What would you do?

While doing the usual after church runs with my mother, I contemplated a question that was posed to me numerous times earlier that I could not answer...
So, I am going to pose the same question to you and (hopefully) you will have an answer or two...
If you could start your own business right now (in this economy, riiiight) what would it be and WHY??? For argument's sake lets say that the start up money is there and all you need to do is formulate the idea and proposal.

I said (later) I would be interested in starting my own employment agency. I ALWAYS have a job or two and I think it would be fun to make the contacts. Maybe a personal shopping firm- where we train shoppers and hire them out, there are too many non-stylish people out there for this not to work. Or I would become a life coach, it would be fun helping some one get their life together from the inside out.

What about you???

Just put it in my hand

Once again I bring you a sorted tale from work...
So after assisting an elderly Afro American customer through the store and all the way to the register, I proceed to ring up her merchandise. I alert her of the total and bag while she gathers her cash, and then continue to wait. As always I repeat the total due and hold my hand out (something I hate to do, it just looks and feels sooo needy), she puts the cash on the counter and nudges it towards me!!! I look at the money and then I look back at her, with a frown of course. I was appalled.
Who does that anymore?
It always really hurts and offends me when people toss, money at me or place it on the counter, especially when my hand is out and ready to receive. My anger and my hurt is taken a intensified when the culprit is Afro American. As a oppressed people we are so backwards most of the time, especially when it comes to doling out the same oppressive ways and stereotypes that were doled to us.
This is no where near 1965 Jim Crow NC, let's get it together and treat each other right. I was not even a thought then and before when Caucasians used to feel that to come in contact with an Afro American through touch would bring an end to civilization, I do know, however, that the notion is just as crazy today as it was then. I enjoy having a job right now when so many others can not say the same but one day my tongue is going to slip and I am going to remind someone of how demeaning it is to place money on the counter in any case, so that at least they can take that pearl of wisdom with them to the next store. I am a person just like you, so put the money in my hand. I find it hilarious that many Caucasian customers will sometimes go out of their way to make sure that they do put the money in my hand while Afro Americans will lay it on the counter and look at me like I have lost my marbles when I repeat the total for the third time in hopes that they will pick up the money and hand it to me.
Long story short, I think I am going to give the next person a dose of their own ignorance or I will have someone else take their money just to make my point.

Errrrrrr!!!

sales, Sales, SALES!!!

This has to be one of my favorite times of year. When stores get ready to empty their spring and summer stocks to make room for the incoming fall stock!!! Everything from shoes to jeans and skirts bags and hats, and of course underwear and body products!!! Twice a year many of my favorite (yours too) stores run Semi- Annual Sales!!! Discounts on current products and even deeper discounts on products on that are from last season, and lets not talk about those clearance prices 75-90% off!!! Wow-wie. I buy clothes for the rest of the season now, because up to this point I was wearing last year's supply. I also stock up on home decor (candles, plug ins, oils...) and some of my favorite smell goods, and refresh my unmentionable supplies. Happy times for everyone!!!
Stores to watch in the coming months:
*Bath and Body Works
*Victoria's Secret
*The Gap
*The Body Shop
*Nordstrom
*JC Penny
*Belk stores
*New York and Company
*Nine West

DO NOT forget to sign up for emails form your favorite stores to find out when their big sales are as well as to receive coupons and extra savings!!!
I luv shopping.

We are in a recession....

As I have spent more and more time in the retail industry I have come to realize that most consumers are idiots. Now let me go ahead and say this now, this entry is going to be real and raw, if I offend you... you will get over it. Like I was saying most consumers are idiots!!! We have been in a recession for the past 2 years, and the same recession that we were in yesterday is the same one that we are in today. Why come out to the mall and shop at all if all you are going to do is cry and complain in the ear of the associates about the price of the products when they have been the same for years??? I can not change the price for you and if you are not smart enough to use all the resources around you to get the best price on your product you probably should stay at home. If you truly can not afford the prices at specialty stores then I suggest you make your way to superstores such as Wal-Mart, K-mart, and Target for all of you needs in one quick stop. Or better yet when you are out buying that horrible wig piece, you know the types where all of the hair comes from front and center, nothing moves (not even in a hurricane), and looks like it is made from recycles shopping bags, pick up your lotion, lip gloss, hosiery, t-shirts, and shoes too! All too often I find myself biting my tongue instead of telling customers where they can shove their comments on our "over priced merchandise", that is actually pretty inexpensive! So ma' am and sir if you do not have the $$ do not come into the store and waist my time and disrupt the tranquility of my space.
I am just ranting... but it is true.

Crawling out from Underneath Debt

Most people, especially right now, are in debt up to and beyond their eyeballs. We were living the high life on credit and now the creditors (who were also living on credit) are calling in their loans. At my lowest point I had 6 credit cards, 3 of them major and 3 store cards and I was still applying for more!!! I was the victim of city life, I had to have the latest and greatest of everything, but what did it really do for me? Not a damn thing, except cause me unwanted stress and strain when it came time to pay up. I am very proud to say that I have since gotten that set of problems under control and have paid off all but 2 credit cards, and am happy to report that if things continue to go well I will be down to my keeper card by October!!!
It is not impossible people, however, it does take discipline and sacrifice, and lets face it if you had it you would not be in the situation are in now... right, as well as a plan. My plan included writing down all of my expenses (bills, food, entertainment, clothes, make-up...) prioritizing them (bills, food, entertainment, clothes, make-up...) and then making them fit into a budget. It is this step that people find the most difficult, because EVERYTHING is necessary... WRONG!!! Rent always came first, transportation to and from work, then my credit card bills, cable/internet/phone, food... that is usually where it ended. I had to sacrifice entertainment (clubs, movies, dinners...), new clothes and new make up (8C), but my bills were paid.
I does not have to be that way for everyone or forever!!! I wanted to do more so I got another part time, and gave up the apartment (my old roommie is still pissed at me for this but she made 2x the money I did per year...) and then I re- prioritized. It felt great to take the final payments to the bank or to the stores, or to put them into the mail.
Just remember these things:
BUDGET like CRAZY!!!!
Pay yourself FIRST- put money into a savings account first (preferably one that does not allow you access too often then divvy the rest up to bills
Lock away your credit cards, and debit cards, and use a preset amount of cash until you get your finances under control or unless you are making a large purchase.
TRY not to dip into your savings... they are your savings, duh.
Track your spending- keep receipts and analyze where your money is going and try to change it so you can keep more of it!!!
Decide which credit card(s) is/are your keeper card(s) (best for your credit if it is the card that you have had the longest and has a visa, master card, discover, amex logo on it NO store cards please) and which ones are going down.
Pay the minimum balance on the keeper card(s) ON TIME or early!!!
Pay at least 1.5 times the amount of the min balance on all other cards ($20 min balance- $30 payment); If the minimum payments are too steep call and set up a payment plan so that late payments will not affect your credit score.
PAY ON TIME!!! Pay on time, PAY ON TIME!!!
Give yourself a goal to have each card paid off and your finances under control, and stick to it!!!
For more info on saving and budgets check out
ingdirect.com, your bank, suzyorman.com, www.dumblittleman.com/2008/01/30-easy-ways-to-save-money-and-no-you.html, money.strands.com... google- how to save money and personal budgets!!!

Good luck and happy savings.

You got to move it, MOVE IT!!!

A lady walks into my store asking for a cream/ serum that would firm up the skin around her belly that she accumulated from 3 separate pregnancies. After glancing down to the problem area I thought about what we had to offer for such a situation. I finally walked her over to a cellulite firming cream that we offer that begins to show results in 6 weeks and works better the longer you use it. As we both looked at the product and read the label we both knew that this was not going to do it. She said she would continue her search for a cream that would do the trick and began to look around the store for other items.
I thought to myself how do I re approach and inform her that what she really needs to do is put down the fast food, sweets, and sodas and hit the ground running... literally? It amazes me that in the midst of a recession that everyone blames for not being able to go shopping, people still find themselves at the McDonald's, Burger Kings, and other fast food outlets of the world and are wondering why their clothes no longer fit. Now, I am no saint, but I do know the value of the combination of grocery shopping and walking/jogging for 30 mins and 5 sets of 5 crunches 3-5 times a week. I can see the difference in my clothes, my energy, my mood, skin, and of course in my wallet.
So Ladies and gentlemen, load up your mp3 or 4 player up with all your favorite jams and hit the streets running. Do not forget to stretch and hydrate yourself and do not do too much too soon. In 6 weeks you will see a newer thinner, shapelier you and have some extra dollars to buy yourself something new for all of your hard work!!!

Burn baby BURN!!!

What's the dish?

As I was walking down the Streets, if you are from Durham, NC then you know where I am talking about, I noticed that some of my favorite store were offering some of my favorite products at either discounted prices or were promoting their value. So I decided to pass that on to you!
At Bath and Body Works you can get 4oz candles from home fragrance guru Harry Slatkin for $5 (normally $9.50). They burn for 25- 40 hrs and the glass jar is great as a reusable for knick knacks. My favorite fragrances are Caribbean Salsa and Fresh Balsam. Great time to stock up for graduation, hostess, baby shower, wedding... gifts and party favors! They are more creative and last longer than flowers and they smell great even when they are unlit. Also, let me not forget to mention the great deal on home fragrance oils and warmers ( buy 2 oils get a warmer for free- warmers are normally $12- $15), as well as 14.5 oz candles and host of other products at mix and match 2 for $2o (great deal because candles are normally $20 each). Do not forget to call in your survey and get $10 off your $30 and up purchase. Cha- Ching!!!
Maybelline Lash Stiletto mascara . I really like this mascara because it actually gives the illusion of longer fuller lashes, better than most pricier ones from department stores. I use it in conjunction with the ultra line liquid eyeliner. You can go to your local CVS or Rite Aid and pick these two items up at buy one get one free!!! The mascara wand is easy to use and really seems to keep clumps away, and the brush for the liner allows for versatility in the thickness and shape of your line.
The Body Shop makes a sensational eye make up remover. Chamomile Gentle eye make up remover comes in two forms; a liquid for non-water proof eye make up (AWESOME) and a cream for waterproof make up (SUPER). I have used both and come to realize that the liquid works just fine in getting off many of my waterproof eyeliners and mascaras. You can always catch me with a back up bottle under my sink... and don't let them be on sale and you may find 2! It is so easy to use just wet a cotton ball or disc, hold over eye for about 10- 15 seconds and wipe away the make up. One is usually enough for me, and it is REALLY gentle on the eyes. I can not tell you how often I get it in my eyes while cleaning and there is no irritating burn like other removers. The chamomile soothes eyes while the algae and glycerin moisturize and revitalize skin and lashes.
Of course I saved the best for last!!!

MAC Is Style Warrior!!!!
I TOTALLY love this collection. The packaging is gorgeous and so are the colors. My favorites are Vibrant grape, bright force for going dramatic at night and tempting, night maneuvers and soft force for a more neutral day look. I also can not help but luv the mineralize eye duos (Fresh green mix, Sea and Sky, and Heat element).

Let your spirits be free and Happy Sunday.

p.s- So Aveeno Positively Radiant Moisturizer... I love it too. It is really great with the Aveeno clear complexion foaming cleanser and you can get it at Costco for $20... Did I mention that it's for 2 bottles (which are normally $15 each!!! You do the math).

Later

Beach Feet

Ladies have you ever been out and about and heard this: Ewww!!! Do you see all that crust? What was she thinking leaving her house this morning in those sandals. She should be ashamed of herself. Not even lotion could help that!!! Umm mmm mmh. Fellas you get it too: Girl, look at his toes. They look all balled and chewed up. Wait look at his heels, has he been working in salt mines all his life. Na- as- ty! his friends do not like him because they did not even suggest that he wear his basket ball shoes. Shame.

Do not be the next victim. Ladies and gentlemen please PEDICURE!!!!
It does not have to be a full out spa ordeal, but who does not love that? You purchase a few products and follow these simple steps to get beautifully smooth beach feet.

My favorite products are from Bath and body works, they work and are relatively inexpensive. They are from the True Blue Spa line designed especially for that at home spa feel. All of the foot care products are infused with that soothing eucalyptus fragrance common at many spas, as well as oh so moisturizing Shea butter. Other ingredients include: glycolic acid, walnut shell powder, and lavender extracts. Many times at your local BBW you can find the products on sale 2/$20 or try a wide variety of the products (in trial size) through a pedi- kit for $25!!!

I work manicure and pedicure time into my weekly schedule. I count it as relaxation time, I gather my comforts around me to minimize movement once the process has begun and get to work. I usually do it early in the day before I go out to do errands on my days off. I sit in my favorite spot on the couch in front of the TV with the remote nearby, tuned to my favorite station and relax.

1. Soak you feet for about 15- 20 min in" footloose and fancy fizz" foot bath using really warm to HOT water.
2. Push back the cuticles on your toe nails with a cuticle stick, use this time to cut nail down to desired length using a toe nail clipper, if necessary use a cuticle nipper to remove excess cuticle.
3. Remove calluses from the balls of your feet and near your big toe area. To do this you can use a scraper (a specially designed handled razor) or creams, such as "tough love"/ pumice stones.
4. One at a time take your feet from the water, while the other soaks and exfoliate. I use whatever body scrub I am using at the time for my feet too. I also use a pumice sponge/stone to make sure that my heels are EXTRA smooth. Work around in a circular motion until you feel that your skin is smooth and even all around.
5. Shape the nails, square or round with an emery board/ nail file. Then massage in cuticle oil/ cream "cuticle treatment" is a good cream from BBW. Rinse off and dry nails.
6. File (in one direction, back and forth leads to splitting in the nails), smooth, buff and shine nails using a four way block.*
7. Apply a nail strengthening/ hardening base coat and let it dry completely. Apply 1-3 coats of nail color (letting them dry completely between coats). Then apply a top coat.
8. After polish has dried apply moisturizer, I like "Shea it isn't so" and head out to show off your gorgeous beach feet.

*Guys you are more than welcome to continue to the following steps with base coat, or you can stop here.

How often you decide to refresh your manicure is completely between you and your feet. Love your feet and love them often.
Manicuring and pedicuring at a friends house is just as much fun as going out to the salon to get them done. Designate a house, everyone brings something to snack and sip on and play your favorite tunes in the background.

Have fun and see you at the beach.

What's in your caboodle???

Ha ha ha, do you remember the days when caboodles were all the rage, well of course you do. I had the heart, star, square, and circle shaped ones. You could not tell me anything when i had my caboodle, I carried it as a purse and used it to hold my goods. Now a days as big girls our make up cases have grown to take in a look that represents who we are, i now sport 3 sizes in brightly colored thick plastic bags from Bath and Body Works, with butterflies, and two types of flowers. One to hold all my eye make up (the largest by far), one for my face products, and then one for my brushes and tools. I have begun the search for one case to hold them all. The one you see above is the Sephora brand Midnight train case and is priced at $90, something that you do not need if you are not serious about make up, but as you can see it hold literally EVERYTHING that one would need to glam up. Check out others at www. sephora.com, www. maccosmetics.com, www.ulta.com, and www. eyeslipsface.com or take a trip to your local Target, Ross, or marshalls.
Okay before we dive head first into cases, what should you have to put into your case?
1. A facial routine is a must no matter what type skin you have, and by type I mean dry, normal, oily, combination. Your routine should consist of a cleanser, exfoliator, and a moisturizer. I recommend Aveeno Positively Radiant Cleanser and moisturizer to even out and tone skin, Clearasil cleansers and moisturizers for oily, acne prone skin, C.O. Bigelow has a variety of moisturizers, cleansers, exfoliators, and masks for all skin types (My fave products are the brown sugar crystal face polish, and the deluxe moisturizer for most skin types), St. Ives apricot scrub medicated, and Olay moisturizers, Dove pro- age cleansers and moisturizers. Look for moisturizers with SPF in them.
2. A good foundation or tinted moisturizer. One for winter and one for the summer if you are tan prone like I am. I like using a liquid and finishing it with a translucent powder or a liquid to powder combo when I do use foundation. Best picks: MAC studio fix, Maybelline Superstay Silky Foundation.
3. Concealer a good friend to long nights and sudden spots. Choose a color that is slightly lighter than your skin to cover most blemishes. The game gets more complex as you dive deeper, but we will save that for another segment. Best picks: MAC, Maybelline Instant Age Rewind double face perfector.
4. Bronzer/ Blush to highlight all of those places that the sun naturally kisses and to give you the appearance of constant modesty. So many colors out there to choose from, it's best to know what type of look you are going for and try different shades until you find the right one to purchase. Best picks: Sephora brand duo bronzer, MAC
5. EYESHADOW!!! For me this should really be it's own separate blog but here's the condensed version. Day and night colors, neutrals, metallics, colors!!! Too many to list you find what fits you best. Best picks: MAC, Urban Decay, NYX, Make Up Forever, Smashbox.
6. Lip colors and gloss. I am on the search for a really great long lasting lip color. As of right now I am sticking to glosses. Best picks: MAC lipglass, C.O. Bigelow, Sephora brand, Philosophy, Covergirl, Avon, and Mary K
7. Eyeliners. Creams, pencils, liquid, powders. Be bold use color. Best picks: The Body Shop, Maybelline, MAC, Loreal, Sephora.
8. Lipliners. Skinny and jumbo pencils. Not brown unless you are wearing a brown lip color please. Definately not black. Really great under gloss to intensify color or to create color. Best picks: MAC, Sephora,Rimmel, Clinique.
9. Lip exfoliator. Gets that grit off your lips and leaves them silky smooth kissable and ready for color. Best pick: Mary K and C.O. Bigelow.
10. Toolage. Shadow brushes (3-5), crease brush, contour brush, detail brush, blending brush, foundation brush, blush/ bronzer brush, lip brush. Best picks: MAC, Sephora, Sonia Kashuk at Target, E.L.F
11. Fragrance. I like having a fragrance for the seasons, or at least winter and spring then one for everyday. My picks: Japanese Cherry blossom, Black amethyst, Enchanted orchid, Black Currant vanilla- All from bath and body works.

Here's to the best caboodle ever. FYI Bed Bath and Beyond still sells them and they are a less expensive alternative to metal train cases, for about $25.

Casting a wider net

This spring/summer I feel that the fashion world has really neglected my legs. They have completely put hosiery on the back burner. This was a real shock to me especially since fall and winter were all about layering over tights and leggings. Hosiery is seen all over the run way on various models so why is it so difficult to find a simple pair of fishnets? I have run to all of the stores that I frequented during the fall and winter for tights and leggings in search of the spring/ summer equivalent in fishnets. I was only successful in 3 department stores Dillard's, Nordstrom, and Macy's. My local Dillard's had only 3 pairs of fishnets in nude on clearance, I bought all 3. More luck at Nordstrom and Macy's when I ran smack dab into the HUE and Jessica Simpson displays. Both offer black, white, brown and nude colors and JS offers textured fishnets. They range from $12 to $15 per pair, but they do last for quite a few wears. HUE also offers chiffon hose, which are very similar to nylons, just in a variety of bright spring/summer colors to liven up any pair of shorts or make a dress pop. These light weight breathable versions of tights are great for the warm weather seasons. I have officially become a fan of hosiery and not just my sexy thigh highs with a lacy garter belt either, the whole sha- bang.
All these colors, nets, styles for all times and still avoiding spidey veins, refreshing. Your legs say thank you.

Who knew that your mom's nylons could be so fun?

Kings on NBC, back in June

Originally the title and subject of this piece was to chastise NBC for removing Kings, an original series loosely based on books in the bible of the same name. However, after further research I have learned that NBC has not lost it's mind and sold out completely to mindless reality TV. If you like my father and I began to watch the series in March 15th and enjoyed the show fear not there will be more on King Silas Benjamin (Ian McShane, Deadwood), young soldier David Shepherd (Chris Egon, Eragon), the closeted party- boy prince Jack Benjamin (Sebastian Stan, The Covenant), and the right Reverend Ephram Samuels (Eamonn Walker, OZ). The series is produced by Michael Green, Erwin Stoff, and Francis Lawrence, the later two worked on I am Legend. Michael Green also produced NBC's Heroes another great piece that reminded us that unscripted life is not as interesting and challenging as scripted theatrics.
Thus far we have been introduced to the royal family King Silas, Queen Rose, Michelle and Jack, who live in the famed city of Shiloh. As well as David Shepherd and his family from Port Prosperity, and Reverend Samuels the Kings spiritual advisor. There are a myriad of other minor characters including the King's mistress, Jack's lover, the Queen's brother, that add to the depth of the series. There are twists and turns to every character and everyone has an ulterior motive. Reading the books of the bible give a loose outline and understanding of the terms and places that you hear, as the characters speak in the olde style, but once again it is a loose interpretation of these books.
I am highly excited that I no longer have to begin my letter writing campaign to save this series, and that my Sunday nights are once again filled with great TV.

For more information, bios, and a synopsis of the series visit www.nbc.com/kings.

Happy surfing.

Whoops my bad...

As one can see from the lack or recent posts I have been away from the computer (at least my blog) for a bit. I, however, have very good reason for this and am prepared to explain. I was out last weekend (Thursday until Sunday) being fabulous celebrating one of my besties turning 25!!!
We partied hearty this past weekend because 25 is a big, BIG deal. I mean FABULOUS. We were mistaken for MAC artists, and other women were constantly complimenting our clothes, shoes, and hair. It was great back on the scene like we used to do all those years ago when we all lived in the area. Hair was popped and glowing from long curled tresses on the birthday girl, mid cuts and pixies and my fro. We looked like we stepped out of a movie or TV show, glamorous. What can I say it's just how we get down.
As the weekend came to the end and we were ushered back into the working week all going our separate ways, we began to think... WOW we are/ are going to be 25 this year!!! Where has the time gone? Then we thought about all of the years that we have known each other and all of the things that we have gotten into together. Ahh, the good old days of old. Are we too old now to be out all night, knowing that we have to be at work the next morning? Does 25 really mean that we only have a few more years to cut up and act a fool?
Well even if that is the case at least I know I have a few more birthdays that will only get more and more fabulous as we get older and more settled into our lives as adults. So here's to May 30, June 3 and August 30!!! to the rest of you that can rep the year or the Best born:1984... HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

We are taking 25 by storm.

Summer Shoe Trends

If you are anything like me then your closet(s) are over run with shoes and dresses and shoes and jeans... did I mention shoes?!?!?
You can not help it because these things look great on you, and if they do not... well that is another post so stay tuned...
Well nothing looks better on you, no matter your weight, height, age... than shoes!!!
They can turn a fitted t-shirt, jeans, and bag from Saturday yard selling to brunch with the gals, to dinner with your guy to cocktail night with the crew at your local bar.
This summer there are so many different ways to express yourself through shoes from bohemian inspired to wonder woman wedges.
Summer has taken on the natural color scheme. While strolling through your favorite department store at your local mall, or the pages of your favorite on-line store, you will see a myriad of naturals- creams, beiges, and tans which are great paired with whites and brights.
Popular styles include bohemian(beads, stones, feathers), metallics (esp. silver and gold), collar and cuff sandals, hardware detailing( zippers, buckles, clasps...), gladiators( flat, heeled, plain, bedazzled; they have taken on a whole new attitude), and wedges( wood, cork, so many styles, so much comfort).

While out and about expanding my shoe universe I came across some noteworthy shoes
1. Alga by BCBGirls in yellow and brown leather; 3 1/2 heel; Sling- backed, t- strapped, platform. See picture above.
2. Pharon by Gianni Bini in brown leather with orange, red, and coral fabric. 3 in heel. Muled open toe.
3. Gianna by Boutique 9 in cream low heel(1-2") wedge cuffed sandal
4. El Greco by BP in pewter; gladiator styled flat
5. Myth3 by Nine West 4 1/2 in wedge, Yellow and natural synthetic and leather
6.Snowball by Nine West 4in sling back peep toe pump in blue leather
7. Sheik by Nine West 4in strappy sandal heel in light gold leather
8. Dune by BCBG Maxazaria 4.3in hidden platform heel in taupe or pink leather

Where to buy:
DSW.com Nordstom
Zappos.com Macy's
Shoes.com Nine West
Shoemall.com Belk
6pm.com Dillards
theshoeplanet.com

As always happy shopping, and don't break the bank.