I'm a Stay at home Son

 I died laughing at the movie Hangover 2 when that fool Alan said he was a "Stay at home Son" after getting off the phone with his dad. That movie was freakin hilarious but THIS ish right here is so not. The notion of having a stay at home son/daughter isn't all that far fetched because so many grown adults still live at home with their parents and for varying reasons such as they got pregnant and had to live at home with the baby for the support, they can't afford to move out, they got laid off or had some financial hardship so they came back home or they are just so spoiled and have no intention to move out.



If not for the lack of financial ability why on earth would you want to be at home with mom and dad? I remember after college graduation going back home for the summer and I couldn't wait to get the hell out of my parents house. It wasn't awful or anything but just being back in my twin sized bed with all those childhood posters on the wall everywhere made me feel like a kid again and a kid I was not! I went to college dang it and I wanted to be on my own like I was back in GA so I decided to move back to my college town and start my life here.



I once saw a video of a woman describing why she chose to still live with her parents. She said her mother knew how expensive it was out there in the real world so she wanted her kids to stay home, save as much money as possible before they went out and tasted freedom. I get it and if I stayed at home while working full time and bringing home a decent paycheck I would have taken full advantage of it too to save a couple thousand.  But my thing is how do you date when you live at home? Can you bring over your male/female visitors and if so do you feel awkward doing so?



When I think of people who have never lived on their own they can't possibly be on the same playing field as one who has when it comes to life experiences. Just the mere act of looking for an apartment, saving up money for furnishings, signing your lease, and paying bills brings a whole new reason to why you get up and go to work every morning. So on that note, what do you think about stay at home sons/daughters when it comes to dating? If you live with your parents are you opposed to dating someone who does as well? If you live alone are you opposed to dating someone who lives with their parents?



Also what about the parents who are enabling this type of dependency? Should they just give their kids an ultimatum of when to move out?

Bright & Fun

I'm excited that the weekend is upon us! I plan to paint pottery, run with the wind beneath my wings and clean house. I think I may try on my green romper, it just may fit lol

What do you have planned?

Charientism

Charientism is defined as an insult veiled in grace. I started thinking about this concept after reading a friends FB post status that read:

Men socialize by insulting each other but they really don't mean it.

Women socialize by complimenting each other, they don't mean it either.

This was hilarious yet so true for oh so many. Let's talk about how we use charientism to validate ourselves by invalidating others. Have you ever received a backhanded compliment from a 'friend'? People who do this tend to also have passive aggressive personalities. I am not quite sure where this stems from but we as humans display this characteristic in more ways than one.



All too often I have read on various social sites banter back n forth with one person validating their own opinion and choices by way of invalidating and insulting another. "The I'm right and you're wrong mentality", doesn't that way of thinking belong in Pre-K? Choice is everybody's right, not a right just reserved for those who make the same choices as us but sometimes we feel as though our choices are the right ones and everyone else are idiots for not thinking so. This problem certainly rears its ugly head among both genders, but I find it's especially prevalent among women. I don't think the problem is new because of the internet, but the anonymity of the internet certainly makes it easier to do. I recently did a vlog about YT haters and the same goes for people on sites like FB. When certain people are behind the guise of the computer they feel empowered enough to lash out with negativity towards others regarding their choices in life that don't even affect them whatsoever. Why is that? Do we really have the right and freedom to speak as we so wish?



It plays out in a variety of ways with women too. For example sometimes women who choose to stay at home are bashed by mothers who have to work and vice versa. Some stay at home mothers think it is the obligation of ALL mothers to raise their child themselves and those that choose not to or have to work often defend themselves because of their children being in daycare or being reared by nanny's.



If you decide to wear makeup and fix yourself up you are defending yourself against women who think you're doing too much and vice versa.



If you decide to marry young you get backlash from those who view this as too early and who think you not being ready for what life has to bring at such a young age.



If you wait to marry and have children you are often questioned by those asking when are you going to settle down and have kids. And don't even get me started on what you'll hear if you don't want to get married or have children at all.



If you choose to have children outside of marriage or are a single mother, you are defending yourself against women who think you should have made better choices or that all children deserve a two parent household.



People often become defensive in their choices because others insist on being judgmental. I have to ask are there really any non judgmental people on the planet though?



The moral of the story is, the choices that everybody else makes are their business, and theirs alone. Who are we to tell complete strangers or even friends/family members how to live their lives especially if their choices do not impact our lives? Sure you can state your opinion on a matter but at the end of the day what purpose does it really serve and most of all where does your opinion stem from? So the next time you catch yourself saying or typing something that bashes another individual's choices for their own life - ask yourself whether you're really being constructive, or just trying to validate yourself at their expense?



http://traditionalgirlmodernworld.blogspot.com/

The "NO Vacation Nation"

 

The United States is the only advanced economy in the world that does not guarantee its workers paid vacation. European countries establish legal rights to at least 20 days of paid vacation per year, with legal requirement of 25 and even 30 or more days in some countries. Australia and New Zealand both require employers to grant at least 20 vacation days per year; Canada and Japan mandate at least 10 paid days off. The gap between paid time off in the United States and the rest of the world is even larger if we include legally mandated paid holidays, where the United States offers none, but most of the rest of the world's rich countries offer between five and 13 paid holidays per year. 

 With the summer approaching most people like myself get in to vacation mode. Some save all year round the year prior for their next big vacation. Besides the fact that some companies do not offer ample vacation and those that do restrict how much you can take at one time, there are also people who simply do not wish to travel at all. I suppose we all have our priorities in life. For some people being fashion forward, buying the latest Manolo Blahniks or Red Bottomed Christian Louboutin shoes are at the forefront of their list. For others driving the latest luxury car or living in super sized mansion is their financial priority and there are those that love to travel. You might call them jet setters  and often hear tales of their traveling around the world. I personally can not fathom wanting to never see the world with my own two eyes. Surely there are those people that can afford to live lavish lifestyles at home and jet set around the world but that is often reserved for the rich and famous.

 So with that said how do you feel about your vacation time allotted for the year? Do you use it all up, let it roll over or waste it on "sick" days spent at home because you simply hate your job? Where in the world do you wish to travel next? Some people think that traveling isn't all that it's cracked up to be. There are definitely bloopers like the time I spent 6.5 hours in the airport waiting to fly back to Atlanta. But there are other times that are wonderful like when I toured the Mayan Ruins in Mexico last summer. 

Share your favorite travel experience, you may open the eyes of another hoping to hop a plane in the near future! ☺ I so wished I had studied abroad in college!

Here are a few excerpts from the article entitled "Why is America the ‘no-vacation nation’?" By A. Pawlowski, CNN

(CNN) — Let’s be blunt: If you like to take lots of vacation, the United States is not the place to work.

Besides a handful of national holidays, the typical American worker bee gets two or three precious weeks off out of a whole year to relax and see the world — much less than what people in many other countries receive.

And even that amount of vacation often comes with strings attached.

Some U.S. companies don’t like employees taking off more than one week at a time. Others expect them to be on call or check their e-mail even when they’re lounging on the beach or taking a hike in the mountains.

“I really would like to take a real, decent vacation and travel somewhere, but it’s almost impossible to take a long vacation and to be out of contact,” said Don Brock, a software engineer who lives in suburban Washington.

“I dream of taking a cruise or a trip Europe, but I can’t imagine getting away for so long.”

It’s a totally different story in other parts of the world.

Nancy Schimkat, an American who lives in Weinheim, Germany, said her German husband, an engineer, gets six weeks of paid vacation a year, plus national holidays — the norm. His company makes sure he takes all of it.

It’s typical for Germans to take off three consecutive weeks in August when “most of the country kind of closes down,” Schimkat said. That’s the time for big trips, perhaps to other parts of Europe, or to Australia or North America. Germans might also book a ski holiday in the winter and take a week off during Easter.

Finland, Brazil and France are the champs, guaranteeing six weeks of time off.

But employers in the United States are not obligated under federal law to offer any paid vacation, so about a quarter of all American workers don’t have access to it, government figures show.

That makes the U.S. the only advanced nation in the world that doesn’t guarantee its workers annual leave, according to a report titled “No-Vacation Nation” by the Center for Economic and Policy Research, a liberal policy group.

Most U.S. companies, of course, do provide vacation as a way to attract and retain workers.

What Would You Do?

So there was this guy apparently drunk/high on drugs knocked out in a comma or perhaps sleeping in the middle of the staircase on 34th street. One shoe on the other off and slouched over in a stupor. I walked right by joking "I should take a picture" but I didn't. I felt sorry for him and like so many others I kept on walking without hesitation. So like the show I ask the question What would you do? Are we so immune to pain and suffering that we simply step right over people lying in the street? I feel so bad now, what if he was sick or something and need medical attention.

Le Experimental

Remember when you were young, wild and crazy daring to push the envelope in your experimental teens or young twenty something years? You may have sported super bright red hair like Rhi Rhi,  worn the trendiest fashion gone wrong, dyed your hair half black half blonde, had a Tweety Bird tatted on your ankle or even pierced your nipples lol but now a days the experimental stage seems a bit out of control.

 Her Star tat is pretty dope by the way ♥ it!

The experimental stage has gone from pushing the envelope to jumping off the bridge. The definition of experiment is a test, trial, or tentative procedure; an act or operation for the purpose of discovering something unknown or of testing a principle, supposition, etc

Trying an experiment in your teenage years shouldn't be life altering. Changing your hair color, buying ripped jeans or a trendy bag, or getting a star tattoo like your fav celeb isn't going to change your life but having a baby or getting hooked on drugs will.



 I can't believe we had a 2008 story headlining 'Pregnancy Pact' at Gloucester Highschool #wheretheydothatat

"We found out one of the fathers is a 24-year-old homeless guy," the principal says, shaking his head. Source

Then there are the teens experimenting with their sexuality. I went to an ALL girls high school and perhaps I was naive but I don't recall an influx of lesbianism roaming the halls because it was cool. However, with songs by Katy Perry blaring lyrics like "I kissed a girl and I liked it!" no wonder teens seem to think 'being gay' is a trendy thing to do.



Speaking of sexuality the trend in "How to be Sexy" is getting breast implants and butt injections. We can't all have the perfect figure 8 and asking your parents for silicone instead of a sweet 16 party just seems down right wrong. Source

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reports that in 2009 doctors administered 12,110 botox injections to patients 18 or younger. This is a 48% increase in teen Botox use from the previous year. The trend crosses international boundaries. Some teens seek Botox treatments for medical conditions such as eye tics, but others want to get rid of frown lines or "look fresh."

Oh and let's not forget the new age drug of Meth! I still can't understand how teens are getting hooked on drugs like this in 2011. We need McGruff back on the TV interrupting music videos and telling kids to Take a bite out of Crime & Just Say No to Drugs because this ish is out of control.



If the children are our future we are in big trouble.....

Don't Give away Your Power

 Throughout life and even the course of a day you will run into some unhappy people. In fact I run into them all the time and even here on the world wide web. I make it a point not to flip my lid every time someone does or says something to piss me off and here's why. I'm a firm believer in the idea that you can only control your own behavior. Trying to micromanage the universe—or just other people—is an exercise in futility and sure to irritate you to no end. Just the other day I ran into a 'situation' where I could have easily ended up screaming my head off and behaving like a lunatic but instead I chose to ignore the child like behavior of the other adult woman and act as if she ceased to exist. My mother told me often as a child that sometimes you just have to ignore people and so in that instance I surely did. Getting your blood pressure boiling because of someone else is never a good idea. Don't give away your power by choosing a calm attitude.



When choosing your attitude, you're deciding what your outlook on life will be. It's easier said than done, but habitually happy people are not that way because only good things happen to them. Surely we all know that life isn't full of sunshine, rainbows and unicorns dancing in the sky; there will be days of despair but that doesn't mean you have to let others filled with negativity steal your joy. So the next time you are met with Mr. or Mrs. Rain on your Parade simply choose to be the bigger person ♥



Take your power back, it can be a liberating experience!

Not just for Kids!

I stumbled across today's article on Yahoo spelling out 25 manners every kid should know by age 9. After reading through the first ten I realized that shoot a lot of adults could use a refresher course in Manners 101 so I decided to share. ♥ Feel free to pass it along ☺





Manner #1



When asking for something, say "Please."



Manner #2



When receiving something, say "Thank you."



Related: Kid-Made Thank You Notes



Manner #3

Do not interrupt grown-ups who are speaking with each other unless there is an emergency. They will notice you and respond when they are finished talking.



Manner #4

If you do need to get somebody's attention right away, the phrase "excuse me" is the most polite way for you to enter the conversation.



Manner #5

When you have any doubt about doing something, ask permission first. It can save you from many hours of grief later.



Manner #6 The world is not interested in what you dislike. Keep negative opinions to yourself, or between you and your friends, and out of earshot of adults.



Manner #7 Do not comment on other people's physical characteristics unless, of course, it's to compliment them, which is always welcome.

Related: Raise Polite Kids



Manner #8 When people ask you how you are, tell them and then ask them how they are.



Manner #9

When you have spent time at your friend's house, remember to thank his or her parents for having you over and for the good time you had.

Manner #10 Knock on closed doors -- and wait to see if there's a response -- before entering.



Manner #11 When you make a phone call, introduce yourself first and then ask if you can speak with the person you are calling.



Manner #12 Be appreciative and say "thank you" for any gift you receive. In the age of e-mail, a handwritten thank-you note can have a powerful effect.

Related: Print and Color Cards for Birthdays, Thank-Yous and More!



Manner #13 Never use foul language in front of adults. Grown-ups already know all those words, and they find them boring and unpleasant.



Manner #14

Don't call people mean names.



Manner #15 Do not make fun of anyone for any reason. Teasing shows others you are weak, and ganging up on someone else is cruel.

Related: Raise a Compassionate Kid



Manner #16 Even if a play or an assembly is boring, sit through it quietly and pretend that you are interested. The performers and presenters are doing their best.



Manner #17 If you bump into somebody, immediately say "Excuse me."

Related: Quiz: What's Your Parenting Style?



Manner #18 Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and don't pick your nose in public.

Related: How to Handle Inappropriate Behavior



Manner #19

As you walk through a door, look to see if you can hold it open for someone else.



Manner #20 If you come across a parent, a teacher, or a neighbor working on something, ask if you can help. If they say "yes," do so -- you may learn something new.



Manner #21 When an adult asks you for a favor, do it without grumbling and with a smile.

Related: Use this Table-Setting Map as a Guide



Manner #22 When someone helps you, say "thank you." That person will likely want to help you again. This is especially true with teachers!

Manner #23 Use eating utensils properly. If you are unsure how to do so, ask your parents to teach you or watch what adults do.

Related: Mrs. McVeigh Weighs in on Proper Utensil Use and More!



Manner #24

Keep a napkin on your lap; use it to wipe your mouth when necessary.



Manner #25

Don't reach for things at the table; ask to have them passed.

Sexually active Religious Fanatics!

My friend over at the Pretty Girl Rock Dresses, LLC asked on her ART of Conversation status what are some of your pet peeves? So I got to thinking and listed things like people being late, Facebook thugs lol and those that think they know everything but you know what REALLY burns me up? It's the sexually active religious fanatic here to save the day. 

Now I grew up in a Roman Catholic household. I attended Catholic church on Wednesdays & Sundays and did a bid lol of Catholic school for 12 years so excuse me for finding the sexy nun picture humorous. Sex is in our human nature, we live to procreate and enjoy sexual stimulation; whether you choose to or not before marriage is another thing. I am SO peeved by those that choose to impose their religious beliefs on others based off of what THEY do in life and not what the Bible or other religious doctrine states. Shoot, not even the dang on Bishops are Saint's so you damn sure aren't one.

Let's take the examples below:

What about the man that 'saved' himself for marriage because he believes premarital sex is a SIN but he is happily obese because well glutony isn't really a big deal or even a sin for that matter. ☺ Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't a sin a sin no matter how big or small?

What about a woman who is actively sleeping with a man she is dating, moves in with him to find a better position in life BUT is vehemently opposed to shacking up. Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't that exactly what you are doing?

And speaking of shacking up please tell me where to find the Bible verse on that one. I'm so sick of hearing people say what the Bible says and can't tell me where to find it. 

What about the religious women on birth control *side eye* or the ones that aren't penetrating but receiving and giving oral sex. C'mon son

My thing is I'm all for the respecting of your fellowship, after all, as a good Christian it is your duty to spread the good Word right? But what about being a hypocrite is there a such verse about slaying others with your tongue when you are still a sinner yourself? Last I checked aren't we all sinners?????????

Inquiring minds want to know ☺

Cut from a Different Cloth

I know what you're thinking, WTF right? Yep that was my first impression too but what if she worked in a tattoo parlor or the entertainment industry perhaps, would that still be your sentiment just because she has a 5 star literally tatted across her throat? Side Note: that one must of hurt like ish because I know the skin is very thin on the neck and she is definitely a G for doing that lol not to mention the illuminati tat on her cheek.



Is she really cut from a different cloth and perhaps we just don't understand her vision or is this just plain asinine because it goes against the grain of what normal looks like? What do the 'others' call their race members who wear sleeves  and skulls across their chest and throats? Are they outcasted and put on the WTF blogs of the web too or are we the only ones throwing ours in the 'ghetto' file?



I personally would never dare get my face tattooed with such and I know most of you are saying she is never going to get a 'good' job but what if she doesn't aspire to work in some stuffy corporate office? That is not everyone's dream ya know.



Are there some deeper issues here with our younger generation choosing to adorn themselves with tattoos like this or is it simply art of the new world order?

Just food for thought..... What say ye?

Lets Talk Judgment

 

So in recent conversations the topic of 'Judgment' has come up. A friend stated that we all judge each other in most circumstances, even on something minute as choosing a friend. We make a judgment based on character in determining if we choose to befriend them or not. Right? But we also judge others on trivial things day in and day out that don't even effect us or our livelihood. Why is that? Is judgment necessary in all walks of life?

The most common forms of judgment come in the external form. We often judge others based on their complexion, race, weight, clothing, age, and gender. Some of these judgments can be harmless no matter true or false, while others can reek havoc on a person's psyche for life. To judge someone is to make yourself responsible for that person's being and dependent on how that person behaves. This is why people can become so outraged by something like a stranger being obese simply because they believe in physical fitness. The strangers weight has nothing to do directly with the judge but they can still feel a personal plight & stress just the same.

The same notion goes for when women judge each other based little things like how another dresses, styles her hair, whether or not she wears make up and the type of man she dates. None of these things directly effects the judge but somehow she can become personally offended of how another chooses to be. Sounds pretty silly right but we all do it.

Now going beyond that onto more serious topics we judge one another based on personal political stances and religious viewpoints as well. I am not one for debating religious viewpoints, even with friends, because I feel that your walk with whomever you choose to worship is personal and because I consider myself spiritual and not religious I don't have a personal yearning to make you believe what I believe. This also goes hand in hand with who I choose to vote for and what political party I support. I have no personal investment in making you choose sides and I find it a waste of time to debate back and forth about why red or blue is better. 

I have come to know that just because I feel this is not my place to put forth my personal beliefs on the next man, doesn't mean that everyone is the same. I have come to the conclusion that most people are of full of crap because we all have convenient theories for ourselves based on what our particular circumstances are. We, especially women, love to say what we would never put up with based on what the next woman is doing. 

We say things like:

I would NEVER be a baby mama, when we could have because we've practiced unprotected sex ourselves. 

I would NEVER have an abortion!

I would NEVER date a man like that!

I would NEVER pay so much for a wedding!

I would NEVER shack up before marriage!

I would NEVER allow myself to get that fat!

I would NEVER yadayadayada

Of course all of these things are based off the fact that we currently don't have to deal with being any of those things but had life been any different for us we would be singing a very different tune.

The goal of life is not to “think good of everyone.” The goal of life is to perceive Truth.

Truth, however, is multi-leveled. On the highest plane, everyone deserves love and respect but if you discern that a person does not have your best interest at heart then act accordingly. I believe that once we start living in the truth our lives would be so much happier. No longer will you be so concerned about others idiosyncrasies. So the next time you are compelled to judge based off personal preferences remind yourself that it's their choice to be that way. Likewise the next time you are in the company of another and they immediately start a conversation based off judging others choices, kindly remind them there are better topics of conversation worth giving your attention to.



Just my two cents, care to share yours?



Love for Self, Love for Health ™ Lipstick Diva

Want a baby? Apply Here

 

If you follow my fan page on Facebook you will often see me posting cutie pies like the one above. It's no secret to those that know me that I want a baby, to have a family to call my own some day. But with that said comes oodles of responsibility, not to mention money, and I'm so glad I waited until my 30s to get married and plan my family. Plan, operative keyword here. 

I was just talking with someone at work this week and he exclaimed, "People ought to have a license to have kids!" I couldn't agree more, especially when you see 'ratchets' posing with their kids, smoking weed, dranking alcohol and letting the little boy cup their breasts like this foolishness below.

 

  

You have to have a license/ID/permit to board a plane, drive a car, own a gun, apply for a job, own a boat, go fishing and the list goes on. What a person can do WITHOUT a license is have a child. You can create a human life without instruction or registration, but you can't fish for catfish without permission from the state. Does this make sense?

Should someone like her above be allowed to have children? My thoughts, "Hell to the naw shawty!" WTF is wrong with her brain, where is the disconnect? Doe she think this is cute? This picture is FREE for all to view and laugh at on the internet and will be there forever, yep so when the little tike is old enough he can view the shame himself. smh 

This is exactly why people should be more mindful and responsible when having children. Sure anyone with healthy ovaries and sperm can make a baby, but it takes way more than that to raise one responsibly, not to mention a boat load of money, preferably your own and not the tax payers ☺, I'm just saying..... I have often wondered if as many people would become parents if they had to go through the rigorous screening that adoptive parents go through.

With that said if there were an actual license application for a baby or to become a parent what questions should one have to answer? Comments are welcomed ☺

Here are some of the questions adoptive parents must answer during their screening process: 

1. What do you feel are the strong points in your marriage? 

2. What qualities do you appreciate most in your spouse?

3. If you could change anything about them what would it be?

4. Describe your views and approach to parenting including discipline.

5. What activities do you enjoy doing with your spouse?

6. What activities do you enjoy doing separately from your spouse?

7. What things do you wish to do as a family?

8. What goals are you working towards in your marriage?

9. Why do you want to have children?

10. At this time what type of child do you feel you can parent?

11. What experiences have you had that warrant this ability to parent this type of child?

12. What are your expectations for this child?

13. How will you handle the situations where your child does not meet those expectations?

14. What things could you absolutely NOT accept from your child and Why?

15. What are your views on religion and how will you introduce them to this child?

16. What is your plan for child care?

17. What is your greatest fear concerning becoming a parent?

? Thumbs Down

"Man is the only creature who refuses to be what he is."

Albert Camus

It always puzzles me when reading blogs, forums, article comments and even Youtube channels the amount of backlash, negativity and naysayers there are in this world. Adults are just plain cruel and here I'm thinking kids were mean. I wonder why that is? Why do certain walks of people feel it necessary to dump a load of shit on someone else because it doesn't suit their fancy? It is one thing to disagree or have an opposed opinion but it is another to be blatantly disrespectful just because. We are all unique, different and special in our own way and simply because you don't think her 'style' is fly doesn't make it factual, that is just one man's opinion. I've found that when people go against the grain, step outside the box and own their individuality that scares folks. People don't know what to do with 'different', they can't tame 'different' and so the common result is vulgarity, disrespect, and the act of putting that person down in order to put them back in their  "place" i.e. where you think they should be. Who does she think she is? Herself, who else?

I cram to understand why folks have to leave negative commentary on someone's  choice of expression.  If you don't like it, great, obviously they do, so what's it to you? 

If you are one of those people being subjected to this bs

 

 

Cut costs and live cheaply

I'm sure you have heard or seen the new show on TLC, Extreme couponing, and perhaps are a savvy saver yourself. With the mindset of saving and eating healthy as well as leading a healthier life, I've been watching a netflix documentary entitled, No Impact Man.  The movie is about a family of three on a 1 year experiment to leave as little a footprint or impact on the environment and in turn living a healthier lifestyle. The father made a compost for their trash, no more Starbucks for the Mom or Chinese take out because you can not create any waste, brushing teeth with baking soda, no carbon dioxide which means traveling on foot or bike, and only shaving with a real razors- no more disposables. They even switched their infant daughter to cloth diapers as it was stated diapers are a HUGE percentage of the waste found in landfills. I thought about using cloth diapers when I have a child. We all know diapers are super expensive and if you are staying at home as a mom why not? Save some bucks on the plastic and help out the environment.

Speaking of bucks and foods, Wholefoods, Trader Joe's & Goodness grocery are some of my favorite places to shop. It is definitely more expensive to shop there as opposed to Wal-mart but in the grand scheme of things it is actually cheaper.



Do you think you could live like this family and go without toilet paper, lights, elevators, television, eating locally and living with a compost?

How do you cut costs and live a healthier lifestyle on the cheap?

Check out this challenge to eat better on Owning Pink. 

I'm up for the challenge of eating healthier and with that said today I will post what I have consumed so far: 

This morning I grabbed a jolly rancher off my counter and popped it in my mouth. I don't think that counts as breakfast but because my fiance' bought them of course I wanted it. 

Later on I ate a nectarine and shortly followed it up with an Asian Pear. Those things are super yummy! 

For lunch I ate a few spoon fulls of seafood pasta from Publix, mental note never buy that again and then I ate some Chickpea salad. Love that stuff!

Before I head out for the day I will eat some of this sad looking banana on my desk and think about a healthy dinner for this evening. 

*To the ladies who are on the 60 day fitness challenge please update this post with your fitness experiences thus far as well as what you have been eating*

Sharing is SEXY ♥

Don't you want to live to see your 100th birthday? I do ♥ sans the cig lol

World's Most Dangerous Drug

Often times while driving to work I will hear a commercial for the Meth project. The Meth Project is a large-scale prevention program aimed at reducing first-time Meth use through public service messaging, public policy, and community outreach. Central to the program is a research-based marketing campaign that graphically communicates the risks of Meth use. The Meth Project has been repeatedly cited as a powerful private-sector response to a devastating social problem and was recognized by the White House as one of the nation's most effective prevention programs. http://www.methproject.org



Growing up in the 80s we were subjected to the crack cocaine epidemic. Do you remember those advertisements with Mc Gruff telling us to Say NO to Drugs? I do but what do they kids these days have? Their after school programs are limited, parents have to work longer hours or two jobs to make ends meet so children are often left up to their own devices between the hours of school ending and mom coming home. Many of these households only have one  parent to dish out the discipline so the slack is picked up by the streets.



When listening to some of these commerical's a cynical side of me kicks in thinking how in the world do you get hooked on drugs in 2011? No one in their right mind who has seen a drug addict thinks, when I grow up I want to be just like them! But yet and still there are many children who graduate from gateways like cigarettes, alcohol, and weed to then more powerful drugs like cocaine and lastly Meth. Meth is reported at 3 times more powerful than Cocaine. During the trailer, The World's Most Dangerous Drug, it was stated that a high can last for 12 hours. 12 freaking hours trippin! Can you imagine?

Watch the trailer below and let me know your take on why we are battling SO many people choosing this life.

How to Be Annoying on Facebook

Swoozie in da house! Do you know who Swoozie is on YT? I recently discovered his short films and he is so talented, not to mention super comedic. Watch the 'How to be annoying on facebook' film for a great laugh. Happy Saturday lovelies. ;0)









What are some of the things people do on Facebook to annoy you?



Mine is typing in anything other than correct English. I get microblogging but some of these people are just plain lazy.



I agree with all the game and quiz posts, I do not partake in them myself and anyone who posts one on my page is deleted. Sorry guys and gals ;0)



People who think they know everything is also UBER annoying to me smh Get off facebook with your old ass almost 50 years old trying to school folks on life lol





When people put 'I'm just saying' after everything they post, who else is saying it? We know it's you duh? lol



People who complain about things that their friends do such as 'liking' their post and or visiting their page. Ummmm what was the point of accepting their friend request if you don't want them on your page? I don't get the 'snooping' application to see who and how many times folks are visiting you. Just plain asinine.



Lastly, get your relationship in check. Facebook doesn't ruin marriages and break up happy homes, cheaters do! I heard on the radio yesterday folks calling in to say whether or not you should be friends with your ex on facebook. There were mostly women complaining that their man's ex girl is always liking all their couple's pictures and commenting on his posts with LOL and cutesy stuff. smh If she is threatening your relationship through the computer delete her ass and move on. If he is a cheater chances are she is not the only threat on the web, you need a monogamous man and facebook is not your enemy ;0)

All aboard to 6 Figure Lane

 

All aboard to 6 Figure Lane. I've always heard that you should surround yourself with people in places that you see yourself going and well I want to be making buku money generated from my own business not working for someone else. Did you know that Borders has filed bankruptcy and has tons of great books on sale? Well you'd expect to see some 70% off signs but you won't so don't get your hopes up however you can still run in and find lots of interesting and thought provoking reads to fill your library. I don't have any more book shelf space lol but I can still store them in boxes. I just love books they can take you to places you've never dreamed of all without leaving your space. The above book is a novel I'm interested in reading. I need to know a woman making 6 figures generated from the industry of my interest. Just speaking about my aspirations to my good and resourceful friend Erika, I was able to get the contact information for a woman doing the very thing I want to ♥ Thanks E! 

Here is a synopsis on the novel:

Quietly and steadily, the number of women making six figures or more is increasing and continues to rise at a rate faster than for men. From entrepreneurs to corporate executives, from white-collar professionals to freelancers and part-timers, women are forging careers with considerable financial success.

In Secrets of Six-Figure Women, Barbara Stanny, journalist, motivational speaker,and financial educator, identifies the seven key strategies of female highearners: A Profit Motive, Audacity, Resilience, Encouragement, Self-Awareness, Non-attachment, and Financial Know-How.

Based on extensive research and hundreds of interviews, including more than 150 women whose annual earnings range from $100,000 to $7 million, Barbara Stanny turns each of the six-figure traits into a specific strategy for upping earnings. By rigorously fine-tuning them, readers can, step-by-step, climb the income ladder.



Do you have a mentor, life coach or friend/family member in the position you see yourself being in one day? If the answer is no then you ought to seek one out. Mentors or life coaches can inspire, encourage and push you towards your goals. It helps to talk to friends about your dreams but it definitely helps to talk with someone who has already been there and done that and is now at the top. ☺

Minimalist in the Making

A house is just a place to keep your stuff while you go out and get more stuff. George Carlin

Hello my name is Lipstick Diva and I'm a shopaholic. Hi Lipstick Diva welcome to Shopaholic's Anonymous smh This is a conversation I've been having with myself lately and I need to get a handle on my wallet. I am not necessarily addicted to buying clothes or shoes but I definitely have a little shopping bag fairy on my shoulder telling me that I need another lipstick shade, nail polish color or thrift store score. Now while I do shop for my Etsy boutique, often times I purchase for myself too just incase no one buys it I can wear it myself and that my friends is called being an addict. I don't know when this whole thing started but I do know that I grew up watching my mother drag bags upon bags of clothing into the house and stuffing them relentlessly into her tiny New York closet all in the name of fashion. The good ole blaming the parents excuse lol 

When I moved into my home I was overwhelmed with the amount of closet space I had. I even had the audacity to think that I needed MORE clothes just to make myself feel better about the bare spaces. I know stupid right but that's the truth. I was never the type of girl that had to have certain name brands but I do adore a good fit. Now that vintage and thrifting is my speed I rationalize a thrifting spree because I can get 7 outfits for less than 20 bucks but that doesn't mean that I NEED all of these new dresses, pants or skirts now does it. Earlier this year I joined a shopping diet but that has quickly turned into an epic fail seeing as how I have totally bought new lipstick, shoes and dresses since then without even flinching. 

How is it that it is so easy to get caught up doing things we know we purposefully are trying to avoid? Temptation is a biotch! lol Materialism can definitely KILL your dreams especially if you need money to achieve them or having certain financial goals to reach. My fiance' often talks about having the ability to just leave, just get up and go without looking back and you can't do that if you are so emotionally tied to your stuff. That's all it is is stuff right? The sofa you bought that you oh so love, that china set, the luxurious bedding, the shoe collection, the wall of accessories all of it, every single thing is just stuff. Wouldn't you like to be able to pack up your car or better yet a couple of suitcases and be able to ride out to the living place of your dreams whether it be Sicily or New York City? I would, therefore I'm making a HUGE effort and push to be a minimalist in the making. No more will I give into the shopping fairy's taunts that I need that new shade of lipstick or yet another box of Salon Effects. I have enough stuff and I don't have enough passport stamps SO I'm kicking the habit Jack! ;0)

I recently bought a money tree from IKEA in an effort to bring more money into my life, my home, my fiance's wallet and mine as well. It actually works, I don't know if it is my faith that it will work or if the Chinese myth is true but I'm going to believe that it is working because I have already been blessed with unexpected money since I've had it ;0) This is directly attributed to me watching the documentary, The Secret, you should check it out that movie has changed my mindset tremendously!

So back to the matter at hand, now that I have had that come to Jesus meeting the next time I see something sparkly, studded, gold, rhinestone or leopard because I love me some leopard I just have to tell myself wouldn't that money be better spent on a plane ticket out of the country and then I'll be back to my reality ;0) I want to see the world and that I shall!

What kind of kick in the butt do you need to get back on track?

The 5 Year Plan

http://fuckyeahblackmodels.tumblr.com

Everyone everywhere has been asked the question, "So where do you see yourself in 5 years?" If this isn't the hardest impromptu question to be asked I don't know what is. I mean it just puts you on the spot like a microphone is pushed into your face and the whole world is waiting for you to answer. It damn near causes stress just thinking about it. Why? because 5 years is an awful long stretch of time to plan for. 

I started thinking about this in terms of preparing for my Vision Board meet up group this afternoon. I've been asked this question countless times throughout my working career in interviews, for annual reviews and even once on a DATE. Yes a freaking date and the first one at that. Now mind you dude was twice my age so perhaps that is what his generation likes to talk about at first go but it was startling at best. I automatically went into interview mode. You know when your 'professional voice' turns on, you sit up straight and start talking serious business. smh 

Does everyone need to know where they want to be in 5 years? Well my answer to that is Heck NO! How about planning for 5 months down the line. To me in 5 months you can steer yourself in the direction you perhaps want to be, which in turn will help you reach a futuristic 5 year goal; but you don't have to have a heart attack thinking about it. You may want to have earned a certain degree in the next 5 years time but in 5 months you can certainly enroll yourself in school and start taking classes towards that. In 5 years you can aspire to have been married with children but in 5 months you can start doing some soul searching, self evaluation, and meditation to prepare yourself to be in a committed relationship of that magnitude. In 5 years time you can hope to have amassed a certain dollar amount generated from your own business but in 5 months time you can draft a business plan to put those things needed in place.  See where I'm going with this? 

The 5 month plan is a lot more attainable and because it is such a short amount of time you can give yourself monthly check ups or report cards to see if you are staying on course. Think about the last time you achieved a goal. Wasn't that the best feeling ever whether it was your college graduation, obtaining a graduate degree, passing the bar exam, 1st home buyer experience, your first sale, getting pregnant after months of 'trying' etc. That feeling doesn't have to be fleeting or come every once in a blue moon. It can happen frequently if you practice the art of The Secret, believe that this goal is already accomplished AND take the necessary steps to actually make it happen for yourself. 

So in closing ladies if you have not already created a vision board. Please do so. All you will need is a vision, magazines or printed pictures from the internet, glue, scissors and a board. Sit down alone or with like minded friends, cut out your visionary pictures and get to pasting. Also it would be great to post a picture of yourself included in your collage so that you envision YOU within all that greatness. Finally post your board in a place where you will see it often every day. Take time to spend a few minutes looking at it and soaking it all in, that way you will be reminded of the plans you've set for yourself before you go out in the world and make them happen. There are about 9 more months left in this year and that is a lot of time for you to achieve greatness. 

Go forth and be fabulous ladies. Have an awesome Sunday ;0)

How to Achieve your Vision Even Against the Odds

For Harriet

This weekend I will be meeting up with my Vision Board buddies to evaluate, assess and claim success on our Visions birthed this New Year. We were instructed by the hostess to come prepared to discuss the following topics:

*Progressions...practice makes improvement ;) 

*Revisions/Revelations i.e. you don't quite have that vision anymore and/or you learned something new about yourself 

*Achievements ...What have you accomplished to date?

*Year Long Strategy...What steps are you taking to achieve your top 3 visions? 

I came across the article below, amended by moi, and thought it was a perfect read right before preparing to meet up with my group. I love the fact that the directives actually make you sit down in front of your boards and really take the time to assess your situation. I plan to take some notes for myself today, these will help in my discussion as well be applicable to my life. 





Over the course of your journey you may have encountered people who did not believe in your vision and tried to deter you from progression. The truth is not everyone will fall in love with your goals. Actually, some people will intentionally try to distract you from moving forward with what you want because they derive some pleasure from pulling you down. Whether you call them naysayers, or haters, there are some things you should keep in mind when protecting your vision. 

1. When you keep a laser-like focus on your vision everything else will fall away.
So many people spend too much time worrying about what others think of them. As 'they' say if those folks don't pay your bills, their opinion doesn't matter. Life is short, so why waste your time trying to mold yourself into someone you are not? My motto is "Don't be so concerned about things that don't concern you and that goes for other people's opinions.

Remembering who you are trying to reach will always keep you focused and centered. You can’t be everything to everybody and that is the way that it should be. When I made the decision to create a blog I initially did it as an open diary as I've loved to write for years and this just seemed like the next step to actually writing a book. Of course since it's inception my ideas and thoughts have matured and grown tremendously and with that I have evolved my brand to be an avenue used to propel and promote positivity amongst women. One thing that I've learned since beginning this blog is to write for me first and then the reader second. I can not possibly please each and every woman that clicks on my page but some of my thoughts will resonate with many who do. There will be people who dislike my train of thought or me for that matter, one day a follower the next not so much but the greatest thing about me is that I don't let how others feel about me effect how I feel about me ;0) I have one goal in mind here and that is being an entrepreneur through doing what I love. Being an entrepreneur isn't really for people who believe that they CAN’T, it’s for the people who question if they CAN. Big difference. 

2. When people try to box you in (and they will) RUN!
Doing something unconventional is scary. Whether that be quitting your job because you never did like it anyway, or starting a new business venture, branching out into the unknown is a little terrifying. And the funny thing about this is, not only are YOU scared, your notions of being big and bold start scaring other people!

People turn against you when they see you wanting to try something new. I believe this is because we have been so programmed to believe that we all have to march to the same beat and never steer off course. If you find out after embarking on your journey that some of these weeds are in your group and trying to hold you back cut them loose so you can continue to grow. Most of the time their negative reaction, thoughts and statements to you will be in an effort  to put you back in the box, cage, or cubicle right along with them.




Also not every statement of criticism is bad, there is such a thing as constructive criticism. You shouldn't want everyone to agree with everything you have to say in order for them to be considered a good friend as someone else's opinion or method might make more sense so be open minded.


Remember this: anytime someone tells you that you can't or you shouldn't, you are doing something right. Rock on!

3. Finally, and most important, remember YOU define your own rules.
The number one reason I want to work for myself and write about doing so here is because I want to encourage people who don’t believe in living a mediocre existence to break through convention to get to their true self.

Even if your business idea doesn't generate the money you need right away keep on pushing. Why?
The beauty of a idea or a goal is that it can be anything you want it to be. You may need to tweak a few things here and there, network with people and even get a mentor to gain success. 

Don’t let anyone trick you into thinking there are “set rules” you should follow. Just because something has always been done in a traditional way, does not make it automatically right. The fabulous thing about your project might be the way you do everything WRONG, according to the powers that like to spit modern “wisdom”.

Next time you start a new project, or are redefining your vision, keep this in mind: there are the kind of rules that keep us safe (look both ways before you cross the street), and then there are the rules that are just limitations set up by others. Learn to distinguish between the two. Then follow the path less taken, not the path of least resistance.

About the author: In 2009, Amber J. Adams moved to New York City with nothing but two suitcases and a smile. As the voice behind The Fab Life Project blog, Amber provides weekly inspiration, ideas, and resources for Gen Y’ers who want to live lives that rock without limitations or hesitations. She is on a mission to show people that life doesn’t have to be mundane; it can be freakin’ fabulous! Visit Amber's blog thefablifeproject.com