazing and are attractive to others seeking a wild adventure. Work on pushing forward in your life, revealing the new you, but also leave time for some behind the scenes activity from a younger soulful being.

TAURUS

Perhaps you’ve completed your apprenticeship or training and are now ready to step forward into a newer professional role. Definitely your goals have changed in the last decade and where before you may have been motivated by power and prestige, you now shift toward looking for ways to save the world. Make sure you are healthy enough to take on this new task and have organized your life in such a way that it will support your new dreams. Along with a shift in your life purpose arrives the lover who finds you appealing precisely because you’ve become more soulful and creative.

GEMINI

After travelling to and fro for many years, either literally or figuratively, you finally land in one place. You have opened your heart and made the commitment, even if you have cold feet and events around the 8th will make you skittish. Relax, that is just an old program of feeling trapped but so much has changed in terms of who you are and what you want to do with your life. Find new friends who are interested in more creative pursuits and then return home to one who has high artistic and humanitarian ideals. Communicating your dreams strengthens your love.

CANCER

You have been learning how to achieve intimacy in new ways that don’t involve your family. It may have been necessary to cut off ties with your blood relatives as the exchange has been lacking for years.  While scary, it allows you to attract new individuals and potential partners who have some grander dreams and goals. Note if there is a fiery woman who is interested in you professionally. While your career will benefit, there is one who may connect you to your next love partner and he/she is different from whom you’ve been with before. Time to expand your mind and heart and more . . .

LEO

Have you noticed yet how your partnerships were affected by the lessons you learned in childhood?  You have come to some awareness and now know that you must communicate in new ways that show respect and cooperation, rather than covert manipulation.  It is soul mate time and over the next decade your love life will undergo a major transformation. For now, keep your eyes on foreign shores as that is where the opportunities lie. And in communicating your adventures to those back home, you may attract a loving, soulful type who is interested in making your dreams come true.

VIRGO

You have been working hard in recent years to develop a marketable skill set and now you are ready to bring it out into the world. You may have a momentary lapse of confidence or a financial blip early in the month, but it is the last of its kind for years to come. It has been hard to know where you stand in a relationship or you have suffered through an unrequited love affair. Dry those tears and look up as someone is raring to get busy with you in ways that are x-rated. While you may still hear echoes of the past, be certain to brush off those fears and move forward in love and in life.

LIBRA

As with Virgo, you may have been dealing with a situation of unrequited love for the last few years. While it may seem harsh, the universe wanted you to understand that you are capable of taking care of your own needs. There is one more “test” on the 8th when you may be asked to sacrifice yourself one more time to a cherished, unrealized goal. By June, you will be clearly on a new trajectory and mid month you will begin to notice your attraction to an ambitious and heroic individual. They and you are different but take the risk and start a new adventure of the heart.

SCORPIO

In many ways, you’ve had to let go of your roots to find your authentic self. Some days you felt that God had forsaken you and that life wasn’t fair. While you have moved on from this dark night of the soul, an event on the 8th can send you into another tailspin of doubt. As with Libra, this is just a test of your inner resilience and faith. So much is heating up for you romantically and creatively so note who is in your life cheering you on to be your best self.  This person may be the one who makes your dreams come true not only in the spiritual realm but also in that most Scorpionic place of all– the sexual soul mate.

SAGITTARIUS

Your past and childhood beliefs have all faded away and/or you have found yourself drifting from your siblings and friends. Much of this has occurred as you expanded your goals beyond the familial framework into a higher more universal realm. Soon you will be able to bring the new creative dreams very close to home, even if past relations don’t agree. Listen to your own inner promptings and inspiration and also pay attention to a new supporter. This individual is not afraid to sing your praises and has some luscious ideas of how to take your mind off the past.

CAPRICORN

Finances have been confusing for quite some time even if you’ve consolidated a strong position professionally. You are at a pinnacle or ending around career and in many ways it is fated and the culmination of actions taken 14 years ago. You will start to gain clarity on what you are really good at and also find new ways to make money and show your, yes, creative, talents. Accept the energy of competition and inspiration that is beginning to escape from your pores. There is a visionary and sensitive individual who loves that side of you and is willing to stoke your fires even more.

AQUARIUS

Who are you and what do you believe? You may have been unable to answer this question for quite some time due to the presence of Neptune in your first house, dissolving your social mask and constructed personality. You have sought to educate yourself on many levels and crafted a more mature and responsible view of the world. From this new standpoint and structure, you can begin to reveal a strongly intuitive nature and a being who also knows how to promote her ideas. There is someone also in your local vicinity who has high hopes for your career and for the chance to spend some lusty moments together with you in private.

PISCES

So many times before, you may have wanted to give up and almost lost faith that any of your dreams could come true. It may seem as if you will still need to encounter one more “no” on the 8th, before all of the “yeses” in the world find their way to you. You are in the mindset to commit to a relationship or business situation for the long haul. You are in a great position to do so, although it may take ‘til the summer to work out the details. In the meantime, start to feel the missing fire in your veins and use all those delectable words of persuasion to tantalize an ambitious supporter who wants to light a bonfire to your desires.

Patrice Kamins is an astrologer and creator of the Quantum Astrology video series on One World In Concert http://www.youtube.com/oneworldinconcert.  As a metaphysical correspondent, she reports on global events & popular culture from an alternative point of view on her blog http://www.patricekamins.blogspot.com/. To request a personalized chart reading contact her at patricekamins@gmail.com.

Share this:

 By Kimberly Dawn Neumann

I’m not sure when it started exactly. At some point while performing in a Broadway show years ago, I was introduced to Angel oracle cards. And as someone who freely admits she has what her brother calls her “earthy-crunchy side,” I immediately took to this idea…pulling three cards before each show for inspiration.

Then I discovered Faerie oracle cards and Mermaid oracle cards and suddenly I was no longer just pulling cards pre-show but also at home when I needed a little pick me up or a mantra for the day or before I went to sleep or…well, all the time!

And at some point, I started to realize they were talking to me. Now before you stop reading and think “This chick is crazy” – I don’t mean in the verbal kind of way. There were no little faeries or angels manifesting in front of me and having a conversation (though that would admittedly be kind of fun). But I definitely started to notice I was receiving messages in the cards that lined up with what was happening in my life.

So I kept at it, and suddenly my friends were asking me to draw cards for them as word trickled out that I seemed to have an intuitive gift with oracle card readings. The results were somewhat astounding, even to me. I would pull different cards predicated on a person’s situation or receive messages through these decks that really seemed to pertain to the question for which my subject was desperately seeking an answer. And the more readings I did, the better I got at it.

But not being one to do anything halfway or to pride myself on something I wasn’t wholly sure of, I then took a class to become a Certified Oracle Card Reader. I did it for myself…mostly to make absolutely sure that what was happening was real. And yup, it was. My readings got even more diverse and more accurate and as one of my skeptical friends said “Ummm…I was prepared to be all jaded and make fun of you and now, I have nothing to say except ‘wow.’ You’ve kind of floored me.”

So, I started to trust this gift and it’s been a joy to share with others (I’m now doing oracle card consultations along with coaching sessions…if interested, contact me).

But the funniest thing is the draws I’ve been getting with regards to my own love life. There is this boy who has been driving me nuts for some time now. And just when I’m about to kick him to the curb permanently for the 400^th time, I go to my decks and I do a reading for myself and I kid you not…almost every time I pull the “Soul Mate” card or “Love Life” or “Happily Ever After” or “Marriage.”  And it happened again recently. I had said “Please, I really need a definitive sign here.”  And I shuffled and shuffled and shuffled and shuffled and spread the cards out and pulled and yup…there it was again, “SOUL MATE.”

“Are you KIDDING me?” I found myself actually yelling at the deck. I’d been one step away from throwing in the towel forever and never speaking to him…yet again.  But with that pick, instead of starting another WWIII argument with said boy, I took a time out and later calmly addressed what was bothering me. Probably the better choice regardless of what card I picked, but still.

So, are the faeries messing with me? Are they telling me to hang in there? Is love in the cards? No way to be sure on this one. But right now they definitely seem to be in his court.

If we ever did actually end up together, I will tell him this story and let him know he was saved more than once by the faeries. Because really, what dude wouldn’t want to know he has a fairy in his corner? Ha! Yeah right, I’m sure he’d love that. But for now, they definitely seem to have his back so he should really be thanking his lucky stars!

To schedule an Oracle Card Reading with Kimberly, email KD@DatingDivaDaily.com

Share this:

Lingerie For A Party Of One

by Pauline Kim

I’ll admit it…I have a little sweet spot for Valentine’s Day, regardless of my current relationship status or that for many it’s become a completely commercialized day. In my world, it’s a day dedicated for displaying two powerful things that exude total positivity: love and appreciation. Pay that forward to yourself and celebrate your single-dom!

After you’ve had your much needed massage, put those hard earned dollars towards pampering yourself with lingerie instead of pity-party chocolates. All women legitimately deserve lingerie even if you’re the only one who will see it. It’s undoubtedly sexy and adds excitement without having to expose your goodies.

This year, check out these sexy splurges from some of my favorite brands…I guarantee they will get more use than you can imagine and won’t break your bank. Because nothing says “I’m sexy and single” like sassy skivvies!

Topshop Blue Lace Body $64

Elle MacPherson Intimates “Artistry” $65

Honeydew Intimates Lace-up Boyshorts $14

Hanky Panky Retro Lace Chemise $84

Victoria’s Secret Gorgeous Garter Belt $28

Godetia Romper $68

ASOS Pleasure State Aesther Satin and Lace from $43

Share this:

A New Year, a new you, a new chance for love! Will this finally be the year that your love life soars?

Patrice Kamins, our exclusive Dating Div-Astrologer, will give you the astral guidance you need to help you transverse your dating life in 2012!

Read on and get ready to make this your best year yet!

ARIES

You are confident in your vision and know it can be acheived. You’re stepping into your own as a leader of the future. You can definitely connect with others online and that includes playmates of various stripes.  Additionally, the more advanced your dreams, the more likely they are to find support in the first two weeks of January. When the planet of love moves into your house of behind-the-scenes love affairs, what others don’t know won’t hurt you. Be prepared to review a task and co-worker relationship over the next few months when an old competitor or young honcho decides to move in on your territory.

TAURUS

Some of your greatest triumphs happen abroad. By expanding your reach and your market, you develop a positive reputation as a businesswoman. As with Aries, the more innovative your ideas, the more likely they will be applauded as the year begins. If you are interested in meditating or dancing with a dreamy partner, ask your friends to set you up in the last two weeks of the month. Note that of all the signs, when Mars (planet of sexuality) turns retrograde on the 23^rd you may jumpstart a relationship with the one that got away. This time, make sure at least some of your discussions and activities take into consideration the practical side of life.

GEMINI

As outwardly fickle as you may sometimes appear, there is a very conservative side to you that shows up in the partners with whom you choose to merge resources. These are the more established corporate types and around Jan 9th, you may see how this person benefits your life. Yet, being an air sign, you are always thinking of something or somewhere else and a quick getaway can result in an interesting infatuation. Put your energy into getting your career on track and when it comes to your home, find someone lovely to rearrange the furniture with over the next three months.

CANCER

The focus this month is on relationships, particularly on the 9th when you may better understand what’s going on with a partner. Yes, you want to be protected and taken care of on some level, but you also possess a wilder side. The first half of January has you scanning your social circle or the internet for some fun playmate whereas the latter half is more focused on spiritual matters. This does, however, also include a very practical man who would like to bring your spiritual nature into your bodily form.

LEO

The beginning of the month you are concerned about work and should you require a recommendation, a higher up is very happy to oblige in praising your managerial skills. This doesn’t mean that you won’t be on the lookout for a romantic adventure, however; the more unusual the better. Once you’ve vetted those prospects that are truly only friends, you may choose midmonth to merge more deeply with an individual who feels like a soul mate. This new adventure (or return of an old paramour) is definitely going to improve your self confidence on many levels.

VIRGO

The last few years have provided some very intense learning experiences when it comes to love and on the 9th you get an idea why you had to endure what you did. Partially, it’s to learn to let go and realize no amount of controlling is ever going to work when it comes to another individual. It seems that there are people in your everyday life who would like to take advantage of this newfound knowledge. Perhaps you might be willing to jump in the love pool again with a partner who is absolutely dreamy. If not, be aware that now through April, you are giving off major pheromones so keep that hotness in check if you want to remain solo.

LIBRA

Admittedly, your family life was challenging and you are starting to put the pieces together as to why you are so hard on yourself. You’re creating yourself from the bottom up and the universe wants to reward you for all that hard work. Love (or at least play) is available to you on a variety of fronts. First off, if you are an artist or performer, there’s a friend of a friend who is quite smitten with you. If you are not interested in romance, this individual would also like to work with you on a mutually beneficial project.  Exes may return in real or dream time (and this will continue for the next three months). If they’ve done some personal work, by all means get busy with them!

SCORPIO

Even if in the base of yourself you feel like an outsider, most people see you as very responsible, civilized and even conservative. Yet, those who know you best love you for your rebellious spirit and they will be singing your praises all month long. You do have the possibility of attracting a soul mate love and/or alternatively choose to devote yourself to some higher purpose. Mars in your house of groups and friends (and the future) guarantees that someone sees you as their perfect savior.

SAGITTARIUS

You have been working your butt off and this month you will see the results in your bank account. A lot of people are talking about you and spreading the word in person or online. Definitely circulate now, but also save time for some private moments with someone who knows your softer side. If you have been feeling like a workhorse and second class citizen in the professional arena, take heart in that one of the people you have helped is now here to return the favor. It is even possible that they are more taken by your body than your mind.

CAPRICORN

Your life has been anything but easy these last few years and that is unlikely to change. You are in the midst of an important life transition and while challenging, it is helping you to understand your strength and powers of renewal. It is likely there are some interesting financial opportunities for you now, particularly if they involve technology in some way. You are also open to inspiration from unusual places, including the dream and spirit world. Another manifestation may be motivation from an actual person of foreign extract who is very drawn to your physical and emotional assets.

AQUARIUS

As outrageous as many people think you are, you are actually somewhat conventional behind the scenes.  Yet, this is the time to give your public what they want which is a personal expression and appearance that is individualistic and creative. Believe it or not, the more unusual you appear, the more money is to be had. If you have a business idea that needs funding, be sure to seek out financing in the next few months because the universe is interested in helping you manifest your idea. In addition to financial support, you may also win the lottery in the love department.

PISCES

There are some heavy hitters who have been eyeing you from afar. They have influence and power and on or around Jan 9th, you may hear word that they are interested in promoting your career to the next level. Continue being a conduit to the divine and your dream state as many new ideas can be generated at this time. One may prompt you to change your appearance or redefine yourself in some way. More than most signs, yours is the one to make contact with an ex-lover or partner after the 23rd. This individual can be a present life love or a past life soul mate and the only deciding factor is their ability to support your life in some meaningful way.

Patrice Kamins is an astrologer and creator of the Quantum Astrology video series on One World In Concert http://www.youtube.com/oneworldinconcert.  As a metaphysical correspondent, she reports on global events and popular
culture from an alternative point of view on her blog http://www.patricekamins.blogspot.com/

Share this:

As the excitement of the New Year approaches, why not invite in a new level of romance and love or reignite the spark in your current relationship by shaking off the energy of the old year reflected in your bedroom?

“Everything in your bedroom is sending unconscious reinforcements about what you believe about your love life,” says Feng Shui expert Salvatore Manzi. “Your bedroom is a reflection of who you are in relationships, who you were…and most importantly, who you will be. Redesigning your bedroom to reflect the you that you wish to be will make it happen.”

With that in mind, check out Salvatore’s tips for a Power Feng Shui redesign and shift the energy of your bedroom this year to create the love life you desire!

1. Clean & Clear! Capture the momentum of the New Year and invite a new love or ignite your love life by cleaning all the bedding and having new sheets on New Year’s Day.

2. Create Pairs! If you don’t want a one-night-stand, don’t have just one night stand! Having pairs of things in your bedroom reminds you mentally that you are part of a team.

 3. Move 27 items! Intentionally repositioning 27 objects (even small items) around your bedroom symbolically creates the synergy to stir up the energy in your abode (hello excitement!).

4. Let the Sun Shine! On the first day of the New Year, open all the doors and windows of your bedroom (even for just a few minutes) to energetically and physically let the New Year in.

5. Dress for Success! Celebrate the first day of your New Year dressed in new attire, something that makes you feel the way you want to feel in a relationship – sexy, loved, admired!

Salvatore Manzi is a Feng Shui Coach, author and presenter who teaches people to redesign their life by redesigning their environment. His book, Feng Shui Life Mapping, is the first of its kind to combine Feng Shui and Vision Boarding to create a supportive environment that reinforces intention and leads to manifesting one’s dreams. Http://www.FengShuiLifeMapping.com

Share this:

Check out this link to see snippets of Kimberly Dawn Neumann in action!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pH70E4MmD9c&feature=youtu.be

Share this:

By Kimberly Dawn Neumann

Ah…the season for romance. Twinkling lights, a chill in the air, mistletoe in every doorway (okay, maybe that’s a slight exaggeration but when you’re single you suddenly notice it hanging EVERYWHERE).  With all that romantic magic around, it is admittedly easy to find oneself melancholy…if not downright blue. I mean, where is Mr. Tall, Dark and Muscled to carry home your tree when you need him?

But instead of lamenting that Prince Charming’s GPS has apparently broken, here’s another idea…paint your holiday pink!  Seriously, this is not a season to wallow, it’s an opportunity to celebrate in a manner as girlie as possible (or whatever your personal style might be) while you still can.

This revelation began for me when my childhood friend unexpectedly sent me a pink and silver tinsel tree with several hand painted shoe and purse ornaments. Now, imagine if there were a Gent in the picture. There is NO way that he’d be digging that tree as the main event. But since it’s just me, I decided that this year I was going to have the most Sex-and-the-City-licious decked out pink tree you’ve ever seen. I added lights and tons of crystals and around the bottom of the tree? Pink glitter sprayed pinecones…yes, you read that correctly. It’s like a twinkle pink extravaganza, and I LOVE it.

Add to that the pink satin rhinestone bejeweled Santa hat I have and my pink tank top that says “Santa Baby” on it and yup…it’s a pink Christmas indeed. And though on paper this might sound like some sort of Pepto-Bismol overkill, it’s actually quite adorable and feminine and I’ve had comments from all my neighbors on how much they love the girlie sparkle emanating from my Upper West Side apartment windows.

So, no doubt someday I’ll have the holiday guy (I don’t know why my relationships have never lined up that way in the past?) but for now, I’m going to revel in all the things that make me uniquely me…and I’ll have a very PINK Christmas.  

Share this:

It’s beginning to look a lot like [fill in the blank for your favorite holiday]. Whatever you’re celebrating, it’s time to sparkle diva.

Will the stars help you dazzle during this festive season? Check out your December Diva-Scope by our very own Div-astrologer Patrice Kamins and find out what this month has in store for you!

And if you’re looking for last minute gifts, remember that Patrice is available for readings and charts.  Check the Secret Diva Deals page for a discount or contact her directly at patricekamins@gmail.com . Twinkle on holiday star!

ARIES

The fire in your belly is only matched by the vibrancy of your words! After releasing childhood beliefs around limitation, you now move more fully into your personal power as instigator of change. Once you’ve gotten your spark back, you can ease into the role of communications expert. While you’re conquering the world, you may cross paths with a corporate individual, more likely older, who would like to take you under his wing. He can open many doors, including those to a new financial future.

TAURUS

You’re a rather a fierce warrior-ess behind the tranquil surface and if you thought life would always stay the same, you are happily proved otherwise. Many changes going on in the world and behind the scenes open you up to possibilities for sharing knowledge, talents and sex appeal. You may find that the more exotic the mate, the more likely you are to be turned on—particularly by bons mots of a different tongue.  He can be a captain of industry or a guru type. One thing’s for certain, he knows your true value and he will give you the confidence to ask for what you deserve.

GEMINI

Your friendships are changing and that is for the better as old ideas around partnering are falling by the wayside. Who you are and who you should be with are undergoing a sea change. In this regard, you are completing a chapter that began four years ago. If you are interested in building a business, you may find that the person who steals your heart is willing to invest in your dream. Angels are operating behind the scenes so dream big!

CANCER

If you haven’t left your job, there are changes afoot in the company. Otherwise, you are embarking on an entirely new professional trajectory. You may have thought that you should aim low but now’s not the time for humility. Consider opportunities abroad or in teaching, speaking and writing. By consistently getting your voice out there, you attract a more established partner who can bring your work to a larger audience.  The masses and social networks will support you in kind. Not to mention that same business man who wants to include you in his personal plans after business hours.

LEO

Travel does you good and hopefully you’ve booked your ticket to locales far afield. If you got trapped in trying to make it with your high school peers, you realize now that their vision is too small. You are the king sign after all but working hard and smart is part of the equation. This month, someone notices your efforts at creative expression. He is a force to be reckoned with and has contacts in high places. Work is the name of the game but that doesn’t discount some play in the midnight hours.

VIRGO

Despite outward appearances, you are no shrinking violet. In fact, as the months and years progress, sexual experimentation will be high on your list. It’s not so much about positions and antics, but rather the fact that you want to stretch your boundaries and erase your fears and inhibitions. Those fears, btw, were family induced and by now you’ve come to realize that you are, thankfully, the black sheep in the family.  Sexual freedom ignites creative energies and some of your private episodes may appear as fodder for a public coming of age autobiography.

LIBRA

As calm as you would like relationships to be, you have not had much success of late. Many twists and turns have occurred in your personal life and this will continue for the next six years. Part of the unpredictability is to shock you out of your complacency and desire to turn back the clock. The past is no longer where you should bury your head. The future is bright and includes a partner of merit and influence as well as the resources to support your most cherished dreams.

SCORPIO

You can’t control everything as much as you would like and events in the last year have proven this to be true. Adaptability is a necessary ingredient in getting your life to move forward. You do have a wealth of talent and openhearted view of the world, but you may have been in bed with those of a much smaller mind and vision. Rather than seeking success for another individual, take charge of your own ideas and move into the role of director of your life. You will soon attract the perfect leading man to play out your dreams.

SAGITTARIUS

Love after heartbreak? Absolutely!  Whatever you’ve endured for the last decade or so will stay in your past, never to reappear again. If your relationships failed, it was because the framework was too limited for your robust and exploring nature. See where you were derailed by limited thinking and get back into the driver’s seat.While you’re having fun, make sure to also enjoy new career success and financial security.

CAPRICORN

It’s time for an adventure and potential move from home. You are in the mood to be free of old baggage and this may include your family home, residence or past. Give free reign to the explorer in you and let your inspirations be your guide to a more exotic and expansive future. It may seem anachronistic, but by no longer focusing on the grind and doing it right, you achieve an unparalleled level of success. This time it’s on your terms and love and children are definitely in the mix, if so desired.

AQUARIUS

While you love humanity, you may find you dislike people. That may be because the group dynamic is more important to you than the individual. Even so, your words and communications are very unique and motivating so bust through any obstructions to writing, speaking or teaching. No matter your profession, you have wisdom to impart and there is an important personage who will connect you to bigger people, places and things. This allows you to invest in building a love nest of luxury for that special someone.

PISCES

Shy and retiring used to be your moniker. Underneath the sometimes passive surface is a deeply passionate and courageous soul. Some of this fire is starting to make its way to the surface and there are social connectors who are noticing. Certainly the holidays buried once and for all the notion that you weren’t strong enough (i.e. “Thanks mom and dad, but no thanks”). No matter what’s going on underneath the surface, you need to be out front and center writing, blogging, tweeting, connecting. It’s what will bring you the life and love you desire.

Patrice Kamins is an astrologer and creator of the Quantum Astrology video series on One World In Concert http://www.youtube.com/oneworldinconcert.  As a metaphysical correspondent, she reports on global events and popular
culture from an alternative point of view on her blog http://www.patricekamins.blogspot.com/

Share this:

  by Pauline Kim

Ahhh the holidays! It’s just as special a time of year for adults as it is for children with plenty of fun to be had, including greatly anticipated holiday parties that bring the year to an end.

With that in mind (and just in case you get “caught” under some mistletoe), I have pulled together a list of delicious dress-worthy “Do’s” that I believe would make the perfect attire for festive shindigs this season. Whether the party is thrown by your company, friend, family or self, this is not the time to be shy! Allow yourself to glam it up, sparkle, be noticed and smooched from across the room. You never know who you’ll meet, and that first impression makes a lasting impression so go on and get merry!

Do…Sequin. Forever 21 Circle Sequin Dress ($30) When I think of the holidays, I think sequin. This little sparkly number will have all eyes on you. It has the right amount of sparkle, stretch, shine and coverage (and did you see the price!?!) that you’ll find a reason to wear it again. A pair of nude pumps will bring the look together and keep the attention on the dress.

Do…Jewel Tone. Urban Outfitters Sparkle & Fade Silky Open-Back Dress ($69) Jewel tones are a great alternative to black and this fuchsia dress has a whole lot of sexy appeal. The drapey sleeves, loose bodice and open back make it playful so if you’re feeling confidant, slip into a pair of fun heels that glitter!

Do…Metallic. Zara Metallic Dress ($189) Gold and silver metallics are everywhere this season and I can’t get enough of this simple but chic metallic shift dress. Give your jewels and accessories a break and instead, opt for a pop of color on the lips, a small black clutch and simple strappy heels. Va va va voom!

Do…Velvet. ASOS Swing Dress in Velvet Stripe ($118) If fun and flirty is what you’re looking for, you’ve found it! I am crazy about velvet right now and this dress has just the right amount and does the trend justice. Pair with or without black tights and some high high platforms or maryjane heels, throw your hair up into an intentional ponytail or chignon and twirl (or dance) the night away!

Fashion Stylist Pauline Kim –who has worked with everyone from W Magazine and Ralph Lauren to Target and Gap – is also available for personal wardrobe consultations (pauline@pauline-kim.com).

Share this:

De-Stress and Dine Smart!

No doubt the holidays can be your dietary downfall…especially if you’re hitting the holiday circuit solo and noshing your way through your nerves.  To keep from eating too much, Intuition Expert Jane Bernard, founder of www.AmIReallyHungry.com, suggests checking in with your emotions and your body by using her “De-Stress” formula. Check out her tips for intuitive holiday dining while on a date…or even date-free!

DE-STRESS:

D stands for “Decide to have fun”

Holiday parties can make you feel self-conscious. If you’re flying solo with the family at the gathering and someone makes you uncomfortable by asking how it feels to be the only single one, just smile and say, “It doesn’t matter –I’ve decided to have fun.” You’ll feel the energy around you relax.

Maybe this year you’re eating with the relatives of someone you’re dating. If your nerves are frayed because you’re someplace new and you feel tongue-tied keep telling yourself, “I’m really enjoying this.” When you decide to have fun, you become irresistible.

When it comes to the food at holiday parties, to keep the edge off, eat turkey. Dopamine, which is found in turkey, is a natural relaxant. Eat slowly and use the time while you’re chewing to recommit to having a good time. You will feel your body unwind

E stands for “Escape from emotional traps”

Stress is a disconnect from common sense that allows emotions to rule. If you feel alone or left out, remember, everyone deals with personal stress at holiday time. Feeling sorry for yourself or uptight about where you are, can create emotional traps that make you want to eat to feel better.

Escape emotional traps by using common sense to remember that nothing can ‘make you’ do anything that doesn’t feel right.  Check in with your body before you eat to recognize if emotions are pushing your buttons and if so, walk away from the food. Take control – it’s your choice and also a good trick to kick away depression.

S stands for “Make it simple”

Holidays are emotional and emotions make everything FEEL complicated. It’s much easier to eat smart when you use your senses instead of your mind. Make an effort to see and hear what’s going on.  Pay attention to the fragrances, tastes and textures of your food.  Eating is sensual and physical. It’s not emotional or intellectual. Eat slowly enough to notice what you’re eating and you’ll end up eating less. Keep it simple by trusting your body and your heart. You will feel protected.

T stands for “Think long-term”

Talk more, eat less. Socialize instead of eating. If tension makes you feel like shutting down and stuffing yourself, take a 10 minute stroll away from the food. Think about how you will feel about yourself in the morning if you stuff yourself tonight. 

Your intuition is always tuned into the big picture. If you’re alone with family members who are making you nuts, remember that eventually you’ll be going back to your ‘real life’. Realize that time with these people can in fact give you something amusing to talk about with your friends later on! Go on the hunt for great stories, not another piece of pie!

R stands for “Relax and don’t react”.

Stress makes us shut down and tighten up which interferes with efficient digestion. If you can’t relax, slow down your eating by taking 3 deep breaths in and out between bites. This is the intuitive way to relax and connect with your body. Remember emotional reactions usually relate to the past. Stay in the present because, right now, you’re creating your future.

E stands for “Enjoy”

Eating for pleasure is intuitive. To get pleasure you must taste your food. When you enjoy what you eat your body digests it better and you get more nourishment from it. This means it will keep you full longer. Don’t eat unless you’re sure you’re really enjoying every mouthful.

S stands for “Share the pleasure”

Sit with someone you like when eating. Talk about how delicious the food tastes. Share the pleasure of the holiday meal instead of focusing on the emotions attached to holiday gatherings. The point of the holidays is to celebrate life and the people in yours. Remind yourself that you know you’re lucky to have food when others are starving. Feeling grateful and sharing is intuitive.

S stands for “Satisfy yourself”

This is your life. Today will never come again. Satisfy your need for self-respect by listening to your body, to help you stay away from emotional eating. Satisfy your need for comfort by enjoying and really tasting the holiday meal. Satisfy your need for love by treating yourself with dignity.

Am I Really Hungry? 6th Sense Diet: Intuitive Eating by Jane Bernard is available on Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Am-Really-Hungry-Intuitive-Eating/dp/1461098769/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1321642201&sr=8-1

Share this: