1. What was the one thing that someone said or did for you that without a doubt positively changed or changed the course of your life?
2. How did you respond to it initially?
3. How long did it take for a positive change to be in effect?
   

Hello my family, I do hope that all have a relaxing weekend. I saw on the internet that Roots:Next Generation is going on sale today I believe. Some thirty years later, after the airing of Roots and Roots Generation how did those two television series affect your life?

I will share with you that I was raised in Georgia. My family did everything to shield us from the racism that they faced. However, they were not able to shield me from everything.

As a child, I don't remember my parents discussing anything that had to do with Africa.

I do remember my grandmother on my Father's side told me that she was born into slavery and told me how hard times were.

I really want to thank Alex Haley for exposing the honest truth about slavery. Yes, it was painful but at the same time the truth set me free.

Watching both movies made me feel very proud for the Haley family.. My intentions are to try to and find out what country in Africa I may have descended from by taking the saliva test.

What are your thoughts and views in regard to my post? Please share.

Greetings Friends,

As you may already know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Chances are you know of someone who has this disease or who has overcome it. Either way, we have all been touched by it in some way.

This year, 211,000 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer, the most common type among women, excluding skin cancer. Another 80,000 women will be diagnosed with a cancer of the reproductive organs. According to the American Cancer Society, one-third of all women will face a diagnosis of cancer in their lifetimes.

That is why as a woman, I feel compelled to do something and I graciously ask for your help and support. As a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant, I am partnering with the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation during the month of October to help support the fight against these cancers that affect women.

Between now and October 31^st, 15% of all sales of any Mary Kay fragrance you purchase with me will be donated to the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation. In recognition of your generosity, you will receive a $20 gift certificate from me towards any future Mary Kay products. Please remember, your donation is tax deductible.

Because I am committed to raise as much money as possible to help further the research needed to find a cure, I kindly ask for you to please consider helping. Visit here to learn more about the MKACF or click here to purchase your fragrance. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at NuImage@nuimage4u.com

Thank you for your time and have a blessed day!

Warmest Regards,

Tamyka Washington

www.nuimage4u.com

I have read the book Secrets of the Millionaire Mind by T. Harv Eker and I recommend this book to anyone and everyone who wants to gain wealth. His book is about changing the way you think about money.

Have you read it? If not, you should!!!!

I am on a brink of a break through, if anyone knows what that is like, then you know I am about to bust! God builds patience in us whether we like it or not. I am truely blessed I have nothing to complain about. I have a successful professional Salon, I just know I am suppose to be doing something BIGGER, WIDER, GRAND! Can U feel Me? I have seen myself in lights in front of thousands of people doing what I do best "run my mouth" all great and empowering things of course. Until that time though I will continue to work diligently and appreciate what He has given me! Can U feel Me?!

I am laying out a feast just for me

Prepared to my liking

Seasoned to my taste

Selfish, oh no

I am in need of this kind of love

The relaxation, this Calming Release

Honey Dipped and drizzled on my lips

Sweet Almond on my hips

Taking Passion Fruit from the bowl

After anointing my body with Island Love oil

I gathered salt just for me

Created with love from the sea

Sunflowers picked

As a born Flower Child I sit

Pouring a cool, herb infused drink

For me to enjoy

Laying out

Chasing the Sun

As I take in the essence of Mother’s Nature

I realize that I am an Earthen Vessel

Ready to be filled and poured and filled again

I am the soul within

And I am needing to be fed.

I am laying out a feast just for me

Prepared to my liking

Seasoned to my taste

Selfish, oh no

This is food for my soul.

-Soul Food Natural Bath & Body Shop

www.soulfoodproducts.com

www.myspace.com/soulfoodbathandbodyshop

In an age of increasing social and cultural diversity international perspectives on career development are more evident than ever before. With its strengthening economic structures and growing financial markets Sub-Saharan Africa is proving to be an ideal platform for this career development for individuals, particularly those within the Diaspora. However there is still currently a gap between the number of vacancies and international candidates ready to fill highly lucrative career roles in Africa.

As an international business, RSL management Services aims to bridge that gap through its executive search facility. RSL seeks to improve the perception of the African business community by placing highly trained individuals into executive positions throughout the continent. The need for economic growth and business development is crucial for the long term success of Africa's position in the global business arena. RSL believes that there is a need for the 'Brain Drain' dynamic to reach the core of African business and know that there are individuals in the UK and across Europe & the USA who are keen to be part of Africa's long term economic growth.

RSL currently recruits for 2 industries of Oil and finance within Sub-Saharan Africa. By assessing clients' needs and criteria RSL Management Services is able to use its strict selection methods to review some of the best professionals and graduates on its confidential database. By recognising the potential in these individuals, RSL hopes to increase awareness of the positive change that Africa is currently undergoing. There is a new dawn for change, individuals no longer have to look to the West for better jobs, Africa is now offering a brighter future on the horizon.

Ronke Lawal

info@rslmanagementservices.co.uk

www.rslmanagementservices.co.uk

Sensual, modern, feminine, beautiful, only a few of the words used to describe the Simone Williams collection. Ranging from cutting edge denim street wear to sophisticated evening wear the Simone Williams collection has something to suit every discerning and fashionable woman. Her unique creative vision and eye for beauty has led to a collection filled with stunning one off ready to wear pieces that create attention wherever worn.

Her summer/autumn 2006 collection has a feminine look and is inspired by vibrant yet delicate flowers and the iconic image of Marilyn Monroe in her white, halter neck dress. Her new summer range is a blend of classic cuts and 50’s silhouette dresses with leather waist belts and other modern details. Using fly away erratic hems and layering of chiffon, Simone’s dresses symbolises the petals on a flower in full bloom.

The 2007 Simone Williams collection, city desires is inspired by the tall city building structures which make up London’s vibrant city. This is reflected in the shapes and details of each garment whilst still retaining sexy charm.

There is something to suit every woman’s shape in this collection, which is a true celebration of femininity in the city.

The Simone Williams fashion label has been up and running since the summer of 2004 and is based in Hoxton, London. As a black British female establishing her unique vision in an already competitive market has been difficult but Simone is quick to encourage more African and Caribbean designers to break the mould and not follow the usual “urban” trend. “Haute Couture and high end fashion can be enjoyed not only in the upper echelons of the European community but also amongst the African and Caribbean Diaspora” states her Business partner, Ronke Lawal.

The Simone Williams label was showcased in the Kulture 2 Couture fashion event in association with The Mayor of London’s office and the V & A in November 2006. The label has also been featured in Touch Magazine, Total:Spec and Aspire amongst other publications. Worn by Helen McCroy (Harry Potter and Casanova) and Anya (Finalist: Make me a supermodel – C5) the label is gradually enjoying increased media and press exposure.

If you would like to arrange a meeting to view the next season’s collection please contact Simone Williams or Aderonke Lawal:

info@simonewilliams.co.uk / simonewilliams@fsmail.net

Many already established entrepreneurs have a flood of great ideas. These ideas come at any given time and can be found on notepads, scraps of paper, phone memos, or just kept in circulation in their minds. This is not the best place for your new moneymaking idea! The important thing is to have all your new venture ideas in one central location. So get organized!

Next it's time to understand in what order the project will be tackled. An idea means nothing if you never get to it. A note pad should not the place for your new profit-building idea to live and die. Once you have the thought, build on it!

So let's say you have these three great ideas. (Entrepreneurs usually don’t have just one idea - there are almost always multiple brilliant business ideas they are brainstorming about). Start by breaking each idea down:

• How is the idea profitable?
• What is the whole scope of what you are trying to do?
• What it is a possible cost?
• How long will it take to implement?
• Do you need investors?
  

These are important questions to ask because this will determine which idea should be tackled first. Once you've picked your first venture, research your business and put the information gathered into a business plan. Writing business plans can be a pain BUT, it will be important to have when investors start knocking! Remember to keep your business plan simple and factual.

Once the idea is established and the research is done, put the plan into action! There are many different ways to do this, but make sure your foundations (research, resources & business partners) are qualified and capable. It will save you time and money.

Good luck!

An article I wrote for http://www.diversetraveller.com/default.aspx

When my friend invited me to stay with her, while she was in Monaco for a business trip, I jumped at the chance. Casinos, celebrities, luxury and glamour all ran through my mind as I searched for the cheapest way to get there.

Monaco doesn't actually have an airport – it has a heliport though, a hint as to how small this country really is. The nearest airport to Monaco is Nice - the second biggest airport in France – one of the many useful facts I learnt about the region.

I arrived on a lovely October afternoon and inquired about the easiest way to get to Monaco from the airport, I learnt it was by coach, a service that runs every hour and takes about 50 minutes costing 15 Euros. (under 25s get a discount – 11 Euros). The coach dropped me off at the Columbus Hotel in Fontvielle, situated near the heliport and the Princess Grace Rose Garden.

As another friend was also joining us later that day, I decided to start my tour of Monaco by taking the train to meet her at the airport. There is only one train station in the world's second smallest country, and you can get there via carefully situated subway tunnels.

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My friends and I spent our first day in Monaco wandering around Fontvielle, the royal palace grounds and La Condamine (a lovely little shopping/café district). Fontvielle is a port area where many high fliers moor their huge yachts and private boats – it's a wonderful sight. There are a few great restaurants along the port that offer Italian and French cuisine as well as an English pub. Every Saturday there's a flea market at the port – with some glorious little treasures at quite reasonable prices.

We wandered up to the royal palace which is quite a trek, but well worth it. I wanted to have my photo taken with the guard, but he told me he wasn't allowed. Vielle Ville (the old town) is situated by the palace and its cobbled side streets make for a nice walking experience – there are plenty of ice cream shops and tourist gift shops as well an internet café. The Cathedral de Monaco was delightful and the bright sunshine made the architecture look even more commanding.

You can get some wonderful views of the entire country from the Jardin de St Martin. The weather in Monaco was idyllic; it was 26 degrees - in October! Having walked through the old town and taken more pictures than I could count, we decided to walk back down to La Condamine. During our stroll we discovered the most divine vintage clothes store – Chanel, Cavelli and Louis Vuitton – I wanted to buy the entire shop, but financial sense prevailed.

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The next day we went into the heart of Monaco - Monte Carlo. With its grand casino and gardens one would think that it's the capital of Monaco (which is Monaco-ville). It's a glorious part of town with luxury shops, hotels and gardens that are every tourist's dream. We decided not to go inside the Casino de Monte Carlo, however we did go inside the Café de Paris casino, which I found to be a dull experience, plus I bemused that people preferred to be in the dark when they could be basking in the sun. We quickly left and headed for the tranquillity of the Japanese garden – a quaint little spot influenced by Zen thinking.

Picture: Casino de Monaco. Source: Traveplaces.com

After a hard day touring we went to a little jazz bar named "Le Jazz" near La Condamine which had a happy hour from 5:30pm – 7:30pm. Its interior was plush and classy as one would expect and the music was a wonderful mix of classic soul and soft rock.

We decided against walking up to the Monte Carlo beach as the sun was beginning to set, so we went to The Champions Promenade near Larvotto beach. The guide book professed a walk full of the world's most famous footballers, so I was extremely excited at the prospect of seeing the footprints of Pelé and Zidane. The most famous player's footprints were Maradona's and Shevchenko's. There are about 12 prints and we took pictures of our feet in Maradona's "golden foot" prints.

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The final day of our trip was spent lazing by the pool and wandering along the port watching locals catch fish. I did manage to get up early enough to catch the changing of the guard at the palace, which takes place every day at 11:55am and is a treat for those die-hard monarchists.

Monaco is a true gem in Europe's crown and is well worth a visit – even if you are short of time, rest assured you can see most of this small country in less than 48 hours.

There seems to be a conspiracy for women in the singles scene, a mystery that not even Agatha Christie or Sherlock Holmes can solve. It's the mystery of the "Good Man". They say he exists, he's been written about and sung about for years, surely not every Hollywood romantic comedy and Mills & Boonä novel can be wrong. Somewhere out there for every woman there has to be that "Tall, Dark and Handsome" hero, yet for many women they just can't find that "good man".

So what is a "Good man"? Like many things in life this definition is subjective. My simple definition is a man who is confident in himself enough to respect humanity and celebrate the beauty of life. There are many elements that can encompass this – honesty, kindness, passion that we cannot forget, but these lead onto subjective tastes and attitudes. He is a man who is proud in his own skin and with that pride carries his integrity on his sleeve. With this I propose that the "good men" are all around us! To be good is not just about being able to buy your partner the most expensive gifts or raiding Kew Gardens every evening for the perfect bouquet of flowers (although that helps! J ). Anyone can do those things in practice but in principal their hearts and minds are not true.

So where is this elusive "good man" if he does exist?

He is out there but he won't come to you – you have to find each other. "That's obvious!" I hear you cry. But honestly how often do you go out with a sexy, CONFIDENT smile on your face, proud of your beauty and exuding your love for life. I'm not talking about going clubbing or to bars with the hope of meeting a "half decent bloke" – I'm talking about going everywhere with the INTENTION of meeting your "good man". There are so many barriers to that smile, that confidence, that beauty, that it's a wonder any woman can walk out with her head held high – The bad hair days, the fat days, the memories of those bad experiences we had with those guys that haunt us each and every time we meet someone new… I know it's hard to positive when there are just days you don't feel like the beauty queen that you are or when you hear another story about a guy mistreating a lady. But give it some time, let go of all those internal barriers and be comfortable and sure that you are just right the way you are. With that the "good man" (based on the definition I outlined above) will attract each other.

All good things take time and in the mean time might I suggest that we start to celebrate all of our men! Men are absolutely FANTASTIC! Look around you in your community – the bus driver that gets you to destination (after working 10 hours on the same route), your GP (who tries his best to make you feel healthy despite NHS cuts), the fathers and grandfathers who make you feel like a princess. Not forgetting our great men through history: Nelson Mandela, Albert Einstein and Gandhi. Be open to finding your "good man", he's just around the corner and he's searching for you too!

If you want to get out there more why not check out www.whosfordinner.com, http://www.zionone.com/, http://www.dinneranddrinks.co.uk/home/index.php and www.ukafro.com for new ways to meet those "good men".

Ronke Lawal

www.whosfordinner.com

Do you drink coffee?

How would you like to earn money while others drink coffee?

Did you know that Coffee is the #2 commodity in the world?

Interested in building generational wealth?

Contact me...I will tell you how

Hello Ladies,

Check out our new site. Drop by and promote your business.

The Professional Black Woman at www.theprofessionalblackwoman.ning.com

See ya there,

Deborah