*blue balls not included.
True Story: I was one of “those girls” who gave you the wrong number in the bar, when I didn’t really want you to call me.
That number was either: a) a quickly made-up number, b) a pizza delivery number (seriously, thanks Pizza Pan!), c) the local police station (even truer story!) or d) an old cell number (it was easy to remember!). I was also that girl who went out and purchased a second cell phone used to cheat on her boyfriend with a guy from the bar that I DID want to call me, but that’s not here-nor-there. OK, it’s there, and it was stupid and shitty and immature, but it happened, and I can’t take it back.
Before the days of social media and reverse phone lookup — and, sadly, this blog’s popularity — I could get away with these despicable acts of dating.
Awkward? Meh, not really. Or at least not until I saw you again and discovered the usefulness in that second phone. Difficult? Yes. Who is this again?! Necessary? Abso-fucking-lutely.
But having a second mobile number probably would have made dating a little bit easier back in my game-playing days.
Enter: MyAKA.
MyAKA is a service that allows for a second number in your local area code, essentially allowing an additional phone number on the same phone. Voice and text messaging is available in the US and Canada, and there is complete cellphone privacy — with protection on all incoming and outgoing calls (unlike with forwarding). Your assigned number is NOT linked to user information in any way, and BEST OF ALL: block any number you want (and unblock when you’re ready to give that asshole a chance.). Heck, use the Do Not Disturb feature to send all calls to voicemail when you’re seriously hungover and that guy just WON’T STOP BOTHERING YOU ABOUT GOING TO SUNDAY BRUNCH. There is no app to download and no internet required; all features are controlled via text message.
For YOU!
MyAKA is giving you a 7-Day FREE Trial! Try the service for seven worry-free days of flirting (and subsequent blocking) without even entering your credit card. And when you decide to keep the service (because it is awesome!), you can upgrade your number in two easy steps at the MyAKA site. It’s as simple as that to date safely AND smartly this fall. Signup today for a fun second mobile number with no-strings-attached.
Disclaimer: this is a sponsored post for MyAKA. Please read my disclosure page for more information.
Dating. I’ve heard my fair share of advice. I’ve also given tons of it in return (hey, what are dating & relationship blogs for?!). I’ve rarely listened, of course — to my own, even.
But I realize that not everyone is as confident as “breaking the rules” of dating as I may be — who makes the stupid rules, really — that, and the course of dating can often change even when you’re IN a relationship. Dating doesn’t stop when you’re in a lifetime partnership. And frankly, I think remembering the reasons why we DID get the attention of our significant others is important — BECAUSE YOU MUST STAND OUT! Be memorable or be forgettable. You must keep things open, interesting, challenging, spontaneous in order to keep attention on you. Sure, the thought may be exhausting. But don’t you think that a partnership built on love is worth it?
(Note to boyfriend: just because we’re together and you have “yard work” now, does not mean you should embrace dirty fingernails. Allow me to give you the number of my manicurist.)
So, how do you intend to stand out from every other girl and get him to notice you this Summer? Clean fingernails, for one.
But Rori Rayes, trained and recognized relationship coach, has some of her own advice:
Some of Rori’s Relationship Tips:
She adds, her “wrong roads to love” as being: 1) physical: don’t get caught up in the “who’s the most provocative or sexy?” competition that women play with one another for company; 2) mental: the core values of honesty and caring — and that you want a relationship — are important, but likes/dislikes are not; 3) spiritual: be nice, and be kind, but stop making excuses for him. Take-away: being a “reasonable” woman is not the way to go.
The emotional road is the only right path to get a man’s attention. The key is to tap into your emotions and share them. Connect with him emotionally & be ok with him opening up with you. Don’t shit bricks if you see him emotional.
I think this is as good advice as any to follow — loving yourself, being the most important thing to remember. And stop the competition already! Ew. Not sexy. How do you feel about Rori’s ways to get his attention: honest, good advice?
Rori teaches specific things you can do to raise your self-esteem that will make you irresistible to a man. To learn more subscribe to her free relationship advice e-newsletter. You’ll learn a whole new way of relating to men that will make you feel better about yourself while you find the relationship of your dreams.
{disclaimer: this review has been sponsored and compensated as part of the Single Edition network}
This post sponsored by GaiamTV.
You know how I feel after a night of roller derby practice? Like I’ve been steam-rolled. Literally. I need some serious stretching… and probably a massage, but who wants to do that at 11 at night?! My body is especially tight and creaky in the morning (and faintly reminiscent of the smell of Icy Hot), so most mornings, my mini-workouts are so half-assed because, well, two hours of contact and endurance drills would make most of us a little slow. But in my unenthusiastic attempt at being active in the mornings, I’m more apt to get some exercise at home, rather than my gym. Let’s face it, I barely have enough energy to change out of my pajamas. I probably should have added that to my resolutions list as well.
Because of my sorry excuse for socialization, I own several Gaiam DVDs — titles from Tai Chi to ballet to yoga to meditation and something with a body ball (stretching over it is so good for my back). But being able to stream over 2,000 exercise videos from my computer or iPhone when I don’t want to deal with the “resolution crowd” at the gym is perfectly in line with my level of activity. Having access 24/7 is probably MORE important, especially so when I’m traveling, and I need my Rodney Yee! (and I have my boyfriend’s iPad). I definitely need to work out more during vacations. This online programming is invaluable for when I feel like working out at 11pm on a Saturday night (when my gym is closed). Or I’m mad… that negative energy needs to go somewhere.
Think of GaiamTV like a Netflix, but for online workout videos dealing with health, wellness and fitness (there’s even a great selection of documentaries too). You can adjust programming depending on your OWN resolutions — customized based on level, style, and time available for workouts… or your favorite instructor (ahem, Jillian Michaels… seriously, I want her!). Because c’mon, most of us have something on our 2012 list that pertains to diet and exercise, weight loss or body sculpting.
Can GaimainTV make me coffee? Sadly, no. But there are online yoga videos targeted to increasing AM energy. I need a LOT of that these days. There are also hundreds of titles for relaxation… and, oh boy, I need some of that too.
SPECIAL OFFER FOR YOU!
GaiamTV is offering a FREE 10-day trial to potential subscribers! Unlimited streaming videos are available for $9.95 per month after your free preview (no commitment and no strings).
This post brought to you by Astroglide… and probably TMI.
When two people move in together (or start sleeping together), there is a MESS of randomly-sized condoms, lubes and lotions, things that make you tingle weirdly, things that are flavored (yuck)… found in one another’s sex drawers (oh c’mon, you ALL have one). Let me tell you how AWKWARD it is going through items that your now-significant other (or lover) has used with/on/in someone else. *puke* Even if I’m stealing those cute hair clips that some former “friend” left behind.
One thing I refuse to toss is my Astro Glide.
Look, I’ve been to enough sex toy parties and porn stores to realize what cheesy products are out there (who the hell wants their vag to smell like a Pina Colada anyway?! I also call total bullshit on anything that resembles the scent of MUSK in a toy shop). And, let’s be frank, spending most of my adult life as a single-something, I know what my body likes. And emphatically, what it does not. I prefer the original because it feels most natural, is water-based, and doesn’t make me smell like I need to be topped off with a salted glass, ice and a pink umbrella.
Wait… that sounds totally weird, doesn’t it? But seriously, BUY me a drink first; don’t make me taste like one!
PS: Astroglide has a new product — called Astroglide Natural, appropriately enough — that is made with botanical ingredients: aloe, chamomile extract and vitamins C & E. I haven’t experienced any side effects by the un-natural products, but it’s good to know there’s a wide range of products for those especially sensitive body parts that have the same non-sticky qualities. But please… don’t forget the penis!
Plus, Astroglide’s lube is the leading brand recommended by doctors, practitioners and OB/GYNs — so seriously, start talking honestly with your doc about sex already!
Hi, lube! Get in my sexy time drawer.
Using lubricants is not about necessity (although sometimes it just IS necessary, Mr. I-Can-Go-For-Two-Hours); it’s about FUN. Astroglide adds another element to your intimate play. And frankly, it just makes sex better.
P.P.S. I’m especially geeked to discover Astroglide’s X product, which is useable for water playtime. This premium Silicone-based personal lubricant is made with ingredients found to act as skin conditioners. Hello, let’s get moving on that hot tub install, boyfriend!
FREE SAMPLES:
Want to test the awesome-ness that is sex with lube? Sorry, I am not available. Astroglide is giving away free samples. Get on that. Then get on THAT. If you know what I mean.
P.P.S.S. Use a condom. Astroglide products are all water-based, which is condom friendly.
Disclaimer: this post brought to you by monthly sponsor, Astroglide. I received compensation in exchange for writing about this product. Please read my disclaimer page and disclosure policy for more info.
We can no longer fight it — winter and its corresponding stream of holidays are upon us. To warm up (both my body temperature and my soul), I typically turn to drinking wines this time of year. There’s something especially cozy about having a red wine when hanging out in front of a fireplace. Having a partner certainly makes the cold nights a little more intimate… and the holidays a bit more tolerable
Since I’m a fun girl, I like to bring a fun bottle of wine to my events. And a bottle by the name of Vixen — not to mention one from a place called Naked Winery — makes for an ideal (and easy) hostess gift during these seasonal get-togethers: girls night, office holiday dinners, white elephant parties — or a thoughtful gift for the single person in your life. They need all the love and alcohol in the world this time of year. I’ve been there; I know.
Vixen is a “foxy wine… coy at first, then comes on strong with elements of blackberry and some cherry.” Characterized by a very dark color, Vixen is a big Syrah, with sensual aromas, and subtle tannins that bite with a smoky earthiness and hold on with a medium-long finish of toast and coffee bean. Rawr! I like a wine (and winery) with attitude.
Perhaps, you’ll grab another bottle to save for after you’ve both settled back at home after a long day of traveling. Oh, the mileage! The snowstorms! Share a bottle of Vixen Syrah (be sure to bring your inner vixen) with that new beau to make the first of (hopefully many) New Year resolutions together.
And you know I can’t have wine without a cheese plate! Naked Winery suggests a reserve white cheddar or parmigiano reggiano with slices of Italian salami to pair nicely with its Vixen Syrah.
Special Discount
Want to get Naked this holiday? (put your pants back on) Ahem… Naked Winery is offering an amazing 30% discount on all purchases of Vixen Syrah to all of my readers, fans and followers. Be sure to use discount code SINGLE at purchase.
Here’s to some holiday Cheers! My Christmas card says: From Mel, with love. Yours in pervertedness, forever. *clink*
Disclosure: Naked Winery is a site sponsor and have provided me a product sample and compensation for this post. Please see my Disclosure Policy for more information.
I’m not big on diets. I work out FAR too much to be eating less (eating more is a happy problem to have, I suppose). But because of my insatiable hunger, I need to remind myself about my decisions as to what I put in my body. Sure, FAR too many Twix bars, but I balance that out with enjoying small, regular and HEALTHY meals throughout the day (typically every 3-4 hours — seriously, I’m HANGRY!).
Making a choice to live and eat healthy is not incredibly difficult. I don’t believe in abstaining from the things (ahem, foods) you enjoy, but most of us need a healthy dose of moderation in the diet department. Not to mention, ensuring we exercise regularly, keep our appointments for yearly check-ups and to find the right way to deal with stress. I’m the first to admit that I need the help of a nutritionist or diet guide, since I still eat like a eight-year-old boy when the boyfriend is away. And I’m terrible about having breakfast (save for my habitual black coffee).
Enter: BistroMD.
BistroMD is a delivery service that provides meals with a lighter, healthier you in mind — whether your goal is weight loss or simply eating better. Every meal is hand-prepared by personal chefs, providing the proper scientific blend of lean adequate protein, complex carbohydrates and healthy fat ratios to support healthy weight loss (if that’s what you need) or balance with your meals. What I like best about BistroMD, as compared to some “other” diet meal services, is that they use quality, natural ingredients without hormones, added fillers or those hard-to-pronounce and unnecessary additives or preservatives. This means no MSG and no trans fats — just healthy, delicious, well-rounded meals that are good for you.
Perfect for me, too, when I’m on my own for a little while: five days of meals start as low as $129.95 a week.
MY PERSONAL HEALTH CHALLENGE
Eat breakfast… every day.
Cut down my sugar intake.
Find better snack replacements.
Stop using so much mayo!
Get more water from my food (like, from greens and cucumbers).
Definitely eat more of the “better” veggies and fruits. Why is it every vegetable I like is from the “bad” list?
Discover better meals for practice days and before bouts. I still haven’t found anything that gives me enough energy and doesn’t make me feel like crap before/during extended workouts — aside from Energy Drinks… which, no. I really need help in this area.
SPECIAL DISCOUNT
Ready to commit to a healthier YOU? As part of this promotion, BistroMD.com is offering FREE shipping on your first week of meals to all of my readers, fans and followers. If you’d like to take advantage of this super deal (and amazing service) use discount code ChooseHealth at checkout. Feel free to pass the discount on to your readers and followers too!
CONTEST
Participate in BistroMD’s “Choose Health Challenge.”
Visit BistroMD on Facebook, and tell them how you intend to challenge yourself to living a healthier YOU. There’s a chance to win great prizes: a week of healthy weight loss meals, an iPad2, a $500 shopping spree or cash!
Disclosure: BistroMD is a sponsor of this post. Please see my Disclosure Policy for more information.
WE HAVE A WINNER! Reader AE Block commented:
This is a little TMI, but I absolutely hate having body hair anywhere and generally shave on a daily basis. Kinda crazy, I know, but I don’t like that prickly feeling either. Of course, with realizing how much time is wasted doing this, I looked for other methods of hair removal. Nair never worked other than giving me a headache from the smell. So I tried waxing next. This was fine when done at a salon but cost more money than I liked. I decided to try waxing at home and this is where I failed miserably. First strip on my leg, hurt like hell to get off (of course) and unfortunately, left a decent amount of hair still on my leg. I tried another strip on that same area – big mistake!! Ended up tearing off some skin in the process, still missing the dumb hair! I still have a scar to this day and am back to the daily shaving method. Would love to try the SensEpil system!
Check your inbox, AE! And congrats on winning your own Silk’n SensEpil personal hair removal system!
The Silk’n SenEpil: Not life (or habit) changing, but a really good, easy and inexpensive product for women interested in at-home hair removal. The system definitely worked best in locations with darker, coarser hair.
While I’m noticing less hair growing back in, it’s not completely gone or thinner. But I’m hoping with consistent future treatments, this trend continues. Note: I got in three treatment cycles on both legs and armpits before this post. I still haven’t prepared mentally to use it in… ahem, “other places.”
As much as I attempt to be some high-maintenance person, this product did not make me so. I’m still much too impatient (nor can I ever find the right time) to sit and waste 45 minutes just to do one leg. I mean, I don’t even like spending that long in the shower, let alone sitting in a closed bathroom with the boyfriend wondering “what the hell is that sound?!” Also: the constant waiting for the lamp to “be ready” again can be annoying.
I know, I’m the WORST.
Something else I learned: DO NOT USE ON/AROUND TATTOOS. Holy crap. Even around the area of an ankle tattoo — not even directly ON — that I’ve had for over 15 years beared the brunt of painful treatments (pain is relative, of course; the “zapping” hurt more as I moved toward my ankles anyway) and prolonged sensitivity for a few days. The tattoo, while still immature in nature, was not damaged in this experiment.
That said, the Silk’n SensEpil is probably the best for armpit hair, probably because of its inherent thicker and darker characteristics (much like that “other” area of female bodies). I think that my leg hair is just too fine and light for this sort of removal treatment. But this system is quick, relatively painless and SIGNIFICANTLY less hair — not to mention, inexpensive when compared to professional treatments — it’s actually kind of impressive. Overall, the snapping is no worse than tweezing in most places.
But truth be told, it’s still much easier to dry shave before leaving the house.
Special Discount Code for my readers: Interested in Silk’n SensEpil products? Receive 20% OFF all Silk’n SensEpil Products using promo code Beauty20 at checkout.
Offer is only valid September 1st – December 31st, 2011, and a $200 minimum purchase is required.
Disclosure: this post is sponsored by Silk’n SensEpil.
Life: Live More Legendary
As women, we all need to inspire one another, don’t you think? (OK, men too)
So, what inspires YOU? Is it travel, a good book, an extreme activity, exercise, cooking, writing… or maybe even a little alone time?
Is it other people — famous or otherwise — or do you find inspiration in yourself?
And would you consider your life legendary?
If so, good on you.
Do you have an Inspiration Board?
How do you “keep track” or tell others about what or who you aspire to be? C’mon, no need to keep that personal. I have one hanging in my closet, but that’s obviously related to finding inspiration in fashion and accessorizing appropriately. But I created another online for my words listed above. I encourage you to start and share your own Inspiration Board — through this fun forum provided from AOL and Jeep — to help you express your own passions (and share with your friends on Facebook too, if you like). Select from the provided stock images or upload your own pictures to create your profile, and tell us how your life is less than ordinary. Then, stick around and read about the motivations from others on how they’re living a legendary life.
Bonus: As part of expressing your own individuality online and telling others what motivates you to live your life to the fullest, there is a CONTEST from AOL and Jeep. By creating your own Inspiration Board and profile on the site — and thoughtfully encouraging others with your life’s passions — you will be entered to win a weekly $50 gift card (selected at random). Also, all users are entered for a chance to win the GRAND PRIZE of a $4,500 gift card.
Now, go on, and discover what inspires you.
Disclaimer: I was compensated to write about and promote this contest for AOL and Jeep. Live a Legendary Life: Create your own Inspiration Board.
In Cleveland, the city was on a lot of “worst of” lists — one of which, I distinctly remember referring to the city being a horrible place to be single. At the time, amidst several dating attempts and subsequent disasters, I had to agree. I wonder how Pittsburgh compares…
You’re doing it wrong!
Regardless, I think if you haven’t figured out WHAT it is you hope to glean from dating, it can be a fruitless, tiring and disappointing journey. And that, I think, was my biggest struggle. Too often, I changed myself, my views, my personality to fit someone else’s — which obviously will NOT place you into a good, let alone healthy, relationship. Which is why I always like the idea of online dating. In being extremely specific — and dare I say it, inflexible in those requirements, you are bound to find the person that YOU want (and not who your friends, mom or great aunt Edna think is your “perfect” match). Whatever, go ahead and be picky — it’s YOUR life. Of course, when I used an online site-which-shall-not-be-named, I didn’t know WHAT I wanted from life, let alone from a partner. And come to think of it, I was wholly negative going into the experience, and as such, writing my profile was taxing, fake and, well, NO WONDER nobody wanted to date me.
As an aside, why do couples want to dismiss the fact that they met online? We’re living in a totally social media-driven world, so I can’t see why dating should be looked upon as anything different. Yet, you get the disengaged eye contact and shy, awkward answers when asked “how did you meet?” Own that shit. I think it’s awesome AND there is absolutely nothing wrong with being proactive about your love life.
Online dating should be fun!
Don’t you agree? Dating in general, should be fun. I remember when attempting to break into the online dating scene, there was a sea of lame “I like my job; I love my car; I workout” types of responses. *yawn* SO BORING, right? And not surprisingly, I never was interested in anyone. Dates were always: coffee shop, couple drinks or dinner. Wash, Rinse & Repeat: BORING. First dates that always stand out were adventurous — creative, even. I don’t think it’s any accident that I met AB while on a white water rafting/camping trip (even though it was not initially set up as a “date,” the outdoorsy-adventurer part of his personality was appealing to me). That’s why I like HowAboutWe.com.
HowAboutWe.com offers a brilliant approach to online dating, by connecting people who want to share an adventurous, fun, romantic or unique experience. I like to think that this platform weeds out the boring. In Pittsburgh, for example, I would ask:
How about we climb the stairs in the Cathedral of Learning?
Seriously, I love workout dates… so hot. The end.
How about we do a morning kayak before work?
OK, it might not be kayak weather YET, but for morning people, it’s so refreshing to go on a.m. dates, rather than after work, when everyone is feeling blah and unmotivated to socialize. Keep this in your bag o’ tricks for spring.
How about we take a glass blowing class together?
Making art goes straight to my heart. And Pittsburgh has a few places that you can check out to make this happen.
I think you get the point… What would you suggest as a creative date in Pittsburgh (or your city, if you’re reading from abroad)?
Because I Approve This Message: HowAboutWe.com is offering all of my readers a Special 33% OFF their service for Valentine’s Day! Use the promo code VDAYFUN to receive the discount.
Smarty AND Sassy!
Aside from my womanly-business appointment, I’m pretty bad at keeping regular medical appointments. I’m terrified of the dentist. I can’t seem to find a regular doctor that isn’t a curmudgeonly old… well, dick. And my glasses? Those babies were at least as old as my 21st birthday.
I vaguely remember going to one of those mall stores for an appointment… maybe, six years ago? I was engaged, if that tells you anything (besides, holy crap old woman, can you even see?!). Regardless, I didn’t order glasses. And yes, I can see. I’m not blind, but road signs are hard to read in the dark, and the placement of the couch makes it difficult to watch/read the TV from so far away.
One of my resolutions — or intended things to do in 2011 — was to find all the necessary physicians, family prevention practitioners, (mad scientist scary) dentists and (sexy glasses) eye doctors now that we’re settled in Pittsburgh. I’ve got two out of four as of publishing of this post…
Now that I have finally saved my sight by having my annual eye appointment, I am able to take my perscription online to GlassesUSA.com to find designer glasses, which my doctor’s office didn’t seem to carry, or sunglasses. While my “freebies” (courtesy of my insurance plan) will work out just fine for watching/reading Jeopardy and preventing major headlight reflection while driving, it’s nice to have a broader selection, order glasses online AND get a great pair of eye glasses without breaking the bank. Because I’m bound to break or lose these things (I think the only reason I didn’t lose the others is because they never left my car).
AND because GlassesUSA.com is uber-awesome, they are offering my readers a 10% discount on their next order of glasses! Just use the code: Blog10 at the checkout.
This blog is about pursuit: a transplanted Clevelander (me) in a new city (that's you, Pittsburgh!), pursuing the role of a self-employed copywriter, becoming a roller derby badass and somehow merging all my to-do items into one ever-growing Bucket List.
And of MY boyfriend. His blue balls started this mess.
