Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Money Matters: Ways to Make Savings A Habit

Ways to Make Saving a Habit
by Andrea Coombes

What's your excuse? When it comes to the sorry state of our finances, we've all got one.


Maybe your raise at work never materialized, or you charged that unexpected car-repair bill -- or that plasma TV -- to your credit card. Whatever the reason, for many of us, personal balance sheets could look better. Half of U.S. workers report less than $25,000 in savings.


Even if you've saved more, is it enough to sustain you through a decades-long retirement?


Sure, plenty of consumers now are easing back on spending, thanks to sticker shock at the grocery store and gas station. But soon enough retailers and restaurants will be pushing hard-to-resist "recession deals" -- will you be able to restrain yourself? And, what happens to your budget-minded ways when the economy recovers?


It's time to shake off the "consumer" mantle that politicians and economists are so happy to drape around our shoulders. Resist their calls for consumers to save the economy, and resist the advertisements enveloping us in the idea that we need more and more things.


The only thing most of us need more of is financial security. A lot more.


How to get there? Think thrift. For some, it's a familiar idea. For others, thrift implies denial and deprivation, and that makes for a tough call-to-arms.


So, how to save money without scrimping, be thrifty without feeling miserly -- and maintain those habits after our economy picks up speed?


It won't be easy. Expect discomfort, says Kathleen Gurney, a psychologist and chief executive of Financial Psychology Corp. Keep going, even when it's uncomfortable -- the rewards are worth it, and once this economic slowdown ends, you'll have financial habits in place to support you for a lifetime.


1. Spend less time feeling poor. Flipping through catalogs and going to the mall will make you feel like you need things, Ms. Gurney notes. Sure, you can afford some of that stuff, but the main message is: Most of this is out of your reach. Instead, do things that offer a sense of well-being. Invite friends over. Walk in the park.


2. Retrain your brain. Depriving ourselves of current pleasure is nigh impossible if we're not driven by a sense that the future will be more fulfilling, says Ms. Gurney. When you start to feel that "I'm deserving so I'm buying" feeling, visualize a smaller credit-card bill or higher savings-account balance.


3. Look around you. Are you happy with what your hard-earned dollars bought? If not, shift your spending to those things that bring greater long-term satisfaction, including retirement savings.


4. Choose your extravagances. Here's mine: I eat out about once a week. An extravagance I do without: Cable television.


5. Assess weaknesses. "If you were thrifty, how would you look different?" says Gary Buffone, a financial psychologist in Jacksonville, Fla. Identify what you want to change; then shoot for specific targets, such as a six-month hold on buying new tech gadgets.


6. Make trade-offs. Substitute small, free pleasures for those that cost. Have a movie night at home with friends -- you'd be surprised how many people are equally eager to cut costs.


7. Set goals. Meet weekly with family to discuss the spending plan (don't call it a budget) for the months and years ahead. This may involve tough choices, such as forsaking a family vacation. But think of the guilt-free trip you can take after saving the necessary cash. Good memories last longer, Ms. Gurney notes, when not trammeled by large credit-card bills.


8. Resist your children. They're going to find it hard to change their expectations. How can you help? Stand firm. The next time they clamor for the latest videogame, remind them of the bigger prize (that family vacation), and tell them their choices here and now are, say, a picnic or a movie rental. Offer options, but don't give in to their push for more consumer goods.


9. Enlist other people. Many people are reticent to talk about money worries, but almost everyone has them, so open up and tap your allies. Hold a contest with friends to see who can save the most in a month, or agree with your spouse to talk before spending more than $100, Mr. Buffone suggests.


10. Post it. Remind yourself by putting post-it notes on your wallet, mirror or steering wheel with the mantra of your choosing: "I want to go to Hawaii in January." "I want to pay off credit-card debt."


11. Automate it. Divert money monthly from your checking account to savings. It will force you to budget, based on what's left in your checking account.


12. Rethink rewards. What are some of your happiest memories? Those are the true rewards. Next time you're about to buy something because you deserve it, ask yourself whether there isn't something you deserve more, such as time at home cooking with your teenager, or a stroll with your husband or best friend.


"We've been conditioned to think that spending the money on clothes, at a restaurant, is going to be the reward," Ms. Gurney says. "But what is the ultimate reward that we want from working hard, in the end?"

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Q&A of the Week: America's Next Top PLUS Model?



photo credit:CW


Whitney is America's Next Top Model, but will she be America's next top PLUS model? Since winning Cycle 10 of the popular CW show, her size has been listed in various magazines as somewhere between a 10 and 14.


Do you think this was just a clever scheme on the part of Tyra Banks et al. to jump on what some consider a "trend"? Does Whitney represent you as a plus size woman?

Weekly Motivation: 05.25.08


And I'm proud to be an American,
where at least I know I'm free.
And I won't forget the men [and women] who died,
who gave that right to me.
~Lee Greenwood

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Weekly Motivation 05.18.08




When the world says, "Give up,"
Hope whispers, "Try it one more time."
~Author Unknown


Artwork Credit: "Garden of Hope" by Kim Parker

Friday, May 16, 2008

A Plus Size Movement: Taking It To The Streets

Back in March, we introduced you to Miss Chanel Clark, the founder of the Miss NYC Plus Pageant, and her mission to have plus models featured on the runways of New York City's Fashion Week. You can click here to read the article.

After collecting numerous signatures with her online petition, Miss Clark is now taking the movement to the next level and is organizing a rally that will be held this September during Fashion Week.


Says Miss Clark in a bulletin posted today:

Come join us during Fashion Week, and celebrate your curves, "Big Apple" style by marching down Fashion Avenue to make a stand for the full-figured! We will NOT be bashing the skinny models and/or the designers. This is a peaceful but fun rally. All organizations (out-of-state are welcomed), plus models and supporters are urged to participate!


Only serious inquiries... Please email contact info for upcoming interest meeting to: VOLUNTEER@MISSNYCPLUS.COM.



Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Hot Spot: Plus Academy Open House (NYC)

The Winter/Spring session of The Plus Academy has ended. Selected participants of this session got an opportunity to model in an in-store fashion show celebrating the grand re-opening of Lane Bryant in the Green Acres mall in Long Island, NY.....The models had a blast and we were happy to be able to give them an opportunity to showcase their newly acquired and/or recently perfected runway skills.


The Plus Academy is New York's leading Curvy Lifestyle and Training/Development program for aspiring plus models and women. Our workshops are taught by recognized leaders in the fashion and beauty industry. The success of the individuals who have taken classes at The Plus Academy is a great testimony to what we provide. These individuals can be seen EVERYWHERE (televised morning shows, store ads, local and nationally televised runway shows, magazine ads, internet advertisements and more).
If you are interested in plus modeling or need help with fashion, beauty or lifestyle issues associated with the curvy lifestyle, we invite you to attend the Open House for the Summer session of The Plus Academy. Bring a copy of this email and receive a 10% on the spot discount if you register for classes at the Open House.
So, grab your curvy girlfriends, dress up for the paparazzi, and come see what The Plus Academy has to offer.
You'll be glad you did!
RSVP with an email to: paopenhouse@dseventsinc.com.

Hot Spot: The Art of Curves Meet & Greet (NYC)

The Art of Curves® cordially invites you to an Evening of Glamour & Style.
May 17, 2008
CLUB RUNWAY
4 East 28th street
New York,NY
6pm - 9pm

FREE ADMITTANCE
We are hosting a Networking & Pre-registration Event for the Art of Curves Model® Training program and show. This event will be a catalyst for aspiring/professional plus models and designers to meet with Industry Professionals. Also photos & comp cards will be collected for consideration in the 2nd annual Art of Curves® fashion event.

To RSVP, please send your responses to info@theartofcurves.com.

About The Art of Curves®The Art of Curves® is a Movement. We are a company dedicated to showcasing the works of up and coming designers as well as the development of aspiring models in the plus size fashion industry. Our staff of industry professionals looks to change the perception of plus size women in the main stream. We exemplify all things curvy in the fashion industry. Our movement works to show the fashion, entertainment and media, genres that beauty, talent and artistry are not one dimensional. We work to represent the multiple levels of plus size fashion. The measure of ones beauty, does not ride on the measurement of a waist band.

The Art of Curves®: WHERE SIZE CHANGES THE FACE OF FASHION.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

The Secrets of Choosing Flattering Plus Size Bathing Suits

Land's End Tunic Swimsuit $82.50By Cindy Wydan

Do you plan to buy a beautiful plus size bathing suit that you fall in love with but wonder if it is a right choice?
Have you ever purchased a swimsuit online but later found out you had chosen the wrong size and it did not fit you?
Long time ago, when girls and boys ran around and played at the beach, plus size women sat and watched the fun these youngsters had. Now more and more designers enter to the market specially making plus size swimsuits for our women to participate and have fun. Self conscious women who used to hide themselves behind long skirts at the beach can now tease and appease in their flattering full figure swimsuits.





While selecting your bathing suit, ask yourself some questions:

1- Do you know your body measurements (torso length/ bust/ waist/ hips)? Plus size bathing suit manufacturers/designers have their own size charts and they can be different. For instance, size 12 measurements of designer A are equivalent to designer B's size 14.

2- Do you look at the swimsuit sizing chart and compare it to your own measurement? Do not just rely on sizing itself because if your clothes size is 14, it will not be the same as size 14 in swimwear. And size 12 in the USA is equal to size 14 in the UK /or in Australia.

The above factors are quite important and you should know them before buying a swimsuit on the internet because they will save you from a hassle of returning or exchanging.

3- Do you know your shape: triangle (narrow shoulders/ large hips); diverted triangle (opposite to triangle); rectangular (broad shoulders/ no waist and large hips); hour glass (broad shoulders/ large bust/ small waist / large hips)?

4- What plus size swimsuit styles/designs would suit your shape? There are one piece plus size bathing suits, two piece tankinis, skirtinis and swimdresses on the market for full figured women. Usually, you will get some advice (from a good swimwear website) about which style would flatter your body as long as you know which shape you belong to.

5- Think about what styles of swimsuit tops that suit your bust? There are plus size swimsuits with under wire bras which can form up your bust or soft padded bras that can support the cups. These give an advantage to you with your gentle curves heightened and the attention is diverted from a single part of the body. Your overall look will side track the attention of the onlookers.

6- What is your personal attitude and level of comfort? Your attitude and feeling of comfort is quite important to your appearance and clothing sense. If you are one of bold & beautiful type and want to show off your curves, choose plus size bathing suits with deep neck and deep back cut. A boy leg cut plus size swimsuit or a swimdress would be a choice for a shy and modest woman.

Finally, when you shop for a plus size bathing suit, think in terms of other accessories will go with it and be practical. Maybe a kaftan or a beach hat to wear together with the swimsuit will give it a perfect look.

___________________________________________________________________
Provided by Cindy Wydan from Curvysea Plus Size Swimwear - The collection of flattering and tummy control plus size bathing suits, visit www.curveysea.com.

Article Source: Ezinearticles.com


Also be sure to check out these websites for some great plus size swimsuits:


Land's End: Mix and match dozens of tops and bottoms in wonderful bright colors: perfect for those who are different sizes on top and bottom.


Avenue: Super sexy styles, including some hot metallics in sizes up to 32W.


Junonia: For the active plus woman, Junonia has swimsuits that are functional and sexy.

Monday, May 12, 2008

The Reading Room: 05.12.08

Some posts & sites we think you will enjoy as much as we did!
-Team Belle-Noir

It's Fashion Week at YMIB.com. From spotlighting models of Color, to showing love to the magazines that feature fashions for REAL women of Color (hint: you'll have to go across the pond to find it), YMIB.com is showing us how beautiful fashion for women of Color can truly be.

In honor of Mother's Day, Clutch Magazine brings us the poem Mother2Son by author, poet and activist Kevin Powell.

Beauty.Fashion.Life. spotlights one of the summers hottest trends and how everyone--yes, even women with curves--can rock it RIGHT!

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Belle-Noir Magazine Summer Reading Series

Calling all authors and publishers!

Do you have a new book that has recently debuted, or is set to debut over the summer? If so, why not have it featured in the Belle-Noir Magazine Summer Reading Series? Brand new for Summer '08, the Summer Reading Series will consist of book reviews, suggested reading lists, and interviews with some of your favorite authors, as well as some up and coming authors preparing to set the literary world on fire! Fiction, Non-fiction, Chick-lit, memoirs, romance novels, how-to-books, etc.: we want to hear from YOU!

Email us at editor@belle-noir.com for more information. Looking forward to hearing from you soon, and be sure to check out the debut of the Summer Reading Series starting July 1, 2008!

Weekly Motivation 05.11.08

"A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people,
promptly announces she never did care for pie.
"
~ Tenneva Jordan
Happy Mother's Day to all of the mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, aunties, sisterfriends, and all women who make a difference in this world every day. You are appreciated. :)

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Carol's Daughter From the Comfort of Your Home...

Carol's Daughter is setting to make its debut on Home Shopping Network. Starting with a 15 minute segment today during their 8:00pm and 9:00pm EST, Founder Lisa Price will feature some of your favorite Carol's Daughter products throughout the weekend.




For those who are not familiar with Carol's Daughter and her products that are made especially for people of Color, please check out her website and be sure to check her out on HSN this weekend.