The End Of An Era and Afternoons As I Know Them

Guest Post By: Melissa B. (@Melis_B on Twitter)

       If you’d have told me thirty years ago that my soap operas, “All My Children” and “One Life To Live” would be cancelled during my lifetime, I would have slapped you in a manner fashioned by the iconic Erica Kane. You can imagine my dismay and devastation when ABC Daytime announced, on April 14, that both AMC and OLTL would be cancelled in September and January, respectively. The shows were created over forty years ago by Agnes Nixon. Come 2012, not only is Oprah off the air but two of my  ABC serial dramas are gone as well! What is one to do?

New Year’s Resolution REWIND

Just when you thought, you were too far into the new year, or you’d already cheated and you might as well give up, we’ve decided to offer up some solutions for a resolution rewind.

       If you remember saying that you would eat healthier and save money, perhaps one of your goals was to pack a lunch for work.  At some point you got sick of the turkey and cheese or the pb&j and went right on back to buying something on the fly.  This week thekitchn.com offers up an array of lunch choices including some variations you may have never even considered. Check it out.  This might just be the lunch time rewind you were looking for.

Cellular Couture

       Haute-Couture includes exclusive names in the fashion industry like Adeline André, Giorgio Armani, Jean-Paul Gauthier and Chanel. Though the term Couture has been used loosely in the industry, it should be noted that Haute-Couture is legally regulated in Paris, France by the Chambre de Commerce et D'Industrie de Paris.  They set the very strict guidelines which allow fashion lines to consider their fashions Haute-Couture.

       That being said, everyone loves couture. I mean there are hundreds of fashion magazines that prove this. From Vogue to W, Esquire to GQ, people always want the scoop on the latest fashion trends. It should also be noted that people love bling. Anything glittery that shimmers, will surely turn heads.  So why limit couture to clothes when you can dress your cell phone in couture that will surely catch someone's eye! 

Narrowing Down the List

       As a single woman I’m often asked, “Well, what type of man are you looking for?”  I think the implication is that I must be single because I’m looking for too much and my expectations are too high, or people assume that something is wrong  with me.

       I remember a few years ago my sister and I were on this kick where we were writing down everything we wanted in life and wishing it into future existence.  During one of our write-a-wish sessions, we each decided to come up with 100 things we wanted in a man. 

Lifestyles Defined

       If you have even the slightest interest in things like sports, automobiles,  technology, entertainment and even some of the hottest fashion trends out there, you should definitely check out 

  

Lifestyles Defined 

       From the trendsetting fashionista, to the enthusiastic gamer, Lifestyles Defined contains a  unique mix of content. With user-friendly navigation, short-to-the-point entries, and heart felt editorials (with contributors to include yours truly), Lifestyles Defined is sure to please everyone's palette!

The Cheesecake Factory: I Hate That I Love It!!!

       I don't think there's anything that I have tried at The Cheesecake Factory thus far that I didn't love. However, I think that the worst mistake anyone can make, is to look at the calorie count on any of the menu items. If you're watching your waistline, I also recommend that you stay away from the decadent deliciousness that the Cheesecake Factory offers. 

       The authors of the Eat This Not That Series have shared with us some of The Worst Restaurant Foods in America. On that list, the Cheesecake Factory has come in at:

          #19 - French Toast with Bacon

             2,494 calories; 71 g of Sat. Fat; 3,542 mg Sodium; 182 g Carbs

         #15 - Grilled Chicken and Avocado Club

            1,752 calories; 28g Sat. Fat; 2,309 Sodium, 85 g Carbs

        #12 - Kids Pasta with Alfredo 

         1803 calories; 86g of Sat. Fat; 876 mg Sodium; 70 g Carbs

        # 6  - Bistro Shrimp Pasta

        2,819 Calories; 77g Sat. Fat; 1008 mg Sodium; 184g Carbs

       Now let me just say, I have never ordered any of the items stated above. Nevertheless, one can conclude that The Cheesecake Factory does not spare any detail on the amazing creations on their menu.

My Dream Deferred

    When Langston Hughes asked “What happens to a dream deferred?” I’m quite sure he wasn’t speaking about my dream specifically. But I find that time has such an effect on how a dream may “...dry up like a raisin in the sun...”

      Almost a decade and a half ago, I was obsessing over the man I truly believed I would love and be in love with for the rest of my life.

Would You Vote For Donald Trump?

    If Donald Trump's rumored plans to run for President of the United States isn't random, then I don't know what is!!!

    See what Bill Cosby had to say on NBC's Today Show about this and about more important matters like cleaning up schools and neighborhoods.

Bill Cosby to Donald Trump: 'Run or Shut Up'

    Leave your comments and tell us what you think!

Click Here For More Randomness

When What You Get Is Not Quite What You Asked For

       So, you’ve been praying...asking for divine intervention. “Please, send me my prince charming” or “please, send me the woman of my dreams!” Then, suddenly, you meet someone. However, as you size them up, you think to yourself, “I know I asked for ‘the one’, but are you sure this is it?!!”

       I met this new guy, and at first we just stared at each other without uttering a word. I used to see him a couple days a week on my commute home, and there was no real interaction; just stolen glances, but no words.

Summertime: A Big Girl's Commitment Issues

     It’s the beginning of April, which means summer is quickly approaching! I live in the East, and I’ve noticed that some New Yorkers refuse to accept the fact that just because temperatures climb to the mid ‘60s and almost ‘70s, it doesn’t mean we can unpack the shorts and the open-toe sandals just yet! However, the warm temps come as some sort of awakening for foodies like me, who have spent most of the winter indoors, warmed by good comfort foods and maybe even unhealthy snacks, while watching movies or what we’ve saved on the DV-R.

    Thus, we have our dilemma..