The song is simple, yet soul stirring.  I am a true hip-hop dirty south loving diva but nothing cools the mind like a smooth NeoSoul track.

Please relax and reflect for a few with MaxWell Magazines’s Song Of The Moment:

Me’Shell Ndegeocello Beautiful

Thoughts, Emotions?

It’s sad how someone as peaceful and genuine as Lynette could take a verbal punch from a “man” with no retort. By the shows end there was a shining moment; Sean “P Diddy” Combs.  A man not generally known for his humility and tolerance showed what it means to be a leader.  I loved how he not only looked passed the oddity that is Jalia and accepted her clear talent.  He befriended her, put her mind at ease by sticking to his values and focusing on her gift.  Too often we are a society of followers and I proud of Jalia and Diddy for bucking the grain and becoming MaxWell Magazine’s People of the Moment.

Hey Gabby,

I just made a big move from MA to GA and I’m really missing my old life.  I was trying to maintain my long distance relationship, but my boyfriend back home broke up with me cause he couldn’t take the stress.

I’ve been hanging with my co-workers and bounced into a new boy in GA and we connected but I’m still feeling kind of lonely. Do you think I should explore this new guy or take some time to really get myself settled in my new home away form home?

Yours truly,

Ms. C paging companionship

Thanks for writing in Ms C. I fully understand how you are feeling. I moved to South Florida from Philadelphia about a year ago and I am still feeling the pings of living in a new place with no real roots. I also miss my friends and its harder making new friends and connections, as you get older. I jumped right into a new relationship when I got here and I regret that move.

The person I connected with was great, but we didn’t last because I was still trying to get my bearings and adjust to my new home.

My advice is to maintain a friendship with this new guy but don’t get too serious. Take some time to rediscover yourself, your wants and needs and enjoy some time getting to know you and your new environment.  See this as an opportunity to breathe and be single sexy and free.

Dear Gabby,

Are you sitting down; I have a problem.  As I write out my story it feels like General Hospital meets backwoods love, its all so confusing. My ex Alex* and I were together for 3 years. When we broke up for the first time 8 months ago, I was sad but we got back together a few weeks later and it was fine.  He was a changed man, sending cute comments on my Facebook and Myspace.  Taking me a dates just being the guy I wanted him to be. Then suddenly he broke up with me, again!

So I ran into ANOTHER ex and we dated for 5 months, his name is Sean*.  Alex wanted me back, but since I was dating Sean and he broke up with me twice, I said no. Eventually, Sean and l broke up and I was feeling lonely and I asked Alex if he wanted to get back together. Guess what he said… “Sorry I’m with Sharon* now, I’m taken”. Sharon and I WERE good friends before she took my man.

At this point, I still like Alex and if he were to ask me out I would say yes.  Sharon and I are still friendly even after she broke up with Alex and started DATING Sean. Can you believe that???   She told Sean, “I love you” to and everything, and I don’t think Alex has a clue.  So, should I tell Alex? If I do, Sharon is probably going to be pretty angry but I see this as a great chance to have Alex crawling back to me.  I just don’t know what to do!!  HELP!

Ms. I want my true love back

You are so right I needed to take a seat to sort this high school drama out.  Although I would like to believe you are a teenager this type of drama happens in adult relationships all the time and I still don’t understand why. Lets tackle your issues one by one.

1. Stay away from Alex. You both sound like you’re not ready for committed monogamous relationships so why try attempting them.  Most people can define love regardless of age, but trying to discover love in the confines of a messy love triangle doesn’t help you any.

2. I would like to give Sharon the benefit of the doubt but the girl gots to go. So you guys only have 2 single men in that town?  It’s not ok to date your friend’s exes and you’re a better woman than me still being friends with her.

3. No don’t tell him, you don’t owe Alex or Sharon anything. If this was a few years ago I would say yes tell him just to spite Sharon, but what’s the point of being nasty. There is nothing of value for you to gain from doing that.

4. I will forever preach the importance of loving you 1^st and foremost.  Take some time to understand yourself and discover what you want in a mate. Being alone is ok take this time to love you!

- Gabby

Coco beauty Dawn Richards didn’t let reality show drama hold down her evolution; she is a trendsetter. We were introduced to the New Orleans native via MTV’s Making The Band in 2005 through the group Danity Kane. Dawn had the look of an awkward teenager thrusted into the spotlight without personal style.

The damaged blonde hair, noise ring and neighborhood mall clothing truly wasn’t the business. 

Fast-forward to the second album and you can see Dawn breaking from the cookie cutter look of most girl groups.  She repaired her damaged tresses, went for a pulled together edgier look, bold accents with nails and accessories; her style was spot on to the trends of now.

Now Ms. Dirty Money is simply HAUTE. On the season finale for MTB, Dawn debuted a hot short cut, a trendy denim look and the must have accessories of the season.  She looked complete, confident and fashion forward; I AM in love.

From her to die for shoe selections, hipster fashion sense, and sheer confidence

Dawn you are MaxWell Magazine’s Style Evolution one to watch.

Summer is my favorite fashion month.  It houses fun elements like drinks at a sideway café, summer concerts in the park and short shorts with tanks tops. Summertime invokes a feeling of release not had by the other seasons.

I also like summer because it allows you to play with color. The easiest way to punch up a simple look is with nail polish.  Each week I find myself in the nailery leaving with an assortment of colors from rainbow to pastel shades.

Like with any fashion element, each item doesn’t work for every person and nail polish is no different.  Below you will find my color recommendations for your hue. ENJOY!

You can checkout the store for deals on all my nail color recommendations.

First off I wanna start of by saying I’m not crazy. In fact my mind is as clear as it’s ever been. Today, I feel deeply rooted in my convictions; I’m in love. Have you ever been so enthralled with someone you couldn’t see straight? For me with this man it’s far beyond a physical attraction; I love his mind, his spirit and style, this man is just fly; a supernova in its truest form. We have nice deep sexy conversations we spend quality time and just relate on many levels. A few months back we had what I thought was a small disagreement and he told me he no longer wanted to be friends and loose his number I was hurt. I tried to maintain my swagger and let it fall off my back but I’m hurting deep.

It’s been a few weeks and I think I’m becoming a stalker. I’ve pasted by his job, I’m constantly checking up on his myspace and facebook accounts to get updates. I’ve even called his voicemail and hung up just to hear his voice. A few weeks have gone by and I’m stuff hurting.

Recently he called me up out the blue and my heart went a flutter. I so wanted this call and now that I had it I didn’t know what to do. I allowed myself to be caught and we talked and now we’ve reconnected. I know I seem desperate to still want him but I know he is a true gem. Tell me what I should do to keep him this time around?

Peace and Love, Suffering From a Broken Heart

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Well my sister, I’ve never been the type to kick someone while they’re down, but I feel like jumping on top of you and shaking you until the crazy people fall out. I get the impression homeboy came back into your life because his first, second and third choices told him to hit the road; I’m unclear why you haven’t followed their lead?

When I read your letter I had a lightbulb moment and saw a reflection of my own dating history. I too settled for what I thought I deserved and allowed someone else to dictate what I should feel and my self worth. I’ll tell you what I told myself when I had enough, “WOMAN SNAP OUT OF IT! You’re better than  that so act like it!!!” You’re ambushing this man who has clearly given you all the signs that you are a filler chick. He can’t have the one he wants so he is tolerating the one he can get, and regardless of how great you think he is you should want better for yourself honey.

It seems at this point he’s reconnecting with you because he misses the fan club. Has he really expressed a liking to you? Have you met his friends of family? Although someone may seem great it doesn’t mean they’re great for you. You’re searching for love, strength and support and must find those I yourself first. Than you have a to find a person who is willing to share and give those things to you. My advice is change your number and work on building your self-esteem and find self-love.

I have enclosed a photo of myself and I know I don’t currently look my best, but I’m a hell of a catch. I have BA in English from West Chester University; and I’ve maintained full time employment at a bank for 3 years. After a string of jumpoff situations, being used for my apartment, car, money and being abused by my last “boyfriend” I need a change. Help me help myself, upgrade me Gabby. 

Respectfully Yours,

Beyonce Wanna-Be

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Thank you for taking the first step. As I look at your photo, it makes me wish for the days when Ricki Lake was the makeover queen.  I think the fastest way to aid in your betterment is to adjust your look head to toe. Getting rid of the wig, the discount gear, a trip to the dentist and facial will set you on the yellow brick road of enlightenment. 

Changing the outside is first step in your upgrade; you have to look within. People only do what we allow them to and you can’t blame anyone for your situation.  Taking steps to improve your mind and spirit will give a far better reward than fixing your body.  Not having self-worth allows you to be used by everyone.  Look into the past and emotions to discover why you allow this and fix it. Stop being an easy button and start saying no and mean it. Get a book of affirmations (check our the store) and stay saying them to yourself. Start writing down the things you see for yourself and your future. Create your ideal met and soon the dream will come true when you’re ready.

Hey Ms. Honey!! First off I really like the site you’ve put together and your commentary keeps me in stitches. At first I was feeling really embarrassed about writing in for advice, but like you said, it’s a bigger embarrassment living a common life of a common person, so I got on my computer to make my confession; hopefully you can help.

About a year ago I went to a concert and caught the eye of a tall fine blinged out brother a few rows back. We smiled at each other, flirted with our eyes and during the intermission we started chatting. He’s a African rapper (pretty hot overseas) and didn’t speak very little English but I could just feel our energy and we had an instant connection.

He was in the states for work and pleasure and getting some inspiration from our culture. Anyways, we spent the next few days together and we have been carrying on a long distance relationship every since. I truly love this man. He’s in my top 8, and when he came to visit me this summer he met my parents and things went great. There are a few things that concern me and this is where I need your help.

He has a wife and kid and she lives in Spain and they haven’t lived together for 3 years; I know he’s married.  He’s not carrying on like a married man and I know that makes no difference but I’m really feeling him. He is of a different religion, which is an issue for my old school parents and there’s that language and cultural barrier but I’ve been taking language lessons and his English gets better with each of our late night conversations. Recently we’ve talked about marriage and me moving to overseas with him. I’m ready to live the life of a baller’s wife but my family and friends thinks it’s a horrible idea, what do you think?

Sincerely,

A Baller’s Wife-To-Be

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Thanks for writing in and the compliments. Well my dear let me explain something to you. You’re delusional. The fantasy you created, choosing to over look some key details that a normal woman would run from speak volumes of your character. Although people do find love in the club it’s unlikely. It seems like you’re caught up in the glitter and are not focusing on the true meaning of relationship and love. How well do you know this man, do you agree on the larger issues of life like, money, family, and children religion, politics? From your letter, it sounds like there isn’t a meeting of the minds on a few of these key issues.

Learning and accepting culture isn’t a big issue but are you willing to convert? Are you ready to be a mother? Are you ready to step in his shadow? The Tiny & Toya show is a great example of the downside of dating a “baller.” Like Tiny, are you ready to give up your dreams to please your man? There are surely benefits to a lifestyle filled with money, but is that worth your piece of mind? I would say although he seems right he probably isn’t right for you. When you ask yourself the bigger questions and remove your rose colored glasses, you would agree. Money is the root of all evil and the destruction of life. From the great words of Diamond, “make that money don’t let it make you.”

Boy do I love drama and nothing screams drama more than a messy celebrity.  There is a lot to learn from those who we consider famous, which prompted me to put together my celebrity playbook.  If I’m honest, I too have dreams of a champagne lifestyle and caviar coin and what better way to learn than from those already there. 

I present to you MaxWell’s 7-Step Celebrity Playbook:

1. Create A Scandal

A secret lovechild, a forbidden romance, a new do, we know the headlines and the people they are attached to and this is celebrity gold.  Creating a buzz around yourself and your projects almost always garners success.  Although we generally want to bury our heads in the sand when something scandalous happens, when you’re on your grind for stardom you want this kind of juicy drama.

2. Good or Bad, Keep Your Name In The Press

How is your adoring public supposed to know that you have something going on if they can’t read or hear about it?  You goal is to get media coverage, which then creates hysteria.  Keeping your name on the lips of all is the most difficult step, but it’s also the most necessary.  To complete step two, refer to step 1.

3. Always Be Paparazzi Ready

Have you ever made a quick run to the corner store with your headscarf and house shoes? Maybe you are going to the gym and decided to wear that t-shirt with the weave glue stains.  To you I say, Bitch gets it together! There should NEVER be a moment where “they” catch you off your A game.  I stay in lipgloss and heels for my gallon of milk runs and you should to. This also applies to the fellas.  If you insist on wearing white tees, sneakers, and fitteds make sure they are pristine.  This leads me to rule number four personal grooming.

4. Appearance Defines Your Success

Your appearance is the only first impression that matters.  Before people hear your idea, or read your proposal they see you.  Dirty nails, unruly hairdos, ill-fitting clothes, stinky breath and body are all no-nos for anyone looking for icon status.  Say what you want about Sean “P-Diddy” Combs, but honey chile stay fresh and pulled together.

5. Diversify Your Portfolio

You like music and that’s nice; use it as a platform to transcend to the mix level.  We love 50 Cent for his musical efforts, but his Vitamin Water deal skyrocketed my to Forbes top earners list. Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter is currently releasing a serious of books, he also has a stake in a sports bar and NBA team.  His wifey has a clothing line, endorsements, music, film and the list for Ms. B goes on.  You can perform on a smaller skills; I have this website, an online store, MaxWell merchandise and MaxWell TV. Where there is a will there is a way.

6.Create a Trend

We look at SoulaBoy now and laugh be this youngin created a trend that went WORLDWIDE in turn making him a self-made multi-millionaire before he was 18.  Now we all can’t superman that hoe, but we surely can influence those around us.  They say a star is born and not created and if you don’t have the finesse to influence the lifestyles of those around you, what are you really doing? Want a starting point create a catch phrase, ‘I’m clisp; clean and crisp!”

7. Find a Friend

 If all else fails, although the road to the top can be harder, find the next thing smoking and grab on. Kim K did it, Farnsworth Bentley did it, Amber Rose did it, and you get the idea.