A Colorful Look At "Sexy and Cute"

When you're describing someone, whether it's just their look or a combination of their personality, look and style there are a roster of words that you can use that mean VERY different things. Beautiful, Pretty, Sexy, Hot, Cute. All flattering, but each can mean very different things to men as they can for women.

I've known girls that get mad when they're described as cute. They would much rather be beautiful or gorgeous. Many of my friends that are guys have only two descriptors for women: cute or hot. But there are so many more. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, right?

Instead of waging a war on how you describe the beauty of a woman, I was more interested to read and learn about how what a woman is wearing or how the length of her hair changes how she's viewed.

Men love long hair. I don't understand it, but in every article I read, it was unanimous that men prefer women with long hair - it's "feminine and sexy". The kicker is that many women who work the bob or pixie cut usually are confident enough in themselves that this tidbit really doesn't impact their haircut decisions. My perspective is, rock a style that fits your attitude. Boys, we like long hair too, but it's tough to dry, tame and keep looking gorgeous all the time. And if this season Glamour or Marie Claire says to think about layers, we just might take their advice.

Colors can also impact senses and perception. I'm sure you can guess a few colors that are deemed as "sexy", but what you may not know is that the color red actually is scientifically proven to make men feel more attracted to a woman.

Since I have a good roster of single guy friends I asked them what colors they felt corresponded with the words sexy and cute. I was not too surprised by what they told me, but it's at least worth sharing:

• The colors black, red, pink and white correspond with the word sexy.
• The colors yellow and pink correspond with the word cute.
• Blue was mentioned in a few responses as well, but not as dominantly as the other colors above.
  

Last October a study conducted by two University of Rochester psychologists to be published online added color—literally and figuratively—to the age-old question of what attracts men to women. In the final study, the shirt of the woman in the photograph, instead of the background, was digitally colored red or blue. In this experiment, men were queried not only about their attraction to the woman, but their intentions regarding dating.

One question asked: "Imagine that you are going on a date with this person and have $100 in your wallet. How much money would you be willing to spend on your date?"What they found was that under all of the conditions, when shown to men, pictures of women shown framed by or wearing red were rated significantly more attractive and sexually desirable by men than the exact same women shown with other colors. When wearing red, the woman was also more likely to be treated to a more expensive outing.

It's at least worth keeping in mind next time you're choosing what to wear for a big date. I usually opt for the black dress, but it might be a good idea to go with the red heels!!!

Do you agree with the guys on this?

FYI - the image can be found and purchased here from the artist!

Museums Don't Have to Be Boring...

There are a few topics that can grab, keep and entice conversation. It also, of course, depends on the age of those talking. For instance in the over 65 crowd, there's the typical aches, ouchies, and annoyances of an under appreciative generation of kids. While adults between the ages of 18 - approx. 65 can discuss sex in a way that it makes a conversation, more exciting, relate-able, or just plain fun. So here we go. The Museum of Sex in New York City (yes, you just read that correctly) has provided a nice little roster of sex facts that can serve as an excellent conversation starter, relationship builder or just a little tidbit of entertainment for your afternoon read.

1. The best medicine...

According to the Museum of Sex, the vibrator was originally used as a medicinal treatment for female "hysteria" during the 19th century. The vibrator-induced orgasms helped doctors dissipate hysteria's anxiety-related symptoms.

2. Say cheese!

Semen contains zinc and calcium, both of which are proven to prevent tooth decay.

3. Hop to it.

The iconic "Rabbit" is renowned for two things: excellent results and an odd smiley face on its tip. Women's Health tells us the smiley face was actually a result of conservative Japanese customs. Apparently, Japanese consumers frown upon "the production of sex toys that too closely resemble phalluses," so the smiley face was added.

4. Does he measure up?

The average size of an erect penis is 5 inches, and the average flaccid penis measures about 3 inches.

5. Protect our troops.

Today the government issues "Support our Troops" paraphernalia; however government-issued brochures and videos featured a slightly different slogan during the WWII era – "Don't forget – Put it on before you put it in." During the Second World War, many soldiers returned home with venereal diseases, costing the government millions of dollars in medical expenses.

6. Work it.

Hate the gym? You burn about 200 calories during 30 minutes of active sex.

7. What a tease!

Burlesque costumes are the epitome of sexy – think Dita Von Teese and lingerie; however, a few centuries ago, the outfits had a slightly different purpose. According to the Museum of Sex, merkins (the bottom half of burlesque costumes) were originally created as "pubic wigs" for 15th century prostitutes. The designs helped hide pubic lice and syphilis symptoms. Make sure to share this information with your boyfriend the next time he heads to Vegas with the boys.

8. Justice is served.

In Hong Kong, adulterous husbands get more than a steep monthly alimony payment – a betrayed wife is legally allowed to kill her husband if he cheats on her – but she may only do so with her bare hands.

9. Whatever happened to Southern comfort?

The sale of sex toys and vibrators is banned in Alabama and Mississippi.

I found this little roster of fun on SheKnows.com -- they've got more great reads, take a look when you have a minute!

A Beatle In Your Ear

The Beatles are timeless. I guarantee that most people, regardless of their generation, can find a Beatles song that they love or that at least makes them feel something. The best part about the Beatles is that they ended up being just regular people with an amazing way to create music that changed moods and minds.

I watched the Beatles Anthology on Vh1 and just managed to fall i nlove with their music all over again. The same thing happened when I saw the movie Across the Universe (sweet love story with a soundtrack that reminded me why musicals are such likable genres).

Today Beatles Rockband and The Remasters arrived. Whether you're a gamer or just a fan. Enjoy!

What songs are your favorite?

My top three are: Elenor Rigby, I Want You (She's so heavy), Hey Jude

Reality or Romance?

I Hate Valentine's Day is a cute little movie that was just released by IFC. It reunites the "Big Fat" chemistry of John Corbitt and Nila Vardalos (she also directs) through a kitchy little plot-line about rules, dating and romance.

This totally flighty, but completely likeable woman in her early thirties owns a flower shop in Brooklyn (lovin it already...) she's been disappointed by men time and time again and as a result has created a five date rule. She believes that happiness and romance lasts for only about five dates. After the five she lets the guy leave the situation and she remains happy. No tears. No expectations. Just fun. I think in many ways this is a brilliant concept. Of course the movie picks up as she finds an incredibly sexy restaurant owner that is (suprise) single, not crazy and with only a limited amount of baggage (yes girls, this is a fictional character).

She tells him her rules. The kicker is, she is looking for romance. Five dates can be as long or short as they want to be, but he knows that ultimately there needs to be romance involved. With out giving away the entire movie, they both fall for each other through a series of dates in about three months, but miscommunication creates a whole world of doubt and tears. In the end they both realize how much they just enjoy being together, put rules and expectation aside and find each other again.

Here's my point. This was a movie about being romanced. The main characters idea of romance was barely a reality. Her idea of romance ultimately pushed the "right" guy away. So it makes me wonder, what is romance? Is it real or just a way for a real situation with someone to become as fictional as possible. Lately I wonder if these movies mimic real life or if real life tries too hard to mimic these movies. What is romance?

What do you think romance really is? Speak up, I'm dying to hear other theories here; tell me in a comment it's anonymous...

Trust Your Gut

When it comes to the opposite sex, trusting your gut about a situation you might find yourself in with them, can mean the difference between a long drawn out world of heartbreak or finding complete knock your socks off happiness. It's an easy theory to understand.

My good friend, whom I talk with quite often about my own love life (or lack thereof), always says, "What does your gut tell you? Trust it." Though this is probably something you've heard a thousand times before, sometimes you just need to hear it again.

I wonder if the gut instincts we have about a person or situation are really just a physical way of fate or destiny helping guide us. I seesaw on the destiny concept. Depending of course on my mood. Is there such a thing as "meant to be"? Or do we "make our own"?

I'm starting to believe in a hybrid of the two. We create our own fate. We are responsible for the life we have and the one we choose to have. But, there are things that help to get us to that place we're ultimately suppose to be or to that person we're ultimately suppose to be with. People that love the movie Serendipity are probably on the same page with me.

What do you think? Is trusting your gut the same as having faith in fate? Is your destiny already determined or do you make your own? Speak up, I'd love to hear your opinion!

Self Perception and the Glorius Reception

You suck. You Rock. You rock my world. The emotional rollercoaster that people can throw you on is nothing short of abusive. People's knee-jerk reaction of who you are or what you do is probably the most honest, non-sugar coated version of how you really perceive yourself.

I'm a strong believer in the idea that the way you truly perceive yourself is how others will see you too. Granted, there are occasions where someone may believe they are the most amazing human, when in fact they are the farthest thing from it, but remember there always has to be an exception to the rule. This theory and suggestion stems back from probably the most basic and first rule that your parents and teachers taught you. Treat others the way you want to be treated. Same idea. Here's my spin.

Do what you have to do to be awesome. Enjoy it. Wear that dress that you're on the fence about whether or not its appropriate for the night. Don't always opt for the black pumps. Talk to someone you don't know. Look at something a different way. Change your own mind about a person. Create your own rules. Choose to dance (thanks Womack). Take work seriously. Then take time off. Pack your weekend with fun. Surround yourself with people that make you feel good. If you think you're boring, you probably are. Change it if you don't like it. Otherwise embrace it.

How do people perceive you? If you like it, rock out, continue being your fabulous self. If not, tweak it. Either way, have fun along the way.

*Image is from the BBC iconic show Absolutely Fabulous