Blog Archives
5 Dating Red Flags [4 the Ladies]
Over the past week or so, I’ve read a couple of blogs about dating. I was inspired to write this piece based on what I read. Women sometimes need help with identifying red flags when a guy begins to show interest. Some red flags may not be as evident as others. With that said, I’ve come up with 5 Red Flags that all women should be aware of.
- Bae/Boo/Baby. This is really weird. If a guy calls you bae/boo/baby right off the back, chances are he’s a clinger. You may want to Harlem shake out of the clinch. These are terms of endearment and should only be used when you’ve been dating someone for a significant amount of time.
- “I miss you.” If you’ve only met once or a couple of times, and the guy is already claiming to miss you. Please run in the opposite direction. How can you miss someone you don’t know? It seems to me that the guy is just trying to say something he thinks you may like, and if he’s willing to do that then he probably has ulterior motives.
- All text. No call. If a guy only texts you and never calls that is a problem. You can’t get to know a person through text. Speaking over the phone doesn’t allow for a lapse between responses, and you can also hear his tone when he speaks. If he only texts you, he may have something to hide like a girlfriend. Lol.
- “What’s the freakiest thing you’ve done?” If a guy is asking a lot of questions related to sex. Stop. Drop. And Roll out of there! It’s extremely likely that is all he is concerned with. There’s a time and place for everything. Asking what your favorite position is on the first telephone conversation you have is definitely a no-go!
- Social Media stalking. If he immediately sends you a friend request on Facebook, follows you on Twitter and Instagram, likes all your pictures, retweets all your tweets, and comments on everything you post, he’s crazy. This is a sure sign he’s a stalker. No one likes to be stalked, so ease out of that situation by limiting what he can see.
What are some of your red flags? Please share!
Prevent the Valentine’s Day Blues
As Valentine’s Day approaches, I’ve noticed an increase in bitter and sad status updates. Valentine’s Day can really bring out the bad in people. Although I’m probably preaching to the choir about this, there really is no need to be so down and out on Valentine’s Day. I’ve gone several years without having a Valentine. While I will admit that when I was younger, it did make me sad that I was missing out. However, as an adult without a Valentine, I didn’t allow the Hallmark holiday to get me down. I have been blessed to have a Valentine for the past 3 years, but before then I would think of things to do to keep my spirits high. With that said, I’ve come up with a list of 5 things you can do to prevent the Valentine’s Day Blues.
1. Send a gift or flowers to a friend who doesn’t have a Valentine. Giving is always better than receiving, and if you have a good heart, this will be an easy way to keep you happy on V-Day.
2. Go out with some friends, who don’t have Valentines either, for dinner/drinks. When you’re having a fun, who has time to think about other things that don’t really matter?
3. Steer clear of social media sites if they’re going to make you sad. People will be posting status updates and uploading pictures. So, if you can’t handle it, stay away. I remember one year I read a status update where this girl posed the question, “I wonder what it feels like not having a Valentine?” I’m sure that struck a chord with a lot of her “Facebook friends”. You should know that I don’t believe she’s had a Valentine since then. However, not everyone posting on Valentine’s Day is trying to hurt those who don’t have a Valentine, but again, if someone’s happiness is going to bring you down, don’t login. If it doesn’t bother you, proceed as normal.
4. Do something nice for yourself. I’ve heard of women sending flowers to themselves. You can do that or buy yourself a nice gift. I love getting a pedicure, so that could be something you treat yourself to.
5. Make a mental note that Valentine’s Day is only one day in the year. While you may not have a significant other to shower you with love, and gifts on this particular day, you have other people around you that love you everyday of the year. Gifts and flowers don’t equal love, emotions and actions do.
Cheer up, Champ! 
Hampton Inn Atlanta Perimeter
This has been one of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed at. From the moment we walked in to the moment we left, the hospitality levels were on high. I read a lot of reviews on this hotel, and I don’t remember coming across any negative ones. That factor along distance and pricing were the main reasons why I choose this hotel. I can say that I was quite happy with my decision.
The room was setup up exactly like the pictures I saw online. The room was clean and the linens were too. The bed was comfortable, and the pillows were perfect. I slept quite peacefully. The 2 Queen bed room was pretty spacious, with an in-room refrigerator, desk, desk chair and lounge chair. The only amenity this room lacked was a microwave, which had to be requested. The bathroom was nice and clean. There was a ton of counter space, which is something that I really need. The shower/tub combo was clean, and the water got really hot.
The hotel offered a complimentary breakfast. It included a few hot items, cereal, bagels, danishes, coffee, waffles, and juice. Although the food was mediocre, it helped that we didn’t have to look for a place to eat breakfast. Instead we ate at the hotel, and started our day as soon as we pulled out the parking lot.
The hotel was located in close proximity to every attraction we wanted to visit. The longest distance traveled was to Six Flags, which was approximately 30 minutes away. That was definitely a very important factor in choosing this hotel, especially since we wanted to participate in Atlanta’s night life. When returning late, although the parking lot was full, we still managed to find parking in a lighted area. This was important, especially being a female.
The hospitality shown by the hotel personnel was amazing. Everyone was smiling, and willing to help in any manner. They answered any and all questions we had. The personnel would often make suggestions for places to dine, and visit to enhance our experience. With that said, I would recommend this hotel to all those traveling to Atlanta. It’s accommodating to families, extended stays and business trips. 
Howl-O-Scream [2012]
I’ve been going to these Halloween-inspired month-long events at theme parks for the past five years. I’ve made it something like a tradition for myself. The first one I went to was Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights (HHN). I enjoyed myself, but for the past few years I started solely going to Busch Garden’s Howl-O-Scream (HOS).
In choosing between HHN and HOS, I’ve come to conclusion that I prefer Howl-O-Scream for many reasons. Busch Gardens has way more rides, the tickets are cheaper, and there are generally fewer people. HOS never disappoints me. I always have a good time because I’m able to go through the haunted houses and ride roller coasters.
As expected, I visited HOS this year. It was fun, but I have to admit that I was a little bummed that they recycled the same theme from last year. I read on their Facebook page that there was a difference between last year’s theme and this year’s. I didn’t recognize it. Not to mention, one of the houses I went through was the exact same as the one I went through last year. That was a turn off, but not a big enough one where I wouldn’t return.
This year I went one weekend before the final weekend of HOS. Last year, I made the mistake of going on the last weekend. I had to stand in line for hours before I could go into a house. I think I only made it through two houses, which really upset me. Moving forward I vowed to always purchase a fast pass. On the night I went this year, it wasn’t really necessary because it wasn’t that busy. However, it was nice to skip the line and not have to wait in line for more than 5 minutes. I don’t regret getting the fast pass at all. We were able to get through all the houses, and ride all the roller coasters except for one in about 3.5 hours. That was awesome! I will continue to buy the fast pass from this year on out. It’s worth the extra $35, especially since you get 20% off merchandise, and BOGO photos.
I love Busch Gardens and Howl-O-Scream. I always recommend that people go here over Halloween Horror Nights. However, it’s hard to convince some people because HHN is more popular and main stream than HOS. I strongly believe you are getting more of your money’s worth when you go to Howl-O-Scream, especially since I’ve experienced both multiple times. To each his or her own though. 
Tyla Times
