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Miss Snitch Mondays

From now until the April 17, 2009 release date of A Royale Pain: A Draven Atreides, Teenage FBI novel, I will post the unedited version of this book on my author blog. Every month will be a different chapter, but since the chapters are so long--and unedited--I will post a few pages every week. Keep in mind that what you'll be reading is the first draft of Book One, pre-editor and pre-spell check. It's extremely raw, so there will be spelling errors. Just a couple things:1) Comments and opinions are appreciated and may be taken into consideration during the current revision process.2) You will have the opportunity to put your name on the DA Book One Pre-Order Notification List at the end of each post. Being on this list entitles the subscriber to 1) Order autographed copies at a discount and 2) Add a personal message to the person(s) of your choice (if it's a gift)Here's the blurb:A day at the spa can be a “royale” pain.CASE #1: Jean-Pierre Du’Lac, mad French chemistMy name is Draven Atreides and I’m 16-yrs-old. I’ve just started a new gig as an FBI informant and I’ve already got my agenda planned out: Adjust to new life…check. Make new friends…check. Enjoy a day of pampering at a new spa (what a hardship)…check. Try not to tell said new friends that I work for a certain well-known government agency…um…definitely a work in progress.Famous celebrities are checking into hospitals–and it’s not for a rehab stint. French chemist Jean-Pierre Du’Lac is peddling his “specially formulated” products to high class spas and his latest target is celeb favorite, The Royale Treatment Day Spa. Unfortunately, his products cause some nasty side effects and the results are so not pretty. Just when I think I’m hitting a dead end (pun not intended. No death here, people), I get unexpected help in the form of Rader Deschanel. Can you believe this crap? Like this is the last thing I need right now, because I soon find out that he has an agenda of his own. Can I solve my first official assignment without Rader discovering my secret or will my cover be blown?C’mon, come in. I’m on the case.During the month of May, I posted the Prologue. If you missed it, it will be posted on my author blog in its entirety tomorrow. Please note that I will be doing this for the Prologue ONLY as it is a short passage. This month, you will be reading Chapter One.
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Pure Romance by Rochelle

I started with Pure Romance in January of 2008. I love doing these parties and making extra money. I have a few side businesses. I feel I have different items to appeal for different women.If you would like to know more, please let me know!www.rochellesimonshipman.pureromance.com

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SeneGence started small, but quickly exploded into the market in 1999 as an exciting new company with the launch of the most unique product, Lipsense. Lipsense, is semi permanent lip color. We also carry long lasting cosmetics, beauty and skin care products, eye shadow, mascara, eye makeup, eyeliner and waterproof cosmetics. It quickly grew in popularity as the premier long-lasting lipcolor of the beauty scene. This of course was only the beginning of an entire long-lasting cosmetic line; the beginning of the most reputable and revolutionary anti-aging skincare products. Sengence carries a varity of cosmetics.Check out the March 24, 2008 issue of People magazine. On page 128 Christina Aguilera shares her favorite lip product, LipSense.Did you see the May 2007 issue of "O" magazine? http://www.senegence.com/pdf/SeneGenceOAdNoPhone.pdfIf you are interested in learning more about this exciting business opportunity for anyone, please contact me. This is also great for boutique and salon owners.I do parties (in the Dallas/Fort Worth area), I can meet with you one-on-one, you may visit my website or simply email me/call me!Either way I am here to serve you!!!Rochellewww.senegence.com/lipsnmorelipsnmore@senesite.com

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Something for everyone!!!

From A Writers POVWe have updated our magazine.Please take the time to browse through our sites and read articles along with view the new and imporved main website http://fromawriterspov. webs. comThe Writers at From A Writers POV are very dedicated to their articles.Please leave them your feedback!We also have a new Top Story. A New Weekly Feature and New Book Advertisement of the month.So stop by and view From A Writers POV Online Magazine.Leave a comment & Sign up for newsletters! http://fromawriterspov. webs. com
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First-Time Homebuyer Webinar Online:Sacramento, East Bay, South Bay, San Francisco and Sounthern California AreasWorkshops are given twice a week: Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. and Saturdays at 1:00 p.m._________________________________________________________________Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Available for Those Who Qualify! We are located in Sacramento, California but licensed to do residential mortgage loans anywhere in the 50 United States.Webinars Twice A Week: Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. and Saturdays at 1:00 p.m.Reservation is Required--------------------------------------------------------------------------------See our Next Scheduled Webinar/Workshop below:Register Here: http://sac-mortgagegroup.com/workshop.aspxThank you for your time, we are looking forward to serving you!Black woman entreprenuer, San Francisco Bay Area.Marketing avenues are opening up, thanks to this website as well.California DRE License #01362776Sacramento Mortgage Group(888) 365-0107. x 101
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As someone who is working my business primarily online, I am always looking for the newest strategies and internet marketing methods to stay on the cutting edge. If you are one who is looking for free home business advertising, free small business advertising (or very low cost), how to market your product online, etc. I'm hoping this blog post will be helpful.With the assistance of my internet marketing coach, (who is fantastic by the way-he's from Findland, but lives in Spain), I have found some really useful ways to market online. I thought I'd share some of the resources with you.Here you go:1. Nationwide Classifieds: http://www.nationwideclassifieds.comPick and choose from a huge database of over 2100 newspapers reaching 96 million homes in America. This can be done on and offline.2. Caroline MIddlebrook's site. My coach shared this with me during our last session. Caroline offers lots of useful advice regarding internet marketing, social media, and software development. http://www.caroline-middlebrook.com/blog/do-follow-social-bookmarking-sites/3. SEO Book: a free keyword tool to find those killer keywords you need when you promote online. I have added Google's keyword tool as well.http://tools.seobook.com/keyword-tools/seobook/#resultshttps://adwords.google.com/select/KeywordToolExternal4. Pinging Service-Use ping-o-matic. If you have a blog, squidoo lens, youtube channel, etc., it's important to let the search engines know when you have new content. This is where pinging services come in. Ping anytime fresh content is added to your site. http://pingomatic.com/5. Barefoot Student-An online message board for college students. If you want to target the college crowd, become a member of this community. The advertising is very inexpensive. http://barefootstudent.com6. Online Video Marketing Course: I highly recommend this course if you want to take your business to the next level using video marketing. Lasse, my internet marketing coach, teaches this. His advice, directions, and marketing methods are so easy to follow that a 10 year-old can do it. And no, you don't need to be technical! Check out my story here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUHVorD0VoY7. Social Media Marketing By Michelle McPhearson: Great tool strategies on how to use social marketing the right way: http://feeds.feedburner.com/MichelleMacphearson8. Joe, Mr. Fire, Vitale Visit this site for the latest hypnotic marketing secrets and copywriting tips. http://www.mrfire.com/Ok. That's it for now. I will add more information as I come across it.To Your Success,Monique540-858-2885Skype: Monique371mentormonique@gmail.comHope you find this useful!
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Join us on Wednesday, June 4, 2008 at 11 a.m. (EST) as 2 women business owners discuss the organizations they created to bring more awareness to their causes, breast cancer and our youth. You will find us on www.blogtalkradio.com/wbo-radio. Meet us in the chatroom on the host page and/or by phone, "dial-in", (347) 205-9229. Please find below a sneak peak at our radio guest below --Sharon Summerlin, owner of www.kidfriendlyonline.net, is a serial entrepreneur who has operated several very successful businesses in her career.In 2005, after completing a research project, it was discovered there was a demand for "all things kid friendly" -- KidFriendlyOnline.net was launched. She will talk about her nationwide search for participants in her "Kid Reporters" program which includes the involvement of the schools as well. It is hoped the kids can be matched with 'real' reporters to assist them in writing their stories. What a career starter!!!Also, kids will be offered opportunities and suggestions for giving back to local and national causes -- causes identified and ones they have a passion for. Come hear Ms. Summerlin outline the details of this exciting program!Debbie Mormino, a WBO member and owner of www.plexuspink.com. Ms. Mormino is a breast health consultant and spreads the word about early detection. She is on a mission to help eliminate breast cancer altogether. Debbie also has a health insurance license and works from home on a part-time basis.
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GREETINGS!AS YOU KNOW BSM OFFERS WEBSITE DESIGN UNDER SEAN'S WEB WORLD, MY HUSBANDS COMPANY. SEAN IS CURRENTLY WORKING TO BUILD HIS PORTFOLIO QUICKY AND IS ACCEPTING NEW PROJECTS FOR $100.00! THIS INCLUDES 6 MONTHS OF HOSTING, $25.00 PER MONTH THEREAFTER.HE WILL NEVER DO THIS AGAIN!!!TO SIGN UP PLEASE CALL 1-800-518-9846 MON-SUN FROM 7 AM -12 MIDNIGHTALSO OFFERING FREE CREDIT CARD TERMINALS WITH WESITE DESIGN PACKAGE.......THANKS!MITTIE STEPHENS-LEWISHttp://businesssupportbymittie.netHttp://www.mysace.com/seanswebworld
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Who Do You Need To Forgive

Today I ask the question, "Who do you need to forgive and why? I had a conversation with a friend over the weekend about anger and the benefits of forgiveness. Forgiveness is a funny thing, where by doing it, you not only release the other person from your anger but you also free yourself. Do you realize how much energy you put into keeping an old score unsettled? How it is a constant reminder of how someone did us wrong? How that moment or series of moments keeps playing the scene over and over again in our head, like a movie that never changes? Is this a good use of our time and energy? Who is our anger really affecting? Us or them?When you don't forgive someone, you take it upon yourself to keep that anger near the surface. You give that anger active power, power that could be directed towards what you do want, not what you don't want. It has been said that whatever you focus on comes back to you into your life, whether the focus be positive or negative.If you insist on not forgiving, for whatever reason that works for you, are you really telling the universe that you want more anger to manifest itself? Perhaps you never looked at it this way. Perhaps you think your anger is justified because we don't know all of the facts. Perhaps you think that you will look weak and the other person will win, if you forgive them.I remember a story I saw on TV years ago. A woman had been torched, wrapped in bandages and in pain, when the interviewer asked her if she hated the person who had done this to her? She thought for a split second and responded with a, "No". When asked why not, she said she didn't want that person to have power over her. She didn't want that person constantly in her thoughts. She said she forgave him, not because it helped him, but because to forgive helped her. She need every ounce of energy possible to make a recovery and she wouldn't waste once ounce more on her attacker.Try it, forgive someone today for what they did to you yesterday, last year, ten years ago, etc. Who feels better? Them or you? Release yourself from the burden of carrying around anger and move forward and focus on what you really want, what we all want; love, understanding and forgiveness for being human.-- Unknown
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City Lights Software Supports Luv4Self

Greetings Family,(Contact Information At Bottom Of Page)It's your friendly neighborhood "Digital Drummer" again (smile)As many of my readers know, I talk a lot about participating in industry trade shows, conferences, and events.We all know the old saying about the golf course being the place corporate leaders make deals...well trade shows and conferences are the working mans equivalent of a golf course. If you want to meet and greet the leaders in your chosen industry, then you must participate in their national conferences and local events.City Lights Software (www.citylightssoftware.com) is proud to support Carlos Muhammad and the Luv4Self online family at their first national conference. With over 17 different products that feature people of color, City Lights Software is the undisputed, number one developer of Afrocentric and multicultural software in the country. As an official sponsor of the Luv4Self National Conference, City Lights is contributing their award winning, Black Art screen saver, the "Collectors Series" to the conference package. It is completely downloadable and will be emailed to conference participants upon registration."Collectors Series", Black art screen saver for Windows PC's, features the artwork of such notable Black artists as Albert Fennell, Charles Bibbs, Calvin Massey and Larry Poncho Brown. It is internationally recognized as one of the finest representations of Black fine art on the Internet.This year, the first "Luv4Self National Conference" will be held on September 19th through September 21st 2008 in Baltimore, Maryland at the historic:Sojourner Douglass College200 N. Central AvenueBaltimore MD, 21202Phone: (410) 276-0306Fax: (410) 675-1810Toll Free: 1-800-732-2630Website: www.sdc.edu/They are asking all Luv4self members and supporters to begin movements of mobilization in every city...Luv4self members from urban centers across the US will be meeting to discuss topics surrounding the 4 main issues in the Black community:Healthy Living - vegetarianism; exercise; obesity; high blood pressure and other health concerns in the Black communityBusiness & Economics - 2008 presidential elections; entrepreneurship; credit; financial planning;Cultural Awareness - media reviews on music/hip hop; racism; education; youth development; reparations; political prisonersFamily & Relationships - marriage; love; personal growth love for self; strengthening of Black familiesSpeakers and moderators are:The Honorable Cynthia McKinney (Rep., D-GA)(Keynote Speaker)Sister Empress Chi (Organizer of Million Woman March)Sister Autumn AshanteQueen AfuaProfessor Griff of Public EnemyThe Turn Off Channel Zero MovementErnie Panicolli, Hip Hop photographer for over 30 years and (author of "Who Shot Ya?")Vendors & ExhibitorsCity Lights Software.com(Free Black Art screen saver with registration)---About Luv4Self---Luv4self is a way for the Black online Diaspora to network and promote their businesses, events, and ideas, as well as engage in stimulating discussions.Luv4self doesn't constitute the individual SELF but the collective SELF. We recognize that WE are all ONE. Therefore it is our duty and obligation to support one another.....for supporting our sister and our brother is supporting our SELF.Luv4Self Online Communities:Website - http://www.luv4selfpublishing.comMySpace - www.myspace.com/luv4selfYahooGroups - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Luv4self_Network/Ning Networks - http://luv4self.ning.com/For more information please visit www.luv4selfconference.com . Also check us out on Myspace at www.myspace.com/luv4selfconference**********************************This Online Journal was brought to you by InterServe Networks. Feel Free To Forward To Your Network Of Online FriendsWe Practice Responsible E-Commerce Marketing and Privacy Policies. We do not indulge in or encourage Spamming. We never send unsolicited emails. You are receiving this message as part of our opt-in subscriber mailing list or you are a member of an affiliated newsgroup.For comments or suggestions please contact us at the following;Jim Neusom (jneusom@yahoo.com)Executive Director/PublisherInterServe Networks/City Lights Software, Inc.www.citylightssoftware.comwww.freshfaces2u.comwww.myspace.com/jimneusomwww.myspace.com/freshfaces2uTo subscribe to our opt-in mailing list simply send an email to; The_City_Lights_Reporter-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ( on Myspace go to http://blog.myspace.com/jimneusom )
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Reflections of a YTB Referring Travel Agent

It is amazing! June makes it one year since I have ownede a YTB Travel Business Opportunity. I am planning on going to the YTB Convention in August. I just completed a booking of my first group trip. Many cruises, and weekender trips. Friends and family are now seeking me out asking about booking their vacations. Financially YTB has been a blessing and I am looking for even more. I have been able to bless my church and my family. I can;t wait to see what the next year will bring me in YTB. I could not be happier. Come see the presentation on my website www.GailsVacationandTravel.comWant more information? contact me www.GailsVacationandTravelBiz.com
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At a Crossroads

What do you do when you discover that what you're doing in your business is not exactly what you had in mind? Do you fold up your tents, take your toys and go home? Or do you readjust, reassess, re-evaluate?Well, I give you three guesses and the first two don't count! Don't give up....readjust your vision, your mindset and move forward with your new plan. I am currently facing this situation in my business. As you know from reading my blog (and if you don't know, you've got a bit of catching up to do, lol) I fell into this business. Deep breath, readers, because I am going to admit, I HAD NO BUSINESS PLAN. Yep, you got it, NO BUSINESS PLAN. I have one now, but rest assured, you're not the only one who flew forward on a wing and a prayer with no idea where I was going when I put up the website.(NOTE: Understand that I am not advocating anyone to fall into a business, especially a storefront with no plan. Please, understand that I am relating my own experience as a mompreneur and business owner....learn from my mistakes!!! LOL) PS You'll soon learn that honesty is both my strength and my weakness.So now I'm at a crossroads. I need a niche and I'm currently working on finding one through research and just plain reflection with a yellow legal pad and pen. I'm ordering new inventory, reformulating some of my products and actually having a good ol' time with it. (Anything that involves purchasing new oils and fragrances, I'm all for.)Basically what I'm saying to all of you is - if you feel "stuck" , please don't give up. Sit down with that yellow (or pink or purple or white) pad and start brainstorming. I guarantee that you'll come up with something that will get you through this time.CeeCee
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Black Business Builders Club

"The Easiest and Most Lucrative Black Business Opportunity Online"If you've been thinking that you should have a second stream of income but have been reluctant to get started because you don't have either the money or the time, you'll be interested in this program.Black Business Builders, is an affiliate program of the National Black Business Trade Association (NBBTA) and many are calling it, potentially "the easiest and most lucrative "micro-business" for Black entrepreneurs online to be found anywhere.In case you weren't aware, micro-businesses can give you immediate income - not an initial fortune, but a solid, extra cash stream. It's an additional stream of income that one day they may be worth more than everything else you have. They may start small but they don't stay small.In fact, this program contains a "Black Business Tool Kit and Entrepreneurial Training" that will help you grow any business you currently have or are thinking about starting. And - by using the program's proprietary marketing system - you quickly create a solid extra cash stream.Black business owners and entrepreneurs are joining because they love the many great benefits, concept, simplicity and income potential of the program. Black Business Builders is perfect for part-timers, or for those taking the initial steps to amass the capital they need for longer-term goals and bigger plans. And the money is good. You can reasonably expect to make good money over time and with just a few sales. The best part? Anyone can do this, even those who generally are very busy. This is one program you can't afford to overlook.Using this system, many newbies have transformed themselves from wanna-be "program jumpers" into legitimate, money making entrepreneurs. And those with a little more experience have found to get the training they need to create the wealth they want.The Black Business Builders Club is one of the many benefits of membership in Black Business Builders and is an on-line, worldwide community of people brought together by a common bond -- a shared interest in business and entrepreneurship. Whether you are a new business owner, or a seasoned professional, the Black Business Builders Club is for you!# Networking! Using the web-based forums and e-mail list, you can communicate and network with other members around the world. Share ideas, start lively discussions, make friends!# Audio/Video Postcards. Forget conventional e-mail announcements or boring paper invitations. Use your communication skills to create audio & video postcards! These messages can be recorded right on your computer and e-mailed to anyone you choose.# Get Feedback! Get together and pick each other's brains; share ideas, thoughts, strategies, tactics; share experiences and resources; network and form joint venture coalitions; create long term relationships; get help and suggestions. And the best part...we will hold each other accountable.# Answers from the Pros. Questions about business? Browse the Discussion Forum section and get answers from some of the best entrepreneurs found anywhere.# Your Own Blog. A blog is like a web journal or diary. Create a blog and share your story with other members. How did you get involved in business? What advice can you share from your experiences? We can all learn from each other whether we are business "rookies" or pros.# Your Own Photo Gallery. Do you have photos of your products or service? Share them with the group!# Member Reviews. Do you ever find yourself looking at a product or service and asking, "I wonder if this is worth the money?" Browse our growing database of business related products and services and see what other members have to say about them. Rate products you have used and share your information with others!# Video & Audio Chat & Teleconference! Participate in one of our many scheduled live voice chat sessions where you can talk, type, or just listen in and enjoy. We have many guest hosts that will lead lively real-time discussions on areas of business. These events are advertised on the calendar.This is just a list of one of many benefits available to Black Business Builder Members in just one category. We invite you to join us today! -For more information: http://www.BlackBusinessBuilders.comNational Black Business Trade Association - http://www.nbbta.org
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Free eBooks for Mothers of Color

In honor of my fellow mother's of color, for Mother's Day I would like to share several of my Mahogany Momma eGuides to the members of the Black Moms Club. You can download them now for free on BMC, or support the cause and purchase eGuides which are now on sale for only $1 on payloadz.com. Download your free copies today only on the Black Moms Club.Act now, this is a limited time offer. You can also view the other Mother's Day All May specials and new features on the Black Moms Club. mm_guide_0015_small.jpg mm_guide_0008_small.jpg mm_guide_0009_small.jpg mm_guide_0001_small.jpg mm_guide_0013_small.jpg mm_guide_0010_small.jpg The issues available for free download include: - Guide #15 - Seeking Support A Guide for Single Black Mothers This is a web guide for any single mom who is looking for programs,community groups, books, and other resources that aim to support single moms and children living in single parent households. - Guide #8 College In And Out This College Guide for Students of Color includes a College Focused Timeline for students from Junior High to High School Graduation,with an extensive listing Black College Life resources, books, sites & more. - Guide #9 Maternity Guide for Mocha Moms This guide was designed with new Black Moms in mind. It includes information about some of the best programs, books, sites, baby products, and resources for Pregnant Women of Color. - #1 Crafty Creations Find websites, books, and fellow Women of Color who enjoy Arts and Crafts (crocheting, knitting, scrapbooking, etc.) - Guide #MM Free Preview This free preview of Mahogany Momma distributed in print at the Harlem Book Fair 2007! - Guide #10 Proud Poppas This Guide Highlights Books, Movies, and Websites that feature and give tribute to Black Fathers and other Black Men who are phenomenal father figures within the Black Community. View all these Guides and Check out the Mahogany Momma eZine here: mom.msoyonline.com Brought to you by: Black Moms Club Share. Join. Connect today! Enjoy lhenry
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***********My 14th Sale gets 50% off***********See something you like? Take 50% off everything Or 20% off any custom items and its yours if you’re my 14th sale today!. Just send me a convo with requested items and i will Change you purchase price! I just know you will find something for you and yours. Talk to you soon!www.natashadesigns.etsy.com***********My 14th Sale gets 50% off***********
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Tips for healthy hair

Long, short, thick, thin and or chemically processed, you can have healthy hair. What is healthy hair? It is hair in optimal condition. EVEN hair having had some sort of chemical process which has changed the texture and or color can be healthy hair. It just needs attentive care. In order to have chemically processed healthy hair you must first be aware of the things you are ingesting, foods, vitamins and medications these all play a vital part in the health of the hair. No matter the combination of chemical processes you have chosen to do to have done, healthy hair begins with what you put into your body. Food, vitamins and even medications can determine the hairs health. Consulting with your physician and or dermatologist is a great way to determine if your hair is not healthy due to an internal problem.Taking care of your scalp is a very close second in acquiring and keeping healthy hair. Part of scalp care requires us to be informed about what is being used on the hair and scalp, from the chemical processes to the home maintenance, procedures, tools and products. Knowing our natural hair texture, coarse, fine, thick, thin, kinky, wavy, straight, the categories and combinations go on….. but consult with your stylist become knowledgeable of what is in the products you are using on your hair so you know what does and does not work for you hair type. After you have done this you then need to carefully choose your hair styling tools. Brushes and combs are not all the same there is a wide range and tools used on the wrong hair type can be killer for the hair, causing short stubby breakage, split ends or even worse, balding. But when you use the right tools you may find that spending hours styling your hair is a thing of the past. Healthy hair styles a lot easier you’ll find that it has memory and body, no matter the texture. Split ends are going to come even when you are doing everything right but they do not have to be the hair destroyer. Regular trims keep the split ends from running up the hair shaft and causing you to have to cut more off than desired. On healthy hair in excellent condition, 1/8th to ½ inch should be trimmed every other month. Styling tools and products don’t always have to be expensive to get the job done but don’t be afraid to spend a little more when the product or tools is hands down the best. Some styling products have money back guarantees and all electric styling tools should have warranties. I hope you have noticed the theme for healthy hair and that is to be informed.-B. beautiful, mind, body, spirit.
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The hold up

I've taken a major hit with everything going on with the economy and my love mobile being no more(R.I.P)...i'm trying to get back on my feet..trying to focus more on getting closer to God,being a good mother,and my art:)I know the Lord will bless me to move foward and be successful,i'm just thankful i have favor with God.Pz n Blessings.
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Goals

When I talk to teens about goals and positive thinking, many of them think that it’s corny to be concerned about their future in their teen years. They feel like this time in their life is about enjoying themselves and that they can worry about the future later. Of course, I agree that you should enjoy your youth but I also believe that it is never too late to start to think about what you want for your future. This is where goals come in.Setting goals is an excellent way to keep yourself motivated through hard times and goals also give you something to look forward to and work towards. Goals are personal, unique to you and what you want for your life. They should be realistic and achievable, and have timeframes, such as 6 months to a year (short-term) or 2-5 years (long-term). You should write down your goals and keep them in a place where you can see them everyday. Some people even create “dream boards”, where they post pictures or descriptions of the things that they want to achieve, and use it as motivation to keep moving forward when they want to quit. However you choose to display your goals, keep them close to you and try to move at least one step closer to reaching them every single day.Without goals, I really don’t know how I would have made it this far. I have spent so many days frustrated, wanting more for myself and not knowing what steps I needed to take to move forward. I knew I wanted more but it seemed like there was so much to do that I didn’t know where to start. When I started setting goals for myself, I was able to move forward with a clearer head and a plan for action. On the days when I wanted to walk in to work and quit, I remembered that I had a goal and I was able to put a smile on my face and deal with it.Whatever you choose to do, use your youth wisely, and to your advantage. Get started early making positive choices now and goals for your future. Work hard when you’re young so you will be able to retire early…trust me, your 40 year old self will thank you for it.Courtneywww.guideourgirls.ning.com
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Challenges of a WAHM

Many of us on this board are mothers who work out of our homes, which presents special challenges. This subject has been weighing on my mind this week, so I decided to write about it.I am a full time mom, and I am certainly blessed to be one. I used to be a teacher and a staff trainer in mathematics, so to finally stop taking care of other people's children and focus totally on my own was truly a relief!! Although some teachers do it, I can't imagine dealing with 20 children every day, then coming home and dealing with my own. Why work to pay someone else to raise my children while I raise someone else's. (And for those who don't think teachers have a large part in raising children - at least the good ones - has never been a teacher.)As much as I am glad to be home, it is not easy to run a business from your home with three little ones 5 and under puttering about. Plus, I'm that silly stay at home mom who doesn't depend on the TV to take care of the children and instead engages them in reading, crafts and the like. So to take the time to complete something during the day, whether it be computer work, formulating new recipes or whipping up orders - well, sometimes it's catch as catch can. I can hear them now, as I write, singing and chatting in their room.So how do I do it? I've gotten to the point where I have to schedule my work in 15 min segments and keep a notebook next to my computer so that I can write down any to-dos or next steps that I need to complete. Believe me, children have a way of interrupting you just as you were about to get the best idea. And it's not always frivolous stuff. My daughter is polite enough to let me know that she's about to use the bathroom, that she's finished using the bathroom, that she's flushed the toilet AND that she's washed her hands. How in the world can I run a business without these updates? She's better than the Bloomberg report!To all of your WAHMs out there, here's a list of what I do to keep sane. Note, this does not work all the time, as those creatures we call children are unpredictable, and on a bad day will do almost anything to get your attention (to learn more about their shenanigans, check out www.blackdomesticgoddess.com1. Make a to-do list the night before, after the children go to sleep. Mine hit the sack at 7 pm. (yes, they do!) This way you can recap the day and have a list in place before those angels jostle you out of sleep at 6 am the next morning.2. Keep a notepad or sticky notes by your computer at all times. That way, when the potty annoucements, requests for juice, or a loud commotion from the other room yanks you out of 15 businesswoman mode, you can (sort of) jump right in where you left off.3. Reach out for help: One time I just showed up on my mom's doorstep with a diaper bag and a desperate look. All I needed was to be away from them for 3 hours to get my head together!4. Remember - it's not that important. If the interruptions are too much, then just stop. If you try to continue and they continue to interrupt, it will just lead to frustration for you and for the little ones. Make a note to pick up where you left off after they go to bed. Some of you early birds may get up early, but I'm not one of that elite group. I'm a night owl. :)5. Take a break from the business. Schedule a weekday where you don't touch the computer until after they go to bed. It's hard, but it's worth it. They'll love the fact that you're looking at them instead of a computer and/or in my case whipping a bowl of shea butter. (Ok, honestly, I've checked my email on these days, but didn't respond until they were asleep. No, really, I didn't. Ok, maybe responded to one or two.....maybe three.)Above all have fun. Yes, we are all trying to grow our business, but remember why you stayed at home in the first place. I didn't leave my educators job to be a bath and body maker - I left it to take care of my children. In my mind, they come first right now.Thanks for reading!

CeeCee
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