It hasn’t been easy for her. Coming off of a three year relationship, thinking it would lead to marriage, she found herself a little anxious. She told me she realized that every guy she went out with, she kept asking herself if he had the potential to be that guy. Is this the first date of many dates with this person? Is the chemistry there? Can I see myself introducing this guy to my family? With thoughts like these on a first date she knew she was in trouble.

So, she told me to combat her way of “dating thinking” she read this book titled How To Date Like A Man. “It’s genius!” she exclaimed, going so far as to say it was the best book she ever read. “Do tell,” was the only response I had. Basically, this little book completely broke down how men and women look at dating. Yes, we already know that there are numerous differences between the sexes, but knowing this hasn’t really changed our female dating habits, has it?

Here are a few examples of how men view dating and how we should, too:

1. Men date as many women as possible before choosing their mate, while women try to make that one guy they think is cute into their boyfriend as soon as possible. Why do we do this? We need to learn that it’s okay to date more than one guy at a time until we decide which one is worthy of being our boyfriend (or more). I’m not saying to run around with every guy that walks in your direction just because he’s in your line of sight. But, you shouldn’t shy away from getting to know as many men as you choose to. Date away!

2. Men don’t even think about a woman’s potential, so stop looking for the what-could-be in every guy. Don’t act like you don’t do it. We size them up every time to see what their potential is. Like that diamond in the rough we’ve heard so much about. Look, just take it for what it is at face value and ask yourself if you want to buy and spend a whole hell of a lot of your time on a fixer-upper or would you rather invest in something that’s exactly what you’re looking for?

3. Men don’t know what the word “overanalyze” means, while women worship at its alter. How many times have we called up our best friend to state his comment and then ask “What did he mean by that?” Kind of like that time Big left a message on Carrie’s voicemail in an episode of “Sex and the City” and she played it back a gazillion times trying to figure out its underlying message. Do yourself a favor and stop trying to break everything down. You’re only going to drive yourself and him crazy.

4. A man says what he means, while a woman takes what he says and changes it to benefit her. I once dated this guy who flat out told me that he wasn’t looking for a serious relationship, but if it were to happen that he’d be okay with it. Now, all I heard was that he would be okay with it if it were to happen. I didn’t hear the “not looking for a serious relationship” part at all. Yeah, he gave me what I like to call a “hook” and I pretty much bit it. Instead of telling myself there’s no serious relationship to be had here, I told myself not to worry because this will turn into a serious relationship. Did it? Ummm, no. Why? Because he wasn’t looking for one, just like he said!

Yes, there are a lot of differences between men and women, but instead of complaining about them we should be learning from our beloved males. If we dated like men, it would definitely make for a more even playing field, don’t you think?

I’m talking about the Vampire Julius Tee by Paul Frank. Already a huge fan, this scary yet still lovable and cute Julius gets my Halloween vote for best style of all time. It’s oh so fashionable and you can wear it any day of the year, really. But, c’mon, how much fun would it be to wear it on the 31st?And, for $18 it’s the perfect bloodsucker attire. Get your brand spackin’ new boo wear with Paul Frank at Karmaloop.com

The movies:

Funny woman Mo’Nique leaves the laughs behind with her dramatic (and extremely unlikeable) role as an abusive mother who turns her back on her illiterate, overweight, troubled teen daughter who is pregnant with her second child in “Precious.” Gabourey Sidibe stars as Clareece “Precious” Jones and a very toned down Mariah Carey plays her social worker.

The crazy, musical ride of “Nine” spins the tale of film director Guido Contini and his many, many, many relationships with women. From his wife to mistress to his agent and mom, this man definitely has his hands full. Daniel Day-Lewis, Nicole Kidman, Penelope Cruz and Kate Hudson all get into the singing groove on this one.

Zoe Saldana and Michelle Rodriguez star in the sci-fi fantasy world of “Avatar.” The much-anticipated James Cameron project is about a paraplegic war veteran who ends up on a planet called Pandora where he must lead a dramatic battle to save an entire civilization. Expect all the bells and whistles in this mind-bending, eye-popping flick as only Cameron can provide.

The music:

Speaking of Mariah Carey, she hits us with her latest “Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel.” The newlywed hasn’t allowed married life to keep her from being a working girl. Carey fans won’t be disappointed, as usual.

The lovely Nelly Furtado releases her very first full Spanish language CD, “Mi Plan.” Her unique voice blends nicely with the Latin beats on the 11-track output. If you’re expecting to hear the Timbaland/Nelly Furtado sound you’ve become used to, you’ve got another musical sound coming.

Get your howl on with Shakira’s “She Wolf.” The Colombian goddess shakes it up a bit with a CD that sounds more mainstream than anything she’s done before. Shakira definitely goes pop with this one but it’s not a bad thing.

The Pages:

Just in time for chilly nights is Anne Rice’s thriller Angel Time. If there’s anything this remarkable author knows how to do is keep us on the edge of our seats while taking us into a whole other supernatural world.

Nick Hornby (Fever Pitch, About a Boy, High Fidelity) is every guy’s favorite author. And even though he’s a fave of the boys, don’t let that keep you from reading his latest novel Juliet, Naked. It’s about a woman’s lost love and the guy he left her for. Hornby is always insightful, always funny and always lovable. Perfect for every gal.

Famously funny fashion blogger Winona Dimeo-Ediger brings her hilarious musings on fashion to book with Closet Confidential: Style Secrets Learned the Hard Way. It’s a practical book on how to wear fashion on a budget mixed in with a ton of witty comments on the subject. Smart, savvy and necessary.

The Fashion:

Fall is THE fashion season above all others. All the magazines dedicated tons and tons of pages to style, making their fall issues incredibly thick. We, on the other hand, feel it’s our mission to give you the lowdown on the top 5 fashion picks of this season:

1. Fur, fur and more fur. It’s all about being fuzzy this season. But before you get any bright ideas we’re talking faux fur, of course! Now don’t go crazy and dress yourself from head to toe in the stuff. Take it easy with one piece and fashion your outfit around that. Try the Belted Faux Fur Vest from Forever 21. It’s cute, affordable ($27.80) and most importantly – not cheesy.

2. Color yourself crazy this fall because a shot of bright, neon color is where it’s at. Like fur, one key piece should do the trick. I know the 80’s are back and everything but you don’t want to look like you’ve been stuck there for decades, either. Accessorize a little color into your wardrobe with a Neon Stud Wrap Bracelet by Cara. They’re perfect for the rock look that’s so very in this fall.

3. Since we’re talking looking like a bad ass rocker chick, you’ll definitely need the perfect leather jacket. Leather is very in this season and if you’re not up for leather pants (or leggings!) opt for the safe, yet still risk-taking biker leather jacket. Keep the faux-animal wardrobe going with the Silence & Noise Faux Leather Biker Jacket available at Urban Outfitters.

4. Footwear is extremely important, especially this season when the trend calls for the ultimate in sexy – the over the knee boots. Don’t worry about trying to walk in high-heeled boots all day because these boots are available in every shape, color and heel size you can imagine. Take the grey Nathan Over The Knee Slouch Boot in suede by Dolce Vita at Free People Clothing. The versatile boots can be pulled up high or pushed down low, depending on your clothing mood.

5. Drape yourself in style this fall with blouses, sweaters, skirts and dresses that swathe your body while making a statement. The style is comfy, but also very sexy and incredibly feminine. What I call the perfect style storm. Just check out this Draped-Sleeve Printed Tunic by BCBGMAXAZRIA. The draped sleeves are gorgeous and the boat neck adds a touch of chic sexiness.

The Scene:

Read all about it! At the Los Angeles Latino Book & Family Festival, that is. Make sure you check out the “Chicas, Chicanas & Literature: Writers In Action” panel hosted by one of our favorite authors, Mary Castillo. A who’s who of Latin authors will be in the mix the weekend of October 11^th and 12^th at California University Los Angeles at Greenlee Plaza and Salazar Hall Plaza. For more info, visit The Latino Book & Family Festival.

The beloved, controversial, tormented, beautiful and talented Frida Kahlo haunts us once again. This time through the camera of renowned photographer, and Frida’s one time lover, Nickolas Muray. The gorgeous photographs date from 1937 to 1941 and have been captured in Frida Kahlo: Through the Lens of Nickolas Muray. The exhibit can be viewed until December 6^th at the Cortez Gallery of the Museo Alameda in San Antonio. For more info, call 210.299.4300.

Charlotte is in the mood for some Latin-style celebration and their Nineteenth Annual Latin American Festival should do the trick. With music, food, arts, crafts and dance this year’s festival is not one to be missed. All the fun takes place on October 11^th, from 12 to 7pm at Symphony Park. For more info, visit Festival Latino Americano.

Can you feel the beat? If not, head over to the Brooklyn Museum for Who Shot Rock & Roll: A Photographic History, 1955 to the Present where you can see amazing photographs of rock and roll’s famous. The exhibit has six sections to it including behind the scenes photos, early career images and live performance shots. Get your rock on beginning October 30th at the Morris A. and Meyer Schapiro Wing. For more info, visit the Brooklyn Museum.

All you’ve got to do is purchase this very cute limited-edition Clinique keychain. It has a Breast Cancer Awareness Pink Ribbon charm, a Clinique “C” charm and three luscious Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 Minis – Whisper, In Air Kiss and Kissyfit.

The lip-tastic keychain is $18.50 with a whopping $10 from each keychain purchase supporting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Available through the month of October, make sure you show your support by grabbing one for yourself and for every female family member and friend you love. Only at CLINIQUE.

First it was bff Demi Lovato that came out with her sophomore release this past summer and now fellow Disney darling Selena Gomez and her band, The Scene, make some noise this fall. Kiss and Tellis admittedly influenced by Lovato, along with Avril Lavigne and Lady Gaga. (Side note: wouldn’t it be great to see Selena step out of Disney world and really fashion is up a lá miss Lady Gaga?)

With that said, expect her 13-track CD to be full of pop, dance and rock singles. Not too much of a stretch for her, but that’s probably a good thing.

Who could ask for anything more? The amazing textile designer has created the Thomas Paul Mouse Pad Notepad, a special monthly notepad that also caters to your mouse. Finally, you get the chance to write on your mouse pad and it’s okay.

You can choose from four different styles including Red Flowers, Aqua Flowers, Bird and Black and White. Each mouse pad notepad comes with 50 tear-off sheets of beautifully patterned paper. For 9 bucks, this mouse is worth catching. Find your Thomas Paul Mouse Pad Notepad at See Jane Work.  Your friends will be so jealous!

“The Kleenex brand wanted to recognize the contributions of Hispanic culture to America, and felt an art contest celebrating their rich heritage was an ideal way to do that, particularly if it took place around Hispanic Heritage Month,” said Marla Rappaport, Kleenex Associate Brand Manager. “The number of quality pieces we received over a period of several months was simply amazing, and shows just how much artistic talent is out there just waiting to be discovered.”

Three winners from chosen from more than 600 entries submitted in a nationwide art contest Con Kleenex Expresa tu Hispanidad. The three winning artists were: Jaime Maldonado of Chicago; Paula Lagioia of Miami; and Jessica DelCarpio of New York City.

Mr. Maldonado, of Puerto Rican descent, created a piece titled, “Celebración” (Celebration), which, in his own words, “expresses the spirit and energetic independence of Latin American countries.” Ms. Lagioia, in turn, represented her Venezuelan heritage with a piece titled, “Colores Hispanos” (Hispanic Colors), consisting of a radiant array of shapes and colors that abound within the Latin culture. And, Ms. DelCarpio, whose family hails from Peru, submitted a colorful piece – “Simplemente Hispano” (Simply Hispanic) – depicting a hard day of work in the fields. “A day of hard labor is also a day of achievement,” she said. “Just as we sow our traditions and cultivate our values, we reap the fruit of our efforts and dedications.”

Congrats to all those who participated on this wonderful project. Look for these artful Kleenex boxes in stores through the end of October.

The celebrated tattoo artist and reality star has already created her Kat Von D for Sephora makeup line and now adds her Sinner and Saint Perfumes to that list. The two scents are meant for your two very different moods. The darker colored Sinner Eau de Parfum Spray is a spicy mix of plum, cinnamon and vetiver. The lighter Saint Eau de Parfum Spray is for the sweeter, romantic side of you, with vanilla, jasmine and caramel. Yummy!

Both fragrances come in a 1.7 oz spray for $55, a 1 oz spray for $42 and a .33 oz parfum roll on for $16 and are only available at Sephora.com.

Did you know:

• There are more than one million people in the U.S. living with HIV and one-fourth of them don’t know they are HIV-infected.
• HIV/AIDS in the third leading cause of death among Latin men ages 35 to 44 and the fourth leading cause of death among Latin women in the same age group.
• Most Latinas (70%) living with HIV/AIDS in 2005 were infected through heterosexual contact.
• Although Latins represent only 15% of the U.S. population, makeup 18% of new HIV infections

Truth is, if you don’t know you’re infected, you could be spreading it to others. And, if you discover that you have HIV, it does not mean that you’re going to get sick and die. While there is still no cure, new drugs are available thta can help you stay healthy and decrease the amount of HIV virus in your body.

You have the power to stop the spread of HIV by ALWAYS practicing safe sex. Don’t be afraid to talk about it with your partner. This is your life you’re talking about so you have every right to have this conversation. Also, talk to your doctor if you’re sexually active. Ask to be tested and not assume your doctor will ask you. And, spread the word. Set an example by getting tested and let everyone know they should do the same.

There are free and confidential or anonymous HIV tests available. To find an HIV testing site near you visit hivtest.org or call 1-800-CDC-INFO.

1. Kate Spade Sherwood Owl Handbag @ Saks Fifth Avenue, $425

2. L.A.M.B. Deco Fisher Gilden Clutch @ Saks Fifth Avenue, $245

3. Deux Lux Colorblock Backpack @ Urban Outfitters, $68

4. Betsey Johnson “Tote-Alley” Reversible Tote @ Nordstrom, $110

5. BCBGMAZAZRIA Urban Rock Zipper Cutout Handle Clutch @ Bloomingdales, $248

6. Kipling Gwen Shoulder/Cross Body Bag @ Kipling-USA.com, $80

7. Juicy Velour JC Studs Laptop Sleeve @