Imagine a panel of men put on display in front of a firing squad of women, armed with questions about the thoughts and actions of the male species. 

I had the opportunity to witness such an occasion this past weekend at the ‘Ask a Man’ event held in the VIP room at Studio Movie Grill in the Epicentre.

Organized by Sex and the Queen City and Virile, the panel of seven men opened themselves up to a no-holds-barred discussion of sex, dating, marriage and relationships. 

Not since Sex and the City alerted us to the fact that ‘He’s just not that into you’ have women been so privy to the inner workings of the male mind. 

The discussion was off to a fiery start leaving no room to build up to ‘heated’. 

The notion that men should pay most or all of the bills was immediately quashed by the entire panel.

The men were in agreement that the bills should be split in a fair manor depending upon the salaries of each person in the relationship.

Communication, respect and team effort were recurring words coming from the panel. 

One of the men ended the topic by turning the tables and asking how a woman can continue to call herself ‘Boss’ if she’s not even paying her own bills. Boom!

Things were about to take an ugly turn as the next question was posed to the forum. 

Do all men cheat? 

We expected denial and protests from the panel. But they each honestly answered “yes”. Yes all men cheat. There, they said it. 

They admitted there’s nothing we can do to prevent it. 

Men do not equate sex with love. Sex is more emotional for women. That’s why is so hard for them to recover after being cheated on. 

The men agreed there are little to no consequences. No repercussions. So why not keep cheating?

But can a man recover from a woman cheating? The answer was pretty much NO! 
Men are wired differently. Their egos won’t allow them to accept cheating. They know women form emotional attachments to sexual partners. They can’t get past the physical or emotion aspect of their partner cheating. 

After a short, much needed intermission the subject of cheating led into discussion of social media’s impact on relationships. 
If you don’t Instagram it then it didn’t really happen right? And you’re not REALLY in a committed relationship until it’s Facebook official. Would we even have a connection to our ‘followers’ or ‘friends’ if it weren’t for our social media accounts?

These are notions men want women to get away from. 

If a man comments on or ‘likes’ another woman’s picture it shouldn’t set off an argument. 

They want their partners to differentiate between ‘women’s intuition’ and insecurity. 

Social media doesn’t destroy relationships. People do. 
Men want to know why we want to impress total strangers so much. 

If a man has you around his family, his friends, his coworkers, and takes you out in public all the time then why is it so important that people we may or may not know to see pictures of you both on Facebook? 

Why do we ignore our partners when we’re out enjoying an event and focus on posting on Instagram. 

Why can’t we live in the moment? Post a pic then put your phones away. Enjoy being with your loved ones. 

The men have spoken. 

Men need respect and women need love. Men want communication. They want women to pick their battles. Don’t let something small blow up and end a relationship. Be on the same level. Be a team. 

Yes the men have spoken. But did the women listen? 

Maya Angelou said “The first time someone shows you who they are, believe them”  

These men showed us who they are. I spent the entire discussion monitoring the reactions from the audience. I listened to the conversations going on around me as the men spoke.

Anger, disgust and denial is what I gathered. I jotted down comments throughout the evening. 

“He wouldn’t be my man then”

“They wouldn’t be saying that if they were with the right woman”

“I don’t have any problem getting my bills paid”

“He’s lucky to even be with me”

“I don’t need a man”

Woman asked. Men answered. But it wasn’t the answers they wanted to hear. 

Despite the men being transparent, raw and blatantly honest I think very few women got it. 

Do women want to spend the entire relationship trying to change a man? Mold him into the perfect guy? 

They told us they do love us. They told us what makes them happy and unhappy. They told us what they need from us. 

Is it possible that they really are into us…..and we just pushed them away?

‘Twas the month before Christmas, When all thru the mall, all the ladies were brunching, and having a ball.

There was fashion and food and holiday decor, that left all of us yearning for more.

The Charlotte Observer recently hosted a holiday brunch in the center court of Southpark Mall, that spoiled and pampered each guest.

Reid’s Fine Foods provided a delicious selection from their brunch menu.

Of course no brunch is complete without drinks!

We were treated to three demonstrations to help us through the holiday season.

Stylist and Fashion Insider Stacee Michelle got it started with holiday fashion. “”Tis the sequins” was her theme.

Sequins and fur and lamé…..oh my!!!

Chef James Loftus treated us to a cheese board demonstration.

He suggests serving 3-5 cheese selections with varying boldness profiles, brought out of the fridge about an hour before guest arrive.

Display on a marble or wood board with arugula as a garnish. Cured meats, pickled veggies and nuts add color and variety. Finishing up with basic and flavored crackers and jams or even a honeycomb complete the masterpiece. 

Southpark Stylist Suzanne Libfraind brought us decorating ideas for Hanukkah, Kwanza and Christmas.

She gave ideas for the ever important Hostess gifts.

As if the morning wasn’t fabulous enough there were also giveaways supplied by Southpark merchants. This Diva even won a couple of great prizes!

No holiday event is complete without the Big Guy himself.

Santa stopped by to spread even more holiday cheer.

Everyone left with a swag bag from Sugarfina and lots of holiday cheer!

While attending a Fashion Genesis show recently I was particularly drawn to works of one of the designers. 

The symbol he chose really had me thinking. I knew I had to meet this young man and find out more about his designs. 

After the show I introduced myself to Maurice Crowell, creator of Weirdope Life. 

My first question was the basis for the symbol that drew me in. He explained that the eye inside of the mouth symbolizes the power we have over our lives. We visualize what we want and we speak it upon our lives. Then we watch it happen. 

When I heard this I knew why I was drawn to his designs. Everything I’ve accomplished in the past five years was from my faith in the power of the tongue. Speaking it into existance. I knew immediately he was someone meant to cross my path. 

He explained that Weirdope means to unapologetically be who you are. Not being afraid to stand out. 

We live in world where most people strive to be like everyone else. His vision is to live in a world where being different is praised. 

His mission is to inspire and motivate others to make their dreams a reality. Speak it upon your life and watch it happen.

Everyone knows the DesignerDiva LOVES to stand out. And I dream big and wait for those dreams to come true.

Well what do you know! I’ve been living the Weirdope Life all along.

Moving day.

Two little words that represent so many emotions. Anticipation, fear, dread, excitement, just to name a few.

Since I was moving to a third floor apartment with no elevator, I of course would have movers. But did I really trust another person with my beloved wardrobe??

I was excited to have a full walk in closet to fill. And filling it would be no problem. I have ALOT of clothes. And shoes. And bags.

Visions of lost shoes and ripped clothing played over and over thru my mind. Handbags falling off the moving truck and being ran over. As irrational as my fears were, I just couldn’t risk it. I love my stuff. I’d move it myself.

Each day after work I’d take a load from the old place, drive thirty minutes and lug it up three flights of stairs.

I did this for a month. And yes I did utter the words “I have too many clothes and shoes” a few times. Don’t worry. I didn’t mean it. It was just a brief moment of insanity.

Little by little my closet came together. I found items I’d completely forgotten I owned. Some that have gone in and out of fashion a couple of times. And some I’d been looking for aimlessly.

My entire wardrobe is visible to me now. No more hiding and digging for outfits. My shoes have their own place of honor on the top shelf. Like a crown on a Queen.

I still need to do a little arranging but for the most part my slice of Heaven is complete.

I agree Carrie….I completely AGREE!

I’ve waited for you for so long. My life isn’t the same without you. I’m at my absolute best when you’re around. You make me so happy.

Finally, you are here.

Fall Fashion!!!!! The most wonderful time of the year.

It’s a time when fashion shows abound. And fashion magazines are thicker than my southern accent.

I’ve attended so many shows over the past few weeks and read every magazine to hit the stands. I’m lucky to have the hookup. Mike the Magazine Guy alerts me each time he stocks my favorite magazines in my area. I’ve found so many exciting  trends for the fall season.

Statement sleeves are a recurring theme this season. Some are more dramatic than others. Flared or ruffled, bell sleeves can be very flattering if styled correctly.

Metallics brought a futuristic vibe to the runways. Choose pieces that will translate well to real life wear.

I wouldn’t advise a full on space suit look. But a statement piece will mix well with various textures.

Florals are uprooting themselves from the spring runways and planting themselves into our fall wardrobes.

No pastels here though. Jewel tone blooms on dark backgrounds are Autumn’s answer to dressing in florals.

This season has me seeing red. Loud, bright, blood RED.

Whether worn as an accent piece or head to toe, this trend screams “LOOK AT ME”!!! Sporting this look is not for the shy or faint of heart.

Satins, velvets and tulle bring an ‘over the top’ vibe to your look. They’re fun and fancy and kind of make you feel like a princess!

Modern twists will prevent you from looking like you’re going to a prom in the ’80s.

Graphic and embellished with a twist has grabbed my attention. Urban wear mixed with classic pieces make for unique looks.

Pins, patches and chains, added by the designer or yourself, can add a unique flare to a basic piece.

As someone that views fashion as a way to express yourself, this trend has me excited about some upcoming outfits I have planned.

Leather is no longer limited to the Moto jacket. Pants, tops and skirts are popping up everywhere made from faux or natural leather adding an edgy vibe to your wardrobe.

This season has seen a much needed return to elegance.

Dapper gentlemen and graceful ladies are no longer a thing of the past. There’s a call to put pride into the way you dress.

Whether running errands or going out for the evening, looking put together is back in fashion.

Fall has always had the best fashion in my opinion. And I look forward to it each year.

What’s your favorite fall trend?

I recently got together with photographer and fellow blogger Megan of @megandunbarphotography to brainstorm over a blog collab.

Of course there was food and coffee involved. So it was only natural that we blog about some of our favorite places to eat. 

Megan suggested we narrow it down to a specific area and asked me to do the impossible…..decide which part of this fabulous city is my favorite. 

I chose downtown….errr….Uptown. Don’t even get this small town girl started on the semantics of this. 

So UPTOWN it is. We started comparing our lists of favorite eateries and found we had a few in common. She also gave me ideas for new places to try.

1. Fitzgerald’s 

Fitzgeralds, located at 201 E 5th, is part sports bar and part Irish tavern. Steelers fans gather to enjoy the pub grub and watch the game. 

Since two of my beloved Tennessee Vols were recently drafted by Pittsburg this new fan will be joining them. As a vegetarian I was pleased to find several options on their menu. 

2. Vapiano

Vapiano is a hip, European inspired, cafeteria style dining experience located at 201 S Tryon.

From the chalkboard menu to olive tree in the dining room, the decor equals the food in excellence. 

3. Midnight Diner

Immediately after hearing of my quest to ‘Eat my way thru Charlotte’ so many people told me I HAD to try Midnight Diner. 

The Railroad car at 115 E Carson houses a piece of Americana. Diners have foverver been connected with family and comfort food. Midnight Diner is no exception. Their claims of having ‘The Best Onion Rings’ are substantiated after the first bite. 

Finish the evening off with their banana pudding. You’ll thank me for this later. 

4. Mert’s Heart and Soul 

Walking into 214 N College is like walking into your Grandmama’s house for Sunday dinner. Mert’s Heart and Soul literally puts their heart and soul into each dish they serve in their quirky vintage dining room. Just like your Grandmama does.

Several of their vegetable dishes are made without meat. But it doesn’t take away from the flavor. This vegetarian approves! 

5. Rock Bottom Brewery 

When I wandered into 401 N Tryon I wasn’t intending to eat. I was hot and thirsty and just needed to sit a spell. 

After sipping on a couple of Blueberry Mojitos I decided to order a little something. 

Little did I know their ‘appetizer’ could feed a small country!  

I protested as the server sat my veggie nachos in front of me. But he assured me it was indeed an appetizer. 

Passerbys judgemental stares were met with my “yes I AM going to eat all of this” stare. One should never waste food. 

Megan has me dying to try Dandelion Market. So it’s moved to the top of my ‘to eat’ list. Yes, I have a list. 

She had me in tears hearing the story of her first meal at Mert’s. I’m not going to spoil it for you. So head over to her blog https://cltnomad.com/blog/ to hear about it and more of her favorite places. 

Let us know your favorite place in UpDown Town! 

Bon Appetit!!

Despite the calendar saying it’s fall, the weather is saying otherwise. 

It’s been in the ’90s since the first day of my favorite season. 

Bloggers are being forced to crank up the AC as they take selfies in their new cozy sweaters, ugg boots and thick woolen scarves. 

We have to smile as we drink our Pumpkin Spice Lattes in the sweltering heat. 

Mother Nature is ruining our Instagram lives!!!

I’ve brought out some Fall decor in hopes of inspiring the cool, crisp air to come and stay. 

I’ve unearthed my Bean Boots and blanket scarves. I’ve drank my first PSL of the season. 

Come on already. 

I’ve got lattes to drink and layers to wear. 

Happy Fall Y’all 

I was recently invited to Nordstrom’s 2017 Fall Beauty Trend Week at Southpark Mall. Seven days filled with the latest and greatest in makeup and fragrance. 

During the Friday night event we were shown how to achieve a day to evening look. While most of us know how to transition our outfits we don’t really think about how to take our makeup and perfume from ‘Coffee to Cocktails’. 

There was live music, appetizers and selection of drinks.

Brands such as Bobbi Brown, Dior, Lancôme and M.A.C. gave makeovers and intrigued shoppers with their newest products. 

M.A.C. launched their new Nicki Minaj lipstick collab. I’ll be doing a review on this at a later date. Stay tuned!

I was introduced to a brand I wasn’t familiar with. Kilian-Perfume as an Art presented such a luxurious display I had to investigate. 

With my Chloe Prosecco in hand I wandered into Fragrance Heaven. How have I lived without knowing this existed???

Not only does Kilian have a huge sweet smelling variety, they also offer a scented decorative home collection, a create your own fragrance option and scented jewelry!!! How amazing is that??  

One of my favorite things to do after an event is to go home and go thru the ‘swag’

I was in awe when I saw SEVEN deluxe samples of Kilian perfumes. 

Thank you Nordstrom. I’ll definitely be smelling divine!

I recently met up with fellow Charlotte blogger @Reaganmyownworld at our local Target to check out their new fall fashion.

Talk about kids in a candy store!! We had a blast. 

We were drawn to pieces from their new label ‘A New Day’ as well as their popular ‘Who What Wear’ line that launched in 2016. 

As you can see from these pictures I kinda have a thing for jackets. There’s so many gorgeous styles it was hard to choose. These are my top five favorites.

The leopard print jacket has already made itself at home in my closet. And the Rose colored duster will soon be its neighbor. 

The Gucci inspired rose embroidered pieces will not be far behind. 

Reagan also met her possible future leopard roommate in the form of a dress. 

She has so many ideas on styling the oversized check blazer. I can’t wait to see them on her. 

The romantic in her was attracted to a few ruffled and lace pieces. 

We each have different styles but found some common loves. 

We ‘oooohhhedddd’ simultaneously at the sheer skirts.  We had several styling ideas for the velvet slip dress. I’m always down for anything pink. So these mules are screaming my name.

Check out her Instagram and her blog http://www.reaganinmyownworld.com/ for her take on our Target trip. And see more of her favorites. 

Pay your local Target a visit and leave me a comment about what your favorite pieces are. 

Happy Shopping!