Stranger Danger

Hola Hola!

It's been a while since my last post and during this time I've been gallivanting through Chicago, kicking ass and taking names. Anyway, It's still a (dating) jungle out there and this particular blog post is a warning for stranger danger. Here it goes:

The Background
A couple of weeks ago, while on my way out of Starbucks (grande coffee, skim, 1 Splenda w/ a straw) I was stopped on the street by semi ok guy. He gave me a compliment and a line about knowing each other from NBC in NY ("Nope. Sorry, I've never worked at 30 Rock"). I appreciated the courage and confidence so we exchanged numbers. A week later we met up for sushi and during the meal, he kept referring to everything as "real talk" while splaying his hands out in a feminine manner. I, for sure, thought he went both ways. I'm personally into manly men so "real talk" wasn't my kind of guy -- but I thought, OK maybe a new friend.

During the weekend "real talk" kept insisting on meeting up again -- at my apt. When I replied that my apartment wasn't suitable to host anyone he suggested to get a room at the W!! -- Hold up. What?! I was thinking about grabbing a drink -- not a room!

So, after MUCH consideration and hesitation (and placing a safety call to my homeboy) I had "real talk" over for a brief Sunday night drink. In his very feminine manner he kept saying how connected he felt. "We are, like, so connected in friendship level, a creative level and on a sexual level."
Say what, now?! With the most Queens attitude, I said "Listen, let me make this very clear. We are not connected on any level. Specially NOT sexually. I do not think you are attractive. We will never get it on. End of story, please leave." After the Queens Girl came out of me...he left. I thought that was weird! I erased his number and moved on with my life.

The Aftermath
Weeks later, I'm at work on a conference call and my iPhone starts blowing up with a NY area code number. I get off my call and think, "oh, shit. Somethings wrong at home" and without hesitation call back. To my surprise a woman answer and starts going off on me with a list of questions.
"Who are you? Why are you txting my fiance "real talk"? What is your relationship with him."

WHOA!!! (1. I thought he was gay, or at least bi; 2. Why is this crazy woman calling me? 3.Wow, my gaydar is really off!) When she finally stops, I give her The Background and tell her that her fiance was not acting like a committed man...and to save the drama for her mama. I'm out of this.

The Lesson
I hope this story has taught all of us a lesson. Stranger danger is alive and well. I think we have a sugar-coated view on love -- that it can be found anywhere -- but this is a scenario that has taught me to never take candy a phone number from a total stranger. Moving forward, all my interactions with guys need to have a third party involved. So, with that said...Does anyone know a handsome, successful, college educated brother/cousin/co-worker who might be a good fit?

xo
QQ

GLAMonday - NY Fashion Week

Tracy Reese was my first NY Fashion Week show and it was phenomenal. This season Tracy doesn't disappoint! We are loving the bold color and patterns. So QQ!!

My favorites are the neon trench and the monochromatic purple. Amazing!!

This tomato hot dress is MUY CALIENTE!!

The maxinista in me loves a similar version in the MM Couture or this lavender coat. I love the gold buttons! Shoes and accessories are the best way to add that POP to your look. I really like Jessica Simpson's shoe line. She is right on trend for less than $100. You can't beat that.

Cozy living - Apt. 2.0



The Pouf!



Breakfast Bar

 

Antique drawer knobs mixed with peak-a-boo tables from CB2

It's been a year since I moved to my humble abode and in that time I've added small details that make the apartment feel cozy, warm, modern and chic all wrapped into one.

I've added details like the Picasso print (recently purchased in Barcelona) and framed in an IKEA simple black frame. It looks great and is a reminder to explore the world!
You don't have to spend a lot to get the look you want. I love Overstock, for cheap finds. I was able to score the silver pouf and the breakfast bar tall chairs -- both for under $200! Another one of my favorites places for inspiration and good deals is Home Goods. I always leave that store with something. The silver flower votive are from there and they were only $10 for the set! SCORE.

Another simple swap is to change the knobs of your furniture. The antique TV stand was a gift from my mom and I thought it was bit country for my taste. But by changing the knobs (from Anthropology) the piece was transformed and is now one of favorites!
Side Note: The best way to incorporate color and life into your space is by adding fresh flowers. It really makes a difference! Try it.

Keep checking QQ for design tips!

GLAMonday - Shut your Mouth

For this week's edition of GLAMonday, bold lips! As in velvety reds, bright fuchsia lips and bursting oranges - I absolutely move a loud mouth!

 

I personally love MAC's Morange (Above). It brightens up my entire face. Check me out on the right wearing an orange hue.

Another favorite is Make Up Forever matte red. Every girl should have a go-to shade of red lipstick. Two words -- SUPER GLAM!

If the neon style is a bit much for you but you want to test out the look, I recommend starting out with a bright gloss. Bare Essentials BUXOM gloss will give you the hint of color and a burst of tingle that will give you Brangelina lips.

If all the above is just WAY too much...a simple lip stain can still add a pop of color to your lips. Tart makes them in a variety of color. Leave as is for a matte finish or add a dab of lip gloss for touch of shine.

SIDE NOTE: Remember, if your lips are bold, keep the rest of your makeup muted. You want to highlight one feature!

Now you're ready to pucker up.

Besistos,

QQ

GLAMonday - Nails on a Chalkboard

Happy GLAMonday! QQ is always trying to stay on top of all the beauty trends and in today's edition of GLAMonday, nails are on deck.
Nails are the easiest introduction to a new beauty trend. They can be in today and out tomorrow. It's so easy to switch it up and a great way to show your personal style.

For brave girls, I suggest ombre nail color (like Lauren Conrad) or even nail stickers.

Here's how to do it: Pick out four shades of in the same color wheel, paint your thumb and index finger the same color and then go down the color wheel and follow with your middle, ring and pinkie finger. Voila...Ombre nails!

I'm also OBSESSED with Kiss Nail Dress...Love the Black & Gold stickers! You can go wild and do all ten nails or use it as an accent nail. LOVE IT! So easy and they peel right off...

For those to like to side step danger, I say try a french manicure but mix up the colors. Light grey and dark grey make a great combo. Or see the rainbow below.

Side Note: Nail polish makes a great gift! Show your girlfriends a little appreciation and gift her a bottle of her favorite color. She will always think of you when she's getting her mani/pedi done.

 Today I'm wearing Smokin Hot by Essie layered with silver glitter -- Totally lovin' my look!

xo
QQ

This Weekend: Let's be Bad

The weekend is here and I can't wait to be off the clock and free to do I want! Although I tend to get into trouble when not supervised. Just a little...

This weekend, I hope you guys do what your little heart desires: Sleep in; stay out late; have that cheeseburger; dance the night away. Whatever makes you feel free & happy !!

Here goes a some of musical courage.


My horoscope is telling me that I should make love a priority this weekend. Maybe I should be bold and make the first move -- GULP!

Check out your weekend horoscope by (my favorites) the AstroTwins. Que Fancy!

HAPPY WEEKEND!

It's a (dating) jungle out there

Let me start this post by saying this: Being single is liberating, fun and you learn about yourself. I'm constantly meeting bachelors and going on dates. I have my elevator speech down and in a sea of awkward conversations and first dates, I have found real connections -- they are the exception. But it is a jungle out there...full of (horny and stupid) hyenas!

Last week - many weeks after our first date - I received a voicemail from one of these hyenas. In the voicemail, he very excited informed me that he had tickets to see Kathy Griffin and wanted to invite me. He also mentioned that the D Lister was dating his friend and we would go out with them after the show. I thought it would be a fun thing to do, so I said sure, why not. On the morning of the date, I received this long text that outlined an itinerary which included a time and place for us to "hook up" and then go about the date...This really happened. See the text below:

 I was floored by this text!!! Here goes my response:

If you are a single guy out there, please please think before you text!