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Collaborate Or Die!

Posted by Donna Maria Coles Johnson on May 24, 2008 at 10:29am

Partnering: Your Recipe For SuccessI've always been a social butterfly. I love meeting new people, and when I connect with someone with whom I have a lot in common, I can chat them up for hours.The other day, my Pastor (with whom I have also been friends for 20 years so we chat quite a bit) forwarded me an email message from someone he thought I'd love to meet. He knows me so well .... Two days later, yesterday, my husband and I were sitting across a lunch table from a man named John Easton (http://www.eastonsweb.com).John and I have a lot in common. Not only are we both parents and entrepreneurs, but we love to spin around new ideas and concepts. Over lunch, John, my husband and I shared ideas, hopes, dreams, philosophies, success stories and failures. We only reluctantly dragged ourselves away when it was time to pick our kids up from school!!Lunch with John reminded me of the importance of collaborating and partnering with others. There are formal ways to do this, such as when you enter into a formal partnership or joint venture arrangement with another company. In those cases, every t has to be crossed and every i dotted because how the expenses and profits will be distributed must be addressed in a formal sense.But you can also partner in informal ways, and this what John and I have decided to do. We are working towards starting a bloggers network in Charlotte, NC. We have both experienced the power of blogging and what it can do for your business first-hand. John calls himself a "blogging evangelist." We are going to find a place to host the first meeting, put together an agenda and contact our NC blogging community (including a popular radio talk show host who just launched a blog through his NPR syndicated talk show -- always good to invite the press to your event!) and see what happens.Our goals?1. Gain positive exposure for our businesses, and perhaps new clients.2. Expose our activities to members of the press.3. Stir up the blogging community to new heights and new opportunities.4. Have a few refreshments, take some pictures and have fun!It's not formal, it took a few minutes to dream up and the possibilities are endless for our business and personal lives.What about you?Have you collaborated with anyone lately? There may be some people right here in this group who are in your hometown. The virtual world is great, but remember to reach out and touch people physically too. The physical and virtual worlds must intersect in your business if you are to have maximum impact.For more small business success tips, click and subscribe to http://www.indiebusinessblog.com.

Author Ananda Leeke's Interview with Milton Bowens, Civil Arts Radio Host and Fine Artist in Oakland, CA

Posted by Ananda Kiamsha Madelyn Leeke on May 24, 2008 at 3:42am

Blessings All,On May 9, I was interviewed by Milton Bowens, a tremendous fine artist and radio talk host, on his Civil Arts Radio show in Oakland, California. Tune into the interview by clicking on this link:www.modavox.com/WTRStudioA/HostModaviewForWTR.aspx?HostId=305&ChannelId=14&Flag=1When you gain access to the web site, scroll down to the content library. Go to the May 9th date and click on Segment #1. You will need to click on Segment #2 and Segment #3 to hear all parts of the interview. Let me know what you think about the interview.Make sure that you check out Milton's other radio programs and his tremendous fine art on http://www.milton510.com/ and www.myspace.com/milton510. Watch a great video featuring Milton and his fine art: ww.youtube.com/watch?v=gD5yacEKFAs.Many thanks to Milton and Civil Arts Radio producer Anthony Ferebee for making the show happen.Peace and Creativity,Ananda

BAP Author Ananda Leeke Launches BAP Living Radio on June 1 @ 7pm

Posted by Ananda Kiamsha Madelyn Leeke on May 24, 2008 at 3:37am

BAP Living Radio launches first show for women of African descent who self-identify as Black American Princesses (BAPs) and Educated Black Women (EBW).May 23, 2008 - Washington, DC - BAP Author Ananda Kiamsha Madelyn Leeke will host the first episode of BAP Living Radio, a monthly Internet radio show, on June 1, 2008, at 7:00pm to 8:30pm (EST) on www.talkshoe.com/tc/18598. The show's theme is "Summer Savoir Faire for Your Finances, Fashion, Food, and Feelings." A guest panel featuring the following women will share their expertise on these topics:-Judyth T. Weathers, a financial advisor at Ameriprise Financial in Washington, DCwww.ameriprise.com-Karla Borders-Pope, a fashion/beauty/lifestyle writer and founder of Brown Girl Gumbo blog in Brooklyn, New Yorkwww.browngirlgumbo.blogspot.com-Erin Jahi, a chef and founder/owner of Trinity's Green Plate in Chicago, Illinoiswww.myspace.com/trinitysgreenplate-Dr. Yakini, a clinical psychologist and founder of Girly Home Webzine in Brooklyn, New Yorkhttp://girlyhomewebzine.comListeners will have an opportunity to ask the panelists questions and engage in a lively discussion. Before the program ends, listeners will be invited to participate in the What's On Your Mind segment which will give everyone a chance to talk about whatever they like including but not limited to new music, cultural events, and the new Sex and the City movie which premieres on May 30th. Visit www.talkshoe.com/tc/18598 to listen to the live broadcast.BAP Living Radio's second episode will air on July 6 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm. The theme is"Exploring the Best of Black Womanhood in Indie Music, Books, and Internet Media" (web sites, social networking sites, blogs, podcasts, radio and television shows, and YouTube videos). A guest panel featuring the following women will share their expertise on these topics:-Corynne Corbett, a blogger. writer, and founder of My Black Girl Site, a social networking site in New York, New Yorkhttp://www.myblackgirlsite.com-Shawna Renee Madison, a radio host/producer, blogger, and founder of Cocoa Mode in Washington, DChttp://cocoamode.blogspot.com-Monica McInyre, an independent musician (cellist), lyricist, vocalist, and creative director of the Black Women's Arts Festival in Philadelphia, Pennsylvaniawww.monicamcintyre.com and www.bwafphilly.org-Diane Williams, an author, radio host, founder/publisher of 22nd Century Press, and co-founder of Black Author Showcase social networking site in Upper Marlboro, Marylandwww.22ndCenturyPress.com, www.blackauthorshowcase.com, and http://blackauthors.ning.comBAP Living Radio affirms and supports the lives of women of African descent who self-identify as Black American Princesses (BAPs) and Educated Black Women (EBW). BAP Living Radio features programs that offer BAPs and EBW information about and a platform to discuss topics relevant to their lives. Topics of discussion include self-love, self-care, spirituality, health, finances, beauty, fashion, art, music, culture, films, travel adventures, fun events and activities, personal hobbies, books, magazines, education, community service, politics and news, careers, creativity, fitness, feminism, womanism, food, lifestyle, sexuality, relationships, family, green living, home decor, and entrepreneurialism.Leeke created BAP Living social networking site (http://baplivingforbapsandebw.ning.com)and BAP Living Radio in response to positive feedback from readers of her debut novel, Love's Troubadours - Karma: Book One. Love's Troubadours - Karma: Book One tells the story of Karma Francois, a thirtysomething California-born BoHo BAP (Bohemian Black American Princess) with Louisiana roots and urban debutante flair. The book shows how a woman uses therapy, yoga, meditation, art, music, poetry, and support from family and friends to confront the effects of her poor life choices and embrace a spiritual journey of healing and love. The book was published by iUniverse, Inc. and is available on Amazon.com, Barnesandnobles.com, Borders.com, Target.com, and Bookamillion.com.The novel was written to encourage self-discovery and healing, celebrate poetry and jazz, cultivate financial literacy, illustrate the diversity of loving relationships (straight, lesbian, and gay), emphasize the importance of yoga and meditation practice, and develop HIV/AIDS awareness. It was also written to celebrate Black history, art, culture, and music; Washington, DC neighborhoods such as U Street, Shaw, Adams Morgan and Dupont Circle; and the cultural connections that African Americans share with Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, and Latin America.Contact Information:Ananda Kiamsha Madelyn LeekeKiamsha.com, LLCkiamshaleeke@yahoo.comhttp://baplivingforbapsandebw.ning.comwww.talkshoe.com/tc/18598www.lovestroubadours.comwww.youtube.com/kiamshaleeke

Are You Really Providing A Better Life For Your Kids? The Financial Future of Your Kids starts at Home

Posted by Lori Nelson Lee on May 23, 2008 at 10:57pm

Years ago while working in the school system observing and interacting with elementary-age students, it became painfully clear that with each new generation kids were becoming more materialistic and brand conscience and less aware of basic concepts of money and its value. While it would be easy to single out the school systems and blame them for not teaching such concepts as saving, budgeting and overall money management, the blame here really starts at home.Why Kids Don’t Value MoneyIn an effort to provide “a better life” for your kids, many parents have provided (and in some cases, over provided) without counter balancing with lessons on the value of money. One 11 year-old boy reported that “If it’s something I really want, and I want it at that moment, I’ll just pay whatever price it is. I’m not patient enough to shop around.” Huh, I wonder where he gets that from. Kids watch as you retrieve money from ATM machines, push credit cards, and whip out checkbooks to support spending habits even when they just heard you announce that you “don’t have it to spend.” Experts agree that kids learn their spending habits by observing their parents, everyday. Therefore, kids are often left with a false understanding of the value of money, and usually lack respect for it. I once heard someone say “a person who doesn’t respect money won’t have it for long.”In 2000, children 12 years and under, directly and indirectly, influenced the household spending of over $600 billion annually…yes I said billion. That was 8 years ago. Meanwhile, corporations have continued to increase their focus on your kids, and in turn you have continued to be loyal consumers increasing their bottom line; often in the name of “providing a better life” for your child. While some of these expenses are legitimate use of income and smart buys, many are not.So here’s the self-reflecting question: If you are raising a generation of spenders, rather than savers, then are you really providing a better life for your kids? Are you truly preparing them for financial greatness…a better financial life, or are you inhibiting their financial growth by potentially setting them up for a debt-filled future that will be built on the foundation of bad credit and poor spending habits developed early in life?What Should You Be TeachingSuze Orman told O Magazine "Everyone takes parenting seriously. But while you're teaching your children moral lessons, you may fail to teach them financial lessons. Kids overhear you and your spouse arguing about money, and they feel your anxiety as you deal with the monthly expenses. Good parents are financially responsible parents. Good parents don't spend what they don't have, they save for retirement, and they teach their kids that it requires money to pay for the electricity that turns on the TV."While, this is not meant to be a bashing session of parents, it is however meant to be a wake-up call to parents. Charles Schwab & Co. recently did an online survey where they found that a whopping 70% of parents had taught their kids how to do laundry, but a meager 34% had shown them how to balance a checkbook. Surprisingly, I can relate to this survey. Although I remember having a savings account as a child, I was actually in college before a nice lady at my bank explained how a checking account differs from a savings account and the proper way to balance a checkbook. This happened only after I had attempted to write checks against money in the savings account. The bank assumed that I already knew, my parents assumed that the bank would explain, and I thought I knew it all. The lesson to be learned here is not to assume that your kids will learn money management skills out in the world.Taking into consideration the current economic situation with Americans at all income levels reviewing their spending habits, nearly 2 out of 3 consumers or 64% intend to reduce indulgent spending in 2008, according to a new survey by HSBC Bank USA. Four out of 5 want to increase the amount they save. Now is as good a time as any to start conducting these value-added conversations with your kids concerning money management. Teaching kids the importance and value of money is essential; teaching it at an early age is crucial to their financial future. And make no mistake, it is up to you to teach them and lead by example. It’s never too early to start teaching and demonstrating good money habits to your kids, providing the building blocks to make good financial decisions throughout their lives.Just remember, your efforts will be more effective if you practice what you preach. Generally, financially-savvy kids come from financially-savvy families. It’s like sending your child to church every Sunday while you stay home in bed. The lesson doesn’t go very far if it’s seen as more talk then action on mom and dad’s end. Susan Beacham, Co-Founder and CEO of Money Savvy Generation says, “Becoming money-savvy is not a passive activity. If we as parents want to raise money-savvy kids, then we will need to become much more proactive in giving our kids the financial skills that they need to succeed in the real world. Even if we as parents are not as financially-savvy as we need or want to be, we can still teach our children what they need to know, and perhaps learn a little ourselves in the process.”Where’s the AllowanceIn my workshops, I instruct kids to divide any money they receive into three categories; save 50% (in an interest-bearing savings account), donate 10% to church or charity, and they can use the remaining 40% for smart spending. Though this savings plan will need to be modified as children grow into young adults with bills and responsibilities, they will still be accustom to working with a solid savings plan, nonetheless.Despite the billions of dollars parents are spending on their kids annually, a surprisingly, 83% of parents don't give their kids allowances, according to a recent survey on Parenting's MomConnection. Think about it. You are teaching your kids that financial reward comes from doing nothing. An allowance, on the other hand, is the closest thing kids have to earned income. It teaches the concept of working for pay; and may even surface a new found respect for mom and dad’s hard earned money. Even 50 cents a week per year of your child's age ($2 a week for a 4-year-old, for instance) can be a great teaching tool.There is no set age limit to when a child can begin to receive an allowance; each matures differently. However, as a rule of thumb I usually say if a child knows the difference between a dime and a dollar, and they are a frequent user of “Mommy, can you buy me…”, or “Daddy, can you buy me”, then it’s time to start your financial education parenting plan in preparation for their financial future.Laying the FoundationDon’t worry if your kids don’t grasp the concepts right away. Like many things you teach your children, they may not understand the concepts or reasoning behind it at that time, but at least you laid the foundation for growth. Talk to them about their long-term and short-term savings goals – just be sure that they are age-appropriate for each child. Go through the household bills with the kids. Take them to the bank when you go to make deposits. Encourage other family members to participate in their financial education by contributing to their bank account instead of giving toys and clothes for every occasion.Money management doesn’t have to be a four letter word in your family. Help your kids start saving, investing, and budgeting their money from a young age and they'll always be ahead of the game.My Top 10 Financial Tips for Parents1. It’s never too early to start teaching and demonstrating good money habits to your kids.2. Lead by example. Generally financially-savvy kids come from financially-savvy families.3. Be consistent in maintaining your savings plan and assisting your kids with theirs.4. An allowance is a great teaching tool.5. Have your kids open a bank account and do away with the piggy bank.6. Talk at an age-appropriate level to your kids about family money management topics (i.e. bills, long-term savings goals, taxes, etc.).7. Encourage entrepreneurial activities by surrounding your child with books like Hillary’s BIG Business Adventure, games like Monopoly and PayDay, and movies like The Baby-Sitter Club (1995) to encourage their inner-entrepreneur.8. Encourage other family members to participate in your kid’s financial education by contributing to their bank account.9. Encourage your kid’s school to introduce money management and entrepreneurial programs to the students.10. Make it fun!- Lori Nelson, President of Nelson Publishing, LLC and the Author of Hillary’s BIG Business Adventure, which introduces elementary-aged children to basic business and financial concepts. www.Nelson-Publishing.com

October Fest Weekend Cruise 2008

Posted by Sonjia C. Gales, CAM, CAPS on May 23, 2008 at 10:20pm

October Fest Weekend Cruise 2008October Fest Cruise Details BahamasPricing Summary PassengerFare $229.00Taxes/Fees $38.16Fuel $21.00SurchargeTotal $19.95$308.11Grand Total:Discounts offered for four person occupancy cabins ( King and Queen Bed)The price includes cabin, food, virgin drinks, gym, golf deck, clubs, casino, pool, gamescruise entertainment, formal dinner gala and much moreWe leave October 9th Thursday and return October 12th Sunday. A weekend cruise to fit today's busy work schedule and in consideration to parents, no excuses.... Low cost, short drive to port or fly to Orlando roundtrip for $169. We may offer a charter pending confirmation June 6th. Charter quote is $148 per person round trip. Now that's $308.11 cruise with tax and fees plus + $169 max transport, total $477.00For those paying for the cruise only $308.11 and driving to Orlando may take advantage of our free night before cruise gathering, please book for the your special invitation. Contact Sonjia for more details. 404-246-3165 (8am - 8pm)Rates and ExcursionsCarnival Cruise LinesCarnival Sensation3 Night Bahamas CruiseDeparting on October 9, 2008Departure Port: Port Canaveral, Florida(Outside Orlando)Nassau, BahamasNassau City / Paradise Island Tour23.00 USD per person GROUP TOUR PLANNED IN THE BAHAMASTravel along historic Bay Street, through the heart of the shopping district. After a visit to Fort Charlotte and its underground network of dungeons, it is off to Fort Fincastle and the Queen's Staircase providing a beautiful panoramic view of the ship, Paradise Island and the downtown area. A short drive through Paradise Island will take us to the new and exciting resort of Atlantis.. For those wishing to venture into the casino and try their luck, the tour will end here and taxis are available at a minimal rate. For those who wish to return to the ship, the tour will stop for 15-20 minutes and then return to town.Number of people: (16 approx.)Pasted from SEE ………..WWW.EliteChoice.GlobalTravel.comGET READY!! GET READY!!GET READY!!

Pretty

Posted by Tyese on May 23, 2008 at 2:45pm

Girl, you so prettyGot nice hair, hangin long and flowing in the windComplexion so clear and gorgeous, flawless skinYour dimples so deep and placed just right, the one on the left the same size as the rightThat smile can make a man weak, fall to his knees and lick you so deepYou got it goin on with them pretty legs, so nice and thickThey for sure will get a rise out of any mans dickThose beautiful eyes like hazel nut brown, dancing on your face and bouncing aroundGirl you so pretty, I know you hear it all the timeBut if your really listen, this is whats really on their mind………You’re pretty but…..It wouldn’t hurt to shed a few poundsYour waist is too thickAnd your butt ain’t roundIts flat to your back all the way straight downYour thighs cause friction cause they touch meat to meatNo air can get between to cool the moisture and heatNo complaints now on that once flabby, roll after roll bellySince the nip and tuck it no longer shakes like jellyYou’re pretty but…..It wouldn’t hurt to shed a few poundsSlim down your face, its just to roundYour chin is doubled and neck too thickYour back is wide, a size small, girl you will never fitYou have rolls on your back and a few more right there on the sideIf you get any bigger, you’ll have to wear a double wideAnd those arms of yours, what more can I sayYou cant possibly think they look sexy that wayGirl don’t mind them, don’t listen to a word they….Cause the way I see it, your pretty any got damn way!!

Late Spring Cleaning

Posted by Michaela on May 23, 2008 at 2:31pm

Last night I decided to take new pictures of my handbags. Allot of the pictures that are posted on my store are very poor quality. I have been waiting for my husband to take better pictures for me, but he is a very busy man.I initially wanted to take them outside, set them on our patio table and take outdoor shots of them. Unfortunately, it was rainy and cold and just plain ugly last night. I pulled the multiple boxes up from the basement and walked them to the second floor of our townhouse. I slowly pulled out each style and took pictures of just about all the bags I had.I sat a few bags aside, because I hadn't given them a name yet. These are bags that I created on a whim. They are truly one of a kind bags.In my attemp at starting a business, I decided that it be best to sell them as is and stick with the basic designs that I have right now. There is nothing wrong with these bags. They are made with the same standards of all the bags that I am keeping in my "line". They are just bags that right now, I don't think will be a good seller. You can be the judge of that. Stop by my store and let me know what you think of some of the "Sample" bags I have up for sale.Stop by soon because these bags are priced to sale and may not last long in the store.

Emotional Vampires

Posted by Courtney R. Franklin on May 23, 2008 at 1:00pm

We’ve all seen the movies where the vampire sucks the blood from the necks of the humans, but did you know that there is such a thing as an emotional vampire? You probably won’t see them on the big screen, but there is a good chance that there is at least one of them starring in the movie of your life.An emotional vampire sucks the energy out of you with as much greed as Blade will suck for blood. With their constant negativity, bad mouthing others and general unhappiness you’ll notice that you start to act and feel negatively when your around one of them. You can very easily tell who is the vampire in your life, if after you’ve been around them you feel drained, depressed, angry or all of the above. The more time you spend around these people the worse you’ll feel about yourself and your situation. Their energy rubs off on you and once you become one of them it is very hard to go back.I know how people like this can affect you because I was friends with one of them for almost ten years. Nothing was ever good enough for her and was rude to almost everyone she met. She constantly bragged about her bank accounts and her new Louis Vuitton bags. She put other people down because it made her feel better about herself. She tried so hard to make people believe that she was on top of the world, but deep down inside, she was lonely, sad and depressed. It was very draining to have to listen to her complaining all the time and one day I had enough. For my own good, I had to cut her off. I felt bad for her because I knew she was hurting on the inside, but it came to a point where I had to care more about myself and the way her negativity was affecting me.As young men and women, it is especially important to surround yourself with positive people who are trying to do something with themselves and their lives. Too many young people end up in negative situations because of the people they choose to spend time with. Make the choice today to end relationships that have a negative affect on you. You will feel better about yourself on the inside, and you will be able to start on a new path with a clearer head and a more positive outlook.Courtneywww.guideourgirls.ning.com

INVENTORY CLOSE-OUT SALE

Posted by karen brown on May 23, 2008 at 7:20am

Hello Ladies,I am cleaning out all of my pink and silver Mary Kay stock and replacing it with the NEW pink and black line. You benefit because I am selling everything for 10% off the regular price! Oh my God! Don't wait to get what you need next week or next month, get it now from me. Order online at www.marykay.com/karen-brownIt is so easy to order and you will have your products in no time. If you are out of the Los Angeles area...I offer FREE shipping to anywhere in the U.S. You CAN'T lose with this deal.ORDER TODAY!!

BBWO Member Businesses Added to Search Urban Directory

Posted by LaShanda Henry on May 23, 2008 at 7:03am

Black Business Women Online is a growing networking site for women of color mainly because of the amazing members on the group. In recognition of my BBWO members, I will regularly select members who have submitted their sites for FREE Inclusion in the Search Urban Directory. Search Urban is the Black Directory featured on Multiple Shades of You Online. In addition to being featured on msoy, SU sites related to hair, beauty, cosmetics, or fashion are also featured on Blackhairopedia.com. Here are some of the latest BBWO Member sites added to the Search Urban Directory. I will continue to regularly add more member sites as they are submitted. If you are a member click here to submit a site, everyone is free to join BBWO and network.

HerCareer Press HerCareer Press can help you attain your dream of being a published auth... Rating: 5

bnurtured bnurtured offers a fabulous collection of specialty whipped body butters... Rating: 4

Pure Romance by Nirvana Pure Romance is an in-home party plan for adult women. I sell relationsh... Rating: 5

Dudley Products Cosmetics Dudley offers the best Cosmetics, Hair Products, Spa Items, and Skin Car... Rating: 4

neosoul.essentials - natural bath and body Natural bath and body products..handmade! Rating: 5

The Adventist Times The Adventist Times is an online christian ma... Rating: 4

Kingdom Builder Magazine Kingdom Builder Magazine is an online Christian magazine dedicated to em... Rating: 4

To view all sites featured on msoy visit: The Search Urban Black Websites Directory and Blackhairopedia.com - The Black Hair Directory

Multiple Streams of Income

Posted by Tracey on May 23, 2008 at 5:31am

I have joined a forum called Earn 1K A Day. I am excited about the forum and the people inside. I am sure you have heard you hang out with people doing what you want to do. Just being there I realize that I need to have multiple streams of income. My virtual assistance business plus I have started to do affiliate marketing. The thirty day challenge pre season starts June 1. 2008 and the regular season starts August 1. 2008. I feel with the challenge and the forum and my perseverance I will be successful. They say if you never give up there is no failure. I am sure there will be some challenges but I will use the feedback and continue on. I am committed to living life on my own terms. Working from home with my virtual assistance business and other online businesses, loving, raising and homeschooling my daughter and living my dreams is what I deserve. I will settle for nothing less, no more regrets. I suggest you don't settle either.Here is a favorite quote that is credited to:W.H. MurraySource: The Scottish Himalayan ExpeditionUntil one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness concerning all acts of initiative and creation.There is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans; that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too.All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen events, meetings and material assistance which no one could have dreamed would have come their way.I have learned a deep respect for one of Goethe's couplets: "Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now!"Believe Believe Believe Believe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Have A Great Day

YBR Beauty Pick: Mineral Indulgence Beauty Line

Posted by Alecia D. on May 23, 2008 at 5:20am

In today's environmentally safe and health conscious world it's hard to escape all of the new research and information available on living a greener life. While it is important to focus on the impact toxins have on our earth, it's equally important to focus on the impact they have on our beauty.Let's face it, "We are what we eat and what we put on our skin", says master herbalist and natural health guru, Ashia P. "Toxic chemicals in our food and body care products are now found in everything from toothpaste to dish washing detergent. The health and beauty industry is not monitored by the government to make sure that they are not producing toxic products for consumer use. Therefore it is important for consumers to be proactive and aware of the dangers that lurk from within!"That's where Mineral Indulgence comes in. Mineral Indulgence is a beauty line that specializes in products that are less chemically based, certified organic, and all around good for our hair, skin, and body! I just ordered a bottle of the Shea & Cocoa Butter Hair Creme and the Honey Avocado Moisturizing Facial Soap. I'll be sure to let you know how it goes!Check out more blogging here!

New Product Alert: Bumble And Bumble Creme De Coco Mask

Posted by Leanne on May 22, 2008 at 11:59pm

It is no secret that I am a Bumble And Bumble fanatic. Nothing works as well on my hair as their conditioners. I recently returned to the Alojoba conditioner because its the only one that gives my hair slip after months of roots poking through. De-tangling with this product is like cutting frozen butter with a hot knife. It makes the perfect leave-In because keeps my tresses hydrated all day.read moreI can stretch my touch-up time for months with their entire line.Source Source

I need your Feedback for Majestique!

Posted by Charna on May 22, 2008 at 10:00pm

If you have experienced Majestique's products first hand... please click the button below and complete this survey to help us grow!!! Thanks for all of your continued support!

you can have this to

Posted by vilma on May 22, 2008 at 9:44pm

We work with a lot of great companies and corporations as Hispanic Chamber of Washington D.C., NIKON, Airtrafic Control Association, Prince George County Chamber of Commerce, York county Chamber of Commerce, JW Marriott and Marriott Wardman Park in Washington DC just to name a few. If you would need a reference I would be more than happy to provide it for you.Of course, we are insured and guarantee for all the work we do. If you have any upcoming event we would be more that happy to bid on it or just to help to decorate. Even on short notice we deliver high quality! Any location! Business is woman/minority owned and operated.Please, find attached some pictures from the events. If you have any questions or concerns, please, don't hesitate to contact me via e-mail or call my cell. I will be glad to assist you.Also, Holidays like Valentines day and Easter is coming and I believe everybody has an event. Now would be the right time to start planing it. If you will have any celebrations or business functions, please, let us help you to enjoy it!I would love to come in and discuss opportunity to take care of all your events throughout the course of the year. Just let me know what time would be the best for you.Some great ideas for your holiday celebration! Just wanted to let you know that we have decor package specials going on NOV-JAN :66"/">

Where Is The $744 Billion Dollar Black Consumer Market

Posted by Jim Neusom on May 22, 2008 at 4:12pm

Greetings Family,(Contact Information At Bottom Of Page)It's your friendly neighborhood "Digital Drummer" again (smile)Everybody knows that the first step to starting a business is creating a Business Plan. An essential component to any Business Plan is comprehensive and targeted market research and demographics.It's not good enough to just know the ABC's of your own company, but the big question of any Investor, Banker, Distributor or Strategic Partner is...Who is your consumer and why are they going to purchase your products or services???Good marketing data and statistical demographics will answer these questions. But where do you find this information? Ken Smikle, President of Target Market News (www.targetmarketnews.com), has brought together eleven of the top research companies in the nation for his MAAX Summit (see below).If you never attend the conference, I recommend you put all the participants in your favorites (see links below). Whether you’re a start-up or an established company, I think we all want to know where the $744 Billion dollar black consumer market is, and how we can tap into it.Remember, We Must Share The Knowledge (Network)...To Share The Dollars!!!Peace and Gods Blessings,Jim Neusom***************(Advertisement)*********************Need some great ideas for corporate or personal gift-giving?Then go to City Lights Software(http://www.citylightssoftware.com )and see some of the most unique afrocentric gifts available online!We Deliver ONLINE - Direct To Your Desktop for just $14.95Please take the time to purchase one our afrocentric screen savers TODAY!Don't Just Talk the Talk...Let Your Dollars Walk the WalkIf you have any problems with purchasing online contact me direct at sales@citylightssoftware.com or call (213) 944-4176******************************************************Eleven new African-American research studies to be unveiled at MAAX Summithttp://www.targetmarketnews.com/storyid05210802.htm(May 21, 2008) New data and trends covering the $744 billion black consumer market will be presented by eleven of the nation's leading research companies at the Ninth Annual Marketing to African Americans with Excellence (MAAX) Summit in Chicago, June 30th - July 1st.The MAAX Summit, presented by Target Market News, brings together some 200 marketing, advertising, media and research professionals each year to hear and discuss research findings and developments in the African-American market. This will be the first public unveiling of many of these studies, and all of them are exclusively focused on African Americans.. "This Summit is the most comprehensive examination of African American consumers and their enormous impact on the nation's economy," said Ken Smikle, president of Target Market News. "Given the current political, economic and social trends taking place in the nation, it is critically important for all business professionals to take into consideration what these studies will reveal."Among the research companies that will share new findings and statistics at the MAAX Summit are Arbitron (www.arbitron.com), Burrell Communications (www.burrell.com), Yankelovich (www.yankelovich.com), GlobalHue (www.globalhue.com), NSights Worldwide (www.nsightsworldwide.com), Radio One (www.radio-one.com), The Media Audit (www.themediaaudit.com), Media Economics Group (www.media-economics.com), Nia Enterprises (www.niaenterprises.com), The Nielsen Co. (www.nielsen.com), R.L. Polk (www.polk.com), Starcom MediaVest Group (www.smvgroup.com), and the U.S. Census Bureau (www.census.gov).The research studies examine African-American consumers and these topics:- Consumer Expenditures- Media Usage- Corporate & Industry Ad Spending- Consumer Behavior- Population Trends & Projections- Consumer Buying Power- Market Segmentation- Consumer Demographics- Consumer PsychographicsThe studies also examine how African-American consumer impact such areas as advertising, the Internet, digital media, radio, television, print, the automotive and retail industries.All attendees at the MAAX Summit will hard copies of the research studies or excerpts from the presentations.For further information about the MAAX Summit and the third annual MAAX Awards ceremony, click here or call 312-408-1881.***************(Advertisement)*********************Looking For More Exposure, Want To Help A Good Cause, Need Money???Come on over to www.freshfaces2u.com and register to win $10,000 dollars CASH!At Fresh Faces2u it's NOT about how you look...But Who You Are!Join us in our mission to change the image of women in the mediaSign Up Today At Fresh Faces2u.com**********************************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 )

Check that moisturizer...Is there Mineral Oil, Petrolatum or Paraffin in it??? If so, toss it!

Posted by Eddie on May 22, 2008 at 4:00pm

Mineral oil is a common ingredient in commercial lotions, creams, and baby care products. Mineral oil is clear liquid oil that will not spoil and has no scent. It is produced as a byproduct of the distillation of gasoline from crude oil. Mineral oil is the left over liquid, and because it is abundant, it is very inexpensive. In fact, it is more expensive to dispose of mineral oil, then to purchase it.The problem is that mineral oil is foreign to the human body and has many harmful effects, especially in infants. Mineral oil acts as a thin layer over the skin. It is difficult to absorb and clogs the pores, which slows the skin's ability to eliminate toxins.Remember, the skin is the body's largest organ and plays an important role in overall health. Once the oil is absorbed, it is broken down by the liver and broken down by the intestinal tract, it will absorb all of the fat soluble vitamins found there. It is essentially stealing vitamins from the body which the body can't replace. This can eventually lead to nutrients deficiencies. Studies have also shown forms of pneumonia caused by mineral oil, decreasing the lung functionMy moisturizers not only do NOT contain mineral oil...they are ALL natural and can be used in the youngest hair as well as the body. Sweet Natura by Eddie Moisturizers

Inspired and Excited by BBWO

Posted by Tamara on May 22, 2008 at 2:58pm

I recently joined BBWO and Iam very excited to see so many sisters sharing and promoting one another.It always makes me happy when I see people of color working together especially us women. I have been telling everyone I know about this site since I happened upon it. I have been inspired already and learned a few things in the short time that I have been a member. If you couldn't tell I am very glad to be a part of this network.

Wealth Manifestation

Posted by Ankhara Hunte on May 22, 2008 at 2:42pm

Greetings beloved Brother-Kings and Sister-QueensMy path is to facilitate healing and one of the things which I have been working with is the impact of 500 years of enslavement and our failure to have carried out the spiritual work to heal our minds, our emotional bodies, our soul matrix our DNA, our cells which each have their own intelligence and our whole physical body.I think that one of the reasons so many of us have financial issues despite a wealth of talent and creative abilities,is that having been bought and sold like sacks of flour, at a subconsious level we have an abhorrence of commerce. I notice that its often the poorest amongst us that will spend money most foolishly. It's as if we cannot bear to hold money in our hands and need to spend it as quickly as possible. It's as if we think "Well I have so little anyway, why bother to try and save any of it ". One thing for sure is that when we don't respect the energy of money it doesn't respect us. It should be neither feared nor revered. We provide work for SO MANY through the music industry alone yet in the main, we are not the owners, managers and directors in the whole chain of music production. Essentially we still have a servant money mentality. Massa is the one who owns and we provide the labour. I am of Barbadian heritage and I see this in the Caribbean. We own SO FEW of the hotels or major tourist activity sites. Sometimes the money from tourism in Barbados isn't even banked in Barbados.We are often poor because we belive we don't deserve, we don't want the responsibility of money and subconsciously we don't want to be associated with an energy which kept us in bondage and utter degradation for five hundred years. Certainly our culture was originally and fundamentally barter based so at another level there is an in built resitence. However at present we are doing neither - not setting up bartering arrangements nor entering fully into commerce at the right level in the right way. At a group level we have not yet done the healing which will enable us to trust each other again and invest our money together in business. We betrayed each other so often to massa and many an uprising was quashed because someone told Massa. The programming has gone deep and it will take a programme, a consciously put together spiritual technology to undo it.We are also often blocked to the flow of money on a spiritual level, refusing to live a spirit-centred life and bring our gifts to community. Christianity has robbed us of the path back to an Afrikan sprituality. Meditation, divination, clairvoyance, telepathy etc are seen as evil as opposed to our natural mather-father-God originated gifts. One of the gifts of a lack of financial flow ( if we can recognise the gift) is it forces us to be at home and with ourselves. In this space we can if we choose confront who we are becoming since we are not out there in the world wearing the mask of our false self and pretending to be who we aren't. We can if we choose engage with our true spiritual selves. My experience is when we choose to do this, the creator sends forth a wealth of ideas, opportunities and connections to take us to another level of being.. if we choose.One of our great challenges is to live in divine harmony which means living as spiritual beings in a physical world. For some of us the concept of being wealthy when so many of us are starving is repugnant and we push notions of wealth away from us. For me wealth is an energy which like all energy can be used for the greatest good of all or for negativity. My issue used to be the belief that becoming wealthy would require a huge focus which would take me off balance and out of my spiritual evolution. Wrong thinking. Once in alignment with ones divine purpose the creation of wealth can actually take one more deeply and strongly into one's spirituality. The west is profoundly materialistic and it is easy to get caught up in get rich quick unethical, exploitative money making ventures. We are daily faced with making ethical choices and being open to financial abundance is no different. We will need to make ethical choices about where we invest money. Those companies who operate in unethical ways and exploit the vulnerable should be avoided in order not to take on the challenging kharma they no doubt will have drawn to themselves.The key is to focus on one's divine purpose and to manifest the resources financial and otherwise that you want to fulfill that task in joy, peace and bliss.Please email me if you are interested in attending a "Create Financial Flow Now!" workshop. Discounts for groups of 10 or more.Infinite love, peace and blessingsAnkhara

Where are YOU on NING.COM?

Posted by Alive Inc & ALIVE Magazine on May 22, 2008 at 2:22pm

Networking. The exchange of information, the establishment and building of relationships. We are all members of at least one social online network. We join different groups for different reasons. Someone you may be seeking the same network.Please share the groups to which you have membership.Group Name:Purpose:Link to Join:

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.