Where is Christian Grey?!

50 Shades Review

By now, you may have been swallowed up by the ’round-the-world craze known as “Christian Grey!” We’ve never met him, but so many of us women (and maybe men) are fantasizing about him–what he looks like, how hot his body is, him running his fingers through his hair, etc. (all details provided in the books). For those who have no clue who this man is, the sad truth is, neither do WE! This is a fictional character in the world renowned, bestselling trilogy that has taken us by storm. In a series of three books, Fifty Shades of Grey, Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed, author E.L. James has invited us to become obsessed with the dark and mysterious Christian Grey–along with his lovely lady, Anastasia Steele.

I would hate to give away any major details, but the truth is…YOU SHOULD HAVE BOUGHT THE BOOKS AND READ THEM BY NOW. This series is filled with “kinky f*ckery” (that’s the term that is used in the book), love, heartbreak, seduction, violence, control…you get the picture. I was COMPLETELY engaged and head over heels with Christian Grey–the sexy, successful millionaire with control problems, secrets and a fetish for dominating his submissive lovers. I read ALL three books in two weeks! We’re talking about reading instead of watching television, reading before bedtime, reading on lunch breaks, reading when I woke up…I was utterly and completely hooked. Christian Grey eased his way into his lover’s life–recent college graduate, Anastasia Steele, who was a virgin and inexperienced in a lot of things (not just sex). From the moment they locked eyes, they found pure electricity flowing through their body and were inseparable. She is introduced to a world that she would never have thought to explore. A world that is dark, invigorating, secret and most of all, NEW! He, of course, comes with much personal baggage from past lovers and child abuse, to the constant need to control every situation…that is until, he met Anastasia! She changed his world and made him think in a new way…in a way that combined his sexual fantasies and control with her traditional innocence. A man incapable of even loving, learned to live and love for the first time.

So many readers had mixed emotions about the content of the book, but the majority of my fellow 50 Shades fans were totally taken over! It was an opportunity to dive into deep fantasy and read about a pure, kinky, passionate, raw love where anything was possible. Each reader can adopt their own perspective on the main objective of the series…that’s the beauty! Some will settle for only the risque parts, where as others (like myself) will allow themselves to be taken on a literary journey where there are no limits. In a nutshell, I was left wanting MORE (wink)!

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Here is what I picture when I think of what Mr. Grey might look like (based on the details given in the books of course):

1. What were YOU left thinking?

2. Did you fall in love with Christian Grey as I did?

3. Did you love the books or hate the books?

Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment and let’s get this discussion started!

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Get Inside the Mind of Terrell Owens’ Personal Assistant, Adrienne Williams

At some point, we have all wondered what it would be like to work with someone famous. What are they like in real life? How would we even get the opportunity to get that close? Do I have what it takes to work side by side with a celebrity? Well, I have the perfect person who can help answer all of these questions and more! Meet Adrienne Williams! She is beautiful, successful and more importantly, she is driven! She went from being the Director of Operations at a staffing agency, where the owner had recently had a baby and needed Adrienne to run personal errands for her, to being the personal assistant of NFL star, Terrell Owens. I’d say that’s a pretty decent upgrade! Her work experience allowed her to realize a couple of things: she likes the freedom of working from home (not in an office) and she is good at what she does. A lot of people dream big and want to be in front of the camera, but there are some career paths that most don’t even think about; let’s see what life is like working for T.O.!

Were you nervous when you first knew you’d be working for T.O.?

Honestly, I wasn’t really nervous because I knew how badly I wanted the job and knew that once I got an interview, I could get the job. I had a custom t-shirt from his website made with a message on it and sent it directly to him at the Bills’ practice facility. I wanted this job and I was going to do whatever it took to stand out. I got a call the very next day!

What advice would you offer someone who is looking to be a celebrity assistant?

Know that it’s not all glitz and glamour. Being a celebrity assistant is a lot of hard work, long hours and very little down time. While there are obvious perks to the job (sporting events, parties, gifting suite swag, etc.), it is a 24/7 commitment. I’m always on-call.

How hard is your job? Do you have a personal life anymore?

It’s a balancing act. Terrell consumes a large part of my life right now but this is what I signed up for. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I work hard but I play hard too. When he leaves, it gives me a little more freedom to catch up with friends for lunch or dinner but I always make sure that I’m handling my business. You will often times find me with my BlackBerry in one hand and iPhone in the other. But hey whatever it takes!

What is your ultimate career goal?

I would love to continue working in the sports industry. I’m a huge football and basketball fan so this has been perfect for me. I would eventually like to run my own personal assistant/concierge agency geared specifically to athletes. It takes a great deal of trust to give someone complete and total access to your life’s details and I think athletes could benefit from a “one-stop shop” for their life management needs.

How is it working for T.O. (he seems like a really nice guy btw)?

It was definitely intimidating in the beginning. Terrell is a pretty quiet person believe it or not so it took some time for him to warm up to me. Right around the time I was coming up to the one-year mark, we were headed to Cincinnati and I think that was the turning point in our working relationship. He jokes around with me all the time and we talk about everything under the sun. At the end of the day though, he’s still the boss and I have to respect that. You can never get too comfortable!

For the ladies out there looking to work with male celebrities, how important is it to be professional at all times and not be “that girl” who is attracted to their boss (assuming he’s attractive)?

I cannot stress enough how important it is to keep it professional and strictly platonic. It sounds cliche but you really shouldn’t mix business with pleasure. While it’s nice to have some eye candy to look at on a daily basis, you have to look at the big picture and know what your purpose is in this person’s life. Stay in your lane. You’ll earn so much more respect that way.

What do you think makes you so successful at your job?

I am a people pleaser by nature so this job was a really good fit for me. I put Terrell’s needs ahead of my own a lot of the time but that’s what he pays me to do…to be his right-hand. I also recognize that there is no set list of responsibilities. I have done everything from relocation from one city to another to taking out the trash to filming his workouts and everything in between. People ask me all the time “What exactly do you do for him?” The question is what DON’T I do? I have done it all! You just have to put a smile on your face and get things done.

Did you have to relocate for the position? If not, is that something that potential candidates would have to consider when entering into this career field?

I did have to relocate to Buffalo when I was first hired. Part of the deal with becoming one of two finalists for this job was that you had to pack as if you weren’t going back home because the person who got the job had to start training immediately. I mean trust me, I never imagined myself living in Buffalo but if it meant getting the opportunity to work for one of the greatest NFL players our generation has known, then so be it. I definitely think your chances of landing a personal assistant position increase when you open yourself up to relocation.

What’s the funniest/most embarrassing thing that has happened to you on the job?

Oh my gosh! Right after Terrell and I arrived in Cincinnati for the season, we went to see Andy Roddick play in a tournament. I was super excited because this was the very first time Terrell and I had been to an event together. This being my first tennis match, I’m just looking around, taking in the whole scene. All of a sudden, they start the Kiss Cam. I sat there thinking “Omg, they’re going to show us…please don’t show us…” Sure enough, about 3 couples in, guess who’s on the Jumbotron…Terrell and I! I played it off and just shook my head like nope, not going to happen. He was such a good sport…just shrugged and laughed it off. The funniest part of the whole thing was that the match was televised and people started tweeting Terrell asking him why “that girl” next to him wouldn’t kiss him. Talk about embarrassing!

The perks of being a blogger is that you can interact with so many people from all over and in many industries! Adrienne, by far, has been one of the sweetest people I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing and seems very down to earth. The Dreamworld wishes you MUCH success…T.O. has hit the jackpot with you! I hope this encourages my readers to think outside of the box and remember that no task is ever too small…a humble beginning can lead to a very rewarding future.

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A Road Less Traveled.

I think we all reach points in our life when there’s a fork in the road. We have the choice to either go left or right, not knowing which direction is the correct one. I’m more of a choose-neither-kind-of-gal and see what happens if I go straight! It’s how I’ve chosen to live my life and whether or not it was ever the best decision for me, it’s gotten me to THIS very point in my life. Do I have regrets? Sure do. Are there things that I would change if I could? Absolutely. However, in the end, all of the choices that I have made for myself, were means to a lesson. So, what sort of things have I learned? I’m blessed even when I don’t get all that I pray for, I love like it’s going out of style, I’m stronger than I give myself credit for, I will forgive someone a million times without them doing the same for me, and most of all, I am able to accept the consequences for my actions even if “in the moment” I don’t want to.

On the other hand, something that I struggle with DEEPLY is accepting the criticism of others. Because my heart is so big and I love so hard, sometimes I feel like I can’t do much to offend those that I love the most, but I now know that this is so far from the truth. I’ve had people teach me some crazy lessons recently and their words have stuck in my head. I’m guilty of holding some to such a high standard that is virtually impossible for them to ever meet. When they fail at living up to my “standards” I am the first one there to make them aware of their mistake. I’m also guilty of being so easily filled with anger when my feelings are hurt and what’s inside of me comes out through my words…words that can be hurtful. I’m also very emotional and with emotions come blurred judgments. And these are just a few.

You may be wondering why I’m disclosing any of this. Well, I believe that it is our (the world’s) responsibility to openly share parts of our journey that could prove to be helpful to others. I want to be the best representation of myself to the world and as I grow, I realize that no matter how many times I fail or I fall down or I take the wrong path at the fork in the road, I still have to live with myself. I still have to look in the mirror and look into the eyes of the person staring back at me. One thing I am sure of is, I am completely grateful for the people that have stuck by my side. I am forever grateful for those that have chosen to make me a better person rather than giving up even when I made it the easy option. It is because of them that I have lifelong friends, strong family ties and the motivation to be a better woman.

With this in mind, I made a list. A list of things that I want to work on within me because whether I choose left, right or straight, the path begins and ends with the person walking it…and I want to be a wise traveler.

1. Cut back on cussing (totally a work in progress, but the change starts now-words are powerful)

2. Listen to others speak, more than I listen to myself speak

3. Start admitting when I am wrong

4. Tell my family/friends “thank you” and “I appreciate you” more than I point the finger

5. The people that walk away…let them!

It’s a small list, but it’s my start. No one is perfect, so I challenge you to make your own and do your best to stick with it!

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ILLUMINATING Blogger Award!

I had the honor of receiving another award for my blog, YIPPEE!!! It completely caught me by surprise, being as though I didn’t know the person who nominated me. That just goes to show, PEOPLE ARE PAYING ATTENTION TO ME and I LOOOOVE attention. I am the recipient of the Illuminating Blogger Award and it came with this lovely message:

I love reading your site so I’ve nominated you for the Illuminating Blogger Award for illuminating, informative blog content. You can check out the details at my site …

What an amazing surprise, especially since I work SO hard on my site! This really supports the old adage that hard work truly pays off. So, what now? The rules are simple:

1. The nominee should visit the award site (http://foodstoriesblog.com/illuminating-blogger-award/) and leave a comment indicating that they have been nominated and by whom. (This step is so important because it’s the only way that we can create a blogroll of award winners).
2. The Nominee should thank the person that nominated them by posting & including a link to their blog.
3. Share one random thing about yourself in your blog post.
4. Select at least five other bloggers that you enjoy reading their illuminating, informative posts and nominate them for the award.
5. Notify your nominees by leaving a comment on their blog, including a link to the award site (http://foodstoriesblog.com/illuminating-blogger-award/).

If you are one of the lucky bloggers that I nominate for this nifty award, be sure to follow the above list. Congrats to all fellow recipients and happy blogging! Feel free to snag this image for your post as well!

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Teamwork Makes the DREAM work!

Nowadays, it’s a surprise when I decide to do a personal post for my lovely readers, but I think it’s a great time to provide an update on my life! For starters, I’m taking each day as it comes and whether it’s a good or bad experience, I can take lessons from it all. My birthday came and went in a flash and although I didn’t celebrate it as I had originally planned, my family and friends managed to come together and share in my special day. For those that are not aware, I had a VERY traumatic thing happen to me and without focusing on every single, saddening detail I will just say this: A complete stranger found a way to change my outlook on life by physically harming me in a way that I had never experienced. What lessons came of it? I will never underestimate the intentions of others and I will not ASSume that all men know not to hit a woman. Another lesson? That I have some of the BEST friends and family in the world who have been helping me process everything. Constantly checking on me, being a shoulder to cry on and a set of ears to listen. My TEAM is amazing!

Despite this life-changing event, I have managed to still push forward and take small strides in the right direction. It hasn’t been easy, but what about life IS easy? With that said, I reached out to the creator of Shipwrecked on Fabulous Island and wanted to have my pictures taken (she does amazing work, check her out)…WHY? Because I’m building my portfolio for another major move that I am making, but can’t really disclose at the moment! Aside from the process of having my photos done, it was a chance for me to FEEL pretty inside and out. My CONFIDENCE was on point and it was just what I needed (FYI, the remaining photos will be published in a separate post)! As if the past few months haven’t been busy enough, I’m working on my life plan. I’ve written business plans in the past, but never a LIFE plan to map out where I am, where I want to go and where I want to end up. I will keep all of you updated on how that goes!

My goal isn’t to bore you so this is it for now, BUT it is extremely important for me to provide updates on where my journey is taking me…afterall, that is the whole premise of Danithedreamgirl.com! I’m determined to turn my DREAMS into a reality, while helping others along the way. Keeping this motto in mind, I will continue to share stories of strangers and friends alike, in order to inspire and foster a change among our generation! If you want your journey, testimony, or even career highlighted in the Dreamworld, reach out and I’d be more than happy to make it happen! Remember: TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK!

***If you are interested in having your very own photo session, please send all inquiries to danithedreamgirl@gmail.com and I will send you my photographer’s contact information. Serious inquiries only!!!***

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Are You Gifted Enough to Start Your Own Business?

I have several friends and acquaintances whom are looking to start their own business. They want to supply everything from clothing to jewelry and even offer services such as hair, make-up, etc. I, myself, have never been too big on starting a business, but I’ve always wondered how someone might embark on such a journey. I came across a hilarious YouTube channel, NeeziieBabiie143 (http://www.youtube.com/user/NeeziieBabiie143), and for some reason could not stop watching this tiny little thing talk about how to get a bigger butt or what’s wrong with some men (haha). It was entertaining to say the least! At any rate, I did some digging and found out that her name is Parneet Kaur and she has her own jewelry line, Pure Karats, (I already brought some fab earrings).

She also has her very own threading salon in Sacramento, CA, Threaded Beauty, where she turns her clients from meek to chic. Just knowing this, I knew she’d be a great person to gather some start-up business information from and to also share what she’s experienced on her journey thus far. She’s worked with top selling music groups and artists such as Bruno Mars; Parneet must be doing something right! I’m trying to stress the fact that all it takes is a dream in mind and the drive to make it happen! Check out what tips she has to offer those of you looking to tap into your entrepreneurial spirit (see the bottom of this article for information about her company and jewelry line):

Where are you originally from?

I am from Sacramento, California. Trying to put us on the map! So much talent out here, but for some reason we as a city don’t support each other like we should!! Trying to change that!! : )

Age?

22 years YOUNG!!

What inspired you to create a jewelry line?

Honestly, I love looking Glam and Fab, jewelry was a perfect way to offer that to all the women out there that want to feel the same way. I want women to feel comfortable in their own skin and accessories can do just that. With make-up we cover up imperfections, but jewelry only adds to US!!…Jewelry is just a way to build my brand PARNEET KAUR INC. I have a corporation and everything falls under that. Working on “Pure Kosmetics” and soon a clothing line “Pure Klothing” (S/o to Ms. Nessa creator of Rich Girlz jewelry that is killin the game with all her stuff on VH1 and MTV, my biggest mentor/inspiration).

How much success are you seeing from this venture?

I am gaining so much attention and just confidence to move onto other projects that will give men and women other options to look glam and fab in their own skin and allow them to step out of their comfort zones. My Pure Karats jewelry has been styled on “The Charlies” who are with ten #1 singles, three chart-topping albums, a best-selling book, a hit reality TV show in Iceland, and having worked with producers such as Bruno Mars, Cee-lo, and much more, Sacramento Fashion week, on our local news station KCRA 3, and in a bunch of local clothing brand photo shoots. I would say PURE KARATS is starting off on the right track. I started this business at the end of December 2011. Pretty new.

How is your salon doing?

The traffic is more than I expected honestly. I was trying to stay on a local level just to gain experience, but I am getting traffic/attention from around the US which is amazing. I currently only have my jewelry online, but I do own a threading salon , Threaded Beauty, as well in Sacramento, CA that I want to expand to different areas. I will have more products in the near future. (Make-up, Skin Care, and Clothing). You can find all this in on my website www.ThreadedBeauty.com

What sort of struggles have you faced along the way?

Struggles that I have faced are HATERS!!! “Who does she think she is” “She hella ugly” “B!tch” blah blah blah. Every business has it’s start-up struggles. It’s not easy, but that’s nothing hard work can’t fix, but what could get to someone the most is the haters. I say f*ck the haters because at the end of the day haters don’t really hate you, they hate themselves cause you’re a reflection of what they wish to be. Straight up. All you can do to succeed is stay true to yourself and stick to what you want. : )

What advice can you offer those looking to become an entrepreneur in this industry?

One key piece of advice that I can offer is that if you really want success you have to wake-up and go to sleep with that “WANT” everyday until you achieve it and even then you should still strive for more. You can’t want to have a successful business one day and not the next. THINK like you’re always broke and want success, BAD!! Trust me you’ll get it : )

What’s your ultimate goal?

My ultimate life goal is to be remembered for the things that I have done for others. I want to leave a mark in peoples life. Whether it was making someone feel good when they put my jewelry on or giving them a good laugh with my YOUTUBE videos. I just want to be remembered and live a fulfilling life because we do only live once and I want to take all the opportunities I have in life to make something of myself. I am currently writing a book as well titled, “The Men that Made me.” This is being written to share my experience with men and to give women an outlet to understand that they’re not alone in a lot of the stuff they go through in relationships.

What do you think is your God-given purpose in life?

I think my God-given purpose in life is to give to others in any form that is helpful. I’ve always been that person that has looked out for others and am very giving, so being able to share and give people things that can make them happy and maybe even guide them in positive directions is very fulfilling to me.

What’s something funny/quirky that people may not know about you?

Me and my best friend don’t ever sing songs all the way we just sing the damn add libs.. Ex: Trey Songz… all his oooooooos and aaaaaaah lmao just imagine us walking into a store and all you hear is funny ass noises. Yeh that’s us!! lmao I freakin laugh at everything… lol

No matter what your talent/trade, ANYTHING is possible! Adopt the mentality that you can do whatever you put your mind to and the rest will fall into place. It’s only a matter of time before you break into your industry of choice and show the world what you have to offer! Thanks for visiting my Dreamworld!

To check out/purchase some of Parneet’s jewelry, click below:

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Since Danity Kane, Where Has She Been? D. Woods Exclusive!

We all remember the climactic moments from Making the Band and despite the drama that spread within Danity Kane, we can’t help but miss seeing them on TV. There’s no denying that each member brought something special to the table and stood out in their own right. Do you ever wonder where they are or what they’re up to? Well, I decided to find out for myself where they’re at…starting with a fan favorite, D. Woods; the booty, the beauty and the voice! You’ll be happy to know that, not only is she still singing, but she has a new video and continues to push her way through the industry.

Born Wanita “D. Woods” Woodgett, she has always been a triple threat: singer, dancer and actress. Hailing from California and Massachusetts, Woods relocated to Atlanta where she began attending performing arts school, Tri-Cities High School. She would go on to continue building her technique at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and perfecting her acting abilities at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. If you thought that Danity Kane was her first run in the spotlight, you thought wrong. D. Woods has performed as a background dancer for big names such as, Snoop Dogg, LeToya Luckett, Bow Wow and more. After surviving the cut of Diddy’s Making the Band 3, the world got a glimpse of this special package on a much larger scale. The dynamic female group toured with powerhouse, Christina Aguilera and had two top selling albums (Danity Kane and Welcome to the Dollhouse) . Despite the abrupt ending of an amazing group, D. Woods remains strong-rooted in her goals. Read on to see what she has to say about life after the drama:

How has life, post reality T.V., been for you?

Even better!

What latest project(s) are you currently working on? Any exciting collaborations?

I have my label WOODGRANE ENTERTAINMENT and the first release, THE GRAY AREA EP which is on iTunes and other online retailers NOW. Go get It!

What motivates you to continue on your journey through this industry?

What motivates me is the little girl who dreamed of big things and stages and creativity that was/is, me. I can’t let her down.

What do you think is your God-given purpose in life?

Everyday I ask myself that and truthfully I believe that is the work of each person to find and redefine as they go through this world. I get a feeling of confirmation when Im doing something for GOD’s purpose that is undeniable so I keep search for that feeling.

What advice can you offer others, especially females, trying to make it in this industry?

Learn your craft and the business of your craft.

What is one funny/quirky thing about you that fans may not already know?

I’m a mermaid when I get in the water. I can stay on the beach in the water or the pool all day.

How can we show support, i.e. where can we buy your music, get the latest info on upcoming projects, etc.?

You can find THE GRAY AREA on iTunes or go to www.missdwoods.com for all things D.Woods.

*I asked D. Woods a couple of questions regarding Danity Kane and this is what her publicist had to say:

Ms. Woods prefers not to answer questions in reference to her former label or group.

It’s nice to see her moving in a positive direction and not diving into the D.K. past. The Dreamworld wishes her nothing but the best and if you want to show your support, make sure to visit iTunes and purchase The Gray Area! Before you leave, check out her latest video, Foolish Dreamer: