Pumps And Gloss » Relationships

From My Heart to Yours

Pumps And Gloss — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 04:19:46 +0000

So I was looking for new music on iTunes and I stumbled on Laura Izibor, a Soul singer from Ireland.

Her lush voice is gritty and smooth (yes, at the same time) on “From My Heart To Yours” Her voice is reminiscent of Jill Scott, Mavis Staples and Candi Staton. People may compare her to Alicia Keys because she also plays the piano, but her voice has more depth and quality than Ms. Keys.

*From My Heart To Yours*

She has released several EPs and should be releasing a full album in 2009. *Totally looking forward to that*

And people, if you do not have Musiq Soulchild’s “OnMyRadio,” you need to get it!

Do not let “Radio” scare you. That song was placed at the end of the album for a reason and it sounds nothing like the rest of the album. The stand outs on the album, for me, are:

Back Again *the melody is quite infectious*
Dear John *a somewhat, cold-hearted tale of dumping his GF via voicemail*
Money Right *He is promising to find a way to take care of his love, even if he has to “beg or borrow.” I like the beat. The LM and I dance cheek-to-cheek or I dance by myself doing the “Carlton Dance” lol
Someone *sounds similar to a Robin Thicke song*Great groove nonetheless
Iwannabe *a reggae-tinged track* I love, love this song! Damian Marley does stellar work on this track
Sobeautiful *So sexy* I love when he gets into the falsetto range, makes me mist up (because I think a whisper can be quite sexy)

*Dear John* One of my faves on the album.

Happy Holidays,

Mix Maven

Date Night FOTD

Pumps And Gloss — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 20:16:07 +0000

Pumps and Glossers,

The first Face of the Day (well actually Night) on this blog…woohoo let’s have a party! (Ok, maybe not!)

Mr. Maven and I decided this week was a great week to resume date night (6-week hiatus). Since we both work from home, we wanted to make sure that we leave the house a few times of week for the purpose is not related to getting the essentials (including cosmetics.)

We did the dinner-movie combo. The Mavens had a grand ole time. We went to see Hancock. I love a good action film (more kick assery-less chatter)!! The movie had a little bit of both. If there is a Hancock 2, I want to see less chatter.. LOL I loved the scene where Jason Bateman’s character, “Ray”, showed Hancock some clips of him crime fighting on YouTube. Hancock’s clothes were burned from saving residents from an apartment fire. The buttocks exposed were definitely looking really good! *Bagel Buns (Yum-oh!!)*

Makeup Chatter

I do not really plan looks, but since I have been haulin’ lately, I decided to at least use MAC Black Ore Solar Bits some kind of way. I love Black Ore Solar Bits and I went to minor lengths to get it after being sold out online and in my area.

The products that I used: (All products MAC unless noted)

Face

Monistat Soothing Care Chafing Relief Powder-Gel,
NC 50/NW 43 Studio Tech Foundations,
NYX Concealer in Nutmeg,

Eyes

Matte Gel
Indianwood Paint Pot
Hard Candy Disco 2000 #2 e/s
Amber Lights e/s
Too Faced Shooting Star Glam e/s
Black Ore Solar Bits
Hard Candy Fringe #2
Tempting e/s
LA Colors Mascara Soft Black
NYX Black Felt Pen Liner

Cheek

Margin Blush

Lips

Pucker Tendertone

Mix Maven FOTN 7-10-2008

Mix Maven FOTN 7-10-2008 #2

Have a super weekend!!

Mix Maven

Stuff New Moms Need

Pumps And Gloss — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 23:14:38 +0000

There are plenty of new moms in my family. They are all are excited about the babies, most of them are new moms and one has multiple children. One’s life changes as soon as the baby is home. I would think the hardest thing about being a new mom is getting enough sleep, which can negatively impact other activities. I decided to come up with a list of things that I believe a new mom needs to help her adjust to her new bundle of joy.

So every new mom needs:

1. Chef – A new mom is tired, which means she does not need to be operating anything with fire or heat. Having a chef may be a luxury, BUT family members and friends should make sure the new family is eating sensible meals everyday (well, at least, the first 4 weeks after delivery.)

2. Housekeeper – A healing mother should not be vacuuming or doing dishes the first month after delivery.

3. Babysitter – Now, some moms do not like to leave their child(ren) with other people. (I suggest that they read Find The Time.) First time moms should begin scouting out prospective babysitters while pregnant. (This is important if new mom live in a place where she has little to no family members.) New parents will need to find someone they respect and trust to take care of their child(ren). I also suggest not burning bridges with people who would be great sitters. Start with leaving the child with the sitter for a couple of hours and phase in more hours as he or she gets older. For example, if the anniversary weekend is coming up and want to leave the child with grandma (do not let that be the first time he or she is away from for a long period of time.)

4. Date Night - Date night is very important to rekindle the sparks in your relationship. (Main reason why #3 is very important.) I know people who do not spend much time without their child(ren). That is a bad sign in a relationship. Will the relationship last when the child(ren) leave to go to school? Preservation of the relationship should be on-going and deliberate.

5. Pampering – (No connection to Pampers Diapers) A new mom must be reminded that it is ok for her to pamper herself or to be pampered. Take her to her favorite cosmetic counter or to a spa. She is stressed out (but may not want to say), so nudge her (kindly and gently) to take some time for herself. A happy mom means a happy baby and, ultimately, a happy household.

So check on your new moms TODAY!!!!

Mix Maven

Have Fun With A Condom

Pumps And Gloss — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 15:27:40 +0000

I know some people out there do not like condoms. I was on the Pill for the longest and my libido was lower than I liked. When I stopped using the Pill, and started using condoms on a regular basis, I was back to the Sexual Carob that I know and love. Mr. Carob & I do not believe in the “condom-breaking” scenario that some cry about. If you know how to put a condom on, the likelihood of breaking or bursting is minimal.

Here are some fun tips from Cosmo:

How To Make Condoms More Fun

No need to bust out silly party tricks! Thanks to Cosmo’s genius tips, wearing protection will be so pleasurable, your man won’t ever bitch and moan about it again.

Making condoms sound playful is easy (love glove, woody hoodie, peter parka…). But coming up with cutesy names isn’t enough to get a guy to like wearing one, despite the fact that they ward off unwanted pregnancies and STDs. Lucky for you, Cosmo has found ways to maximize pleasure while using protection. “It’s as simple as choosing the right rubber, making him feel at ease, and keeping the intensity high throughout the act,” says sexologist Yvonne K. Fulbright, PhD, author of Sex With Your Ex. When you do all three, “he won’t have the usual anxiety about losing his erection or not being able to climax.” What’s more, you’ll be able to milk more sensations out of safe sex too. We’re sharing it all right here.

Shopping Tips

Most people spend all of seven seconds choosing a condom, according to data from Trojan. But a last-minute dash to the drugstore can mean less satisfaction in the sack. Below, we explain how to pick a winner.

Size matters. The right fit completely changes how a guy experiences sex with a condom. One that’s too tight reduces sensation, takes longer to get on (which can deflate his erection), and is more likely to break. Quick sizing test: If you can’t roll the raincoat all the way down to the base of his penis, it’s not large enough. That said, an oversize one can slip off, and the extra material can make your dude feel inadequate.

Though the standard size of condoms is about 7 inches long, the length can vary up to an inch and girth sizes also range, so experiment with brands and styles (sites like list size categories).

Try a condom designed with a swirl or bulb at the end of it — it’ll say so on the box, usually with a word like twist or pleasure or spiral. These models fit securely around the base of his shaft while creating more friction near the nerve-packed head of his penis.

Consider a polyurethane prophylactic. Unlike latex, they transmit body heat, making intercourse feel more sensual. If you and your guy are committed and STD-free, try a lambskin condom. These also transmit heat, and many men swear this type feels more like skin on skin. But they only protect against pregnancy, since the natural, porous material can allow the transmission of STDs.

Let’s Get It On

Rolling one on doesn’t have to ruin the mood.

The faster you can slip on a safety sheath, the less likely he is to go limp. Minimize fumbling by opening the wrapper during foreplay. Pull the condom out, and place two drops of lube inside. This increases sensation at the supersensitive head of his penis. Place the opening over the top of his shaft. Hold it there with one hand, lightly squeeze the tip of the condom, and use the other hand to unravel it all the way down to the base of his member.

For a treat, use your mouth. Dab your lips with lube, then lightly suck the (nonspermicidal!) disc into your mouth with the nipple end inward. (Grossed out? Try a flavored love glove.) Carefully wrap your lips over your teeth and put your mouth at the head of his member. Push your lips against the ring of the condom, slide it down his shaft, and unroll the rest with your hand. Ta-da!

Pleasure-Maxing Moves

A condom needn’t come between you, him, and a climax.

Squeeze your legs together in missionary or doggie-style to create extra pressure.

Make a V with your pointer and middle fingers, then place it between your legs. Press it against the base of his penis as he thrusts. This gives him more stimulation where the condom is tightest (i.e., most numbing).

Buy a vibrating ring — Trojan, Durex, and LifeStyles sell them. It’s a plastic band attached to a buzzing nub. Place the band around the base of the condom, with the nub facing your clitoris, and enjoy the pulsating ride.

Find this article at: http://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/sex/How-to-Make-Condoms-More-Fun

Have Fun,

Sexual Carob

Resurrection Day

Pumps And Gloss — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 14:19:25 +0000

1In the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.

2And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.

3His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:

4And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.

5And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.

6He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

7And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.

8And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.

9And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.

10Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

Matthew 28:1-10

Take time today (and everyday) to reflect on the love of Jesus Christ for humanity.

Happy Valentine’s Day

Pumps And Gloss — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 13:33:36 +0000

Hey Pumps and Gloss-ers,

Wishing you a happy and fun Valentine’s Day.

The greatest thing you’ll ever learn
Is to love and be loved in return.
~ From “Unforgettable with Love” by Natalie Cole

Enjoy some favorite love songs:

Musiq SoulChild “Teachme”

Musiq SoulChild “Lullaby”

India Arie featuring John Legend “Brown Skin”

George Michael “I Want Your Sex”

George Michael and the Queen “I Knew You Were Waiting for Me.”

Relationship Resolutions You Must Make in 2008

Pumps And Gloss — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 02:52:26 +0000

Relationship Resolutions You Must Make in 2008

From Yahoo! Health

What is your New Year’s resolution for 2008? If you are like millions of other Americans, you likely have resolved to lose weight, exercise more, pay off credit card debt, or quit smoking. But how about making a resolution that will protect your most important asset of all… your relationship?Even the happiest marriage needs a little TLC every now and then, and there is no better time than the New Year to do a little caretaking. Here are the following relationship resolutions that every couple should make for 2008. (Print it out for your partner, too!)

Tell your kids no! According to the old rules of parenting, children come before everything else, including your marriage. Well, out with the old and in with the new! Your marriage should be your number one priority, and your children should see and respect the importance and beauty of your marriage.Make time for your spouse, even if it means denying your kids’ wishes every once in a while. Don’t worry, they will still be well-rounded children without that extra music class — and they will benefit from seeing your happy, healthy marriage.
Rediscover your bedroom. Make your bedroom a sanctuary for you and your partner. This is a private space where you can talk and bond with your spouse. This means no cribs in the corner or kids sleeping in between you every night! Keep your bedroom kid-free and clutter-free.You should also remove the television from your bedroom, since studies have shown that bedroom televisions detract from both rest and marital bonding. Get your sitcom fix before heading to the bedroom — consider it a sacred space for only you and your partner.
More than just a date night. Conventional marital wisdom tells us to schedule a date night once a week. This is good advice, but we also need to remember to schedule time without the expectation of intimacy at least once a week. Use this time simply to talk with your spouse, or even just cuddle and laugh. One caveat: You are not allowed to discuss errands, grocery lists, or report cards! This is relationship time.
Who do we appreciate? A recent study found that people who kept a gratitude journal, in which they wrote down things they were grateful for, were less likely to be stressed and unhappy than people who did not keep a journal.The same rule of appreciation applies to relationships. The more you express appreciation to your partner, the better you will both feel. Remember to say “thank you” for the amazing things your partner does (especially the small things), whether it is loading the dishwasher or remembering your favorite candy at the drugstore.
Keep it exciting. When things get dull in your relationship, you will feel the effects of it throughout your life. If you want to keep your relationship exciting, you will have to get out of your comfort zone. Try adventure dating in which you go on a roller coaster, see a scary movie, or even go bungee jumping!The dopamine and adrenaline which flood your brain during these experiences are similar to the initial butterflies you felt when first dating your spouse, so get out there and go on an adventure! Even if you aren’t the daredevil type, you can break out of your routine by trying a new restaurant and investigating a new part of the city.
Don’t lose yourself. Every couple needs time apart to explore their own interests and develop their own friendships. Don’t forget your “me” time in 2008, whether it means reconnecting with lost friends, taking a class, or joining an exercise program. Agree to allow your partner the same freedom, and swap babysitting duties while the other person gets to enjoy his relaxation duties.

And your last relationship resolution? Make your New Year’s Eve kiss with your spouse the best one yet!