(Image: Getty)

After years of dating, Miami Heat guard LeBron James finally proposed to the mother of his two sons, and high school sweetheart, Savannah Brinson. The NBA all-star popped the question at SL Nightclub in Miami during a New Year’s Eve celebration, which doubled as his 27th birthday party, with a ring reportedly worth $300,000. While news of the engagement is certainly reason to celebrate, given the growing trend of high profile NBA divorces and just as a rule of thumb for anyone with a lot of assets, some suggest James should also err in the side of caution.

According to Forbes.com, three out of the top five most hated NBA players—Kris Humphries, Kobe Bryant and Tony Parker—have gone through very public and costly divorces. Coincidentally, following his controversial move from Cleveland to Miami, James is second on that list of despised basketball stars. If his marriage where to fail due to infidelity or any other public disgrace, his image and brand could go from bad to worse. Furthermore, James’ wallet could get hit just as hard. Bryant will be digging deep into his pockets as his ex-wife is reported to be getting $75 million of his earnings, since a prenuptial agreement was not signed.

Celebrity divorce attorney, Raoul Felder, who’s also known as “the Duke of Divorce,” gives three simple pieces of advice to superstar athletes like James embarking on the road to marriage. “Prenup, prenup, prenup,” says Felder, who has handled the divorce cases of World Heavyweight Champions Mike Tyson and Riddick Bowe, NBA legend Patrick Ewing and former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani. “I’ve had athletes come into my office saying they didn’t want to create a prenup for fear of hurting their spouse. But I promise it will hurt more when she’s taking half.”

According to Felder, though, divorce doesn’t always have to ruin an athlete’s image. Public perception tends to sway towards the negative when there is an oddity or extreme case of infidelity like Tiger Woods and his ex-wife, Elin Nordegren.

If an athlete still doesn’t want to heed Felder’s advice, he suggests a post-nuptial agreement, which is generally harder to implement because the wife (or dependent spouse) generally has most of the negotiating power. If she doesn’t agree with the terms, the only thing left is divorce where she could receive the bulk of the reward. Another option is for an athlete is to create separate bank accounts for funds acquired before and after marriage. Therefore, if the union does end in divorce it’s easier to distinguish which funds the spouse has a right to. “Athlete divorce cases are interesting because many times their worth is represented by future earnings and endorsements,” Felder says. “A player could stop playing tomorrow but still be worth millions and his spouse could have access to that money.”

According to Forbes.com, James made $14.5 million in salary and an additional $30 million in endorsements last year. Sports Illustrated also listed him as the third highest earning athlete in the United States in 2011, right behind golfers Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. With that in mind, the seven-time NBA All-Star would be wise to protect himself as Brinson would be in for a huge pay day if the marriage ended without a prenup in place.

However, marriage doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom for the two-time NBA MVP. Marvet Britto, President and CEO of The Britto Agency, a public relations firm, says the impending nuptials could actually boosts James’ image, which took a nosedive after his “decision” to leave his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers in favor of the Miami Heat in 2010. “Marriage helps players because it positions them as a more responsible, more structured athlete and in turn makes them more desirable to consumers and endorsers,” says Britto, who has represented a host of athletes including NBA stars Latrell Sprewell, Stephon Marbury and Tyson Chandler. “Staying unmarried to Savannah and having multiple children doesn’t help LeBron, who is trying to recreate his image after leaving Cleveland. It benefits him more to make the commitment.”

Although marriage can improve an athlete’s brand, Britto doesn’t advise James to take the leap just for the sake of his image. She says a single man can build just as lucrative of a brand as a married one, the key is remaining true to who you are. Twelve-time MLB All-Star, five-time World Series champion and lifetime bachelor, Derek Jeter is a prime example of this. If James isn’t mature enough to be married, one public slip up in his marriage could send him right back into the role of villain that he fell into in the summer of 2010.

As a safety net, marriage expert and author of Before You Wed… Read This Darryl Cobbin advises James and any other individual looking to protect his/her assets to sit down with their partner and write down their expectations for each other, determine what is important and discuss them together. For James and Brinson, this may mean discussing participation in impromptu decision-making shows or preseason championship-like celebrations and most importantly a prenuptial agreement.

Using his NBA buddies as cautionary tales, James should contemplate what he wants his brand to be and how he will secure his hard-earned fortune before he walks down the aisle. “LeBron James’ life can either be a warning or an example,” Cobbin. “It’s up to him to make the decision.”

Wall Street protesters take to the streets of Manhattan's Financial District (Image: Janel Martinez)

New York Police Department cops left their posts in Times Square on New Year’s Eve to attend to a growing protest that took place at Zuccotti Park.

The former Occupy Wall Street control center filled with approximately 500 protesters Saturday evening. The peaceful gathering turned south when some occupiers began tearing down the barricades that have surrounded the park since police officers evicted Occupy Wall Street members on Nov. 15, according to the Associated Press.

The police department reported 68 people were arrested, with at least one person being accused of assaulting a police officer, who suffered cuts on one hand. Other charges included trespassing, disorderly conduct and reckless endangerment.

Read more at the Huffington Post…

It’s time on, not time off …

Over the next few weeks, hiring managers and employers will get significantly less e-mails and phone calls from job seekers. This is because many have decided to wait until the new year. This is your chance to capitalize on the relaxation of others.  Though hiring may be slower during the weeks surrounding Christmas and New Year’s Day, it doesn’t mean that the process for reviewing and considering candidates has stopped. There are many positions waiting to be filled by the right candidate. That candidate could be you! Spend some time over the next few weeks refreshing your resume and getting it in the inbox of key stakeholders. Even if they’ve taken some time off for the holidays, they’ll recognize your persistence despite the lackadaisical approach of others.

‘Tis the season … to network

The festive nature of the holidays means that there will be many celebrations, holiday parties, lunches and dinners with colleagues, friends and co-workers. The relaxed atmosphere of holiday functions can be the perfect time to discuss career goals, network with potential employers, and connect with other professionals. If you aren’t working or a looking for a career change, consider tagging along with a friend or family member to one of their employer’s holiday functions. This is a great way to meet new people who are doing just the kind of work that you might want to do. Also look into attending the holiday parties of professional organizations like your local Black MBA chapter or NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers) chapter. Striking casual conversation at one of these events could prove to be a power move for your career.  Note: Be sure to keep your consumption of holiday spirits to a minimum and maintain your professionalism at all times.

New year, new approach …

Take the time over the next few weeks to evaluate your career strategy and progress over the last year. Conduct your own self-assessment by listing what has worked and what hasn’t worked as it relates to reaching your career goals. Then decide what you’re going to do differently or the same in the New Year. Ditch the things that haven’t worked and try something new. If you’ve received very few responses using your current resume, consider having it professionally tailored in the New Year. If you feel like you bombed your last few interviews, practice your interviewing techniques with a qualified career coach.  If your network hasn’t expanded much, commit yourself to broadening your rolodex and strengthening new relationships with like-minded professionals. Don’t enter 2012 using the same methods of reaching your career goals that you did in 2011. A fresh, new approach could be just what your career needs.

Aisha Taylor (@realTAYLORmade) is co-owner and chief consultant at TAYLORmade Professional Career Consulting, a Web-based, full-service career consulting company committed to “equipping, preparing, and empowering today’s professional” globally. Check out her weekly insights on job-seeking and interviewing success every Friday on BlackEnterprise.com.

Chris “Ludacris” Bridges

In addition to the restaurant, Ludacris stays busy with numerous ventures including his Conjure liquor brand, Soul by Ludacris headphones and his recently announce collaboration with 10-year-old daughter, Karma’s World, an educational Website for kids. Currently appearing alongside Oscar-winner Hillary Swank in the all-star cast film, New Year’s Eve, Ludacris sat down with BlackEnterprise.com to discuss how he cooked up success as a restaurateur.

How did you decide on Singaporean cuisine being the basis of your restaurant’s menu?

Man, it’s some of my favorite food and I never want to be typical. People think if I open a restaurant that it’s automatically going to be soul food. I love to throw curve balls to people all the time; I love to be different, I strive for excellence. Atlanta is just one of these places where it’s a melting pot when it comes to so many different cultures and styles, and I just wanted to play towards that because people appreciate good food and with a little bit of an ethnic twist to it.

How did you get introduced to Singaporean cuisine?

Just traveling all over the world and, like I said, taking some of my personal experiences and things that I love and bringing them to the city that I love and I partnered with someone who has a love and interest for [it as well]. My business partner [Chef Yeo] and I met at a foundation event so we both had that in common and got to talking and one thing led to another and we decided to go ahead and do this restaurant here in Atlanta, GA.

How involved in the menu are you?

Straits Atlanta, main dining room

We’ve been through so many changes with it from where we first started out, but I’m definitely involved in that. Every chance I get when I’m in town I try to stop by and make sure I shake hands and greet people and make sure they liked the food, get some feedback from people.

Straits Atlanta has been in business for over four years now, how do you feel about the restaurant’s success?

It’s coming to the point where it’s a staple in Atlanta, GA and I’m just very proud of that. We have different nights where we have a live band and we have a Tuesday night [event] we’ve had going on for three years now which is basically an industry elite kind of trendsetter’s night and I’m just very happy. We have repeat customers and we have people who just love the food and they love the atmosphere and they love the ambiance.

Do you have any advice for aspiring restaurateurs?

Just have your heart in it. Don’t think that you’re not going to have to put work in and be there every day. Having a restaurant is something that you have to be 100% invested in and it’s important that you look at your location and know your neighborhood. It’s definitely one of the those things where to stay afloat you might have to change the menu up a couple times to make sure you’re getting it to your customers’ liking… It’s just one of those things where you have to be 100% invested in it.

Although you’re originally from Chicago, you’re music career blossomed while in Atlanta. How does it feel having a Black-owned business in the city and contributing to the local economy?

For the past four years of me having this restaurant it’s pretty much been some of the greatest years of my life and I love, love, love it. I love to be able to provide a service for people in a city that I’m passionate about. So it warms my heart every time I go there and I see people enjoying this restaurant… So many different things can happen on a grander scale because I am definitely the owner of the building. So it feels good to have a piece of Atlanta downtown real estate.

Check out our latest episode of Working Your Style, as host Daisy Lewellyn tells the top style secrets for plus-sized fashionistas, giving tips on how to achieve that perfect look, from head-to-toe.  ‘Tis the season to be stylish!

Beauty Artist/ Face Designer: Jewrel Gainey:

Hairstylist: Hadiiya Barbel

Models: Nakeesha Witherspoon & Amy Ansong (IPM Model Management)

Stylist Assistant: Tavaris Neal

Fashion Manager: Beverly Martinez

Special Thanks to: Lord & Taylor for accessories & jewelry, MadisonPlus.com & Wunderlinch PR for all dresses, & Tavaris Neal & Beverly Martinez

Nakeesha Witherspoon: Look 1

Dress: “Anna Scholz” Anna Scholz Velour Dress
SimplyBe.com
Accessories:
Bracelet, Kate Spade
Necklace, Kate Spade
Tights, Tight-End Tights
Shoes, Guess

Amy Ansong Look 2:

Dress, Adrianna Papell Knotted Jersey Dress (Plus)
Accessories:
Necklace, A.B.S. by Allen Schwartz
Shoes, Nine West

Nakeesha Witherspoon Look 3:

**Featured dress is currently unavailable. Similar style available at: Monif C.**

Accessories:
Tights, Spanx Tight-End Tights
Shoes, Guess

Host Look:

Dress, Adrianna Papell Necklace Shoulder Dress
Shoes, Pour Le Victorie

(Image: ThinkStock)

With Thanksgiving already scratched off the calendar, there’s only one month remaining in 2011. Whether it’s been a great year or a trying one it’s not too early (or late) to start thinking about your New Year’s Eve plans. A house party with close family friends beats an overpriced venue filled with intoxicated strangers any day; but why not consider a warm weather getaway as a relaxing alternative? With plummeting temperatures across much of North America and Europe, many already have the travel itch to soak up some sun and culture. Here are a few options to get you inspired.

Click here to continue reading…

(Image: ThinkStock)

GUANACASTE, COSTA RICA

This small tropical country has varied weather, ranging from misty and cool to having a dry season in certain regions. The rainy season, which has been dubbed the “green season” by the local tourism industry, is from May to mid-November. As a result, Costa Rica’s peak tourist season runs from late November to April as a large number of North American and European tourists flock to the Central American wonder to escape the winter chill.

The Guanacaste region, located in the North Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, has become one of the more popular destinations, especially during the months of December and January. The main reason being the weather is consistent here year-round with 12 hours of sunshine (whether it’s dry or wet season). The wild nature tours, volcanoes and breathtaking beaches also offer an eclectic mix of options for those that want to do a variety of things while on vacation.

Where to stay in Guanacaste:

If you’re looking for an all-inclusive package, Villas Sol Hotel and Beach Resort, located in Playa Hermosa, is an option. The hotel is nestled on a steep hill with a picturesque view that’s 40 minutes away from the Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia, Guanacaste. Internet and wifi access is available for an additional charge.

If you’re on a tight budget Luna Llena is an economical option. Surrounded by a jungle that overlooks the ocean, guests can expect to awake to the sounds of wildlife, such as monkeys playing in the trees and don’t be surprised if you see an Iguana or woodpecker in passing.

For information on tour packages in Guanacaste and other fun activities, visit GuanacasteCostaRica.com.

Click here to continue reading…

(Image: ThinkStock)

MONTE-CARLO

If you’re not seeking a tropical destination but still desire a change of scenery that’ll make for an extravagant getaway, consider Monaco with its sunny days and 50 to 65 degree temperatures in January. The Principality of Monaco, also known as Monte Carlo, is the second smallest country in the world (Vatican City in Europe is the smallest). Set on the southern coast of France along the Mediterranean Sea, Monaco is known for its luxurious casinos, tax-friendly lifestyle and year-round large-scale events. Those who reside here tend to be very wealthy, which results in an extremely high cost of living.

The months of November through March tend to be Monaco’s off-season. Although travel rates may still seem pricey for some, booking during this time is your best bet to get there at the lowest price possible. From December 29, 2011 to January 2, 2012, The Hotel Hermitage and The Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort are offering the “Monte-Carlo New Year Star Package,” which accommodates two for about $2,400 U.S.. Remember, January is considered the low season for this expensive destination so fares and rates are even higher at other times of the year. For further information on this package and family New Year’s hotel packages, email: info@VisitMonaco.com.

The great thing about a small region like Monaco is that getting around to sightsee won’t be a problem as most locations are within walking distance. The Prince’s Palace at Monte Carlo is a top go-to destination and many would agree that the daily changing of the guard at 11:55am is a must-see. Visitors can also check VisitMonaco.com for more information on fun sightseeing activities.

Click here to continue reading…

(Image: ThinkStock)

BAHAMAS

The Bahamas is located in the Atlantic Ocean north of Cuba and considered part of the Caribbean. Its high season is generally December through April, with temperatures averaging in the mid to late 70’s in December and January.

Nassau is the capital city with luxurious resorts, financial centers and tourists reveling in the island’s beauty. December is a fun month for the Bahamas with Junkanoo, an annual Bahamian festival celebrating the New Year. Junkanoo festivities run from December 26th through January 1st with thousands parading around in colorful costumes and dancing throughout the town.

Visitors should be sure to check out Bay Street, where they can enjoy the duty-free prices of designer and luxury items in the shopping district. There’s also the Straw Market, where there’s more shopping and the chance to socialize with Bahamian locals.

Where to stay in Nassau:

The Nassau Palm Hotel offers discounted rates during the month of December and is located just a short distance from the major shopping areas. For a more laid-back atmosphere, opt for The Marley Resort & Spa in Cable Beach, Nassau, a former vacation home of the late musician, Bob Marley and his wife Rita.

Click here to continue reading…

(Image: ThinkStock)

PUERTO RICO

This tropical paradise is located between the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean with temperatures being pretty much the same year-round, averaging 75-80 degrees in December and January.

Those who wish to spend their time somewhere other than the beach can visit the El Yunque National Forest in Sierra de Luquillo, the Bacardi Rum Factory or the Rio Camuy Cave Park. For special packages offering deals to Puerto Rico for December and January, log on to PuertoRicoSmallHotels.com.

Click here to continue reading…

(Image: ThinkStock)

MOROCCO

Morocco is located in Northwest Africa, along the Mediterranean coastline with a climate that varies, depending on the region. December and January tend to be cooler, especially at night but the temperatures still average in the mid 60s to 70 degrees. If the weather permits, be sure to visit Agadir Beach, the top beach resort in Morocco, which is lined with cafes, restaurants and nightlife. For more fun activities, sightseeing information and special deals, visit Morocco-Travel.com.

Ladies and gentlemen, before you [re]commence your search for the look, check out these tips for shopping on a budget.

Take inventory. Dig through your closet for barely worn shirts, pants, skirts, dresses and shoes, before heading to the store. How many times have you bought an outfit for an event only to wear it once? No need to go through the hassle again.

Accessorize. Ladies, accessories can turn any old ensemble into a lively new piece. If you’re trying to revamp a cute blouse or dress, throw on a pair of ultra-sparkly earrings or necklace. Don’t be afraid to try something new, it’s New Years Eve after all. Forever 21 and Claire’s are just some of the many stores that sell inexpensive costume jewelry. Don’t forget, almost every store has drastically slashed prices, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Barneys New York, and Macy’s.

Mix and Match. Guys, if you already have a button-down shirt, try adding a sporty blazer or sweater for a clean, sophisticated look. Blazers also work well with classic graphic t-shirts. A simple pair of slacks or jeans and a nice smile will bring it all together. Of course, we girls can also do a little mixing and matching too. If you’re trying to bring out your inner diva in 2009 visit Like.com and learn how to make your own celebrity look-alike outfit for cheap.

I’m no fashionista, but I like to visit The-Fashion-Bomb.com for tips for recreating a celebrity look. You can even submit the celebrity outfit you’d like to recreate for a detailed break down on where to find similar pieces at different price levels.

Here’s a little tip I picked up from Lynette Khalfani-Cox, the Money Coach. If you have a favorite store that you’re looking to shop at to complete your look, perhaps Bebe or Express, Google the store name and the phrase, “coupon code.” This will allow you to pull up discounts offers online that aren’t listed on the store’s Website.

Are you doing any extra shopping for a New Year’s Eve look? Share your tips on how you’ll cut costs and manage the perfect look.

Restaurants on the dime: If the frenzy of a club doesn’t entice you, or you’re looking for a relaxed environment, many restaurants offer New Year’s Eve packages. They usually include dinner and an open bar. Check out Opentable.com for specials in your area, says Massah David, vice president of events and marketing for MVD Inc., a public relations and event planning firm. “[OpenTable] lists all the restaurants that will have any deals, what time seating starts, and what [their package includes],” she says. “With the economy the way it is, [restaurants] are having a lot of deals.”

Make it intimate: A home-based shindig is almost always the cheapest route when it comes to cutting costs. “People can make their own dishes or you can order from the nearest restaurant,” David says. “Mexican food is always good, and that’s always cheap.” If you’re pressed for time check your local grocer’s Website for affordable party platters. Shoprite, FreshDirect, Stop & Shop, and other wholesale grocers will let you plan your meal online.

Bargain shop for bubbly: Don’t have a champagne budget? Check out Cava, which is sparkling wine from Spain, or Prosecco, Italy’s sparkly wine. If you still want to drink bubbly from its namesake region in France, remember that champagne doesn’t have to be expensive to taste good. Visit Consumersearch.com for champagne reviews and a price guide. For the budget conscious, David recommends Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label which runs about $40 or Korbel Champagne Brut which can cost you about $15 a bottle.

Change venues: If you’re down to the wire on New Year’s Eve, and you still can’t figure out what to do, try renting a hotel room. “A lot of hotels give deals the night of,” David says. “A room that will generally go for $500 you might get for $100 cheaper, or more,” she adds. And a $300 or $400 room split five ways is quite a bargain on New Year’s Eve. You may be one of many vying for these discount getaways, so you’ll have to move quickly.

Travel off the beaten track: Destination hotspots for the New Year usually include Miami, Las Vegas, and New York City, which may mean pricey airfare, hotels, and nightlife options. If you’re trying to skip town, consider jetting off to an uncommon city such as San Diego, New Orleans, or Atlantic City. “Because [New Orleans] is a Southwest Airlines city, it is one of the best side picks,” with fares priced at about $200 to $300, says Rick Seaney, CEO of FareCompare.com, an airfare shopping site. Procrastinators may have the upper hand; “If you leave on New Year’s Eve or leave on New Years Day and come back on Jan. 5, the prices are also cheaper by $100 or $150,” he says.

Travel in packs: The lure of a club or lounge may be hard to resist. If you still have your heart set on the excitement of a party, gather your buddies and give the promoter a call. “Pick up the phone and [bargain],” says David Jaffee, a nightlife and event coordinator in New York City. Let the promoter know that you “have a group of five people and really can’t afford the price online. [Ask] what’s the best price [the promoter] can give for a group of five people,” he adds. Promoters may be willing to give a group discount of 20% or more, depending on the venue. Visit ClubPlanet.com and DavidJaffeNYE.com for events in your area.

For more on ringing in the New Year on a budget, check out my cost-cutting blog.