My early memories involve us bumping into one another at the tents of NY Fashion Week, tech events and anything glam and amazing. We would tell our life stories in a matter of minutes or maybe a few hours! To know her is to be drawn to her and recently I love that we have been able to hang out more! If you heard my radio interview with her earlier this year then you know that Shoshi (Yolanda Shoshana) is the Modern Day Courtesan and Luscious Lifestyle Diva! She teaches us how to still retain our natural sexiness and how to initiate it in a world where many times our focuses are all over the place. Bi weekly she will share her sexy insights with us and I'm so happy that she is on board! In keeping with her name, her segments are Keeping it Luscious! If you want to know more, check her out here where you'll be linked into her videos, workshops she's doing and events! Today she tackles Sex and the City. Yes the movie just came out but what are the messages that surround it?

Sex And The City 2 - UK Premiere - Red Carpet Arrivals

Once it was announced there would be a Sex and the City 2 women began the countdown on their calendars, the fabulous foursome would be back! The movie has finally arrived this summer, women were thrilled, and men became frightened (at least according to their comments on Twitter).

I confess that I have a love/hate relationship with Sex and the City I was not jumping up and down for the film for many reasons. I rolled my eyes every time I saw an article where the headline alluded to all the love tips to be learned from Sex and the City. Being a modern courtesan who loves the art of courtesans, it is hard for me to cosign with some of the message about relationships that Sex and the City has offered us ladies. Don't get me wrong, I love a fluff and fun look at
relationships, sex, and love cause it helps us laugh to keep from crying. However, what is important to remember is that after awhile we simply start to believe the messages we are told. Really think about Carrie's relationship with Big: he was cruel to her, damaged her self esteem consistantly, had an affair with her, the list goes on. She should not have ended up with him, but in the end Carrie got her guy which had women thrilled for days after the show finale. How very Hollywood, cause real life does not necessarily work that way. I say whatever. Interesting enough in the two movies, Big is actually a likeable guy and Carrie is the one screwing things up. Now that Carrie has the man of her dreams she is sending him mixed messages. Does sending mixed messages in a relationship work out? Most of the time it doesn't simply, because men take the lead from us.

Maybe that is why so many identify with Carrie , because we all have been a hot mess at one time or another when it comes to love and relationships. The only problem is Carrie seems to stay a hot mess. As I sat watching Sex and the City 2, quite surprised it is not the worst movie of the year as it has been deemed, I finally found something that I have learned from the ladies after all. My Sex and the City "aha moment" is learning, self love.

Out of the four ladies my teacher is Samantha. I thank for her for wisdom and chutzpah on the self love message. She lives her life the way she wants and how she wants. She is okay with saying that she is "fifty effin two" and still gonna rock that dress. She broke up with Smith, in the first movie because she needed and wanted more. She continously went for what or who she wanted. There is a long list of moments for Samantha, which reflects a consistant message of self love. Cheers to her for teaching me!

Coming to grips with who you are and what you want is the only way you will have a successful relationship with anyone else as well as yourself. Whether is it Sex and the City 2 or another chick flick, look deeper into the message that is before you, question it, explore it, and dwell in it.

Yolanda Shoshana “Shoshi” is a media personality, courtesan coach, sensualist, speaker, writer living in New York City known as the Luscious Lifestyle Diva. Self growth and following her bliss has always been a key part of her life. Shoshi followed her entrepreneur spirit by starting a lifestyle company that engages the senses to help people live lusciously. The services include: courtesan coaching™,workshops/classes, pleasure planning, image consulting, empowerment through media, wedding officiating, etc. She is the founder of the School of Courtisane Moderne, a modern day courtesan school which teaches women the art of seduction. She also is the creatrix and sensualist of luscious creams, potions, etc. that helps women unleash their inner courtesan!

Ah one of the final segments from this week's Big Apple BBQ Festival shows how the city brings everyone together. Typically these streets would be full of cars (I loved sitting in one of my seminars and realizing that my feet were crossed on a manhole cover) and yet this weekend, everyone enjoyed a large and safe block party. It was nice to see everyone in their summer outfits and sunglasses with either a beer or a plate of food in their hands. One of the cutest places that I saw in terms of booths was Baker's Ribs! I love the cute little pink pig in green writing. Once again I was impressed with how hard people worked and how hot it was outside but everyone was equally impressed - especially the guy in the navy shirt with the sunglasses! Fortunately that was my boyfriend who enjoyed taking in the sites and enjoying the food. It's always nice to see how the city can come together to enjoy a great event and the music was absolutely amazing!

 

One of the creators of this event was one of the most notable BBQ restaurants - Blue Smoke. Throughout all the panels, everyone had talked about them and I was definitely interested in checking out how they created the amazing tastes that were making people smile. As I walked around the park, it was interesting to see all the ways that people make their signature barbecue. The Big Apple BBQ Fest had so many booths that at first, I didn't really think about the main attraction - actually seeing everyone cook! Thankfully, my boyfriend (the guy in the navy shirt with sunglasses on) took out his camera, which made me think of my Flip. Although I didn't attend today, it was hot yesterday and I don't know how everyone was able to keep working with the heat of the pits and also the weather! I did learn one lesson, when it came to the end of the day and you saw that no one was in line, that's when you knew that they were all out. Unfortunately we had to pass up a few booths because of this. Enjoy seeing the hard working folks at Blue Smoke.

 

Today was hot and absolutely amazing! Today I started early in the afternoon at the Big Apple BBQ Fest which took place in Madison Park today and tomorrow! Not only was it hot but it was a lot of fun to see food, music, hear seminars and to hear happy people getting excited about BBQ. I have to say that I was a BBQ novice but after a recent visit to Dinosaur BBQ in Harlem, I had a renewed respect (yes how does a Midwestern girl not get into BBQ until a late age - I don't know but I am definitely interested and got a lot of information). After picking up my press passes (thanks Katy) I went to the seminars first. Sponsored by Snapple and Every Day With Rachael Ray, I really wanted to see what was going on and sit in on a few demos if possible. I had the luxury of making it in to my first cooking demo "On the Side". This was lead by two Food Editors of my favorite magazine - Every Day with Rachael Ray. Pamela Mitchell and Teri Tsang Barrett shared interesting sides that you can include on your barbecue which are just as important as the main attraction! I came in right when they handed out the amazing golden sweet tea and I also sampled the hush puppies that I hadn't had in quite some time. This video clip includes the segment about the hush puppies. Teri is on the right and Pamela is on the left! These ladies were a lot of fun to listen to and was a great way to introduce me to my day!

 

This weekend is going to be hot and when it's hot - you have to get nibbles and beverages! Think back to previous weekends - maybe you grabbed icecream in the park, had brunch at an outdoor cafe or you enjoyed a back patio with friends. You have to change it up a bit by making sure you head out to the Big Apple BBQ sponsored by Snapple this weekend! I am so excited as The Kitten Lounge will be attending this event! I can't wait to tell you guys some of the hottest places in the city to enjoy BBQ and what cities are definitely bringing it too! Now if you want more than BBQ, you will enjoy yummie sides, dessert and beer! In addition to hanging out in Madison Park with tons of people that will be your jolly new friends, there will be live music and seminars. When you check in this weekend on the Kitten Lounge, I will bring you recaps of what you can enjoy as I will be there on Sat and Sun will have closing thoughts on this 10th annual event. In addition, my Flip will be coming with me as well. To check out the schedule and to see what works for you, make sure you visit their snazzy site! If you were fortunate enough to get your Fast Pass - congrats, I can't wait to try all the amazing items. If not, everything is reasonably priced and waiting - come on an empty stomach and remember to drinks lots of fluids! The inconsistent weather of this week will be worth it to enjoy the sun and heat of the weekend.

 

I am such a huge fan of Sex and the City and am super excited about the movie coming in May! A friend of mine and I spent the afternoon talking back and forth about it and how could I not find a way to include it within this site - rest assured that as we get closer there will be little tidbits found on here and I look forward to hearing everyone's feedback once they see the movie as well. Until then, enjoy seeing this super cute counter which also gives necessary info as well.