Serena Williams on the cover of ESPN Magazine

There’s also some controversy as to whether Serena is telling the truth about her weight.  Officially Serena lists her weight as 150 lbs. [she's five-foot-nine], but a writer for AOL’s Fanhouse doesn’t think that’s accurate.

In fact, he accuses the tennis champ of lying about her weight; when lying isn’t necessary.  Read more here.

But I digress.  Back to the cover.  Do you think Serena’s nude pose is Hot or Too Hot?

Image credit: ESPN Magazine

Post from: TheGloss

Here are a few hot picks that should inspire you, make you laugh, and maybe even dance:

Serena Williams, On the Line

Read: Get a double-dose of Serena Williams this weekend. Watch the tennis pro defend her U.S. Open title on the tele and pick up her new book, On the Line, which tells the story of her humble beginnings with her sisters in Compton, California and her rise as a sports superstar and fashion designer.

Jill Scott stars in the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency.

Watch: After “Sex and the City” went off the air, I gave up on HBO.  So I missed “The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency” starring multiple Grammy-winning singer Jill Scott as African detective Precious Ramotswe.  Thankfully, the show’s 7-episode first season is available in a DVD set with bonus features on Tuesday, September 8.

Ledisi gets turned loose.

Listen: If you like Jill Scott and Erykah Badu, you’ll love Ledisi.  The dynamic singer’s latest album, Turn Me Loose, does just that.  Featuring production by Raphael Saadiq  and Musiq Soulchild, the soulful singer lets loose on the yearning “I Need Love” and the gospel-reminiscent plea ” The Answer to Why.”

Image credit: Verve Forecast, JillScott.com, Barnes & Noble.com

Post from: TheGloss

Serena Williams

Although it’s a nice gown, I think it’s too formal for this sports achievement awards show.  And is anyone else distracted by Serena’s extremely muscular arms?

What do you think?  Does Serena look Hot or Not?

Image credit: Bauer-Griffin

Post from: TheGloss

Venus Williams is going for her sixth Wimbledon championship.

As much as I love Serena, I’m cheering for Venus.  The more reserved Williams sister is a five-time Wimbledon champ and I’m proud of her transformation from a cute ’round the way girl into a lovely fashionista.

Venus Williams looking lovely in a cream dress accented by a bow.

Image credit: Bauer-Griffin

Post from: TheGloss

Serena Williams Signature Statement for HSN.

Now that I’ve discovered “Serena Williams Signature Statement” collection, however, the shopping network is back on my radar. 

Although Serena’s signature line of jewelry, accessories, and some clothing — which launched in late April — is a bit pricey for my thrifty taste, the tennis pro has a decent eye for fashion.  After browsing the HSN website, here are my choice “Signature Statement” picks:

Flowing Floral Reversible Maxi Dress, $99.95

Favorite Double-Handle Icon Tote in olive, $56.95

Metal Mosaic Stunning Stretch Tennis Bracelet, $34.95

Image credit: Home Shopping Network

Post from: TheGloss

I know what you’re thinking.  Why is Hot Mama Daily blogging about Jessica Simpson?  No, Jess does not fit the Hot Mama demo (you may have noticed she’s not a woman of color).  But the recent debate over the blonde bombshell’s weight gain is a topic that many women of color, particularly African-American and Hispanic women can relate to.  We generally have healthier body images, which is a good thing since we also tend to have more curves. However, the media and society at large (no pun intended) aren’t always on our side.

(Tennis superstar Serena Williams is extremely comfortable in her own skin.)

So if Jessica has transformed from a hottie size 2 to a fattie size 8, what does that say about me and many members of the Hot Mama Daily readership?

I’m by no means advocating poor eating habits (Simpson reportedly gained weight by indulging in barbecue rib and beer binges with her football star boyfriend Tony Romo).  Your weight should be proportionate to your height according to your BMI (body mass index).  For instance, if you are 5-foot-5 inches and weigh 140 pounds, you have a BMI of 23.3 and are within the normal weight range of 18.5 to 24.9. But if you are 5-foot-2 inches and weigh 140 pounds, your BMI is 25.6 and you fall into the overweight range of 25 to 29.9.

There are legitimate health reasons to watch your weight — being overweight can increase your risk of diabetes and heart disease.  As long as you eat well, exercise moderately, and stay within a healthy weight range, however, I say celebrate your shape.  

Even a pre-zaftig Jessica Simpson agrees.  In 2007 the singer pondered the weight issue in Harper’s Bazaar:

“Do you think the guys in here are all really looking at all those skinny girls and thinking, ‘Wow, I want to get with her?’  Or are they looking at the girls with the curves and thinking, ‘Yeah, I want to get with her!’” 

Photo credit: Newscom, Bauer Griffin

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