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What children need to know

Posted by Sharen Casimere on June 15, 2008 at 10:20pm

Hi,My name is Sharen Casimere, the author of "Casimere's Corner Activities for Early Childhood Education & Teachers and Casimere's Corner 2 Activities for Infants and Toddlers." These are curriculum base books that covers eleven key developments needed to broaden children motor skills, thinking process and problem solving skills. I'm a firm believer in the, "NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND POLICY," because children today need teachers and parent to help educate them more now, than ever. As an educator, my concern is helping teachers find ways that builds curiosity and knowledge to children daily routine while in school. I feel most children have the desire to learn and do more, if activities are given at age appropriate levels, inviting and holds their interest. What else can teachers do to help children find that desire to learn? sc

New Writing Group!

Posted by Dominique on June 15, 2008 at 5:35pm

From A Writers POV has created a new group under our network. This group is for all writers who simply love what they do and wanna showcase their work. If you are interested, check out the group here http://fromawriterspov.ning.com/ and go to groups for more info.

Merchant Account - Tips

Posted by The Black Business Cafe on June 15, 2008 at 3:49pm

What is a Merchant account?A merchant account allows a business to accept credit cards, debit cards, gift cards and other forms of electronic payment. This is also widely known as payment processing or credit card processing.Now, to select a merchant account you wil need to take the following into consideration:1. Statement.- the charge each month for issuing you statements on all transactions2. Application fee.- some institutions will charge you for the privilege of applying for an account, regardless of whether your application is successful or not.3. Setup fee.- once your application has been approved, there may be other fees associated with establishing the account.4. Discount Rate.- a percentage deducted for each product sold5. Transaction.- added to the discount rate, a flat rate on each transaction6.- Monthly Minimum.- what you will be charge regardless of the level of sales each month7.- Reserve.- some providers require you to maintain a certain level in the account to cover chargeback fees.8.- Chargeback.- the killer fee which may cost you up to US$30 per fraudulent transaction.Now you will need to evaluate if you have good credit or you are seen as a high risk by the merchant account. Also the amount of transactions and money you are going to be processing monthly. The cost you are willing to pay for the service. The security level you can affore.Remember that better merchant accounts are not always the ones that charge more so look for one that charges the less and offers everything you need.

Hello All - Want to Introduce Myself to Ya!!

Posted by The Sauda Voice on June 15, 2008 at 7:10am

Hello Everyone -I am new to Black Business Women Online and wanted to take a moment to introduce myself to everyone. My name is Stephanie and I am the founder and publisher of The Sauda Voice. I created the ezine because of my frustration with the mainstream media's continued misrepresentation of my views and experience as an African American woman, especially in light of the current election season. I just felt as if I needed to add a much needed perspective to the dialogue. Feel free to check out my site here: http://www.thesaudavoice.comI look forward to being a part of this community.- Stephanie

All They Need is All of Us . . .

Posted by R. Lee Gordon on June 15, 2008 at 3:44am

It seems our children are set up for failure in a national system intent on building more prisoners than productive people. . .Only by working together to positively and consistently engage our children via heightened levels of community, citizen, parent and student involvement, can we even hope to achieve better outcomes for our youth.One in UniTee and all the blessed . . .R. Lee GordonUniTee Design, Inc. / Better Detroit Youth Movementrgordon@uniteedesign.com / rgordon@betterdetroityouth.orgwww.uniteedesign.com / www.betterdetroityouth.orgToll Free: 888.687.7248

Is flying getting out of reach for most?

Posted by Margaret Salmond on June 15, 2008 at 1:23am

OK now airlines are leaving airports (some of which has been in those airports for several decades...Delta left Oakland after being in the airport since the 40's), airlines are going out of business (remember when 3 or 4 went outta business the same week?!?), they are now charging for sodas (What in the world?!?) and the topper is now some airlines (ehm United and US Airways) is charging to check not the second bag, but the first (faints). Check out a story on CNN about all the extra fees hereWhat in the world is going on?Well the usual! BUYER BEWARE! If anyone is telling you they can get you a good price on a flight, RUN! There is no way that is going to happen. What you can do is your due diligence and be a proactive consumer. Check sites like Orbitz.com and your favorite airline's website and sign up for their emails. They may have special promotions that will save you some cash.Also I was reading O back in March and I found a site thats where interesting. Its called http://www.yapta.com Your Amazing Personal Travel AssistantWhat it does is check of your choice of airlines and if the fare on a flight you might be interested in drops, you get a email alert so that you can make a purchase. Already bought your ticket? Then if you put in your confirmation number, you will notified if the price drops so that you can get in touch with the airline and request a refund.Cool huh? Good luck in your search!

Envi Consulting & Associates Bride of the Year Wins NBC Today Show Race to the Altar!

Posted by Morgan Nichole Scott on June 14, 2008 at 10:30pm

We are ecstatic and more than proud to announce that our 2008 Envi Bride of the Year, LaDonna Bradford and her fiance, Darnell Suggs have won the 2008 NBC Today Show Race to the Altar.Selected as 1 Couple of 5 Finalists to compete for America's votes to win an ALL EXPENSES paid Wedding in Rockefeller Center and Honeymoon, LaDonna & Darnell were chosen as the Winning Couple!!!!In 2 weeks on, June 25, 2008, LaDonna & Darnell will get married in the Rainbow Room in NYC on TV in front of millions of viewers.Next week, America will have the influence on planning their wedding, from chosing the dress to the rings to the Honeymoon location on www.todayshow.com.We will make sure to remind you starting Monday!You can watch the BIG Announcement of the Winning Couple here at Race to the AltarThank you again for all of your support!Congratulations LaDonna & Darnell!

The Smell Good Spa comes to Alaska!

Posted by candacem907-Ms.MilanMinerals on June 14, 2008 at 8:11pm

Today I received my order from the Smell Good Spa! EVERYTHING I ordered was simply fantastic.Shipping was prompt,every product was wonderfully packaged and as I type this I'm burning one of the wonderfully scented Incense cones ( Milk and Honey). If there is anyone on the fence about ordering,I give this company TWO thumbs up!I'm sure my collection from this company is going to grow!

I know it's not really your hair, but still take care of it!

Posted by Eddie on June 14, 2008 at 3:09pm

Have you EVER worn extensions? Have you ever worn a weave? or maybe you wear a wig...I know sometimes it's easy to throw some braids in or to just leave them...or put in a weave and forget you have your own hair underneath. But if you ever want to have your OWN beautiful healthy hair, you have to take care of those braid extensions and continue to take care of you own hair under the weave or wig.Braid extensions should be washed, deep conditioned and moisturized regularly. They should also be stripped of the drying chemical they contain (my book gives details of how to do this and keep your braids neat). Also, if you sit down to get your hair braided and it feels too tight...either tell your braider or DO NOT CONTINUE getting it done. Braids that are too tight cause traction alopecia (thinning edges or bald spots from tight hair styles)If you wear weave do NOT get it bonded in...HAIR GLUE IS NOT YOUR FRIEND! I doesn't matter if you have bonding glue remover...the strong chemicals in bonding glue can cause an allergic reaction and take out your hair in an instant (I'm talking from experience). Your weave should be braided in, with braids that are not too tight. Weave with a good quality human hair, so that you can still wash, condtion and moisturize it regularly with your own hair.Remove wigs or "phony ponies" and keep the hair clean (both your hair and the wig or ponytail). Sweat and the outside element can cause bacteria in the wig and if you do not remove it regularly or wash the hair, you may be at risk for a fungi invasion that WILL TAKE YOUR HAIR OUT!

SOABOVEMISTRESS1.COM

Posted by Angie & Jasmine on June 14, 2008 at 12:00pm

SOABOVEMISTRESS1.COM PLEASE COME AND CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE, LEAVE US A MESSAGE IN THE GUESTBOOK AT THE BOTTOM OF THE SITE. ENJOY ALL OF OUR PICTURES OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS ABD OUT SUPPORTERS.SHARE YOUR STORES WITH US AND WE WILL POST THEM ON OUR SITE CHECK OUT ALL SECTIONS TRUST US WHEN WE SAY YOU WILL SURELY ENJOY IT..STAY TUNED FOR BOOK TWO CALLED : PU$$Y MAINTENANCE, A WOMANS' UPKEEPWHAT TYPE OF CAR WOULD YOU DRIVE? (HINT THIS IS THE TYPE OF MAN YOU WANT) YOU MAY HA A MAN THAT HAS A PERSONALITY OF A BENTLEY DRIVING A PINTO... LADIES WHAT DO YOU DO?1978 Ford PintoThe Ford Pinto is so worthless that I was unable to find the bluebook value. Some people would say that having a pinto is better than having a shoelace. The difference between the two is that even though the shoelace is walking, it has a plan. The shoelace knows that its going to take a while but put one step in front of the other and it’s going to get there. You never know what’s going to happen with a pinto. You can keep it clean and keep the oil changed regularly but the pinto is likely to give up at any moment. A simple drive from home to your local grocery store is taking a risk. The pinto is the car that your friends beg you to trade in and our embarrassed to be seen around. However some women believe that having a pinto is better than not having a car at all. The short term need for a ride takes over the long term need for dependability. Personally I’d rather take the bus.

Young Black & Rich

Posted by Kala Mujibha on June 14, 2008 at 5:00am

YBR Enterprise Inc-www.YoungBlackRich.netThe goal of YBR © is to uplift, inspire, and transform the lives of women by providing information on a number of topics related to living a successful lifestyle including health, relationships, finances, and education. The website includes- among other things- helpful tips, articles, and success stories on a variety of topics such as motivation, goal setting, entrepreneurship, money management, and success.Owner:Alecia D.Website:www.YoungBlackRich.net www.YoungBlackRich.ning.comContact Info:aleciadee@youngblackrich.net347.409.3894

GDI International

Posted by Yvonne J. Rugley on June 14, 2008 at 4:30am

This is my "premier" site. You can't get any better than this. This is "GDI". This is how it works.You sign-up for $10.00 a month. That's right! Just "$10.00". For every person that you sign up, you get paid $1.00. This may not seem like much, but if you sign-up 5 people, that's $1.00 from each of them($5.00 a month-level 1). If this move is duplicated all the way down to level 5, from each of the original "5", then this is income of $3905 a month.If this same thing is done, signing up 10 people at level 1, with them signing up 5 each, all the way down to level 5, then it is a whopping $7810 a month. Of course, your income would vary according to how many you signed up, and how many each of them signed up.GDI offers other things along with this monthly income. I also am a great upline leader, and I promise to work with you, help you, counsel you, etc. It will be a "great" business arrangement. Please click on the link below to see what other fantastic things GDI offers, and to get further details on this great and fantastic company! See you there.Join me here:http://www.freedom.ws/coolbreezeclub

Karma Loves the Kidz!

Posted by Kala Mujibha on June 14, 2008 at 4:19am

Karma Kidz is an online boutique dedicated to serving your lil’ Karma Princess, Karma Prince, and Karma Mommies. We specialize in designer Karma Apparel, Gifts, Nursery Room Décor, Stationery, & accessories. Coming Soon! Our very own Karma Kidz Bath & Body Line.Check out recent interview with owner of Karma Kidz, Basmatie Littles on the Black SpotlightOwner: Basmatie LittlesWebsite: www.ItsKarmaBaby.com

Knowledge Is Power and Relationships are Essential!

Posted by Angela on June 14, 2008 at 3:21am

I had the pleasure of attending Synergi Group’s (www.synergigroup.com) Brand University Marketing Conference in Va Beach today. Not only did I walk away with a wealth of information, power connections, but I left the conference charged and equipped with a list of ways in which I can make my business and inner self better. The conference touched on topics such as client building, PR, do-it-yourself-marketing, being authentic, paying -it-forward, direct mail basics, You! The superstar, elevator pitch, going from wimpy to wow..just to name a few! I had the opportunity to talk to and pick the brains of many women who are living their dreams and walking out their purpose in life. The knowledge gained and opportunity to build relationships was priceless.I believe that in order to become the person we desire to be, we must make it a priority to attend workshops, seminars, and read books on how to better improve our lives, relationships, families, businesses, and careers. In addition, we have to be willing to change and grow. Knowledge is Power and Relationships are essential!Thank you Tammy Freeman, (CEO Synergi Group) for an awesome conference and awesome location!

Super moms, let's get organized

Posted by Maureen Daniels on June 14, 2008 at 2:14am

As a mom with small kids and a business to run from home…things often get hectic. You’ve seen me in the parking lot with two kids under the arms, and another hugging one leg, while I load the van, talking to someone on my Bluetooth, with the coffee running intravenously through my veins. And everyone seems to think it’s the super powers that keep me going. Oh no, it’s the coffee. But seriously, there is no secret about what has to happen to keep me from tearing my hair out. The only way to get things done is to be organized. Here are some tips that keep me sane:1. Before my work week begins, I write down the goals I want to accomplish. I usually have 2 categories, one for my business and the second for my household.2. I make my goals realistic ones, for example, this week I will make 6-10 prospect/marketing calls.a. Your goal shouldn’t be make 20 calls, because the chances are with your hectic schedule you may not be able to achieve this goal;b. Then you will feel like you didn’t accomplish your task.c. However, once you’ve accomplished your goals, see if you can add-on to those goals.3. For all my appointments and calendaring of things to do, I make sure to use my computer to prompt me to check my “to-do” list each day. I put a reminder on my computer to “alert” me to check my events, or tasks on my calendar.4. Each week I try to focus on a different aspect of my business, e.g., marketing this week, newsletter next week; website week after next, and so on, and so on. And all these tasks are put on my calendar on my computer.5. I do my sales/marketing tasks in the morning when the kids are asleep or occupied with playing. I do these in the morning because I know by the late afternoon I’ll be too drained to make effective phone calls. It’s easier to answer emails throughout the day because I’m using my fingers; however, a fresh, sunny voice is best for me first thing in the morning. Again all these tasks are entered into my calendar on my computer.6. When I run errands, I always have my business cards with me within easy reach. Easy reach is very important, because you never want a prospect to see you fumbling around for your business cards. Their very first impression of you should not be that you’re not organized.7. And just an important aside here: Following-up with your prospects is very important. If you say you’ll call/or email in XX amount of hours, or YY days, make sure you keep your promise. Not keeping your end of the bargain is a sure way to loose a prospective client.8. At the end of the week, I analyze my goals and achievements and try to figure out what my next goals are, and then the cycle continues for the next week.So we super moms who stay at home with our kids, and run a business from our home, and who sit on the PTA organizations and who volunteer, etc, etc. don’t get overwhelmed. If you write your tasks down and attack them a little bit at a time, our tasks will not seem so overwhelming. And believe me, we are all overwhelmed with our duties as a mom, and CEO of our homes and business.Please feel free to add some tips that have helped to keep you organized. We can all use ideas of ways to make our days as super moms run more smoothly and more effectively. So let’s share, share, share.

Decked out in BBWO

Posted by Christine on June 14, 2008 at 12:19am

Hello all!I have had quite a busy day today and my post is not all about business, but I'll try to incorporate as much as I can. My son graduated from preschool today. Yes. Preschool. Next thing you know, he'll be in fourth grade. So in getting ready for my first of probably many graduation ceremonies, I "braced myself" with Myisha Croom Turner's lovely Boho Bracelet, which, I regret to inform you ladies, was a limited edition and has sold out. However, do visit her website at www.braceyourselfboutique.com where she is having a spring sale and I'm sure you'll find something lovely!My home smelled so good as we got dressed because I was burning incense from the Smell Goods Lady, Mrs. Itiel McVay. Shiloh is the scent that I LOVE! Needless to say this put me in an excellent mood! If you like high quality incense as well as other bath and body items that will leave you smelling good, check my girl out at Smell Goods 1998 (tm).Before I ran out the door, I sprayed my legs with my Body Oil Mist in Aloha and I touched up my son's knees with my handy Shea Butter Bar in Relentless (Unforgiven type) .Of course I was carrying my too cute turquoise sisal purse from Kala at Aseyori Market. Check it out ....by the way, the prices INCLUDE shipping (except perhaps for items from featured artists).Oh, and I cannot forget my girl that I met on Nappturality, Candace!!! I was totally clean and oil free with her Milan Minerals on my face. I've got so many little jars from Candace that I can't tell you all what I have. All I can say is check her out, she's got some fab colors and her makeup is VERY versatile. Take any of her colors and mix with a little lipbalm and you've got lipstick. If you like makeup and color, she's got it for you!! Check out the blush colors here.Take advantage of the talent that is here on this website because there's a lot of it. Go shopping!

How do you handle the pressure - the stress?

Posted by DawnKA on June 13, 2008 at 5:02pm

As a business woman you are faced with many challenges. The pressure and the stress can be overwhelming. Pressure is an effect which occurs when a Force is applied on a surface while stress is defined as forces from the outside world impinging on the individual.Each day comes with a new challenge and how we handle the challenge determines how we work through the potential stress that comes along with the task at hand. Some days the pressure is more intense than others and it becomes so overwhelming - it makes you question yourself. Is it worth it? What am I a going to do? How will I get through this? Why after all that I have gone through getting things together is this happening now? and amidst all the wondering you ask Why does this happen only to me?Well the truth is you are not alone. As long as you are a living being, you will face pressures and challenges. The best way to handle the forces that appear to be crushing you is to face them head on as calmly as possible.• Look at the situation• Evaluate the problem• Devise a plan• Reach out to othersThere are those who feel that they are all alone but wait a minute you are not - you have joined the site. It's time to use your networking skills to find a way to resolve your problem. Go to the board and ask questions. Send an email. Don't be shy, chances are there is someone else who has faced a similar situation. Reach out to the friends you have on your business site list they may be able to assist you or encourage you through the process. It is a time to band together - a time to support and uplift.After all is said and done -- you can be sure that there will be more challenges ahead so don't allow it to overwhelm you. You have a business to run -goals to achieve - and a life to live..........

Slide of Obama and his family - found this to be very uplifting and wanted to share

Posted by Teresa on June 13, 2008 at 4:52pm

Hello All,A friend of mine sent me pics of Obama and his family. I found the pics to be very uplifting and wanted to share. I'm so happy to see the day where a man like Obama is a nominee for president of the United States. Not because he is African American but based on his beliefs and willingness to help the less fortunate. I hope you are inspired like I was after viewing these pics. It reinforces that we can all accomplish anything we set our minds to.Enjoy!

I pray to God when I wake up in the morning,several times throughout the day, and when I go to bed, please, let this be the day that things start happening for my son and I. The day that I start to ge

Posted by Yvonne J. Rugley on June 13, 2008 at 4:30am

I pray to God when I wake up in the morning,several times throughout the day, and when I go to bed, please, let this be the day that things start happening for my son and I. The day that I start to get customers. Of ALL the businesses, and business opportunities that are out there, this business that I have now, is the most simplest, easiest, and fairest. Why can't this be the day that they will come? My son and I are hungry. We need to eat too. We need to pay our bills. We want to buy things and have a nice life also. Yeh, this is day. This is the day that they will come.

The Beginning

Posted by Roberta Gregory-Maximin on June 12, 2008 at 8:50pm

For years now I have wanted to start my own business. I started out as wanting to open my very own upscale night club. What was I thinking? After looking into what it all entailed, I was like, HELZ NO. Then I wanted to start a home for girls, but it didn’t seem very feasible. After going thru idea after idea, I finally settled on exactly what I would LOVE to do…..Who would have thought.My name is Roberta and I live in sunny Orlando Florida. Everyone outside of Orlando thinks that there is so much to do in the land of Disney. But for those of us who live here 365 days a year we know better. There is only so many times that you can go to Disney, Sea World, Universal Studios, Island of Adventures and so on without getting tired of it all. And if you have lived here over 10 years, like I have, you don’t even want to think about those places, unless you have kids. Other than the theme parks and an occasional concert every five months, there is nothing to do in the “Land of Dreams”. For those of us around my age, 26, your only options for a night out on the town with your significant other or just friends are the dreaded NIGHT CLUBS, Bars/ Lounges, and of course the Movies. Now if I lived in New York City, Los Angeles, or even Miami, I would always have something to do. Some musician or socialite would be throwing a party somewhere in the city. There would be fashion shows, comedy shows; album release parties so on and so forth. But not here in Orlando.One night after I had my second daughter I really wanted to go out. I got all dolled up, put on my best new outfit and my pretty face. My girlfriends and I spent almost 3 hours shopping and planning for a great girl’s night out. I was all ready to go. After consider all our limited choices, we realized that we were all dressed up with nothing to do and nowhere to go. I was sooooo disappointed. Keep in mind this was after the birth of my second daughter and my first, I had had only a year before. So in reality, it was going to be my first night on the town after being pregnant for two long years. Boy was I devastated. That’s when the light bulbs started going off in my head.What if I could put together a number of events each month catering to people around my age? What if I could provide live music and entertainment, food, and great opportunity to socialize with new people? Then I started to think, I could definitely do this. It is done all the time in New York, Los Angeles, and Miami. Its only here in Orlando that we are behind the times.That’s when I had my aah haa moment that Donny (from the Big Idea) always talked about. I AM GOING TO START AN EVENT PLANNING / CONCERT PROMOTIONS COMPANY. I would cater to your adults who are interested in a night out with more to do than to just go to the club or the movies. People who would love to surround them selves with energetic people but not have to worry about someone stepping on their feet. So I started on my journey to make it happen.I ran the idea by a couple of my friends and colleagues and they were like no way, that will never work, but I asked to myself WHY NOT. Why must my only choices of entertainment here in Orlando be the same choices that I had when I was just turning 18 and 21? I am looking for something new. I know if I feel this way, there has got to be many people out there that feel the same way I do.Now I have done my research and the need is there it’s just up to me to fulfill the wants of my people. Here is where you come in! Please tell me what you want and what you like. Who would you like to see perform (keep in mind this would be a small intimate performance for at most 1500 people) what kid of food would you like to be served? How much would you pay to be entertained? Please take the time to fill out my short survey so that I can give you exactly what you are looking for. If I were filling out this survey, it would go something like this. I would love to see Carrin Bailey, Ayo, Tori Amos, John Legend, Eric Bennet, Heather Headley, Avante, Athony Hamilton, Leona Lewis, Mary J. Blidge, Syleena Johnson, Keke Wyatt, One Republic, Lyfe Jennings, and so much more. Just to name a few. I would be willing to spend any where up to $65 per person for such an event. Now being that I am a lover of food, anything would be to my satisfaction, as long as you are not giving me something to extravagant and I cant pronounce, I will eat just about anything. I just love food. So you know what I want, now tell me what you want. Help me to bring better entertainment to our sunny city of Orlando. Help me to help you have something to do when you have a little extra cash or a babysitter for the night. Help me to help you have an opportunity to meet new people and create new fabulous memories.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.