PPP's Tip of the Week

Do you have some questions about debt settlement? Well the following article courtesy of GetFinancialTips.com might help answer some of them.

Debt Settlement Affects Your Credit Score – Reasons & Solutions
By Hector Milla

It should come as no surprise to you that debt settlement has an impact on your credit score. This is reality and people who have spent any time monitoring their report know that when the slightest little thing happens, it ends up on that report. The reasons why settlement impacts your credit score are pretty simple to understand, as well. For one, the creditors will report that you have made a payment that was less than the total amount owed. This makes you somewhat more risky, so that is not a good start. There are some things that people overlook when assessing the impact, though.

Credit card settlement and the removal of big debt

Nothing acts as a bigger anchor on your credit report than a big amount of debt. Simply put, when you have a huge consumer debt, it hurts your score and leaves you with few ways to get the score up. The only way to truly bring your score back to respectability is to get rid of the big debt. While settlement in itself might put a little mark on your report and dent your score, it does take care of the big anchor on your report. When you are free of that debt commitment, you become a much more attractive and reasonable credit candidate. This brings up your score.

How do you move forward with a solution?

If you are planning on using settlement as your chief option, then it is important to have a solution in mind before you go there. One of the primary benefits of settling debt is that you will be able to move forward and start new, right away. Other programs drag this out and that makes it hard to bring your score up too much because the debt is still there. After you settle, start looking for small credit cards that you can get. Make sure that you are paying your current bills on time, too. Everything that you do from the settlement date forward needs to be a reflection of the changed, responsible you. This way, you can benefit from the time between your debt and the future.

Ultimately, these solutions are more important than the detrimental effects of settlement. Though settling debts will not look great on your credit, it does remove a huge commitment and free you up to start improving your history. That is extremely valuable.

NOTE: By researching and comparing the best debt settlement services in the market, you will determine the one that meets your very specific financial situation. As usual, professional advise coming from a seasoned debt counselor is highly recommended.
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If you would like to see this article please click below or click on the author's name to read more about debt settlement companies.
Full Article

Pumps, Purses & Positivity
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

TGIF

Pumps, Purses & Positivity would like to wish everyone a very Happy Friday!




Pumps, Purses & Positivity
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Small Pain In My Chest

This is a poem that a came across one day by Michael Mack. It's very touching so I wanted to share! Please remember to keep praying for all of the men and women that our serving in all branches of the military.


The soldier boy was sitting calmly underneath that tree.
As I approached it, I could see him beckoning to me.
The battle had been long and hard and lasted through the night
And scores of figures on the ground lay still by morning's light.

"I wonder if you'd help me, sir", he smiled as best he could.
"A sip of water on this morn would surely do me good.
We fought all day and fought all night with scarcely any rest -
A sip of water for I have a small pain in my chest."

As I looked at him, I could see the large stain on his shirt
All reddish-brown from his warm blood mixed in with Asian dirt.
"Not much", said he. "I count myself more lucky than the rest.
They're all gone while I just have a small pain in my chest."

"Must be fatigue", he weakly smiled. "I must be getting old.
I see the sun is shining bright and yet I'm feeling cold.
We climbed the hill, two hundred strong, but as we cleared the crest,
The night exploded and I felt this small pain in my chest."

"I looked around to get some aid - the only things I found
Were big, deep craters in the earth - bodies on the ground.
I kept on firing at them, sir. I tried to do my best,
But finally sat down with this small pain in my chest."

"I'm grateful, sir", he whispered, as I handed my canteen
And smiled a smile that was, I think, the brightest that I've seen.
"Seems silly that a man my size so full of vim and zest,
Could find himself defeated by a small pain in his chest."

"What would my wife be thinking of her man so strong and grown,
If she could see me sitting here, too weak to stand alone?
Could my mother have imagined, as she held me to her breast,
That I'd be sitting HERE one day with this pain in my chest?"

"Can it be getting dark so soon?" He winced up at the sun.
"It's growing dim and I thought that the day had just begun.
I think, before I travel on, I'll get a little rest ..........
And, quietly, the boy died from that small pain in his chest.

I don't recall what happened then. I think I must have cried;
I put my arms around him and I pulled him to my side
And, as I held him to me, I could feel our wounds were pressed
The large one in my heart against the small one in his chest.

Pumps, Purses & Positivity
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

This past Sunday marked one year for Pumps, Purses & Positivity! So I would like to wish us a very Happy Anniversary and I hope we can keep it going for another year!

Thank you ladies for your commitment and dedication!!

Pumps, Purses, & Positivity

Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Red Bull Flugtag

This past Saturday, July 24th, Red Bull Flugtag hit the Twin Cities for the first time ever. So, what’s “Flugtag?” That’s what you’re thinking, right?

Flugtag is German for “flying day.” Red Bull brought this “flying day” to the Twin Cities this year. It was held on Harriet Island, near downtown St. Paul. The event challenges its participants to design, build and pilot homemade flying machines off a 30-foot high flight deck in hopes of taking part in the miracle of human flight, but often end up plunging into the waters below. Teams are judged on three criteria: flight distance, creativity of the craft, and showmanship. These criteria have inspired flying tacos, prehistoric pterodactyls, winnebagos with wings and even Snoopy and the gang to compete.

This year friends of mine tried to fly a cheeseburger dubbed The Batmoburger. They were able to go 30 feet, well 30 feet straight down but they had a ball doing it and I had a ball watching. There was a lucky team, Major Trouble and the Dirty Dixies, that managed to break the record of 195 feet by gliding to 207 feet! I have included video of their flight below.

It was by far one of the craziest events I have ever encountered but it was a beautiful day and a fun time was had by all. This event will get added to my "Minnesota Adventures" journal.




Stiletto,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Biking

For the past month, I have found a new found love. Biking! I haven't ridden a bike in over 5 years, because I had a nasty fall and considered myself done with riding a bike.

After much nagging from my husband and sister, and after my sister gave me a bike that has been sitting in my garage for the last 4 years, I decided to give it a new try.

Now I am hooked. It so much fun, that I have become obsessed with riding my bike. Everywhere that I used to walk, I now ride. It has been so much fun riding to the Oak Park Farmer's Market, every Saturday with my sister and coming home with our fresh produce, as well as, catching up with the husbands and children. I have even talked my husband to riding with me at 5 am, every weekday. Yes, 5am, so I can get in a bike ride before I go to work. We ride for an hour and that is also our time to catch-up, talk and have some togetherness. My favorite place to ride, is Northerly Island (downtown Museum Campus) to Belmont on the North and Hyde Park on the South. I told you I was obsessed. I have been racking up some pretty good mileage on my bike.

Let's talk about the benefits. My legs look amazing for a 46 year old. I am trying to get that Tina Turner look back of my youth. Also, my body feels and looks amazing because of the all the conditioning work that a bike forces you to use.

So, if you have a bike that is gathering dust and cobwebs, dust it off and I guarantee that in 3 weeks, you will see amazing results at little or no cost. You will need a good helmet, reflector, bike lock and basket (to bring home goodies). Remember to be safe and enjoy all the scenery.

Enjoy your summer.

Love and Peace,

Sandals

Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Joy

True inner joy is self - created.

It does not depend on outer circumstances.

A river is flowing in and through you carrying the message of joy.

This divine joy is the sole purpose of life.

~Shri Chinmoy

Stiletto,

Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

PPP's Tip of the Week

5 Things You Should Never Put in a Dishwasher courtesy of Wise Bread & Yahoo!Finance

1. Wood: This includes wooden spoons, salad bowls, chopsticks, and cutting boards. Wood will swell and crack in the dishwasher. My cutting board broke in half, and the bottom of my salad bowl dislodged and made a slit so that I could no longer use it for anything that could leak (the glue used to seal it looked like it got dissolved or washed away).

2. Knives: I still put my cheap butter knives in there, but never the larger, nicer ones. The harsh detergent will cause nicks and scratches on the blade, dulling it. Also, putting and removing sharp, large knives is likely to cause damage to the dishwasher rack itself.

3. Crystal/Hand-blown Glass: These items are not just sensitive to heat (they can crack), but abrasive detergent can chip and etch them as well, causing them to lose their brilliance. They should be gently hand washed and dried with a soft, lint free towel.

4. Pots & Pans: It's generally not a good idea to put pots and pans in the dishwasher. After running a few cycles on them, I noticed some of my pots and pans had loose handles and seals were coming off (like my wooden salad bowl above). Additionally, here are particular types that should definitely not go into the dishwasher:

• Nonstick/Anodized Aluminum: The coating will wear out and break down and it will no longer be non-stick. This includes bakeware.
• Cast Iron: It will rust and lose its seasoning. After rinsing with water, heat on the stove to completely dry.
• Enameled Cast Iron: These are very prone to chipping. Plates and bowls may hit against the pot during the cycle.
• Aluminum: It's extremely vulnerable to nicks and scratches. This includes thermoses and water bottles.

5. Gold Trim: Watch out for any plates, bowls, or cups with gold trim. They will be removed by the harsh detergent and water pressure.

Final tips: It's not always as easy as looking at the label to see whether something is dishwasher safe. Keep in mind that the environment inside a dishwasher is hot, humid, and wet. The detergent is abrasive. The water spray is not gentle (it's trying to spray off that caked-in spaghetti sauce). The top rack generally gets a gentler wash than the bottom. If you keep these things in mind, you'll be able to make better decisions about what to put in and what to keep out of the dishwasher.

Pumps, Purses & Positivity

Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

MySpace

It's Poetry Friday and I'd like to share with you an interesting poem by Shannon Matesky, as performed on Def Comedy Jam.

Please copy and paste the link below:

http://youtu.be/cx0zNEccRIw


Happy Friday,

Clutch

Real Life. Real Talk. Real Women.

A Thought for Thursday

Learn how to love hard
Enjoy life
Assess the difference between needs and wants
Rethink your thoughts about someone that you don't really know
Never doubt what God has promised


Mary Jane
Real Talk, Real Life, Real Women

Are you tired of paying for cable TV?

Are you trying to budget? Would you like to get rid of that monthly cable bill? Well keep reading and see if you can!

You Don't Have to Pay for Cable TV by Dan Schointuch courtesy of MoneyTalksNews & Yahoo!Finance

Almost a year ago I moved into a new apartment and did something revolutionary: I didn't set up cable or satellite TV. I was frustrated by the lack of choice (only one provider), lengthy contracts, and inexplicably high price. As someone who watches a lot of television, this seemed like a truly difficult problem, but I resolved to find a way to see my favorite shows without paying a cable or satellite bill. Fortunately, it was much easier than I thought.

You might not know it, but you can watch HDTV with an antenna.
Over 99% of U.S. TV households can receive at least one local station over the air, while 89% can watch five or more. The picture is perfectly clear thanks to the switch to digital TV completed on June 12, 2009. You'll either see a crisp, beautiful image or no image at all (static is a thing of the past). And the best part? All your favorite programming will still be in HD.

HDTV is more expensive for local stations to produce, so it's common to see a station broadcast in regular standard definition during the day, but switch their signal to high definition for prime time. So while the local news may not be in HD, your favorite shows like Glee, America's Got Talent, and The Bachelorette will be.

Of course, you will need an antenna to make this work, but your HDTV will also have to have an "HDTV tuner" built in. This is sometimes referred to as "integrated HDTV". If not, you'll need to buy a separate HDTV tuner that connects your existing HDTV to an antenna. To check, you may have to consult your HDTV's manual, do a search online, or contact the manufacturer.

What about shows that aren't on broadcast channels?
Two of my favorite shows, The Daily Show and The Colbert Report, air on Comedy Central, which isn't a channel you can receive with an antenna. Fortunately, Internet to the rescue! If you've got a computer and Internet access (there's no way I'd be able to live without paying for Internet), both shows can be watched in their entirety on their respective websites for free. (Full episodes of The Daily Show and full episodes of The Colbert Report). Like most online shows, you'll have to sit through a few commercials, but less than you would see watching the same show on television and without having to pay for the privilege.

The popular website Hulu has hundreds of shows available to watch online, all free, commercial-supported, but it's not the only option. Netflix is a great way to watch past seasons of favorite shows, which can be streamed instantly to almost 100 devices like your computer, Xbox, PlayStation, Wii, iPhone (soon), etc. You can watch as much as you want for only $9 a month; compared to the cost of a cable or satellite subscription with premium movie channels, a pittance. Plus, they've got almost every movie you've ever heard of, offer a 2 week free trial, and let you cancel whenever you want.

To read the rest of the article please click below:
You Don't Have to Pay for Cable TV

Pumps, Purses & Positivity
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Hobo’s Question of the Day

I recently went on vacation with a couple of friends of mine for a weekend vacation. The trip started out just fine, and then one of my friends (my opinion) started behaving very withdrawn, somewhat angry, and uncooperative. Whatever suggestions I or anyone else made, she was reluctant to provide any suggestion as to what would make the trip more interesting.

Once we returned from the trip it seems as if she has made every effort to avoid talking to me or returning my phone calls. When I finally had the opportunity to talk to her, I asked her was everything okay: her response was “we can talk about it later”. That was three weeks ago.

So, Hobo is asking, just how much effort should one friend place in to “mending” a friendship when one friend seems reluctant to make an effort. And when exactly should a person decide that a friendship may no longer be worth the effort.

Hobo Bag

Living by Faith

I am sure everyone has heard that when life gives you lemons make lemonade but how easy is that to do. We go by day to day trying to live with the grand scheme that everything is going to be ok no matter the circumstance. This is something that gets tried daily.

I think about it when things seem a little off for me. It constantly seems that whenever I take baby steps forward I get knocked giant steps backward. Each time that happens I stand firm on the belief that a greater power is at work. You see the devil is always busy.

I talk with people often that get discouraged when they get knocked down. If you really sit back and think about it those people must be doing something right. Why else would he be so concerned with trying to shake their faith.

When you see you faith being shaken, tossed about, pulled from your being, begin to pray like you have never prayed before. Remember you are always being heard. We have to remember that things are never done in our time but in the time of the Almighty.

Much Love

Chanel

Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Pump up the positive!

Having a bad day? Below are 25 positive quotes. I know that these won't necessarily change your situation, but they sure might change the way you look at it!

1. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
2. Reach for the moon if you miss you will still hit the stars.
3. If you cant handle me at my worst you don't deserve me at my best.
4. Don’t doubt the dream it’s the best you can be.
5. Your past does not have to be your future.
6. It’s not what happens to you, It’s what you do about it.
7. Better to do something imperfectly than to do nothing flawlessly.
8. Within you is the divine capacity to manifest and attract all that you need or desire.
9. There would be nothing to frighten you if you refused to be afraid.
10. Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.
11. Don’t be pushed by your problems. Be led by your dreams.
12. Dream as if you’ll live forever, live as if you’ll die today.
13. Every great dream begins with a dreamer.
14. Life isn't about the amount of breaths you take, its about those moments that truly take your breath away.
15. Life is beautiful because of you.
16. The hardest thing in this world is to live in it, Be brave, Live
17. Remember that happiness is a way of travel – not a destination.
18. If you smile at me i will understand, because that is something everyone everywhere does in the same language.
19. Don't worry, Be happy.
20. A problem shared is a problem halved.
21. Happiness shared is doubled happiness.
22. Work like you don’t need the money, Love like you have never been hurt, Dance like nobody’s watching.
23. It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.
24. From tiny acorns mighty oak trees grow.
25. What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us.

Below is the link to the above quotes plus 75 more! Enjoy!!

100 Greatest Positive Quotes Brought to you by Real Subliminal

Stiletto,

Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

PPP's Tip of the Week

Smart Spending Tips - courtesy of Faxless payday loan

Some people find themselves desperate for a faxless payday loan because their spending is out of control. If your spending habits could use some work, check out these simple tips.

Use cash as exclusively as possible. Though it may seem counter intuitive, the best way to save cash is to pay in cash. Credit and debit cards can make you feel like you're not spending "real" money, which can quickly lead to overspending. Try to use cash exclusively wherever you can, and use a debit card when you can't (e.g., for online purchases). Using cash will help you set limits on your spending if you limit yourself to a certain amount per week. Make a goal to visit the ATM once per week, take out the cash you have allowed for the week's expenses, and stick to that limit.

Force yourself to keep track of expenses. If you find yourself in need of a faxless payday loan without knowing where all your money went, you might want to start keeping track of your spending. The act of simply writing down your expenses can make you more conscious of them, which will help you cut back. Also, tracking your expenses can help you identify areas where you could cut back. Focusing on these unnecessary expenses can reduce your need for a faxless payday loan.

If you don't save, start. Savings are the cheapest, most reliable alternative to a faxless payday loan. Having a small nest egg can help you weather ebbs and flows in your cash flow without having to borrow. Though experts recommend saving 10% of your income, you don't have to start with such a lofty goal. Try to save a small percentage of your paychecks, maybe 1-2%, to start out. As you get into the habit, you can increase that percentage to build your savings.

Evaluate your fixed expenses. For some people, discretionary spending might not be the real problem. If you find yourself chronically in need of a faxless payday loan and you are not overspending, then it's time to assess your fixed expenses. You could be overextended in housing, transportation, or debt expenses. For such expenses, a good rule of thumb is that each of these categories should consume no more than 20% of your net income each month.

Pumps, Purses & Positivity
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Walk of Shame

Being in Miami amidst all of the Lebron James hoopla, a couple of my girlfriends and I embarked on a conversation about infidelity. Specifically, infidelity among athletes. I am a firm believer that if a sentence includes the words "all", "none" "always" or never", it is usually not true. One of my very close friends made the comment that all athletes cheat and that it is just a matter of time before Lebron James takes the walk of shame, alongside Kobe, Tiger, Shaq and so many others. While all may be an overstatement, I also believe that many athletes cheat. Actually, I believe that many people cheat, regardless of occupation or gender. I think that infidelity goes far beyond just physical contact with another person. Those "innocent" flirtatious text messages or that feeling that you have deep down inside for someone other than your spouse is also cheating. What about lunch with the cute co-worker from the 3rd floor whose intentions are anything but noble, Is this also cheating?

What constitutes Infidelity? Is emotional cheating less destructive than physical infidelity, or is it one in the same?

Share your thoughts.

Happy Friday,

Clutch

Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women.

ABC'S OF FRIENDSHIP

As I look Back over my life I see
Just what friendship means to me
Childhood is where friendships begin
Death is usually where great friendships End
You Fight over some small and some big things
But Good friends know that you are really not mean
They Holler and yell and act like they don't care
But always Include you in their dreams; they share
Joking and laughing but can be serious too
Kicking your butt with encouraging words if they need to
Letting you borrow things expecting nothing in return
Money, clothes, jewelry they are never concerned
Never a bad word about you they ever speak
Only optimistic thoughts will they ever repeat
Promising to keep the most sacred thoughts
Questioning the times that your thoughts seem lost
Remembering you on your birthday, anniversary, or birth of a child
Feeling your pain and Sorrow when you become a motherless or fatherless child
Tears of joy as you rise to the next level
Understanding when you can not decide and you dable
Claiming the Victory before you in Jesus name
Walking in faith for you when you can't feel the same
eXaming Your actions when you act strange
Zealous when life brings positive change


Mary Jane
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Fruit, Fruit & more Fruit!!!

There is absolutely nothing like fresh fruit, especially in the summertime. But do you sometimes have a difficult time trying to figure out if that cantaloupe you are craving is ripe? If you do you might find the following article, courtesy of Yahoo!Green, helpful.

Below is just a portion of the article, click on the title if you would like to read the entire article.

How to choose the ripest fruits by Lori Bongiorno

Melons
Experts agree that scent is important in choosing the best-tasting melons, particularly when it comes to cantaloupe and honeydew (less so with watermelon). They should smell very sweet, particularly at the blossom and stem ends, which should also be tender if you press on them.

The best way to check for ripeness of a cantaloupe or honeydew melon is to look at the skin, says Emily Wallendjack, pastry chef at Cookshop in New York City. "If the veins on the skin are green, they aren't ripe." Corriher likes to choose melons that are pale. Wallendjack and other experts suggests tapping melons: "If you tap on it, and kind of flick it and hear a deep hollow sound, it's ripe." A watermelon should feel heavy for its size and the underbelly should have a splotch of creamy yellow.

Stone fruits
Look for peaches and nectarines that are tender to the touch, but not too soft. Feeling is the best way, but smell can also be a good indicator of taste as well, says Gabriel Kass-Johnson of McEnroe Organic Farm in Millerton, New York. Stay away from peaches that have a greenish tint, which usually means they were picked too early. Plums should be slightly tender to the touch and fully colored, says Rachel Saunders, owner of Blue Chair Fruit.

Cherries
Color is key when it comes to cherries. "Look for Bing cherries with a deep, rich burgundy color," says Nick Trocano, a farmer at Sycamore Farms, in Middletown, NY. "A cherry should feel like it's plump and full of juice. It should feels like if you just squeeze it a little harder, it will burst."
Some additional tips from Saunders: The stems should be attached. Cherries should be firm -- if the flesh is too soft, then it indicates an overripe cherry.

Berries
"With berries, color is surefire," says Kass-Johnson. "Smell isn't as important." And remember that they will not ripen after you buy them. They'll just get softer and mushier.

Strawberries should be entirely red, according to Saunders. "If a berry has white shoulders (the part of the berry hidden by the leaves), it was picked too early." She says strawberries should be firm and have dark green leaves. If the leaves are dried out, then it's a sign that the berries are old. "With raspberries you want the most intense, deep red that you can find," says Corriher. "Pick the biggest blueberries you can find, and they'll be sweeter." Saunders says she seeks out blueberries that are both firm and blue.

Apples
Apples should have a very tight, hard skin, and there should be no give when you press on them, says Wallendjack. Color is also important. "You need to know what color an apple is when it's ripe," says Corriher. For example, look for really yellow golden delicious apples.

Oranges
Saunders suggests looking for bright, firm oranges. "A too-pale color can indicate that the fruit was picked a little early," she says. "A leather-looking peel indicates the orange is old."

Enjoy!

Pumps, Purses, & Positivity
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Black Ensemble Theater - Save the Date

Although I haven’t gone in a while, in the past, I’ve enjoyed performances at the Black Ensemble Theater. I’ve never left disappointed. The current performance which began in June is entitled Nothing But the Blues. Besides awesome performances, another great thing about this theater is that the price is right at a budget-friendly $45. The facility located at 4520 N. Beacon in Chicago is intimate. You feel that you can literally reach right out and touch the performers. Although the intimacy is nice, it was exciting to see the following “Save the Date” notification via email:

Groundbreaking
for
"Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center"
September 10, 2010

The Black Ensemble Theater (BE) is embarking on its most ambitious production yet -- the construction of the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, a $15 million state-of-the-art performance and educational complex. Located in the vibrant and ethnically diverse Uptown community on Chicago's north side, BE will continue to be unique to the City's theater performance landscape.

The new theater is designed to reflect the colorful history of BE with its state of the art, vibrant and green architectural design. Central to the new facility's design are two performance stages. An expanded main stage that seats 300 people, and a secondary stage that seats 150 people, will greatly increase the BE's capacity.

Today, the theater reaches 60,000 theater-goers annually. The new expanded facility will allow BE to reach an astounding 140,000 individuals annually.



As you can see from the image, this facility is beautiful. I also read on the website that most of the money has already been raised for the expansion. I can’t wait!

In the meantime, I plan to enjoy one or more of the remaining 2010-2011 season’s upcoming performances which include, The Other Cinderella, A Rare Pearl – The Story of Pearl Bailey, and You Brought The Sunshine in My Life (The Story of the Clark Sisters).

Check out more details on the new theater and the upcoming performances at www.blackensembletheater.org.

Kitten Heels

Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Styles for the summer months

Skip All White and 9 More Summer Style Dos And Don’ts courtesy of Yahoo! Shine
Posted By: Carli Alexa Blau @ The Frisky

The sun is out and the heat is on. But just because you’ve said goodbye to the cold weather layers doesn’t mean you can say goodbye to common style rules. Bling-bling and bikinis, heels at the beach, and sunglasses indoors just aren’t fashionable, regardless of who is wearing them. Find 10 summer style dos and don’ts to keep you looking stylish, normal, and cool all summer long.

1. Sunglasses belong outside. Sunglasses are called sunglasses for a reason—they belong in the sun. There is no reason to wear your sunglasses inside. After all, they’re not called shade-glasses. Duh.

2. Flip-flops are NOT just beach attire. While some people think that flip-flops are only meant for the beach or the pool, they can make any outfit more casual, not to mention more comfortable. Slip on your flip-flops and wear them to a BBQ or day party with a sundress or shorts and you’ll be ready to party.

3. Makeup isn’t waterproof for a reason. Unless you buy waterproof mascara or eyeliner, makeup isn’t really made to be worn underwater. Steer clear of wearing too much makeup to the beach or pool; it doesn’t look good or appropriate, especially when it’s dripping down your face.

4. Don’t wear all white. OK, just because we passed Memorial Day weekend and we can technically wear white again, that doesn’t mean wear all white. White jeans with a white shirt, belt and shoes never looks cool, even when you’re going to a white-out-themed party. Instead, mix things up with some metallic accents.

5. Don’t match your beach bag to your outfit. Unless you have a matching towel and beach bag for each bathing suit you own, stick to the non-matching look. The whole matched outfit thing looks like it belongs on a child. It’s simply tacky.

6. Wear a hat. Most people don’t wear enough sunscreen—so slather up!—but you can at least protect your face from wrinkles and sun damage by wearing a cool hat.

7. Chill with the bling-bling while sunbathing. Wearing one cute necklace or bracelet with your bathing suit is one thing, but being decked out in jewelry by the pool is not only tacky, it leaves you with terrible tan lines.

8. Wear a swimsuit that fits. Everyone has a different body shape and there are bathing suits made for all body types. So, please, don’t wear one that is too small or too big for you. The key to looking good in a bathing suit is feeling good in a bathing suit. An ill-fitting suit may cause undesired attention.

9. Heels are not meant for the beach. There's really no excuse for wearing heels to the beach or pool. It might be funny when your heel gets stuck in the boardwalk or you sink into the sand trying to look like a diva, but tripping and ruining some cute kid’s sandcastle ... well, there is no excuse for that.

10. Less is not always more. Just because it’s hot out does not give you the excuse to wear less clothing. Nothing about booty shorts or super mini-skirts is attractive, unless you’re looking for a pole.

Pumps, Purses & Positivty
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Something to think about

In this world there are only two tragedies:
One is not getting what one wants,
and the other is getting it.

- Oscar Wilde


Stiletto,
Pumps, Purses & Positivity

Are you heading for a debt diaster?

I know we post a lot of information on debt but it's because it is so extremely important to be in control of our debt, especially now! There are times when we really think we have it under control but the reality is we may not.......If you say yes to three or more of the following statements you may want to rethink how you are spending your money so that you can avoid running into the Debt Disaster Wall!!!

10 Tip-Offs You're Heading for a Debt Disaster
by Brian O'Connell courtesy of MoneyTalksNews

Like most of life's major problems, a debt disaster doesn't happen overnight. There are clear warning signs that crushing debt could grow out of control.
Here are 10 Tip-Offs that you're heading for a debt disaster. See how you score.

1. Your bank account is consistently overdrawn.
If you keep getting those thin envelopes in the mail from your bank telling you that your checking account is overdrawn, it's time to regroup and find out why you're not keeping up.
Tip: First, stop the bleeding. Ask your bank for overdraft protection for your checking account. But don't stop there: Track your expenses and find out why you've got bigger withdrawals than deposits.

2. Your credit card balances are rising.
Compare the balances on your credit cards from six months ago with your balances today. Are they bigger now? If so, why?
Tip: While periodic fluctuations in your loan balances are normal, if they're consistently rising, you've got to stop, examine your spending and find out why.

3. You're only making minimum payments on your credit cards.
You'll never get ahead by borrowing money at 15% on your credit cards every month and taking years — even decades — to pay them off. Paying interest on purchases translates into paying more for the things you buy. That new jacket you bought for $80 will end up costing up to $240. Do that long enough and you'll go broke.
Tip: ALWAYS pay more than the minimum. If you can't, you're likely already heading toward a debt disaster. Talk to a credit counselor.

4. You and your partner are arguing about money.
Money is an emotional issue. It sometimes causes a power struggle between partners who have different ideas on how money should be handled. If you and your spouse or partner are haggling over bills more than usual, it's probably because your bills are higher than usual.
Tip: Agree on a budget and a spending allowance, if necessary. Then stick to it. And if money is an issue, communicate about it more often, not less often.

5. Your savings account is busted.
Money experts agree that a savings reserve equal to half your annual salary is mandatory to ride out rough economic times, like the loss of a job or a serious illness. If you don't have any money at all in your savings account, it's time to re-examine your budget and see where your money is going every month.
Tip: When you get paid, pay yourself first. Use automatic withdrawal to take 10% of your check and stash it in a savings or money market account.

6. You're juggling your monthly bill payments.
If you're applying selective reasoning to your monthly bill payments ("Hmmm — we'll pay the phone bill this month, but skip the cable bill") then you're in over your head financially.
Tip: Lose the cable and any other luxury item on your "to pay" list. In tough times, stick to the staples: home, car, groceries and utilities. You might not think about it, but 20 years ago, nobody had an Internet bill or a cell phone bill. Cut out everything until your income is greater than your out-go.

7. You don't know how much you owe.
You undoubtedly know how much you make. Not knowing how much you owe — especially not wanting to — is a sign that you're burying your head in the sand.
Tip: Pay as much attention to what you owe as what you make. Don't keep your debt out of sight — or out of mind.

8. You're keeping secrets.
If you're unwilling to share your spending with your spouse, that's a sure sign you're afraid of trouble ahead.
Tip: Come clean. Keeping debt a secret won't improve your situation. But it will keep you up at night.

9. You've got a credit card collection.
There's only one reason to keep a full deck of credit cards in your wallet — because one or two isn't enough.
Tip: Even allowing for specialty and cash-back cards, you don't need more than three. Pay off the rest and close the accounts. And when you close an account, do it right: Here's a story that tells you how.

10. You're near the limit on your credit cards.
Credit cards should be for convenience only, not as the source of a continual high-interest loan. If you're using more than 30% of the available balance, you could be hurting your credit score and heading for a problem.

We hope you're not experiencing too many of these disaster signs. If you are, however, now's the time to take control. First step? Sit down and look at exactly what you have, what you owe and where your money's going. Then map out a written plan to reduce your debt.

Here's to your finances!!

Pumps, Purses & Positivity
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Ain't A Ceiling

I would like to share with you one of my favorite poems from one of my favorite singers, Jill Scott.

Happy Friday!
Clutch

Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Now that you have interviewed, what is next?

This by far is the most nerve wrecking part of the process. Once you have completed the intervew, the suggestions below will help you make it through the next phase of the process.

1. Keep a positive attitude
2. Continue to interview with other employers
3. Replay the interview process to continue to sharpen your skills
4. Send thank you notes
5. Relax and wait for a response

Mary Jane
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

It's all in how you look at it!

"The positive thinker sees the invisible, feels the intangible, and achieves the impossible!"
~Author unknown

"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."
~Winston Churchill

"Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another steppingstone to greatness."
~Oprah Winfrey


Pumps, Purses & Positivity
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Hobo’s Question of the Day

This past weekend I participated in Chicago’s annual Taste of Chicago festival, where every summer dozens of Chicago’s restaurant participate in a week long eating and tasting of food, deserts, and drinks. I have fond memories of going to Grant Park with family or friends and sharing slices of pizza and fried dough. But this year it felt different, the excitement and overall enthusiasm of the event seems to be gone, and for a second year violence erupted during the event.

As much as I enjoy annual events and festivals, it feels as if the practice of and the participation of tradition seems to be fading. One day events like the “Taste of Chicago” will no longer exist.

So, Hobo is asking, are community traditions fading or is the way communities and cities connect with one another changing? Will there come a day when the idea of know thy neighbor no longer exist?

Hobo Bag

Real Life, Real talk, Real Women

Summer Drinks

3 Low-Cal Summer Thirst Quenchers
By Lucy Danziger, the Editor-in-Chief of SELF magazine

Hot summer temps can make you extra thirsty, but be careful what you slurp—some iced coffee drinks and so-called "healthy" fruit smoothies exceed 500 calories. Gulp! To quench my thirst during the sunny season, I'm careful to drink unsweetened iced tea or coffee, plus lots of water out of my ever-present Sigg bottle. Sometimes plain ol' H20 gets a little, well, plain. Want to add a little zing? Popping in a few iced-cubes made from fruit juice and frozen berries is a delicious option. However, for a special sip that won't sink your diet, try one of these simple, low-calorie and seriously delicious swigs below. Bottoms up!

Almosjito (Makes 1 drink)
1/2 lime

1/2 orange

4 sprigs mint

1/4 cup sparkling water

1 tablespoon pure maple syrup

1/3 cups crushed ice

Squeeze lime and orange juices into a cocktail shaker. Add remaining ingredients. Shake and strain into a glass.

Low-Sugar Lemonade (Makes 4 drinks)

5 lemons

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

1/4 cup maple syrup

1 quart sparkling water

1 handful mint sprigs

Juice 4 of the lemons; slice the other lemon and set aside. Blend juice with applesauce and maple syrup. Stir in sparkling water. Pour mixture into large pitcher over ice. Garnish with lemon slices and mint sprigs and serve. (80 calories per serving)

Sun Tea With Mint (Makes 4 drinks)

4 cups water

4 black tea bags

Rind from 1 lemon

1/4 cup fresh mint leaves

Combine water, tea bags, rind and mint leaves in a glass pitcher and set in sun for 6 to 8 hours. (No time? Boil water, add ingredients and steep for 5 minutes.) Refrigerate until chilled and serve over ice; garnish with a sprig of fresh mint. (5 calories per serving)

Pumps, Purses & Positivity,

Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Which would you rather have?

I am reading a book on leadership that was assigned to me by my manager. I was very reluctant to it initially but gave into the concept. There are some interesting scenarios that arise in the book. The title is called the Servant by James C Hunter.

The one thought that struck me as interesting is Power vs. Authority. Which would you rather have? The definition of power is having the ability or to force someone to do your will. The definition they provide for authority is having the skill to get someone to do what you want; to influence.

This made me think about what type of leader I am and what would I want to be. I think that many of us ride in the middle line. I believe that there has to be some order to get things done but you must also be able to listen and allow people to grow into what you need them to do.

This principle can be used in your everyday life as well. When it comes to your family, children and relationships, what type of leader would you want to be? Remember the steps you take today will help to shape those in your life tomorrow.

Take some time today and ponder on this thought and share some feedback.

Much Love

Chanel

Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Happy Independence Day!

Wishing you all a happy and safe 4th of July!!

Stiletto,

Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

PPP's Tip of the Week

8 Tips for Exercising in Summer Heat
By Joe Decker For Active.com

Summer is the perfect time to go outside and have fun. Everything is more fun outside, whether you're swimming, running or cycling. But the summer heat can be a problem if you're not careful, particularly in areas with extreme heat and humidity.

You may not be racing in the desert, but there are some things to keep in mind when it comes to exercising in the heat:

1. The time of day is important. Unless you are training for an event that takes place in the daytime heat, avoid exercising from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It's the hottest part of day. Generally, the early morning is the best time to workout, especially if it's going to be scorcher that day.

2. Wear loose, light-colored. The lighter color will help reflect heat, and cotton material will help the evaporation of sweat. You may also want to try specially designed, "hi-tech" running shirts and shorts. They are often made from material meant to keep you cool.

3. Sunscreen is a must. I use SPF 45 just to be safe. It's important to protect your skin. You can get burned and suffer sun damage to your skin even on cloudy days.

4. Stay hydrated. Before you go out, drink a glass or two of water. Carry a bottle of water or even a hydration pack such as the CamelBak. Take a drink every 15 minutes, even when you're not thirsty. When you're done with your workout, have a few more glasses of water.

5. Replenish your electrolyte and salt intake while exercising. I like to use SUCCEED capsules--small, simple packs of sodium and electrolytes that keep my system in check.

6. If you can, choose shaded trails or pathways that keep you out of the sun.

7. Check the weather forecast before you start your workout. If there's a heat advisory, meaning high ozone and air pollution, you might want to take your workout indoors. These pollutants can damage your lungs.

8. Most importantly, listen to your body. Stop immediately if you're feeling dizzy, faint or nauseous.

*********************************

Enjoy your summer fitness routine and be safe!!

Pumps, Purses & Positivity

Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Second Chances

I am a firm believer that everyone deserves a second chance. We all make mistakes. Big ones, small ones, some silly and some that truly seemed like the right thing to do at that particular time. Who are we to judge the mistakes of others? Especially when it doesn't have an effect on us personally.

As I sat in the doctor's office today, I listened to a group of women talk about Chris Brown's performance on the 2010 BET Awards. One woman made the comment that she felt that his breakdown in the middle of his otherwise AMAZING Michael Jackson tribute, made her see a forgiving and innocent side of the young singer. She said that all was forgiven with her and that she would no longer judge him because of his situation with Rihanna. Immediately, the other 4 women in the office joined forces and began verbal mob action against this poor woman. None of them felt as if he could ever be forgiven for what he had done to Rihanna, though not one commented on the fact that he nailed every dance step in the performance. Please understand that I DO NOT condone violence of any kind. However, I thought to myself; who are we to judge this child for his mistake. None of us were there and we really have no idea what happened. I agree that there's a lesson to be learned from this situation and it can definitely be used as an example to teach young girls about domestic violence and self love. However, enough is enough. We have all made mistakes and have hopefully learned a valuable lesson from them. Let's move on to bigger battles and hope that the mistakes of these children help them to become better adults. We all deserve a second chance!

Here's to second chances....and maybe third or fourth.

Happy Friday,

Clutch

Real Talk. Real Life. Real Women.

God Speak To Me.......

The man whispered, "God, speak to me." And a meadowlark sang.
But....the man did not hear.

Then the man yelled "God, speak to me." Thunder rolled across the sky.
But.....the man did not listen.

The man looked around and said, "God, let me see you." And the stars shined brightly.
But.....the man did not notice.

And, the man shouted, "God, show me a miracle." And a life was born.
But.....the man did not know.

So, the man cried out in despair, "Touch me God, and let me know you are here. "Whereupon, God reached down and touched the man.
But.....the man brushed the butterfly away and walked on.

So remember, don't miss out on a blessing because it isn't packaged the way that you expect. Take notice of the blessings around you!!

~Author unknown

Pumps, Purses & Positivity
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women