C.C. Solomon's Blog, page 16

Winterizing your body for the cold

Yep I said it, winterize your body. So you know I hate the cold but not just because the temperatures make me want to fight the air. However, I can’t ignore the fact that the harsh, dry, cold winter air does not do wonders for the body. So there are some things I do to try to get me looking less that the snow monster from Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer and more like myself!

Body– So my skin is super dry in the winter and my regular lotion is a joke in the winter. If you have dry itchy skin try putting on an oil gel right after the shower and add cocoa butter or shea butter on top of that. My personal go to is Johnson’s baby oil gel with Shea and Cocoa Butter. Also don’t forget a good body moisturizing body wash with a butter!
Feet– I don’t get as many pedicures in the winter but that doesn’t mean my feet are hoofs. I keep them as presentable as possible by using a personal pedi. Get’s rid of dead skin and calluses and is quick and painless.
Face– I am a big fan of facials and although I have super oily skin it still becomes overly dry in the winter. One way to get rid of dry patchy skin is with a glycolic peel or pad. My current fav is Peter Roth glycolic max complexion correction pads.
Hair– My hair gets dry as well in the winter. And with curly, natural hair it can really get brittle, especially when you add in workouts. One thing to do is cleansing conditioners in lieu of shampoo (and never use sulfate based products for natural or curly hair). I don’t have a brand I particularly like so I go with any kind. When I wear my hair in its curly state I also do the L.O.C. method (I do this year round actually). I put in a leave in conditioner, an oil like coconut or castor oil, and a cream (my fav or Miss Jessie’s products)
Hands– Nothing gives away your age more than hands (and your neck). So I leave a thick hand cream by my bedside. Besides aging I also hate my hands to look like I just been digging in flour. If I go to work forgetting to lotion up the digits, I keep lotion in my purse and a big bottle at my desk. I really like lotions with, you guessed it, shea butters!

Hope this helps. What are some things you do to keep yourself looking good in the cold?

 

How to Plan a Trip- Type A style

Welcome back. As you might have noticed my site had a little face lift. Type A gal knows there are others like me, working and playing in the city and looking to enjoy the world. So while I share some of my best cosmo tips (best food spots, makeup, travel) also join me in my journey in concurring cooking, worklife and relationships…with a Type A twist of course!

So to start the new year off right, I thought I’d begin with some tried and true tips on planning a getaway. Hey, I’m cold, its dark, where’s the beach? You can’t be a type A without being a planner but if that’s not your thing or you are overwhelmed at just how to plan a fun vaca, here are a few tried and true tips.

1)Start with the flight.

Sure some trips are cheaper if booked together with the hotel. But not all. In general, you are saving if you book hotel and flight together if you go overseas. My go to website for that is virgin vacations . For island getaways, southwest vacations has some good deals. However, if you want to book a short trip state side, kayak really is your friend. You can compare flights from many different airlines (except southwest).

I don’t know why they look so excited about booking a flight, maybe they going to Ibiza or something?

* The earlier you book your flight the better. Most travel experts will say book stateside trips around 2 months in advance. Overseas, say to Europe, I’ve seen most say six months in advance.

**If your dates are flexible, check the month you want to go and see which days or weeks might be the most economical. Some sites show the cost of flights on each day. Kayak,as well as other sites, allow you to do a search agent which will give you a daily or weekly alert when flights you want are around a certain price.

*** And according to my research Tuesdays and Sundays are best to actually book the flight (cheaper).

2)Hotel.

I don’t just leave it up to price or location for a hotel. I look to ratings tripadvisor is your friend. I also search based on interests. If I want the party life or to be near the sights or quiet or beach etc., I’ll search through the tripadvisor forums to see what other travelers say about hotels and locations (or pose my own questions to get answers) that meet those requirements. Who wants to end up on a couples resort if you are going with a bunch of single pals or party it up but you are located 20 miles from the fun.

*Sometimes calling the hotel directly is cheaper than going online or even through the discount sites like expedia so just search and call around.

3)Transport.

This can be the forgotten piece. Don’t leave it up to chance to arrange travel to and from the airport, particularly when going to the islands. Sometimes winging it can be good. Going to Ireland or Vegas? Eh, grab a cab when you get off the plane. Going to Jamaica? Book that baby in advance (see my post on Jamaica). It’s cheaper. Also consider a hotel walking distance to a metro or bus for easy/cheaper transport while in town.

I’ve gotten a few black car services from the airport. Can be a good deal if splitting with friends. And its nice n stuff.
4) Fun Stuff.

Okay this is the part that most people don’t like to do because it involves loads of research. The length and depths of my research all depend on how far I’m going. If it’s state side I usually just check Yelp  or Trip Advisor, and maybe a local paper of my destination. If it’s overseas, I’m doing all that plus reading travel websites like Fodors  and Lonely Planet  for the touristy things to do and for tips about the culture. Check forums for non touristy stuff and to find fun places to eat, shop, and nightlife that might meet your specific interests. Other good sites: Time out and WikiTravel. I also search Instagram for amateur pictures of where I am going that might give me more exposure on what to really expect. Now is the time to book the bigger excursions (cheaper sometimes and avoids wait times) you’ll want to do on the trip.

Finally… have fun.

Sure I might make a loose itinerary of things to do each day but I don’t care if I go off the list. Planning is more of a backup in case I am overwhelmed about what to do. But once you’re there be in the moment and enjoy! Till next time…

Ima Need A Minute

Just like your favorite TV show I too must go on winter hiatus. But I shall return in the new year. Have a wonderful end of your year and I’ll have more misadventures to share in the world of travel, dating and more!

The Mission snippet

If you don’t know, I wrote a novel called the Mission (an ebook, out on various sites). It’s a romantic comedy/chick lit novel about, you guessed it, dating. Specifically, dating in D.C. and the idea of dating rules that women are often given to follow.

Here’s an excerpt:

Greg turned his head to me and raised an eyebrow. I hadn’t dated anyone in four months; what was I talking about?

Jamie spun around, eyes wide with curiosity. “Oh, really? What’s his name? What does he do?” she asked, leaning against my doorframe again.

I thought fast; of course she would want details. “His name is….

James.” Yeah, James. That was nice and respectable-sounding. So, what did James do? Maybe he could be a doctor. I’ve dated doctors before. Maybe even a plastic surgeon. Then I thought, she probably knew all the ones in the area with her melt-near-a-fire body. Another lawyer? No, she’d look him up on a legal search engine. Plus, you couldn’t throw a stone without hitting a lawyer in this town. I looked down at the cover of my latest copy of Essence peeking out of my large handbag by my feet. Sean “Diddy” Combs was on the front, and I knew what James did.

“He’s a music producer,” I replied seriously.

Greg tried to control his laughter.

Jamie’s eyes glowed with surprise. “What label?”

Label? What the hell? “Uh…Um. He told me. I can’t remember the label…”

“It’s the one Jill Scott’s on, right? I remember you told me that.” Greg smiled.

I tried to cover the look of gratitude on my face and nodded my head in agreement. Jill Scott was neo-soul, right in my musical database. “Yeah, that one. I’ll have to ask him again. He works a lot with neo-soul music. He’s a VP and lives in New York.”

“Neo-soul, huh? That’s not really my area. But I’m sure the partners would be interested to know this. You’ve been holding back a major networking opportunity.” She wagged her index finger at me, and I wanted to bite it off. “Lives in New York? Must be hard, so far away,” Jamie stated, searching my eyes as if looking for a lie.

I shrugged. “Not really. It’s just a three-and-a-half-hour drive with no traffic. And he makes enough money where filling up his Mercedes with gas on a regular basis is no problem. Or he flies me to him. I prefer to go see him because I like the access he has. I meet some of his artists and get VIP treatment wherever we go. Next weekend we’re going to New York City for a celebrity party, but I can’t remember whose it is. Jay-Z, or Diddy, Kanye West? Who knows?” It was like I was plugged into a lying machine. Somebody stop me!

The right corner of Jamie’s upper lip twitched. She was pissed. All of a sudden, I was starting to feel better.

“Damn, can I go with ya’ll?” Greg asked, giving me a playful, wide-eyed look.

“Well, Sheila, sounds like you’re doing well for yourself. I suggest you show a good attitude and hold onto him. Maybe he just might stick around for the banquet. I would love to meet him,” Jamie smiled tightly.

Show a good attitude; I’ll show her my foot as it connects to her face. “Oh, he’ll be there for the banquet; we’re pretty serious,” I replied with confidence.

“Then who knows? Maybe you’ll defy statistics and get married!”

Thanks, Dateline and friends, for sharing with the masses the black woman’s plight in finding love. Seriously, how long would I get in jail for tasing someone? Might be worth it.

I shrugged. “I wouldn’t be surprised.”

Jamie gave a shocked face. “So, you could be getting engaged? How exciting. Wait until I tell everyone. The partners will love the exposure,” she muttered, leaving before I could straighten her gossiping ass out.

I stared at Greg in horror; he looked at me with pity. “What in the world? Friends don’t let friends be stupid!” I cried, throwing a paper clip at him.

 

Getting ahead at work

For federal government workers this is the time of year we start to get our performance appraisals and new fiscal year expectations. As a supervisor, it can be an intense time for me. It’s also a time of reflection. Sometimes I get surprised that I am where I am in my career or when someone asks me for career advice or to be their mentor. I’m no longer in my twenties and I have some years of service behind me now so maybe I do have something to share. There aren’t a lot of people I know at my age where I am and it didn’t come to me because of simple luck. I stayed focus on my goals. So if someone were to ask me how to get ahead at work with just five tips, I’d share the following:

Study your craft. Become an expert and a go-to source of knowledge. If people aren’t asking you questions it’s because they think you don’t know and that’s not good. So read whatever is out their in your field and take any relevant courses and trainings.
Think outside the box. If you know of a way to improve efficiency of a process or cost then don’t be afraid to share new ideas.  Managers have a lot to deal with but one way to show you are a keeper is to bring some fixes to any concerns you bring to them. Be prepared to take the lead on any solutions. Take initiative.
Say yes. Sure taking on new work can be time consuming. However, it’s those extra projects that get you noticed. And if management is asking you to do certain assignments it’s because they feel they can rely on you which is good.
Get a mentor. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done in my career. Whether the mentor is formal or informal, seeking career advice or solutions regarding how to best handle work place problems is always a benefit.
Have a career plan. In the federal government they are called Individual Development Plans. Sure writing goals out with steps on how to achieve them along with dates on when you will take these actions can be a pain but it is worth it. One, it supports any training or development request you give to management because they know you are doing it to further your career and a good manager will want that. Two, it keeps you focused on the bigger goal so you aren’t sweating the small stuff or getting too comfortable in your current position. Three, it helps you actually reach your goal when you want to reach it.

In summary, the way to get ahead is to get out of your comfort zone, think big, and keep learning!

Happy Birthday Party of One

I’m a huge birthday gal but as I get older the thrill is sho nuff gone. I actually have birthday burn out. And more importantly I don’t like putting expectations on others to make my birthday memorable. At the risk of sounding like a wise elder, which I am far from, I now (okay this time around at least) just want to celebrate my birthday in a more personally meaningful way. Yes, that could mean being surrounded by people you care about but if that doesn’t happen, here are some ways to celebrate your day, solo style.

Treat Yo Self- Get your hair done, nails done, go to the spa
Take a mini vacation- On your own, explore a city, sit on a beach, take a road trip. Give yourself time to reflect and enjoy the moments on your own where it’s all about you
Escape- Go check out a movie (especially at one of the new “luxury” cinemas) or see a play
Take an exercise class- One way to show thanks for another year is by  starting it off with a healthy option like yoga, spinning or zumba 
Go shopping- Do we ever really get past the stage of wanting a new birthday outfit? Not me!
Challenge yourself-Another way to take on a new year for you is to do something you normally don’t or rarely do: cook a new dish, run that 5k(or more), volunteer at habitat for humanity, finally check out that trivia night at the bar down the street

Any other ideas of good ways to self celebrate your birthday?

Halloween Part Two

Ok so I am a big horror movie buff. If you are a novice to horror films this is the month to get your feet wet. So I’m sure I’ve done a post some time ago about my all time favorite horror films but I must say there have been a few recent ones that have resonated with me. Some so creepy that, while effective, I will never see them again because I like my sanity.

So now I shall share with you my top list of pretty awesome horror films of the last five years. If I’m missing some good ones please share. Quick note: I’m not big on gratuitous gore or gross out movies. I like an intriguing plot and don’t really require a bunch of special effects. Some of the movies I list are more independent and weren’t really in theaters. They were just good films I found on Netflix or cable!

The Babadook- This can be found on Netflix. Effectively creepy tale about loss and the boogie man essentially (if that can really go together). Great acting. (Side note, I was going to put an image of the movie here but it scared me again so bump that)
It Follows- Super simple yet effective cautionary tale (you’ll understand what I mean by “cautionary” if you watch). No monster in this one or ghost but still creepy and I won’t watch it again because it made me scared (but if there is a sequel I shall partake)
The Taking of Deborah Logan- Another good Netflix find. Documentary style that I’m starting to become annoyed with but this was well done and darn scary. Does Deborah have Alzheimer’s or is it something more sinister?
Mercy- Also on Netflix and like the above just adds to my now increasing feeling (along with The Visit) that senior citizens can make some scary beings (used to be pets and kids). This one is based on a Stephen King short story so you know it’s scary. Also had “Carl” from The Walking Dead in a less annoying role.
Insidious- This is a big budget one but it did really creep me out. And I watch it over and over. I just really liked it. In away it’s like an updated version of Poltergeist which I love to watch also.
The Conjuring – Scary big budget tale. If you like the them of haunted houses, along the line of Amityville Horror, then you’ll like this.
Evil Dead (remake)- This takes the foundation of the original but really goes darker. The original was more campy, this was pretty nightmarish.
Cabin in the Woods- Scary but also has that Joss Whedon touch where the characters are more introspective and the dialogue is fun. Kind of like Scream.
World War Z- Zombies, Brad Pitt, based on best selling book. All you need to know.
Grave Encounters- Apparently this independent film now has a cult following and I get it. What could happen when a paranormal investigation reality TV show crew visit an abandoned mental hospital? Nothing good (also documentary style, rolls eyes, but still good)
Absentia- This is truly an independent film (however, it won a lot of independent and horror film awards) but with a very original plot and although low on special effects, big on tense moments that made me clutch my pearls. Plot? People go missing in a nearby tunnel.  Not cool.

Well, if you like a good scare, hope these newer tales work for you and maybe become your favs like they have for me!

Halloween Part 1: Cool costume ideas

After Christmas, Halloween is my favorite “holiday”. I love me some scary movies, I love dressing up and I love candy. Every year I go through the process of trying to decide what to dress up as (even before I have made any plans because I’m well, well, pass the days of trick or treating).

So I surf the web for inspiration for affordable cool costume ideas and have come across some awesome looks. Here are some of my favorite Halloween costumes I’ve spotted during my search, maybe they’ll be inspiration for you!

Bringing Back the 90s – TLC and Clueless are great options. Side note,you don’t have to change your skin color to portray a person of another race, we still get the picture!

 

 

Nostalgic cartoon characters-  Jem.  I actually did this with my friends one Halloween and it is my all time favorite costume (80s kid!). Think, Rainbow Bright, Strawberry Shortcake, Rugrats,  Daria.

 

Movie/TV characters- Especially current or popular characters like Avengers, Walking Dead, Empire. 

Posters come to life- Like Rosie the Riviter

Group ideas- Spice girls, Disney princesses, Superheros, Golden Girls, House wives, Inside Out

Real people- Donald Trump, Miley Cyrus,  Prince

Be creative and think outside the box. Sometimes costumes out of your own creations are the most fun (and cheapest).

Hanging Out 30s style

Just because you are no longer 20 something doesn’t mean you automatically desire to go to bed at 10 pm on a Friday. Sure just because you rarely catch me fist pumping in the middle of the club until 3am (ok you never catch me doing that, particularly the fist pumping part), doesn’t mean I don’t like to get out when the street lights come on.

So what’s a type a gal living in the city to do? Welp, I compiled a list of some fun things to do that will get you out and about whether you are 20, 30 or 50 and just want to get out when the sky is dark but without getting elbowed at the club or waking up with a hangover (so not good for the skin).

First, quick note, Thursdays are really the night for the grown and sexy. I find more things on my list happening on a Thursday than a Friday or Saturday for some reason and the crowd tends to be more my style. Anyway on to my list o fun:

Check out a happy hour- Easy no brainer, even if you aren’t in to drinking there are sure to be good food specials at most spots

Sing some karaoke- I can kill so much time sanging me some 80s and 90s classics.

Sip n Paint- This can be a chill thing to do on an evening night (and a great date idea). Take a painting class and drank a glass (or two) of wine as you go.

Artwalk- When the weather is nice a lot of cities open up their art galleries or certain spots display local art and you just art hop checking the art, grabbing a bite or drink along the way.

Check out a movie at somewhere lux- Many theaters have upped their game on the movie going experience. There are bars, gourmet food, comfy seats. I’ve been to one that provides you with blankets and waiters. I stayed through the credits and when staff came to clean up. After a while I got the hint to leave.

Comedy club- Another easy option. Always a fun time.

Check out a live band- Jazz, neo soul or cover band.

Dance Party- I’m starting to see a trend of events having special 80s and 90s nights. Because everyone wants to two step to a P. Diddy throwback. Exercise and nostalgia.

Dinner- Another easy option again. Check out trendy fun spots. Put on a dress and go out with the gals or on a date.

Bar/Lounge- Smaller spots can be less rowdy. A dive bar can be chill or a sophisticated hotel bar can be a fun change of pace. It’s not just for tourists.

Charity event- This is another unique option that will get you out. From fashion shows to museum events to balls, this can be a fun way to network as well.

Theater- A no-brainer if you are into the arts. Then go for after theater drinks or dessert!

Late night bowling – A good option to bowl while two stepping to music.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Bar Trivia or Game nights- These are more often on non weekend nights but like I said, nothing wrong with a Thursday night out!

So where do you find information on where to find these activities? I check out my city paper, http://www.yelp.com, eventbrite, groupon or living social, or www.meetup.com.

Enjoy and stay safe!

Traveling Gal: London Revisited

So in my previous post I told you about my recent visit to the friendliest town in the world: Dublin. Now on to my revisit to what I’d like to call the coolest town in the world (ok, second to New York): London.

We got a little confused at the airport. We thought we had to go through customs but apparently Ireland to England is like flying domestic so no customs.

Once we figured that out we got a car (which I think is cheaper than taxi) to the hotel. Now with traffic a simple ride from the airport was like an hour.  We stayed at the Doubletree by Hilton in Westminster which we thought was London but really is the other city of England. Its still pretty much mixed in with London but its not in the center of the action so we had to take the tube or taxi everywhere. It is walking distance to Big Ben, Thames River, Parliament and Westminster Abby and a short ride to Buckingham if you don’t want to walk there which you can. The closest nightlife area is Soho which was disappointing because I wanted to check out Camden and Shoreditch nightlife (next time I guess).

The hotel was trendy, had a nice restaurant/lounge and the concierge was friendly.

The first day we checked out the famous Harrods department store. The place is huge and the architecture is awesome. Be prepared to drop some major coinage. I just went to the food floor and off to the bakery section which is every sweet toothed persons dream (and more affordable). The Harrods location is also near other shopping (got a cute dress at Zaras)

We were super pooped that first day but somehow we made it out to the soho area for night life. Soho was just okay in my book. Things close at 12 so be early. Just when we thought the night was a bust we found Jazz After Dark. The late Amy Winehouse use to perform and visit this place often (we were seated in her VIP section). Live music, good drinks and bar food. I’d come back for sure!

The next day was mostly shopping and sightseeing. We saw the major sites- Big Ben, Parliament, Westminster Abby, Thames Bridge and Tower of London. But the highlight was the visit to Portabello market and road. If you are vintage, frugal or antique shopper this is the best place in the world. We didn’t even finish walking the whole area. I stocked up and am already dying to go back (ok, maybe I have a bit of a problem, but I’m not hurting anybody!)

That night we went to a roof top party in Brixton and it was just okay. Not sure that area is my cup o tea, a bit sketchy. We did mosey over to a place called Troy Bar which was more up my alley. The music was great and it was a chill atmosphere. Leaving the place to get to  a taxi was a bit rough (we got followed and cat called along the way and when we found a driver it was like finding Superman, we were ready to be rescued).

The final day started with a visit to Tate Britain which is a really cool museum (kudos to marking the art areas by decades). We also did a quick shopping trip to TK Maxx (same thing as TJ Maxx but with a Britain focus). I stocked up there again (don’t judge me).

The highlight of the trip was high tea at The Delaunay. Me and my gals got all fancy and stuff drinking our tea, out little sandwiches or dishes and champagne. The place is snazzy (even the bathroom was grand). I’d come back for sure and want to do high tea now for my birthday! I had a great time in good ole merry England and although it wasn’t as fun as my time there when I studied, it was still worth a revisit!