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DEGREES WELCOMED BUT NOT REQUIRED TO BE WEALTHY

Posted by Tamar on September 17, 2008 at 7:11pm

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It is imperative that I commend all of you that have degrees. It took a lot of hard work for me just to get my bachelor's degree. While having a bachelors, doctorate, or PhD are achievements, they are not requirements for being wealthy. So not only am I speaking to those that were not able to attend college, but I am speaking to those that did as well. I commend those that don't have degrees also. Our family business envelopes two bachelors degree, one law degree, and one degree of life(some refer to this as the negative term dropout). Ironically the CEO of our company is the one with the degree of life. To me this makes perfect sense, when I was in high school I remember thinking that school was a waste of time little did I know that YHWH thought differently. I was a (B/C) student. I had no intentions on attending college and was very ready to make money, but like most parents, my parents wanted me to attend college. In my household the rule was to leave home at age 18. So I made agreement with my father that in exchange for staying home rent free I would go to college. While at home I was able to save enough money for a down payments on 3 pieces of property. In summary college did play a part in my road to wealth. On the other hand our CEO bought his first piece of property at the age of 20 years old and has acquired hundreds of thousands of dollars in antique furniture, paintings, rugs, porcelain and precious metals. He was the direct result of a below poverty level environment. I think the need for this topic is very important. A couple of months ago a 20 year old told us that he did not want to be rich. He graduated at the top of his high school class, and currently is not doing much of anything and is living at home with his parents. He mentioned that he did not need money to make him happy. He is absolutely right but you do need it to live. The purpose of this blog is to teach people about self sufficiency. Just because you make a lot of money, it doesn't mean that you have to keep it all. You can always take what you need and give away the rest. While we have been blessed, the CEO especially, has given away a lot of money. As I mentioned in an earlier blog, there are people that live outside mainstream society and are extremely successful. By this I mean that they use water/gas wells and windmills for water,gas and electricity. They also plant their own food. These people can actually make money by selling the leftover water, electricity, gas, and, food that they do not use. If there was ever a crisis, they would have everything they need, while others would have to come to them for resources.So while having more education and resources gives you more options, it is not a requirement for living a prosperous and happy life. This leads me to an example. There are two couples. The first couple, both husband and wife, have degrees. They make about $280,000 a year. They bought a nice house for about $200,000. They take grand trips($10,000 or $15,000) once a year. Years have passed and the house is not close to being paid off. When all of the numbers a crunched the 1st couple will have a networth of $400,000. The second couple who happens to be related to the first, decided to go a different route. The husband worked very hard as a janitor until he retired at age 50. His years of continuous overtime awarded him more money by the time he retired. Because he was a Janitor he lived rent free for years even after he purchased his first home. He did not live in the house, but rented it out. This couple's networth is over a million dollars, and all four homes they own are paid off. Now they can take vacations to anywher they want, enjoy early retirement, and live the life of "the rich and famous"!They did not take vacations while they were still working, and now they get to enjoy the fruits of their labor, while their relatives are still plugging away in the rat race!Which couple are you? I challenge you to look where you are now and where you want to be. This is a simple exercise. Look at the assets and liabilities that you have. If your liabilities outweigh your assets then you are like the 1st couple. If you assets outweigh your liabilities then you are like the 2nd couple Anything that you own out right is an asset. If you have to make payments on an item or property then it is a liability. Have a blessed rest of the week.Shalom,Tamar

Please VOTE 4 ME..Now I know how Obama feel.

Posted by Go'diloX on September 17, 2008 at 6:30pm

a href="http://www.mybannermaker.com" target="_blank"> Create your own banner at mybannermaker.com!

The Southern Entertainment Awards, originally out of Nashville, at Harrahs casino in Tunica, Ms. I am nominated this yr. I need everyone support on this voting process. It take jus a minute to go to the site(link below) Click BALLOT tab..VOTE will appear..Click it...look for the catagory: INDUSTRY POWER PLAYER(FEMALE)..YOU DO NOT HAVE TO VOTE IN EVERY CATAGORY...they will send you a comformation email that you MUST click to make your vote count..I have worked soo hard over the years, especially being a woman in the music industry, dealing with men who have tested my Womanhood and Rank..and have LOST... I'm humble for this recognition by my peers, and would love to be the FIRST BLACK WOMAN to bring this award home..Please comment on my page after you have voted for me..so I can see who my voters were(email all your friends to do the same)..Thank all of you who already Voted for me!..and I know I cant win without YOU!!..ohmygod!!!..Now I know how Obama feel..lol..http://www.southernentawards.com/ballot/vote.html

What is the #1 Holiday Business Gift?

Posted by Wyteria Jacobo on September 17, 2008 at 5:58pm

Please take this quick and easy poll.Desk or office accessoriesElectronicsFood giftsGames/ToysGlassware/CeramicsEveryone has an opinion. What's yours? Leave me a comment and let me know!

Etsy Store of the Week: Distinctive Moments

Posted by Kamilah Campbell on September 17, 2008 at 4:54pm

We all want to capture distinctive moments in our lives. There’s nothing more special than receiving a beautiful card on that special day from that special person. This week’s Etsy Store of the Week is Distinctive Moments created by Ceneetra Anderson. Anderson’s designs are the three C’s…creative, cute and colorful. My personal favorite is the green, yellow and gold thank you card, perfect for sending out thank yous my fellow Pink Locketeers. Check out Distinctive Moment’s collection of cards, scrapbook pages and layouts. Visit www.distinctivemoments.etsy.com to view this beautiful collection of work.By: Kamilah C.The Pink Lockethttp://thepinklocket.comwww.thepinklocket.etsy.com

The Labor Was Hard, But I Finally Gave Birth

Posted by Pastor Aminata on September 17, 2008 at 4:05pm

When I realized that I was pregnant, I thought to myself, oh no, not me, and in my old age. God you can't be serious? Like Sara, of the Old Testament I was pregnant indeed. As in any pregnancy, you become more and more anxious as you get closer to you due date, but the thing with me was I didin't know my due date. I was pregnant for 5years, and I wondered if I set some sort of record for the longest pregnancy ever.After being pregnant for so long, you begin to think you're never gonna give birth, I carried this baby within, praying and asking God when, and how long am I to be like this.... then one day..... the Lord spoke and said, "Shut off all connections...." Now I didn't know why, but I was clear on what I was to do and so I did it. But that didn't stop drama from wrecking havoc in my life, but God was with me all the way. What I didn't know then but do know now, is that I was in labor. I was in labor for 5 weeks and finally I gave birth....I am inviting all my friends to come join me and celebrate the new arrival: http://w4utv.flux.com

What is a good man

Posted by Ladyjd721 on September 17, 2008 at 4:05pm

WHATIS A GOOD MAN?Too many people just assume that they know what a “good man” is. Because a man or an organization builds hospitals, schools, an orphanage, an old-folks home, gives to medical research, to needy relatives, to charities, or because he is pleasant, honest, kind, loyal, refined, cheerful, honorable, or possesses those qualities which endears him to his neighbor, he is called “good,” a “good man.” I repeat, people assume that a “good man” is defined in this manner, but rarely do people critically examine the assumption to discover whether a “good man” may actually be what he is generally accepted to be.The thinking on the “good man” has simply ignored Christianity and naturallyOrthodoxy which is true Christianity. Christian experience, dogma, doctrine,canon law, are casually excluded as something personal and having little to dowith the essential character of a “good man.” The Church is “what you make it” and very few people would include in their definition of a “good man” his religion. Surely, he is expected to have one and must live up to it, but as such, it is secondary in the analysis. Of course, he must believe in God , but “each in his own way and each in his own words.”Now, can these ideas about the “good man” be reconciled with the ChristianTruth? Is a “good man” to be identified with the common conception of him? Is a “good man,” as is ordinarily believed, a man who does “good,” “good” as we usually think of it? Is the belief, any belief in God, sufficient to make a man “good?” What is the source of our opinions concerning the “good man?” Are they from God or men? Are the ideas that most of us hold on this matter given by our environment or are they the revelation of God? In any case, let us see what the Church has to say about the “good man.”The Church teaches that three things are required for a man to be “good”: 1)conversion 2) grace 3) faith. Conversion means repentance. Conversion necessarily requires faith, the right faith, the faith given, revealed, disclosed in Christ Jesus. A man must be converted to be “good.” He must be changed from a son of Adam to a son of God by grace. He must be “born again”, renewed, made a “new creature” in Christ. The result is a new mentality, a “change of mind,” a new attitude and approach to all things. This is accomplished primarily by the Sacraments, especially, the Holy Eucharist, which give grace.“But God, Who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which Heloved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ, and raised us up with Him, and made us sit with Him in heavenly places in Christ Jesus”. It is grace, an energy of God, a gift, an undeserved favor, divine and activating, which converts us, which makes us

Being Oprah Winfrey

Posted by Donna Maria Coles Johnson on September 17, 2008 at 4:00pm

Love Her or Hate Her, What You Can Learn From Her Journey

Once upon a time, as a small child growing up in the south, Oprah Winfrey had few financial resources. But that was then. Today, she is one of the world’s wealthiest people. This wealth extends far beyond her bank account, for Oprah seems decidedly rich not only in a financial sense but also in terms of her life. So many people love Oprah. So many people hate Oprah.

Oprah

Whether you're on one side of the fence or another, or are straddling it, if you're Indie, you can learn a lot about business by studying Oprah's career choices. This post outlines the three main things Oprah has done to create a lasting empire -- things Indies can do to manage and sustain our own piece of the American dream.

1. Oprah Owns Her Business and Herself

Earlier this year, Oprah and Discovery Communications announced the Oprah Winfrey Network, or OWN, a multi-media platform joint venture. If all goes according to plan, OWN will launch Oprah into the next phase of her career. The name OWN is no accident of course, and the concept of brand ownership runs deep with Oprah.

When she was hired as the host of AM Chicago in 1984, it was hard to imagine Oprah owning anything, at least if you compared her with the people in America who owned most everything at that time. She grew up poor. She was a brown skinned black American. She was overweight and short. He hair was a little out of control, her lips were beautifully full and her nose was distinctively wide.

By typical American standards, she possessed little outward beauty. But she had an ability to attract women from all walks of life to her talk show, which beat out the Phil Donohue Show within months of its debut. In 1985, when we saw her in The Color Purple, we knew there was something special there. And Oprah knew it too. From the very beginning, she set out to create an empire. And today, she owns all of it.

Oprah owns a variety of profitable ventures. With Hearst Magazines, she launched O, The Oprah Magazine in 2000. Today, the publication boasts a circulation of 2.3 million monthly readers and an advertiser base that most publishers can only dream of. The Oprah Winfrey Show airs in 134 countries and is seen by an estimated 46 million US viewers a week.

Her new series of church-like online seminars and discussion groups, based in large part on one of her Oprah's Book Club choices, has drawn both praise and criticism. Either way, there's no denying that Oprah is a master at using technology to spread her message far and wide.

Unlike many other well-known entrepreneurs, Oprah is not for hire. While people like Paula Deen and B.Smith, popular cooking and lifestyle hosts, attach their names to brands like Bed, Bath & Beyond (Smith) and Smithfield (Deen), the only way you’ll find Oprah’s name on someone else’s product is if she just purchased it or if her name is being used without her permission.

Oprah owns her business and the many brands associated with it in every imaginable sense of the world. There are investors. No multi-million dollar bank loans. No favors. It's all hers. Oprah owns her own brand and maintains tight control over every aspect of them. Do the same in your Indie Business to enjoy maximum profits, flexibility and opportunities.

2. Oprah Knows Her Value

Oprah exerts tremendous control over everything she touches because she knows her value. When her name is associated with something, she wants it to be “just so,” and she wants to profit from it at least as much as everyone else involved. Oprah seems to have understood early on that she had a personality and other assets that would draw people to her in droves. She knew that, if she could draw people, she could also draw advertising dollars. And she knew that if she could draw advertising dollars, she could become a very wealthy woman, and use that wealth to duplicate herself, and make even more money. Hence, her syndicated television show, the “after the show” show, the magazine, the book club, the retail store, the Angel Network, the website chat rooms and the Oprah & Friends satellite radio show.

Oprah seems to have decided that she is not for sale to the highest bidder. Instead, she creates all the outlets she needs to be profitable, and essentially bids against herself. Oprah has created a brand. Not only that, Oprah is the brand. She draws so many people that she does not have to settle for a salary. She knows what she’s worth and she has structured her business ventures so that she can command what she’s worth in whatever situation she finds herself.

Oprah knows her value and every business decision she makes seems to be focused on earning a return on that value. No matter what you sell – be it product or service – acknowledge the value of yourself as nothing less than your businesses’ greatest asset, and seek out and create new and innovative ways to command and keep more of the money you make. Oprah knows her value and she capitalizes on it every chance she gets.

3. Oprah Shares Her Blessings

Oprah says that she knows what it’s like to be poor. By all accounts, that is true. But she is a long way from that these days. Still, Oprah finds inventive ways to use her wealth to make positive contributions to the world. A few years ago, just a few days after launching a child predator campaign on her show, two of the profiled child predators were captured after being recognized by her show viewers. Oprah then offered $100,000 to anyone who provided information leading to the arrest of any of the predators on her list.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Oprah committed $10 million dollars to launch Angel Lane, an Angel Lane, an online gift registry where site visitors buy everything from a picture frame to a house to help hurricane survivors. Oprah’s Angel Network has raised several million dollars to establish scholarships and schools, support women's shelters and build youth centers. The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in Johannesburg, South Africa, which opened last year, is playing a vital role in the shaping of the next generation of woman leaders from southern Africa.

Earlier this year, Forbes Magazine estimated Oprah's net worth at $2.5 billion. At this rate, she is poised to become one of the most prolific philanthropists in the history of the world. And perhaps this is the best way to conclude this post. With a reminder that sharing our blessings with others is something all of us can do.

Oprah works with what she has. She has always done that, even when she was an overweight talk show host who couldn't stop talking about how Steadman wouldn't marry her. Oprah is a planter. She plants seeds, sows them and reaps a harvest that benefits millions of people. Do what you can with what you have to achieve the same results on a scale that appropriately reflects your resources, your business and your own life missions.

What do you think?

In my experience, business success boils down to these three things: (1) own it; (2) value it; and (3) share it. If you embrace those three concepts in business, you can't go wrong. Is that your experience? I'd love to hear if your journey is consistent with them, and whether you have anything to add based on your own experience.

You can read Oprah Winfrey's official bio here. The information in this post is widely available through public records, but I found many of the details at Oprah.com. I hope she doesn't find it and unleash her legal staff on me to take it down.

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Get in the Spotlight & Women's Writing Event

Posted by Dominique on September 17, 2008 at 1:27pm

Have you left your comments to this week's Get in the Spotlight statement? The question is: "How much schooling do you think a writer needs to become a best seller?" Answer it here: http://fromawriterspov.webs.com/fromawriterspov.htmANDFrom A Writers POV is looking for women of all ages to empower other women. We are allowing 4 women writers to submit poems, short stories or just your flow of thoughts on empowering another woman. Submit what you would want to say to encourage another women.If your interested, get more details here: http://fromawriterspov.webs.com/fromawriterspov.htmWe look forward to seeing you there!Thanks, Dominique

Obama, McCain, and flip-flops

Posted by Wyteria Jacobo on September 17, 2008 at 4:29am

I did a few google searches today on both of the presidential candidates just to humor myself. My few seconds' worth of research revealed that both sides face accusations of being "flip-flops." One site I ran across even proclaimed itself to be the "master list of flip-flops committed by McCain." Anyway, all this talk about flip-flops got me thinking about the original flip-flops. You know, the kind you wear on your feet?It seems that corporate's perception of flip-flops has changed over the years. What was once seen as a business attire faux pas is now a welcome advertising vehicle at meetings, cruises, beach incentive packages, employee vacations, and award galas. Why did corporate change its mind? Two reasons. First, the company logo can be placed on the bottom of the sandal, turning it into a "talking" footprint. Second, employees and other recipients will take the footwear home where they will continue to wear it to the grocery store, picnics and other places. Remember, home is one of the places where buying decisions are made so an investment in custom sandals would be an investment well spent. Consider just two case histories supporting this fact.A major cosmetics firm brainstormed ways to advertise a new shower gel to the college crowd. They handed out a special pair of flip-flops at major US college campuses along with their new product carrying the following tagline: "Save Water - Shower with a Friend."A major U.S. financial institution participates in various charity runs across the country during the summer. They used branded footwear to increase brand awareness and support their sponsorship.Other organizations could benefit from this kind of exposure. Imagine the possibilities! A political candidate could print a picture of his or her opponent on a pair of flip-flops and hand them out during political rallies. A slogan might be, "We don't flip-flop like those other guys." Or a vacation club could send it to their clients to motivate them to make travel reservations. Sales managers could inspire their sales teams to qualify for trips with custom sandals using a slogan like, "Just think. In a few weeks, you could be wearing one of these."Could your firm use more exposure? Sure it could! The solution may be just a footprint away.

TRUSTING GOD

Posted by GWENTORRES on September 17, 2008 at 1:07am

Whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy (James1:2, NLT).Dear friends:Frankly, I do not like adversity, and probably no one does. Yet whenadversities come, we can always count on God to see us through them andbless us from them.When I read Job I get blessed. God allowed Job to go through incredibletragedy and heartache. Think of the millions of people who benefit fromJob's testimony.Job said, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him" (13:15, KJV).That kind of radical trust pleases the Lord. While we may not lookforward to adversity, we know when we get through it we will be a betterservant for the Lord.Many people are shining examples of this. For example, I remember awoman who lost her son in a tragic accident, and her husband was veryill. Then one of her sweet, loving sons, raised in the church, announcedthat he was a homosexual. It went on and on, one problem after another.But when I heard her speak, she spoke with joy, thanksgiving and praiseto God. There were many people in that audience who were having problemsof their own who heard her and were blessed and encouraged by her trustin God.Trusting God, Job went through his problems, and came out the otherside. We can always count on God to see us through to the other side. Wecannot see the other side with our physical eyes, but we can see it withour spiritual eyes -- with the eye of faith. "The just shall live byfaith" (Romans 1:17, KJV).As with Job, God allows us to be tested, although He is not the authorof evil, which is Satan's job description. When trials come our way, asthey do in a fallen world, let us echo Peter: "In this you greatlyrejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer griefin all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith -- of greaterworth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire -- may beproved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when JesusChrist is revealed" (1 Peter 1:6-7, NIV).By the way, a possible key as to why Job suffered is in his ownconfession: "What I feared has come upon me" (3:25). Fear, which is theopposite of faith, can produce a spiritual condition which Satan,through adversity, can see as an invitation to visit. Let us not befearful, but faithful.Yours for fulfilling the Great Commission each year until our Lordreturns,

Meet Grammy Award Winning Songwriter; PJ Morton & Artist Nikki Ross

Posted by Sharvette, Radio Host on September 16, 2008 at 11:15pm

How I Make Money Online

Posted by LaShanda Henry on September 16, 2008 at 7:30pm

LaShanda Henry - Work at Home Mom - Creator of SistaSense, Black Business Women Online and Multiple Shades of You Online

Working Girl to Work At Home Mom, this is my story.... Everybody wants to make money online, and so I am happy to share how I am doing just that! I decided to create this post for those of you who are curious about how to make money online or are skeptical about how one can REALLY do it. Now I am not a six-figure sister YET, but by making the most of my skills and diversifying my streams of income I have been able to successfully work from home, pay my bills, and meet my family’s needs. My story is a common one I think because like many web entrepreneurs, my online gig started off as a hobby turned into a side hustle and now a work at home business. I want to start off by saying that I am only one of many web entrepreneurs out there, so I can tell you that there are a million and one business ventures that you can tap into online. As for me, I've successfully made money online from the following: 1. Developing Websites If you have a skill that you can offer to others online, monetize it. Though I am currently not working on any new sites, I have sold a number of web services like web design and blog design. Right now my web services are limited to banner design and urban marketing for web entrepreneurs. I've learned how to turn my design skills into an online business and this is something that you can do too. You don't have to be a web designer, there are lots of ways to turn a skill into web profit. Exploring your skill set and learning how to turn it into an income is something that I talk about in my web coaching program for entrepreneurs. 2. I make money online through affiliate programs. I actually did an audio postcast on 'How I pay my Rent with Google Adsense Revenue' . I also generate an additional $200 - $500 a month from other affiliate programs that I work with. Some solicited me with their service and others are from niche specific sites that I incorporate into my webpages and blogs. I know that most entrepreneurs don't have much luck with affiliate programs, but it's not because they don't work and it's not about luck. Generating money from affiliate programs requires more than just cutting and pasting links onto your site. It's really a matter of knowing how to use them. I have several techniques that have worked for me, which I am now teaching to others. 3. Selling Ad Space On the topic of affiliate sales, I also make money by selling ad space on my sites. I find that there are so many website owners who have decent traffic and no income, because they don't know how to turn their clicks into cash. There are tons of ways to not only self promote on your site, but use it as a marketing tool for others. I actually have a simple guide on setting up and selling ad space on your website, if this is something you would like to do. 4. Having a blog is an integral part of my online success. My blogs serve as free promotion and also spaces to house affiliate program links as well as informative posts that keep readers interested in what I do. Blogging really does bring in the bucks. Whether I am sharing an informative post, which brings in new readers or posting about my business to bring in more customers, I am always finding new ways to tap into the promotional and profit potential of my blog. And yes, I've got more than one blog, on various niche topics. Creating niche specific blogs, like my SistaSense Busines Blog, has helped me to increase my visibility by appealing to different target audiences. Niche Marketing is something that I talk about all the time because it really works. You have to learn how to make your own market if you want to make money online. And you also need to know about the types of web tools that can help your blog or business grow. 5. I sell eBooks. Information is gold online. If you know how to do something that is in demand by others in your field you can capitalize on that by creating information tools like eBooks, online courses, teleseminars, and more. Of course, it helps your sales if you have an audience who wants to buy. I've created my own networks and shared my tips on creating social networks, because these are the spaces that have helped me increase my online exposure and sales. These are my most profitable means of making money online with a few others that I have up my sleeve. To learn more about making money online join my web coaching program. My goal is to show other aspiring entrepreneurs that it's possible to make money online if you learn how it can be done. Originally posted on the SistaSense Blog. Posted by: LHenry creator of the SistaSense eBussines Blog, a series of Web Business Howto Guides, BBWO Network for Professional Black Women and the Web Newbie Know How Coaching Program.

Women of Color Coach Membership $29.99 Special

Why G'Natural Herbal Healing Hair Care MUST Be Important To Us!

Posted by DH Harvey on September 16, 2008 at 6:30pm

G'Natural is all about US! Yes-men, women, and children of color! People of color-especially we sistahs-use more hair care than ANY segment of human society! Why? As Tyra Banks would say..."We gotta be lookin' FIERCE!" Isn't THAT the truth sistahs? No matter where we go, who we're with, or what we're doing, our hair, skin, nails etc must be top notch! Now, I agree with you that there are a TON of products available-even products produced by blacks but G'Natural stands out! How? Mr. Roger Gore the President & CEO of G'Natural is the black MALE version of Madame CJ Walker-wow, they even share the same birthday! (smile) Mr.Gore lost hair in the front of his head and searched far and wide for herbal healing hair care to restore it but found nothing that really worked. No, not even black owned companies had what he needed! So guess what? Like Madame Walker he created the solutions he was looking for! He's been the hairstylist of choice for many african american stars of the stage, TV, screen, politics, music etc..and he like other product creators and manufacturers can sell his wares in beauty supply chains, retail stores, and of course the internet and keep ALL the money in his pocket! Does he do that? No! He wants to share the wealth with US instead! This is exactly what he's done in creating G'Natural Herbal Products-the Direct Selling Online Beauty Supply Superstore! Each Distributor like me has his/her own online beauty supply store where you can easily order all of your herbal healing hair and body care with a click of the mouse and put money back into the black community and help US instead of "them" get rich! Mr. Gore stands behind each and every product-after all, he made them-and he will never put a product out there to sell that doesn't work! So, be our guest and order G'Natural today at: http://www.gnaturalherbalproducts.com/nycgirl and experience the difference for yourself! Can you use some extra $$$? Join us right now as a Distributor for just $29.99! See also: http://www.blacklinenow.us for more information.

What Is Relationship Empowerment Coaching?

Posted by Shelby on September 16, 2008 at 6:00pm

Many of you have asked… Shelby…What’s Relationship Coaching? To those folks, on a One-on-One basis, I’ve explained to them what it is that I do exactly as a Relationship Empowerment Coach. Fortunately, I have had many Complimentary Coaching sessions with several members of this group and several other groups. These Complimentary coaching sessions have provided us the luxury of connecting and enabled them to learning more about Relationship Coaching and how they can benefit from it. Often the value of Relationship Coaching is realized and, those Complimentary sessions have converted into clients.What is Relationship Empowerment Coaching? It is a valuable professional client-focused service where an individual or couple who are healthy, willing, and capable of achieving relationship goals with strong support, beneficial information, and direction. Relationship Coaching is the new and most impactful way of attracting healthy relationships, both personal and professional, i.e., from marriage to working with the boss, from dating to developing your inner self. It’s the best way to making your life and relationships better. Keep in mind one of the biggest hurdles in relationships is sustaining commitment and establishing trust without losing your own identity or sacrificing Your personal goals and aspirations. Those hurdles don’t exist today! They are all possible to overcome with Relationship Empowerment Coaching!To learn more about the benefits of Coaching and to determine if Coaching is for you, schedule a Confidential Complimentary Coaching Session with Shelby Hill at shelbyhill@shelbymhill.comToday! You’ll be happy you did.Sincerely,Shelby HillRelationship Empowerment Coach

Eczema-Healing the Itch

Posted by Kenyatta Dudley on September 16, 2008 at 5:18pm

Many people suffer from dry skin, acne, blemishes and all kind of skin problems. However, I most often times than none come into contact with people who suffer from eczema. In fact, with two girls with the disorder, I have a first hand experience of how it can affect the skin. The itching and scratching. The sores. The misery. The confusion coming from having to find the perfect lotion, creme or salve. Yes, they all promise to "Stop the Itch", "Treat" or "Soothe" your eczema woes. So, we try them. At any cost, we purchase with our hopes high that this one product will finally become the answer. Yes, tonight will be the night that you finally sleep without waking to the dreaded "dry patch".Well, the next day comes and the bags under your eyes let you know that the "miracle" product did not work! So what now? Should you go back to using Vaseline? Crisco? Royal Crown Hair Grease? At this point, we are willing to try anything. But, herein lies the problem- we should not settle for anything! We should want the best and most natural product that ingredients proven to nourish and heal with care.Are you looking for a natural product that will give you what you are looking for in an eczema product? Well, look no further. Mahogany Soul Skin has heard your plea and developed a complete line especially for eczema. Yes, the Natural Healing Mahogany line is complete with soap, oil moisturizers and creme that will embrace your skin and give you the healing, smooth, nourished skin that you are seeking.So, ditch those steroid crèmes and lotions that don't work and Embrace the Essence of you with the new Natural Healing Mahogany line for Eczema. Coming Soon!www.mahoganysoulskin.com

The Color Purple

Posted by TurquoizBlue on September 16, 2008 at 4:30pm

Sista, you've been on my mind . . . Okay not The Color Purple movie, I just love that song. This is about the COLOR purple. Purple is the color for fall. It's the new "black." It's the new "brown." It's the foundation color around which the fall wardrobe is being built.

The darker hues such as mulberry, magenta, eggplant, burgundy and dark violet are all prominent in fall fashions. Mix them with black or brown components like in the new Max Studio collection.

Nails continue to be dark, but there are lighter colors in the purple family. OPI's Couture Couleur La Collection de France features colors like the eggplant "Yes I Can-Can" and the wine "Eiffel for this Color." Lovely purple colors inspired by France.

For the brave and daring, go dark with the lipstick too.

by TurquoizBlue http://turquoizblue,blogspot.com

Redefining PINK

Posted by Kamilah Campbell on September 16, 2008 at 4:19pm

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It’s finally here. The long awaited promotional video showcasing The Pink Locket’s most exclusive pieces. Here at The Pink Locket we are on a mission to redefine the meaning behind the work PINK. After all the color can mean so many things. Turn up your speakers and enjoy the video!By: Kamilah C.The Pink Lockethttp://thepinklocket.com

My Voice, My Vote, My Reality!

Posted by Pastor Aminata on September 16, 2008 at 11:44am

All across the country, tension is filling the air as we approach "the day of reckoning" the day when each of us are to cast our vote for the candidate who we feel will represent our needs. Relationships are being strained in ways like never before because of the historic nature of this event. We have a Black man, running for President, and we have a White woman running for Vice President. Oh, what to do, what to do, what to do.But you know what the really sad part is? There are still so many Christians, saints, children of the Most High God who feel that politics is something left to other people. What's that old saying, politics and religion don't mix? Many will not even have an open debate about who's telling the truth or who's not telling the truth for fear of some other person disagreeing with them. Too many Christians want to act like God's gonna take care of it all. Yes God will, but that don't let you or I off the hook.The powers that be count on this type of ignorance.... naw... this ain't ignorance, because ignorance is not knowing any better, this is just plain stupid. If the truth be told, everything is about politics and politics is about power and control.Now your vote says, I need to choose the person who will represent my needs, advocate on my behalf, a person who understands my reality. Most of the time, it's not the politician who shows up at your church with your skinning and grinning Pastor for a photo opt, to be placed on the wall in the Pastor's office. These political mongels expect to receive endorsements of the entire congregation for a mere photo opportunity, what a shame! Because most of the time, they get it.Emotions is the key. We are stroked, and stroked some more, played like strings on a violin, that's because if the truth be told, the political spin doctors don't think we have the political savvy to comprehend all the nonsense, lies, garbage and trash feed to us on a regular. Racism is at it's all time high and I wonder are we paying attention? This election is not only about winning, it also about making sure that a Black Man don't get to sleep in the White House, it's about using all the tactics that they can muster up for fear of being led by a Black Man.Now you may not say it out loud, but God gave me a voice to be heard, so this is my take on the matter. So you may wonder, am I gonna vote for Barack Obama because he's a black man? Absolutely. Just because he's a Black man? No. Because he's a Black man who understands my voice, who understands my plight, who understands my reality, better than any other person in this race. I believe He will champion the cause of me and others who's voice has been silenced by the greed and power hunger politicans that has raped our country over the last 8 years.It's my voice, it's my vote, it's my reality.

www.colormedirect.com/beautymatters

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