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Sisters & Friends Getaway to Martha’s Vineyard is the perfect opportunity to experience a wonderful place while not spending a lot of money. The air is fresh, the ocean is calming and pace is slow. If you are interested in being the focus of a week-long vacation where you have little to do except indulge yourself in rest and relaxation then join women from around the country for Sisters and Friends Getaway to Martha’s Vineyard September 10-17 or 17-23 (or both weeks!).

Visit www.sistersandfriends.com or text/call (412) 400-8809.

No additional cost to showcase your products and services or lead a roundtable discussion. See what others have to say: "Met inspiring women, I liked having meals at different houses…going to sessions on journaling and on creating the life you want…affordable price of the trip…the team was awesome!” "Black women are phenomenal.” "It's a guilt-free, no drama vacation!"

We stay in vintage Vineyard homes and share rooms with a sisters and/or friends. By the way, if you want hi-end luxury, this is not it. If you want serenity and no stress you will find it with this group on the Vineyard. This time of year marks the end of the season which means it is quiet and serene. Non-binding agenda days include early morning swim (or sleeping in), walks along the beach, line dancing, planned and spontaneous workshops and presentations that inspire and uplift and fun nights laughing, playing games enjoying good meals and beverages.

Host Connie Portis and her team are passionate about helping women feel comfortable. Come with friends or come alone! For 2017 Sisters & Friends Getaway information - www.sistersandfriends.com text/call (412) 400-8809.

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Your Inner Circle

We all have what is called our inner circle. It is a circle of friends, or associates, these are people that we feel we can trust and go to in our times of need. Some of us grow and want more for ourselves, our dreams seems to be bigger than that of your friends or associates. When you finally reach that AHA moment where you are clearly focused and excited because your dream is very clear to you, you go and tell a friend and they quickly bring down your emotions that are running high. They do not seem as excited as you are, in fact they look at you as if to say "Yea right", or "I hear you talking." At that point we no longer have that excited feeling and we go back to the same frame of mind we were in before everything became clear. That negative energy has been passed and we took it in. We find ourselves putting our dreams on the backburner because of lack of support at that moment. But were we supposed to?

The truth is when we reach that moment that all is clear and we can see our dreams right in front of us, we should act on it. When your life takes a shift and you can feel it, it is then time for some to get off the bus, you know those who have been riding for free for so long. Everyone is not going to be excited for you, or want to support you and your dream and it is ok because it is not meant for everyone to ride your bus. When your bus starts to move you want people who are just as excited about the things that you do, people who speak positive words on a regular. We all know or should know that positive thinking brings about positive things and negative thinking brings along negative things. We want the positive energy, purge out the negative because it creates baggage that will wear you down and you will never get anywhere. So who in your inner circle is creating that baggage?

If God came to you and spoke and told you that this is what you have been called to do then why question him. Man did not give you the vision that you see so clearly, that was God all by himself. In order for your vision to manifest we must move when he says move and not on our own time. So it does not matter what other people think or say or even if they are not excited about the things that are happening for you. God said this is your purpose and he is all that matters.

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Everyone Can't Be In Your Front Row

Life is a theater so invite your audiences carefully.
Not everyone is holy enough and
healthy enough to have a FRONT ROW seat in our lives.
There are some people in your life that need to be loved
from a distance.  
It's amazing what you can accomplish when you let go, 
or at least minimize your time with draining, negative,
incompatible, not-going-anywhere relationships,
friendships, fellowships and family!
Everyone can't be in Your FRONT ROW.
Observe the relationships around you.  Pay attention to:
Which ones lift & which ones lean?
Which ones encourage & which ones discourage?
Which ones are on a path of growth uphill & 
which ones are just going downhill?
When you leave certain people, do you feel better or feel worse?
Which ones always have drama or don't really understand,
know & appreciate you & the gift that lies within you?
Everyone can't be in Your FRONT ROW.
The more you seek God & the things of God, the more you seek quality,
the more you seek not just the hand of God but the face of God,
the more you seek things honorable, the more you seek growth,
peace of mind, love & truth around you, the easier it will become
for you to decide who gets to sit in the FRONT ROW
& who should be moved to the balcony of your life.
Everyone Can't be in Your FRONT ROW.
You cannot change the people around you...
but you can change the people you are around!
Ask God for wisdom & discernment
& choose wisely the people who sit in the FRONT ROW of your life.
Remember that FRONT ROW seats are for special & deserving people
& those who sit in your FRONT ROW should be chosen carefully.
Everyone Can't be in Your FRONT ROW.
"Spiritual growth occurs when faith is cultivated."
Keep the faith!


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RIP

Hey there divas, just checking in on you to see how everything is going. I am doing ok, just wondering what is going on. There have been so many celebrities dying lately, and now my Aunt Peaches and a few guys that I grew up with. It seems to be a privilege to make to 30 years old. Well my aunt was very old, but now I feel for my grandmother. She lost aunt peaches, uncle sunny, its only uncle phil and she left. Just want everyone to be safe and keep in touch with your family.On another note, I wanted to share a link with you to show support. I am a columnist for examiner.com and i am focusing on the Atlanta night life. If you will, show support by reading my articles and forwarding them on to friends, family, etc. Thanks a mil and have a great week everyone!http://www.examiner.com/x-19193-East-Atlanta-Village-Nightlife-ExaminerSyreeta R
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You Got Friends!

AOL became famous for it's "you got mail" thingy and a lot of people join it because of it. They loved to hear the "you got mail" when they logged on to their computers. When I was first introduced to the online social networks, I admit it was amazing. It's been just over 2 years now, first I join Facebook, next it was MyChurch and then the others came... "Ning" and now my own Christian Soul Saving Network, Word4UTVNetwork.I learned a lot in the process, via blogging how other Christians from parts of the country and the world see, share and experience Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. I'd like to believe that I made a lot of friends, on these social networks, but the truth be told, "I don't think so."What I've come to realize is that the online christian community is really no different than the offline christian community. There are the good, the bad and the ugly; the naive, the wolves in sheep clothing, the whoremongers, false teachers and prophets, etc.; just to name a few. There are far to many people who pimp "My Jesus" for personal gain, and far too many control freaks, who feel really liberated because they can hide behind a computer screen. I see far to much manipulation and condemnation that leaves a bad taste in my mouth, but yet.... I still see Jesus! Yes I do see Jesus.I see Jesus in the few friends who show the love of Christ in their consistency, who have a genuine heart for the Lord, in their words alone. They care and are not afraid to show it. As friends we share this in common, the love of Jesus Christ, unconditionally. Yes, these few are my friends.But, talk about being naive! Well, that's my middle name. I thought that all these friends (almost 1,500 across the social networks), would also support me as well on Word4UTVNetwork. NOT! Well, reality is as reality does... Here I am with the few blogs I do write, posting them to each and every site I belong to, and yet... those same friends who asked me to join them... do not return the favor.Don't get me wrong, I'm blessed and highly favored! I just think it is so sad that we just don't get it. We don't see how our (yes I said our) talk doesn't line up with our walk. We are turfie, we are cliquey, and yes some of us are still to narrow, because we think that to support one is to deny another, why is that? But the real deal, the ugly reality is they never intended to be supportive, they only seek it from others.Now as for me, you might say, "hey, I haven't seen or heard from you lately, what's up with that?" Well, I've been quite busy, online and offline, plus it's a huge learning curve trying to grow your own social network, especially since I promote Jesus Christ, which on a global scale isn't very popular, and let's face it... I'm a woman and black, yeah I said it. Because it's the truth. Many of us still have issues. I live in a world where people still expect you to ask permission to be yourself, like who said you can do that, and where do you get off trying to do that? My answer is: Jesus!I don't have anyone to teach me except the Holy Spirit, and it does take a lot of my time, trying to understand concepts that I'm just not familiar with at all. Yet, I say this is all for "The Glory of God", not me. Word4UTVNetwork is a christian soul saving network, sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a dying global community. We are not the only one, just another one doing what we feel God has called us to do.To each of you reading this blog, you have a standing invitation to come and join us. Come and help us in the great commission. I'm not asking you to forsake where you are, rather, to extend your reach that's all.Jhn 15:13 " Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." You got friends! The truth be told, not really. These are just folk who want me as another notch on their friend list, and that's just the way it is.Pastor AminataCreator of Word4UTVNetworkCreator of "God Has A Word For You E-Telecast"CEO, Leadershipology, Inc.
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Ladies, I am going to jump right into it this go round. Why are family members so dependent on others to the point where the other family member wants to bounce and leave them all! Okay, here is the situation and please feel free to give me your opinion in the comments. You have had a rough childhood with two parents being alcoholics. Arguing, fighting, physical fights, and a lot of verbal abuse. Now that you are a grown woman with your own home and family, you have one parent left, your mother. She has not let the alcohol go and has had drama with a new guy ever since your father died. The fighting is extremely worse than with your original parents. Cops are now involved on a regular basis. Years pass and you and your siblings are just leaving the situation alone because you all are just freaking tired of it, fed up, and are dealing with your own issues. Now, your mother gets locked up! In this economy, trying to makes ends meet, you now have to come up with 1k to bail her out. So you and your siblings get the money together with the help of only 4 other family members, that's it. No one else wants to help because they know that she will not pay them back and she is going to go back to him. She gets out the same night. You make a deal with the bail bondsman for payments on the remaining amount of the bail that your mother is responsible for. She doesn't work, she only collects unemployment and the boyfriend doesn't help either, on top of all that, she still has a drinking problem. She makes two payments and here comes all of lies because the bail bondsman is calling you now for the money. Four months pass and now you get a call that you are getting sued for the full bail amount of 23k. Scrambling around again, your siblings do not help. Your brother doesn't want to help because he did a day in jail already fighting the boyfriend and your sister doesn't want to help because she is putting her bills first and doesn't have the extra money. Now its up to you again, even though you go to school, work, run three businesses on the side, manage your home, and plot and plan to become successful to get out of your debt and live your dreams. Nobody cares about what you have to do. But that is your mother, if you don't pay the rest of the bail, she is going to jail for 30 days, a 52 year old alcoholic mother going to jail. So what do you do? You get the worst thing you can ever do, payday loans. Now you have 3 outstanding to pay her bail. She said she is going to pay you back when she gets her tax return in two weeks, but you need that money now, because you are traveling next week for business. You need that money now because you put some bills on hold in order to save her ass. Here is when you really get pissed off. After you paid this $600, she calls you tipsy saying thank you and she is going to pay you back and all this and that, but how is she drinking with no money? Then she calls you back from the bar! What the hell are you doing at the bar when you still owe the bail bondsman $200 that no one else will pay. Now you feel as though you should have let her sit in jail. But its all good though because you are going to your business trip anyway and are going to make it happen when you get out there. You are determined to get those business deals and contracts! Inside, you feel betrayed, and they always say your family is your worst enemy. They pull you down just like a crab in a bucket. I hate the crab in a bucket syndrome with a passion, it has held back so many of our black people to this day because of this lazy, jealous, dependent mentality. They don't care that you have three conference calls, homework, and a tshirt to finish before you go to sleep, they got to come over and use your internet. They don't care what business meetings you have set up for the day, they just want to know when you are going to be free so you can pick them up from work. Do any of you guys feel pulled like this from your family? Here you are trying to do you and get this paper and here comes the drama and bullshit. You are not on that type time this year, this year is your year, you are going to do it this year. You got plans dammit, how come they don't understand that. Its to the point where you have to cut everybody off. Don't depend on me for a thing anymore, this is not the same Reeta. They say that people change when they get money, well your damn right if you have ignorance and selfish people trying to keep you down and are not there for you at all when you need them. UUUGGGHHH. Okay, just had to vent that out because my anger has affected my work and I cannot let that happen when I am soo close. Thanks for reading and I look forward to your comments.-S
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Birthday bonus club your income for life

Hi - I’m Ruthsella and my Birthday is on 26th JuneJust imagine - you wake up and it’s Your Birthday!You get up, switch on your PC and check your mail - and there are thousands of emails from friends who have sent you cash!It’s not a dream - it really can happen!With Birthday Bonus Club (BBC)BBC is a matrix - and we’re proud of it! Because we are a matrix with some very BIG differences* It costs you nothing to join - BBC is completely free!* There are no monthly fees - ever.* There are no upgrade fees* We don’t sell anything* ..and - you will never be asked to buy anythingUpline & DownlineWe just ask you to agree to a simple request …When asked to do so, you agree to donate an amount of $2.00 to $5.00 to another member on his or her Birthday.The members to whom you will donate will be* Your upline - a maximum of nine people* The first level of your personal network - a maximum of three peopleIf you are asked to donate the maximum amount ($5.00) then BBC will never cost you more than $60.00 per year - in return, you could receive a Birthday Bonus of more than $140,000 !How does that work ..When you sign up with BBC you’ll want to tell your friends about it - after all, who wouldn’t want the chance of making a huge Birthday Bonus each year. You need only invite three friends and these are the people who form the basis of your personal network. You will be asked to donate to their Birthday Bonus’s - as they will donate to yours.When your friends invite their friends, those people will form the second level of your network and that can continue down to nine levels. If you are able to create a full 3×9 network there will be 29,523 people in your personal network. If each of those members send you the maximum of $5.00 on your Birthday, your Birthday Bonus will be $147,000..and there’s another BONUS!For every Dollar that you donate to another member’s Birthday Bonus, Birthday Bonus Club will credit your Personal Advertising Account with $1.00! You can advertise what you like - except porn - or you can exchange your Advertising Credits for cash!You can sign up with BBC here or find out more about the workings of Birthday Bonus Club hereClick to join Ruthsella on her Birthdayjoin-dflt.jpg
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How to relax on a tight budget

How to relax on a tight budgetWe all need a break away from all the stress at work and not to mention the husband and kids. Being a mom, wife, cook, driver, gardener, cleaners, maid and don’t forget being a business professional is hard work and you need time to relax. You must take time for your self. When you are taking time for yourself you become a better mom, wife, and friend.When you are on a tight budget it’s hard to find $100 just to blow on fun with friends, but this cannot be an excuse. You have to strive to budget $150.00 a month for you to relax and not for your family fun time. Don’t make any excuses like little Johnny needs extra lunch money for the week or my husband needs a new briefcase. Let your husband use that same briefcase until there’s a holiday or when you need a birthday gift to buy. Making excuses is the beginning of your failure to meet the goal of relaxation.Being a mom we are nurturers by design and we always put our self last. For one day a month we have to push that aside and think of ourselves. Explain to your husband and family that you will be taking some me time out for your self each month. Also explain to hubby that negotiated in this agreement is that the kids and the house are his responsibility for the day. Now ladies, let me prep you on line of defense number one that will surely come from your husband. He will say, there’s no way I can make it without you. It may not be in those exact words but it will be in some derivative of it. You rebuttal should be to simply tell him that he will also be getting something out of it. You will become a much better person to be around.Taking time out for your self can be cheap. A few things you can do are:1) Get a 30min. massage. Massages are my favorite as they are a great stress reliever. You can also catch up on old times by having a friend join you for the massage. You can create friends night out spa party and invite all of your friends.2) Go to the park and feed the birds and fish for free, assuming that you already have the bread at home. Just being by your self can relieve a lot of stress.3) Take a drive around the town to clear your mind.4) Get a gym membership which runs you about $30 a month. Look out for specials here in Nashville where you can join for $1.00. Working out at your local gym is a great way to trim up and relax.These are just a few ideas that could help you stay healthy and have a balanced life. It’s imperative that you take time for your self. If nothing else lock your self in your room with a huge bowl of fruit and your favorite movie or book.Author Erica Johnson is a mother and wife that focuses on healing the body mind and soul. She is the owner of three business in Nashville, TN. Pampered Luxury Mobile Spa, Young Leaders Preschool and Warm Spirit. She is a business expert and her goal is to see women succeed. She helps mothers with taking care of themselves by helping them learn how to relax and achieve overall wellness. If you would like to contact Erica Johnson please contact her at www.pamperedluxurymobilespa.com
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Its been a Long time!

Sorry that i havent log into this site in awhile but i really miss conversating with other African American Black woman that are doing there thing just as i am.Just wanted to say hi to all my friends and hoping to make new one'sIf you havent yet checked out my shop Just go to www.natashadesigns.etsy.com I know you will find something special for you and your!
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As entrepreneurs we all know that balancing your day job with your new startup is never easy. Sitting and waiting for the day that one can fire their employer to pursue their business fulltime is an entrepreneur’s dream. There are days I come home from work just exhausted and tired, but I push myself to go work on a new jewelry design or create that new marketing campaign for an upcoming jewelry line.I was talking to one of my childhood friends the other day, who happens to be a new author, and we discussed trying “find time” to complete tasks for our businesses after coming from a long day at work. I told her my motivation is that I am so focused that I try to find the time everyday to do something for The Pink Locket, even if it means going to sleep past midnight. Everyday when I get up and go to my 9 to 5, it’s a reminder that I need to stay focused because I made the decision that this venture is going to work for me, not that I “hope” it works, but it’s “going” to work.We’ve all heard the saying “Birds of a feather flock together.” I believe that this is especially true when starting up your business that by keeping other successful and determined entrepreneurs in your circle will help you to achieve the objectives and goals of your very own business. I was once told people need to have 3 sets of friends, your regular circle of friends, your work friends and friends who are more successful than you. With that being said I’m definitely working on the later.
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Floss -N- Gloss is BACK!!!!

What is Floss -N- Gloss???Floss N Gloss was founded in June of 2002 by Charna L. and Ushanda G. This organization is about providing women a positive outlet. It is designed so progressive sistahs can meet, relax, mingle, network, and support each other while letting their hair down and exhaling. Our foundation is built on positivity and sisterhood therefore, negative people their thoughts and or ideas will not be admitted. Our goal is to enrich each others lives in any way possible and to help uplift and encourage those of us who need it. It is also our goal to excel in what we do, educate our children, and ourselves and enjoy life. Floss & Gloss will also serve as a non-profit organization and will serve the community as well.Floss & Gloss activities willinclude….Dinners out, Short road trips, Mommy play groups,Field trips for children, Community services, Mentoring opportunities, etc.We welcome any ideas or suggestions!!!Upcoming events include:Floss Dinner Nite out....Maryland, June 7, 2008Floss/ Spa Party at Charna's house in NC- June 28, 2008Floss Dinner Nite out....NC, Date to be announced!Weekend Retreat- Details to be announced!What are our members up to???Toni is almost finishing school... she'll be earning her Masters in Accounting & is a new home owner!Charna has an Event Planning, Gift Basket and Spa Product company!Kim is working on her blueprint for K. Athill Consulting Firm!Nicole is soon to be wed and growing is expanding her career as a Make Up Artist.More Updates to come!More info and Picture to come!!!!
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My Trip to my hometown Columbus, Ohio

Hello Everyone,MY VISIT TO COLUMBUS, OHIOMY FAMILYPhotobucketI visited my hometown, Columbus, Ohio last week. It's been two years since I lasted visited. My immediate family still lives in Columbus. My mom, brother and his family, one of my sisters and her family and all of my aunts. A lot of my friends have left Columbus, but I still have a couple that are still there. I enjoyed seeing them all during my visit. My mom talked about our move to Las Vegas or somewhere in Arizona next summer. My mom and I have decided to move out West together. My mom can hardly wait to get out of Columbus so that she can experience new and different things. She is in her sixties and definitely ready for a change. My sister talked about finding a new job. She hates where she works currently. Especially the management. I mentioned to her that it is up to her to make a change for herself, especially if she is unhappy. I mentioned to her that life is to short to be unhappy at a job you spend 8 to 10 hours a day. She agreed and made a commitment to herself to find a new job. My niece just had a baby boy that is not quite a month old. He is so cute. I attached his picture to this blog below. My niece is trying to get use to his sleeping pattern. He thinks night time is daytime(lol). This is my nieces first child, so it is definitely an adjustment for her. I visited with my brother, his wife and my niece. They are doing well. My niece is 4 years old but seems like she is much wiser in years. To be 4 years old, my niece is very smart. She let me hear her count to 20 in spanish. She also loves the piano. She will play her own songs and give you titles of each song she plays. My brother mentioned that they will provide her with piano lessons soon.

THE CITY OF COLUMBUSThe City of Columbus did go through some changes since my last visit. For one, they closed down a major shopping mall. There was a mall built downtown Columbus, but it has since closed. It was only open for a few years. I guess they were not getting the shoppers they expected. I grew up on the northeast side of town and everything still looks the same since I left. Same housing and stores. No new development.THE PEOPLE OF COLUMBUSThe one thing that I like and have always liked about Columbus is the people. They are very friendly and will speak to you even though they may not know you personally. When I left Columbus and moved to Philadelphia, it was an adjustment that people did not make eye contact and speak. When I would speak to people in Philadelphia, they looked at me like I was from another planet(lol). So I had to adjust. My family are down south people. My mom is originally from Atlanta, Georgia. To this day, my mom has a down south air about her. Very friendly and hospitable. I'm not putting down the people of Philadelphia, just wanted to point out the one main differece I noticed when I moved here. If I had to choose between living in Philadelphia or Columbus, my pick would be Philadelphia. I'll just say Philadelphia is a GREAT city filled with lots of culture.DRIVING IN COLUMBUSYes, the people in Columbus still drive SLOW(lol). I drove a few times while I was there and had to be reminded that I was not in Philadelphia. It's like the drivers in Columbus have all day to get to their destination. I did adjust though and drove the speed limit of 55mph on the expressway.Things I did in ColumbusI will admit, I did spend a lot of time on-line. Had to keep things going from a business perspective. Me, my sister and niece went swimming. We had lots of fun just playing in the pool and talking. Me and my mom went shopping a couple times. I picked up a couple pair of Diva shoes(lol). We then went to eat at the spaghetti warehouse. The food was VERY tasty. I was so stuffed, I relaxed for the rest of the day. My aunt Shirley had a dinner at her house where she invited all the family. I had a good time visiting with the rest of my family. We talked about our kids, jobs and businesses. My cousin started a carpet cleaning business in Columbus about 3 years ago and is doing really well. Other family members assist him in the business, which is a GREAT thing.Well, I must be going now. Just wanted to share my Travel experiences with you. Enjoy!
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Memorial Day Sale!>>>>>>>>>>>30% Off In My Shop<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<See something you like? Take 30% off anything other then custom orders and take 10% off custom orders! and its yours! Just send me a convo with requested items and i will change the price off everything you purchase! I just know you will find something for you and yours. Talk to you soon!www.natashadesigns.etsy.com
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What I Call A Friend

I think of a friend as not only a person that has gone through some things with you, seen you at your best and loves you at your worst.A friend to me is someone you meet along life's journey who understands where you are in your walk and will lend a hand when you are in need.I think of my new business and I know that I need all of the support that I can get! A friend sees this and is willing to point you in the right direction and even go as far as to putting you on to that road to success.With That Being Said, I would like to say thank you to anyone who has lended a hand an ear, said a kind word or even a prayer for me. To anyone who has given an opportunity and expressed a validated opinion in order to help me succeed as a small business owner, I just wanted to say......THANK YOU FOR BEING A FRIEND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (said with the golden girls music playing in my head) :)
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