Lately I have been hearing more and more about Autism. You see the ads, you read about it in magazines, celebrities even talk about it on television. I was in shock when I found out that it has hit home.
My son, has been diagnosed with Autism. When I was told, my body became numb with sadness. My first thought, not MY SON! When the doctors told me, I was overcome with grief. I did not know any other way to react. My son did not have a death sentence but I sure felt like I was just handed one.
Because I have no other family members that have be diagnosed (that I am aware of) this felt very strange. It was not like having high blood pressure, diabetes, or even cancer. This was one of those syndromes that I could not place in my family tree and this was very strange.
To this day, I am still questioning why this happened. Was it my punishment for thinking that I have everything under control and this was God’s way of telling me that I am not able to control every aspect of my life? Was it too much of something and not enough of something that I did or did not eat when I carried my son? Or was it just the luck of the numbers that are now down to one in every fifty children.
Though I am not sure of the cause, I am definitely not going down without a fight! I got my gloves on and I am ready to duke this thing out!
Currently we are seeing speech and developmental therapist with the occupational therapist to follow. I must say that it has been tough trying to manage an Autistic child, a four year old, a full-time job and a home but by God’s grace and mercy, things are working out.
I am looking forward to more reports on his progress. I get super excited every time there is the smallest amount of progress. As you can guess, I am his biggest cheerleader.
If you know of someone that is facing this, please encourage them to support their child to the fullest. Sometimes small things like speech or the lack of makes us think that children are just quiet or don’t like to speak because siblings speak for them. If you are in doubt, please check it out. Do not delay in seeking help. If you think that your child exhibits behaviors that seem abnormal for their age, please talk with your pediatrician who can refer you for testing that is not invasive.
So for me, Autism screams because I am screaming right back at it!
Mary Jane
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Weight Loss Wednesday
Exercise and Preventing Weight (Re)Gain Article By: The Weight Watchers Research Department courtesy of WeightWatchers.com
Exercise is one of the best predictors of weight-loss maintenance.
Studies have established exercise's role in preventing initial weight gain and preventing regain of weight that has been lost.
While exercise alone as a weight-loss method is of limited value, its role in preventing initial weight gain and preventing regain of weight that has been lost is well established. Many studies have suggested that the amount of exercise needed to prevent initial weight gain and the level of exercise needed to sustain a weight loss are different. In addition, the amount of exercise required for weight management appears to be greater than the amount needed to achieve general health benefits.
Recommended Levels of Activity
The current recommendation for physical activity encourages adults to do 30 minutes of moderate intensity activity on most days, and preferably all days, of the week. The majority of people currently don't achieve this goal, which is considered a reasonable and obtainable one that would benefit most people. This level of activity has been linked with limiting the health risks for a number of chronic diseases including coronary heart disease and diabetes.
As part of a consensus statement published by the International Association for the Study of Obesity (IASO), the recommendation of 45-60 minutes of moderate intensity activity each day was made to prevent the development of overweight or obesity. The IASO report goes on to recommend obtaining this activity by reducing sedentary behavior and focusing on including lifestyle activities (such as gardening, brisk walking, and household chores) and leisure-time activities into the daily routine.
Exercise and Sustained Weight Loss
Regular physical activity is one of the best predictors of weight-loss maintenance. In addition, the amount of exercise connected with sustained weight loss is consistent from study to study, and it is a significant amount.
People in the National Weight Control Registry, a database of people who have lost at least 30 pounds and kept if off for at least one year, report expending over 2,800 calories per week doing physical activity. These people also report that they find activity an enjoyable part of their lives and look at this weight maintaining as a pleasure, not a chore. Another study found that 1,500-2,000 calories per week of exercise (equivalent to walking 15-20 miles) is associated with improved weight maintenance.
Here's to your health!
Pumps, Purses & Positivity
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women
Exercise is one of the best predictors of weight-loss maintenance.
Studies have established exercise's role in preventing initial weight gain and preventing regain of weight that has been lost.
While exercise alone as a weight-loss method is of limited value, its role in preventing initial weight gain and preventing regain of weight that has been lost is well established. Many studies have suggested that the amount of exercise needed to prevent initial weight gain and the level of exercise needed to sustain a weight loss are different. In addition, the amount of exercise required for weight management appears to be greater than the amount needed to achieve general health benefits.
Recommended Levels of Activity
The current recommendation for physical activity encourages adults to do 30 minutes of moderate intensity activity on most days, and preferably all days, of the week. The majority of people currently don't achieve this goal, which is considered a reasonable and obtainable one that would benefit most people. This level of activity has been linked with limiting the health risks for a number of chronic diseases including coronary heart disease and diabetes.
As part of a consensus statement published by the International Association for the Study of Obesity (IASO), the recommendation of 45-60 minutes of moderate intensity activity each day was made to prevent the development of overweight or obesity. The IASO report goes on to recommend obtaining this activity by reducing sedentary behavior and focusing on including lifestyle activities (such as gardening, brisk walking, and household chores) and leisure-time activities into the daily routine.
Exercise and Sustained Weight Loss
Regular physical activity is one of the best predictors of weight-loss maintenance. In addition, the amount of exercise connected with sustained weight loss is consistent from study to study, and it is a significant amount.
People in the National Weight Control Registry, a database of people who have lost at least 30 pounds and kept if off for at least one year, report expending over 2,800 calories per week doing physical activity. These people also report that they find activity an enjoyable part of their lives and look at this weight maintaining as a pleasure, not a chore. Another study found that 1,500-2,000 calories per week of exercise (equivalent to walking 15-20 miles) is associated with improved weight maintenance.
Here's to your health!
Pumps, Purses & Positivity
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Hobo’s Poem of the Day
A poem of inspiration, by Jenna Casilen
When the phoenix rises from his ashes, he reminds the world of her clashes.
But he brings a bright light of hope,
A rising sun that glides along the slope.
When the dragon roars and bares his teeth,
He reminds the world of the fire underneath.
But he brings a great revelation,
A dawning realization that there is a destination.
When the wolf pounces on his prey,
He reminds the world of her disarray.
But he brings a blanket of shame,
An anger quickly turning into a flame.
When the serpent uncoils from the deep abyss,
He reminds the world of a rebellion that resists.
But he brings an unification of the races,
And of their differences, there are no traces.
Hobo Bag,
Real Life, Real talk, Real Women
When the phoenix rises from his ashes, he reminds the world of her clashes.
But he brings a bright light of hope,
A rising sun that glides along the slope.
When the dragon roars and bares his teeth,
He reminds the world of the fire underneath.
But he brings a great revelation,
A dawning realization that there is a destination.
When the wolf pounces on his prey,
He reminds the world of her disarray.
But he brings a blanket of shame,
An anger quickly turning into a flame.
When the serpent uncoils from the deep abyss,
He reminds the world of a rebellion that resists.
But he brings an unification of the races,
And of their differences, there are no traces.
Hobo Bag,
Real Life, Real talk, Real Women
Monday, September 27, 2010
The Healthy You
I want to start this by saying Happy Monday! We as women always put so many things before ourselves.
We make sure that everyone has what they need beside us. I would like to take this opportunity to challenge each of you reading this to start taking care of you today. Over the last few months I have started to look at my own health seriously. This is something that I have neglected for several years because so many other life things had taken priority.
After reading a recent story about a very well known gospel singer's wife that kind of took me back I made a conscious decision to make me a priority. The well acclaimed singer, Marvin Sapp, wife succumbed to colon cancer about two weeks ago at the age of 42. This was powerful to me for a couple of reasons. She was the same age as myself and the fact that she passed from a disease that I had always associated with men. Studies are showing that black women are being diagnosed at higher rates than ever before.
So I charge that each of you take back your health today. I have a procedure schedule for tomorrow to have my colon checked out. I am not majorly concerned about it but a little because it was recommended by my physician that I schedule it.
Ladies we only have one us to give so we need to make sure that we take care of it. Be blessed and pay attention to your bodies.
MUCH LOVE
Chanel
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women
We make sure that everyone has what they need beside us. I would like to take this opportunity to challenge each of you reading this to start taking care of you today. Over the last few months I have started to look at my own health seriously. This is something that I have neglected for several years because so many other life things had taken priority.
After reading a recent story about a very well known gospel singer's wife that kind of took me back I made a conscious decision to make me a priority. The well acclaimed singer, Marvin Sapp, wife succumbed to colon cancer about two weeks ago at the age of 42. This was powerful to me for a couple of reasons. She was the same age as myself and the fact that she passed from a disease that I had always associated with men. Studies are showing that black women are being diagnosed at higher rates than ever before.
So I charge that each of you take back your health today. I have a procedure schedule for tomorrow to have my colon checked out. I am not majorly concerned about it but a little because it was recommended by my physician that I schedule it.
Ladies we only have one us to give so we need to make sure that we take care of it. Be blessed and pay attention to your bodies.
MUCH LOVE
Chanel
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Discover You!
Have you taken the time to discover you yet?
I mean really taken a step back to unpeel the layers
and get to that authentic you?
Well if you haven’t, I challenge you to take the time and do so.
There may be things you find that you don’t really like,
but remember you can change those things.
There may be things you discover that you really love,
like what your true passion is or that golden nugget that I believe we all have.
The process will be different for everyone,
so I can’t really begin to prescribe steps.
And some may take longer than others, but
the length of time doesn’t matter, and
the way you go about it doesn’t matter…….
What truly matter is that you take the time to do it!
Take the time to discover you; you may just be presently surprised! :-)
Stiletto,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women
I mean really taken a step back to unpeel the layers
and get to that authentic you?
Well if you haven’t, I challenge you to take the time and do so.
There may be things you find that you don’t really like,
but remember you can change those things.
There may be things you discover that you really love,
like what your true passion is or that golden nugget that I believe we all have.
The process will be different for everyone,
so I can’t really begin to prescribe steps.
And some may take longer than others, but
the length of time doesn’t matter, and
the way you go about it doesn’t matter…….
What truly matter is that you take the time to do it!
Take the time to discover you; you may just be presently surprised! :-)
Stiletto,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women
Saturday, September 25, 2010
PPP's Tip of the Week
8 Slipups That Won't Hurt Your Credit Score
1. Having a Low or High Income
You may find information about your employer listed on your report, but your income has no impacts on your credit score. So if you earn a low salary, don't fret about it being a factor when you go to ask for a loan - just be certain that you can pay on time, because those payments will affect your credit score.
by Fabulously Broke provided by 
courtesy of Yahoo!Finance
Everyone makes mistakes from time to time, but knowing what actually hurts or helps your credit score will help you present yourself in the best light possible when it comes to wanting to land that job, secure that dreamy apartment or buy your first home. To make sure you know what doesn't factor into your credit score, here are some slipups that you can breathe easy about.
1. Having a Low or High Income
You may find information about your employer listed on your report, but your income has no impacts on your credit score. So if you earn a low salary, don't fret about it being a factor when you go to ask for a loan - just be certain that you can pay on time, because those payments will affect your credit score.
2. Not Paying Insurance, Utility and Cell Phone Bills
These companies check your credit score to figure out whether to insure you, or to provide you with their services, but although they use your score to make a decision, they don't report any of your payments to the credit agencies. However, if you continually default on your payments, your account may be sent to the collections agency who would then report to the credit bureaus.
These companies check your credit score to figure out whether to insure you, or to provide you with their services, but although they use your score to make a decision, they don't report any of your payments to the credit agencies. However, if you continually default on your payments, your account may be sent to the collections agency who would then report to the credit bureaus.
3. Missing Rent Payments
Much like the insurance, utility and cell phone providers, if you pay your rent on time, it won't help your credit score because the credit bureau would ignore it even if it appeared on the report. As with all bills, if you fall behind on your rent, it could lead to you getting officially evicted, which will hurt your credit score.
Much like the insurance, utility and cell phone providers, if you pay your rent on time, it won't help your credit score because the credit bureau would ignore it even if it appeared on the report. As with all bills, if you fall behind on your rent, it could lead to you getting officially evicted, which will hurt your credit score.
4. Bank Overdraft
Going into overdraft can get expensive, if you do it all the time, but it won't hurt your credit score if you can settle it before your bank sends your account to a collections agency.
Going into overdraft can get expensive, if you do it all the time, but it won't hurt your credit score if you can settle it before your bank sends your account to a collections agency.
5. Checking Your Own Credit
You can check your credit report as much as you'd like without damaging it, but make sure you use a trusted source such as the credit bureaus themselves. Having anyone else pull your credit report for you (such as a lender) will appear as what is called a "hard inquiry", which would seem as though you are applying for more credit and consequently damages your credit score.
You can check your credit report as much as you'd like without damaging it, but make sure you use a trusted source such as the credit bureaus themselves. Having anyone else pull your credit report for you (such as a lender) will appear as what is called a "hard inquiry", which would seem as though you are applying for more credit and consequently damages your credit score.
6. High Interest Rates
Lenders tend to give the best rates to those with the best credit scores, but your credit score influences your interest rate, rather than the other way around. So if you have a high interest rate on your loans, don't worry about it continually impacting your credit score.
Lenders tend to give the best rates to those with the best credit scores, but your credit score influences your interest rate, rather than the other way around. So if you have a high interest rate on your loans, don't worry about it continually impacting your credit score.
7. Credit Counseling
Credit counseling is nothing like declaring bankruptcy; even though it appears on your report, it won't hurt your credit score. If your counselor is handling the payments for you, check on a regular basis that the payments are arriving on time, because late payments will hurt your score even though they're coming from a credit counselor.
Credit counseling is nothing like declaring bankruptcy; even though it appears on your report, it won't hurt your credit score. If your counselor is handling the payments for you, check on a regular basis that the payments are arriving on time, because late payments will hurt your score even though they're coming from a credit counselor.
8. Your Age
The only relationship between your age and your credit score is that you don't have enough of a history. Think of it like this: if you start at a new job, fresh out of college, you aren't going to expect to be the president because you don't have enough work experience for the job. It's the same thing with credit scores - someone older than you will have more of a credit history and may seem more trustworthy than you, even if they made mistakes early on, because lenders take the whole history into consideration.
The only relationship between your age and your credit score is that you don't have enough of a history. Think of it like this: if you start at a new job, fresh out of college, you aren't going to expect to be the president because you don't have enough work experience for the job. It's the same thing with credit scores - someone older than you will have more of a credit history and may seem more trustworthy than you, even if they made mistakes early on, because lenders take the whole history into consideration.
The Bottom Line
Credit scores impact almost every aspect of your life, from where you can live to where you can work, but keep in mind that credit scores are not the only indicator of how financially fit you are. Anyone who has a lot of debt, but manages to make their minimum payments on time every month, will have a stellar credit score, but their financial health will still be in jeopardy.
Credit scores impact almost every aspect of your life, from where you can live to where you can work, but keep in mind that credit scores are not the only indicator of how financially fit you are. Anyone who has a lot of debt, but manages to make their minimum payments on time every month, will have a stellar credit score, but their financial health will still be in jeopardy.
Pumps, Purses & Positivity
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women
Friday, September 24, 2010
A GOOD MARRIAGE
After being happily married for 33 years, Dr. Phil shares some of his thoughts about what makes a marriage work:
(From drphil.com)
The quality of a relationship is a function of the extent to which it is built on a solid underlying friendship and meets the needs of the two people involved.
You get what you give. When you give better, you get better.
If you put your relationship in a win/lose situation, it will be a lose/lose situation.
Forget whether you're right or wrong. The question is: Is what you're doing working or not working?
There is no right or wrong way to fix a relationship. Find your own way that works. But recognize when it's not working and be honest when it needs fixing.
Falling in love is not the same thing as being in love. Embrace the change and know that it takes work.
You don't fix things by fixing your partner.
Intimacy is so important because it is when we let someone else enter our private world.
You don't necessarily solve problems. You learn how to manage them.
Communicate. Make sure your sentences have verbs. Remember that only 7 percent of communication is verbal. Actions and non-verbal communication speak much louder.
You teach people how to treat you. You can renegotiate the rules.
Happy Friday,
Clutch
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women
(From drphil.com)
The quality of a relationship is a function of the extent to which it is built on a solid underlying friendship and meets the needs of the two people involved.
You get what you give. When you give better, you get better.
If you put your relationship in a win/lose situation, it will be a lose/lose situation.
Forget whether you're right or wrong. The question is: Is what you're doing working or not working?
There is no right or wrong way to fix a relationship. Find your own way that works. But recognize when it's not working and be honest when it needs fixing.
Falling in love is not the same thing as being in love. Embrace the change and know that it takes work.
You don't fix things by fixing your partner.
Intimacy is so important because it is when we let someone else enter our private world.
You don't necessarily solve problems. You learn how to manage them.
Communicate. Make sure your sentences have verbs. Remember that only 7 percent of communication is verbal. Actions and non-verbal communication speak much louder.
You teach people how to treat you. You can renegotiate the rules.
Happy Friday,
Clutch
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Just Gorgeous!
How to look gorgeous, no matter what your skin type by Liz Brody, Shine Staff courtesy of Yahoo!Shine
Flaky? Slick? Sensitive? Irritable? What's your sign?
Dermal sign, that is. The skin has its own zodiac of sorts, but you hardly need to consult your horoscope for a good reading. We've gathered a few earthly experts to help each type look its most radiant.
OILY SKIN
You Know the Type: Your face tends to get shiny two hours after washing it.
Special Care: "The natural tendency is to over-scrub to get rid of the oil, but ironically that just makes it worse," says New York City dermatologist and psychiatrist Amy Wechsler, MD. "You actually need to wash gently." Follow with an alcohol toner and use blotting paper throughout the day. Also, avoid products that don't have one of these phrases on the label: "oil free," "water based," or "noncomedogenic."
The Fab Factor: You can bring out your natural dewiness with a light dusting of matte powder foundation, says Hollywood makeup artist Kerry Herta. The good news? Despite its bad rep, "oily skin definitely ages more slowly than other types," notes West Palm Beach dermatologist Kenneth Beer, MD. "It's less susceptible to damage and you tend to have fewer wrinkles. So if you're having a tough go when you're young, know that it will work for you after age 50."
DRY SKIN
You know the type: You can't see your pores at the end of the day. The skin may feel tight after washing.
Special Care: Make sure to use a gentle cleanser and an alcohol-free toner, and stay away from gels, which tend to dry you out, says New York City dermatologist, Neal Schultz, MD. Also intensify the moisturizing. Wechsler suggests looking for products with glycerin, shea butter—"just be careful it doesn't make you break out"—and hyaluronic acid. Another good bet are night creams. "Yes, you can use them in the day," says Schultz. "It's all marketing."
The Fab Factor: This type of complexion can look dull, "so you need to create a little sheen and luster," says Herta. "I'm a fan of creamy foundation, blushes, and eye shadows with glossy lips." She often uses Koh Gen Do's light-illuminating primers and foundation on her dry-skin clients.
NORMAL SKIN
You Know the Type: The texture is smooth; the tone even. Your oil and water levels are in balance.
Special Care: "I hate to be a nag, but you really need to use sunscreen," says New York City-based makeup artist Tracy Murphy. "You've got to protect your greatest beauty asset. Also, don't forget to take off your makeup at night." Otherwise, just follow the basic regimen: Cleansing in warm water, and moisturizing with a cream or lotion that feels good without making the skin greasy. Schultz is also a big believer in starting regular exfoliation after your first pimple.
The Fab Factor: A healthy complexion doesn't need foundation, in Herta's opinion. But if you want to even out your tone, try dusting your face with mineral powder. "It's so easy," she says. "Take a Kabuki brush (the kind with a short handle) and buff it around in little circles wherever you need it."
COMBINATION SKIN
You Know the Type: The T-zone (forehead, nose, chin, and above the mouth) is oily, but your cheeks are flaky and dry.
Special Care: You may need to use two different cleansers—a strong one for your T-zone and a gentle one for the cheeks. "It's also important to use a water-based moisturizer," says Schultz, "but you may find it's not enough for the dry areas, in which case, add one that has more oil." The Fab Factor: Go with foundations for oily skin; then add something luminescent on the cheek, like a cream blush, says Herta. Or try patting a highlighter (Smashbox and Benefit have great ones) on the upper cheek area, right above where you would put the blush. "It will bounce the light and look really pretty."
To read the entire article click here
Pumps, Purses & Positivity
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women
Flaky? Slick? Sensitive? Irritable? What's your sign?
Dermal sign, that is. The skin has its own zodiac of sorts, but you hardly need to consult your horoscope for a good reading. We've gathered a few earthly experts to help each type look its most radiant.
OILY SKIN
You Know the Type: Your face tends to get shiny two hours after washing it.
Special Care: "The natural tendency is to over-scrub to get rid of the oil, but ironically that just makes it worse," says New York City dermatologist and psychiatrist Amy Wechsler, MD. "You actually need to wash gently." Follow with an alcohol toner and use blotting paper throughout the day. Also, avoid products that don't have one of these phrases on the label: "oil free," "water based," or "noncomedogenic."
The Fab Factor: You can bring out your natural dewiness with a light dusting of matte powder foundation, says Hollywood makeup artist Kerry Herta. The good news? Despite its bad rep, "oily skin definitely ages more slowly than other types," notes West Palm Beach dermatologist Kenneth Beer, MD. "It's less susceptible to damage and you tend to have fewer wrinkles. So if you're having a tough go when you're young, know that it will work for you after age 50."
DRY SKIN
You know the type: You can't see your pores at the end of the day. The skin may feel tight after washing.
Special Care: Make sure to use a gentle cleanser and an alcohol-free toner, and stay away from gels, which tend to dry you out, says New York City dermatologist, Neal Schultz, MD. Also intensify the moisturizing. Wechsler suggests looking for products with glycerin, shea butter—"just be careful it doesn't make you break out"—and hyaluronic acid. Another good bet are night creams. "Yes, you can use them in the day," says Schultz. "It's all marketing."
The Fab Factor: This type of complexion can look dull, "so you need to create a little sheen and luster," says Herta. "I'm a fan of creamy foundation, blushes, and eye shadows with glossy lips." She often uses Koh Gen Do's light-illuminating primers and foundation on her dry-skin clients.
NORMAL SKIN
You Know the Type: The texture is smooth; the tone even. Your oil and water levels are in balance.
Special Care: "I hate to be a nag, but you really need to use sunscreen," says New York City-based makeup artist Tracy Murphy. "You've got to protect your greatest beauty asset. Also, don't forget to take off your makeup at night." Otherwise, just follow the basic regimen: Cleansing in warm water, and moisturizing with a cream or lotion that feels good without making the skin greasy. Schultz is also a big believer in starting regular exfoliation after your first pimple.
The Fab Factor: A healthy complexion doesn't need foundation, in Herta's opinion. But if you want to even out your tone, try dusting your face with mineral powder. "It's so easy," she says. "Take a Kabuki brush (the kind with a short handle) and buff it around in little circles wherever you need it."
COMBINATION SKIN
You Know the Type: The T-zone (forehead, nose, chin, and above the mouth) is oily, but your cheeks are flaky and dry.
Special Care: You may need to use two different cleansers—a strong one for your T-zone and a gentle one for the cheeks. "It's also important to use a water-based moisturizer," says Schultz, "but you may find it's not enough for the dry areas, in which case, add one that has more oil." The Fab Factor: Go with foundations for oily skin; then add something luminescent on the cheek, like a cream blush, says Herta. Or try patting a highlighter (Smashbox and Benefit have great ones) on the upper cheek area, right above where you would put the blush. "It will bounce the light and look really pretty."
To read the entire article click here
Pumps, Purses & Positivity
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Weight Loss Wednesday
Are you a pizza lover but have avoided the cheesy treat because you are really trying to watch your calorie intake? If so you might find the below article interesting!! Yes another "Eat This Not That" article dedicated to all of the pizza lovers courtesy of Yahoo!Health by David Zinczenko.
7 Worst Pizzas in America
When pizza was first invented, back in some long forgotten Italian village, it was a nearly perfect slice of nutrition: A thin crust of carbohydrates for energy, slathered with tomato sauce for vitamins and minerals, and topped with calcium-rich, protein-boosting mozzarella. It was like a food pyramid in pie form!
So what happened? How did this healthy Italian invention acquire a reputation for being so terribly unhealthy? Well, to start, American food manufacturers got their greedy little hands on it. As we began researching the Eat This, Not That! book series, we discovered marketers were up to all sorts of mischief that has made it easier for Americans to gain weight—doing creepy things like loading the top up with fatty meats, infusing the crust with hidden cheeses, and otherwise turning the healthy pizza pie into a Big Mac with crust. Mama Mia!
It’s too bad, too, because pizza is a staple of American life. During last year’s Super Bowl, Papa Johns sold more pies than there are people in Delaware. And it’s only the third-biggest pizza chain (Papa Johns, not Delaware). So if you want the best of both worlds—the health benefits of the Italian style and the football-rooting fun of the American way of life, then you need to know which pizzas should be showing up at your door at halftime—and which should get called for a 15-pound penalty.
#7: Worst Supermarket Pizza
DiGiorno For One Traditional Crust Supreme Pizza
790 calories
36 g fat (14 g saturated fat, 3 g trans fats)
1,460 mg sodium
No, it’s not delivery, but it is dangerous. This is how DiGiorno handles the personal pie: with 60 percent of your day’s sodium, 70 percent of your saturated fat, and more trans fat than you should consume in an entire day. If your heart had a voice box, it would be screaming in outrage.
Eat This Instead!
Stouffer’s French Bread Deluxe Pizza
(1 pizza)430 calories
21 g fat (7 g saturated)
820 mg sodium
#6: Worst Multi-National Pizza
California Pizza Kitchen Tostada Pizza with Grilled Steak
(1/2 pie)840 calories
16 g saturated fat
1,649 mg sodium
With a caloric heft like this, you’d expect this Tex-Mex pie to be massively portioned. It’s not. The big fatty price tag draws not from size, but from the combo effect of tortilla chips and ranch dressing. Switch to the equally interesting Four Seasons Pizza, which carries artichoke hearts, salami, mushroom, tomatoes, onions, and two cheeses, and you drop nearly 400 calories per half-pie serving.
Eat This Instead!
Thin Crust Four Seasons Pizza
480 calories
9 g saturated fat
1,567 mg sodium
#5: Worst Single Slice
Sbarro Stuffed Pepperoni Pizza
960 calories
42 g fat
3,200 mg sodium
Sbarro serves up elephantine slices, so you should know better than to order one that essentially consists of two of those slices folded one atop another. In this one wedge of pizza, Sbarro manages to pack in nearly as many calories as you’d find in four pepperoni slices from Pizza Hut! You want to survive the Sbarro super-slice challenge? Stick to a regular pie, nix the pepperoni and sausage, and limit yourself to one slice.
Eat This Instead!
Fresh Tomato Pizza
450 calories
14 g fat
1,040 mg sodium
#4: Worst Specialty Crust Pizza
Pizza Hut Stuffed Crust Meat Lover’s Pizza
(2 slices, 14” pie)960 calories
52 g fat (24 g saturated, 1 g trans)
2,780 mg sodium
Around the perimeter of this pie is what essentially amounts to a hula-hoop ring of cheese. Gross, right? But it's not just cheese. Also inside that ring: two types of sausage, ham, beef, and bacon. The impact of all those salt-cured meats is more than a day’s worth of sodium in each two-slice serving—oh, and as much saturated fat as a dozen Extra Crispy Drumsticks from KFC! Here’s a simple mnemonic device: Stuffed pizza = stuffed potbelly. Stick to thin crust and lean meats and you’ll live to eat well another day.
Eat This Instead!
2 Slices Thin ‘N Crispy Ham & Pineapple Pizza
(2 slices, 12'' pie)
360 calories
12 g fat (6 g saturated)
1,080 mg sodium
#3: Worst Flatbread
Cosi Chicken Gorgonzola with Fig Flatbread with Traditional Crust
1,073 calories
41 g fat (9 g saturated)
1,057 mg sodium
At first blush, flatbread seems like a healthy version of pizza—especially when it comes adorned with fanciful toppings like Gorgonzola and figs. But let this be a lesson: Just because it’s fancy doesn’t mean it’s healthy. Cosi’s traditional crust is essentially the same carpet of bread you might find underneath a circular pie. The rules of pizza selection apply to flatbreads as well: Lean toppings, light cheese, and thin crust.
Eat This Instead!
Margherita Flatbread with Thin Crust
451 calories
26 g fat (13 g saturated)
328 mg sodium
#2: Worst Thin Crust Pizza
Domino’s Brooklyn Style ExtravaganZZa Feast Pizza
(2 slices 16” pie)
1,180 calories
60 g fat (27 g saturated)
3,420 mg sodium
To be fair, Domino’s Brooklyn Style isn’t promoted as thin crust, but it was created with fold-ability in mind. That requires slices that are soft, thin, and—in Domino’s case—massive. The typical Domino’s pie comes sliced into eighths, but order the Brooklyn-inspired pie and you’ll get only six slices. What happened to the other two slices? They were absorbed—along with their calories, fat, and sodium—into the other slices. Your better option is to build your own pie on a legitimate thin crust. Top that pie chicken and chorizo and you cut out 730 calories. Do that a couple times a week and you’ll cut close to two pounds of flab per month.
Eat This Instead!
Thin Crust Grilled Chicken and Chorizo
(2 slices, 14” pie)450 calories
20 g fat (7 g saturated)
1,030 mg
#1: Worst Pizza in America
Uno Chicago Grill Chicago Classic Deep Dish Pizza (Individual)
2,310 calories
162 g fat (54 g saturated fat)
4,920 mg sodium
Wait, wait, wait. This is a one-person pizza? Yup. All 2,310 calories are destined for one soon-to-be expanding belly. This pie has been a perennial pick for us over the past three years, and the reason is simple: No other personal pizza in the country even begins to approach these numbers. It breaks every single caloric recommendation on the books, and it does it under the guise of a must-have “classic” dish. With the country being plagued by obesity, Uno should have the decency to banish—or significantly improve—this dish.
Eat This Instead!
Cheese and Tomato Thin Crust Pizza (Individual)
840 calories
33 g fat (15 g saturated fat)
1,770 mg sodium
Here's to your health!
Pumps, Purses & Positivity
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women
7 Worst Pizzas in America
When pizza was first invented, back in some long forgotten Italian village, it was a nearly perfect slice of nutrition: A thin crust of carbohydrates for energy, slathered with tomato sauce for vitamins and minerals, and topped with calcium-rich, protein-boosting mozzarella. It was like a food pyramid in pie form!
So what happened? How did this healthy Italian invention acquire a reputation for being so terribly unhealthy? Well, to start, American food manufacturers got their greedy little hands on it. As we began researching the Eat This, Not That! book series, we discovered marketers were up to all sorts of mischief that has made it easier for Americans to gain weight—doing creepy things like loading the top up with fatty meats, infusing the crust with hidden cheeses, and otherwise turning the healthy pizza pie into a Big Mac with crust. Mama Mia!
It’s too bad, too, because pizza is a staple of American life. During last year’s Super Bowl, Papa Johns sold more pies than there are people in Delaware. And it’s only the third-biggest pizza chain (Papa Johns, not Delaware). So if you want the best of both worlds—the health benefits of the Italian style and the football-rooting fun of the American way of life, then you need to know which pizzas should be showing up at your door at halftime—and which should get called for a 15-pound penalty.
#7: Worst Supermarket Pizza
DiGiorno For One Traditional Crust Supreme Pizza
790 calories
36 g fat (14 g saturated fat, 3 g trans fats)
1,460 mg sodium
No, it’s not delivery, but it is dangerous. This is how DiGiorno handles the personal pie: with 60 percent of your day’s sodium, 70 percent of your saturated fat, and more trans fat than you should consume in an entire day. If your heart had a voice box, it would be screaming in outrage.
Eat This Instead!
Stouffer’s French Bread Deluxe Pizza
(1 pizza)430 calories
21 g fat (7 g saturated)
820 mg sodium
#6: Worst Multi-National Pizza
California Pizza Kitchen Tostada Pizza with Grilled Steak
(1/2 pie)840 calories
16 g saturated fat
1,649 mg sodium
With a caloric heft like this, you’d expect this Tex-Mex pie to be massively portioned. It’s not. The big fatty price tag draws not from size, but from the combo effect of tortilla chips and ranch dressing. Switch to the equally interesting Four Seasons Pizza, which carries artichoke hearts, salami, mushroom, tomatoes, onions, and two cheeses, and you drop nearly 400 calories per half-pie serving.
Eat This Instead!
Thin Crust Four Seasons Pizza
480 calories
9 g saturated fat
1,567 mg sodium
#5: Worst Single Slice
Sbarro Stuffed Pepperoni Pizza
960 calories
42 g fat
3,200 mg sodium
Sbarro serves up elephantine slices, so you should know better than to order one that essentially consists of two of those slices folded one atop another. In this one wedge of pizza, Sbarro manages to pack in nearly as many calories as you’d find in four pepperoni slices from Pizza Hut! You want to survive the Sbarro super-slice challenge? Stick to a regular pie, nix the pepperoni and sausage, and limit yourself to one slice.
Eat This Instead!
Fresh Tomato Pizza
450 calories
14 g fat
1,040 mg sodium
#4: Worst Specialty Crust Pizza
Pizza Hut Stuffed Crust Meat Lover’s Pizza
(2 slices, 14” pie)960 calories
52 g fat (24 g saturated, 1 g trans)
2,780 mg sodium
Around the perimeter of this pie is what essentially amounts to a hula-hoop ring of cheese. Gross, right? But it's not just cheese. Also inside that ring: two types of sausage, ham, beef, and bacon. The impact of all those salt-cured meats is more than a day’s worth of sodium in each two-slice serving—oh, and as much saturated fat as a dozen Extra Crispy Drumsticks from KFC! Here’s a simple mnemonic device: Stuffed pizza = stuffed potbelly. Stick to thin crust and lean meats and you’ll live to eat well another day.
Eat This Instead!
2 Slices Thin ‘N Crispy Ham & Pineapple Pizza
(2 slices, 12'' pie)
360 calories
12 g fat (6 g saturated)
1,080 mg sodium
#3: Worst Flatbread
Cosi Chicken Gorgonzola with Fig Flatbread with Traditional Crust
1,073 calories
41 g fat (9 g saturated)
1,057 mg sodium
At first blush, flatbread seems like a healthy version of pizza—especially when it comes adorned with fanciful toppings like Gorgonzola and figs. But let this be a lesson: Just because it’s fancy doesn’t mean it’s healthy. Cosi’s traditional crust is essentially the same carpet of bread you might find underneath a circular pie. The rules of pizza selection apply to flatbreads as well: Lean toppings, light cheese, and thin crust.
Eat This Instead!
Margherita Flatbread with Thin Crust
451 calories
26 g fat (13 g saturated)
328 mg sodium
#2: Worst Thin Crust Pizza
Domino’s Brooklyn Style ExtravaganZZa Feast Pizza
(2 slices 16” pie)
1,180 calories
60 g fat (27 g saturated)
3,420 mg sodium
To be fair, Domino’s Brooklyn Style isn’t promoted as thin crust, but it was created with fold-ability in mind. That requires slices that are soft, thin, and—in Domino’s case—massive. The typical Domino’s pie comes sliced into eighths, but order the Brooklyn-inspired pie and you’ll get only six slices. What happened to the other two slices? They were absorbed—along with their calories, fat, and sodium—into the other slices. Your better option is to build your own pie on a legitimate thin crust. Top that pie chicken and chorizo and you cut out 730 calories. Do that a couple times a week and you’ll cut close to two pounds of flab per month.
Eat This Instead!
Thin Crust Grilled Chicken and Chorizo
(2 slices, 14” pie)450 calories
20 g fat (7 g saturated)
1,030 mg
#1: Worst Pizza in America
Uno Chicago Grill Chicago Classic Deep Dish Pizza (Individual)
2,310 calories
162 g fat (54 g saturated fat)
4,920 mg sodium
Wait, wait, wait. This is a one-person pizza? Yup. All 2,310 calories are destined for one soon-to-be expanding belly. This pie has been a perennial pick for us over the past three years, and the reason is simple: No other personal pizza in the country even begins to approach these numbers. It breaks every single caloric recommendation on the books, and it does it under the guise of a must-have “classic” dish. With the country being plagued by obesity, Uno should have the decency to banish—or significantly improve—this dish.
Eat This Instead!
Cheese and Tomato Thin Crust Pizza (Individual)
840 calories
33 g fat (15 g saturated fat)
1,770 mg sodium
Here's to your health!
Pumps, Purses & Positivity
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women
International Faith Conference 2010 Nuggets
This past week, September 12th -17th, Bill Winston Ministries hosted the International Faith Conference 2010. The theme was Faith on Fire, and I’m certain that everyone left inspired! My FAITH IS ON FIRE! For six nights attendees were blessed by six awesome men of faith. Kenneth Copeland, John Bevere, Creflo Dollar, Jesse Duplantis, Bishop Tudor Bismark and Bill Winston, preached boldly and there was a flow between them that added new revelation. Each speaker referenced or confirmed a topic preached by another speaker. Here are a few nuggets:
Kenneth Copeland God is Love
• God doesn’t give you things to love he gives you things to enjoy.
• You’re not blessed because you’re rich, you’re rich because you’re blessed.
Bishop Tudor Bismark – The I AM Factor
• When you state, “I am…”, whatever you say next will come after you.
• Faith is greater than the things we anticipate.
John Bevere – Extraordinary: The Life You’re Meant to Live
• Grace is God’s empowerment that gives you the ability to go beyond your natural ability.
• It is impossible to fulfill your own biography in your own ability, You need grace.
Bill Winston – A Time of Restoration & The Law of Association
• Not only will God restore you, but you’ll forget the pain.
• You can associate with people who will take you up or down.
Jesse Duplantis – It’s Not About Need
• Dreams have no expiration date!
• Negative information is free you have to search for positive information.
Creflo Dollar – The Battle of Containment
• The enemy tries to contain you primarily through distraction, ignorance, and deception.
• Consistency is the key to the breakthrough!
Any one of these nuggets is worth meditating on!
Not only did the Word go forth, but the musical guests were outstanding. Donald Lawrence & Company performed their hit “Back to Eden” and also a new song, “Your Righteous Mind”. The Brown Sisters proclaimed to us that God is an “Awesome God”. Walt Whitman and the Soul Children declared “The Presence of the Lord is Here.” And Kim Stratton reminded us that “Favor Ain’t Fair”. Over jazzy head-bobbing music, she sang, “Favor ain’t fair, but it sure feels fabulous./Living life has been nothing but miraculous./He left the windows wide open and the blessings keep flowing/God’s got a little somethin’, somethin’, with my name on it.” It is such a cut!
Although the conference is now over, it’s not too late to check it out! The complete IFC 2010 series will be available for purchase online soon at www.billwinston.org. Don’t think about it, just do it….Set your faith on fire!
Kitten Heels
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women
Kenneth Copeland God is Love
• God doesn’t give you things to love he gives you things to enjoy.
• You’re not blessed because you’re rich, you’re rich because you’re blessed.
Bishop Tudor Bismark – The I AM Factor
• When you state, “I am…”, whatever you say next will come after you.
• Faith is greater than the things we anticipate.
John Bevere – Extraordinary: The Life You’re Meant to Live
• Grace is God’s empowerment that gives you the ability to go beyond your natural ability.
• It is impossible to fulfill your own biography in your own ability, You need grace.
Bill Winston – A Time of Restoration & The Law of Association
• Not only will God restore you, but you’ll forget the pain.
• You can associate with people who will take you up or down.
Jesse Duplantis – It’s Not About Need
• Dreams have no expiration date!
• Negative information is free you have to search for positive information.
Creflo Dollar – The Battle of Containment
• The enemy tries to contain you primarily through distraction, ignorance, and deception.
• Consistency is the key to the breakthrough!
Any one of these nuggets is worth meditating on!
Not only did the Word go forth, but the musical guests were outstanding. Donald Lawrence & Company performed their hit “Back to Eden” and also a new song, “Your Righteous Mind”. The Brown Sisters proclaimed to us that God is an “Awesome God”. Walt Whitman and the Soul Children declared “The Presence of the Lord is Here.” And Kim Stratton reminded us that “Favor Ain’t Fair”. Over jazzy head-bobbing music, she sang, “Favor ain’t fair, but it sure feels fabulous./Living life has been nothing but miraculous./He left the windows wide open and the blessings keep flowing/God’s got a little somethin’, somethin’, with my name on it.” It is such a cut!
Although the conference is now over, it’s not too late to check it out! The complete IFC 2010 series will be available for purchase online soon at www.billwinston.org. Don’t think about it, just do it….Set your faith on fire!
Kitten Heels
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women
Monday, September 20, 2010
Exercising in Fall
Now that the leaves are starting to turn colors and the air is becoming a little nippier, it is time to start thinking about taking our exercise indoors.
As much as I love riding my bike, I have had to put on gloves a couple of mornings. To say that I am addicted to bike riding, is an understatement. It has been a really great summer of riding and racking up miles. But all things must come to an end as seasons change.
Also, the next few months are when people start to pack on pounds,especially the dreaded Holiday "20". Pounds that start to come on from just looking at your Mama's turkey & dressing, sweet potato pie, corn casserole, etc. That time between Thanskgiving and New Year's when we overindulge like crazy.
I am determined to go into Holiday season slim and not gain a pound.
A couple of strategies that I intend to use:
1) Take a new class (Pilates, Bikram Yoga, Zumba). Working out with people helps keep you motivated, especially, if they are worse off than you. It helps you to push harder to maintain what you have. I just started taking a Bikram Yoga class with my friend Sarah and I love it!!!!
2) Try all the fall vegetables: Butternut Squash makes an amazing soup. Zucchini parmesan tastes like eating meat. Try one meatless meal a week (fish, salad, Black Bean Chipotle Burger by Morningstar)
3) Walk, Bike, Run. The leaves are changing colors, neighbors are putting up decorations, etc. If the kids can still play outside, so can we. I plan to ride my bike until it gets below 40 degrees. Especially, has my husband has bought me a hitch and a 4 bike carrier. We now drive to the lake, trails, etc. Also, my sister and I will be starting to train for a 5K.
Health is so important for a great quality of live. So, don't be a couch potato, start being active today. I will tell you, I am so proud of my yoga body. As, Jada Pinkett Smith stated in Essence, we have to start loving our body, every inch.
Take care and enjoy Fall and Winter. I will continue to write on fun ways to exercise during the next few months.
Peace and Love,
Sandals
As much as I love riding my bike, I have had to put on gloves a couple of mornings. To say that I am addicted to bike riding, is an understatement. It has been a really great summer of riding and racking up miles. But all things must come to an end as seasons change.
Also, the next few months are when people start to pack on pounds,especially the dreaded Holiday "20". Pounds that start to come on from just looking at your Mama's turkey & dressing, sweet potato pie, corn casserole, etc. That time between Thanskgiving and New Year's when we overindulge like crazy.
I am determined to go into Holiday season slim and not gain a pound.
A couple of strategies that I intend to use:
1) Take a new class (Pilates, Bikram Yoga, Zumba). Working out with people helps keep you motivated, especially, if they are worse off than you. It helps you to push harder to maintain what you have. I just started taking a Bikram Yoga class with my friend Sarah and I love it!!!!
2) Try all the fall vegetables: Butternut Squash makes an amazing soup. Zucchini parmesan tastes like eating meat. Try one meatless meal a week (fish, salad, Black Bean Chipotle Burger by Morningstar)
3) Walk, Bike, Run. The leaves are changing colors, neighbors are putting up decorations, etc. If the kids can still play outside, so can we. I plan to ride my bike until it gets below 40 degrees. Especially, has my husband has bought me a hitch and a 4 bike carrier. We now drive to the lake, trails, etc. Also, my sister and I will be starting to train for a 5K.
Health is so important for a great quality of live. So, don't be a couch potato, start being active today. I will tell you, I am so proud of my yoga body. As, Jada Pinkett Smith stated in Essence, we have to start loving our body, every inch.
Take care and enjoy Fall and Winter. I will continue to write on fun ways to exercise during the next few months.
Peace and Love,
Sandals
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Ex-Factor by Lauryn Hill
One of my favorite songs and videos by my girl Lauryn Hill. Luv & miss u Lauryn!!!
Stiletto,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women
Stiletto,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women
Saturday, September 18, 2010
PPP's Tip of the Week
Makeover Your Finances in 10 Simple Steps! Courtesy of Women & Co
1. GATHER YOUR FINANCIAL RECORDS.
Gather pay stubs, insurance documents, credit card statements, bank statements, household bills, receipts from groceries, and other purchases. Then determine whether your important papers should be stored in a bank safe deposit box, a fireproof box at home, and/or with a trusted lawyer, relative, or friend.
2. TAKE INVENTORY OF YOUR FINANCIAL AFFAIRS.
Use your financial records to calculate your net worth (see the Net Worth worksheet on reverse), which will tell you the difference between what you own (assets) and what you owe (liabilities).
3. CALCULATE YOUR CASH FLOW.
Make a detailed list of what’s coming in (income) and what’s going out (expenses). By subtracting your total expenses from your total income, you’ll determine your cash flow. If the number is positive, you have a surplus, which provides an opportunity to pay off debt or save more. If the figure is negative, look at your expenditures to see how you can reduce your spending.
4. IDENTIFY AND PRIORITIZE YOUR FINANCIAL GOALS.
Short-term goals are those you’d like to accomplish within one year (e.g., pay off credit cards); mid-term goals, within 5 years (e.g., make down payment on a new home); and long-term goals, 5 years or more (e.g., saving for retirement). Look to your financial professional to help you determine the time frame for each goal, its estimated cost, and ways to save.
5. ESTABLISH A BUDGET.
By allocating specific amounts to your expenses and goals, you will know where your money goes. With a personal budget in place, you will be able to see how realistic your financial goals are and how long it will take to reach them.
6. FOLLOW YOUR BUDGET.
Keep receipts to track your spending. Review expenses monthly. Evaluate your progress regularly. Consider setting aside a rainy day fund to act as a cushion and help you weather a storm, should you experience a dramatic life change.
7. CHECK YOUR FINANCIAL REPUTATION.
A strong and accurate credit report is one of your most important financial assets. It not only gives you a clear picture of your credit rating, but also may reveal discrepancies or potential problems that can bar you from access to further credit. Review your credit report
each year for accuracy and then notify the appropriate agencies of any discrepancies.
8. RECOGNIZE SIGNS OF FINANCIAL DANGER.
Are you missing or making late payments, withdrawing funds from your savings to cover basic bills, or using cash advances from one credit card to pay another? Have you exceeded your limit on a credit card or been denied credit for a purchase? If so, it’s time to reevaluate your finances and put together an action plan.
9. PROTECT YOURSELF.
If you don’t have a will, living will, or health care proxy, speak to an attorney to help ensure that your assets will be handled according to your wishes. Having these documents can allow your loved ones to understand your wishes if you become ill, incapacitated, or pass away. Dealing with these issues today may help you and your loved ones breathe a lot easier in the future.
10. STAY INFORMED AND ENGAGED.
As you move through life and circumstances change, it’s important to periodically review your goals and objectives at least once per year, as they will likely shift over time.
Women & Co. is a membership service that provides financial education and related resources intended for informational purposes only. No feature of the membership shall constitute an offer
or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any security. Women & Co. makes no guarantee about the accuracy of information provided by any third party. You should consult with your personal advisors about your particular situation.
Pumps, Purses & Positivity
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women
1. GATHER YOUR FINANCIAL RECORDS.
Gather pay stubs, insurance documents, credit card statements, bank statements, household bills, receipts from groceries, and other purchases. Then determine whether your important papers should be stored in a bank safe deposit box, a fireproof box at home, and/or with a trusted lawyer, relative, or friend.
2. TAKE INVENTORY OF YOUR FINANCIAL AFFAIRS.
Use your financial records to calculate your net worth (see the Net Worth worksheet on reverse), which will tell you the difference between what you own (assets) and what you owe (liabilities).
3. CALCULATE YOUR CASH FLOW.
Make a detailed list of what’s coming in (income) and what’s going out (expenses). By subtracting your total expenses from your total income, you’ll determine your cash flow. If the number is positive, you have a surplus, which provides an opportunity to pay off debt or save more. If the figure is negative, look at your expenditures to see how you can reduce your spending.
4. IDENTIFY AND PRIORITIZE YOUR FINANCIAL GOALS.
Short-term goals are those you’d like to accomplish within one year (e.g., pay off credit cards); mid-term goals, within 5 years (e.g., make down payment on a new home); and long-term goals, 5 years or more (e.g., saving for retirement). Look to your financial professional to help you determine the time frame for each goal, its estimated cost, and ways to save.
5. ESTABLISH A BUDGET.
By allocating specific amounts to your expenses and goals, you will know where your money goes. With a personal budget in place, you will be able to see how realistic your financial goals are and how long it will take to reach them.
6. FOLLOW YOUR BUDGET.
Keep receipts to track your spending. Review expenses monthly. Evaluate your progress regularly. Consider setting aside a rainy day fund to act as a cushion and help you weather a storm, should you experience a dramatic life change.
7. CHECK YOUR FINANCIAL REPUTATION.
A strong and accurate credit report is one of your most important financial assets. It not only gives you a clear picture of your credit rating, but also may reveal discrepancies or potential problems that can bar you from access to further credit. Review your credit report
each year for accuracy and then notify the appropriate agencies of any discrepancies.
8. RECOGNIZE SIGNS OF FINANCIAL DANGER.
Are you missing or making late payments, withdrawing funds from your savings to cover basic bills, or using cash advances from one credit card to pay another? Have you exceeded your limit on a credit card or been denied credit for a purchase? If so, it’s time to reevaluate your finances and put together an action plan.
9. PROTECT YOURSELF.
If you don’t have a will, living will, or health care proxy, speak to an attorney to help ensure that your assets will be handled according to your wishes. Having these documents can allow your loved ones to understand your wishes if you become ill, incapacitated, or pass away. Dealing with these issues today may help you and your loved ones breathe a lot easier in the future.
10. STAY INFORMED AND ENGAGED.
As you move through life and circumstances change, it’s important to periodically review your goals and objectives at least once per year, as they will likely shift over time.
Women & Co. is a membership service that provides financial education and related resources intended for informational purposes only. No feature of the membership shall constitute an offer
or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any security. Women & Co. makes no guarantee about the accuracy of information provided by any third party. You should consult with your personal advisors about your particular situation.
Pumps, Purses & Positivity
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women
Friday, September 17, 2010
Autumn
Autumn days are here again!
In autumn when the trees are brown
The little leaves come tumbling down
They do not make the slightest sound
But lie so quietly on the ground
Until the wind comes puffing by
And blows them off towards the sky.
~author unknown
A fallen leaf is nothing more
A fallen leaf is nothing more
than a summers wave good bye
~author unknown
Stiletto,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Today Is The Day
Today is the day that I wake up and realize that the world is changing and there is nothing that I can do about it.
Today is the day that I look in the mirror and notice that smile that I so proudly display now has more definition; showing that I the hand of time has now touched me in a place that all can see.
Today is the day that I accept the things that I cannot change as change is constant and is necessary for growth.
Today is the day that I walk with my head high realizing my purpose and letting no one define my destiny.
Today is the day that I hold my tongue and be still knowing that All things work together for the good and that no weapon that is formed against me shall prosper.
Today is the day that I analyze where I am on my journey for greatness by checking my road map to be certain that I am on course. If it appears that I have taken a wrong turn, wavering in the road, or have stopped because I do not know which way to go, I will pull out my GPS(God’s Promise System) and recalculate my course.
What have you realized today?
Mary Jane
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women
Today is the day that I look in the mirror and notice that smile that I so proudly display now has more definition; showing that I the hand of time has now touched me in a place that all can see.
Today is the day that I accept the things that I cannot change as change is constant and is necessary for growth.
Today is the day that I walk with my head high realizing my purpose and letting no one define my destiny.
Today is the day that I hold my tongue and be still knowing that All things work together for the good and that no weapon that is formed against me shall prosper.
Today is the day that I analyze where I am on my journey for greatness by checking my road map to be certain that I am on course. If it appears that I have taken a wrong turn, wavering in the road, or have stopped because I do not know which way to go, I will pull out my GPS(God’s Promise System) and recalculate my course.
What have you realized today?
Mary Jane
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Weight Loss Wednesday
Successful Weight Loss: Top 10 Tips On What Works and Why
By Kathleen Goodwin, RD courtesy of The Diet Channel
1. Exercise is essential for weight loss
It's nothing new, but exercise is probably the most important predictor of whether you will succeed at long term weight loss and weight loss maintenance. In order for exercise to be helpful in weight loss, you should strive for a minimum of five 30 minute sessions per week. The good news is that recent research has shown that three 10 minute sessions in a day are as good as one 30 minute session. This helps many in combating the old "no time for exercise" excuse. Be certain to find something you enjoy. You'll be more apt to stick with it. Try walking with a friend, joining an intramural sports league, participating in outings with a group like The Sierra Club, or trying some classes at your local gym. Once you give exercise a chance, you will begin to enjoy its positive benefits on your psyche as well; you will literally become "hooked."
2. Weight loss and weight training
We chose to list this separately from the "exercise" category because of the significant weight loss benefits attached to weight training in and of itself. The basic equation is this: the more muscle tissue you have, the more calories you will burn. This is why world class weight lifters must eat thousands of calories a day to maintain their weight. Muscle is active tissue, fat is not. Thus, muscle "burns" a significant number of calories each day for its own maintenance. In her book Strong Women Stay Slim, Miriam Nelson, a Tufts University researcher, showed that a group of women who followed a weight loss diet and did weight training exercises lost 44% more fat than those who only followed the diet. While aerobic activity can help burn calories, muscle's where it's at when it comes to giving your metabolism a significant daily boost even at rest.
3. Keep a diary for triggers that hinder weight loss
Keeping a food diary can be a huge asset in successful weight loss. Devote some time each day to record what you have eaten and how much, your hunger level prior to eating, and any feelings or emotions present at the time. A food diary can provide a large amount of self-awareness. It can identify emotions and behaviors that trigger overeating, foster greater awareness of portion sizes, and help you discover your personal food triggers. Study any patterns that emerge from your food diary and identify where you may be able to make more healthful changes. A food diary provides an added benefit of keeping you focused on and committed to your goals.
4. Stay focused on being healthy, not on becoming thin
Many people become more successful at long term weight loss when their motivation changes from wanting to be thinner to wanting to be healthier. Change your mindset to think about selecting foods that will help your body's health rather than worrying about foods that will affect your body's weight. The Food Pyramid offers a basic outline of the types and amounts of food you should eat each day to give your body the nutrients it needs for optimal health.
5. Find out why you overeat
All too often overeating is triggered by stress, boredom, loneliness, anger, depression and other emotions. Learning to deal with emotions without food is a significant skill that will greatly serve long term weight control. The Solution, a book and national program developed by Laurel Mellin, RD, helps participants to identify their eating triggers and respond to them without food. A research study showed that the participants in this program demonstrated a better rate of long term weight loss maintenance than those who simply diet and/or exercise and don't address behavioral and emotional issues. Chronic over-eaters and "emotional eaters" can be significantly helped by learning new behavioral skills such as those Mellin presents. You can also seek help with behavioral and emotional eating issues from a licensed counselor or psychologist in your area.
To see the other 5 tips please click here.
Pumps, Purses & Positivity
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women
By Kathleen Goodwin, RD courtesy of The Diet Channel
1. Exercise is essential for weight loss
It's nothing new, but exercise is probably the most important predictor of whether you will succeed at long term weight loss and weight loss maintenance. In order for exercise to be helpful in weight loss, you should strive for a minimum of five 30 minute sessions per week. The good news is that recent research has shown that three 10 minute sessions in a day are as good as one 30 minute session. This helps many in combating the old "no time for exercise" excuse. Be certain to find something you enjoy. You'll be more apt to stick with it. Try walking with a friend, joining an intramural sports league, participating in outings with a group like The Sierra Club, or trying some classes at your local gym. Once you give exercise a chance, you will begin to enjoy its positive benefits on your psyche as well; you will literally become "hooked."
2. Weight loss and weight training
We chose to list this separately from the "exercise" category because of the significant weight loss benefits attached to weight training in and of itself. The basic equation is this: the more muscle tissue you have, the more calories you will burn. This is why world class weight lifters must eat thousands of calories a day to maintain their weight. Muscle is active tissue, fat is not. Thus, muscle "burns" a significant number of calories each day for its own maintenance. In her book Strong Women Stay Slim, Miriam Nelson, a Tufts University researcher, showed that a group of women who followed a weight loss diet and did weight training exercises lost 44% more fat than those who only followed the diet. While aerobic activity can help burn calories, muscle's where it's at when it comes to giving your metabolism a significant daily boost even at rest.
3. Keep a diary for triggers that hinder weight loss
Keeping a food diary can be a huge asset in successful weight loss. Devote some time each day to record what you have eaten and how much, your hunger level prior to eating, and any feelings or emotions present at the time. A food diary can provide a large amount of self-awareness. It can identify emotions and behaviors that trigger overeating, foster greater awareness of portion sizes, and help you discover your personal food triggers. Study any patterns that emerge from your food diary and identify where you may be able to make more healthful changes. A food diary provides an added benefit of keeping you focused on and committed to your goals.
4. Stay focused on being healthy, not on becoming thin
Many people become more successful at long term weight loss when their motivation changes from wanting to be thinner to wanting to be healthier. Change your mindset to think about selecting foods that will help your body's health rather than worrying about foods that will affect your body's weight. The Food Pyramid offers a basic outline of the types and amounts of food you should eat each day to give your body the nutrients it needs for optimal health.
5. Find out why you overeat
All too often overeating is triggered by stress, boredom, loneliness, anger, depression and other emotions. Learning to deal with emotions without food is a significant skill that will greatly serve long term weight control. The Solution, a book and national program developed by Laurel Mellin, RD, helps participants to identify their eating triggers and respond to them without food. A research study showed that the participants in this program demonstrated a better rate of long term weight loss maintenance than those who simply diet and/or exercise and don't address behavioral and emotional issues. Chronic over-eaters and "emotional eaters" can be significantly helped by learning new behavioral skills such as those Mellin presents. You can also seek help with behavioral and emotional eating issues from a licensed counselor or psychologist in your area.
To see the other 5 tips please click here.
Pumps, Purses & Positivity
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Hobo's Poem of the Day
Beautiful Woman
come out and play,
reveal your inner treasures.
The sparkle in your eyes,
the natural swing in your walk,
you radiate excitement and enthusiasm.
You need no latest fashion,
No expensive hair cuts,
No blinding big accessories.
You glow in your passions,
passionate in your pursuits,
you know what you are made of.
You are not easily bothered,
by the mindless opinions of others,
you know very well where you want to go.
you are a joy to watch,
an inspiration to others,
your pure soul an endless marvel.
Beautiful woman,
let your brilliance shine through,
your eyes speak of true inner beauty.
(by Fion Lim)
Hobo Bag,
Real Life, Real talk, Real Women
come out and play,
reveal your inner treasures.
The sparkle in your eyes,
the natural swing in your walk,
you radiate excitement and enthusiasm.
You need no latest fashion,
No expensive hair cuts,
No blinding big accessories.
You glow in your passions,
passionate in your pursuits,
you know what you are made of.
You are not easily bothered,
by the mindless opinions of others,
you know very well where you want to go.
you are a joy to watch,
an inspiration to others,
your pure soul an endless marvel.
Beautiful woman,
let your brilliance shine through,
your eyes speak of true inner beauty.
(by Fion Lim)
Hobo Bag,
Real Life, Real talk, Real Women
Monday, September 13, 2010
Dream Big!
Every great dream begins with a dreamer.
Always remember, you have within you the strength,
the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.
~Harriet Tubman
Always remember, you have within you the strength,
the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.
~Harriet Tubman
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Inspirational
Life is a lot of work. What is it that gives us the strength to continue when we are tired and burned out? Sometimes an inspirational idea can help us renew ourselves and be filled with strength to fulfill our life's purpose. Inspiration comes in many forms. However, the root of all inspiration is the idea that our lives are meaningful. Inspiration is knowing that what I do matters deeply to the universe. When you have the feeling that your actions are meaningful, you will become filled with strength and vigor to fulfill your life's purpose.
~Inspirational By Family Friend Poems / CC BY 3.0
Stiletto,
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women
Saturday, September 11, 2010
PPP's Tip of the Week
8 Things Employers Aren't Allowed to Ask You by Porcshe Moran
2. Are you married?
Questions about marital status are prohibited. Employers might be tempted to ask this question to find out if your relationship could have a negative impact on your work. For example, if you are married you might be more likely to leave the company if your spouse gets a job transferred to a different city. Even a question as seemingly innocent as "Do you wish to be addressed as Mrs., Miss, or Ms.?" is not allowed.
It is, however, lawful for employers to ease their nerves about an employee's availability or commitment to a position by asking about long-term career goals or the ability for an employee to work overtime and travel.
The rough economy has made many people desperate for a job. In their eagerness for gainful employment, many people may overlook improper interview questions. Depending on how they are asked, questions about personal topics such as marital status, race and health are more than just poor manners - they are illegal under federal and some state and local laws. These types of questions can be used to discriminate against applicants, and it is your right not to answer them. Here are eight questions your employer cannot ask you.
1. How old are you?
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA), protects individuals who are 40 or older from being discriminated against in the workplace in favor of younger employees. There is no federal protection in place to protect workers younger than 40 from age discrimination. To determine if you are legally eligible to perform a job, employers are allowed to ask if you are over the age of 18.
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA), protects individuals who are 40 or older from being discriminated against in the workplace in favor of younger employees. There is no federal protection in place to protect workers younger than 40 from age discrimination. To determine if you are legally eligible to perform a job, employers are allowed to ask if you are over the age of 18.
2. Are you married?
Questions about marital status are prohibited. Employers might be tempted to ask this question to find out if your relationship could have a negative impact on your work. For example, if you are married you might be more likely to leave the company if your spouse gets a job transferred to a different city. Even a question as seemingly innocent as "Do you wish to be addressed as Mrs., Miss, or Ms.?" is not allowed.
3. Are you a U.S. citizen?
Citizenship and immigration status cannot be used against a potential employee during the hiring process according to The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA). Employers must wait until after a job offer had been extended to require a worker to complete the Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9) Form and submit documentation that proves identity and employment authorization. It is lawful for an employer to ask an interviewee if they are authorized to work in the US.
Citizenship and immigration status cannot be used against a potential employee during the hiring process according to The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA). Employers must wait until after a job offer had been extended to require a worker to complete the Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9) Form and submit documentation that proves identity and employment authorization. It is lawful for an employer to ask an interviewee if they are authorized to work in the US.
4. Do you have any disabilities?
This question might seem necessary to determine if a job applicant can perform the required duties, but it is illegal to ask under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Employers cannot discount anyone from a job because of a physical or mental disability. In fact, the law requires that they accommodate disabilities unless they can prove it would cause significant difficulty or expense to do so. Employers also cannot ask you if you have had any past illnesses or operations.
This question might seem necessary to determine if a job applicant can perform the required duties, but it is illegal to ask under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Employers cannot discount anyone from a job because of a physical or mental disability. In fact, the law requires that they accommodate disabilities unless they can prove it would cause significant difficulty or expense to do so. Employers also cannot ask you if you have had any past illnesses or operations.
5. Do you take drugs, smoke or drink?
Concerns about drug, alcohol or nicotine addictions are valid as they can impact an employee's quality of work and the rates of a company's health insurance coverage. However, an employer might find themselves in legal trouble if they don't frame questions about these potential problems in a careful manner. They are allowed to ask if you have ever been disciplined for violating company policies about the use of alcohol and tobacco products. They can also ask directly if you use illegal drugs, but an employer can't inquire about your use of prescription medications.
Concerns about drug, alcohol or nicotine addictions are valid as they can impact an employee's quality of work and the rates of a company's health insurance coverage. However, an employer might find themselves in legal trouble if they don't frame questions about these potential problems in a careful manner. They are allowed to ask if you have ever been disciplined for violating company policies about the use of alcohol and tobacco products. They can also ask directly if you use illegal drugs, but an employer can't inquire about your use of prescription medications.
6. What religion do you practice?
Inquires about religious beliefs are a sensitive issue. An interviewer might be curious for scheduling reasons such as holidays that an employee might need off, or if the candidate will be unavailable to work on weekends because of religious obligations. It is illegal to intentionally discriminate against an employee or harass them based on their religious beliefs. Employers are required to accommodate an employee's religious beliefs or practices in regards to things such as dress and grooming policy and flexible scheduling.
Inquires about religious beliefs are a sensitive issue. An interviewer might be curious for scheduling reasons such as holidays that an employee might need off, or if the candidate will be unavailable to work on weekends because of religious obligations. It is illegal to intentionally discriminate against an employee or harass them based on their religious beliefs. Employers are required to accommodate an employee's religious beliefs or practices in regards to things such as dress and grooming policy and flexible scheduling.
7. What is your race?
There is no situation in which questions about an employee's race or skin color should be use to determine their eligibility for a job. This protection is granted under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin. Employers are permitted to ask an employee to reveal their race on a voluntary basis for affirmative action purposes.
There is no situation in which questions about an employee's race or skin color should be use to determine their eligibility for a job. This protection is granted under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin. Employers are permitted to ask an employee to reveal their race on a voluntary basis for affirmative action purposes.
8. Are you pregnant?
Questions about family status tend to affect women the most, but they can also pertain to men in certain situations. Employers might have concerns about an employee taking time off work for pregnancy leave or not having child care arrangements during work hours. The Pregnancy Discrimination Act states that an employer cannot refuse to hire a pregnant woman because of her pregnancy, because of a pregnancy-related condition, or because of the prejudices of co-workers, clients or customers.
Questions about family status tend to affect women the most, but they can also pertain to men in certain situations. Employers might have concerns about an employee taking time off work for pregnancy leave or not having child care arrangements during work hours. The Pregnancy Discrimination Act states that an employer cannot refuse to hire a pregnant woman because of her pregnancy, because of a pregnancy-related condition, or because of the prejudices of co-workers, clients or customers.
It is, however, lawful for employers to ease their nerves about an employee's availability or commitment to a position by asking about long-term career goals or the ability for an employee to work overtime and travel.
The Bottom Line
It is important to know your rights as an employee. Unlawful questions are not acceptable on applications, during the interview process or in the workplace. Although improper questions by employers might be simple mistakes, they could also be intentional cases of discrimination that should be reported.
Pumps, Purses & Positivity
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women
Friday, September 10, 2010
Mary J. Blige
Those of you that live in Chicago and love Mary, you are in luck because she is coming to town!
Mary J Blige
With special guests Jazmine Sullivan and Miguel
The Chicago Theatre • October 17, 2010
Grammy®-award winning singer, songwriter, actress and rapper, Mary J Blige, comes to The Chicago Theatre on October 17 with special guests Jazmine Sullivan and Miguel. The superstar singer has recorded 8 multi-platinum albums and is currently working on her 10th studio album, to be released in 2011.
Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, September 10 at 10AM!
Get Tickets
Enjoy & Happy Friday!!
Pumps, Purses & Positivity
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women
Mary J Blige
With special guests Jazmine Sullivan and Miguel
The Chicago Theatre • October 17, 2010
Grammy®-award winning singer, songwriter, actress and rapper, Mary J Blige, comes to The Chicago Theatre on October 17 with special guests Jazmine Sullivan and Miguel. The superstar singer has recorded 8 multi-platinum albums and is currently working on her 10th studio album, to be released in 2011.
Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, September 10 at 10AM!
Get Tickets
Enjoy & Happy Friday!!
Pumps, Purses & Positivity
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Reaching Your Goal
The only thing that keeps us from reaching our goals is our inability to believe in our dreams and our desire to remain steadfast.
Mary Jane
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women
Mary Jane
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Weight Loss Wednesday
What is a Workout?
A workout is 25% perspiration and 75% determination. Stated another way, it is one part physical exertion and three parts self-discipline. Doing it is easy once you get started.
A workout makes you better today than you were yesterday. It strengthens the body, relaxes the mind, and toughens the spirit. When you work out regularly, your problems diminish and your confidence grows.
A workout is a personal triumph over laziness and procrastination. It is the badge of a winner.....the mark of an organized, goal-oriented person who has taken charge of his or her destiny.
A workout is wise use of time and an investment in excellence. It is a way of preparing for life's challenges and proving to yourself that you have what it takes to do what is necessary.
A workout is a key that helps unlock the door to opportunity and success. Hidden within each of us is an extraordinary force. Physical and mental fitness are the triggers that can release it.
A workout is a form of rebirth. when you finish a good workout you don't simply feel better, you feel better about yourself!
~Author Unknown
Pumps, Purses & Positivity
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women
A workout is 25% perspiration and 75% determination. Stated another way, it is one part physical exertion and three parts self-discipline. Doing it is easy once you get started.
A workout makes you better today than you were yesterday. It strengthens the body, relaxes the mind, and toughens the spirit. When you work out regularly, your problems diminish and your confidence grows.
A workout is a personal triumph over laziness and procrastination. It is the badge of a winner.....the mark of an organized, goal-oriented person who has taken charge of his or her destiny.
A workout is wise use of time and an investment in excellence. It is a way of preparing for life's challenges and proving to yourself that you have what it takes to do what is necessary.
A workout is a key that helps unlock the door to opportunity and success. Hidden within each of us is an extraordinary force. Physical and mental fitness are the triggers that can release it.
A workout is a form of rebirth. when you finish a good workout you don't simply feel better, you feel better about yourself!
~Author Unknown
Pumps, Purses & Positivity
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
The Desires of Your Heart (Roseline Part 2)
About a year ago, in 2009, I wrote about a little girl that I met in Haiti on the first trip with Project Eden, an organization that will eradicate poverty in that nation, one community at a time. Her name, I later found out was Roseline. She touched my heart and changed me forever. I began to sponsor her through an organization in the United States, and hoped that I would get to know her. I was really expecting the kind of child sponsorship relationship that would have included updated pictures, multiple letters, maybe even a phone call. Turns out, it was not like that at all. The communications from the organization were pretty general, and included a picture of Roseline, and campaigns and requests for additional funds for other projects. I did receive one handwritten letter though, but it didn’t have my name on it, so it too was general.
Fast forward to this year, 2010, when the devastating earthquake occurred in January, I was able to contact the organization via email and Facebook and find out the status of Roseline and the others at the orphanage. None were hurt physically, Glory to God! In the spring, as planning began for the second trip to Haiti, I was not even sure that my budget could handle the cost of the trip. I kind of did and kind of didn’t want to go. I had so many life-changing experiences on the first trip and I did desire to possibly see Roseline again. The PE fundraising team provided us with guidelines to raise funds for our trip, and my campaign was successful.
As I began to pack and plan for the trip, I was not sure whether or not we would be visiting the orphanage where Roseline lives. I considered picking up lots of gifts and toys especially for her, but then realized that it was probably not a good idea to try to shower one when there were now literally, thousands of people including even more orphans on the grounds where the orphanage is located. As I strolled through a local drug store, I looked for a small gift just in case. I saw a shelf full of small water and glitter filled balls, and grabbed a gold one…just in case.
The team set off on Sunday 7/25. The week was jam packed with activities including a visit to the compound to speak to all of the youth on Friday 7/30. I packed my backpack with snacks and water for the trip and also the small glitter ball….just in case.
When we got to the compound I was not prepared for the sight of so many makeshift tents filled with displaced Haitians from the surrounding community. As far as the eye could see, the once grassy open land was filled. When the earthquake struck, and people saw that the buildings within the walls of the compound did not collapse, the people wanted to be within the ark of safety. We toured the area and then headed off to the now outdoor classrooms. I was somewhat excited because I figured that surely I would see Roseline. As we turned the corner, I saw many girls…dressed exactly alike in adorable turquoise uniforms and white barrettes and ribbons. Uh oh!
We were paired in teams and had to go to several classrooms to tell the children about our profession, and speak life into them. In each of the three classrooms that my teammate Demitrus and I spoke to, I scanned every face, but didn’t see Roseline. I considered asking our guide if he knew her, but he was seriously multi-tasking acting as guide and also handling other responsibilities. He would be with us one moment and then dash off. I was mildly discouraged as we began to wrap up our visit. We all gathered and were given candy to distribute to each classroom. I walked back towards one of the classrooms that we had addressed and began to pass out candy to the children. As I walked along to another room, I heard one of my teammates, LaMeisha, call out, “Here she is Yolanda!” She had found Roseline! I ran over and she immediately shyly leaned forward as if to put her head down, the way that little girls do. Through the interpreter, I asked if she remembered me. She said that she did, and continued to smile shyly. By this time the team was being summoned to leave. I asked her teacher if it was ok to give her something and she said yes. I reached into my bag and gave her the glitter ball. She accepted it and continued to smile. I had the interpreter to ask if she would take a picture with me. She agreed and we hurriedly posed and my friend Betty took the picture. I then hugged her and told the interpreter to tell her that I prayed for her everyday and that I loved her. I then rushed off to finish up our visit to the compound.
My heart was absolutely singing. I never asked LaMeisha to look for Roseline. As I think about it, though, it’s not surprising that LaMeisha found her, after all she was the one who first noticed that Roseline was following me around on our first trip. The Lord knew the desire of my heart. The Amplified version of Psalm 37:4 says Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart. I didn’t even have to speak it. And He again used LaMeisha, to take notice and make the connection. So awesome!
Kitten Heels
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women
Fast forward to this year, 2010, when the devastating earthquake occurred in January, I was able to contact the organization via email and Facebook and find out the status of Roseline and the others at the orphanage. None were hurt physically, Glory to God! In the spring, as planning began for the second trip to Haiti, I was not even sure that my budget could handle the cost of the trip. I kind of did and kind of didn’t want to go. I had so many life-changing experiences on the first trip and I did desire to possibly see Roseline again. The PE fundraising team provided us with guidelines to raise funds for our trip, and my campaign was successful.
As I began to pack and plan for the trip, I was not sure whether or not we would be visiting the orphanage where Roseline lives. I considered picking up lots of gifts and toys especially for her, but then realized that it was probably not a good idea to try to shower one when there were now literally, thousands of people including even more orphans on the grounds where the orphanage is located. As I strolled through a local drug store, I looked for a small gift just in case. I saw a shelf full of small water and glitter filled balls, and grabbed a gold one…just in case.
The team set off on Sunday 7/25. The week was jam packed with activities including a visit to the compound to speak to all of the youth on Friday 7/30. I packed my backpack with snacks and water for the trip and also the small glitter ball….just in case.
When we got to the compound I was not prepared for the sight of so many makeshift tents filled with displaced Haitians from the surrounding community. As far as the eye could see, the once grassy open land was filled. When the earthquake struck, and people saw that the buildings within the walls of the compound did not collapse, the people wanted to be within the ark of safety. We toured the area and then headed off to the now outdoor classrooms. I was somewhat excited because I figured that surely I would see Roseline. As we turned the corner, I saw many girls…dressed exactly alike in adorable turquoise uniforms and white barrettes and ribbons. Uh oh!
We were paired in teams and had to go to several classrooms to tell the children about our profession, and speak life into them. In each of the three classrooms that my teammate Demitrus and I spoke to, I scanned every face, but didn’t see Roseline. I considered asking our guide if he knew her, but he was seriously multi-tasking acting as guide and also handling other responsibilities. He would be with us one moment and then dash off. I was mildly discouraged as we began to wrap up our visit. We all gathered and were given candy to distribute to each classroom. I walked back towards one of the classrooms that we had addressed and began to pass out candy to the children. As I walked along to another room, I heard one of my teammates, LaMeisha, call out, “Here she is Yolanda!” She had found Roseline! I ran over and she immediately shyly leaned forward as if to put her head down, the way that little girls do. Through the interpreter, I asked if she remembered me. She said that she did, and continued to smile shyly. By this time the team was being summoned to leave. I asked her teacher if it was ok to give her something and she said yes. I reached into my bag and gave her the glitter ball. She accepted it and continued to smile. I had the interpreter to ask if she would take a picture with me. She agreed and we hurriedly posed and my friend Betty took the picture. I then hugged her and told the interpreter to tell her that I prayed for her everyday and that I loved her. I then rushed off to finish up our visit to the compound.
My heart was absolutely singing. I never asked LaMeisha to look for Roseline. As I think about it, though, it’s not surprising that LaMeisha found her, after all she was the one who first noticed that Roseline was following me around on our first trip. The Lord knew the desire of my heart. The Amplified version of Psalm 37:4 says Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart. I didn’t even have to speak it. And He again used LaMeisha, to take notice and make the connection. So awesome!
Kitten Heels
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women
Monday, September 6, 2010
Labor Day
Pumps, Purses & Positivity is wishing everyone a blessed Labor Day!!
Pumps, Purses & Positivity
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Stay Strong!
We will always encounter trials and tribulations
We will always have issues and complications
We will sometimes feel unsure and confused
Maybe even a little tattered and abused
Because of the way life can toss us around
It feels as though our feet will never touch the ground
But even in all the turmoil, remember that God is still there
He is forever watching and He will always care
We just have to stay strong even when we feel weak
Although it's easy to just give up when the situation feels so bleak
But don't trust your feelings and don't trust your heart
Stay strong, keep praying and trust in God....that's where you start!
Stiletto
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women
Saturday, September 4, 2010
PPP's Tip of the Week
10 Money Moves That Will Always Pay Off by Brett Arends
provided by Wall Street Journal courtesy of Yahoo!Finance
Few things in life are guaranteed. When it comes to money, even fewer. But these are nervous times. The stock market is swaying like a drunk debutante. The economy is wobbly. Who can trust anything any more? Most people are hard-pressed, nervous and unsure of what to do.
Relax. Here are 10 sure-fire money ideas.
1. Max that 401(k)
This is a slam dunk for you. Every dollar you invest saves you money on taxes because it comes off your taxable income. So Uncle Sam is effectively chipping in. The money can then grow each year, free of any state or federal tax on the interest or capital gains (though when you withdraw your money in retirement it will be taxable income). Even better: Many companies offer to chip in as well, up to a certain level, by matching contributions with money of their own.
2. Give up the vacation home
Sorry to be a spoilsport. But the finances just don't stack up. The math on most vacation homes -- unless it's dirt cheap, or so near that you go there most weekends -- is terrible. Most of the time we use them for a few weeks or months of the year. They cost money to buy. There are annual upkeep, maintenance, condo fees and taxes. How much has the house risen in value since you bought it? How much do you expect it to rise? A home probably has to rise by maybe 7% a year, on average, to cover the costs. Sure, keep it if you want to and can afford to. But if you are looking for a quick financial win, this is one.
3. Put $5,000 into an individual retirement account or Roth IRA tax shelter
If you're over 50, put in $6,000. And make sure your spouse does too. IRAs are a great deal. A regular IRA works much like a 401(k) -- your contribution cuts your taxable income, and grows tax-free inside the shelter, but it's taxable income when you take it out. In a Roth, you contribute after-tax dollars, but then it's tax-free forever.
In the past, these were limited to those making less than, roughly, $100,000 to $160,000 a year, but as of this year there's a special deal. Anyone can contribute to a Roth, by contributing to a traditional IRA and then converting it to a Roth. You can also convert your IRA savings from previous years (Note: there will be tax to pay).
4. Pay off your credit-card debt
Haven't you heard? If you're still carrying a balance each month, this is a quick win. Eat macaroni and cheese for three months if you have to, but pay off those balances. You're probably paying at least 15% interest. You may be paying a lot more. You'd have to earn maybe 17% before tax on an investment just to keep pace. Boring? Nobody's making 17% these days. So pay off your credit-card debt and brag to all your friends that you just beat Wall Street.
5. Fire your banker
This isn't just good financial sense -- it's fun, too. If you're like most people, you're probably paying hundreds of dollars a year in account service fees, ATM charges for access to your own money and the like. Banks need to sock you with these fees to pay for all their overpriced and useless overhead, like the expensive marketing campaigns and the executives. Fire them all. Chances are you have a local community bank, savings and loan, or credit union that will do the job of looking after your cash for a lot less. It's Uncle Sam, not the institution, that guarantees your money anyway.
6. Get your tax refund early
How? By not overpaying your taxes in the first place. Every year, millions of people cheer when they get a check back from Uncle Sam. But that just means they paid too much withholding tax during the year. So Uncle Sam got an interest-free loan. Good for him, not so good for you.
Go to your employer's payroll department and file a new W-4 form and raise your number of allowances. You'll see extra money in your paycheck straight away.
The average tax rebate is nearly $3,000, according to the Internal Revenue Service. The average credit-card balance? Also about $3,000, according the Federal Reserve. Borrowing from a bank at 15% and lending the money to Uncle Sam for free is no way to run your finances.
7. Buy inflation-protected bonds
Treasury inflation-protected securities, or TIPS, aren't sexy. They won't make you rich. But they're guaranteed -- twice over. They're issued by the U.S. government, so they are guaranteed against default. And they are protected against inflation because coupons and principal will adjust to reflect it. Right now a long-term TIPS bond will guarantee you an interest rate of about 1.8% a year above inflation. (Note: Hold them in a tax-sheltered account as they are highly susceptible to taxes). Dull, maybe. But a sure thing.
8. Buy a bread machine
You want a certain winner? If a $50 breadmaker saves you, say, $7 a week on buying bread, that's $350 year. The easiest dough you'll make. Modern breadmakers are, well, a piece of cake to operate. The return on investment: 600% in year one and 700% after that.
Wall Street's best year ever? Just 74%, in 1915. Ha. Amateurs.
9. Play hardball with your insurance company
Call competitors and ask them to quote you prices for your current house and auto policies. You'll be amazed at the differences. Prices for the same policy can vary as much as 50% between carriers. And there's little rhyme or reason to it.
While you're about it, ask about raising your deductibles too. This can be a quick win: Raising your deductible by $500 to $1,000 can cut hundreds off your annual premiums.
10. Get a freebie from a bank
Why not? You bailed them out. I'm not just talking about stopping in for a free lollipop or cup of coffee (though my local Bank of America brews an OK cup). Sign up for a credit card with a big bonus -- like a free air ticket or weekend hotel stay. Use the card enough to qualify. Then cancel the card.
No, it's not quite that easy. You have to double-check the fine print first. You'll sit on hold for half an hour when you try to cancel. And if you did this too often it might affect your credit score.
But where else can you get a free (or nearly free) air ticket?
****************************************************
Here's to your finances!
Pumps, Purses & Positivity
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women
provided by Wall Street Journal courtesy of Yahoo!Finance
Few things in life are guaranteed. When it comes to money, even fewer. But these are nervous times. The stock market is swaying like a drunk debutante. The economy is wobbly. Who can trust anything any more? Most people are hard-pressed, nervous and unsure of what to do.
Relax. Here are 10 sure-fire money ideas.
1. Max that 401(k)
This is a slam dunk for you. Every dollar you invest saves you money on taxes because it comes off your taxable income. So Uncle Sam is effectively chipping in. The money can then grow each year, free of any state or federal tax on the interest or capital gains (though when you withdraw your money in retirement it will be taxable income). Even better: Many companies offer to chip in as well, up to a certain level, by matching contributions with money of their own.
2. Give up the vacation home
Sorry to be a spoilsport. But the finances just don't stack up. The math on most vacation homes -- unless it's dirt cheap, or so near that you go there most weekends -- is terrible. Most of the time we use them for a few weeks or months of the year. They cost money to buy. There are annual upkeep, maintenance, condo fees and taxes. How much has the house risen in value since you bought it? How much do you expect it to rise? A home probably has to rise by maybe 7% a year, on average, to cover the costs. Sure, keep it if you want to and can afford to. But if you are looking for a quick financial win, this is one.
3. Put $5,000 into an individual retirement account or Roth IRA tax shelter
If you're over 50, put in $6,000. And make sure your spouse does too. IRAs are a great deal. A regular IRA works much like a 401(k) -- your contribution cuts your taxable income, and grows tax-free inside the shelter, but it's taxable income when you take it out. In a Roth, you contribute after-tax dollars, but then it's tax-free forever.
In the past, these were limited to those making less than, roughly, $100,000 to $160,000 a year, but as of this year there's a special deal. Anyone can contribute to a Roth, by contributing to a traditional IRA and then converting it to a Roth. You can also convert your IRA savings from previous years (Note: there will be tax to pay).
4. Pay off your credit-card debt
Haven't you heard? If you're still carrying a balance each month, this is a quick win. Eat macaroni and cheese for three months if you have to, but pay off those balances. You're probably paying at least 15% interest. You may be paying a lot more. You'd have to earn maybe 17% before tax on an investment just to keep pace. Boring? Nobody's making 17% these days. So pay off your credit-card debt and brag to all your friends that you just beat Wall Street.
5. Fire your banker
This isn't just good financial sense -- it's fun, too. If you're like most people, you're probably paying hundreds of dollars a year in account service fees, ATM charges for access to your own money and the like. Banks need to sock you with these fees to pay for all their overpriced and useless overhead, like the expensive marketing campaigns and the executives. Fire them all. Chances are you have a local community bank, savings and loan, or credit union that will do the job of looking after your cash for a lot less. It's Uncle Sam, not the institution, that guarantees your money anyway.
6. Get your tax refund early
How? By not overpaying your taxes in the first place. Every year, millions of people cheer when they get a check back from Uncle Sam. But that just means they paid too much withholding tax during the year. So Uncle Sam got an interest-free loan. Good for him, not so good for you.
Go to your employer's payroll department and file a new W-4 form and raise your number of allowances. You'll see extra money in your paycheck straight away.
The average tax rebate is nearly $3,000, according to the Internal Revenue Service. The average credit-card balance? Also about $3,000, according the Federal Reserve. Borrowing from a bank at 15% and lending the money to Uncle Sam for free is no way to run your finances.
7. Buy inflation-protected bonds
Treasury inflation-protected securities, or TIPS, aren't sexy. They won't make you rich. But they're guaranteed -- twice over. They're issued by the U.S. government, so they are guaranteed against default. And they are protected against inflation because coupons and principal will adjust to reflect it. Right now a long-term TIPS bond will guarantee you an interest rate of about 1.8% a year above inflation. (Note: Hold them in a tax-sheltered account as they are highly susceptible to taxes). Dull, maybe. But a sure thing.
8. Buy a bread machine
You want a certain winner? If a $50 breadmaker saves you, say, $7 a week on buying bread, that's $350 year. The easiest dough you'll make. Modern breadmakers are, well, a piece of cake to operate. The return on investment: 600% in year one and 700% after that.
Wall Street's best year ever? Just 74%, in 1915. Ha. Amateurs.
9. Play hardball with your insurance company
Call competitors and ask them to quote you prices for your current house and auto policies. You'll be amazed at the differences. Prices for the same policy can vary as much as 50% between carriers. And there's little rhyme or reason to it.
While you're about it, ask about raising your deductibles too. This can be a quick win: Raising your deductible by $500 to $1,000 can cut hundreds off your annual premiums.
10. Get a freebie from a bank
Why not? You bailed them out. I'm not just talking about stopping in for a free lollipop or cup of coffee (though my local Bank of America brews an OK cup). Sign up for a credit card with a big bonus -- like a free air ticket or weekend hotel stay. Use the card enough to qualify. Then cancel the card.
No, it's not quite that easy. You have to double-check the fine print first. You'll sit on hold for half an hour when you try to cancel. And if you did this too often it might affect your credit score.
But where else can you get a free (or nearly free) air ticket?
****************************************************
Here's to your finances!
Pumps, Purses & Positivity
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women
Friday, September 3, 2010
Love Never Fails
Kem's new CD has dropped and I talked about his first single, Why Would You Stay on a previous blog.....but man the cut is Love Never Fails. You just gotta take a listen; I have just one word....Awesome!! Please check it out and if you haven't picked up the CD yet (Intimacy), you gotta get it or download it.....legally of course :-)!!
Love Never Fails by Kem courtesy of You Tube
Stiletto
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women
Love Never Fails by Kem courtesy of You Tube
Stiletto
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Look Around
Look beyond yourself to help someone else
If you look long enough, the person that you see can be your future or your past.
Volunteer your time, volunteer your talent
Our future depends on it!
Mary Jane
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women
If you look long enough, the person that you see can be your future or your past.
Volunteer your time, volunteer your talent
Our future depends on it!
Mary Jane
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Weight Loss Wednesday
Tips for Losing Weight - The Basics - courtesy of www.total-fitness-personal-trainer.com
One of the best tips for weight loss relates to how we think about the weight loss process. Many will identify weight loss as being on a diet. I urge against using the word diet, as this word conjures up images of hunger, suffering and restriction which I am sure you will agree are not very positive images to hold onto. When I help clients to lose weight, the first thing I do is suggest the term “Healthy Eating Program”. This term creates a much more positive mental image and sets the foundation for successful fat loss.
One of the key tips for weight loss is in understanding the importance of planning your weight loss program. Before jumping in feet first, sit down and plan out exactly how much weight you would like to lose and by when. Be realistic with this. For example, expecting to lose 10lbs within 2 weeks is unreasonable. A general guide is that you should aim to lose 1 to 2lbs weekly. This is a safe rate to lose weight and is more likely to result in the weight staying off in the long term. Remember that the top 5% understand that losing weight is not a quick fix.
Once the over all weight loss has been identified within a given time frame, I also recommend identifying key targets along the way. So for example, a goal of a 4lb weight loss could be set for week 2 of the program.
This process serves a very important purpose in that it starts to focus the mind on the task in hand.
Understand that our mind is the most valuable muscle we have. Once the minds power is recognised it can be used to drive us forward to success. When weight loss is the goal it helps to know when the end is in sight. In addition, the achievement of short term targets serves to bolster self belief and reaffirm that everything is happening as it should be. Conversely, if weight loss is not occurring, the short term targets act to highlight this which provides opportunity for self assessment and implementing new weight loss strategies.
If you would like to read more from www.total-fitness-personal-trainer.com please click on the link and you will find several articles that give great tips on losing weight, and best of all they are free!!
Here's to your health!!
Pumps, Purses & Positivity
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women
One of the best tips for weight loss relates to how we think about the weight loss process. Many will identify weight loss as being on a diet. I urge against using the word diet, as this word conjures up images of hunger, suffering and restriction which I am sure you will agree are not very positive images to hold onto. When I help clients to lose weight, the first thing I do is suggest the term “Healthy Eating Program”. This term creates a much more positive mental image and sets the foundation for successful fat loss.
One of the key tips for weight loss is in understanding the importance of planning your weight loss program. Before jumping in feet first, sit down and plan out exactly how much weight you would like to lose and by when. Be realistic with this. For example, expecting to lose 10lbs within 2 weeks is unreasonable. A general guide is that you should aim to lose 1 to 2lbs weekly. This is a safe rate to lose weight and is more likely to result in the weight staying off in the long term. Remember that the top 5% understand that losing weight is not a quick fix.
Once the over all weight loss has been identified within a given time frame, I also recommend identifying key targets along the way. So for example, a goal of a 4lb weight loss could be set for week 2 of the program.
This process serves a very important purpose in that it starts to focus the mind on the task in hand.
Understand that our mind is the most valuable muscle we have. Once the minds power is recognised it can be used to drive us forward to success. When weight loss is the goal it helps to know when the end is in sight. In addition, the achievement of short term targets serves to bolster self belief and reaffirm that everything is happening as it should be. Conversely, if weight loss is not occurring, the short term targets act to highlight this which provides opportunity for self assessment and implementing new weight loss strategies.
If you would like to read more from www.total-fitness-personal-trainer.com please click on the link and you will find several articles that give great tips on losing weight, and best of all they are free!!
Here's to your health!!
Pumps, Purses & Positivity
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women
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