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Career Correction: How To Jump Back Into The Job Search Game

May 16, 2017, 4:28 am
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[caption id="attachment_827560" align="alignleft" width="1068"] Credit: Bigstock[/caption] It’s a quiet afternoon in the office when all of a sudden you’re delivered terrible news: There have been budget cuts and unfortunately you’re being let go. For the first few hours you’re in shock: This can’t really be happening; There has to be a mistake. Then as you talk through the process with HR and start to pack up your desk, it all becomes much more real. As you make your way past denial, right into anger, resentment and sadness, you’re also faced with the prospect of throwing yourself back into the job hunt. While for some, hunting for a new job is second nature (if they have a habit of bouncing around from gig to gig), for others who have spent a decade or more at a company, the process can be much more difficult. MadameNoire has some tips and advice for successfully re-immersing yourself into the job hunt. [caption id="attachment_827561" align="alignleft" width="500"] Credit: Bigstock[/caption]

Don't Panic

As much as you might want to have a meltdown the minute you're out of the office and in your safe space at home, don't. Being laid off from work isn't the time to panic. Freaking out about your next move isn't going to make the situation any better and will honestly make your impending job hunt seem just that much more daunting. So resist the urge to lose it and channel that energy into finding your next gig. [caption id="attachment_827562" align="alignleft" width="500"] Credit: Bigstock[/caption]

Update Your Resume And Get A Friend To Review

First and foremost, make sure your resume is up-to-date and follows some tried and true rules:
  • Lead with your experience first, education second (unless pertinent to your career)
  • Keep your resume to only one page
  • Be sure your contact information is included
  • For each stop on your career journey, make sure to highlight skills and accomplishments that could easily be transferred to a new gig
Once you're feeling good about where your resume is, have a friend you trust give it a look. And ask them to be brutal. You'd much rather edits come from your girl than be swirling around in the head of a hiring manager who is on the fence about whether or not to bring you in for an interview. [caption id="attachment_827563" align="alignleft" width="500"] Credit: Bigstock[/caption]

Beef Up Your LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a wonderful resource for job hunters and HR personnel alike. Just as you'd update your resume, be sure to do the same with LinkedIn. Also, we strongly suggest exploring some of the features that LinkedIn has to offer that aren't available with a typical one-page resume: Attach samples of your work, get short recommendations/endorsements from friends and former coworkers and include an extensive skills list. Even if you don't opt for the apply via LinkedIn option on a job application, that doesn't mean a hiring manager won't do a little online stalking to dig up your profile. This leads us to ... [caption id="attachment_827564" align="alignleft" width="500"] Credit: Bigstock[/caption]

Give Your Social Handles A Gander

Particularly if you've been out of the job hunt game for a minute, we can't emphasize reviewing your social media footprint enough. While we're sure that you don't have anything too scandalous on there, it's still important to give it an extra close look. You probably got somewhat comfortable in your last job and given that everyone knew you, they weren't going to be but so judgmental on the adventures chronicled on your Instagram from this past weekend. But a fresh set of eyes, people who don't know a thing about you might not be able to put your booty-shaking antics from your friend's bach in the context. When in doubt, pull it out. [caption id="attachment_827565" align="alignleft" width="500"] Credit: Bigstock[/caption]

Re-evaluate Your Career Choice

As difficult as it might be to admit, sometimes lay-offs can be a blessing in disguise. It's so easy to get stuck in a complacent rhythm at work. You're so use to clocking in and clocking out at a job that you start losing that fire to progress in your career. You stop striving for better, sacrificing that drive for something that feels comfortable and reliable. Lay-offs can be the jolt you need to re-evaluate what it is that can truly make you happy in your work life and perhaps gives you the incentive to chase after that. [caption id="attachment_827567" align="alignleft" width="500"] Credit: Bigstock[/caption]

Reach Out To Valuable Contacts

We've all been on the receiving end here. Someone that you may or may not have heard from in a while reaches out for career advice, an HR contact or simply a good word to a hiring manager. But when you're facing a job hunt, it is important to swallow any pride you might have, and be that person who reaches out. At the end of the day, everyone knows what the professional landscape is like these days. Getting laid off is hard and finding a job can be even harder. Your contacts, provided you approach them in an honest and straightforward way, will want to do what they can to help. Not to mention, many employers offer a finder's fee for good talent if you reference the contact who helped you out. It's a win-win situation! [caption id="attachment_827782" align="alignleft" width="500"] Credit: Bigstock[/caption]

Learn Something New

Face it, if you're out of a job then you've got a decent amount of time on your hands. Sure you can use the time to knock out errands or tackle that home improvement project you've been flirting with for the past few months, but why not consider learning a new skill that could be helpful in your job hunt? OK, this might be easier said than done if the struggle is real financially, but if you've got a little money tucked away for a rainy day, use a small portion of it to take an online or in-person course that will allow you to boost your resume while filling your days with something that feels more substantial than just running errands. [caption id="attachment_827783" align="alignleft" width="500"] Credit: Bigstock[/caption]

Be Strategic With Your Cover Letter

The dreaded cover letter. You're not alone if you cringe a little every time you see a job application request a cover letter. While the rationale behind them is totally legit (hiring managers want to see you demonstrate your writing skills and ability to think critically), that doesn't make cover letters any less tricky to tackle. Everyone will serve up their own advice on what makes the best cover letter: Short and to the point vs. longer and more engaging, flowery vs. straightforward, etc. But we have just one nugget of advice: Be honest. We've read and written our fair share of cover letters and the ones that seem to stick out the most are those that are really honest. Be honest about your goals, be honest about what you have to offer, be honest almost to a fault. Many hiring managers will appreciate candidates who lay all their cards out on the table in a smart, well-intentioned way. [caption id="attachment_827784" align="alignleft" width="500"] Credit: Bigstock[/caption]

Give Yourself A Break

We've covered a lot of ground so far, but one of the most important pieces of advice is to cut yourself some slack and not get overwhelmed. Hunting for a new job -- especially if you were forced into the search by a lay-off -- isn't easy. But it's important to understand that you're not the only one whose been in this position before and it's not your fault. Don't drive yourself nuts combing through every detail, every interaction, every misstep at your previous job. Lay-offs happen and sometimes your number just comes up -- regardless of your performance. So keep your head up and on the task at hand. [caption id="attachment_827785" align="alignleft" width="500"] Credit: Bigstock[/caption]

Be Patient

Above all else, let it sink in that hunting for a job isn't an overnight operation. It takes time and persistence and you shouldn't feel dissuaded if it takes weeks or even months to key-in on a role that you're a good fit for. Keep your head up and just know that better days are ahead.

The post Career Correction: How To Jump Back Into The Job Search Game appeared first on MadameNoire.

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The Realities Of Vacationing With Richer Friends

May 16, 2017, 5:00 am
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[caption id="attachment_830660" align="alignleft" width="1068"] bigstockphoto.com/Two couples having a picnic on the beach, backlit, close up[/caption] No matter how well-rounded your friend group is, and how many corners of the world are represented in your circle, you have to admit there is one demographic that can be tricky to hang with: the extremely wealthy! Or friends that are even just significantly richer than you are. They like to say they’re “easy going” and “down to do whatever” but they don’t even realize how their tastes have grown increasingly expensive over the years. A “budget” lunch to them in a splurge lunch to you. You can hide the discrepancy for the most part but there is one time when you just can’t: when you travel together. When you go on vacation with a couple that is richer than you and your partner, your drastic budget differences are in your face around every corner. Here are the realities of vacationing with richer friends. [caption id="attachment_609502" align="alignleft" width="500"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

They wait while you coupon

When it’s time to choose a dinner spot or a show, your friends are ready to hop in a taxi the second they hear about one they like. But they have to wait while you and your partner hop online to find coupons.     [caption id="attachment_717453" align="alignleft" width="420"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

You’re packing lunch

You don’t want to spend $17 on a tuna sandwich by the pool, but that’s what the hotel is charging. Your rich friends can get that. Meanwhile, you and your boo stocked your mini fridge with sandwich ingredients from the nearby grocery store, and snuck a home-made sandwich into your pool bag.         [caption id="attachment_707855" align="alignleft" width="420"] Shutterstock[/caption]

Flask city

Another thing your well-off pals can pay menu price for is the cocktails. Meanwhile, you and your man are passing a flask back and forth in the Jacuzzi, making your buddies nervous you’ll get all of you kicked out.             [caption id="attachment_623908" align="alignleft" width="500"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

Splitting the bill matters

Your fancy friends are ready to just “split the bill” at dinner. But you and your partner purposefully did not order appetizers or cocktails to keep your side of things lower. So, yeah—you’re going to grab a pen and start adding up your part.     [caption id="attachment_699584" align="alignleft" width="420"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

Your enthusiasm doesn’t always match

When the concierge mentions that the hotel offers couples massages with a bottle of Veuve CLicquot, your privileged pals go “Yippy!” but they turn to you and your partner to find utter looks of panic.           [caption id="attachment_714451" align="alignleft" width="420"]You're Likely To Be Exoticized Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

The pre-trip emails

Your richer travel companions start sending you and your boo emails about shows to see, wine tastings to attend and restaurants to make reservations at long before the trip. Meanwhile, you and your honey are sitting there thinking, “Can’t we just…um…see where the day takes us? Hopefully to a chain restaurant happy hour? (Gulp).”       [caption id="attachment_610385" align="alignleft" width="500"] Corbis Images[/caption]

They’ll offer to pay for you

The other couple will offer to just pay for all four of you to do the thing they want to do. This is incredibly emasculating for your partner, who wants to treat you on this trip.             [caption id="attachment_702843" align="alignleft" width="419"] Shutterstock[/caption]

Dress codes

Your fat-walleted buddies want to go to a restaurant that requires a sports coat. You don’t have a sport coat. Even if you did, you didn’t bring it because you were hoping to mainly eat at places that have photos of the food on the menu.           [caption id="attachment_608331" align="alignleft" width="500"] Shutterstock[/caption]

Pre-gaming

Pre-gaming in the hotel room is a must if you don’t have a lot of money. But your wealthier friends awkwardly wait while you and your boo pound vodka cranberries upstairs.       [caption id="attachment_713311" align="alignleft" width="420"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

Your credit card company calls you

To make sure you’re the one who purchased the dinner at the nice restaurant. Why? Because that’s not a very characteristic purchase for you! Of course, your rich friend’s credit card company never calls him.         [caption id="attachment_619393" align="alignleft" width="500"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

Transportation

As a group you want to go to a bar, go to a show, go to a restaurant. Great! Your friends are ready to hop in the $60 taxi to get you there. But you’re over here like, “Um. Is there a bus that goes there? It will only take an extra hour !”     [caption id="attachment_824457" align="alignleft" width="600"] Cuisine Culinary Buffet Dinner Catering Dining Food Celebration Party Concept. Group of people in all you can eat catering buffet food indoor in luxury restaurant with meat and vegetables.[/caption]

You’re hoarding at the buffet

You better believe you’re putting pasta salad in that to-go coffee cup, oranges in your purse, and toast in your pocket. And you better believe it’s embarrassing your friends.   [caption id="attachment_708498" align="alignleft" width="420"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

They’re all about the up-sell

Like getting the all-you-can eat option for $80, when you could dine a-la-carte for $40. Or sitting in the comfy chairs that recline at the show for another $20. Meanwhile, you’re all about the downsell. You’re over here asking, “Which are the super uncomfortable seats? If they’re cheaper, we’ll take them.”           [caption id="attachment_702781" align="alignleft" width="420"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

You end up spending a night apart

Eventually, your friends just want one night unhindered by your budgeting ways. So they say they want a “romantic one-on-one evening.” That’s code for, “We’re going to go do a bunch of stuff you can’t afford to do.”         [caption id="attachment_706179" align="alignleft" width="420"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

You whisper a lot

You and your partner spend a lot of time having sidebars and whispering about whether or not you can afford to do the thing your friends just suggested. Or coming up with excuses as to why you can’t.

The post The Realities Of Vacationing With Richer Friends appeared first on MadameNoire.

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Mo’Nique Gets The Last Word, Calls Out Lee Daniels, Tyler Perry & Oprah Over Blackballing Drama

May 16, 2017, 6:24 am
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Ever since Mo’Nique revealed in an essay for The Hollywood Reporter in 2015 that she’d been blackballed in Hollywood, her story has turned into something of Aunt Viv vs. Will Smith and The Fresh Prince proportions. It’s become a game of she said, he said, with the actress even coming at odds with former friend and Precious director Lee Daniels. He said that she got in her own way, she said he pulled the rug out from underneath her after being offered the role of Cookie in Empire and Gloria Gaines (a role given to Oprah Winfrey) in Lee Daniels’ The Butler.

Mo'Nique blackballed

Eventually, the conversation would die down, but the roles would still come in slow for Mo’Nique. Fast forward to this past weekend when the actress and stellar comedian did a standup show at the Apollo Theater. She basically went off on not just Daniels, but Precious producers Tyler Perry and Winfrey.

Instagram Photo

Of the less expletive-riddled statements made, Mo’Nique said, “Thank you Mr. Lee Daniels, thank you Tyler Perry, thank you Oprah Winfrey. No baby I wasn’t blackballed, I was f–ked up by some ni–as who had no balls. And see, I know they like to say Mo’Nique, ‘you talk too motherf–kin’ much.’ It would kill me not to say the real sh-t. It would kill me not to say the real sh-t. You are not paying me equally. You are not treating me fairly, so y’all can suck my di-k if I had one.”

And while one might think that a person who basically tells Oprah Winfrey to suck a fat one would want to reel it in, Mo’Nique is not one to be scared of what anybody has to say. She defended her comments while speaking to TMZ this week, sitting alongside her husband, Sidney Hicks.

“Everything I say comes from my heart. I’m unapologetic about it,” she said.

Hicks backed up her comments, saying that Perry and Winfrey allowed her character to be trampled when they knew claims of the actress being difficult were false. He said Mo’Nique and Daniels spent their time between shooting Precious hanging out, watching takes and even eating crab legs — not arguing and having difficulties.

“Lee Daniels was a part of it, but Tyler Perry, Oprah Winfrey, if you remember, they were a part of the production of the movie,” he said. “They stood by and they allowed the statements of her difficulty.”

When asked about possible blowback, which, at this point, likely won’t help her rebuild her career, Mo’Nique said about herself and Hicks, “We not no hiders. We not know runners.”

Image via WENN 

The post Mo’Nique Gets The Last Word, Calls Out Lee Daniels, Tyler Perry & Oprah Over Blackballing Drama appeared first on MadameNoire.

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Signs Your Kid Is Eating Unhealthy Away From Home

May 16, 2017, 7:00 am
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[caption id="attachment_830664" align="alignleft" width="1068"] Bigstockphoto.com/Cute African American boy eating yogurt at home, closeup[/caption] If it were up to you as a parent, your child would never leave your side. You’d have eyes on him at all times. But that wouldn’t result in a very well-adjusted individual. And it wouldn’t leave much opportunity for you and your partner to have date night, or really any time to yourself. It is stressful, of course, not to have control over what your child is doing once he leaves the house—particularly what he is eating. At home you may make wholesome meals filled with lean proteins, lots of veggies and dark grains. But even if your child has developed a taste for healthy food, all kids are curious about lunchables, the shiny packages in the school vending machines, and the colorful treats their friends are eating. They can’t help it! And the tendency to get addicted to those foods is much stronger than the one to crave kale. Here are signs your kid is eating unhealthy away from home. [caption id="attachment_616073" align="alignleft" width="420"]kids summer outside eating food snack siblings boy girl Shutterstock[/caption]

Eating at his friend’s house

If your child has started insisting on eating breakfast or dinner at his friend’s house, there is a good chance it’s because that friend’s parents serve unhealthy things you won’t serve.               [caption id="attachment_707176" align="alignleft" width="420"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

Not being hungry at home

If your child isn’t hungry at dinner, but isn’t losing any weight, it could be because he’s gorging on fast food and other unhealthy items before coming home from school.               [caption id="attachment_710487" align="alignleft" width="420"] Shutterstock[/caption]

Not wanting you to serve lunch

If parents can volunteer to serve lunch at your child’s school, and your child demands that you don’t, there could be a reason for that. If he’s never shown any embarrassment about having you around otherwise, it could be because he doesn’t want you to see the food choices he makes.         [caption id="attachment_615705" align="alignleft" width="456"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

Claiming the price of lunch went up

If your child keeps claiming he needs a little more money for his school lunch, but the school hasn’t notified you of a price increase, it’s possible that your child just wants cash to buy unhealthy snacks from the vending machine.           [caption id="attachment_719423" align="alignleft" width="420"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

Taking out his own trash

If your kid insists on taking his own trash out, it could be because he doesn’t want you to see the candy wrappers, chip bags and fruit roll up papers in there. Or the receipts from the candy stores.             [caption id="attachment_719426" align="alignleft" width="420"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

Incremental weight gain

If your child is slowly gaining weight, but you are serving very healthy meals at home, he is most likely secretly eating junk food away from the home. Hormones could be at play, of course, but if your child is displaying some of these other signs, it is likely food sneaking.             [caption id="attachment_713617" align="alignleft" width="400"] Shutterstock[/caption]

Secrecy around his backpack

There are a lot of reasons a child may not want you to look in his backpack, but one could be that he doesn’t want you to see the remnants of junk food and candy in there. Junk food is pretty potent, so just sniffing his backpack could tip you off to things like candy and chips.       [caption id="attachment_710489" align="alignleft" width="420"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

Energy fluctuations

If your child is experiencing burst of hyper energy, followed by the need to nap, it’s quite possible that he’s drinking high-sugary drinks that are off limits in your home.               [caption id="attachment_618281" align="alignleft" width="420"]kid tween teen makeup Shutterstock[/caption]

Mood fluctuations

Eating a diet high in sugar and trans fats can also lead to mood fluctuations. If your child hasn’t hit puberty yet, or already went through it, and is facing mood fluctuations still, food sneaking could be to blame.               [caption id="attachment_614693" align="alignleft" width="500"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

Nervousness at doctor’s appointments

The doctor will ask your child about his diet. If your child gets shifty eyed during this part of the conversation, or seems to have trouble remembering what he has eaten, it could be because he doesn’t want you to hear the truth.   [caption id="attachment_710711" align="alignleft" width="420"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

Complaining that his friend gets to eat junk food

If your child is already outwardly complaining that his friends get to have junk food and he can’t, there is a good chance he is seeking out that junk food when he isn’t at home.             [caption id="attachment_827917" align="alignleft" width="600"]Sometimes They Change Your Diet young african boy with rasta dreadlocks endulging himself in a cold meat sandwich[/caption]

“Hanging” at delis

If your child’s favorite spot to meet up with friends is at the local deli or food court, it’s quite possible that he is eating things he shouldn’t while he is there. There are a lot of other places children can hang out.               [caption id="attachment_607565" align="alignleft" width="500"] Credit: Shutterstock[/caption]

Loss of interest in your treats

If your child has suddenly lost interest in the healthy treats you make that he used to get excited for (like brown rice crispy treats) it could be because the processed foods he secretly eats have made your healthy foods boring.             [caption id="attachment_717717" align="alignleft" width="420"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

Or obsession over “cheat day”

If your child’s favorite day of the week is the day you let him eat junk food, he gets up extra early on that day to get it started and talks about it all week long, he is a bit food obsessed. If that is the case, he probably secretly eats junk food.           [caption id="attachment_626072" align="alignleft" width="460"] Corbis[/caption]

Complaints of stomachaches

If your child complains of stomach aches, is suddenly experiencing bloat or constipation, but the doctor cannot find anything wrong with him, there is a good chance he is eating foods that cause these symptoms.

The post Signs Your Kid Is Eating Unhealthy Away From Home appeared first on MadameNoire.

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Travel Trials: My Husband’s Mad I Had To Work On Vacation

May 16, 2017, 7:22 am
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My husband and I are both extremely hard-working upper-level managers, grinding day in and day out to make it to the top of the corporate ladder in our respective fields. Our competitive nature and understanding of each other’s drive is what makes us such a strong couple, but we realized lately we’ve been giving more to our companies than our relationship and we agreed to take a 7-day vacation where we would disconnect from everybody and everything, including our jobs.

With our bosses having no problem with our vacation time — likely because we hardly take any — my hubby and I booked a vacation to Greece to relax and reconnect with one another as husband and wife. The first four days of our trip felt too good to be true as we got lost in the foreign land and explored new things. We gave each other 30 minutes to check email at 11:30 am every day to make sure there were no crises, and another 45 minutes at 6 in the evening to make sure everyone survived another day at the office without us. Just as I was signing off of email at lunch on the fifth day I say a message with the subject line “Urgent.” My boss said we had an issue with a client of mine and apologized for bothering me while I was away, but being that only I knew some of the particulars of the situation at hand they needed my insight. I hopped on what I thought would be a quick conference call, but soon found myself heading back to the hotel to put together a report that robbed us of the rest of the afternoon together.

My husband was a little disappointed but understood there was nothing I could do, and we both went to sleep confident the report would be the end of things. I woke up the next morning to more urgent emails from my boss as well as the client and ended up losing the entire next day smoothing things over and addressing their issues.

Of course this happened the day my husband planned a surprise excursion for us, and when hour after hour went by and it was clear I wasn’t leaving the hotel room he became increasingly frustrated. I hoped the fact that I could still make dinner would ease the tension but his mood told me it didn’t. By the time we got back to the hotel room he let out his anger, saying I should have stuck up to my boss and demanded he respect my time off, and that our promise to not put work before our marriage was more important than a needy client. He was right, but I felt like if anyone should’ve understood the predicament I was in it would be him.

Needless to say, the vacation didn’t exactly end on the happy note on which it began and ever since we’ve returned I feel like I’m being judged more than ever for my late nights at the office because I broke our promise not to work on vacation. My professional drive used to be what attracted my husband to me but now I feel like it’s pushing him away. What should I do?

The post Travel Trials: My Husband’s Mad I Had To Work On Vacation appeared first on MadameNoire.

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Simone Biles Booted From DWTS Following “Smiling Doesn’t Win You Gold Medals” Comment

May 16, 2017, 8:26 am
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Last week, Simone Biles was receiving her less than stellar critiques from Dancing With the Stars judges when the usually cheerful gymnast, who often wears a grin of excitement, was asked by host Tom Bergeron why she wasn’t smiling. Her response, “Smiling doesn’t win you gold medals,” would elicit a pretty big response from people on social media.

Simone Biles DWTS

It was something Biles admits that she and her mother were nervous about.

“To be honest, I didn’t know what to say and that’s just what came out of my mouth,” Biles wrote on her PEOPLE blog early on Monday. “It was kind of like word vomit.”

Thankfully though, she received more support and applause over her clapback than she expected.

“My mom was a little worried that my comment was going to be taken negatively, but the positive outcome has been absolutely amazing,” she said. “It went everywhere. I never thought that would happen. It’s just nuts. But it’s proof of the power of words and I’m humbled, really, that people care what I have to say.”

But it wasn’t entirely enough to keep Biles on the show. Everyone was shocked on Monday evening when the gold medal-winning Olympian was sent home after landing in the bottom two with former Cubs catcher David Ross. He’s going to the finals and Biles, who nabbed two perfect scores for both of her dances last night, was sent home.

After seemingly not being able to please judges, even saying in practice footage that aired Monday, “I just feel like I can’t do anymore because I feel like I’ve tried my hardest and it’s just not good enough,” the 20-year-old had zero tears to shed about having to say goodbye.

“I found out a lot about myself,” she said. “I think today I experienced what they wanted. It felt refreshing. I did feel free, so I cant ask anymore. We went out with a bang.”

Biles said she plans to relax following her DWTS elimination. She will soon train for the 2020 Olympics, but in the meantime, is ready to travel, hang with friends and just be the usual 20-year-old. Anything other than practicing the Paso Doble in dancing shoes every week and being told you’re not being authentic enough sounds like a good time to us. Good riddance.

Image via WENN 

The post Simone Biles Booted From DWTS Following “Smiling Doesn’t Win You Gold Medals” Comment appeared first on MadameNoire.

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What Do You Make Of Male Rompers?

May 16, 2017, 2:32 pm
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Yesterday, when I stumbled across the BuzzFeed article declaring that there were now rompers for men, RompHim. I assumed that it would be a fashion trend, perhaps for gay men and men comfortable in their sexuality and I kept it pushing. After all, the rompers look like shorter versions of the jumpsuits blue collar men wear to work everyday. But the internet didn't have the same reaction. In fact, they ran with it. The article was published last night around 6 p.m. and the word Romper is still trending as I type. People have found limitless material about men wearing rompers. Some of it is homophobic and steeped in machisimo and then some of it is rather funny. Check them out on the following pages. And my personal favorite.

The post What Do You Make Of Male Rompers? appeared first on MadameNoire.

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Kenya Moore Talks Her New Hair Care Line

May 16, 2017, 3:18 pm
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We’ve long admired Kenya Moore’s mane. It’s long, it’s luscious and as she has told us time and time again, it’s all hers.

So it only makes sense that she would not only share her some of her secrets with us but that she’d make a coin in the process.

Which is why she’s launched her new hair care line, Kenya Moore Hair Care.

In our exclusive interview, we sat down with Kenya to chat about it. See what she had to say in the video above.

The post Kenya Moore Talks Her New Hair Care Line appeared first on MadameNoire.

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Habits That Are Making Your Depression Worse

May 17, 2017, 4:00 am
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[caption id="attachment_830739" align="alignleft" width="1068"] Bigstockphoto.com/African American Depressive Sad Broken Heart Concept[/caption] If you do suffer from depression, hopefully, you are in counseling so you can determine if it’s a result of brain chemistry and must be treated with medication, or a result of circumstances in your life. Regardless of the cause of your depression, there are certain habits that can make it worse—even if you are medicated for it. Depressives are more sensitive to the effects of small changes in schedules, the company they keep, the weather, the music playing in the room and more. While those who don’t suffer from depression have the mental tools in play to bounce back from little shifts that could bring their moods down, depressed individuals, unfortunately, struggle to find or use those same tools and need to be more careful. Here are habits that are making your depression worse. [caption id="attachment_612908" align="alignleft" width="500"] Credit: Shutterstock[/caption]

Drinking alcohol

The blood sugar spike and crash that comes from drinking alcohol causes next-day blues in most individuals. But the effects can be amplified in those already struggling with brain chemistry imbalances causing depression.               [caption id="attachment_698662" align="alignleft" width="420"] Image Source: Shuterstock[/caption]

Spending too much time on social media

People with depression need to be careful about the information and images to which they’re exposed. Seeing people who they perceive to have “better lives” than them can affect them more strongly than it does those who aren’t depressed.           [caption id="attachment_830650" align="alignleft" width="420"] Bigstockphoto.com/Pile of Deep fried battered onion rings[/caption]

Eating fried foods

The trans fats found in fried foods—and other foods like potato chips and pastries—destroys cell membranes in the brain. This makes it hard for the body to produce and digest certain nutrients critical to feeling happy. The effects can be heightened for those already suffering from depression.   https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-resilient-brain/201506/trans-fats-bad-your-brain     [caption id="attachment_711334" align="alignleft" width="443"] Shutterstock[/caption]

Consuming too much sugar

We already know that the sugar spikes and crashes from alcohol are problematic for those with depression. So it’s no surprise that sugary foods cause the same issue. But they also come with the guilt people can feel about eating unhealthy food.           [caption id="attachment_623959" align="alignleft" width="500"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

Doing recreational drugs

Everyone—depressed or not—suffers from a small bout of depression in the days after doing recreational drugs. But this bout can be insufferable for those who were already depressed.       [caption id="attachment_701349" align="alignleft" width="420"] Shutterstock[/caption]

Sleeping too much

Oversleeping not only messes with the brain’s chemistry and can cause feelings of sadness, but it also creates a feeling of “missing out” or not accomplishing one’s goals.                 [caption id="attachment_701334" align="alignleft" width="420"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

Not sleeping enough

Not sleeping enough also wreaks havoc on the brain’s chemistry and can cause depression in otherwise stable individuals. Those who are depressed cannot afford to miss out on those Z’s.               [caption id="attachment_709772" align="alignleft" width="420"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

Living a sedentary lifestyle

Moving your body is essential to producing hormones and chemicals that make you feel happy. People who are not depressed may be able to combat the sadness that comes from a sedentary life, but those who are depressed will have a much harder time.             [caption id="attachment_617340" align="alignleft" width="500"] Credit: Shutterstock[/caption]

Overspending

Buying something they shouldn’t leaves everybody feeling a little guilty. But individuals who are depressed can go into a downward spiral of feeling they have no control over their habits and are losing a grasp on their life when they overspend.              

Watching the wrong genres

Crime recreation shows, prison shows, documentaries about human injustice and horror films will leave anybody feeling a bit dark. But the ideas perpetuated in these genres can infiltrate the brain of a depressed person more deeply.               [caption id="attachment_610812" align="alignleft" width="500"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

Enduring stress

Nobody likes stress. But people who are not depressed have the mental facilities to do things that combat stress, like see friends, go out dancing and so on. Depressed individuals have a hard enough time doing those things when they are not under stress—and seriously struggle to do them when they are.       [caption id="attachment_694799" align="alignleft" width="420"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

Casual sexual encounters

Casual sexual encounters are confusing on the body. They at first produce a burst of happy hormones, but then there is a withdrawal when the sexual partner goes away. Happy individuals can usually bounce back from it quickly, but depressed individuals can be significantly affected by it.           [caption id="attachment_708496" align="alignleft" width="420"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

Dare devil thrills

It’s common for people to want to try something crazy every so often—like skydiving or getting a tattoo! But this high high comes with an equally low low after the fact—a low that can be hard for depressives to get out of.             [caption id="attachment_612768" align="alignleft" width="461"]women sisters friends Shutterstock[/caption]

Saying no to socializing

Humans are social creatures. Of course, we all have hermit tendencies from time to time. But while getting out of the house to socialize is even harder for depressed individuals, it’s that much more important. They cannot afford the deficit of happy brain chemicals that comes with a hermit lifestyle.         [caption id="attachment_625047" align="alignleft" width="427"]“People depend on me” Corbis[/caption]

Talking to other depressives exclusively

While surrounding oneself with people who understands them is comforting, it can be problematic for depressives. Dwelling in the topic of depression could feel cathartic in the moment, but when those friends go away, it can leave the depressed person feeling even less hopeful about overcoming their circumstance. You need to surround yourself with positive, happy individuals to develop the belief that you, too, could be one some day.       [caption id="attachment_620944" align="alignleft" width="500"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

Hiding your depression entirely

On the flip side, hiding one’s depression entirely can make matters worse, too. That’s why seeing a therapist, and having a set time and place where the depression can be acknowledged, is crucial.       [caption id="attachment_714445" align="alignleft" width="420"]You're Likely To Be Exoticized Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

Being a night owl

Everybody needs sun exposure to get that oh-so-important vitamin D. But depressed individuals will feel the hit of a vitamin D deficiency stronger than happy individuals.               [caption id="attachment_706470" align="alignleft" width="420"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

Obsessing about things that went wrong

We all dwell sometimes. But depressed individuals don’t have the systems in place in their brains to stop the cycle of dwelling. Again, this is why seeking professional help is important.             [caption id="attachment_626593" align="alignleft" width="500"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

Smoking

Nicotine causes mood swings in emotionally stable people. Those mood swings are intensified in depressed individuals.             [caption id="attachment_606839" align="alignleft" width="420"] Corbis[/caption]

Exercising indoors

This goes back to that vitamin D deficiency. It’s great that the depressed individual is exercising, but if she spends all day indoors at work, then goes to the gym, and goes home, she doesn’t get any vitamin D.

The post Habits That Are Making Your Depression Worse appeared first on MadameNoire.

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What To Do If You Hate Your Bestie’s Significant Other

May 17, 2017, 4:55 am
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Bestie's Significant Other

We’ve all been there. In fact, I’ve been there multiple times. Your best friend, bouncing with excitement and beaming with happiness, brings her new boo to meet the larger friend group over dinner and drinks. You say to yourself, “Well of course I’m going to love new boo. If my bestie has hand-picked them among all the fish in the dating sea, this one has to be pretty special.”

And then you meet them.

And they’re horrible.

They’re self-absorbed. They’re condescending. They are literally the worst person on the face of the earth. New boo’s pure indifference to getting to know anything about you (or any other friends in attendance) makes you want to leap over the table and toss a drink squarely in his or her smug face. But as much as your blood might be boiling, you have to play nice. Any animosity or questionable facial expressions would devastate your friend who a) was nervous enough bringing their new beau around and b) wants nothing more than for everyone to get along.

So despite a persistent urge to smother new boo, you grin and bear this delightful evening; you part ways with a little frustration and perhaps even the small hope that bestie figures out all on her own how much new boo sucks. But fast-forward several weeks later and she’s still with her new cuddle buddy. They are inseparable 90 percent of the time and so you’re forced to give them another shot if you ever hope to hang with your friend again. Who knows: Maybe you caught them on an off-day before. Maybe they’ll win you over this time around.

Yeah, it’s cute you were that optimistic, but no.

They are still as incorrigible as you remember. But as much as you want to stew and turn your fists toward the heavens to ask “why, oh, why” has your bestie set her sights on this awful, horrendous excuse for a human, you can’t. She cares about this person and it’s your duty as her friend to try your best to get along with new boo.

It’s not easy, but we do have some suggestions to come to terms with the new boo thorn in your side:

Try To See The Good In Them
No one actively pursues and subsequently dates someone who has absolutely no redeeming qualities. There is something there that attracted your friend (someone you love and respect) to their new significant other. So do whatever you can to uncover what that is. Even if it’s grabbing a bottle of wine and chatting with your bestie about what attracted them to so-and-so in the first place. Ask questions. Get to know them as much as possible to find that common ground that you can start to lay at least a foundation of mutual respect on.

Still Not Working? Be Strategic With Your Interactions
OK, so trying to see the good in them is not happening. Every word they utter makes your eyes roll into the back of your head and that’s certainly not a good look. You can’t make yourself like someone, so if they are here to stay in your friend’s life then perhaps choosing your interactions carefully is best. That doesn’t mean that you should avoid your friend just so you don’t have spend an inordinate amount of time with new boo. But it does mean that if you’re out in a group setting, be cordial but don’t force something that’s just not meant to happen. Spend some time exchanging pleasantries with new boo and then move on to other guests in attendance. The cordiality, combined with distance can at least make your friend feel like everything is copesthetic … even if it’s not.

If You Have Legit Concerns, Approach Your Bestie
This is one piece of advice that we wield with some hesitation. If you have serious, life-changing concerns about your friend’s significant other then by all means raise them in a productive, non-confrontational way. But if the root of your concern is more in the name of your own self-interest (i.e. you just don’t like him or her), then don’t even consider saying anything. As trite as it sounds, at the end of the day, if your friend is happy that’s all that matters.

While these are all useful pieces of advice and ones that I have employed on several occasions, butting heads with a bestie boo is tough. It will inherently change your relationship with your friend, if even in subtle ways. But when all is said and done, the priority is to make sure that your friend is happy. That they don’t harbor negative feelings toward you for not hitting it off with their significant other and that they don’t begin to doubt their relationship with their boo. So as much as it may pain you, suck it up and try your best to see the good in new boo. If things go well, they could become a mainstay in your friend’s life and you certainly don’t want to sacrifice your friendship for a conflict that can be navigated around with a little patience and a whole lot of woosah.

The post What To Do If You Hate Your Bestie’s Significant Other appeared first on MadameNoire.

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How The “What Are We?” Talk Can Go Terribly Wrong

May 17, 2017, 5:00 am
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[caption id="attachment_830742" align="alignleft" width="1068"] Bigstockphoto.com/Attractive young african american couple in front of new home.[/caption] It’s normal to want to define a relationship. For your own sake, you need to know whether or not you should continue putting your eggs in other baskets (and keeping your toothbrush at other guys’ places). Plus, next time your mom asks you if you have a boyfriend you’d like to be able to say, “As a matter of fact I do so get off my back!” (Okay, maybe you’d put it a little more delicately than that). And you can’t quite go around calling someone your boyfriend if they don’t know they’re your boyfriend. Ugh. It’s like you have to get paperwork signed just to change your Facebook relationship status to “In a relationship.” At the very least you need the guy to blink once if you’re in a relationship and twice if you’re just one of his many flings. Here are ways the “what are we talk?” can go wrong. [caption id="attachment_721465" align="alignleft" width="414"] Shutterstock[/caption]

You have it while fighting

You’re in such a heated argument—almost like an argument a couple would have. So you think this is a great time to say, “We’re fighting like we’re in a serious relationship! Are we in a serious relationship, by the way?” You aren’t now.           [caption id="attachment_695615" align="alignleft" width="456"] Shutterstock[/caption]

You bring it up during your birthday

You were hoping to give yourself the birthday gift of a boyfriend. So when you’re three Martinis down you ask (loudly over the music), “Are you my boyfriend or what?!” And everyone turns and looks at you two while the guy says, “Um…can we talk about this another time?”       [caption id="attachment_698081" align="alignleft" width="419"] Shutterstock[/caption]

His friend answers for you

You ask the guy what you are and his friend, standing nearby, says, “He’s not looking for anything serious! Let it go!” Thanks drunk friend.             [caption id="attachment_695809" align="alignleft" width="514"] Shutterstock[/caption]

The other woman he’s dating answers for him

Another woman he is dating is standing nearby, overhears the conversation, and says, “What do you mean what are you guys? He is my boyfriend!” Gulp.       [caption id="attachment_717848" align="alignleft" width="420"] Shutterstock[/caption]

The, “I don’t like labels” response

Otherwise known as the, “I’d really like to be able to sleep with whoever I want, whenever I want, without it being called cheating” guy.             [caption id="attachment_704630" align="alignleft" width="420"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

“We’re in a serious relationship, duh”

Woah, woah, woah. It’s one thing if a guy already assumed you were in a relationship, but a “serious” one? And he’s already told his parents you’re coming home for the holidays? He’s been living in some fantasy relationship without you, apparently.         [caption id="attachment_615705" align="alignleft" width="456"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

“Isn’t this a money exchange thing?”

Hey, some men treat their escorts well. So well that it’s hard to distinguish an escort from a girlfriend. But a guy may very well have a big check he was about to write you for your “services” since you approached him at that hotel lobby bar three months ago.       [caption id="attachment_701661" align="alignleft" width="428"] Shutterstock[/caption]

“Well, you owe me $600”

Of course, the guy who has been the picture-perfect boyfriend for the last few months may also be a professional boyfriend. And he may be wondering where his fat check is.             [caption id="attachment_704575" align="alignleft" width="420"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

“I live here, and at another woman’s place”

This dude is “between homes” and has just been living at your place when you let him, and another woman’s place when she lets him. If you’re willing to let him move in full-time, he could be your boyfriend. How romantic.             [caption id="attachment_699265" align="alignleft" width="468"] Shutterstock[/caption]

“Didn’t you know I’m married?”

How were you supposed to know that? Just because he never lets you go to his place and likes to meet at hotels and prefers you only call him on his cell phone oh never mind. [caption id="attachment_702843" align="alignleft" width="419"] Shutterstock[/caption]

“I’m looking for a green card”

You wanted to know if this guy would make you his girlfriend already; he wanted to know if you’d make him your husband already. Not because he’s nuts about you, but because he’d like to stay in the country. Apparently you were supposed to pick up on that because of all the phone calls he got from immigration.       [caption id="attachment_711612" align="alignleft" width="420"] Shutterstock[/caption]

“I was hoping for in-state tuition”

Gulp. Another one who was just hoping to use you for your residency! You were just hoping for a plus one to bring to your friend’s wedding, but he’s wondering if you could help him pay less for his MFA program by marrying him. “We can totally get a divorce when I graduate,” he says. How sweet.       [caption id="attachment_699960" align="alignleft" width="468"] Shutterstock[/caption]

“Well, my girlfriend’s in jail for a while so”

Aaah. His GF is in jail for five to 15 so, really, you could have a full-blown relationship in that time. You could even get married, have some kids and get a divorce.               [caption id="attachment_702372" align="alignleft" width="420"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

“I was hoping for a job”

They say it’s lonely at the top. They didn’t tell you how lonely it would be to be on top of your industry, get on top of a guy in bed, and then have him tell you he’d like to be under you—like as an employee.           [caption id="attachment_626166" align="alignleft" width="453"] Corbis[/caption]

“Aren’t we just friends?”

Some men have a strange definition of friendship. Does he have sex with all of his friends? Like Steve? Does he have sex with Steve? Well does he? You want an answer! Oh, he’s leaving.

The post How The “What Are We?” Talk Can Go Terribly Wrong appeared first on MadameNoire.

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Russell Westbrook And Wife Nina Welcome A Baby Boy

May 17, 2017, 6:22 am
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Professionally, some might say that Russell Westbrook, arguably one of the league’s best players, had a rough year because his team, the Oklahoma City Thunder, fell short of the championship this year. But that’s certainly not the case in his personal life.

If you look at his Instagram page, you’ll see that his family not only celebrated the recent graduation of his brother Brodie, but most recently, the birth of his first son Noah Russell Westbrook.

Noah Russell Westbrook 5.16.17

A post shared by Russell Westbrook (@russwest44) on


On Facebook, Westbrook shared that his son, who was born yesterday, weighed 7 pounds, 5 ounces and was 20 inches long.

Back in March, we reported that NBA star Russell Westbrook and his wife Nina were expecting when he shared this image of himself kissing his wife’s pregnant belly.

-5/2017- 🙏🏾

A post shared by Russell Westbrook (@russwest44) on

Congratulations to these new parents!

The post Russell Westbrook And Wife Nina Welcome A Baby Boy appeared first on MadameNoire.

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Petite Poise: Karrueche Tran’s Best Style Moments

May 17, 2017, 6:57 am
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Karrueche Tran's Best Style Moments Karrueche Tran has come into her own since splitting from her ex in 2015. No longer identified as "Chris Brown's girlfriend" or even "Chris Brown's ex," Karrueche has carved out a career all on her own as a model, TV host, and now actress on the new TNT series "Claws" alongside Niecy Nash. And Karrueche's style has increased right along with her star power, with the 5'1" beauty regularly turning heads on the red carpet giving all us short girls petite fashion inspo. In honor of her 29th birthday today, we're taking a look back at Karrueche Tran's best style moments. [caption id="attachment_825833" align="alignnone" width="700"] 2016 Whitney Art Party at The Whitney Museum of American Art - Arrivals
Featuring: Karrueche Tran
Where: Edison, New Jersey, United States
When: 15 Nov 2016
Credit: Derrick Salters/WENN.com[/caption] [caption id="attachment_825834" align="alignnone" width="700"] 26th Annual Environmental Media Awards (EMA) - Arrivals
Featuring: Karrueche Tran
Where: Los Angeles, California, United States
When: 22 Oct 2016
Credit: Nicky Nelson/WENN.com[/caption] [caption id="attachment_825835" align="alignnone" width="700"] 9th Annual Manifest Your Destiny Toy Drive Fundraiser at W Hotel in Hollywood
Featuring: Karrueche Tran
Where: Chinese Theater In Hollywood, California, United States
When: 05 Dec 2016
Credit: Guillermo Proano/WENN.com[/caption] [caption id="attachment_825836" align="alignnone" width="700"] 'Till We Meet Again' premiere at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood
Featuring: Karrueche Tran
Where: Los Angeles, California, United States
When: 20 Oct 2015
Credit: Guillermo Proano/WENN.com[/caption] [caption id="attachment_825837" align="alignnone" width="700"] Premiere of Lionsgate's 'The Perfect Match' at ArcLight Hollywood - Arrivals
Featuring: Karrueche Tran
Where: Los Angeles, California, United States
When: 07 Mar 2016
Credit: WENN.com
**Only available for publication in UK, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Australia. No Internet Use. Not available for Subscribers**[/caption] [caption id="attachment_825838" align="alignnone" width="700"] Karrueche Tran steps out in a skimpy leather mini skirt for an appearance on the entertainment news program 'Extra' at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Featuring: Karrueche Tran
Where: Los Angeles, California, United States
When: 05 May 2016
Credit: Pacific Coast News/WENN.com
**Only available for publication in Germany, Austria, Switzerland**[/caption] [caption id="attachment_825840" align="alignnone" width="700"] 7th Annual Indie Series Awards at the El Portal Theater - Arrivals
Featuring: Karrueche Tran
Where: North Hollywood, California, United States
When: 06 Apr 2016
Credit: Nicky Nelson/WENN.com[/caption] [caption id="attachment_825841" align="alignnone" width="700"] An Evening With Women event at the Hollywood Palladium - Inside
Featuring: Karrueche Tran
Where: Palladium, California, United States
When: 21 May 2016
Credit: FayesVision/WENN.com[/caption] [caption id="attachment_825842" align="alignnone" width="700"] AOL NewFront 2016 at The Seaport District NYC - Arrivals
Featuring: Karrueche Tran
Where: New York City, United States
When: 03 May 2016
Credit: WENN.com
**Only available for publication in UK, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Australia. No Internet Use. Not available for Subscribers**[/caption] [caption id="attachment_825843" align="alignnone" width="700"] 2016 BET Awards
Featuring: Karrueche Tran
Where: Los Angeles, California, United States
When: 27 Jun 2016
Credit: FayesVision/WENN.com[/caption] [caption id="attachment_825845" align="alignnone" width="700"] 43rd Daytime Emmy Awards - Arrivals
Featuring: Karrueche Tran
Where: Los Angeles, California, United States
When: 01 May 2016
Credit: Nicky Nelson/WENN.com[/caption] [caption id="attachment_825846" align="alignnone" width="700"] 4th Annual Beautycon Festival Los Angeles held at the Los Angeles Convention Center - Arrivals
Featuring: Karrueche Tran
Where: Los Angeles, California, United States
When: 09 Jul 2016
Credit: WENN.com
**Only available for publication in UK, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Australia. No Internet Use. Not available for Subscribers**[/caption] [caption id="attachment_825847" align="alignnone" width="700"] 7th Annual amfAR Inspiration Gala New York - Red Carpet Arrivals
Featuring: Karrueche Tran
Where: New York, New York, United States
When: 10 Jun 2016
Credit: Ivan Nikolov/WENN.com[/caption] [caption id="attachment_825848" align="alignnone" width="706"] NBCUniversal's 74th Annual Golden Globes After Party
Featuring: Karrueche Tran
Where: Beverly Hills, California, United States
When: 08 Jan 2017[/caption]

The post Petite Poise: Karrueche Tran’s Best Style Moments appeared first on MadameNoire.

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Eating Mistakes Of Night Owls

May 17, 2017, 7:00 am
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[caption id="attachment_830773" align="alignleft" width="1068"] Bigstockphoto.com/black young woman eat icecream on a pink[/caption] If you’re a night owl then you know eating can be tricky. Your friends want to have dinner at 7 pm but you’re thinking, “I’m going to be up until 2 am! I’ll need another snack at midnight if we have dinner that early.” If you’re a night owl then you sleep through breakfast (and possibly lunch) and you do most of your operating when everybody else has gone to bed. So you need a way to sustain yourself during those late hours, but you also get dragged into some regular, daytime eating routines. It can leave you eating too much. You also don’t want to feel left out of “normal life”, so you say yes to some meal invitations when you’re not quite hungry. It’s tough living those vampire hours. Here are eating mistakes of night owls. [caption id="attachment_706179" align="alignleft" width="420"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

Trying to be quiet in the kitchen

If you live with people but you’re a night owl, then you probably try to keep quiet while making your 11 pm meal. That could mean you forego chopping vegetables and using pots and pans, and instead make a frozen meal. Do your prep work while people are awake so you can still eat healthily and be quiet while they’re asleep.         [caption id="attachment_722647" align="alignleft" width="414"] Shutterstock[/caption]

Feeling like the calories don’t count

Something about eating at night, when the rest of the world is asleep, feels as if those calories don’t count. It’s like that meal is your little secret. But this sense of secrecy could cause you to make unhealthy choices. Watch out for this mentality.           [caption id="attachment_701552" align="alignleft" width="420"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

Eating big before bed time

Night owls don’t tend to keep as consistent of a schedule as day birds do. They may go to bed at 1 am, or 3 am, or 4 am! So it’s hard to time out meals to make sure they don’t eat a lot right before hitting the hay. But try; even if you eat at 11 pm and it turns out this will be one of those 4 am bedtimes, you can always have a small snack at 3 am.           [caption id="attachment_704165" align="alignleft" width="420"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

Skipping the carbs

If you think you should skip carbs at night, think again. Research has actually found you may digest your carbs more efficiently if you have them before getting your eight hours of rest, rather than scattered throughout the day.             [caption id="attachment_707621" align="alignleft" width="420"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

Skipping “breakfast”

If you wake up at 11 am or noon, you may think, “I’ll just wait until lunch to eat—it’s right around the corner.” But you should have a little something to eat the moment you wake up, whenever that may be, to rev up your metabolism.             [caption id="attachment_829313" align="alignleft" width="420"] Bigstockphoto.com/A lamp with mounted propeller on white background.[/caption]

Keeping the room warm

Night owls may keep the temperature warm in their home while they do their midnight work. But lowering the temperature can help you lose body fat. Around 66 degrees is just right.               [caption id="attachment_707005" align="alignleft" width="420"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

Ordering delivery

Since most grocery stores are no longer open by the time night owls are ready to eat, many find themselves with an empty fridge and no options. Well, there’s always delivery or drive-thru’s! Which aren’t the best options. Night owls, more than anybody, need to keep a stocked fridge.             [caption id="attachment_624907" align="alignleft" width="460"]black woman drinking water Corbis[/caption]

Cutting water early

People who keep regular schedules should cut out water in the early evening, so their bladder doesn’t keep them up at night. But night owls—for whom 7pm is practically the afternoon—should continue having water up until a few hours before bedtime. Otherwise, they could end up dehydrated, and mistake thirst for hunger. [caption id="attachment_696362" align="alignleft" width="420"] Shutterstock[/caption]

Not eating all day

Some night owls are, in fact, up for part of the day, but they wait to do all of their eating at night. This just leads to overeating and binging, because you’re starving. Have a little food during those few hours of daylight during which you’re awake.             [caption id="attachment_712871" align="alignleft" width="420"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

Turning your bed into the kitchen

Night owls like to eat in bed! But what happens when you eat in bed? You want to cut down on trips to the kitchen, so you bring too much food to bed. Plus, the relaxed mindset you get in while in bed could cause you to be less strict on your eating.           [caption id="attachment_728347" align="alignleft" width="500"] Credit: Shutterstock[/caption]

Having two dinners

You want to have dinner with friends, but they’re having dinner at 7 pm. You’re hungry again by midnight, so you have two dinners. If you know you’re going to do this, then you need to split up your dinner into those two—rather than have double the portions.              

Napping during the day

If your current schedule has you getting up in the morning, doing a little daytime work and then taking a nap before getting up to be a night owl, try to switch that. Breaking up sleep time into several sections throughout the day can mess up your metabolism. Just sleep late in the morning like other night owls, and skip the nap.           [caption id="attachment_716511" align="alignleft" width="420"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

Eating alone

Night owls don’t usually have friends around to eat with, but try to find some. Eating with people allows you to chat, which means you eat slower. It also could encourage you to make healthier choices out of peer pressure.               [caption id="attachment_614099" align="alignleft" width="500"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

Pounding coffee

Night owls love their coffee, but unless they’re having simple black coffee (which you probably aren’t) they’re adding a lot of calories to their diet with those frappucinos and cappuccinos. If you need caffeine to fuel your evening habits, stick to green tea. It aids digestion, too.       [caption id="attachment_713130" align="alignleft" width="420"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

Drinking more alcohol

Night owls can feel that work time is a bit more casual, so they may keep a bottle of wine next to their laptop. Keep drinking as a social activity, even if you’re a night owl.

The post Eating Mistakes Of Night Owls appeared first on MadameNoire.

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Solange Writes A Letter To Her Teenage Self

May 17, 2017, 7:41 am
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Solange Knowles

Now is her time. And after years of grinding, Solange is getting just a fraction of the recognition her artistry deserves. And with that recognition comes the desire for her insight on life and the art she’s shared with us. With that in mind, Teen Vogue, asked Solange to write a letter to her teenage self. See what she had to say. 

“A LETTER TO MY TEENAGE SELF” by SOLANGE KNOWLES

there will be fear. a lot of it. there will be triumph. a lot of it. there will be constellations you want to reach for but can’t put your finger on. you will trace them like the scars on your body you got from trouble and the times of your life. you will take the long way to get to these Orions. the long way will become a theme in your life, but a journey you learn to love.

you will dive head first without looking into phases that you are certain of who you are.
some of these stages include:

  • the dance-is-life (aka “this leotard is my second skin”) phase.
  • the Bible-thumping-church-camp phase.
    (which coincided and contradicted with the Fiona-Apple-fan-club-president phase)
  • the Nas aficionado-brown-lip-liner-and-Vaseline phase.
  • the Rasta-vegan-thrifter-who-is-determined-to-marry-Brandon-Boyd phase.
  • the football-player’s-girlfriend-who-wears-braided-blond-highlights-and-swears-by-capri-pants phase.

at the time, you are searching. seeking in every corner and pocket of the world for who you are. take your time, baby girl. there’s no rush to get there. you will sow each of these chapters in the land that you become. you will see bits and pieces of them scattered into the skin you grow into. you don’t have to figure everything out now. time will reveal itself. i promise you.

sometimes you push these phases to the max, and when you go out into the world feeling confident in who you are and what you reflect, young folks will call you names and grown folks will call you names. It’s ok. one day you will name yourself, and that name will belong to you. it will not be the ones they ordained: “crazy, ugly, attention-seeking, weirdo.”

i really hate to tell you this, but sometimes you will still get called these things as an adult, except you will actually embrace some of them. you will learn that these are just words. words that only have power if you choose to give them power. every once in a while they will hurt, but you will choose to turn those words into a symbol of beauty.

speaking of words. they might just be your first love. sometimes you can write for hours, just you and the words on the pages. they make you feel understood, even if it’s just you that you’re talking to.

trust in these words, even when you’re feeling wildly insecure. hold on to your journals. cherish them. put them somewhere safe so that they may become a guide for you later, a revealer and a friend.

the lucky stars have been good to you, and there’s a long list of things you’d like to give gratitude to them for, but for now thank them for these three:

  • that you didn’t die when you and your friends drove up a steep mountain in a snowstorm with no experience and bad brakes. that was stupid as hell.
  • that you went to the ensemble theater every summer. i really don’t think you’d be who you are today had it not been for those experiences, teachers, and experimentation with your mind and body.
  • that the universe chose your mom to be your mother.

she is a wonder. you watch her drop off 3 kids at 3 different schools in the morning, pick them up in the afternoon, shuffle each of them to their designated activities, and bring them all back to the salon she owns until she closes up with the utmost grace, love, and kindness.

you realize watching a woman balance being a supportive mother, building a successful business from the ground up that was started in her garage, and giving back to the community will make you feel invincible and like the word “no” is just an echo in the universe that you’ll never know. you often take her for granted, but you know with every joint in your bones that she is a phenomenon and you strive to make her proud. you should thank her out loud more, too; tell her you value her. roll your eyes and your neck less. it’s not as cute as you think. tell her you appreciate all that she does, for she makes the impossible look effortless. she surrounds you with other black women who do the same. you study them, and will constantly think of all their stories, their beauty, their strife and their stride. they break down all of the archetypes and stereotypes that you see of black women on tv and in magazines, so you don’t trust those anymore. you thank them for re-writing the script before it was ever etched in your memory.

because you have your mama’s blood, you are fiercely independent and outgoing. you’ve been starting petitions, building tree houses, and starting clubs since as long as you can remember.

sometimes in the midst of juggling all this, you put a lot of pressure on yourself and often crash and burn. you shut down. you go into your room, lock the door, put on music, and you do not move for 8 hours straight. it will feel like the heaviest and bleakest darkness you can possibly feel, and when you ask everyone to leave you alone and let you be, what you really want to say is “i want you here” and “i need help.”

sometimes it is ok to say just that. it won’t make you less strong or less powerful. no one you love will criticize you or blame you; in fact, they will lift you up.

seventeen will be the hardest year of your life.it will grow you up almost immediately. you will lose your best friend whom you love so much to gun violence in a single moment, and give birth to a new one within a year.

you will be terrified, and it’s ok that you don’t know what the future holds. some people will count you out because of the decision you’ve made to bring another life into the world so young, but you made the decision out of love and will live with the decision in love.

soon enough you will learn how to love and how to exist with love in ways that you never knew. you will learn how to love yourself and how to empathize with and forgive those who may have taken a bit of that pure love away from you.

you have a long life ahead of you, and i’ll tell you it’s not gonna always be easy, but I can promise you it will be fruitful and with much purpose. all the bridges you’ve burned, you had to, so that you could rebuild them to become a stronger and more wonderful you.

there will be pain, there will be doubt there will be beauty, there will be the unknown. there will be so many moments of joy and delight that the whole universe will feel painted in hues of amber and wonder. there will be times you are so sad you can’t lift your head. and there will be times you are so happy that the sensation of life knocks you down. but most importantly, there will be you. a whole, whole lot of it. and you will feel good about who she is and who she is still becoming.

Check out the photo shoot, images from Solange’s personal collection as well as a beautiful foreword to Solange’s essay from Thelma Golden, Director and Chief Curator, The Studio Museum in Harlem over at TeenVogue.com

The post Solange Writes A Letter To Her Teenage Self appeared first on MadameNoire.

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Malena Crawford Says Black Women Can Overcome Anything In Book Fistful Of Honey

May 17, 2017, 8:00 am
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Black women are known for their strength, zeal and determination to create better lives for their children and future generations. Malena Crawford knows firsthand what it means to be strong in the midst of tribulation, having endured homelessness, sexual abuse and racism. Overcoming her struggles and fears through faith, Crawford vowed to help heal other women along the way. And she’s doing just that with her debut novel, A Fistful of Honey.
The book is a battle cry of our times, addressing Black women’s divinity, healing, and elevation and declaring that we not only matter—we are the key to humanity’s survival. Crawford’s personal story of redemption from homelessness and abuse is beautifully enmeshed in this fantasy fiction. And even Iyanla Vanzant is impressed with the work, calling  it “a healing balm of a book” and a “must read.” Here we talked with Crawford to get more insight on the inspiration for this novel.

MadameNoire (MN): What personally inspired you to write this book?

Malena Crawford (MC): This book was inspired by the events around Trayvon Martin’s murder. On the day that his murderer was let off, I was incensed! It was so hard for me to accept that in 2013 there was still this level of injustice and blatant racism. As I do most things that I struggle with, I took the issue to God in prayer and begged the question; why do Black and brown people continue to be so oppressed, what is the purpose and the solution for this, Lord? I did get my answer, over the next 3 months. Like clockwork I woke up very early in the morning with ideas on my spirit and I wrote and wrote. As I pulled those ideas together, my main inspiration was the Black women who would read the story. I wanted us to know that despite the injustice we face and everything else, we are and will continue to be victorious. I wanted to have a piece of literature that I’d want to read, and have my daughter read, that reminds us that we are divine and we’re to be celebrated.

MN: Explain the meaning behind the title.

MC: Honey is really a symbol that represents the sweetness of life–overcoming, redemption, and The Promised Land. It’s what’s at the core of movements like Carefree Black Girl and Black Girl Magic, a celebration of ourselves in spite of what the world imposes on us. In A Fistful of Honey, character Alena Ford receives the calling to restore a Lost Kingdom. One of the keys to this kingdom is given to her by slavery era ancestors, the ones who sacrificed their “honey” for her. A Fistful of Honey reminds us that no matter what it looks like, we have been given a great gift. We have inherited something very special as Black women and we have been given the grace to live it out. How will we receive it and rise to our “honey” sweetness in terms of our natural femininity despite the struggle narrative the world tries to ascribe to us?

MN: What are three takeaways ladies will get from this book to help them in 2017?

MC: Forgiveness heals, resentment blocks us. Ladies, our hearts really are the key to our happiness and we have to get radical about forgiveness, forgive everything and everyone starting with ourselves. Your pain has purpose! Bless your darkest moments and don’t be ashamed of your struggles, focus on who you get to be as you grow from them. Life’s setbacks often lead to your purpose and the highest version of you. And last, lead with your “honey” in 2017 and beyond! Get back into the simple joy and sweetness of life and who you are naturally as a woman. A woman who celebrates herself, claims her stake on the best parts of life—she is the revolution!

For more information on the forthcoming A Fistful of Honey visit malenacrawford.com.

The post Malena Crawford Says Black Women Can Overcome Anything In Book Fistful Of Honey appeared first on MadameNoire.

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Let It Go: 10 Romantic Reunions People Should Probably Stop Holding Out Hope For

May 17, 2017, 4:54 pm
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There are some relationships in Hollywood that people, for some reason, hold in higher esteem than their own. The Denzels and Paulettas. The Wills and Jadas. The Beys and Jays of the world. And while all of those couples are cute #relationshipgoals, there are some former #relationshipgoals, former celebrity couples that is, who people still hold out hope for to reunite. Granted, I think any marriage should be worked on until it can't be worked on anymore. I root for anyone who wants to make their union work. However, there are some situations (both marriages and long-term relationships) that just aren't healthy. So don't hold your breath for these folks... TI and Tiny

Tiny and T.I.

Where do we start? As though calling marriage a "distraction" wasn't bad enough, his controlling behavior and cheating habits are the expired cherry on top. Kourtney and Scott

Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick

He can't use her as his reasoning to stay on track, and then get sloppy drunk and fool around with any and everybody when she doesn't want to take him back. As cute as these two could were, along with their kids, we don't ever see them really getting it together. And by them, we mean Scott.

Lisa Bonet and Lenny Kravitz

Not only is she married, but these "best friends" are the perfect co-parents (yes, I know Zoe is grown). No need to ruin a great thing. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt

Pitt is finally coming out of hiding and putting a smile on his face again. As bad as their breakup was, there's no need for either party to put themselves through that drama again, or play with the emotions of their many children.

Nicki Minaj and Safaree

When Nicki Minaj split from Meek Mill last year, some people were hoping she would reunite with Safaree. He even sent a "Hey big head" message her way (which she liked). But if a person can't hold your hand and acknowledge you as their partner in public for years (and then trash you when you split), we can't really see a reason to go running back.

Amber Rose and Wiz Khalifa

While they shared a kiss at Clive Davis's annual pre-Grammy party earlier this year, we just think these two are better off as friendly co-parents.

Toya Wright and Lil Wayne

While plenty of people would love to see these former childhood sweethearts back together, she's better off starting off fresh with someone who isn't in the spotlight (and who has good sense).

Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake

Y'all are going to show Jessica Biel some respect, now. These former flames have very much moved on. Not only is he married, but Britney just needs to focus on raising her sons and getting back to 100 percent. (Do we all agree that 2017 Britney Spears is a shell of her former self?) carmelo anthony cheated rumors

La La and Carmelo Anthony

It's hard to move on from rumors that your partner may have impregnated another woman. Still, these two did spend Mother's Day together as a family. But La La has been slaying by herself and seems happier than she's been in some time.

Chris Brown and Any of His Exes

In the words of Michael Scott: via GIPHY Images via WENN and Splash 

The post Let It Go: 10 Romantic Reunions People Should Probably Stop Holding Out Hope For appeared first on MadameNoire.

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Are You Closed Off And Don’t Even Realize It?

May 18, 2017, 4:00 am
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[caption id="attachment_830856" align="alignleft" width="1068"] Bigstockphoto.com/Mixed race couple at the park[/caption] I’ve got some unfortunate news for those of you who are emotionally guarded; it gets you nowhere. Well, correction; sometimes it gets you into some bad situations. Other than that, it gets you nowhere. In every area of life, there is no reward if there is no risk taken. So that could be why you keep finding yourself in relationships that bore you, or relationships with other emotionally closed off individuals. Those relationships aren’t very rewarding, are they? But you didn’t take the risk of putting your true self and your feelings on the table, so those are the types of relationships left for you. The emotionally open people get those giddy, best-friends-and-lovers, movie-type romances; you get the dead-end ones. Maybe you’ve never had your heart broken, and maybe you think that’s a perk. But it’s not worth foregoing a great relationship for. So, are you closed off and don’t even realize it? [caption id="attachment_693978" align="alignleft" width="420"] Shutterstock[/caption]

You feel like dates are interrogations

You feel like first dates are interrogations and are put off by the line of questioning you receive during them. You spend the entire date with your body half turned to the side, and your eyebrows raised, as if you’re trying to detect your interrigators—err—your date’s next move.         [caption id="attachment_620940" align="alignleft" width="500"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

You feel self-conscious around dogs and babies

Because you know you’re supposed to turn into a ball of mush around them, talking in a baby voice, kissing their little faces and showing your soft side. You hate showing your soft side.   [caption id="attachment_619121" align="alignleft" width="378"] Corbis Images[/caption]

Emotions seem inappropriate

Any time someone becomes emotional, it feels very inappropriate. Even if they’re doing it in the privacy or their living room, to you, they may as well be breaking down in the frozen food isle of the grocery store.               [caption id="attachment_704639" align="alignleft" width="420"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

Friends don’t share their romantic stories with you

You have to hear it through the grapevine when your friend’s boyfriend proposes to her in an ultra-romantic way. Your friends don’t share these stories with you because you never give them the reaction they want.         [caption id="attachment_719252" align="alignleft" width="420"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

You attract cocky guys

Cocky guys like a challenge and guess what? You’re a challenge. They can sniff you out from across the bar. Cocky men love trying to break down the walls of the most emotionally closed-off women, just to prove to themselves that they can.           [caption id="attachment_702157" align="alignleft" width="420"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

You do a lot of Googling before first dates

You like to go into your dates armed. If a guy is going to criticize you in any way, you want to be ready with a document of his flaws and faults that you found online. You also just assume everybody is a liar, and so you want to compare what your date says to what you learned about him online.         [caption id="attachment_704636" align="alignleft" width="420"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

You prep your friends to meet a guy

You spend a lot of time carefully curating which information you share with your boyfriends—and which information you don’t. You’re not going to let your friends blow that for you by telling him a story that shows you in a vulnerable, open light. So you prep them on which topics are off limits.       [caption id="attachment_712126" align="alignleft" width="420"] Shutterstock[/caption]

Sex is a competition

First off, the term “Making love” makes you nauseous. Second off, sex is a competition for you. You want to prove that you’re good at it. That’s all you’re focusing on—not connecting, and not enjoying yourself.           [caption id="attachment_619787" align="alignleft" width="500"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

You’ve never cried to a partner

You’ve cried about things your partners have said, but you’ve waited for them to leave to do so. And you’ve certainly never leaned on a partner when you were upset about anything. That’s what crying in your car is for, right?   [caption id="attachment_717697" align="alignleft" width="420"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

You hate writing cards

To you, cards are the worst. They’re just homework for you to write down your emotions. Yuck. You always take the humorous route on cards. And you don’t sign “With love.” You’re all about the “Best” and “Hugs.”             [caption id="attachment_608418" align="alignleft" width="414"] Corbis[/caption]

Eye contact makes you very uncomfortable

You have a list of people who you think make too much eye contact and you avoid them at all costs. If you have to have a long conversation with somebody, you start folding laundry or chopping vegetables to naturally avoid eye contact.         [caption id="attachment_698672" align="alignleft" width="421"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

You’re quite sarcastic

Sarcastic and emotionally closed off people go hand in hand. Sarcasm is the art of not saying what you mean. Emotionally closed off people are all about that.             [caption id="attachment_703937" align="alignleft" width="420"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

You’re very aware of your image

Closed off individuals are hyper aware of the image they put out there. They spend a lot of time and thought on their outfits, haircut, posture, makeup and every part of their aesthetic. God forbid they just let who they are naturally show in their appearance—they need to fully manipulate it.       [caption id="attachment_728347" align="alignleft" width="500"] Credit: Shutterstock[/caption]

You need an activity on date night

You don’t love date nights that simply involve dinner or drinks. You like bowling, kayaking, paintball…anything that helps you avoid just sitting with someone, having a conversation.             [caption id="attachment_620251" align="alignleft" width="420"] Corbis[/caption]

You roll your eyes at serious talks

If someone wants to have a “serious talk” with you, you roll your eyes, just like you did when you were called into the principal’s office in high school. You insert as many jokes into a serious conversation as possible.         [caption id="attachment_607152" align="alignleft" width="420"] Corbis[/caption]

You hate talking about dreams and goals

Deep down, it’s because if you talk about dreams and goals then you’re admitting that you have dreams and goals. You don’t want to admit that because what if they don’t come true?           [caption id="attachment_720626" align="alignleft" width="490"] Shutterstock[/caption]

You don’t tell guys when you’re sick

You don’t tell guys you’re dating, or your friends, or even your family when you’re sick. You stock up on medication at the pharmacy, under the disguise of a hooded sweatshirt and sunglasses, and hide in your home until you’re better. Sickness is a weakness and you don’t like to appear weak.         [caption id="attachment_611081" align="alignleft" width="423"] Corbis Images[/caption]

Emotionally open people feel exhausting

You know the ones—they always want to know what’s happening in your life and tell you all about their emotional revelations and how they’re working towards their dreams. Ugh. Can’t you just sit around and criticize what celebrities are wearing like normal people?         [caption id="attachment_220077" align="alignleft" width="450"]"Guys getting drunk pf" Shutterstock[/caption]

You lose it when you’re drunk

All of those hidden emotions need to come out somewhere, and they often do when you’re drunk. You cry a lot when you’re drunk. And the next day, you give a death stare to anyone who mentions it.     [caption id="attachment_611722" align="alignleft" width="500"]tell about a man Shutterstock[/caption]

You’ve never actually flirted

Flirting means showing your hand—revealing you like someone. You don’t do that. You show interest in a guy by meaning mean to him, challenging him, criticizing him and ignoring him.

The post Are You Closed Off And Don’t Even Realize It? appeared first on MadameNoire.

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Career Couture: 10 Essential Pieces For Your Work Wardrobe

May 18, 2017, 4:28 am
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[caption id="attachment_827380" align="alignleft" width="1068"] Credit: Bigstock[/caption] Gone are the days when boring suits and dowdy work clothes were office mainstays. In today's professional world, there is far more room to explore and embrace current trends and fun fashions while still maintaining the decorum expected in an office environment. Whether you've been in the work force for years or are just starting your professional journey, MadameNoire has you covered with 10 essential pieces any stylish career woman should have in her clothing arsenal.

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Crisp Button Down Shirt

It goes without saying that a crisp button down is a must-own for any working woman. Its clean lines and simplicity are timeless and can pair harmoniously with virtually any outfit. There are styles to fit almost any preference, from a traditional cotton collared shirt to a silkier blend with a little more movement. Whichever you decide to go with, just be sure you pay attention to fit. A button down that's too baggy will look frumpy and unstylish, while going too tight will leave you open to the dreaded button gap and bra peep show. Shop Suggestion: We love Express' Portofino Shirt

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Statement Skirt

Years ago it was all about the statement necklace -- jazzing up a plain outfit with a bauble-heavy, sparkly necklace. And while we still love a good chunky neckpiece, we've moved on to something with a little more impact: The statement skirt. We adore the idea of spicing up a work outfit with a fun skirt. Whether the impact comes from the cut itself or via a striking pattern, pairing a bold bottom with a simple T-shirt and nude pumps is the perfect balance between work and wow. Our only caution is an obvious one: Don't do too much. Don't go too short, don't break out the sequined mini and leave the high slits at home. Shop Suggestion: Check out Anthropologie for work appropriate, yet fun skirts

Little Black Midi

It's a no-brainer that having a little black dress at your disposal is a necessity for any professional woman. But to add a little something extra to the mix, might we suggest nabbing yourself a sleek and sexy little black midi dress. The cut and length are flattering for women of all shapes and the silhouette will perfectly balance sophistication with sass. Shop Suggestion: White House Black Market's Little Black Dress Shop is a must visit.

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Fun and Flirty Dress

We'll add one caveat to this suggestion: This can be a tricky one to pull off in a super formal business setting (we're looking at you finance). But if you're in an office environment that might be on the more laid-back or creative side, then tapping into your inner girly-girl in a clever way could make for a killer work-day look. A cute a-line dress with a few lace embellishments or a carefully-selected, cap-sleeve maxi with a conservative slit can be the perfect ensemble for a summer Friday at work. Shop Suggestion: Score some great feminine styles at Modcloth

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Wide-leg Trouser

Much like the crisp button down we spoke of earlier, a solid pair of wide-leg trousers are a perfect go-to in any career woman's closet. We are big fans of rocking wide-legs with a more form fitting top and a solid pair of pumps (more on that later). Whether opting for summer linen or something a little heavier in colder weather, wide-leg pants have a sophisticated and classic vibe that will make you look the part in any meeting or during any presentation. Shop Suggestion: Ann Taylor is a terrific resource for great, fashion-forward work wear.

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Strong Blazer

Instantly work-ify any pair of jeans with a sleek, well-fitted blazer. This versatile piece can work well for more casual looks or top to bottom suiting. Our advice: Have three blazers in your closet: A traditional black single button blazer; a lighter, more nautically-inspired pinstriped piece; and a smart navy blue number. These three will quickly become go-to additions to your work wardrobe and can be grabbed in a pinch if you get pulled into a last-minute, unexpected meeting and need to dress up an outfit. Shop Suggestion: Check out Bebe for some badass blazers

The Wrap Dress

Thank the high heavens for Diane Von Furstenberg! In 1974 this style icon introduced the legendary wrap dress that has helped to inform decades of women's fashion and has continued to be a fool-proof look for sophisticated ladies. The beauty of the wrap dress not only lies in its clean, simple design, but also in its effectiveness among women of all body types. Apple, pear, curvy, the wrap dress is a flattering look for a variety of shapes, helping to accentuate the feminine form in a way that is sexy, yet professional. Shop Suggestion: DVF all the way at Neiman Marcus Last Call

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The Perfect Pump

We cannot stress this enough: Nude pumps are a must-have in any woman's closet, for the office and out of it. Whether rocking them with a form-fitting pencil skirt and T-shirt or dressing up jeans and a blazer with a little height, pumps have the flirtyness that we love with a classic look that befits the office and the rooftop happy hour. Two bits of advice: Keep the heel height in check. It's probably unnecessary to tower over co-workers in 6-inch heels. Also, do yourself a favor and grab shoes with either built in traction or spring for that adhesive padding to make sure you're not slipping and sliding throughout your day. Shop Suggestion: Aldo is one of our favorites.

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An Enviable Purse

The cherry on top of any great outfit is without question a killer purse. We will say, however, that you don’t need to hightail it to the nearest Coach or Dolce & Gabbana location to score the most expensive handbag they are churning out these days. The only requirement on the purse front is to get something that is unique, that embodies your style and that has conversation starter potential. And also, be sure to get something that can pair nicely with a good chunk of your wardrobe. The worst feeling is to score the ultimate purse, only to have it not work with anything in your closet. Shop Suggestion: We love Bloomingdales for all your purse needs

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Solid Shades

This might seem like an obvious suggestion, but we’d be remiss to not include a solid pair of shades in our work wardrobe must-haves list. We suggest going the classic route, with a pair of black or tortoise shell shades. Shop Suggestion: Grab some sweet shades at Sunglass Hut

The post Career Couture: 10 Essential Pieces For Your Work Wardrobe appeared first on MadameNoire.

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The Hairstylists Behind Your Favorite Celebrities’ Manes

May 18, 2017, 4:55 am
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[caption id="attachment_822752" align="aligncenter" width="1068"] wenn[/caption] Stars take all the credit when it comes to their hair, but all of us would have luscious locs if we had someone else to keep our strands in tip-top shape all the time. Better yet, if we had these particular someones to tend to our manes at all times. Next time you see one of your favorite celebs on the red carpet and declare them your hair crush, think about the hairstylists who made those 'dos doable. And if you had no idea who hooked up your favorite ladies' tresses on a regular, now you know. https://www.instagram.com/p/BQiz4XLDmsR/?taken-by=ursulastephen&hl=en

Ursula Stephen

Ursula Stephen became highly sought after when she gave Rihanna that signature pixie cut back in the day, completely ridding her of that good girl image and taking her all the way to bad. Ursie has also styled Sanaa Lathan, Jill Scott, Naomie Harris, Aja Naomi King, Jourdan Dunn, Laverne Cox, Winnie Harlow, and more. https://www.instagram.com/p/BQ5btjkAMRO/?taken-by=ursulastephen&hl=en https://www.instagram.com/p/BRtbaqWjDph/?taken-by=tymwallacehair&hl=en

Tym Wallace

The list of A-listers who've gotten #TossedbyTym is long, but we're talking Jennifer Hudson, Brandy, Taraji P. Henson, Niecy Nash, Octavia Spencer, Serena Williams, and Remy Ma to name a few. https://www.instagram.com/p/BSKX4NaDp_P/?taken-by=tymwallacehair&hl=en https://www.instagram.com/p/BQiYKIZjfQI/?taken-by=chuckielovehair&hl=en

Chuck Amos

Chuckie has his hands all up and through the mane's of all the models you see in Pantene ads and he's also styled the likes of Alicia Keys, Jourdan Dunn, Solange, and Tracee Ellis Ross. https://www.instagram.com/p/BPf246BjVzO/?taken-by=chuckielovehair&hl=en https://www.instagram.com/p/BSkTXG3Dm30/?taken-by=takishahair

Takisha Sturdivant-Drew

Kerry Washington's hair is forever flawless and you can thank Takisha Sturdivant-Drew for that. She's also laid the hair of Naturi Naughton, Uzo Aduba, Rosario Dawson, Susan Kelechi-Watson, and Gabrielle Union. https://www.instagram.com/p/BSOHs7tjHBb/?taken-by=takishahair https://www.instagram.com/p/BSFbG58FHUG/?taken-by=vernonfrancois&hl=en

Vernon Francois

The name Vernon Francois has been on the tip of every beauty writer's tongue thanks to the versatile hairstyles he created for Lupita Nyong'o. He's also worked his magic on Cynthia Erivo, Thandie Newton, and Ava DuVernay's beautiful locs. https://www.instagram.com/p/BPyMupEhuyj/?taken-by=vernonfrancois&hl=en https://www.instagram.com/p/BSZN574jBWm/?taken-by=nealferinah&hl=en

Neal Farinah

Beyoncé, mama Tina, Nicki Minaj, Mary J. Blige, and Monica. Need we say more about why Neal Farinah is a "style legend"? https://www.instagram.com/p/BRtu2j4jyc0/?taken-by=kiyahwright1&hl=en

Kiyah Wright

Kiyah Wright has also whipped J Hud's pixie into sleek fabulousness and she's responsible for the beautiful, soft waves seen on Tyra Banks, Laverne Cox, and Ciara. https://www.instagram.com/p/BRv2caEDShn/?taken-by=kiyahwright1&hl=en https://www.instagram.com/p/BPqH1XDDX45/?taken-by=cesar4styles&hl=en

Cesar Ramirez

Cesar is another of Ciara's go-to hairstylists and he's also created beautiful looks for Yara Shahidi, Demi Lovato, Ariana Grande, and J Hud. https://www.instagram.com/p/BPtR5wvjCxZ/?taken-by=cesar4styles&hl=en https://www.instagram.com/p/BOn5YK9hngy/?taken-by=tedgibson&hl=en

Ted Gibson

If this picture doesn't tell you what a big deal Ted Gibson is, let us inform you he's also styled Tessa Thompson, Gugu Mbatha Raw, Priyanka Chopra, and Angelina Jolie.

The post The Hairstylists Behind Your Favorite Celebrities’ Manes appeared first on MadameNoire.

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