Being Curvy Ain't Easy...

Everytime I attempt to turn shopaholic it's a full day of adversity for me. I think to myself, okay this doesn't have to be a BIG deal. But it almost always is. It's no secret finding trendy, chic fashion pieces on the Bargain Jane method ain't so simple. So I've managed to come up with a fail proof way to attack my clothing shopping adventures with ease. First of all have a strategy. I check my favorite blogs to grab a few tips and see what's the buzz for the season. Next is setting up my budget. Knowing exactly the max I want to spend is key and prevents the guilty I went overboard feeling later. Third, grab my 'what I need' list and give it a once over before leaving for the shopping trip. This will ensure I buy items I need first and spend the remaining loot on the wants. Oh yeah some of my favorite fashion blogs...you can see more on my blog roll at www.charicesgiftblog.blogspot.com
Also check these out
http://www.fabfindsunder50.com/
 http://www.fashionunder100.net/

Holly Robinson-Peete Rocks On Celebrity Apprentice

My favorite mom Holly Robinson Peete kicks booty on Celebrity Apprentice. She is feirce, intelligent, strong willed, and delegates to perfection when it comes to leadership. But because of these things mixed in with a little attitude and irritation towards creative wild child Cyndi Lauper, she is referred to as a bitch. It was even mentioned on the show about the ladies on team Tenacity having a sort of 'bitchiness' by the new team player Curtis Stone. This had me thinking, hmmm does being a fierce, takes no BS  leader equal bitch in the boardroom? When a man does it do we view the same results? Anyway I also in my head praised Holly for being tough as nails and focused on her bottom line, the moolah for her charity, The HollyRod foundation,
focusing on helping families who have children with Autism. She is certainly handling her business on the show and I am rooting for her all the way.

Mellow Monday Throwback

Mondays are usually hard for me. The first day of the week and the last thing you want to do first thing Monday morning is get out of bed after a cozy night of sleep. So naturally at the end of it all a nice smooth throwback eases my tenseness from the day and settles my mind. So this particular day I reminisced of an old Christion Song...played it and relaxed to a hot bath and olive oil treatment.

Thoughts on Last nights program on Why Successful Black ladies can't find a man

 As I watched the program, I agreed a great deal with my man in my head Hill Harper, lol. He really made a lot of sense. And even though folks hate on Steve Harvey he was on point at times also. At the end of the day you need to be comfortable in your own skin, confident, and trust a higher power for your decisions. I'm not preaching, just spitting the facts. I don't consider myself to have a bio clock anymore. If I drop a few kids, great, if not, no biggie. It ain't my time now and I ain't ready anyhow. I am so excited about fulfilling my purpose I was created for that those worries fall by the waist side. I love that we had a chance to put that open communication out there to clear up some of the misconceptions between men and women. That was truly needed. If you missed last night click the second link below to watch.

Check out this hot article and program on Why we successful black ladies can't find a man
  Nightline Face-Off: Why Can't a Successful Black Woman Find a Man? Sparks, Sincerity, Sass Fill Atlanta Auditorium in Seventh 'Nightline Face-Off'
By Eric Johnson

http://abcnews.go.com/nightline/faceoff

Five Ways To Deal With Racism

Being positive, composed, and unaffected by others ignorance is most certainly easier said than done. Fear not. Try the following tips and practices to help ease the sting...

Racism is still alive and thriving today. It was certainly apparent in the past events surrounding the passing of the healthcare bill. Many people were shocked and disappointed. This is proof that racism is a way of life and will probably not disappear any time soon, if at all. Being positive, composed, and unaffected by others ignorance is most certainly easier said than done. Fear not. Try the following tips and practices to help ease the sting.

Remember to remain cool, calm, and collected.

Always be as cool as a cucumber. Showing your anger is showing that you are bothered and affected by a rude comment or inappropriate statement. Of course you are pissed off but never let that show. Learn how to remain calm and poised. Then follow the necessary procedures to make a report or type up a letter to send to the appropriate authorities. Do not shrug off the incident because it more than likely will occur again. Standing up for your respect and equality will help the next individual whether you realize it or not.

Remember your history, and educate yourself.

It is said that history remains one of our biggest teachers. We as a people have endured and experienced a great deal to enjoy the pleasures and everyday lifestyles we share in this country. Take the time to read up on the many stories of adversity our ancestors faced day to day. Acknowledge and reflect on the historic events and gain a sense of appreciation. Continue to further educate yourself on not just the overall history but also your family history. Learn about your own family member’s accomplishments. Discuss and share the information with your children.

Listen to others’ testimonies and experiences.

It is definitely inspiring and one can gain encouragement from hearing the triumphs of another. You are not the only individual who has experienced racism and you certainly will not be the last. Learn how others have dealt with racism and know you are not alone.

Vent. Share your experience with positive people.

Share your experience with trusted friends and family. Positive people have a way of helping you take a negative situation or experience and see it as an opportunity to make it become a positive event.

Channel your frustration.

Use energy and anger from the experience to create something such as poetry, a work of art, a song, or even start writing a book. Record your thoughts and focus your attention on something productive. There is a reason for every encounter we have in our lives, good and bad.

Click here for the original article on mahoganybutterfly.com

Poetry Friday

Love Song for Lucinda
Love Is a ripe plum Growing on a purple tree. Taste it once And the spell of its enchantment Will never let you be. Love Is a bright star Glowing in far Southern skies. Look too hard And its burning flame Will always hurt your eyes. Love Is a high mountain Stark in a windy sky. If you Would never lose your breath Do not climb too high. Langston Hughes

Notre Dame Has First Black Valedictorian - Topix

I love hearing great news and seeing our accomplishments in the media!
Notre Dame Has First Black Valedictorian - Topix