KidZdent: When Patients Become Family

Patients Will Travel- KidZdent New Jersey

KidZdent GKAS 2019 Highlight

Even Men Need a ‘Wing Girl’: Exclusive Guide with Relationship Expert Marni Kinr

Most of the time we think of a ‘wing girl’ as the go-to gal proving to be the ultimate ice breaker when it comes to socializing with the opposite sex. More often than not women need that buffer to help them build a little more comfort and confidence when it comes to meeting men at parties or while out and about. But what about the fellas? Their ‘wing men’ usually can only get them so far…

Enter MARNI KINRYS, best celebrated as the authoritative “Wing Girl” and expert relationship coach. MARNI KINRYS is single-handedly transforming the dating game by assisting the men on this one. She is providing them with the right tools and skill set to attract, court and get any girl their heart desires through her unique curriculum, THE WING GIRL METHOD.

I know what you are thinking? Another one-of-a-kind, “self-help program” right? Wrong.

Her strategy for #dudebros is a bit more distinct. It offers a behind the curtain perspective into a modern-day heroine’s mind. Marni aids these guys into building strong, masculine character traits which most women crave. Her select technique has been carefully designed to finally bridge the gap in communication between Mars and Venus.

Her witty podcast “Ask Women” and best-selling book, THAT’S NOT HOW MEN WORK, has not only up-ed her street cred from a professional standpoint, but it has catapulted her into one of the most sought after gurus by her peers, beyond the media and establishing mass appeal. Marni’s drive stems from her entrepreneurial spirit, and leading other individuals with new-age empowering advice. Come get some!

NEW THEORY: How effective has your method been with men trying to find people that they actually like for a long-term commitment?

MARNI KINRYS: My method has been extremely helpful in showing men who to go after. It becomes very clear what they want.  Most of what I teach men is about transparent communication and not hiding their TRUE intentions.  What happens with a lot of guys is that they think by putting what they want out there to women, it comes across as rude, disrespectful or aggressive. So instead they hide their intentions, act super polite and self-edit everything that could possibly be interesting to women they want to attract.  I help them to remove this filter and show them that they can ask for what they want and still be awesome men of integrity.

NT: What led you to take on such a path and come up with such a method?  

MK: I wish I could say this has been a strong passion of mine since I was a child, BUT believe it or not, I stumbled into this line of work after making a joke at a ‘singles mixer’.  I had successfully introduced and facilitated conversations for a lot of men at the event and one of them called me his ‘wing girl’.  I went home thinking, “I could do this for more men. I can help them talk to women and create attraction.”  So after I posted an ad on Craigslist at 1:00 am, by the next morning I had over 75 responses from guys who were interested in my services. That’s literally how it started.  It’s certainly evolved into something much bigger. Now I help men all over the world!  My passion for helping people to understand others and take control of their lives, is and will always be my driving force. I just want people to get what they want without resorting to being jerks and wimps.

NT: How have your personal struggles changed your day to day process or impact your motivation for turning boys into men?

MK: My day to day life definitely dictates the advice that I provide to my listeners, subscribers and members.  As I go through things, I relay that information to them.  I used to be one of the guys. I like men, BUT I used to be shy, with low-confidence, and was a nervous wreck who believed I couldn’t just go after what I wanted. I did and have been continuously doing work on myself throughout the growth of my business. Now I carry a tool belt of mechanisms that I can pull from. I pass those tools onto each one of my clients. I’m not standing from a hill preaching to others that they can do something without having done it myself. I really try to walk the walk.

NT: What inspired you to write your book?

MK: Pressure. Ha. I had been trying to write my book for YEARS, but was so down on my own skills to actually write the book. I tried to hire ghostwriters who just didn’t get it, or me, or my advice. They would produce something that would always be void of ME. Then a friend of mine pushed me to just do it myself. Her pressure, plus the pressure from myself that I couldn’t write was definitely the motivator. I needed to get over the hump. Once I started writing, it only took me about a week to complete. 

NT: Has teaching this method had an effect in the way you are with your own husband?

MK: OMG, yes!  I have learned so much about men in general through my decade plus of working with amazing individuals. Things that as a woman, I would never have been privy to.  I have a much better understanding of men and how they work. I use that in my own life when communicating with my husband.  Trust me, I’m still a woman, so I slip sometimes, BUT I can always get back to a good place.

NT: Is there one specific trick which all men should follow or is it different for every person?

MK: EVERY person should work on eliminating the fluff from their conversation. Just say what they want or mean.  I have this matrix chart called The Confidence and Specificity Matrix: the more confident and specific you can be in your communication with ANYONE, the better chance you’ll have of getting what you want, or at the very least getting into a real conversation that could lead to compromise.

NT: Have you ever thought about creating a method for women to find men?

MK: I have one. It’s called, That’s Not How Men Work.  It’s based on all of the work I’ve done with men over the years and all the things I learned ABOUT men that I didn’t know as a woman.  Insider information.  I called it this because over the years I started to notice my advice to my female friends shifting. I wasn’t just comforting them and bashing men to make them feel better. I was constantly saying, “But that’s not how men work,” when they would complain about something.  This would peak their interest and they would inquire, “then how do they work…” and I’d tell them.  That gave them a sense of relief that it wasn’t THEM.  

NT: What do you think of the way people interact today in the dating world? With social media, online dating, apps, etc.?

MK: I think like everything else, there are pros and cons to it. The pros are that there are SOOOOO many more options.  The cons are that there are SOOOO many more options. Like anything, if you use it wisely and with clear intention, it can be very successful for you.

NT: Do you think it will get easier to meet a potential partner, or is it more difficult than ever?

MK: As I said above, if used the right way online tools can be awesome.  BUT, I do still think it must be combined with real life interaction options so that you don’t become a total drone. 

NT:  How did you and your husband meet?

MK: I actually dated a couple of his friends.  Then one of the friends invited me to a weekend hang out and he told me to bring cute friends.  It didn’t work out with that guy and I knew he had cute friends SO I of course went.  I met my husband on the beach that day.  I wasn’t attracted to him at first, but we had a nice conversation.  I kept seeing him out and every time I saw him he got more comfortable with me. He would tease me and challenged me, and I liked it.  By the 3rd time I saw him, I asked him for his number. The rest is history! 

NT:   What are distinguishing qualities a man should have that a boy does not?

MK: Strength, sense of self and emotional control. 

NT:  Tell us about your “Chick-Tionary”… Can you give us an example of a term we should all know?

MK: The word NOTHING.  To men it actually means nothing…. as it should.  To women it means “SOMETHING” and you better figure out what it is in under 30 seconds or you are F’d”. 

NT: The “Friend Zone” is a common problem in today’s world. What is the biggest tip you can provide to stay out of it?

MK: Stop being so friendly.  I have a great article I wrote on this topic.  See here: http://www.winggirlmethod.com/how-to-go-from-friend-to-lover-in-3-easy-steps/

NT: Now that women are typically in a less submissive role than in the past, what is it exactly that women are looking for in a man, especially if they are in a position to financially support themselves?

MK: The same things that they have always looked for in a man.  Support, love and UNDERSTANDING.  But that’s once they are attracted and connected to a guy.

They are looking for confidence, passion, fun and excitement. 

Topics Marni Discusses:

• “The Chick-Tionary”
• “Friend Zone: Get Out and Stay Out”
• Building Your Masculine Confidence
• Activating A Social Life Women Die To Be Part OF
• Approaching & Talking To Women
• How to Be Seen by Women As A Lover Not a Friend
• How to get your girl to watch sports
• How to get more responses from online dating
• Steps to approaching groups of girls
• How to be more than “just friends”
• And much more!

An Interview From Beyond: Exclusive with FreeForm’s ‘Monica The Medium’

FreeForm, formally ABC Family, not only has a brand new breakout show, but a contemporary and jaw-dropping reality icon making headlines, “Monica the Medium”. Airing Monday’s on the network, Monica is about to close out her 2nd season of the hit show, traveling through San Diego with a bevy of fresh clients, characters, plot lines, and shocking spiritual twists and revelations.

Without a doubt her life has been anything but ordinary as she shares with everyone, a modernistic and social media driven culture, her ability to communicate with those who have crossed over. Maintaining a balance between her own life and those connections which transform the lives of complete strangers is what makes her journey so special.

A proclaimed ‘old soul’, after realizing her talent and sense of prophetic knowledge and understanding, Monica decided to pursue a degree in PR/Communication at the highly-accredited Penn State University, where she continued learning how to channel the growth of her capabilities.

“Monica the Medium” was contacted by several established producers in the entertainment industry, quickly expanding her credibility and popularity, before her gut told her to go with this current opportunity on the west coast. Monica’s natural energy and presence on camera have made her an instant fan-favorite inspiring a community.

As the first and only original reality series on Freeform to get picked up for an intense second season, audiences from all over are invested in her powerful readings. New Theory Magazine gets an inside scoop on her rare gift.

NEW THEORY: How did you discover you had a gift for communicating with spirits?

I had always been intuitive and emphatic growing up, but didn’t start sensing Spirit around me until I was about 15 years old.  It really started with me being around certain friends and acquaintances. They’d be telling a story about a loved one who had died and I would hear or see the next part of the story before they’d finish telling it! In addition, I’d also be feeling all these emotions and sensations that I couldn’t explain. 

At the time I was still afraid of expressing what was happening…I didn’t want my peers to judge me and I also wondered if maybe it was all in my head and just a coincidence, or that I might even be crazy or sick with a brain tumor.

But once it started happening around strangers, I knew this wasn’t some “lucky guess” and that it was absolutely spirits communicating with me. I would share what I was hearing, seeing, feeling, and these people that I had never met before would start crying being like, “Wow, how’d you know all that about my loved one?” and as more and more people received the validation through the messages, I was receiving the validation that this connection to Spirit was in fact REAL and that it was a gift of healing I was meant to share.

NT: How did/do family, friends, or people in general react to your ability?

When I first came out of the “medium closet”, some of my friends were skeptical, but once they experienced it for themselves or witnessed someone else get a reading, they became full believers and have been incredibly supportive ever since!  

I have three sisters and they all have pretty much been #TeamMedium since the start! LOL. My parents on the other hand, took a lot longer to come around. My mom comes from a very Catholic, conservative, Hispanic background and so she initially questioned if this was a gift from God or if it could be coming from something negative. With my dad, he works as an auditor and so he’s a very analytical thinker. Initially, he was not sure what to believe, and only just recently witnessed my gifts in person when he came to an event that I did in San Diego (which you see in episode 7 this season). He has always supported me, but I think after that event he’s now fully a believer! 

I’ve noticed now that I’m living in San Diego, that people out here are a lot more open to what I do! So in general people react very positively when I tell them I’m a medium.

NT: How do your readings usually come to you? Are they clear images? Do you need help interpreting them? Etc.?

When I start to channel Spirit, I will often feel, hear, sense, and see things all at the same time that I then piece together in order to interpret the message for my client. Spirit will also show me signs and symbols that are part of my own “Spirit Dictionary” so I’ll already have a meaning for it. Communicating with the spirit world is not the same as communicating with people in the physical world. I see Spirit in my mind’s eye (like the way people will see images in a day dream) and I hear Spirit in my thought’s voice. Sometimes it’s as clear as an HD television screen or a radio tuned into the perfect frequency…and other times it can be a little fuzzier depending on the Spirit or personal factors (for example, if I’m running on no sleep or I’m 5 tequila shots deep the connection won’t be as strong LOL). 

NT: How did you learn to channel translating these messages through the deceased and their loved ones?

It’s kind of like playing an instrument in that for some people it comes so naturally. For me it was as soon as I stopped suppressing it that my gift got much stronger and then with daily meditation and more and more experience giving readings, my connection developed really quickly.

NT: Do messages ever get mixed up, or perhaps no messages come through at all during a reading?

Sometimes things get mixed up, but not because messages aren’t coming through, but because it may be for someone else! A couple years ago I was giving a reading to a client at my home, and the girl brought her roommate who waited for her downstairs. So I’m bringing through the messages from Spirit and the client was not connecting to any of it!!! I was so confused because the Spirit I was communicating with was so strong and it was clearly for someone! Turns out every last detail and message connected to the client’s roommate who was waiting for her downstairs. Spirit comes through for who NEEDS it the most, not necessarily for who wants it the most or is just curious. 

NT: Do you simply connect with spirits, revisit past experiences, or do you have more of a psychic aptitude?

I am simply a Spirit Medium who communicates with those who’ve crossed over. I’m not a psychic so I don’t predict the future or do any fortune telling. Occasionally, the loved ones in Spirit will talk about an upcoming event in your life if it’s already in motion. For example, I’ve had a Spirit come through in a reading and have me give the message, “Congratulations…you have a baby on the way!” and then I’ll get an email a week later from the client saying she just found out she’s pregnant!  

NT: Many people come to you in hope for answers, or in search of closure, how often are you able to fill that void for them and what does it feel like?

Getting a reading will never make you stop missing your loved ones and it won’t completely fill that hole in your heart, but it absolutely brings so much healing and comfort. For a lot of people it even gives them their life back. Layers of grief are peeled away and they can start LIVING again, after years of allowing the pain to keep them from getting out of bed in the morning and continuing to find the joy in their everyday life. I honestly love that transformation that I cannot just see or hear as far as the feedback that comes from the client, but I can actually feel. It’s like they’re a different person by the end of a reading! I can feel that shift and change of energy, this lightness and this huge weight that’s been lifted off of them because of the feeling and peace that it’s brought them. Really that’s why I do this first and foremost, for the clients, providing them that peace and comfort and allowing them to know their loved ones are around them. They don’t have to be wondering if there’s nothing after life on earth. There is an afterlife and you will be reunited with your loved ones. 

NT: The idea behind the nature of your gift can be a bit controversial- have you ever encountered non-believers, or worse, been accused of deception?

Yes, but that comes with the title. No matter who you are, how many years you’ve been doing this work, and how many readings you’ve given…if you talk to dead people you will ALWAYS have haters, skeptics, people who doubt you, not believe in you, etc. 

I understand where the skeptics are coming from. If I wasn’t the one connecting to Spirits, day after day, I would be skeptical. People should question things! But some people are just so closed minded, and I think a lot of the skeptics just come from a place of fear. I don’t waste my energy on the negative people and online bullies nor am trying to force my beliefs onto anyone. I’d rather continue spending my time bringing healing to a mom whose lost a child, a young girl who lost her dad, etc.

NT: What do you want the younger generation to know, to take away, or be inspired by?

Through my show and the work that I do as a medium, I’ve really tried to break down the stereotypes—this idea that mediums are either creepy or weird and ‘witchy’ or that they are frauds and fakes. I feel like our society is going through a kind of spiritual awakening right now and are becoming more receptive, understanding and okay with the idea of mediums.

I get thousands of messages from younger people that have their own abilities. I hope they are inspired to be true to who they are and not be afraid of what people will think of them if they choose to explore their own connection to the Other Side and maybe even come out of the “medium closet” themselves!

NT: Is there anyone you are looking to reach? Are you personally on a quest or mission for something in particular?

I hope that my work can help people see that life after death DOES exist. That our loved ones are still with us. That love never dies. 

‘Monica The Medium’ season finale airs on June 27th, 2016 on FreeForm.

t’s Shark Week! Here’s How To Avoid Becoming Shark Bait At The Beach

It’s a hot summer day and you are ready to hit the beach. There is only one thing that could put a damper on your fun in the sun… You guessed it, a shark bite! Most of us are so excited to cool off in the waves, we don’t even hear the dinner bell ringing.

With ‘Shark Week’ upon us, and big-budget movies like the family-friendly Finding Dory or Blake Lively’s The Shallows, which is about to be released into theaters, everyone is deep-sea obsessed. However, as much as we all love the adaptation of the unknown, no one wants to become the next ocean headline. By disposition, sharks are undoubtably the ultimate Kings of the Water-world. They may be majestic to look at, but never forget, they are natural-born hunters. That is simply the nature of the beast, both figuratively and literally speaking. So how can you safely enjoy all of your favorite salty adventured activities without having to worry about hearing the dreaded ominous tones of under-water horror?

New Theory breaks down the basics… For seven days straight, it is sink or swim, eat or be eaten, punch that mofo in the nose and just keeping swimming.

Here is your ‘Shark Week’ guide to avoiding becoming bait this summer.

• Do not mimic their nemesis ( Steering clear of dolphins, seals and seabirds is advised). Balancing on surfboards or wearing wet suits can create the illusion that you are prey from a shark’s perspective. I know it may be difficult, but try your hardest to look undesirable. #DAMGINA
• Always swim, dive, surf, with other individuals (big groups or at the very least, a partner) – never alone. Sharks target those who are alone because they do not want to have to struggle when feasting. Plus, dealing with a scramble may even be damaging to their teeth- and they simply cannot have that.
• Be alert of your surrounding environment.
• Find a surfer’s paradise. Don’t swim in waters which have already had attacks or where sharks have congregated to in the past. Sharks are creatures of habit. If you do not know the details about an area, I would contact authorities, lifeguards and seek out specific regional info.
• Skip swimming after heavy showers and rainfall. Typically after a storm, fresh water fish of all varieties, including the ferocious JAWS, have a tendency to migrate into areas that they would not traditionally frequent.
• Stay away from sandbars, trenches, near steep drop-offs or other areas with a high volume of shark activity.
• Only swim in clear water- where you can see what you are swimming among. No dirty or murky water for this guy, sorry Jersey Shore.
• Leave the shiny jewelry at home. The shimmer and reflection is a tempting treat for sharks of all species.

• Do not wear bright, bold colored bikinis or swimsuits that stimulate the scales of fish. There are countless types of fish in the sea, of all shapes and beautifully tropical colors, don’t look like one!
• Believe it or not, uneven tan-lines and contrasting skin colors are known to attract the sea beast. Stay evenly rotated when toasting in the sands.
• Do not swim at dusk or at night. Aside from the fact that it is harder to see, those are prime time feeding hours- otherwise prepare for a foodie frenzy. Sunny, clear days are the best.
• Refrain from excessive splashing if you want to prevent a sharkfest.
• Keep your pets and domestic animals out of the water. Their movement is unpredictable as is a hungry shark.
• Avoid swimming where individuals are boating, fishing, or sewage outfalls. Other distressed fish, especially ones caught in nets or on a hook, signal sharks to hustle on over.
• Do not spread blood or other human waste. Sharks have a strong sense of smell to gravitate towards that way. If you have a cut, exposed wound, or are menstruating, do not go out far for open swim.
• If you see a school of fishies begin to behave erratically, or swim fast in larges numbers-  I’d calmly, yet quickly get out of the water.
• Think like a shark.

Cost of Freedom: Breaking Down America’s Spending This Independence Day

What does the 4th of July mean to you? Or mean to America for that matter? Dollar, dollar bills, that’s what…

As our nation celebrates the 240th anniversary of Independence Day, an entire country of citizens pridefully adorn red, white, and blue. But it isn’t all star-spangled banners, stomachs filled with classic BBQ favorites like hot dogs and watermelon, and shoppers ready to pounce on the mammoth holiday sales…

Nope… that would be preposterous for the United States to be so ignorant as to what it is really supposed to be all about. Freedom? Nah. Liberty? Not so much. Justice for all? Give me a break.

As election year is upon the people, we find ourselves more politically divided than ever. Ya know, equality, gun-control, astronomical debt… real serious sh*t!

In times of reflection, our very own humane morality is constantly being questioned and challenged by each other and the outside borders. Voters beware.

My immediate instinct is to daydream of a much safer time, under the governed rule of the greatest president known throughout our ancient history- Bill Pullman. Let us remember…

“Mankind — that word should have new meaning for all of us today.

We can’t be consumed by our petty differences anymore.

We will be united in our common interests.

Perhaps its fate that today is the 4th of July, and you will once again be fighting for our freedom, not from tyranny, oppression, or persecution — but from annihilation.

We’re fighting for our right to live, to exist.

And should we win the day, the 4th of July will no longer be known as an American holiday, but as the day when the world declared in one voice:

“We will not go quietly into the night!

We will not vanish without a fight!

We’re going to live on!

We’re going to survive!

Today, we celebrate our Independence Day!”

Seriously. Goosebumps ya’ll. I doubt a leader has moved me since. Perhaps that kind of bravery is only in the movies afterall. Anyway…

In case our commonwealth’s educational system has failed miserably and you have retained zero information regarding basic knowledge (quite possible), authentically speaking, July Fourth is a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The Continental Congress announced that the thirteen American colonies distinguished themselves as a new nation, under God, yada, yada, yada… Just wanted to make sure we were all on the same page before moving forward.

Whether you are in the process of chasing the American dream, broke or rich, we are all equal in relating to the big bucks that will be spent this extended weekend. Money, huh? I guess green paper bills are the one thing that we can all agree we need more of, yet most of us continuously consume what we don’t need and pay out what we don’t have. It’s the American way. Besides, doesn’t false patriotism come at a price?

As we salute and memorialize countless nationalistic traditions and moments on every social media platform, our grief seems to be as ‘on steroids’ as our triumphs. It only makes sense that American spending habits would mirror the same sentiment.

  DealsPlus decided to examine the numbers behind America’s 3-day summer recess:

• 79% of people plan on spending $1-50 during the 4th weekend sales
• 3% of people plan on spending upwards of $151 on recreation
• 63% of people will be spending their day at a cookout/BBQ
• 9% of people will be traveling alone or with family
• 27% of people will be watching fireworks
• 48 million consumers shell our hard-earned presidential flashcards just of patriotic gear
• 6.7 billion dollars are spent just on food

Over 120 Minutes Of Leo: All Day, Every Day

Ever since a young Leonardo Dicaprio graced our television screens as Luke on Growing Pains, I have felt obligated to come clean. I never quite understood his “Teen Bop” heartthrob status from the very beginning. Sure, he had boyish good looks, but even back then, I dreamed of ‘a man’s man’.

Although his breakout Titanic role as Jack Dawson never truly made me swoon, I have always loved and respected his performances; This Boy’s Life, Basketball Diaries, Romeo & Juliet…  his list of street cred goes on and on in Hollywood.

I always knew this guy was an entirely different caliber of an actor. One we had never seen in our generation.

As Leonardo Dicaprio’s Oscar nominations began to pour in, it finally happened to me… His masculinity caught up with him and I was a hooked fish.

For me, Leo didn’t officially turn my head untill his charismatic character, Frank Abagnale, then my head spun out of control when I saw his facial hair in The Departed, and listened to his accent in Blood Diamond.

However, there are two major gripes that I need to address which really burn my toast about Leonardo DiCaprio:

1) When it comes to picking a mate, can you browse through another catalog?

And…

2) Can someone send this guy a 90 minute script for once?

When I think about Leo’s personal life the scene from Goodfellas with Joe Pesci’s mother immediately comes to mind.

“Why don’t you get yourself a nice girl? Settle down.” ( and preferably the way Clooney did it…I’m so over the Victoria Secret models, I repeat, get a new catalog )

Anyway, I am going on a tangent.

The real inspiration behind this list is because as much as I adore and appreciate any cinematic adventure starring Leo, sometimes I simply do not have the time to commit to his films, especially more than once. So here we go,

Leonardo Dicaprio Movie List Over 120 Minutes Broken Down

Revolutionary Road: 121 minutes

Shutter Island: 138 minutes

Catch Me If You Can: 141 minute

 Blood Diamond: 143 minutes

The Great Gatsby: 143 minutes

Inception: 148 minutes

The Departed: 151 minutes

DJango Unchained: 165 minutes

Gangs of New York: 167 minutes

The Aviator: 170 minutes

The Wolf of Wall Street: 180 minutes

Titanic: 194 minutes

There is no denying his brilliance and dedication to every role above. I just wish I could make the same sacrifices for my man.

*Theaters were forced provide big, comfy reclining seats, just because movie go-ers were getting back pain from Leonardo Dicaprio films. Fact.

The Many Faces of Meryl: A Look Back On Her Greatest Roles

One movie after another, Meryl Streep has transformed herself effortlessly into some of the most iconic characters in cinematic history. Approaching her whopping 20th Oscar nomination for her latest role, Meryl always delivers a game-changing performance as she continually raises the Hollywood bar for a new group of talented up & comers. From musical adaptations to rom-com’s and dramas, Streep seems to be an unstoppable force whether drawing box-office success or award-winning glory.

Although her numbers and acting ability have yet to be surpassed, she doesn’t see herself through the eyes of the public. Many actors and actresses either retire early once they have achieved the golden statues/honors, or they choose to participate in the movies requiring little or no skills, merely for a paycheck or for their own merriment. Not this Iron Lady.

Just because she has countless great films accredited to her name, her accolades certainly haven’t stopped her from diving into more and more thankless, demanding personas of pop-culture. She is the on-screen chameleon defining artistry in the biz.

Here are some of our all-time favorite Meryl’s…

The Knockout

The Survivor/Explorer

The perfect blend between a toxic avenger, and a characterization which is both tough and vulnerable in equal measure.

Mama Meryl

The wildly touching, yet distinct versions of middle-aged mothers figuring out life.

The Ice Queen

Even men have no shame in their affection for this guilty-pleasure as Meryl exudes both frost and charm at the same time.

The ‘Is That Really Meryl’?

We have to do a double-take as this famous face physical alters her appearance to confront and embody the tricky material of these motion pictures.

Dealing With Summertime Fomo

SUMMERTIME SADNESS

August. Ugh!

We all know the entire month invokes the same Sunday night feelings of anxiety closing out the summer. As most of us are left wondering where the heck summer went post-fourth, many of us feel like we didn’t get to do a lot of the things we had hoped to. Outdoor excursions, trendy rooftops, scenic patio bars, Happy Hours, beach days, water sports, hiking, vacations, or just days and nights, enjoying the heat and fresh air, what fun activities did you actually do to pass the time?

What brings us to FOMO…

FOMO is a person’s insidious psychological condition where they suffer from ‘fear of missing out’. Since FOMO plagues a growing portion of the mass population, especially millennials (thanks to social media), there has to be a few ways to deal with it. I mean, doesn’t it always seem like everyone on Instagram is having way more fun than us? Realistically, not everyone you know is eating the best foods, traveling to the most exotic places, and celebrating life with loud music and sparklers. Our experiences may seem to be on steroids, but that doesn’t mean they are all resulting in exceeded levels of personal gratification. None of it is real. And you are not alone.

Just as summer is about to vanish before our very eyes, here are five tips to help you beat the blues:

Slow Your Roll

Individuals tend to move at a much quicker stride than necessary or even beneficial to our own being. It is important for people to slow down at times. Take initiative to retrain your daily habits including practicing eating rituals, having engaging conversations, working more efficiently, or even love-making at a slower pace. Supporting friends and family to function in a relaxed manner will result in happier routines and an appreciation of time and moments.

Use Better Judgement

Make healthier decisions when assessing and justifying what is truly essential or required vs. what is simply just desirable. It is time to choose what to eliminate. If certain aspects which frequently monopolize your day, seem trivial in the long-run, they probably are. If they are not contributing to the quality of your life in a positive or profound, meaningful way, say GOODBYE. Although this may take a lot of effort, time and practice, once mastered, your experiences will feel more rewarding and you will be able to shake the feelings of insecurity that everyone is living their best life except you!

Live It, Don’t Just Upload IT

Meaning, actually enjoy the organic moments which make memories. Don’t just snap photos and forget to relish in your current state. People consistently admire, and sometimes even envy, when they see what everyone else doing on the Gram, and when their day comes, they can’t wait to share it instead of taking it all in. Individuals often forget that it is not a competition of who is having the most fun on every given day, and “the grass is greener on the other side” syndrome holds more weight today than ever before because of these platforms. The bottom line is, everyone has opportunities to attract happiness to their own lives, but sometimes FOMO leaves us failing to recognize it, leaving us unfulfilled and our soul undernourished over petty, symbolic BS.

Accept What Life May Not Have Provided To You Yet

Needs are more limited than we think. It is our dreams, passions, and desires which are boundless. Instead of seeking out on a quest for impulses which we lust after, be thankful in the areas where all of the essentials are being met. Decide your highest priorities, then focus. Let go of whatever ideas that are in your head, and holding you back from contentment. Pursue pleasure in the mundane, and be present with a non-judgmental awareness of your current state of being.

One on One

Just because everyone else around us acts like they are multitasking, and crushing their grind, doesn’t mean that we all have to or that it is right for everyone.

Clinical psychologist Dr. Bart Rossi insights, “Studies which have been conducted by experts on ‘Multi-tasking’ have revealed it to be an over-rated concept for many reasons. People are often much better at engagement when aiming at one task at a time and are not interfered with by other thoughts, or possible disruptions, rather than simultaneous errands. Peak performance is not only preferred, but it is also a key element in business and everyday life. By prioritizing what needs to be completed and working alone to accomplish them, proves effective and timely.”

Still feeling the FOMO??? Hopefully, this article helps you to feel empowered. Say it with us…

Punch Drunk Love: Fruity Frosé’s Summer Takeover

Yes Way, Frosé!

What better way to survive an unbearable heat wave than a new cocktail spreading throughout the nation?

It’s frosty, it’s sweet, and it’s made purely with your taste buds in mind; The Frosé!

The hottest drink of the summer aims for a thickened, slushie-like and frozen consistency, guaranteed to spark up a love affair. But is this just a summer fling with or lusting over, or is there long-term commitment?  With some type of variation on the original recipe, concocted by the popular social scene of NYC, every restaurant along the eastern shoreline is trying to promote their own unique version of the movement and contemporary following.

Since the east-coasters took matters into their own blenders with the genius innovation of what is basically just a wine infused slurpee, we decided to pick our favorite!

Vic Rallo, Host of PBS’s Eat!Drink!Italy!, restaurateur, and New Jersey resident, highlights his homemade Frosé  as a fan-favorite and most recommended menu item for individuals seeking a bold & boozy adult beverage to sip on this summer. Vic accredits the drink as to what keeps his patrons coming back for more as the freshly mixed cocktail embodies the feelings of a summer romance.

He goes through countless cases of rosé each and every week in order to fulfill the high-demand of the trendiest drink in town!

Rallo believes that using a quality wine is the foundation for a good Frosé.

In the hand-crafted Frosé recipe below Vic uses Masciarelli Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo Villa Gemma, a Rosé with notes of fruit and flowers. Pair this with your favorite brunch-dish and you got yourself a Sunday Funday or a thirsty any day!

 The Frosé

• 1 bottle of Masciarelli Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo Rosé or your favorite brand of ‘Rosé’
• 2 cups of sliced fresh strawberries (and a few whole strawberries reserved for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon simple syrup
• 2 tablespoons grenadine

Pour rosé into an ice cube tray and freeze. Once frozen, add sliced strawberries, rosé cubes, grenadine and simple syrup, blend until smooth. Pour into glasses, and garnish with whole strawberries.

Travel Uptown With Amore: NYC’s Fine Dining at Nello

If there is one thing NYC has no shortage of it’s fine cuisine and dining adventures to choose from. From the street meat, to the staple chain restaurants on every corner, how does one truly separate the authentic cultural dishes made with fresh ingredients which makes NYC the melting pot for foodies?

First off, if there are any native New Yorkers still residing in the heart of Manhattan or still in existence even, I am not about to reveal breaking news, or a big secret. However, for the wealthy elite of the city who flock to the Upper East Side in search of more than just quality food but a lost experience in the art of fine dining, this one is for you.

Nello is one of the city’s longest standing establishments. Popular with the European crowd,Nello in NYC is simply not your standard fine Italian cuisine. It provides a luxurious boutique atmosphere, reminiscent of a genuine old country backdrop. Nello is not the place for a quick bite, or even to curb a craving for an Italian-American favorite like Chicken Parm. Nello is the restaurant which truly understands how the other side dines out- with an extended appreciation for celebrating life- using quality dishes made with amore! Nello’s vibe is inviting to say the least.

From the specialty welcome spritz, the decadent mouthwatering pleasures, to the sweet, creamy desserts on the menu, from start to finish, expect a full night of belly laughs and happy tummies. The perfect blend of both casual and elegant.

The staff was friendly, yet assertive- a very helpful trait for those individuals who have trouble deciding on their apps or their entrees. We left it up to our waiter, and he did not disappoint! Our evening turned into a family-style free for all in which we were presented with an assortment of antipastos, breads, cheeses, meats & seafood, all tasting as if imported from the docks of a local Italian villa. The staff presented themselves as well-mannered, yet open, and dressed to the nines, but down to earth. Serving up course after course, and delivering in their promise of a fine dining experience, our table left satisfied with our meals and our overall expectation was superseded.

Yes, this is definitely a high-ticket Italian fare served up to an exceptional demographic of people on a quest for capturing an Old New York which has seemly disappeared over the years. I recommend Nello for NY’s restaurant goers who are not looking for just pasta and tomato sauce, but those looking to travel- be transported to how dining in NYC used to be and how European-style dining is forever untouchable.

When the opportunity presents itself to select a superior night in Manhattan, make reservations at Nello. Who knows? You may even be seated next to your favorite celebrity. Their wall of stars includes icons, legends, pop-stars, divas, Hollywood A-listers, and social influencers. I hate to name drop but photographs of Beyonce, Robert Deniro, Sting, Kate Hudson, Lady Gaga, and countless others grace the wall while eating lunch or dinner at New York’s finest.

Nello Restaurant, located on the Upper East Side and just a few blocks away from the world’s most exquisite department stores and high-end lifestyle boutiques, as well as Central Park East, is a fresh of breath air as it pays homage to the long-lost New York way of dining!

Now Mangiare!

Alicia Keys No Makeup Movement at The VMAS

Why Was It So Important That Alicia Keys and Alessia Cara Didn’t Wear Makeup To MTV’s Major Award Show?

Historically speaking, there is nothing more powerful than making a pop culture statement while attending MTV’s VMA red carpet, right? Whether showing up in a meat dress, using a foam finger as an erotic prop, or swapping spit with an iconic songstress, using the youthful platform to bring attention and awareness to certain social issues or as a way of highlighting an individual’s right for artistic expression, has always been a bigger part of the show.

Without a single stitch of makeup upon their faces, both Alicia Keys and Alessa Cara gave #slay a whole new meaning when it comes to au natural beauty with mass appeal. Or did they?

While many viewers and media trolls savagely attacked the soulful R&B vocalist and musician, as they were extremely under-impressed with her choice to go bare-face, Alicia Keys is yet another celebrity to prove the age old adage, damned if you do, damned if you don’t. The scrutiny may have been intense, but she stands by her purpose.

Her highly publicized personal essay in Lenny Letter earlier this summer received tremendous amounts of criticism. Yet among all of the negativity, many women felt not only empowered by her honesty and confidence, but also made the choice to stand by her declaration of true and authentic beauty. The feature chronicled her own insecurities which had developed over the years, as well as her personal experience handling the harsh and heavy focus on her physical appearance. Even after the 15-time Grammy winner was catapulted into the limelight for her unsurpassed talent, she could never escape the ongoing and immense pressures forced upon women to achieve the nearly impossible standards behind the ideal aesthetic, caused by unrealistic filters.

“Every time I left the house, I would be worried if I didn’t put on makeup,” she wrote. “What if someone wanted a picture?? What if they POSTED it??? These were the insecure, superficial, but honest thoughts I was thinking. And all of it, one way or another, was based too much on what other people thought of me.”- Keys

Since her published words made headlines, Alicia has kept her commitment to not wearing any makeup in public. And guess what? The gorgeous creature radiated with glamour regardless of a lack of lip-plumper. Hours of hair and makeup just for a few moments in front of the camera? Nah, she’s good!

Her embraced undertaking of a makeup free movement has given her a new found freedom with countless women shouting “YASSSSSSSS” to her pledge. She feels she has a responsibility to young women to help them to understand that their worth goes beyond an hour-glass silhouette and sculpted contour.

Joining in her efforts, Cara vowed to remove all of her warpaint while performing her hit song “Scars to Your Beautiful.” She insights, “We all look at ourselves in the mirror and think, I hate this, I wish that were different—from something minor like, ‘I have a pimple today,’ to something major like, ‘I don’t want to live anymore because I don’t think I’m good enough,’” Cara told Glamour in their upcoming September issue. “In ‘Scars,’ I wanted to tell people, ‘There isn’t one way to look beautiful—you are beautiful, and it’s the world that needs to change.’ ”

I know what you are all thinking… It’s easy to go makeup-free without feeling self-conscious when you look like them!

But in all seriousness, God forbid a woman doesn’t wear concealer or have extended lashes on that make her look like a doe-eyed Bambi. She must be judged now! She does not deserve respect! The public even uses words like “brave” to describe the shocking sentiment. How sad and scary is that?

2016 is the year the Twilight Zone had warned us about, women are all striving to look exactly the same. The only definition of beauty that I leave you with is, “In a world full of Dash dolls, be an Alicia Keys.”