Happy New Year - 2012

Wishing you love and accomplishments in abundance ~

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Beautiful Skin; Beautiful You

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Everyone woman enjoys being the picture of beauty. The picture of beauty begins with a healthy, glowing complexion. To achieve this goal, we must strive to nurture our inner beauty with a healthy diet, exercise, balance, and relaxation. When these elements are in order and we need "just a bit" of help to achieve the look of perfection, we rely on products to fill nature's gaps.

Sometimes age or environment toys with our complexion. For me, I experience bouts of hormonal acne. This acne leaves hyper-pigmentation as it does with many African-Americans, brown, and olive skin women. Additionally, friends with lighter hues experience age spots or darkening of the skin due to age or activity. When this occurs, we look for a product that is effective and budget friendly. Luminaze offers an Age Spot & Dark Spot Corrector that is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of age and dark spots within 7 days. Additionally, Luminaze, when compared to leading brands, works faster to improve and provide an even appearance. One of the greatest features of Luminaze is that it can be found exclusively at Nordstrom USA or the Bay Canada.

Luminaze has stellar reviews. Luminaze is classic and timeless. Why not look great in your perfect black dress with healthy even skin with Luminaze.

This is a sponsored post. All opinions and experiences are unique to the author - Dr. Reginia

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Print; Unleash Your Animal

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There's no doubt that animal print has been all the fashionable rage this year. We've seen the print of the animal on accessories, shoes, garments, and even nail patterns. This wild fashionable phenomena was seen on red carpets and well as Joni's carpet before leaving for a night on the town with her friends. 

There's no mistaken that this trend transcended through a few seasons and has a staple position during Winter 2012. These prints vary from zebra, leopard, tiger, and cheetah. Many fashion bloggers have given a pictorial on the subtle differences among the patterns but the thunder and panting each brings is nothing short of a sizzle.  I can't deny, I too was bitten by the sharp hold of the animal print craze. I have a zebra shirt, leopard loafers, and a cheetah blouse. Each ensures that I am the hottest cougar in the jungle. (I'm kidding - sorta).

How did you unleash your animal? Was it a little tiger, zebra, leopard, or cheetah?

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Happy Holidays

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Wine - A Taste of Sophistication

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With the holidays upon us and New Year's Eve fast approaching, many are making their final selections for the spirit or adult beverage of their choice. 

There are many options when it comes to selecting the right spirit for your holiday setting, so I'm offering a bit of beverage background to ease your selection process.

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My selection for adult beverage is wine. Wine excites my palate with a bit of sexiness and a hint of exotic. There are an array of wines. Each is paired based on social experience, setting, and host preference. Traditionally, white wines are coupled with soft events and dinners with chicken or pork. Red wines are served with beef, veal, and some etiquette professionals suggest turkey. 

I recommend a consultation with a professional event planner to prevent any faux pas in designing a formal party of gala. However, if it's an evening among friends, make a selection based on attendees, requests, and of course host preference.

My short list of preferred wines are: Barbera, Syrah, Chardonnay, Malbec, and Riesling.

Are you a wine connoisseur? If you're planning a party soon, what will be your wine choice?

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My TV and Me

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Everybody knows that watching television (TV) is one of the greatest American pastimes. My day is always started with the local morning show. This is where a get a bit of news, weather, sports, and the latest imprudence in and about my city. If working from home is on my schedule, watching TV is number 1 on the list of fabulous things. I get to watch my favorite programs: The Golden Girls, Good Times, Judge Mathis, and a slew of “un-wife” like “housewife shows”. One might think that my life is grounded and surrounded in the tube. They’re right! It is. Watching TV is my everything; therefore being able to connect to a host of various programming is important.

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For eons, there was debate about who provided the better service; was it cable TV or satellite. Since graduating college, I was an apartment girl until a few years ago. Apartment living provided an easy breezy, worry free lifestyle. However, the only option was cable. Many apartment communities didn’t want the assumed hassle of satellite. As a homeowner, there are options in the programming battle - Hatfields vs. the McCoys (cable vs. satellite).

One option is DIRECTV. DIRECTV is an affordable solution for recession proofing your budget. DIRECTV offers 150 channels beginning at $29.99 per month. Your family can connect more TVs within your lovely abode – up to 15 TVs can be connected with DIRECTV. Additionally, the programming is vivid. DIRECTV gives a boost to HD channels. Who doesn’t want to clearly see Idris Elba or George Clooney. Most importantly, DIRECTV has something for everyone; women, men, children, tweens, teens, and family.

What is your choice of TV connectivity? 

This is a sponsored post, however the opinions and experiences are authentic to the author.

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Chicken Spaghetti - Recipe and Review

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Everyone loves a great meal. It's the last few days before Santa arrives and we're all pressed for a few extra minutes or two. During my productive many hours on Twitter, I happened upon a conversation about favorite meals for DHs (Dear Husbands). (Why I jumped in the convo without a husband is beyond me - but I digress). One of my friendly followers mentioned chicken spaghetti. I've engaged in a few conversations about chicken spaghetti, so I decided to try it. 

My grocery shopping extravaganza is typically on Sundays. I added the items  necessary for the meal and prayed to the Food Gods that all would be swell. The recipe and directions are below. My picture and review will follow.

Ingredients

• 2 cups
 Cooked Chicken

• 3 cups
 Dry Spaghetti, Broken Into Two Inch Pieces

• 2 cans
 Cream Of Mushroom Soup

• 2 cups
 Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese

• 1/4 cup
 Finely Diced Green Pepper

• 1/4 cup
 Finely Diced Onion

• 1 jar
 (4 Ounce) Diced Pimentos, Drained

• 2 cups
 Reserved Chicken Broth From Pot

• 1 teaspoon
 Lawry's Seasoned Salt

• 1/8 teaspoon
 (to 1/4 Teaspoon) Cayenne Pepper

• Salt And Pepper, to taste

• 1 cup
 Additional Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Preparation Instructions
Cook 1 cut up fryer and pick out the meat to make two cups. Cook spaghetti in same chicken broth until al dente. Do not overcook. When spaghetti is cooked, combine with remaining ingredients except additional 1 cup sharp cheddar.
Place mixture in casserole pan and top with remaining sharp cheddar. Cover and freeze up to six months, cover and refrigerate up to two days, or bake immediately: 350 degrees for 45 minutes until bubbly. (If the cheese on top starts to get too cooked, cover with foil).

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Well, I followed the recipe almost. I used a bit too much cheese and used Pepper Jack instead of Cheddar. I also used Rotel because that's what my Twitter Follower said to do. It was a pretty quick meal but I did not like it. It may be something children would enjoy but eh, iCant. By no means is this massive fail anyone's fault (especially not mine) . I'm not much of a cook though I make great Thanksgiving food. I'll keep practicing though. I'm sure my future husband will want a home cooked meal sometimes. 

My version is below. (Be nice) Excuse those Thanksgiving rolls and yes they were as hard as they looked.

Have you guys ever made chicken spaghetti? Is this something that your guy would enjoy?

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Gadget Girl

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Gadget Girl

It is no secret that the digital age is upon us. Everything about modern existence is uniquely associated with the digital revolution. Are you ready? Are you a Gadget Girl?

A gadget girl is a cosmopolitan girl. She's the "It girl" of technology. She knows the difference between a PC and MAC. She can give you a detailed list of the most useful applications (apps), and has transferred all of her contacts from the once hip rolodex. She has her iPhone, Android, or BlackBerry within reach and outfitted with the latest tablet to stay abreast of newsworthy events. She also has a high powered camera for the sharpest images on the net. For complex design and gaming, she has her top-of-the-line desktop. Let's not forget communication, she has a cam for Skype or Facetime.

By now, you may be saying, "Whoa Reginia, that's a lot. Who has the time and means for all of that".  

Welp, I'll tell you. There are levels of "Gadget Girl".

Gadget Girl Extraordinaire - All the latest gadgets including Apple and PC. (Phones, tables, desktops, laptops, cameras, music apparatus and more)  

Gadget Girl Modern - Outfitted with a laptop or desktop, hip phone and perhaps a tablet. 

Gadget Girl Regular - Laptop and Phone 

Gadget Girl Hopeful - Landline phone and maybe a cell

Which Gadget Girl are you?

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Perfectly Pretty - Holiday Edition

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Perfectly Pretty - Holiday Edition

The holidays are upon us which means more gatherings, dinners, and parties. Being prepared for each of these is essential. In my previous post, I spoke about the holiday work shenanigans of  the Secret Santa exchange which may include a work gathering of the sorts. Work related gatherings are typically holiday casual, therefore there isn't a need to whip out the finest party dress and spiked Louboutin. However, some off site gatherings, personal soirees, and A-list celebrity events call for a sleeker vision of femininity and poise. 

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While thinking of holiday parties, I get very excited. I absolutely love party dresses, sexy up du's, sultry make-up, and being the arm accessory of the finest beau in season. I've included a few party dresses, and casual outfits that are options for this season's festivities. Also, my staple up-du is fashioned on the beautiful Ms. Nia Long. Actually, I wear my hair like this to work 3 of 5 days per week.

Do you have any holiday festivities on the calendar? Are they casual, dressy, or formal?

Tis the season to be fashionable.

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Oh Ye Secret Santa

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Oh Ye Secret Santa

It's that time of year again and it's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas. 

You know what that means, those of us with traditional 9-5's are bound by the rules of politically correct office engagement and must commit to a bit of Christmas affliction.

Picture it, your office 2011, and little Miss Patty Polly Anna rolls around, with her chipper self, with a Santa hat full of names. You see her out the corner of your eye and begin to scatter to look busy. Oh no, that's not going to deter little Miss Patty Polly Anna, she heads to your cube anyway.

"Christmas Champ" for Target

Miss Patty Polly Anna, "It's that time of year, let's spread some office cheer".

You, "Aww Patty"

Miss Patty Polly Anna, "Come on, it's fun, it'll put a wiggly in your tiggly".

You reluctantly grab a name out the wretched Santa hat and see that you've pulled Betty Back Stabber's name.

So now, you're stuck participating in Patty Polly Anna's annual foolery, you've drawn Betty's name, you hate her and it's all going to come to a head starting Monday.

Well, you have two options; participate or not (don't forget you still have THAT name).

From my point of view, I absolutely loathe the Secret Santa exchange. No one ever follows the rules. People get what they want to get you without following the guidelines on the questionnaire. The gifts are always re-gifted from 1923 and it usually smells of smoke and pets. One year I got fuzzy socks and leaky Bath & Body Works. Everybody knows that I am NOT a fuzzy sock kind of girl. 

Do you participate in the Secret Santa exchange at your place of employment? Is it any way to make this event pleasurable for all?

Tell us what you think.

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Pinterest & West Elm (Atlanta) Holiday Event

Photo credit - Reginia - collage by Photovisi

Pinterest paired with West Elm Atlanta for a private holiday event.

Photo credit - Reginia

Pinterest is the latest social media outlet used for creating digital vision boards within one platform. Users may upload or repin pictures from an arsenal of user photos, or re-post sayings that are inspirational, motivational, or just interesting to their visual regard. I previously spoke about the transition from traditional vision boards to digital boards such as Pinterest here. Pinterest can easily be described as engaging and addicting.

This cozy gathering had a modest group of attendees who chatted about their pinning interest while enjoying the lovely atmosphere of West Elm. Attendees registered for a striking basket that was raffled at the end of the event. 

To create your Interest in Pinterest , visit www.Pinterest.com. Also, if you're looking for design inspiration that's sophisticated, functional, and affordable, visit your local West Elm or shop www.westelm.com

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Under Construction

Under Construction

We are under construction. 


As Her Perfect Black Dress prepares for the new year, with a new look and feel, please share your feelings on the type of posts that you would like to see in the future. 


Your opinions are valued.


 We're growing. Come grow with us!

Please check back Saturday December 10 for a new look and a new feel.

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Louboutin - DIY - (Guest Post)

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Louboutin - DIY - (Guest Post)

Red bottoms are everywhere. You can't deny their influence on classic, sophisticated fashion. Everyone from Oprah, Nicki Minaj, and your hottest housewife owns a pair of these elite kicks. I, too, fancy a pair of Louboutins, hopefully Santa will bring a pair along with the iPad 2. However, my blogger pal, Champagne, over at I Have A Deer, decided not to wait on Santa but create a completely amazing Louboutin DIY shoe of her own. 

Check out her post below.

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DIY TUTORIAL: LOUBOUTIN SHOES FROM OLD SHOES

Some days ago I saw this pair of Louboutin shoes when I realized I had some shoes that were really close to them.
Here how I make them (: Hope you like the final result!

The Original Shoe

Things you'll need
-High Heels Shoes
-Black spray paint
-Red spray paint
-Hot glue
-Gold Buttons

Time
I made them in two days, it takes a bit to get them dry

Cost
Louboutin: 769$
Mine: 20€ in total

First of all take your shoes, I had to cut the straps


-With some tape and sheets from newspaper cover your shoes and let only the soles uncovered


-Spray paint the soles in red


-Once dry, cover the soles (be careful to the tape on the paint!!!) and spray paint the shoes in black


-Once dry, you should get something like this


-Then, cut the buttons-things (anyone knows what's their name?) to get a smooth surface

 

-Start sticking the gold buttons near the laces with hot glue


(My father's hands! He helped me so much with this project :D)


-Now take a plastic thing (mine is from a rubber box) to get a bit of red pain. Of course if you already have red liquid paint, you can skip this step (;


-With a little soft brush take some paint and cover the black spaces on the soles

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I think the shoes are just lovely.

Champagne wants your feedback. Tell her what you think? 

Could you DIY a saucy pair of Louboutin's like these?

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