A night with a Prince (and some other stuff!!!)

Contrary to popular belief

1) I don't party

2) I am a Gemini

And 3) I am obsessed with nail polish (but we will leave this one for another post!) lol

But last night I decided to have a good time with a good friend without solely focusing on professional aspects of my life, and although he tried to make me talk about work I side-tracked him so elegantly he didn't even notice lol

Let me say it was a long time coming because when I do events or go to galas everything is about work, no matter how many glasses of Merlot you see in my hand! Zanade is the networking Queen so I have to stay true to my title, but last night I let that go so that I could enjoy a moment to relax, relate and release...

1) We have a Black President who not only embodies what many men in this world should but he is strong and has a great woman beside him!

2) My intense workout is going great

3) And for purposes of this blog someone very special to me gave me a night of laughs and true joy... So thank you :-)

Ok, so after I sweated to the oldies for an hour the Prince* picked me up and we headed to the wonderful world that is Union Square. I must admit that my attire wasn't the best (weather conditions) but I made it work... A DIVA always does... with flashy butterfly earrings and flowing hair I was set to thrill!

Prince* took me to this great spot called Spice (if you never had then you must go NOW) For some reason he suspected that I was a bit uneasy with eating new foods but if you truly know me that is never the case. I was just taking it all in; the place was so beautiful I felt right at home. So I normally like to have the man order... I must say I am quite old fashion when it comes to that (my grandfather was such a gentleman) So after 20 minutes of being indecisive and having the waiter prompt us twice to order I let Prince* take care of business. He ordered these great shrimp and chicken fritters with a spicy sauce that was so tasty but eating them was a bit odd... Prince shoved the entire fritter in his mouth and suggested I do the same... so me being adventurous threw the entire thing in my mouth (weird visual I KNOW)

We talked about goals and life and of course he asked "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?" now ladies be careful how you answer this question, because your answer could scare the hell out of that man! Some women go off and start talking about marriage and mortgages (two things that scare the hell out of ME!) So I answered that I intend on living my dreams and having an established business and such. He began to tell me what his plans are and I was intrigued by every moment! Prince* is a very motivated DIE HARD individual so grabbing my attention was easy!

After that he gestured that we go see a movie and of course he said "Have you seen Notorious?" And ... for the record NO! I HAVEN'T! But the next showing was way too late for me so we opted to see My Bloody Valentine (not a great choice but suitable for the time and place)

Side note: When did 3D get so popular again? ;-(

We laughed and jumped at every single thing that SHOT at us (literally) and I must mention he has great arms and I took advantage of holding them EVER chance I could... it was a great moment and I took a deep breath to inhale the wonderful thought provoking.....WEED? What the heck I thought and totally blanked out from the classic horror movie girl-grabs boys arm routine and said "Is someone sitting in the movie theatre smoking weed?"

Prince* so embarrassed says "Yes... Yes it is weed."
I HATE THAT SMELL! I thought and proceeded to ignore or try to ignore what the dumb kids were doing...

OK, Jump to the mid-end of the movie..

Prince* and I are totally confused and he wants to know where did we get lost and I am still stuck at trying to adjust my eyes to see the darn thing in 3D! Then by the end we finally "GET IT"

Disappointed? Not really because I spent the night with a Prince* and like a true man (to my standards) he made sure that I got home safe and sound so that I can pick up bright and early on MY JOURNEY!

Sincerely,

An essential shining DIVA*

Zanade

Top 10 Ways To Corner the Recession!!!

Ok... How are you doing through this recession??? Are your bills piling up? Did you cut back on salon visits? Are you looking for anything to cover your expenses?

Well it wouldn't be silly to say "You are not alone!" But this does not have to stop you from being the optimistic person you are deep inside... Rough times always makes people depressed and needy but I say "Why should it?" Being depressed will do nothing to your current situation... Correct?

Well today the NYC Diva will give you 10 things you can do to better yourself and stay above water!


1) Look for opportunities... Be aggressive in your future don't wait for them to arrive go meet them there!

2) Get into the entertainment arena ...this could be anything.. Because during these times many people are looking for things to make them happy... Like going to the movies or local plays.. Try to fit yourself in those sectors! Reposition yourself!

3) Up your game in Networking! Meet more people be more social... If you need any help with this email me ASAP!

4) Absolutely look into new fields other than the field you are currently marketing to!

5) Look at the relationships you have with people in your contact list! See who can do things for you professionally AND CONTACT THEM! (On tips of what to say email me! zanademann@yahoo.com)

6) Stop being FEARFUL!

7) Invest in associations and professional organizations... it may cost some $ but the long term effect will pay off!

8) See a career coach... (Side note) if you buy a membership with a professional org you may be entitled to a free session with one! Try www.nywici.org if you are in the communications field!

9) Prepare for sudden changes personally and professionally and then your worries won't be that high if something happens!

And...

10) Think of yourself as a brand! ®

I hope this list was very informative for you as it is for me I want to thank those who have instilled this in me over the years! Many thanks to my organizational women!

Later!

Zanade Mann

Any questions please don't hesitate to email the DIVA! Let's help each other!

I Have That Face

Hey all ☼☼☼

Ok... So...I have this crazy notion that I have this look on my face that says "Talk to me!" and that's great truly... I think it is important to connect to people outside the digital world right?

Many of us are so tied into our own worlds that we fail to disconnect the cells, emails and blackberries and connect with ordinary people...so I want to share with you 3 funny scenarios of my theory and invite you to come talk to me!

♥1) I was heading back from this weekend retreat and was quietly reading my notes on an express train back to NY when this lovely Jewish lady started to ask me a series of questions that quickly felt like I was playing Jeopardy, but I welcomed it. She asked if I was married and I said after a bad break up, I preferred to be alone and she looked at me like I was insane LOL "why would you do that?" she exclaimed and I began to tell her a logical reason but then decided to listen because I was sure she had jewels to give me. The old woman said "You see that man sleeping over there?" and I said "Yes" and she continued to say "That's my husband and he is rich!" so I laughed and she said "Never let a man break your heart, I learned that a long time ago." and I asked her how can I do that and she said "The key is to never marry for love marry for money and then your heart will always be safe!"

Now some will agree and some won't but that woman was hilarious! And well dressed for that matter! And I doubt if she goes around telling everyone that tale!

♥♥2)I was at a networking event and everyone was meeting and greeting talking about goals and dreams, family and kids when I noticed one of the guest speakers seemed a bit distant and me being ME decided to approach her and ask if everything was cool... She said with a sly remark "Yeah but these things just bore me, all this blah blah blah stuff about careers drives me nuts!" so I just answered back "Yeah I know what you mean (but not really lol) then she asked if I was leaving anytime soon and I said yes and agreed to walk out with her once I said my goodbyes... We got into the elevator and she began to talk about the event and why she was objecting to everything while sitting on the panel and I was in tears

(Did I mention this woman is a big shot at a large media company?)

She had no clue who I was and didn't care she then gave me her card and said call me when you wanna do some real networking!

♥♥♥3) The very last event I was at I sat next to this wonderful lady who introduced herself by one name only and mentioned this was her first event with the organization. So I began to give her the org's pitch to inform her about us... Now throughout the event the lady went back and forth between the panel and the brochure and was making little comments... Some regarding the size of one's waist and the bad photo-shopped picture on the flyer and all I could do was smile because I didn't want to talk about the guests.
She began to tap me and say "Wow she is terrible!" and I laughed... She had no clue who I was to the org and I didn't mention...She asked me some weird questions and as I started to answer I noticed she was writing it down so I proceeded to ask this lady what network she was with and she responded "I am a reporter" So needless to say I shut my mouth LOL
So the fact that she felt like I was the main source was cool! LOL

Later :-)

Zanade Mann

Top 21 Fiercest Beyonce Verses!

Top 21 Fiercest Beyonce Verses!

We all know and love the ICON Sasha Fierce formally known as Beyonce Knowles because of her diverse talents but let’s take a journey back into some of her hottest verses since she hit the charts!

1)“last week and you stayed at home alone and lonely, couldn’t find yo man he was chilling with his homies, this week and your going out, if he try to stop you your going off”

Jumpin’ Jumpin’ Destiny’s Child

2)“You can't stay, you gotta go, Ain't no other chick spending' your dough”

“Ring the Alarm” Beyonce B’Day

3)“Bragging' on that cash that he gave you is to front, If you're gonna brag make sure it's, your money you flaunt, Depend on no one else to give you what you want”

“Independent Women” (Part 1) Destiny’s Child

4)“if you don't go bragging, i'ma let you have it, you think that I’m teasing, but I Ain’t got no, reason, I’m sure that I can please ya, but first I gotta read you”

“Check on It” Beyonce the Pink Panther

5)“With you next to me, there’s no darkness I can't overcome, you are my raindrops, I am a seed, with you and God, who's my sunlight, I bloom and grow so beautifully”

“Dangerously in Love” Beyonce Dangerously in Love

6)“Know that I can't get over you, 'Cause everything I see is you, and I don't want no, substitute, Baby I swear its Déjà vu”

“Déjà vu” Beyonce B’Day

7)“I'm a train wreck in the morning, I'm a bitch in the afternoon, Every now and then without, warning, I can be really mean towards you”

“Flaws and All” Beyonce

8)“Don't treat me to these things of the world, I'm not that kind of girl, Your love is what, prefer, what I deserve, Is a man that makes me then takes me, And delivers me to a destiny,, to infinity and beyond,”

Single Ladies (Put a ring on it) Beyonce

9)“Now I’m done believing you, You don’t know what I'm feeling, I'm more than what, you made, of me, I followed the voice, you think you gave to me, But now I gotta find, my own.., my own...”

“Listen” Dreamgirls Beyonce

10)“Mission five, Skip to the front of the line, Let me fix my hair up 'fore I go inside (hey), Mission six, Gotta check these chicks, 'Cause you know they gone block when I take these flicks (hey), Mission seven, Gotta make my rounds, Given eyes to the guys now I think I found him (hey), Mission eight, Now we conversate, And we can skip small talk let's get right to the chase”

“Get Me Bodied” Beyonce

11)“Ego so big you must admit, I got every reason to feel like I'm that bitch, Ego so strong, you Ain’t know?, I don't need no beat, I can sing it with piano”

“Ego” Beyonce I Am… Sasha Fierce

12)“I'm a world wide woman WWW you can log on anywhere you're girl can take you there.”

“World Wide Woman” Beyonce”

13)“We like dem boys up top from the BK (BK), Know how to flip that money three ways, (Three ways), Always riding' big on the freeway (Freeway), (Wit that east coast slang that us, country girls we like), Low cut Caesars wit the deep waves (deep waves)
so quick to snatch up your Beyonce”

“Solider” Destiny’s Child

14)“When I walk up to you baby, You seem so shy, What's the problem baby, Never had a, girl like I, I can see right through you, And you know you wanna be mine, So get your act, together, Cause you're running out of time”

“No, No, No” Destiny’s Child

15)“its not hot that when in blocking your phone number, you call me from over your best friends house, and its not hot that I cant even go out with my girlfriends, without you tracking, me down, you need to chill out with that mess, cause you cant keep having me stressed, cause every time my phone rings it seems to be you, and I’m praying that it is someone else”

“Bug a Boo” Destiny’s Child

16)“You could be a sweet dream or a beautiful nightmare”

“Beautiful Nightmare” Beyonce

17)“What is up wit this tell the truth who you wit, How would you like it if I came over wit my, clique, Don't try to change it now see you got to bounce, When 2 seconds ago you said you, just got in the house”

“Say My Name” Destiny’s Child

18)“You triflin', good for nothing type of brother, Silly me, why haven't I found another? A baller, when times get hard need someone to help me out, Instead of a scrub like you, Who don't know what a man's about”

“Bills, Bills, Bills” Destiny’s Child

19)“So since I'm not your everything, How about I'll be nothing, Nothing at all to you, Baby I wont shed a tear for you, I won't lose a wink of sleep, Cause the truth of the matter is, Replacing you is so easy”

“Irreplaceable” Beyonce

20)“I can do for you what Martin did for the people, Ran by the men but the women keep the tempo, It's very seldom that you're blessed to find your equal, Still play my part and let, you take the lead role…Believe me”

“Upgrade U” Beyonce


21)“You thought I couldn't last without you, But I'm lasting', you thought that I would die, without you, But I'm living', Thought that I would fail without you, But I'm on top, Thought it would be over by now, But it won't stop”

“Survivor” Destiny’s Child

Beyonce knows just how to hit em HARD!

I hope you enjoyed the list

Love ya!

Zanade Mann

8 Reasons Not To Let Your Dream Die!

One fond memory that I hold dear to me would have to be my elementary school trips, one in particular. I went to a small school P.S. 13 in Staten Island, New York and my teachers would always bring us on these wonderful exploratory trips. One trip I loved was our monthly trips to the Alice Austin house where there was a mini beach that we walked on. Now I was not interested in running around with my peers or sticking under the teacher because I was more interested in dreaming...

I envisioned where I would be in ten years, what home I would live in and more importantly what people I would encounter on my journey. I must admit I was quite ambitious and eager to become an adult. Then the teacher would blow her whistle to let us know it was time to go and I would leave all my dreams on the sand so that they would drift away into the waters and somehow come back to me as I aged.

Thinking back on those days I now realize that after being tossed through the mighty waters my dreams are now alive and kicking...

It is fair to say that what you want as a child related to your future goals are very pertinent! I don't think for one moment that any dream that I left out on the beach will be forgotten and more importantly I know they will come to pass..

Furthermore I present to you 8 real LIFE reasons not to let YOUR DREAMS DIE!

The waters re-create new life... New patterns in the sand... Things may not work out the way you envisioned them as a child but they can come to pass in whatever avenues they present themselves in!

1) Children are far more creative than adults and letting your creative dream die is not a smart idea.

2) When we are kids we believe that there is nothing "weird" about what we expect to happen when we are older... But for some reason as adults we let the minor things people say deter us from our hearts desire! Why not keep the notions you had?

3) Because this has been your dream for a very long time... Why would you want to start all over finding something that is just not who you are?

4) Because the person who discouraged you is counting on your failure!

5) Because dreams can easily be turned into real life goals and visions...and can even become companies!

6) Following your dreams will inspire someone else to follow theirs!

7) How will you ever be able to throw your hands up and sing Destiny's Child Survivor with a honest smile on your face?

8) And finally ... What about that ambitious child on the beach... huh? Who will answer to her?

Why it’s crucial NOT 2 Sleep in your 20’s!

Hey yall!

I want to give you all a few words of wisdom and give you 10 reasons why it is crucial NOT to sleep during your 20's...

If you have any Goals, Plans or Hopes sleeping won't get you there!

Is this blog meant to entertain? Maybe but the key points I am sure you will get by the end of the post.

Do you remember the night before the first day of school? I surely do! I could not sleep not one minute... Why? Because I was eager to meet my new teacher, show off my new L.A Gears and start a new point in my life.. I look at my life the same was now that I am an adult.. When I put a plan into action EVERY night is like the night before the first day of school! I lay in bed and reflect on what I want... what I expect to happen at the end of year... who have I touched... who's life did I improve or better yet how much did I improve over the past year or whatever timeframe I gave myself. More often than not I complete all my goals and own my accomplishments but I see that many of my peers are not doing the same.

I am quickly starting to Design Women... How you ask? By telling them what they already know... By giving them a chance to appreciate themselves without negative people around to doubt them...

Many of the women I deal with are 20 y/o + and they are having these restful night sleeps and I wonder how the heck they have time for that?

So follow my steps and live a restless, wealthy life!

1) How will you ever turn you DREAMS into real and visable GOALS if you are all wrapped up in your blanket?

2) When will you have time to network, if you are in bed by 9 p.m.?

3) When do you possibly update all your social networking sites if you are sleep by 11 p.m. and manage a 9 to 5 job?

4) There are way too many books at Barnes & Nobles for you to read instead of sleeping! TRUE STORY

5) You can not formulate a business plan if you are in bed BRIGHT AND EARLY! Venture Caps don't give a crap if you are tired!

6) Can you really watch Oprah at 4 p.m. and think that she got a good night sleep in the height of her career? You didn't think that she worked only 3 hour days... DID YOU?

7) You can't relay on Social Security ... so when are you going to become your own boss? And if you say soon ... remember that doesn't include a good night sleep! Trust Me!

8) Because if you had all these random thoughts throughout the day ...when will you get time to blog about them if your sleep? Can't do it at your job can you?

9) During the election with President Elect Barack Obama... do you remember the numerous volunteers... who had no sleep ...fighting for change ... to put that man in office ??? DO YOU THINK THEY GOT SLEEP?

10) And finally ...In your legacy... What story will you tell???

Zanade :-)

Would you pay on the first date?

So me an my friend let's call her Hyper, Hyper has been going on numerous dates and practically emptying her pockets week after week taking these loser dudes on dates! I call them loser dudes because if you let a woman pay for dinner on the first date you are a loser in my eyes!

For me the rule is 1st date you pay and then we will move on from there but there is no way ...let me repeat NO WAY I am paying on the first date...

Ok, I must admit that I am a bit traditional when it come to this notion and a firm believer that notions are generally wrong but this one I can't cross out! I come from a family a rather small family where my grandfather treated my grandmother as a QUEEN. I have never seen my grandmother come out of pocket, he brought the groceries, paid the bills and much much more. When it was time to go school clothes shopping my grandmother gave the money HE HAD GIVEN TO HER TO PAY FOR THE A&S bill! I looked at that as love ... because he wanted to take care what was his! True story... and since then I had followed that same upbringing ... I am a power woman but I still would like to have the man I am with or dating treat me as a QUEEN in that respect.

Now that being said Hyper is going on dates spending money because she felt uncomfortable waiting for HIM TO PULL OUT HIS CC! Is she serious? Me? I would sit there with the glass of wine in my hand like I never saw the check hit the table LOL!

So I have been coaching her on how to cordially bypass the first date bill...

1) When the Waiter comes over he/she will almost instantly place the bill next to the man ... so let him/her do that ...smile at your date and go straight back to your lunch/dinner/latte!

2) He starts to fumble around like the $ just jumped out of his pocket ... get up and go to the bathroom! Enough said.

3) If you notice that after 10 minutes he has yet to pick up the bill ...play the same game until he does... HE SHOULD ALREADY KNOW THE RULES if not then send him MY WAY :-)

So she is ready for her next date ... I told her bring enough for cabfare Just In Case he bugs out LOL and when the check comes pick from the choices above!

Much Love,

A single for a reason gal!

Zanade :-)