tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2926041867485543462024-02-21T02:03:23.710-05:00Belle Noir Magazine | Big. Beautiful. You.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07036060317719982127noreply@blogger.comBlogger551125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292604186748554346.post-15313893414313500382013-02-26T07:00:00.000-05:002013-02-26T07:30:41.126-05:00The Frugal Files: 5 Ways to Your Stockpile <br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Welcome to The Frugal Files!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Many
people ask me why I’m an Extreme Couponer. Well, I don’t really consider myself
extreme, but I coupon because I want to save my family money on food and the
things we use at home. If you found a way to save money in your pockets </span>wouldn't<span style="font-family: inherit;"> you keep doing it? Exactly!! One of the ways to make sure I save money
is to stock those items, so my family </span>doesn't<span style="font-family: inherit;"> have pay more in the long run.
How, you ask? It’s easy. Have a stockpile. I know that’s pretty easy to say,
but is it easy to do? Of course it is!! Here’s how:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5xDjbEK9LV6t9cQLSK95VdywYM6qVt_5GcBYy06RKPDXnc3KF5rmarxH2WKlFdprZOVDA-fX4PV4K0Yksrp6Y2rJpgUZ5ezEzSy6OB-52AENi2soSxt25pOsdAl9WFxOMpZsWG-va6Cg/s1600/stockpile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5xDjbEK9LV6t9cQLSK95VdywYM6qVt_5GcBYy06RKPDXnc3KF5rmarxH2WKlFdprZOVDA-fX4PV4K0Yksrp6Y2rJpgUZ5ezEzSy6OB-52AENi2soSxt25pOsdAl9WFxOMpZsWG-va6Cg/s200/stockpile.jpg" width="200" /></a>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Investigate:</span></b>
Sit down with your family and write down the things that you use and eat most
and how much. Brands don’t matter because with couponing, you’ll find
stockpiling what’s on sale is best. Once you have your numbers, be on the cycle
look out for your items. Based on your family size, ask yourself how much you
want to have on hand. A good rule of thumb is to set aside about six months’
worth of food and 12-24 months’ worth of household and personal items.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;"> </span></b></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Build:</span></b>
Start by watching the sales and gathering your corresponding coupons for the
items on your list. Choose 1-2 items weekly to stock. Sales come around in
cycles, usually every 8-12 weeks, so organize your coupon binders and be ready
to jump on the sale when it comes. This is the longest part of the process and
can take about 3-9 months to get it where you feel it’s a comfortable
stockpile. The idea is that you have enough to last you through the season or
until the next sales cycle.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Organize:</span></b>
Arrange your items neatly as you get them, preferably on shelves so you can see
them clearly. If you have extra cabinets or shelves, great, if not, you may
have to get some shelves and put them up in your basement or storage area. For
those with large families wanting to create a large stockpile, consider investing
in a deep freezer. You will need it (or two). Separate your sections for food,
personal items, toiletries, household items, medicines and pet items. Put like
items together and move those things you bought first, to the front so they get
used first.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Manage:
</span></b>Develop a system to keep track of what you have, whether you keep a checklist
or use a dry erase board or chalkboard. The key is teaching your family to
update the number when they take items out of the pantry or deep freezer.
You’ll want to know everything you have at all times, which includes the
quantity and their expiration dates. When your items get close to expiring and
you know you’re not going to use them, consider donating to family, friends or
a local pantry. You don’t want to lose your savings by letting things go to
waste.</span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Replenish:
</span></b><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">Even when you have a nice stockpile going and you’re able to “shop” in your own
store, don’t let it die. When those sales come back around and are “stockpile
prices”, jump in an grab a couple of those deals, to keep your stockpile up and
running. Keep a list of stockpiling prices in your coupon binder. This way when
you come across the right price, you can stock up then, saving hundreds of
dollars in the long run.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">What ideas do you have for stockpiling? Let’s chat!!</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Frugalicious </b></span><b><i>Diva</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b>Connect with me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Frugalicious-Diva/216567788413440">Facebook</a></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b>Connect with me on Twitter at @FrugaliciousDva</b></i></span></div>
Frugalicious Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773427468403672114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292604186748554346.post-11741407231529632442013-02-08T18:58:00.001-05:002013-02-09T13:47:50.296-05:00Fearless Fridays: Worry Less, Accept More, Part 2<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://bellenoirmag.blogspot.com/2013/02/fearless-fridays-worry-less-accept-more.html" target="_blank">Last week</a>, I talked about my experience of being delayed at Tampa International Airport and how my patience got me through the situation. As I wrote <a href="http://bellenoirmag.blogspot.com/2013/02/fearless-fridays-worry-less-accept-more.html" target="_blank">last week</a>, my mantra in life going forward is to <b><i><u>worry less, accept more</u></i></b>. That outlook on life goes hand in hand with so many things we deal with on a daily basis. One of the biggest challenges many of us face come from others in our lives. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-IKdK6Qeem_H64mx3yLxWz9CQhtjozb35ToPqA1VfJV0_AHmnF5eP64rFqja2Rpn8HUY1WwqUPDlw-EIZZ8GZ9lPhyYAeesP9uDLj46fI5TLMa6nzfyZAZH62ZoAu_VlrwOi_8KYYzKY/s1600/Worry-less-Smile-More.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-IKdK6Qeem_H64mx3yLxWz9CQhtjozb35ToPqA1VfJV0_AHmnF5eP64rFqja2Rpn8HUY1WwqUPDlw-EIZZ8GZ9lPhyYAeesP9uDLj46fI5TLMa6nzfyZAZH62ZoAu_VlrwOi_8KYYzKY/s200/Worry-less-Smile-More.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the biggest lessons I have learned in life is that people will only disappoint you if you let them. If we accept people at face value, then there are no surprises. A person will always show you who they are. It is up to you to see their true selves. Many of us make excuses for others when they wrong us. But at the end of the day, we always have a choice. We can choose whether to deal with them or not. A big part of worrying less and accepting more comes from how we feel about ourselves. It always comes back to YOU. If you know your worth and are confident, you won’t worry about what others are doing. You will accept that everyone has their own path to walk and that things will fall into place, as they are meant to.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_gaZwepvjX9cwDTVcul71IfFeQD6uX0qYWjNF6hUPfwvXCxJuxpQ92xejAb9EtUJ61lkyUcBcVQ5_37DYCPtbLjjaJs8mkfN0UgX1TgFVe1ZmcfdwmfC9UprCLqcrPIryA1zMzBV61M/s1600/cat_confidence.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_gaZwepvjX9cwDTVcul71IfFeQD6uX0qYWjNF6hUPfwvXCxJuxpQ92xejAb9EtUJ61lkyUcBcVQ5_37DYCPtbLjjaJs8mkfN0UgX1TgFVe1ZmcfdwmfC9UprCLqcrPIryA1zMzBV61M/s200/cat_confidence.gif" width="175" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the most important lessons my dad ever taught me was the importance of confidence. He always told me that people will not take you seriously and will think that they can take advantage of you if they feel you are not confident in who you are. In his opinion, lack of confidence shows weakness and there are people out there who will use that to their benefit. See? It’s like that saying, “If you can’t love yourself, how are you going to love someone else?” Or be loved back, for that matter. You don’t even know what love is if you don’t have it for yourself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having confidence means showing the world that you are proud to be you. It’s as if you are celebrating who you are. It’s a party wherever you go because you are happy to be you. When you know your worth and value to the world, you will settle for nothing. You certainly won’t stand for mistreatment. You will not let people into your life who will bring you down. When you’re confident, you make better decisions and stand by them. You’re not afraid to fail because you are confident to know that while this may not have worked out, it doesn’t mean giving up entirely.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBhAS35a6fxHW_TQCGqBewVgUl6-gnOythr9Xi-0xYF393T-2UcaAJoMnB4Txt1yzYQt0RbzAHqum7NoTkVjfykdC8G1P70Nd2-6x_fkQCb_Z-ilpqV2MkawpEDcsCz34p45uUeNnmguo/s1600/love_yourself_klp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBhAS35a6fxHW_TQCGqBewVgUl6-gnOythr9Xi-0xYF393T-2UcaAJoMnB4Txt1yzYQt0RbzAHqum7NoTkVjfykdC8G1P70Nd2-6x_fkQCb_Z-ilpqV2MkawpEDcsCz34p45uUeNnmguo/s200/love_yourself_klp.jpg" width="183" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Confidence is not an easy thing for some. We all have moments of low confidence. It happens. We’re all human. But my dad also told me that in moments of low confidence, you have to <b><i>“fake it ‘til you make it”</i></b>. Because how you carry yourself is how people see you. And that is what you will attract back into your life. Moments of low confidence do not mean you are not confident. It just means you’re having a moment. What matters is what you do next. You can pick yourself up and try again or you can give up. Again, it’s all up to you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The little things like how you stand, how you walk and how you speak say a lot about who you are. Confident people stand up straight and are not afraid to look at someone in the eyes. They walk with their head up high and smile on their faces. They speak in a tone which commands attention and respect. When you speak low, almost to a whisper and can’t look someone in the eyes when speaking to them, that’s telling the other person that you don’t believe in what you’re expressing. That other person is not going to be affected by anything you’ve said.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Improve your body language and you will improve your relationships and life. And even when you are not feeling as confident as usual, still play the part. Stand straight, head high and keep it moving. I always call it my runway walk. Even when I am feeling lousy, once I start doing my runway walk, it makes me feel better and it reminds me of my greatness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Always remember that there is only one you in the world. There is no one else like you. Think of how powerful that is. You are you. And you were made this way for a reason. No one is going to love you as much as you love yourself. No one can validate you as much as you validate yourself. So stop worrying about what others think or say. Accept that they feel that way but that, that is not who you are. You are beautiful, smart, talented, caring and you are just YOU. </span></div>
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<br />Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10991966416879530369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292604186748554346.post-68035357320139494202013-02-01T08:00:00.000-05:002013-02-01T08:00:03.888-05:00Fearless Fridays: Worry Less, Accept More, Part 1<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.” ~ Lao Tzu</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am writing this as I sit in Tampa International Airport, trying to catch a flight back home to New York. This is Day #2. Yes, you read right. I was here yesterday, which was my original return flight date. I ended up spending 10 hours at the airport. My flight was canceled due to mechanical problems and the flights after that were delayed hours due to weather in the Northeast. I went from being on a 10:15am flight to a 5:30pm flight, which got delayed to 8pm. After that, I decided to stay the night and try again tomorrow. So here I am.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Going through this experience really tested my patience. And it made me see that I am a patient person. I always thought I was impatient but now I see that really it was just me having moments of impatience. Overall I am a patient person. I think that my patience comes from the positive mindset I always set out to have. It’s something I work on daily. Sometimes it is not easy but as I keep trying on a daily basis, it becomes easier because it becomes a habit. That’s what growth in life is all about. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of my recent life goals has been to <u><b>worry less and accept more</b></u>. That is my mantra, which I repeat to myself when I am in situations such as this one at the airport. I think that goes hand in hand with patience. When you worry less and accept more, you are building your patience. That’s growth in a nutshell. Just as we strive to build relationships with people, we have to build one with ourselves. One of the ways to build that relationship with yourself is to make better choices when handling tough situations. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we worry about something, it affects our mood and our mindset. And I kept telling myself as I watched people get angry and yell at the gate agents, “Why get angry? It will not change the fact that the flight is delayed.” It takes so much energy to be angry, frustrated, and worrisome. I made the choice to not get angry over something beyond my control. Instead, I was patient. I didn’t worry. I had to wait it out and see what happens. It’s all any of us can do, when you think of it. As my dad used to always say, “It is what it is.” My father was a big believer in accepting things and people as they are and not dwelling on the disappointments and setbacks. You learn the lesson and then keep moving. Moving forward…</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sometimes all it takes is taking a moment, being still and putting things in perspective. Once you do that, it is so much easier to accept the situation and not freak out. For me, it helps to breathe and do some sort of meditation. Some people laugh at me when I say that but real talk, it works. Our minds can become so cluttered with everything going on around us. Sometimes it pays to be still and just clear your mind so you can see things clearer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now when I say “meditation”, I don’t mean that I got on the floor right there in the middle of the airport, sat cross-legged and started humming. I just sat in a corner and focused on my breathing. I took deep breaths and relaxed myself. Then I thought about my situation and the options. I then said to myself, “It is what it is. I can wait or I can go and try again tomorrow.” I ended up waiting all day but then coming back the next day. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmh4u3C9LW2NPcA1x-wyO2SvwkVv70FfAeSVyvNJvl7m7eZKPPKHE8rN00IhfGUF221K6gjOIG4teOIg56ERaQ-uVqtrehgiu-8AXrWOdZTOyXjmTpB6W52JZry-NrKzcRXpynY3wTXWA/s1600/acceptance2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmh4u3C9LW2NPcA1x-wyO2SvwkVv70FfAeSVyvNJvl7m7eZKPPKHE8rN00IhfGUF221K6gjOIG4teOIg56ERaQ-uVqtrehgiu-8AXrWOdZTOyXjmTpB6W52JZry-NrKzcRXpynY3wTXWA/s200/acceptance2.png" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My flight today was scheduled to depart at 10:15am but is now delayed until 10:40am. I’m calm, smiling and in good spirits. If I can’t get on a flight today, it’s okay. Everything happens for a reason. Who knew I could experience growth from sitting in an airport? I sure didn’t. I am pretty proud of myself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>Special note</u></b>: My flight ended up departing at 10:45am and I am home! After an exhausting two days, I am happy to be home. But I don’t regret what happened because I passed another test on my patience with flying colors. Remember, you always have a choice, down to how you view a situation. You can look at it with a positive perspective or you can look at it negatively. The choice is yours and the right one will change your life for the better.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>The keys to patience are acceptance and faith. Accept things as they are, and look realistically at the world around you. Have faith in yourself and in the direction you have chosen. ~ Ralph Marston </i></b></span></div>
Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10991966416879530369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292604186748554346.post-85359733822865931762013-01-30T08:00:00.000-05:002013-01-30T08:00:05.835-05:00Forgotten Woman Series: Plus Size Shopping Tips for the New Year<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy New Year my Beautiful sisters! We’re almost a month into a brand new year and it is said that 13 is a lucky number. I say, let’s channel that energy into our shopping and looking fabulous all year round. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As someone who is a size 26/28, I know that it can be frustrating to shop for fabulous pieces because some retailers, boutiques and designers don’t offer clothing past a size 22/24. Hence the title “Forgotten Woman”, which is the name I thought of when thinking of myself and others who feel excluded from these businesses when it comes to shopping. We feel forgotten and passed over. Just because we are above a size 24 does not mean we don’t want to look fabulous too. Well, all is not lost. Here’s some tips to help make your shopping experience a better one and yes, even at some of those retailers who only go up to a size 22. You’d be surprised.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>Tip #1: Know your measurements and carry a tape measure in your purse while shopping.</u></b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Dc-ExLaLdOhyphenhyphenuS7IJWG-94q9SJOxgyZ_f8uZ0b4tJvGwSmrBFisFoa96iPEruuWBv450YsLYFtzLjpBfD7dHQRjsauN3qWeDIg90YXt17JeIMP10e1lV4Ap2pfIvxRjDqSy-EJMukTY/s1600/torrid+luxe+jeans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Dc-ExLaLdOhyphenhyphenuS7IJWG-94q9SJOxgyZ_f8uZ0b4tJvGwSmrBFisFoa96iPEruuWBv450YsLYFtzLjpBfD7dHQRjsauN3qWeDIg90YXt17JeIMP10e1lV4Ap2pfIvxRjDqSy-EJMukTY/s200/torrid+luxe+jeans.jpg" width="112" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Torrid Luxe Jeans<br />$39.95</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don’t be a slave to the size on the tag. It’s all about measurements and fabric, which I will go into later. I cannot stress how important it is to know your measurements. The basics are bust, waist, hips and the inseam of your legs. I also think it is important to know the width of your calves (important when buying boots) and the width of your upper arms (important when buying jackets) . Many retailers list measurements for their items online and it can help you gauge if the item will fit you regardless of size. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sizing is all over the place in the world of plus size fashion. For example, I wear a 28 in jeans. However, in Lane Bryant, I cannot fit into their 28s. At Avenue, I wear a 26. At Old Navy, I wear a 30. I never thought I’d fit into a pair of jeans at Torrid because their denim brand typically runs small and only goes up to a 26 with some jeans going up to 28 (online only). Then one day, the salesgirl convinced me to try on a pair of their <a href="http://www.torrid.com/torrid/DenimBoutique/ShopAllDenim//Torrid+Denim+-+Luxe+Black+Slim+Bootleg+Denim-517850.jsp" target="_blank">Torrid Luxe jeans</a> in a 26. THEY FIT. She explained that the fabric was more than 5% spandex (the norm in jeans) and there was more width in the knee area.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrVuISH7VatyvJwj2TSwDV3vVeZDZE4RRu7wNw-qqtyJ1NAwiMS_Ec6uq5Zm71GLojNCUB_04YnSFKL1-jEbZcsdr993QeoZrwChvAKh_7DMxOPR-kFvGL48vq8ImgQRjIjmphbpWxW38/s1600/asos+skirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrVuISH7VatyvJwj2TSwDV3vVeZDZE4RRu7wNw-qqtyJ1NAwiMS_Ec6uq5Zm71GLojNCUB_04YnSFKL1-jEbZcsdr993QeoZrwChvAKh_7DMxOPR-kFvGL48vq8ImgQRjIjmphbpWxW38/s200/asos+skirt.jpg" width="156" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ASOS Pencil Skirt, $31.57</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During my personal journey of finding fashionable clothes that fit me well, I learned to not focus on the sizes too much. Because again, it’s all about measurements and the amount of stretch the item has. Here’s another example: <a href="http://us.asos.com/Women-Curve-Size/ydg5y/?cid=9577" target="_blank">ASOS’ Curve line</a> goes up to a size 22. Yet, I have read online in a few reviews that their <a href="http://us.asos.com/ASOS-CURVE-Pencil-Skirt-in-Baroque-Chain-Print/ywjlm/?iid=2517552&cid=9577&Rf900=1573&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Multi&mporgp=L0FTT1MtQ3VydmUvQVNPUy1DVVJWRS1QZW5jaWwtU2tpcnQtaW4tQmFyb3F1ZS1DaGFpbi1QcmludC9Qcm9kLw.." target="_blank">pencil skirt in Baroque Chain Print</a> will fit someone a size 28 because of the cut and stretch of fabric. I also have heard from many ladies that <a href="http://www.citychiconline.com/" target="_blank">City Chic</a> and <a href="http://www.simplybe.com/" target="_blank">Simply Be</a> run big as well. I think that is attributed to these two being non-US companies (<a href="http://www.citychiconline.com/" target="_blank">City Chic</a> is in Australia and <a href="http://www.simplybe.com/" target="_blank">Simply Be</a> is in the UK) where sizing is different than here in the US. <a href="http://us.asos.com/Women-Curve-Size/ydg5y/?cid=9577" target="_blank">ASOS</a> is based in the UK as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>Tip #2: Know your fabrics and what works well for your body type.</u></b> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you’re a plus size woman, I believe it’s important to know about fabric. I love to feel fabric and will stand there in the store, stretching it and seeing if it is a workable fabric. Fabrics like jersey, lycra, spandex, and polyester have stretch. Always check to see if an item contains spandex in it because that will increase the stretch factor.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpLZpYJoCU6dTy2z_7IYj4-P2l5OAxxj5OuNQeBtksEwAwv_sajPK4Moz7-eGk1yEVW53nXh2v9ScO7esXoLxHQnp8qbCleYu3v0DiIOTwocwzUr5FwcAIO1jEOhz1CuIfLjQfi988L-s/s1600/cn5454197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpLZpYJoCU6dTy2z_7IYj4-P2l5OAxxj5OuNQeBtksEwAwv_sajPK4Moz7-eGk1yEVW53nXh2v9ScO7esXoLxHQnp8qbCleYu3v0DiIOTwocwzUr5FwcAIO1jEOhz1CuIfLjQfi988L-s/s200/cn5454197.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Navy 3/4 Sleeve Striped Dress<br />XXL, on sale for $12.97</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For example, <a href="http://www.target.com/c/plus-size-women/-/N-5ouvj#?lnk=gnav_women_1_32&intc=736560|null" target="_blank">Target</a> goes up to a size 4, which is the equivalent of 26/28. However, the fit depends on the fabric. If there is no stretch, the 4 will not fit as well and might not fit at all, depending on how big your upper arms are and your hips. Case in point, <a href="http://www.target.com/c/plus-size-women/-/N-5ouvj#?lnk=gnav_women_1_32&intc=736560|null" target="_blank">Target</a> had these great sweater leggings in junior sizes, up to a XXL. I know someone who is a 26/28 and fit in the XXL because of the stretch of the fabric. They have since sold out to which I am still bummed about because I did not get a pair.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have heard that some of <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/division.do?cid=5585" target="_blank">Old Navy</a>’s clothing in XXL will accommodate someone who is a 22/24 or even a 26/28, depending on the stretch. So it pays to look at fabric content. Don’t dismiss it just because of the size.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>Tip #3: Know your body type and what silhouettes look best for your body type.</u></b> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-sj093mWs4UYMGYEH7zks32Mzz8tmf7MSNLVCvzi86w32jI6gv2M97WuVIf2_xvPgM1Vcvx3lQLa0wyKavyEllO20ks9rt7aqJl-h8Y_oYmiuo0Rh-KlevHoP3hbeCcvcDBkPakQ0OX0/s1600/igigi+pg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-sj093mWs4UYMGYEH7zks32Mzz8tmf7MSNLVCvzi86w32jI6gv2M97WuVIf2_xvPgM1Vcvx3lQLa0wyKavyEllO20ks9rt7aqJl-h8Y_oYmiuo0Rh-KlevHoP3hbeCcvcDBkPakQ0OX0/s200/igigi+pg.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Igigi item pg showing body types</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Knowing your body type is key. Every plus size woman has a different body. That’s why it is such a challenge for retailers to really get the cut and fit right for plus size clothing. Some of us have a defined waist, which is known as an hourglass shape. Some of us carry more weight on top and some of us carry more weight in our hips and butt. Some of us have long torsos and no defined waists. Some of us have more in the tummy area and some of us have short legs or arms. Knowing your body and where you carry your weight is so important in finding what styles look best on your body. <a href="http://www.igigi.com/" target="_blank">Igigi</a> has a great tool called <a href="http://www.igigi.com/igigiscustom/shape/landing/?linkid=topmenu" target="_blank">Shape Stylist</a>, where you can find out your shape by answering a few questions. In all the descriptions of their items online, the body shape the item would look best on is always stated. It’s a great way to know what would look best on your body type.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>Tip #4: Try on clothing, if you can.</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know it’s a pain in the butt to try on clothing and a lot of us don’t even want to go there. But honestly, it’s worth it. Just because something looks good on a hanger does not mean it will look good on you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just make sure you wear clothing and shoes that you can easily slip on and off. If you are going dress shopping, bring your shapewear with you and wear the bra you plan to wear with the dress. Shapewear and the right bra will make a difference in how the dress will look on you in the dressing room.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>Tip #5: Read reviews on websites for items you like.</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To me, one of the greatest things created in the retail world (or any website for that matter) are customer reviews. You can find out a lot of information on fit and how an item holds up by reading the reviews. My favorite ones are on <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/division.do?cid=5585" target="_blank">Old Navy</a>. Those customers really let you know how fit are and don’t hold back. I also rely a lot on word of mouth as well. If you visit retailer’s Facebook pages, you can see comments posted by customers. I also joined a few plus size shopping related groups on Facebook where women share their opinions on clothing they have bought.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>Tip: #6: Invest in some must-have pieces to keep in your closet.</u></b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeAEA-OmJtGIKyI9qq1nZRI8xBU5DNiRo4XobttYuOcQn0ZuBL6O4QPfjFvXDhIOQs-0Rcy7mq5Yu_N9GmEdv1LGMNct5oW5zWFbWaUu8X_g1TLuCiwLlFSOqEwa8qMMnuEk8yKGvYQYg/s1600/LB+belt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeAEA-OmJtGIKyI9qq1nZRI8xBU5DNiRo4XobttYuOcQn0ZuBL6O4QPfjFvXDhIOQs-0Rcy7mq5Yu_N9GmEdv1LGMNct5oW5zWFbWaUu8X_g1TLuCiwLlFSOqEwa8qMMnuEk8yKGvYQYg/s200/LB+belt.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bow Stretch Belt<br />Lane Bryant Outlet<br />$29.99</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love to create outfits reusing pieces in different ways. One of the ways to help with that is to have a few must-haves in my closet such as a wide belt, a skinny belt, some blazers and leggings. Many times I will see a dress I love but it will be too short for my liking. Does that mean I have to pass on it? Certainly not! I just wear leggings or skinny jeans under it with some pretty flats or peep-toes. I have gotten some great belts at <a href="http://www.torrid.com/torrid/Accessories/Belts.jsp" target="_blank">Torrid</a> (up to a size 4). I hear <a href="http://www.catofashions.com/plus-sizes" target="_blank">Cato</a> and <a href="http://outlet.lanebryant.com/" target="_blank">Lane Bryant Outlet</a> are other great places to find some nice belts. As for leggings, <a href="http://www.walmart.com/browse/women039;s-plus/all-bottoms/5438_133195_593004?_refineresult=true&ic=14_0&path=0%3A5438&povid=cat133195-env201020-moduleB052412-lLinkLHNShopbyCategory6Pants_Leggings&facet=category%3ALeggings%7C%7Ccategory%3APants" target="_blank">Walmart</a>, <a href="http://www.swakdesigns.com/plus-size/c-118-plus-size-bottoms.aspx" target="_blank">Sealed With A Kiss Designs</a> and <a href="http://www.avenue.com/Plus-Size-Knit-Pants-and-Leggings.aspx?DeptId=21185" target="_blank">Avenue </a>all carry great leggings up to a 4X/30/32. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope these tips will inspire you to get out there and explore your style. You should never let your size hold you back from expressing yourself through fashion. We all want to look fabulous in our own way. And when you look good, you feel good too. It's a new year so let's have a new shopping attitude. Happy shopping!</span><br />
Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10991966416879530369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292604186748554346.post-25521786287224324902013-01-25T18:15:00.003-05:002013-01-25T18:15:56.930-05:00Fearless Fridays: Paying It Forward<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am a nice person. I have been told I am too nice at times. I used to get annoyed about that but learned being too nice is not a bad thing. As long as I don’t let others take advantage of me and become a doormat for people. I learned it was okay to say no sometimes. Us nice people have good hearts and we want to help the world if we could. But there comes a time when we have to keep it real with ourselves and see that we can’t help everyone. We certainly can’t help others if we aren’t helping ourselves too.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjav9u-IFsz5oGc8FHIiTYjO3uwwkEFCuioCSCjJdK8iQ1yJalV_YjKmK9PaVh3c_LsUN_ZpTC-3kuiM7-TXfb7FnkAvtRSok1RiM7W-Bc4ywIk80kGZ6hVihKLkbbINlL1p4Hlih2evGQ/s1600/Acceptance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjav9u-IFsz5oGc8FHIiTYjO3uwwkEFCuioCSCjJdK8iQ1yJalV_YjKmK9PaVh3c_LsUN_ZpTC-3kuiM7-TXfb7FnkAvtRSok1RiM7W-Bc4ywIk80kGZ6hVihKLkbbINlL1p4Hlih2evGQ/s200/Acceptance.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I got a point in my life where I was running on empty. I realized that I was spending so much time helping other people, that I was not helping myself! I have big dreams as any normal person does. However, your dreams won’t become a reality if you are not putting in the time and effort to make it happen. I grew bitter and started this whole pity party with one guest on the invite list: Me. I would say to myself, “Why am I helping these people when I am not getting any help in return?” Many of the people I helped, did not return the favor. And I felt used and taken advantage of.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This became a big lesson in my life because it caused me to have an epiphany about people in general. I learned that I put unrealistic expectations on people because I expected them to treat me the same way I treated them. I had to accept that no one out there is like me. There is only one me. And no one is perfect. I had to learn to accept people for who they are. And if I wanted to help them, it was a chance I took because I wanted to help them for no other reason than I just wanted to. When you help someone and expect something in return, then you’re not genuinely helping them. You are helping them to gain something yourself. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now there’s nothing wrong with expecting to be treated kindly and respectful by others. But not everyone will treat you well. This is where the power of choice comes in. You always have a choice. So if you help someone and they take advantage of you, they are showing themselves to you as the person they really are. You are then presented with the choice of whether you want to continue to keep them in your life or not. If you continue to help them and be used again and again, it’s on you because you made the choice to keep them in your life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also learned that when you help someone, while you might not get that in return from that particular person, you will receive a blessing/help from someone else. Think of all those times that someone helped you out of the blue and you never helped them at all. That was no accident. Every time you help someone, you are sowing the seeds of kindness that will continue to grow to the point where you will just continue to be blessed. That’s the whole premise of paying it forward. You help someone and maybe that person will be inspired to help someone else because of what you did for them. Or it might not even be that person. It could be someone who was a witness to that kind gesture who was inspired to help someone else.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If we all accepted people at face value, instead of placing high expectations on them, we could make better choices on who we let into our space. People show themselves all the time. It may not be at first glance but when you are around a person long enough, there are always signs to a person’s character. At the end of the day, it’s all a choice. You choose who you help and you choose who you keep in your space. You choose to accept people at face value and you choose how you look at the world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Accepting people as they are is tough but once you can do that, you look at the world with a different set of eyes. You won’t have a problem being nice and helping people because you are looking at things differently. And when someone asks you, “why are you doing this for me?” You can answer, “Because one day you will do this for someone else.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A good friend of mine told me recently that I am too nice but then she also told me to never change because I am a rarity in this world where many have a ME-ME-ME outlook on life. I smiled and told her not to worry…I won’t ever change because I love being me, even if I can be too nice. Because I am no one’s doormat.</span></div>
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Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10991966416879530369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292604186748554346.post-81694892241331031812013-01-18T08:00:00.000-05:002013-01-18T08:00:02.568-05:00Fearless Fridays: What do YOU love to do?<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I tend to draw inspiration from the oddest places. This week, I was inspired by the TV show The New Normal. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGLSSBjtKi55ReB-0iHgMWRZFy7XQmooPi0N5Psa6I59p51IdnEBf20GDeSOi2Jn5_iL5KpylrOESvm-0UmA2ElN__HcKP_4VlQcp3eVxn4pndNhm4bRMSgyaIk3NVqFmQEGwLZDrWcAc/s1600/preview+(10)_FULL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGLSSBjtKi55ReB-0iHgMWRZFy7XQmooPi0N5Psa6I59p51IdnEBf20GDeSOi2Jn5_iL5KpylrOESvm-0UmA2ElN__HcKP_4VlQcp3eVxn4pndNhm4bRMSgyaIk3NVqFmQEGwLZDrWcAc/s200/preview+(10)_FULL.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The episode was about finding out who you are and what you are meant to do in your life. One of the main characters Goldie wanted to be a lawyer since she was a kid. In her eyes, being a lawyer represented independence and that she could prove to the world that she could do it on her own. However, that dream of being a lawyer kept getting derailed. But throughout everything, the one thing she loved to do the most was sew. She made all her daughter’s clothes and costumes. She was very skilled at sewing and creating clothing. But she dismissed her talent as a hobby. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the end of the episode, Goldie realized that sewing was much more than a hobby. And while she thought being a lawyer would give her that independence she sought, she realized that her talent for sewing and creating her own clothing could do the same. And as another of the main characters on the show narrated at the end, “Sometimes you have a plan but you don’t always get it the way you planned.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Life is never how we think it will turn out. That happens because sometimes we want things that are not meant for us. I do believe that we get many chances to get it right. Many signs are thrown our way during our journey to get our attention and sway us to make the right decision. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH9ZCjnP8aNEsST0ubuOe-sxpMzItCzKO2pyrEesXm6YJjiFxhLbebDwQE8DeVMXKDPKw_KO0-cvv_MBl5o_9MObs_2TflAvaEjgP_yuHEQMd2ExPFYLzSCfC6XJ398SsUNsX07yFSe5A/s1600/confusedsign-300x199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH9ZCjnP8aNEsST0ubuOe-sxpMzItCzKO2pyrEesXm6YJjiFxhLbebDwQE8DeVMXKDPKw_KO0-cvv_MBl5o_9MObs_2TflAvaEjgP_yuHEQMd2ExPFYLzSCfC6XJ398SsUNsX07yFSe5A/s200/confusedsign-300x199.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, in life, the choices we make can change the person we later become. And that sometimes makes it harder for us to see what’s already there. Many of us have things we love to do. It’s a gift that we have been given at birth. But many of these gifts seem like hobbies and not something we can parlay into a lifelong career. This causes us to ignore our true calling in life because we dismiss it as just something we just "do well". </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As children, many of us are told we should have a traditional career such as a doctor, a lawyer, a nurse, or teacher. There is nothing wrong with those careers but they are not meant for everyone. We are all given gifts and talents for a reason. But we become conditioned into thinking that these traditional careers are the acceptable ones and that other gifts like writing, sewing, and drawing are hobbies and not appropriate careers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then some of us pursue things that are not meant for us to do. You see these kids on American Idol who want to be singers but can’t hold a note. There are people out there who want to act but just don’t have that talent to do so. But all is not lost. Your calling can be a facet of that. Maybe you’re meant to be a dancer and not a singer. Just because you love the idea of something does not mean it is meant for you. If you don’t have the gifts and talents to support that dream, it is not your dream to live out.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic81yTFhj03wWjubjX6HeNPqh1j3wPwzqYnAcTZSu3jz0Lk63-EPz59-LUwY2AIMYRYaO5CgCkG-DQVfdJkusbLdohTk7Ir-2l499td_Qtplun4nq_Bu0lq_CZs-iQzgNIi6O4_-DmEHc/s1600/self-help_having-a-hobby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic81yTFhj03wWjubjX6HeNPqh1j3wPwzqYnAcTZSu3jz0Lk63-EPz59-LUwY2AIMYRYaO5CgCkG-DQVfdJkusbLdohTk7Ir-2l499td_Qtplun4nq_Bu0lq_CZs-iQzgNIi6O4_-DmEHc/s200/self-help_having-a-hobby.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When people tell you that you are good at something and you love what you do, that's more than a hobby. For years, I have had people tell me I am an excellent writer. But I spent many years going down a different career path because I dismissed my writing as a hobby. But I realized that while I did like what I was doing, I didn’t LOVE it. It did not give me complete joy. But writing did.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some of us don’t believe we can be successful at what we want to do. We sabotage ourselves by telling ourselves “Oh, I can’t do that!” or “I will never be successful at that.” Or we are afraid to walk away from our comfortable job and steady paycheck and take a chance. All I can say, from personal experience, is that life is all about chances. You can do anything you set your mind to. Playing it safe will never help you to realize your dream. I’m not saying do something extreme as quit your current job RIGHT NOW because keeping it real, you have to support yourself and pay bills. But it wouldn’t hurt to start investing some time into your dream and working towards making it a reality.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Acceptance is key. The best thing you can do for yourself in life is keep it real with yourself. The great Eckhart Toile once said “Stress is wanting something that isn’t meant to be.” The answer is always within you. You just have to be ready to listen. And this is not just something you can apply to your journey to find your calling. This is something you can use in your life overall.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, if you aren’t loving where you are right now and what you are doing with your life, a reevaluation of your life is in order. Always remember that what matters is what you choose to do now and not what you have done already to this point. YOU are the only person standing in your way. So take a chance and do what you love! Goldie took a chance and you can too. You never know. Your hobby might just turn out to not be a hobby but to be what you are meant to do in your life.</span></div>
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Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10991966416879530369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292604186748554346.post-61353351619125554002012-12-28T13:12:00.000-05:002012-12-28T13:12:47.482-05:00Fearless Fridays: Taking Control of Your Story, Part 2<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyNIAe2Zjkoj23lpASwWsQCyZMfJMIQHJp9q1XxnFHg97LWu5PmLpiOK6K-QHtvrMpqjcoOYmbS-6PHqe6XXZTDDnpvXzbh1ndz8Ss1ozEtUoky9HwNQjsJdeupJcfJlRyDi5gbbOkv-g/s1600/Clean_Slate_Start_Anew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyNIAe2Zjkoj23lpASwWsQCyZMfJMIQHJp9q1XxnFHg97LWu5PmLpiOK6K-QHtvrMpqjcoOYmbS-6PHqe6XXZTDDnpvXzbh1ndz8Ss1ozEtUoky9HwNQjsJdeupJcfJlRyDi5gbbOkv-g/s200/Clean_Slate_Start_Anew.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2012 will be over in a few days. Are you ready? I know I am. I’m starting the new year with a clean slate. I have cleaned house in my life and have let go of toxic people and things. I have my list of goals I want to accomplish. I am so excited for what’s to come. Many people say 2013 is a lucky year, especially if the number 13 is your lucky number. As I mentioned last week in part 1 of this blog, we are all closing out a chapter in our lives with the year ending. December 21st marked the winter solstice, the ending of one time cycle and the beginning of a new one. So this is a great time for a do-over. It’s never too late to renew your life and take control of your story.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many times, taking control of your story is as simple as <b><u>looking at the current story we are telling ourselves</u></b>. You tell the world your story as you live it but you are also essentially telling that story to yourself as well. We are watching our own stories and reacting to them. If we react negatively, it’s almost as if we are telling ourselves that our life is not great and will never work out. That is self-sabotage and will just keep our life in that state. Your life is what you make it. So ask yourself: How are you telling the story of your life? Are you telling your story from a negative outlook?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5zt1pEwM4znNK3tXKpZZQT1iIelg5zgReqFzofWwxmenuDLNbNrDkVs3Q7yEoDghq3Bqz_cPEooIOfSfp898-BEyLrkKEBH9PZZrs_F0nh26b6D6o3RJvPepr2fjQwm3Vn8eXBq4sEng/s1600/shutterstock_62564440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5zt1pEwM4znNK3tXKpZZQT1iIelg5zgReqFzofWwxmenuDLNbNrDkVs3Q7yEoDghq3Bqz_cPEooIOfSfp898-BEyLrkKEBH9PZZrs_F0nh26b6D6o3RJvPepr2fjQwm3Vn8eXBq4sEng/s200/shutterstock_62564440.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are living out your story in a negative state, one of the ways you can change that is to <b><u>change your way of thinking</u></b>. The power of thinking is incredible. Many of us don’t realize that all it takes is a positive outlook to change things around. Even in the words we speak, we are determining our outlook in life. The words can’t, won’t, should of, would of, don’t and any other words used in a negative fashion should not even be in your vocabulary. As soon as you say you “can’t” do something, you are already setting the tone for what’s to come. You are holding yourself back from living life to its fullest.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s not easy to change your way of thinking if you have been in a pity party for years and are used to complaining about your life and how you never seem to catch a break. But the first step is always the hardest. If you’re capable making the first step, then you can do anything you set your mind to. Having a positive outlook is something you work on daily, one day at a time. First, you have to accept that you are accountable for the choices you make. You cannot place blame on others and the world for a lack of successes and happiness. You have to check yourself on this, accept that you are the reason things have not been going right because of the poor choices you have been making and then make a commitment to make better choices. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Second, you have to <b><u>stop worrying about what someone else has</u></b>. Everyone has their own journey and while someone else may seem to have it all, you never know the full story. Everyone has their own crosses to bear in life. No one’s life is perfect. When you focus on someone else and what they have, it takes your focus off of your own life. You are not meant to have what the next person has. You are meant to have your own successes. You have your own journey to walk. You have your own story. No two stories are the same. So instead of focusing on someone else and being jealous of what they have, celebrate the fact that your story is unique, can always change, that you are in control and always have a choice.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQaZKXeG2LBjqQ4rxsESCjVerKMYokT3DhSIP7TqxiYQHc5CT6flYzTnhVLAbIO3l4AhInJR3Re4EB1wNGsH5hBanc8wxnSFtzbWlRRsNJj4QCvhUvf34G5Msfc9G7Y8P61JIGWtINHe8/s1600/504.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQaZKXeG2LBjqQ4rxsESCjVerKMYokT3DhSIP7TqxiYQHc5CT6flYzTnhVLAbIO3l4AhInJR3Re4EB1wNGsH5hBanc8wxnSFtzbWlRRsNJj4QCvhUvf34G5Msfc9G7Y8P61JIGWtINHe8/s200/504.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another thing that many of us do to ourselves is beat ourselves up when we fail. To live a happy life, <b><u>don't be so hard on yourself</u></b>. It’s perfectly normal to want to win but you have to accept that you won’t always win because some things are not meant for you to gain. Sometimes a loss is a blessing. It shows us a lesson and helps us to grow on our journey. It can give us strength and increased determination, if we let it. Again, it’s all about a positive way of thinking. My dad used to always tell me that failure doesn't mean you're a loser because at least you tried. There are people out there who give up without trying because of fear. Then you will never know if you would have won or lost. And that’s worse than trying and seeing the end result, good or bad. Because whether it’s good or bad, you will get something out it. If you keep trying, you will succeed more times than you fail because of all the lessons learned from the losses.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH8cV32fQBi1Fh0z099nOBcdFcstHwYuuNjPft07HSVIrUtVUCM5ARwPV__mWY5MZS9b19CB14ucQZxS1diE-5RwxEfUN-ymFf_hBNDWJHEXOScli2KSO7xrdLEzaJ72v7fI-7FM9KaB8/s1600/Adventure+in+Advent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH8cV32fQBi1Fh0z099nOBcdFcstHwYuuNjPft07HSVIrUtVUCM5ARwPV__mWY5MZS9b19CB14ucQZxS1diE-5RwxEfUN-ymFf_hBNDWJHEXOScli2KSO7xrdLEzaJ72v7fI-7FM9KaB8/s200/Adventure+in+Advent.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyone who knows me knows my love for the TV show Survivor and Jeff Probst. He has a mantra he lives by, which I love: <b><u>Say yes to adventure</u></b>! Adventure comes in many forms. You don’t have to climb Mt Everest or see the Great Wall of China. An adventure can be as simple as leaving your house to take a walk. When you say YES to adventure, you are committing to putting yourself out there in the world. Putting yourself out there means putting yourself in situations where you can allow the Universe to place people and opportunities in your path. The love of your life or the job you love will not come knocking on your door and be handed to you. Nothing will find you if you are locked up in your house, in your pajamas. Having adventure in your life will make you feel empowered and good. Most of all, it will make you happy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For me, just being outside is an adventure. I love people watching. I love looking at the sky and appreciating the world and all its beauty. It makes me feel rejuvenated and alive. I love to travel for this reason. It is amazing to me how I can get on a plane and be in an entirely different part of the world in a matter of hours. It is incredible to see the different architecture and customs. Do what you love and also dare to do things out of the box that are new and exciting. That is your adventure.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As long as you have a dream in your heart that you believe in and a desire to bring that dream into fruition, there is nothing that can stop you from making that happen in your life but YOU. Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither was your life. Take it one day at a time. We are all works in progress but what matters is that we make the effort to be better people and have better lives. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bottom line: change your story and you will change your life. Just make sure that story is a great one. Happy New Year, everyone! Wishing all of you an amazing year ahead full of growth, evolution and happiness. It's the best gift you can give yourself. Cheers! xo</span><br />
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Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10991966416879530369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292604186748554346.post-57064718539501818892012-12-21T13:32:00.001-05:002012-12-21T13:32:49.232-05:00Fearless Fridays: Taking Control of Your Story, Part 1<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6_x361043BgVzIsoV_gvTG2WYREojEzg3b5cgB4iwAwAzu3KqpeDHDyyt5h6itH7O5ZqlObT0aCKIvfYITqLSxeudLkD7irPdfyPeEXe_gCcJu0vp8ifEc6aOZwKTNvjm8m4H2ZeYmr0/s1600/31612_10151204230349633_557958987_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6_x361043BgVzIsoV_gvTG2WYREojEzg3b5cgB4iwAwAzu3KqpeDHDyyt5h6itH7O5ZqlObT0aCKIvfYITqLSxeudLkD7irPdfyPeEXe_gCcJu0vp8ifEc6aOZwKTNvjm8m4H2ZeYmr0/s200/31612_10151204230349633_557958987_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">We’re almost at the end of the year, folks. 2012 was a very pivotal year for me personally and professionally. I have to be honest and say I am not sad to see this year end. However, no matter what happens, at the end of the day, we each have control over the story of our lives. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">If you are unhappy with the state of your life at the moment, the upside is that your life doesn’t have to stay that way. The next chapter of your life can be rewritten. As I have said before, we all have a choice. We can choose to be <a href="http://bellenoirmag.blogspot.com/2012/11/fearless-fridays-are-you-hero-or-victim.html" target="_blank">a hero or a victim</a>. We can choose what we do next. We always have a choice. So do you choose to stand still in your own pity party and not grow? Or do you choose to make a change and take control of your story?</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_dv4Ip0REwPEWgqw3FHP-BEW0fFi-IxJyrR0kSfbfS0sLVhCYQ7fIOOg_omY1lRln3AC9-ujDLcUvP0eLFvbr6JN4Fv5Ybxau5YkyU3Du0cIAJda9DRRDsd4GcadwroHeVKbPSUs83OA/s1600/75998312431425851_fOi7AxXA_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_dv4Ip0REwPEWgqw3FHP-BEW0fFi-IxJyrR0kSfbfS0sLVhCYQ7fIOOg_omY1lRln3AC9-ujDLcUvP0eLFvbr6JN4Fv5Ybxau5YkyU3Du0cIAJda9DRRDsd4GcadwroHeVKbPSUs83OA/s200/75998312431425851_fOi7AxXA_c.jpg" width="197" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">If you choose to take control of your story, all you have to do is rewrite it. And now is a great time. Not New Year’s Eve. Not January 1st. NOW. We are closing out a chapter with the year ending; today is the winter solstice and according to the Mayans, it is the ending of one time cycle and the beginning of a new one. It is a time for renewal and starting over. Some people actually view the next three days as a solstice sojourn and take this time to clean out their lives, open their heart and spirit to what’s coming in 2013. Empty and receive – those are the major words to describe this solstice period. It is a time to really listen to your inner voice and set goals for the next year.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">If you want to make changes in your life for the better and rewrite the next chapter of your story, you have to be committed to making some changes in your life. It won’t be easy but I promise you, it will be worth it. Your happiness and well-being are invaluable so any tough steps to getting there and achieving the best life you can live is well worth it.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">First and foremost, it is so important to <b><i><u>surround yourself with positive people and things</u></i></b> . Throughout your life, you have to clean house. Some people are only meant to be in your life for a season. Sometimes we tend to try to hold on to these seasonal people and when they have outgrown their season, they become toxic to our lives. Just as you clean your home and get rid of things you no longer use, the same has to be done in your life. Your space should be something you hold invaluable and take great care as to who you choose to let in your space. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT5xUzq5wGntcPHY5OP-LKsrIu8sWMfgmB4IZCGbh3gQMP0dv4muqg4H-Fe5Y1_gi6e5gtKN3yypZB_Z3kdbIyxPWt-uM5jJ3WtRzdLf_acS1QXXRSrJ9TdgddlgSvJ7DnIMzc7ybFJg0/s1600/162974080236770865_4dSqAn6d_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT5xUzq5wGntcPHY5OP-LKsrIu8sWMfgmB4IZCGbh3gQMP0dv4muqg4H-Fe5Y1_gi6e5gtKN3yypZB_Z3kdbIyxPWt-uM5jJ3WtRzdLf_acS1QXXRSrJ9TdgddlgSvJ7DnIMzc7ybFJg0/s320/162974080236770865_4dSqAn6d_c.jpg" width="241" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">When you surround yourself with positive people who mirror what you want to achieve in your life, you will see the difference in your way of thinking, your mood and your overall outlook on life. It’s also important to surround yourself with positive places. If you are somewhere that makes you unhappy, that will affect your life negatively. It’s hard to let go of some people and places but once you do, it will change your life for the better. Just listen to your intuition and pay attention to how they treat you. That will show you who are lifelong friends and who are seasonal. It’s like what Maya Angelou once said, “When someone first shows you who they are, believe them.” People won’t change and we cannot control their actions. But we can control who we let into our life and where we choose to be.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Next, <b><i><u>make love a priority in your life</u></i></b> - for yourself and others. If you don’t love yourself, you will not know how to love someone else and let them love you fully. As I always say, there is only one you in the world and that’s an amazing thing. You were put on this Earth as you for a reason. Everything starts with you. You have to believe in yourself and what you can do in your life. No one else can do that for you. Once you love yourself, you will be able to love freely and get that love back in your life. You will not stand for mistreatment or abuse because you love yourself enough to know your worth. Loving yourself is not easy for some. But is very necessary to live your life to its fullest.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6xgntlC-rEHGObU3T7arrAA3bLsr0_paM5nBiEx9qD_1dvoTqVlBlIdUwKX0PUp23latGzeEXepgX1LeeYPUiT04XEcd8llQ71y_-USiqRUsUp-GYwqRkuPgJZsFgacZwD7CjIKhTwY/s1600/209769295114172280_H0XonvFX_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6xgntlC-rEHGObU3T7arrAA3bLsr0_paM5nBiEx9qD_1dvoTqVlBlIdUwKX0PUp23latGzeEXepgX1LeeYPUiT04XEcd8llQ71y_-USiqRUsUp-GYwqRkuPgJZsFgacZwD7CjIKhTwY/s200/209769295114172280_H0XonvFX_c.jpg" width="137" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Loving yourself is a daily project. It won’t happen overnight, especially if you have spent most of your life not being happy with yourself. Start off by focusing on the parts of you that you love, physically and non-physically. Start doing little things for yourself that you enjoy. Start speaking positively to yourself and others. Learn to enjoy being you. As in the start of every great love affair, you have to start somewhere and build from there. The love will grow, believe me. You just have to take that first step and accept you for who you are. Now if there is something about you that you don’t like, again, you have a choice. You can change IF you really want to. Instead of commiserating over it, do something about it. Accepting yourself as you are does not mean you have to stay the way you are. You have to be who you are happiest being. You have to be true to yourself. For example, do you want to lose weight and be healthier? All it takes is being active and eating better. Do you want to be a more giving person? Then volunteer or help someone. We each have the power within us to be the best person we can be if we choose to be. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">One of the most important things you can do in your life is <b><i><u>take a chance</u></i></b>. So many opportunities are thrown in our path but we miss them because we let fear stop us from taking a chance. If you take a chance on something or someone and it doesn't work out, then it wasn't in the cards. It was not meant to be. But at least, you know the outcome because you took the chance. There will be no “what ifs”. There is a reason for everything and a lesson to be learned from every experience. And while some experiences don’t work out in the end, during the experience, you may have the time of your life or may encounter something or someone that will lead to an even bigger and better opportunity. You are doing yourself and the world a disservice when you don't take a chance and put yourself out there. So just take a chance and let go. You never know what could happen.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Next week, I will continue to give tips on how to rewrite the next chapter of your life in part 2 of this blog. Let’s start 2013 with a renewed outlook on life and commitment to living the best lives we can.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I wish all of you and your families a wonderful holiday. Be thankful, be inspired and most of all, be YOU. xoxo </span></span></div>
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Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10991966416879530369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292604186748554346.post-71338074974341639752012-12-20T09:30:00.000-05:002012-12-20T09:30:18.001-05:00The Frugal Files: Frugal Random Acts of Kindness<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Happy Holidays frugalicious ones!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It has been a couple of weeks, but I needed some
downtime to focus on some other things in my life, but rest assured, I've been
thinking about you!! Hope all is well with you and your family this holiday
season!! I know trials come and we get discouraged every now and then, but
please know that trouble doesn't last always and you can find ways to have joy
and peace in your life, even during the storm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">If you don’t live under a rock, then you know
that horrific event took place last week. All those beautiful children and
adults who cared for them gone; lost due to senseless violence and someone’s
personal agenda. It was traumatic for all involved and all who watched. We were
all affected by it, but I’m here today to challenge each and every one of us to
rise above the slump of depression it caused and honor the memories of those
who lost their lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I will not get into discussions about what could
have, should have or might have happened if. It is time to turn off the
television, stop reading the recaps and move on with living our lives because
we are still here. Because we’re still here, to me that means, we’re still in
the position to bless others. Don’t let those lives be lost in vain; do
something to help your fellow man today, everyday!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">How? By making Random Acts of Kindness a
lifestyle; a way of life. We take kindness for granted in this society, but I
feel when we’re kind to ourselves and others, we truly do make this world a
better place. You never know how a person’s day is going, so don’t
underestimate your smile or wink at them, you holding the door for someone, you
complementing someone on their outfit or hair or even going back to the basics:
saying “Thank You”. It’s not only polite, it invites others to be just as nice
as you, even if just for that one moment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp6CoGAqOh72tRNRqba_zVBlAvHVfbB5lb9-a0v27VIrVmvCDNtNiZOfhHOM7mRdG9G8mJOZTTUACqRU0RzUkGgn0CodThni-tOBT8AeOucKOVLpSa1ItdOxhwCilMq214HNfpVPRshimL/s1600/RAOK.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp6CoGAqOh72tRNRqba_zVBlAvHVfbB5lb9-a0v27VIrVmvCDNtNiZOfhHOM7mRdG9G8mJOZTTUACqRU0RzUkGgn0CodThni-tOBT8AeOucKOVLpSa1ItdOxhwCilMq214HNfpVPRshimL/s200/RAOK.png" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Are you ready to fill the rest of 2012 and all
of 2013 with your acts of kindness? They don’t even have to be random if you
don’t want them to be. I think God will be pleased, as well as the recipient of
your kindness, if you <b>PLAN </b>it. Sit down, make a list. We won’t mind. It’s all
good…literally. While you’re here, let’s start one now. You know you’re here
with the Frugalicious Diva, so we have to put a frugal spin on it. Lets’ just
see what we can come up with, shall we?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Donations. You know this is always a big deal
for me. Also, it’s the end of the year, so you still have a little time to
donate to charitable organizations and get your tax deduction forms. If fact,
here’s your first frugal act of kindness:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Donate
your goodwill tax deduction forms to a homeowner who can benefit from
them.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Drop
your used clothing and shoes into the donation bins in your community.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Give
your old trophies to the Special Olympics organization.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Have
money left on your coffee house card? Give it to the next person in line.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Slip
someone a $20 bill when they’re not looking. Make their day!!<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Allow
your child to choose 1-2 toys to donate to a child that is spending
Christmas in a shelter.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Use
freecycle to give away nice things that someone can use again.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Couponers, I wanted to separate this list
especially for you because you will understand the terms. I’ve gotten some of
these ideas from my fellow online coupon buddies. They are great ideas and
ensure that you’re both paying it forward and passing on the blessings!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Make
a basket of stockpile goodies for your mail carrier, assistant or your child’s teacher.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Donate
items from your stockpile and replenish your church’s pantry or a food
bank.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bag
up your free beauty items in cute goody bags and donate them to a
women’s shelter.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ask
if you can host a pamper party at a Domestic Violence shelter and gift
every woman with a gift bag<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Donate
proceeds from a sale to a needy family for Christmas.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Did
you run across a coupon related MONEY MAKER at the store? Walk around the
store and randomly give the rewards or money to someone shopping.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Give
out coupons to other customers while shopping. They won’t mind you
snooping in their cart if you’re going to help them save money.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Make
stockpile laundry baskets for college students. They will appreciate that
toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner and soap!!<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Find
all your mailbox freebies a new home, or use them!!<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Share
the gift of couponing!! Make someone a coupon binder and watch
them go!!</span></li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-asknJF4FTZdS1CuLRvrPpK3qVNb4uS_U4FV58FqU9TsPA4axZeKk4EAbqhkklvES3kKHW4wJ64HVrtEQwxsiJ7LvCbHIQYSaZasOyu4xKvRwstIuQpZ6YIVYemUkEZdvzz0Sua399TPS/s1600/RandomActsHeartSq200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-asknJF4FTZdS1CuLRvrPpK3qVNb4uS_U4FV58FqU9TsPA4axZeKk4EAbqhkklvES3kKHW4wJ64HVrtEQwxsiJ7LvCbHIQYSaZasOyu4xKvRwstIuQpZ6YIVYemUkEZdvzz0Sua399TPS/s200/RandomActsHeartSq200.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As you can see, the possibilities are ENDLESS!!
What else can you do to make it a “Random Frugal Acts of Kindness? kind of day?
I’d love to read them!! Connect with me on </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Frugalicious-Diva/216567788413440">Facebook</a> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">and <a href="https://twitter.com/FrugaliciousDva">Twitter</a>. Use hash tag
#frugalicious #frugalRAOK and #26acts to honor the fallen in Connecticut. Enjoy
your blessings and even more, your ability to be one!! Muah!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: red;">Happy Holidays!!</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Frugalicious </span><i>Diva</i><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b><i>Follow Me on Twitter at @FrugaliciousDva</i></b></span></div>
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Frugalicious Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773427468403672114noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292604186748554346.post-90626931864700842352012-12-14T08:00:00.000-05:002012-12-14T09:58:37.881-05:00Fearless Fridays: Choosing To Be Who You Really Are<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7DrIZHV2cUBocTKrqx6XRSoG-ma-dEYXEOYmYWUguDDQopWi5eSVw7kCvuJxsFzCSA7mxIjS7YIHa6Eyohq8hcyravHboBjufa1M_sgAU3nf5tJZ-5M42NpIkKfigg6XXmbSDlaCumaw/s1600/172051_140090919385171_6838581_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7DrIZHV2cUBocTKrqx6XRSoG-ma-dEYXEOYmYWUguDDQopWi5eSVw7kCvuJxsFzCSA7mxIjS7YIHa6Eyohq8hcyravHboBjufa1M_sgAU3nf5tJZ-5M42NpIkKfigg6XXmbSDlaCumaw/s200/172051_140090919385171_6838581_o.jpg" width="176" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me striking a pose with my aunt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I recently had an A-ha moment, as Oprah calls it. I was
talking to someone recently about my life and how far we have come to this
point. I then described my journey in decades. I spoke so passionately about
how as a child, in the first decade of my life, I was so carefree and fearless.
I was a happy kid who loved the color red, was always dancing around the house
and posed for all my pics with my hand on my hip, doing my runway pose. My
teens were about me being different and reveling in that. My 20’s were about me
going through that transition from teen to adult, going to college and learning to be
independent.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My 30’s were about being on my own, having a career and
learning a lot about men and romance. I was a late bloomer when it came to
dating. I dated the same guy while in my 20’s and he was my high school
sweetheart. So it wasn’t until in my 30’s, that I got to date different men and
see what’s out here. My 30’s were all about discovering life as an adult and
seeing the world. I traveled and basically had the time of my life. Now, I’m in
my early 40’s. This decade so far has been about growth and being focused on
what I want to do with the rest of my life. I never got married and had children.
It’s me being that late bloomer again. I feel like I blinked and now I am in
this place where I want to get my focus back and get serious about what I want
to do with my life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkIIXHkfryYaa27aooz2BYKsvAkkjNW2GJ6oJfHeOwEsQQo_GyofQiCux5IZrAoy32cwhhs4qWL62aM75s27_S8eosazHG11bOf7_f7yjavHsSVVBkQC_l6QzElBTSTzvHu0fOUkvo1w/s1600/25117_375274498244_6491688_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkIIXHkfryYaa27aooz2BYKsvAkkjNW2GJ6oJfHeOwEsQQo_GyofQiCux5IZrAoy32cwhhs4qWL62aM75s27_S8eosazHG11bOf7_f7yjavHsSVVBkQC_l6QzElBTSTzvHu0fOUkvo1w/s200/25117_375274498244_6491688_n.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ah, my 30's</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But it’s more than that. I want to be truly happy with me. I
want to make better choices in my life. Because like I always say, we have a
choice. And that’s a pretty powerful thing. But sometimes, we give that power
away and forget that we have a choice. We don’t have to be friends with people
who don’t accept us for who we are. We can choose who we want in our world. We
don’t have to let some stranger's negative comment hurt us. Again, we have a
choice: will we let some stranger ruin our day or will we keep it moving and
choose to be happy? We don't have to be in a relationship with someone who does not treat us well or make us happy. We can choose whether we want to be with them or not. Now making those choices are not easy but the payoff is your happiness. It was in that moment of reminder that made me realize that
something was missing in my life: The core of who I really am. I truly lost myself for a bit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I talk about the core of who I am, I am talking about
that Me that I was when I was a child, the first decade of my journey. The
person I described above. I had so much sass and personality back then. I truly did not care what anyone thought of me. In
my mind, there was always a spotlight on me and I acted as such. I was fabulous
and amazing. I was fearless and untainted by the world. All of us have been
that child. Even if you were not outgoing as a kid or if you were shy, as
children, we have this carefree, fearless nature about us where we live life
looking forward to what comes and are not afraid to be ourselves. We dance like
we are alone on the dancefloor and without a care in the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-PP7mWSLuPG_ImctYjlemXj75vrvqa_Tlc469BrL-hjxHQL_eOyVeWfpBJQ8EvgEcpvaMxynUpfJcR2gn15vXFSt9NL1EluzbEaQS-MLxXRZtVcBEJ8HKJYfXCNo-8qdpqb3_Jjzz0g/s1600/12+yr+old+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-PP7mWSLuPG_ImctYjlemXj75vrvqa_Tlc469BrL-hjxHQL_eOyVeWfpBJQ8EvgEcpvaMxynUpfJcR2gn15vXFSt9NL1EluzbEaQS-MLxXRZtVcBEJ8HKJYfXCNo-8qdpqb3_Jjzz0g/s200/12+yr+old+pic.jpg" width="82" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My inner child</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But of course, we never stay that way. We experience
setbacks and disappointments. We meet people who tear us down. We change
according to what happens to us along our journey. However, the core of who we
are is always there. But these situations and people suppress the core of who
we are. We start to care what people think. We become less fearless and more
cautious. We tend to not be as carefree and instead, worry more. We lose ourselves by trying to fit in. We give
our power away at times when we are letting others dictate who we should be.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I then realized that I want to be that person again. I want
to stop worrying about what others think of me. I want to be more fearless and take bigger chances. I want to be myself and not care what others think. I just want to
live life without a care in the world. I want to live as if every day is my last day on this earth. But is that possible? I mean, I am not a
child anymore. And life is very different than it was when I was a child. The
answer to that is YES. I can be that person again. I CHOOSE to be that person
again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think it’s all about finding balance in your life. Taking
what you have learned so far on your journey and merging that with the core of
who you are. We will always have those moments when we doubt ourselves. But if
we can remind ourselves that fear will get us nowhere and life would be so much
better if we were true to ourselves, we can channel that inner child within.
That child-like way of dealing with life can help us get through the tough
times. It can help us take our power back and be ourselves no matter what the
world thinks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRYJ2-jmg-hRiebQ4hJ42BL_W5cvOZTvAZWvXZ9u9Fc4mfezyEQiqHLiGV58e1h5czg34VxYm6FecVbku36ZU1KkABq-vDEENxTj-ritUrgMVkj7WmCxlKkRLCtWMwwJuhC0ZafrB6Jk/s1600/co+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRYJ2-jmg-hRiebQ4hJ42BL_W5cvOZTvAZWvXZ9u9Fc4mfezyEQiqHLiGV58e1h5czg34VxYm6FecVbku36ZU1KkABq-vDEENxTj-ritUrgMVkj7WmCxlKkRLCtWMwwJuhC0ZafrB6Jk/s200/co+pic.jpg" width="171" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With the new year almost here, I want to do things that make me
happy, even if others think I’m nuts or have an opinion on it. I want to
channel that inner child and dance through the streets like no one is watching.
I want to feel free. Once I made that decision, I felt so powerful. Channeling
your inner child is taking your power back. It’s making a pact with yourself to
be you with no hesitation. And that’s such a wonderful thing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So while I believe that my 40’s are going to continue to be
all about growth and direction, it is also going to be about me being myself in
a world where there is no one else like me and I’m going to celebrate that
right into my 50’s. I am already dancing and thinking about adding some more
red to my wardrobe. My spotlight is back on so I have to make sure I look and
feel fabulous.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEKbVmkjmBtOtxcQmANPqUH-nWa7ymUNHR5vXHgWYkE9OEhQPi28D41eTZqmbdzIHZp6lzh0Hzgb3WevQoDOraUM8tZzfiOctW4CQn1bLravG1ovth8jRprczFITyClVmmq2cXjX7IXrg/s1600/red+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEKbVmkjmBtOtxcQmANPqUH-nWa7ymUNHR5vXHgWYkE9OEhQPi28D41eTZqmbdzIHZp6lzh0Hzgb3WevQoDOraUM8tZzfiOctW4CQn1bLravG1ovth8jRprczFITyClVmmq2cXjX7IXrg/s200/red+pic.jpg" width="138" /></a></div>
Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10991966416879530369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292604186748554346.post-83712769719318816432012-11-30T08:02:00.000-05:002013-10-14T18:06:11.888-04:00Fearless Fridays: Are you a hero or a victim?<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Who you truly are as a person is best revealed by who you are during times of conflict and crisis. ~ Karen Salmansohn</i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There will be times during your life where you will go through terrible times. Yet those bad moments end up making us better and stronger. Despite it all, we are always given a choice. Do you want to be your own hero? Or do you want to be a victim? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To be a hero is the harder choice of the two. It’s so easy to just feel sorry for yourself and jump head first into a pity party, where you are the only guest. But despite you choosing the easy route and playing the victim, that role will actually end up with the harder result. When you choose to be the victim, you are choosing to halt your journey. You are choosing to not learn the lesson and not let yourself become a better person. You are choosing to not live your life to its full potential and continue on your path.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCfslDlocaMm0BDo4BQVtJam3gN6wmS8Y8VTm3wCFAKwqpwqN8Wf4ps4eZ7jSmJi2ZeMSfBfcDynzHEn35Vcnh1fzAmHgp8RjApgkleNCXtWXAXjTQd3KAPzwKOZvs52JoEo4MtCJGlYY/s1600/no_victim.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCfslDlocaMm0BDo4BQVtJam3gN6wmS8Y8VTm3wCFAKwqpwqN8Wf4ps4eZ7jSmJi2ZeMSfBfcDynzHEn35Vcnh1fzAmHgp8RjApgkleNCXtWXAXjTQd3KAPzwKOZvs52JoEo4MtCJGlYY/s200/no_victim.png" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you choose to be your own hero, what makes it so hard is letting go. It’s so hard to let go of the pain and move on. But once you do…WOW. Your life can only get better. You learn the lesson and hopefully, do not make the same mistake twice. But if you do, so what? The wonderful thing about life is that you will get a do-over; another chance to make a different decision. As long as you choose to be your own hero and not a victim, you will get through it, let go and move on as a better person.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Personally, I have gone through four pivotal moments in my life where I was forced to make that choice between hero and victim. Those moments have defined who I am today. I will admit I chose to be a victim for the first two moments and hero for the latter two.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrTadogMMyT7_Lx9Qy8IhoajUcSCtftSrKp3VAzFNU9jq4NrMEVzs-7A3TEXSgsjdam2eAC_LYjwNUIIyuHWT5IBoHuMHQi4hDnqynoJV5oKEwyRwK64GVFKwWLCKpI5RLDwM6nLny0Qg/s1600/rollercoasterquote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrTadogMMyT7_Lx9Qy8IhoajUcSCtftSrKp3VAzFNU9jq4NrMEVzs-7A3TEXSgsjdam2eAC_LYjwNUIIyuHWT5IBoHuMHQi4hDnqynoJV5oKEwyRwK64GVFKwWLCKpI5RLDwM6nLny0Qg/s200/rollercoasterquote.jpg" width="165" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I was 10, I was extremely mistreated and neglected by a family member outside of my immediate family. It's still hard to talk about or even utter the word "abuse" but sometimes we have to share our story in order to inspire others on their path. I went to live with this relative for a year and it changed my life and my path. I won’t disclose their identity for privacy reasons but I have no contact with them anymore. It took me years to forgive this person. I had to come to terms with the fact that forgiving this person was for me and not for them. It had to be done in order to let go and move on. Just because you forgive someone does not mean you have to keep them in your life. Out of this terrible experience, I grew up fast and in that, grew my need to control everything around me. I didn’t trust anyone and felt like I had to take care of myself. This need for control and lack of trust in anyone lasted until my 30’s and caused me to develop some anxiety issues. Yup, that’s what choosing to be a victim did to my life. It affected my relationships, dictated the person I chose to be in a relationship with, affected my friendships…everything. I chose to be a victim by letting that situation change me into a person that was holding herself back from truly living..</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even today, after turning my life around, I have my moments where I have a hard time letting go and relinquishing control. But I have come to realize that there are some things that are beyond my control. I can only control me and my actions. I can’t control others. When I realized this, things became so much easier to deal with. I didn’t impose unrealistic expectations on others. And I didn’t set myself up for disappointment and I certainly didn’t get frustrated easily when people didn’t act the way I expected them to. It’s still hard work but I take it one day at a time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My first serious relationship lasted eight years and it was a big dysfunctional mess. He cheated on me many times and didn’t treat me the way I wanted to be treated. I chose to be the victim and stay all those years when deep down there was a little, faint voice within, telling me I could do better. But I couldn’t see my worth. I loved the idea of him and of having a boyfriend. I just didn’t know my worth and I settled. I chose to be a victim. Eight years is a long time but going to college and meeting people along the way who inspired me to be the best person I can be is what finally gave me the courage to walk away. I learned that having a boyfriend didn’t define me and that it’s okay to be alone. I learned to never settle again. If you know your worth, you will never settle.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then came my dad's passing on April 10, 2011. His death turned my life upside down. I was so hurt. I’m still in pain. And while it was tempting to crawl into bed and be a victim, I just couldn’t do it. I have come such a long way in my life and I knew I would not be honoring my dad by being a victim. So choosing to be my own hero was one of the hardest things I had to do. The lesson I took away from this was that I will never taking anything for granted ever again. I will appreciate the people in my life who I love and will always cherish them. It made me see how short and unpredictable life really is.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, there are times in your life where you will choose to be your own hero but then have a moment where you slide backwards and become a victim. We’re human. It happens. So eighteen months after my dad’s death, I felt myself slipping. Then Hurricane Sandy happened. Sandy took me out of my comfort zone. Even now, life as I knew it, will never be the same. And I realized that I was slipping backwards because I was getting too comfortable in my life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Like I have said before, when you’re comfortable, you’re actually stuck. You think you’re good but really, you’re comfortable and standing still. I choose right now to be my own hero. I think many people affected by Sandy are not only going through a property rebuild but a life rebuild as well. Going through something like this gives you a new perspective on life. It reminded me that I cannot take anything for granted or ever get too comfortable. Life is meant to be lived to the fullest and you can’t do that while being in your comfort zone and being afraid to see what’s out there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Life is all about staying focused on what you want and working hard for it. This rings true for happiness. If you want to be happy, you have to make the effort to be happy. You have to do things that will make you happy. Happiness just doesn’t come knocking on your door and saying “I’m HERE!” So why would you choose to be the victim when being your own hero guarantees you happiness? It takes so much strength to rise above setbacks and disappointments, especially when it is one that has hurt the deepest. But if you do that, the results are so worth it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And you will look back and see that you were stronger than you ever gave yourself credit for, You became your own hero.</span>Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10991966416879530369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292604186748554346.post-18795204653658815742012-11-23T08:00:00.000-05:002012-11-23T12:18:59.190-05:00Fearless Fridays: The Lessons I Learned From My Dad<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the midst of
all the Superstorm Sandy mess, my dad’s 63th birthday crept on me on November 10. I spent so
much time trying to prepare for the day and then Sandy happened, which totally
turned my life upside down. I had planned to be in Tampa on his birthday, to
spread some of his ashes in the ocean from the pier in Clearwater Beach. But of
course, life intervened in the form of Superstorm Sandy.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPbjii4wOBXsBXS_ou5adOfzk_vY8ETHm9tDf1L3byJi4TEQyrYEIsG9Kv4XY_YI0VUxWDNvbDjiCjUHfl4c7eX0bvX9lCocUJUqYt2GjqQLl2JbWQXCEBnrhWfGtswZfb4ETje1LpUQ/s1600/4871-some-days-in-life-are-to-test-how-strong-you-are_247x200_width.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPbjii4wOBXsBXS_ou5adOfzk_vY8ETHm9tDf1L3byJi4TEQyrYEIsG9Kv4XY_YI0VUxWDNvbDjiCjUHfl4c7eX0bvX9lCocUJUqYt2GjqQLl2JbWQXCEBnrhWfGtswZfb4ETje1LpUQ/s200/4871-some-days-in-life-are-to-test-how-strong-you-are_247x200_width.png" width="196" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">His birthday
marked not only his birthday, but 19 months since he passed away. It’s just like
my dad to pass away with the dates matching evenly. I always say I got my
attention to detail and desire to make sure everything is neat and orderly from
him. I spent the day, thinking of him non-stop. So many things have happened in my life
in such a short time and it caused me to really reflect on my life. It has made
me see what needs work and what I need to do to move forward. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I always talk
about the lessons I have learned from my father. He was one of the smartest men
I knew and he prepared me for life. He saw my strength within, even when I
didn’t know it existed. And this is why he continually taught me about life and
how to handle the ups and downs. He knew I could take it and he knew I would
get through it all. He knew I was strong enough.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One lesson he
always reminded me of was how life is one continuous test. We will always be
presented with forks in the road. Sometimes those forks in the road come
disguised as setbacks and disappointments. Sometimes they are disguised as
being in a comfortable situation but having that restless feeling in your gut
that you need to move on. Your intuition is never wrong and listening to your
intuition is making a decision when you come to that fork in the road, on which
path to take. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Daddy used to
always tell me that opportunities will always be presented along your journey
but we make the decision on how we receive those opportunities. We can choose
to seize them or we can choose to ignore them. Either way, you are choosing
which path to take. Many times, we encounter setbacks and disappointments and
the pain from that halts us on our journey because we are too emotional to see
the lesson. That lesson shows us what path we need to stay on. So we may take
the wrong path on the road because we let our emotions rule our decision.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbJGasVc8Qystc6tXfzzNjy7f7DxUH5BoRM8lzcOetFWor1SUZwHMKClfUnVEtMf73yBUJD3Q1qgLt5HjmY_lileQCEE8d_kh0UjyrKidDGDEvUwDdnSHsdIf1CqyFjxOq4kZiZ0PV6M/s1600/lifewillbringyou.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbJGasVc8Qystc6tXfzzNjy7f7DxUH5BoRM8lzcOetFWor1SUZwHMKClfUnVEtMf73yBUJD3Q1qgLt5HjmY_lileQCEE8d_kh0UjyrKidDGDEvUwDdnSHsdIf1CqyFjxOq4kZiZ0PV6M/s200/lifewillbringyou.png" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With everything
that has happened in the last two years, from my dad’s sudden passing to my
relationship failing to even Superstorm Sandy, I have made the choice to not
let my emotions affect my steps going forward. I think of Daddy and what he
would do. It’s hard for me because I am an emotional person. I take things to
heart. I’m still grieving 19 months later for my father like it was yesterday
when I got the call that he was gone. I’m still hurt over that failed
relationship because I gave this man my all and did nothing wrong, yet he still
broke my heart. And then Sandy just thrust me into this space where I didn’t
feel safe. I felt out of control and thrown out of my familiar routine and
life. Which leads to another key lesson I learned from my father…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have to live
my life the best way I can and not have regrets. When you have regrets, it’s
just like you’re holding onto the past. It is what it is. It happened and there
is nothing you can do to change that. You can never change the past. However,
you can rewrite your story going forward and have a different ending. Instead
of having regret and looking back, start to look forward. Be excited at the
possibilities that await you. Accept that those past mistakes and regrets are
just that…in the past. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYHAdG66ATwHfJhNt7723nc_xzuHMHHbPrxQHEyqZj8T7_X5B8zGdzDFFjYh0bI7g8FD90_m9NDgV5ZXV0wnejN25sfdjmczxNAl6h685X8u_FzpZlfOZBmqE9VHhAbeqSibOBNOqFYY/s1600/Action-Quote1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="90" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYHAdG66ATwHfJhNt7723nc_xzuHMHHbPrxQHEyqZj8T7_X5B8zGdzDFFjYh0bI7g8FD90_m9NDgV5ZXV0wnejN25sfdjmczxNAl6h685X8u_FzpZlfOZBmqE9VHhAbeqSibOBNOqFYY/s200/Action-Quote1.png" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In order to
fully live life, we have to keep looking forward. If you keep looking back, you
won’t see what is awaits you on your journey. My dad admitted to me that he made plenty of mistakes in his life but his life was such a great story and he died with no regrets. He
did the best he could with what he had. It’s as simple as that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I go back home
this weekend, back to my life post-Sandy. The power is back on and the rebuild
has begun. I am so lucky and fortunate to have a home to go back to. So many lost their homes and belongings. And out of this whole thing, I have to say,
it has really made me discover another facet to my calling in this world. It
has made me realize that it is okay to be nice and want to help others. We live
in a world where people are in such a “ME” mode and are suspicious of anyone
wanting to offer help. As I said a few weeks ago, all it takes is one person to
make a change and start that domino effect in the world. If you have a pure,
genuine heart, let it shine through. Be who you are. You are giving the world a
great gift when you are true to yourself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have seen so many pure, genuine hearts in the last three weeks and it inspires me to be a better person. The world is not as bad as I thought. I know my dad is looking down at me, proud. He sees his legacy continuing strong as ever and sees that his lessons are being put into full use. Thank you, Daddy, for the lessons you taught me. Happy birthday. I love you infinity.</span></div>
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<br />Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10991966416879530369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292604186748554346.post-41659184346845549542012-11-22T13:30:00.001-05:002012-11-22T13:30:18.339-05:00The Frugal Files: Giving Thanks Today!!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy
Thanksgiving to you!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Welcome to
the Thanksgiving edition of The Frugal Files!! Last year around this time, we
were talking Black Friday sales, but this time I’d like to focus more on what
we have rather than what we want. It’s a lovely day outside and a glorious day
to give thanks. Last week, we talked about
((link)) and this week, I just wanted to share some ways to give thanks
and share this time with those who truly matter. Great thing about it, is they
are Frugalicious…as always.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Spend
time with family</span></b>, no matter the size. Also, family doesn’t mean just those
related to you by blood. Share time and space with those that matter most to
you and make it a happy day. Eat, play games, discuss the world and just enjoy
each other’s company. Catch up on what’s going on in your lives. You never know
what will come up; new business ideas, referrals, opportunities. We all get so
busy on social media with people we don’t know, that we miss out on the expertise
right in our own family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Check on
others.</span></b> Because I have such a big family, I sometimes forget that it’s not the
case for everyone. Holidays are times to share with people we love and care
about. So if you have a friend that has no family in the area or a college
student that didn’t go home, offer them a plate and an invitation to spend time
with your family. Let’s make sure people aren’t lonely and alone during this
holiday time. I am thankful and very proud that my family is large and that
they are welcoming to newcomers. They won’t hesitate to throw someone in the
food line and give them a hug. That goes for any family function, be it a
holiday gathering or a game night. If they are family to one of us, they are
family to all of us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Visit
extended family.</span></b> You have a few days off right? Don’t spend it all at the mall.
Why not call or take a ride to an aunt’s house you haven’t seen in a while. Do
you have a family member in a nursing home? Go visit them and share a piece of pie
and play a few rounds of checkers. This is the time to show people that even
when you don’t see each other often, they are still thought about and loved.
Use this gesture as a reminder to go and visit people more often. Let them tell
you stories. One thing we don’t do as much as we used to is sit at the feet of
our elders and listen to their wisdom. They’ve lived long enough to know
something about life, so let’s get that knowledge and pass it on to the next
generation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Volunteer.</span></b>
I know I talked about this last week, but because people seem to have so much
time off work and school, it’s the perfect time to lend a helping hand for a
good cause. This is not only to say that volunteering should only be done
around these holidays, but it’s a good start. Use it as a catapult to really
make donating your time, a lifestyle change. Donate money, attend a fundraiser,
help them raise funds and jump in and fill in the gap where they need help. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Give
away items.</span></b> In addition to giving out toys for tots, consider donating items
from a shelter’s wish list. Organize a drive of some sort at your church or in
your women’s group. Choose a local, national or international charity and set
aside time and money to support it. It will do both the charity and your heart,
good!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No
matter what you do today and during this time of relaxation, be sure to give
thanks. You may not be where you want to be or have everything you want, but
say a word of thanks to God for all that you do have. Enjoy and Happy
Thanksgiving to you and yours!!</span><br />
<br /><b style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;">
Frugalicious </span><i>Diva</i><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>Follow Me on Twitter
at @FrugaliciousDva</i></b></span>Frugalicious Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773427468403672114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292604186748554346.post-78289669067249328092012-11-13T07:45:00.001-05:002012-11-18T07:12:30.159-05:00The Frugal Files: Gratitude & Giving<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hey Frugal
Folks!!</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Welcome
back to The Frugal Files!! In November, we celebrate Gratitude Month. We should
be grateful all year, but it’s nice to have a month to truly focus on something
that helps us to be better people. When we’re better, we give others around us
permission to be better too. This month is a loving place that will hopefully
remind us of all the great things life has to offer and has been offering all
along.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This
week we celebrated Veteran’s Day. Besides taking advantage of the sales, I hope
you took the time to reflect on how our lives have been positively affected by
those who fought for our freedoms? Did you thank a Veteran? Yes, Sunday and
Monday were days specifically set aside to thank them, but feel free to show
them some gratitude anytime, especially if they are in uniform. I guarantee that
a “thank you” and smile will brighten a day, knowing that what they do and have
done is appreciated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How else
can you show gratitude? Take a challenge to write down those things for which
you are grateful, daily. Many of my online friends are blogging this month, chronicling
their life through their grateful eyes. When you are grateful for the people
and things you have in your life, you find that you are truly blessed. No
matter what you've been through (because Lord knows, we've all been through
something), you can find something that will make you smile; something to be
grateful about.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've also received emails about meditation challenges. Even though I haven’t been
keeping up like I should, I’m currently taking part in <a href="https://www.chopracentermeditation.com/Bestsellers/LandingPage.aspx?BookId=172">Deepak Chopra's 21 Day Meditation Challenge</a>. The focus of this series is creating abundance. How do
you create abundance? By focusing on abundance and most importantly, gratitude.
The more you’re grateful, the more abundance you create. Of course, our
gratitude efforts wouldn't be complete without affirmations. I’ll share today’s,
so we can reflect on it together.</span></div>
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<i><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Today, and every day, I give
what I want to receive.”</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My last
few months, really this whole year, hasn't been the happiest for me. Sometimes,
it was downright depressing, but last month, I decided once and for all; I will
set out to be a blessing for others. No matter how I’m feeling, I cannot ignore
the fact that my life is extremely blessed, therefore I will bless others. In
this journey, I have found so many more things I’m grateful for in my life. My
prayer to God was not one of asking for myself, but of giving myself away, so
He could use me to bless others. Here's a musical inspiration for you.</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My
biggest effort is to help those in need during this hurricane and holiday
season. I know we’re all glad the election is over, but the tragedy of
Hurricane Sandy, keeps us in a place of anguish. Let’s do something about it. I
have several friends in the NYC area that were affected and it’s been my
mission to send them items to help them rebuild. I got my church, my sorority and
my couponing group involved; because TOGETHER, we can make a difference.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So,
frugalicious divas and dons, gather your coupons, pack up your binders and find
some sales that will allow you to put together care packages for those in need
this season. If you’re not a couponer, be a friend and buy a Sunday newspaper
for someone who is, so they can utilize those coupons. Find local charities and
donate items that are on their wish list. If nothing else, volunteer your time.
Serve holiday dinner or help prepare it. Help a local shelter make phone calls
or organize their community closet. </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you
want to help those affected by Sandy, consider assisting with the Far Rockaway
areas. This is our Belle Noir writer Marcy’s area and she’s been wonderful at
providing information to assist families who have lost everything or are still
living without electricity. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The <a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/417572164933080/?ref=ts&fref=ts">Divas Making A Difference</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> NY </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/PinkCityEntAtlanta" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Chapter is looking for people to send
the following items: </span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
- Toothbrushes<br />- Toothpaste<br />- Deodorant<br />- Q-tips<br />- Sanitary Napkins/ Pantiliners / Tampons<br />- Lotion<br />- Lip balm<br />- Facial cleaner<br />- Body soap/body wash<br />- Cleaning puffs/washcloths/ towels<br />- Shampoo<br />- Hair conditioner<br />- Perfume<br />- Body moisturizer<br />- Facial moisturizer<br />- Shaving supplies<br />- Hair accessories (bobby pins, hair ties...)<br />
<br />Send contributions to:<br />Tiffany Braxton<br />
c/o Divas Making A Difference New York Chapter<br />
PO Box 340317<br />
Rochdale Village, New York 11434<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let's give during this time of gratitude!! Enjoy your week!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Frugalicious </span><i>Diva</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><b><i>Follow Me on Twitter at @FrugaliciousDva</i></b></span></div>
Frugalicious Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773427468403672114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292604186748554346.post-37186900674015315472012-11-03T08:00:00.000-04:002012-11-03T08:00:01.772-04:00Fearless Fridays: All It Takes is One Person to Start a Revolution<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am writing this week’s column with a heavy heart. As all of you know, Hurricane Sandy ripped into the NYC/NJ/CT area and caused havoc and destruction in its path. I know all too well as I live in the Rockaways, one of the hardest hit areas. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beach, before and after</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Rockaways is a small peninsula in Queens, where you have the beach and Atlantic Ocean on one side and Jamaica Bay on the other. We’re about an hour from Manhattan, near JFK airport and near Long Island. When the Rockaways are spoken off in a positive light in the media, it is usually about the affluent neighborhoods of Belle Harbor, Rockaway Beach and Breezy Point. However, the Rockaways is not just about those areas. It also has seven housing projects in areas with predominantly Black and Latino residents. The Arverne/Edgemere community consists of low income and middle-class good people who are just trying to live a decent life. In these areas, there are also houses and cooperative housing. But these sections are rarely featured unless there is a crime being committed or something negative. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beginning of Sandy</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During Hurricane Sandy, I saw things I want to forget and know I never will. You may have heard about the devastation in the Breezy Point section of the Rockaways. While that was so terrible and the pain I feel for those residents is indescribable, the entire peninsula was affected. My mom and I spent almost three days in complete darkness. No power, water and no phone service. No elevators. Many of us underestimated this storm and did not realize how bad it would be. In my neighborhood, there was looting and for days, we saw no help. No one knocked on our door to ask if we needed assistance. No FEMA or Red Cross vehicles to be seen. Bus service resumed Tuesday afternoon but was very limited. If you didn’t have a car, you didn’t have a way out. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flooding on B 54th St</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I finally got to listen to a radio on Wednesday morning, I realized how bad it was out there. And I felt trapped. Yes, we were fine. We live on the 3rd floor in a building and the water only rose up to the window sill of the 1st floor. We had some food and water. But to be off the grid, as I call it, and in the dark is a terrifying thing. I had no idea what was going on outside and we did not leave our house for that reason. We kept waiting for help and nothing. Finally, Wednesday morning, my neighbor told us she was heading further east into Far Rockaway to check on a friend. She said that if she found a working phone, she’d call my aunt and have her come get us. We were lucky. We got out. But many stayed behind, stuck with no where to go. They had no way to get to a shelter. It broke my heart and honestly, really made me angry. In the area known to the locals as the 40’s, it’s predominantly houses and most families there lost everything. In the 60’s area, same thing. You hear everyone say the same thing, “The water came in too fast and I just had to get out quick.”</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I found myself becoming bitter. Being bitter is not in my nature and once I let these negative feelings in, they spread like a fast disease. That resentfulness and bitterness grew and on the ride to my aunt’s house, honestly, I wanted to scream. Instead of celebrating that we were evacuated and will now have power and running water, I was instead letting the bitterness eat away at my spirit and hold it hostage. To me, it just seemed as if many were just out for themselves. During our time in the dark, we offered assistance to a few neighbors and only one neighbor returned that favor. We had neighbors who had working vehicles and went out shopping a few times without even knocking on our door to see if we needed anything. Towards Day 3, we were running low on water and getting nervous. That one neighbor, our angel, was always there. And when we left, we gave her everything else we had left. We asked her to come with us but she wanted to stay behind and help others.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYuDU9J1eXvSNheVTT742XExAwMiaFOTHCXAlENC7u8pcGyG5NtPMf5bNazHDlkD0fIAMHoSGWQ2xGYQXfus3Z22pSqApBppCq4pmcZPKv0nJGK0BF_k2NGbrhKar1cfEMU01l-WyeqDE/s1600/427888_4868915567643_237017940_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYuDU9J1eXvSNheVTT742XExAwMiaFOTHCXAlENC7u8pcGyG5NtPMf5bNazHDlkD0fIAMHoSGWQ2xGYQXfus3Z22pSqApBppCq4pmcZPKv0nJGK0BF_k2NGbrhKar1cfEMU01l-WyeqDE/s200/427888_4868915567643_237017940_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The destroyed boardwalk</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So as I ran these things over in my mind, it drove me crazy. But then I started to think of that neighbor who was so good to us. And it was as if a switch went off in my head. I always preach about turning a negative thing into a positive thing and how the words you think and speak affect you. Well, that bitterness was getting the best of me until I thought of my neighbor and all she did for us. Then I knew what I had to do. I had to pay it forward.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had to stop being resentful of everyone else and be who I am. I had to help. Now I am someone who doesn’t drive so I don’t have a car. Mom and I lost all of our food minus what we gave away. We don’t have much money. But once I decided to help in any way I could, I became possessed with the desire to help, even though it seemed impossible. I felt I had to. It’s like that saying “Each one, teach one”. Someone has to be the first one to start helping. And even if it’s just a little, it will start a chain reaction.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8hhyb1BodynkscfmLzelGLRjHIC48deaPEEPeesZcb7q0AvalWp7SuTcGk0w6XOmf-pve1noHSSTrJk1Hv0cVmnZsLjp5ZCzhOBpKx0yaSZJqXijEw7Sn6pPwNxrrkHP5Oztd1WkmH8c/s1600/559636_3872676142933_1763437066_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8hhyb1BodynkscfmLzelGLRjHIC48deaPEEPeesZcb7q0AvalWp7SuTcGk0w6XOmf-pve1noHSSTrJk1Hv0cVmnZsLjp5ZCzhOBpKx0yaSZJqXijEw7Sn6pPwNxrrkHP5Oztd1WkmH8c/s200/559636_3872676142933_1763437066_n.jpg" width="133" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I decided to use social media to spread the word on how there was no help in this area of the Rockaways and to keep others updated on the area as there was no way to communicate with loved ones. I asked for help; if anyone had any food to donate. I also asked if someone would drive me back there to give out food. One person answered my call for help. Her family and friends got together and donated food. We drove back to the neighborhood on Thursday and gave it to those in need. I checked on a few neighbors and loved ones of friends, who could not get in touch with them. I also saw that FEMA and the Red Cross had finally arrived. The water was turned back on in my building. Still, no power but a small victory nonetheless. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thursday night, I tried again, asking for help. I know there is a friend of mine who is stuck in her home with her husband and kids. I had no way of getting back out there to help her. While I felt limited, I still pushed through to keep people updated and notified via Facebook. And just when I felt like no one would answer my second call for help, on Friday, I heard from a childhood friend who said she wanted to organize relief efforts in the area. Then another friend messaged me, letting me know that he had an organization ready to donate 200 meals. I connected him with my friend organizing the relief efforts. I then got a message from a former co-worker who said that if she could find gas, she would be willing to pick me up and take me to check on my friend on Saturday.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2kM0TQBtei47iM8QVO1fnSoDB5Q4785hIABSxGvKuE-QPCS_eAe7QnhxXBeQ-4vSOTupJP3TyC3eJmaQCQJDDpWMmFCErkUn4pzj88oNW4yRgSn3-xY1mx1u2tkwq-z7ve2lkwttmIYE/s1600/304460_4868914407614_1759922481_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2kM0TQBtei47iM8QVO1fnSoDB5Q4785hIABSxGvKuE-QPCS_eAe7QnhxXBeQ-4vSOTupJP3TyC3eJmaQCQJDDpWMmFCErkUn4pzj88oNW4yRgSn3-xY1mx1u2tkwq-z7ve2lkwttmIYE/s200/304460_4868914407614_1759922481_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The area still needs so much help. More than I can do. I did a little but refuse to take credit for anything great because I feel I did not do as much as I would have liked. But when I think of my part in the chain reaction that started, it makes me smile. It takes only one person to start a revolution, as my dad used to always say. And as I type this, the tears fall because I know he is looking down proud. God bless those who helped and continue to. God bless those who spoke up for our community. God bless those who helped in spreading the word. You are the true heroes in all of this. The rebuild has begun and we will get through it as a community no matter what. To all those affected by Sandy, remember, we are not victims. We are survivors and fighters. We will get through this and emerge better and stronger than before.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you would like to help in any way, be it food, supplies or even to give a resident a ride somewhere or offer them a way to contact loved ones, please email me for more information at marcyc19@gmail.com. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To donate to the Red Cross: </span><a href="http://www.redcross.org/">http://www.redcross.org/</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is also the information for relief efforts put forth by my childhood friend Selena Aquasia:</span><br />
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Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10991966416879530369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292604186748554346.post-41121343680988755622012-10-31T07:30:00.000-04:002012-11-03T07:34:56.699-04:00The Frugal Files: The Real Scary Stuff!! Happy Halloween!!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy
Halloween frugal folks!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today is
one of those fun holidays where people celebrate with parties and candy, as well
as take part in festive outlets such as parties, dressing up in costumes and
scaring little kids. I’m sure you’ve been blasted with ideas and images on how
to make this year’s Halloween event more creative, frugal or not. During this
time, most people find ghosts, goblins and witches scary, but today we’re going
to talk about what scares adults or should scare them…into taking care of their
financial business.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First,
let’s talk about <b>GHOSTS</b>, also known as <b>DEBT</b>!! Debt is something that people
have that often lurks around because we get caught up in life and forget about
it. Of course, we know what our immediate debt is: house and car notes, credit
cards, school loans. However, do you pull your credit report yearly to make
sure you didn’t leave something in the past? If you don’t address it, like a
ghost, it will haunt you and show up and scare you when you want to do something
with your life. When you go to buy a house, it’s there. When you want to be considered
for a business loan, there it is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGmhYhJ4uYDGXkJBMRzFq9VIKvKpeFUFW70YvjoMykk2o4kydxU391ofGKJ7GePB11GqMbZNLMEkncmaiZDZzhE9TXIYQTR3_dOufj4GsFeMZN070EDjZjaoovH1BAMBZ4FYIdZGgo2w3p/s1600/scary+money.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGmhYhJ4uYDGXkJBMRzFq9VIKvKpeFUFW70YvjoMykk2o4kydxU391ofGKJ7GePB11GqMbZNLMEkncmaiZDZzhE9TXIYQTR3_dOufj4GsFeMZN070EDjZjaoovH1BAMBZ4FYIdZGgo2w3p/s320/scary+money.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, how
do you eliminate ghosts? Find their source and close the case, making it comfortable enough to move on to the next life, which for us is called <b>PAID OFF</b>. Pay your old
debts off and send a letter to the credit bureaus with the proof that you have
done so. Then move on to your next phase of life, debt free!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Second, let’s
address some <b>GHOULS </b>and <b>GOBLINS</b>, which are sometimes little and annoying but
have the potential to consume us or our money if we don’t address them right
now. It’s getting cold now and Winter is not far away. It’s time to get prepared for
it. My heart goes out to all those affected by Hurricane Sandy. If you can,
join me in sending aid to those in need. I’ll be looking for items to send
them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Start
winterizing your home. Put in your storm windows, clean out your gutters, rake
up the leaves and trim back the trees to minimize damage from the snow. Get
your salt, shovels and snow blowers ready to take care of your yard and help
out a neighbor too. Put plastic over the windows to keep out air that might
seep in older windows. Stock up on food, especially those that will warm you
up: soups, stews and cocoa. Plan for inside activities, so no one is bored
enough to want to go out for outings. It will be safer to be inside on some
days.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLklGlGHBxMBnhOPPRWVBu4BhvPYbb71b_LvDSZMECDe061P_4hFgQnxLqOaB8zH9DZFegFChQB9szMJNxvkVjpMZG5LZcmwCX-lobavO6b7taYfzbH09bh-wjM0OvpwKyao-Js8vTnx7F/s1600/jack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLklGlGHBxMBnhOPPRWVBu4BhvPYbb71b_LvDSZMECDe061P_4hFgQnxLqOaB8zH9DZFegFChQB9szMJNxvkVjpMZG5LZcmwCX-lobavO6b7taYfzbH09bh-wjM0OvpwKyao-Js8vTnx7F/s200/jack.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Get your
car ready too. Its care will make the difference when going through the winter
months. Get your tune up, new tires and make sure your heat is in proper
working condition. Keep an emergency kit in your car that includes flares, blankets,
a first aid kit and some non-perishable food and water. Carry around your pet’s
food or sand to help with traction after it’s snowed. That will help you move
through the snow. At all times, be cautious and careful while driving. Pay
attention to the road and keep your phone put away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last, let’s
talk <b>WITCHES </b>and <b>ZOMBIES</b>, which for the sake of this conversation is about
<b>insurance </b>and <b>wills/trusts</b>. Both are topics people shy away from addressing
because no one really wants to talk about death and illness. Unfortunately,
that is part of life and people do get sick and pass away. The key is to
celebrate life while we’re here and to let our loved ones continue to celebrate
even when we’re gone. They can’t do that if they are worrying about how to bury
loved ones; how to pay for bills left by loved ones or how to divide up an
estate because that loved one didn’t take time to prepare before leaving this
earth. No one wants the witch, called probate court, to decide where your
family’s property and belongings will go.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Talk
candidly to your family about preparing for the future. Make sure you have
ample coverage in case of an emergency. Contact a professional and put your
requests in writing. It’s the only way to secure your future and the future of
those after you. Let’s take care of our business and cast out those financial demons
that threaten us and our families!! This is my candy for you. Trick or Treat!! Happy Halloween!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Frugalicious
</span><i>Diva<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Follow Me on Twitter at @FrugaliciousDva</i></b></span></div>
Frugalicious Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773427468403672114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292604186748554346.post-1329458920767289342012-10-26T08:00:00.000-04:002012-10-26T08:00:01.566-04:00Fearless Fridays: Are You Living or Existing?<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else. ~Judy Garland</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A friend of mine posted an interesting question on her Facebook page the other day, which caught my attention. It was simply: <i>Are you living or existing?</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Talk about powerful! Often, we are just existing and don’t even realize it. It’s easy to put your life on auto-pilot when you’re comfortable in your everyday routine. But being comfortable doesn’t always equal happiness. Remember that you determine your life’s story. You make decisions along your journey that will take you on a certain path. Getting used to a familiar and comfortable routine in your life is essentially just getting by. You’re not being your best self by just getting by.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiugjOls1uv8Prwf195NydpR3xei7rlg7JJ66eFkU7GqFW2Z0uYC0VZkaWiTghKJCllAnOCnJkBwaMAh8G5I9bct9zYw47rSH89jboOKn-e20RoGtZnzB2Y52Gf_BcsngbUiuqzsdZ5T0g/s1600/existing3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiugjOls1uv8Prwf195NydpR3xei7rlg7JJ66eFkU7GqFW2Z0uYC0VZkaWiTghKJCllAnOCnJkBwaMAh8G5I9bct9zYw47rSH89jboOKn-e20RoGtZnzB2Y52Gf_BcsngbUiuqzsdZ5T0g/s200/existing3.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">See, in life, it is not enough to just get by and be comfortable all the time. Life has so much more to offer than that, if you choose to take a chance and seize those opportunities. You are here for a reason and it is not just to exist. I know life can be hard, believe me. We are faced with setbacks and disappointments on a daily basis. However, pushing through those dark times are big wins. And learning the lesson from those moments is the ultimate victory because it will help you to be one step closer to being your best self. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But when you let those dark moments keep you from living, you are just giving up and existing. That is no way to live life, especially since you only have one life to live. Your mindset is very important in being your best self. Your thoughts shape your actions and your life. Positive thinking can do a long way. It won’t eliminate all of your problems but it will help you to deal with them in better way. And it will help you to let go and move on.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Life is meant to be that story where there are more happy moments than sad. It is meant to be a great story where we realize our potential and pursue our dreams. Life is what you make it to be. So think about it, if you decide to make your life wonderful, think of how much you can do with your life. Honestly, all it takes is accepting responsibility for what you are doing in your life and making the decision to not just get by anymore. Why settle for mediocrity when you have dreams in your heart, which when pursued and attained, will turn your life into something awesome?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_o0bzridi6ff4z8sefxhz08aWu1CeXf2Qr4bo4Vt20T9fZTEbTIq_8KcqtnT9aX4idldDX7JSj0GE-8p7tSkQv9Jo-MC52zbStKNVF5wPtAS8S1nq7nbSbPiUZeFGEf1Ff6Q9pSVWWE/s1600/423757_177194009083466_319799596_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_o0bzridi6ff4z8sefxhz08aWu1CeXf2Qr4bo4Vt20T9fZTEbTIq_8KcqtnT9aX4idldDX7JSj0GE-8p7tSkQv9Jo-MC52zbStKNVF5wPtAS8S1nq7nbSbPiUZeFGEf1Ff6Q9pSVWWE/s200/423757_177194009083466_319799596_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First things first, you have to be honest with yourself and see yourself for who you are, flaws and all. No one is
perfect so stop criticizing yourself and second guessing yourself. Instead, think about how you can change what you are not happy with. For example, want to change jobs? Then make the decision to revamp your resume and start looking for opportunities out there. Make a list of things you’d like to change and then make decisions on how you can make your changes happen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Second, you have to accept
yourself, all of yourself. Love yourself, flaws and all. Accept that while you
may not be a rocket scientist, you are meant for something great in your life.
You won’t find your true calling unless you accept you for who you are and honestly,
do some soul searching on where your strengths lie and how you can align those
strengths with your dreams.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiugjOls1uv8Prwf195NydpR3xei7rlg7JJ66eFkU7GqFW2Z0uYC0VZkaWiTghKJCllAnOCnJkBwaMAh8G5I9bct9zYw47rSH89jboOKn-e20RoGtZnzB2Y52Gf_BcsngbUiuqzsdZ5T0g/s1600/existing3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiugjOls1uv8Prwf195NydpR3xei7rlg7JJ66eFkU7GqFW2Z0uYC0VZkaWiTghKJCllAnOCnJkBwaMAh8G5I9bct9zYw47rSH89jboOKn-e20RoGtZnzB2Y52Gf_BcsngbUiuqzsdZ5T0g/s200/existing3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Third, you must change your
mindset. It’s like I said above, your thoughts are such an important part of
being your best self. You can either be the president of your own fan club or
your own worst enemy. It’s your choice. Once you change your mindset, you are
looking at your life with a new set of eyes. And once you change your mindset,
you are actually allowing yourself to open your mind to the possibilities out
there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lastly, you have to put yourself out there in the world and simply live your life to the fullest. It’s all about action. Once you take action in your life to be your best self, great things
will start to happen. The right people will come into your life. The right
opportunities will come into your life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So don’t wait until tomorrow to make a change. Make the decision to change TODAY. You owe it to yourself to be
the best you that you can be. Don’t talk about it, be about it! It’s like the
saying goes, “Be that person you want to meet.” By changing yourself for the better, you are changing your world for the better. Don't just exist. Live!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i>Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's
life. ~Steve Jobs</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_j3t_ImGBhrRcYbu9plKHTV5eqb9C1yBLroz61kONYMTbnQjrIAXncyK8STVm_uZZxKGbJLefxNHzz0nzzPV7loDznVGmMsis3CRqfujHbNI2aJ0G4hn8LwZ4tVAR2XdAURHYOf0hSNQ/s1600/existing2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_j3t_ImGBhrRcYbu9plKHTV5eqb9C1yBLroz61kONYMTbnQjrIAXncyK8STVm_uZZxKGbJLefxNHzz0nzzPV7loDznVGmMsis3CRqfujHbNI2aJ0G4hn8LwZ4tVAR2XdAURHYOf0hSNQ/s320/existing2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10991966416879530369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292604186748554346.post-1171521837126750642012-10-23T08:00:00.001-04:002012-10-23T08:00:14.132-04:00The Frugal Files: Update Your Wardrobe the Frugalicious Way!!Welcome back frugalicious ones!! <br />
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Hope it’s been a great week for you!!
So, how’s the weather? Isn’t that how you might start off a new conversation? I know, a little old fashioned, but during this time, this question literally still applies to us. We’ve been having a very warm Fall and it seems that from day to day, we are not sure what to expect. So, let me ask you this? Have you changed out your seasonal wardrobes yet? I haven’t and I also haven’t taken our air conditioners out of the windows yet. We haven’t been using them, but it still just doesn’t feel like “it’s time”.
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One thing it’s always time for though, is fashion. Frugal fashion and that’s what we’re chatting about today. I’m not going to point out sales or do any high end to low end scale matching, but I’m going to share some tips I’ve learned from one of my favorite (and local) stylists, <a href="http://www.honeylikelove.com/#!style-services">honey like love</a>, about how to stay stylish no matter what season it is.
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These tips are easy to do, very affordable and will dazzle you up whether you are headed to your 9-to-5 or headed out to a Girl’s Night Out. The best thing about them is that you will have a great time shopping in your own closet and will rediscover your wardrobe for what it truly is…frugaliciously fabulous!!
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<b>Use Color!!</b> Whether it’s a little or a lot, be sure to incorporate it into your wardrobe. I know many women have a closet full of black clothing, especially for the Fall and Winter, since history has shown many are encouraged to wear darker colors for these seasons. While that’s true, dark doesn’t always have to fall into the black/brown category. Discover colors like Tangerine, Golden tones, Grays and Chartreuse. Make your outfit stand out with a pop of color. Want more color selections with which to experiment?, Check out <a href="http://www.pantone.com/pages/fcr.aspx?pg=20948&ca=4">Pantone Fashion Color Report Fall 2012</a>.
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How do you use your color? Use it around your neckline to draw out the color of your eyes or make your lips pop. Add a little to your lapel, mix and match it on the top and bottom. Have a completely unexpected color in your high heels. All will tie in with your outfit and give you the confidence needed to strut your frugalicious stuff into your next meeting.
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<strong>Mix & Match!!</strong> We hear this all the time right? It usually is referring to changing out your tops and bottoms (or similar sale items in a grocery store and coupon scenario). I concur here too, but will take it further. Not only can you where that top with pants, a skirt or a pair capris, you can also mix and match your seasonal pieces with your out-of-season pieces. Yes, that’s right. With the exception of flip flops, I propose that you can use pretty much any of your Spring and Summer pieces with your Fall and Winter wardrobe. You just have to know how to wear it.
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Have a favorite boyfriend tee, sleeveless tank or romper pants suit? Add a blazer and keep it moving? What about your dress? Dress it up more with a cardigan. Next time you purchase a dress, be sure it’s at least a 3 season frock where you can wear in more than one season.
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<strong>Use Accessories!!</strong> This is self-explanatory, but I promise you will NEVER get tired of this tip. Depending on your mood and event, the possibilities here are endless. You have your obvious accessories like jewelry, watches and hair adornments, but don’t forget about your belts, which when partnered with a jacket and pencil skirt, are fab-u-lous!! Also, eye shadow and lip color, leggings and patterns tights, brooches and handbags. Oh and scarves, one of my FAVORITE additions to apparel. Have you seen this video? 25 Ways to tie a scarf!! You will be dazzled and dazzle others with this creative fashionista’s tying tips.
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So, how do you feel about walking into Winter now? Surely, you can with style right from your own bedroom!! Toodles and chat with you soon!!
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Frugalicious </span><em>Diva</em>
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<b><em>Follow Me on Twitter at @FrugaliciousDva</em></b>Frugalicious Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773427468403672114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292604186748554346.post-84426188653955282222012-10-19T08:00:00.000-04:002013-10-27T20:15:21.372-04:00Fearless Fridays: Knowing Your Worth<br />
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><i>You are very
powerful, provided you know how powerful you are. ~Yogi Bhajan</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was chatting with a friend on Facebook last night and we
started talking about being single. The topic of knowing your worth came up and
it instantly took me back to when I was a little girl. I remember my dad always holding my face,
looking into my eyes and telling me how beautiful I was, how smart I was and
how I was destined to be something great in this world. He would then end that motivational
mini speech with this: “Never lose sight of your worth. That will take you places
because you will never settle for mediocrity.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wow, powerful words. That was my dad. He was always
schooling me on something. And I always listened. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When people talk of knowing
your worth, it’s usually directed towards just dating, like my conversation
with my friend. While knowing your worth is imperative in dating, knowing your
worth is something imperative in your life period. This is something I learned
early on by my dad’s words. We live in a tough, harsh world. Some might say it’s
almost like a “survival of the fittest” environment. And the first armor you
can create to protect yourself in this world is to know your worth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Knowing your worth means you will never settle for any
mistreatment from anyone; you will know when it’s time to move on. Knowing your worth means you will never give
up until you accomplish what you desire because you believe in yourself. So
many things grow from that base of knowing your worth. Your self-love grows,
your self-respect grows, your determination grows and most importantly, your
persistence and patience grows. Knowing your worth means knowing your value and knowing that you are worthy of having a great relationship, a career you love, being surrounded by people who love and appreciate you and shoot, even worthy of a great outfit and shoes to match!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world ~ Lucille Ball</i></b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-gAWnobMtGZ4WpbBAfuokvn110wmXkSMT-5aTaYCTgdYVWMYNIUkpVLYb0n_fWUxzxKfww5l94YnM_vN42w5qrIjEOupanFZ05D12-0LI3qHSbxyQWWRMuKUelTAnDsCXcBAmTF2V3k/s1600/valuewhoyouare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-gAWnobMtGZ4WpbBAfuokvn110wmXkSMT-5aTaYCTgdYVWMYNIUkpVLYb0n_fWUxzxKfww5l94YnM_vN42w5qrIjEOupanFZ05D12-0LI3qHSbxyQWWRMuKUelTAnDsCXcBAmTF2V3k/s200/valuewhoyouare.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: start;">Artwork by Rita Loyd © 2013 </span><br style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: start;">http://www.NurturingArt.com</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Self-worth and self-esteem go hand in hand. If you don’t
think highly of yourself, you will not know what your true worth is. No one
will love you like you love yourself. So many of us seek validation from others
or compare ourselves to others, which just sets us up to loath ourselves
because we will never be like that other person. Honestly, why would you want
to be someone else when there’s only one you in the world? Knowing your worth
means knowing that you are unique and different and that’s a very powerful
thing. No one can ever take that away from you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first step in loving yourself and knowing your worth is
accepting you for you, flaws and all. No one is perfect in this world. Even
when someone appears perfect, they are not. Their imperfections may not be
visible to the eye but they exist. When you see the world for its imperfections
and the beauty within those imperfections, you will look at life with a new set
of eyes. Your flaws are your flaws. But how you look at them is what they will
mean to you. Your flaws are what you make them to be. If you focus solely on
your flaws and ignore the great things about you, you will never know how amazing
you truly are. Our flaws are only a fraction of who we are. We’re the ones who
have the power to either put the spotlight on our flaws and dwell on them OR
accept our flaws for what they are and focus on the rest of ourselves that is
fabulous, unique and wonderful. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEggCaVLLfNfjrKCpFs7ya97RQCHJSunEr-jefm0af5LoT0tXPhUfSEwz9jagh02MF1gJEOGPzw2c-CGTAPNP9RN0Np80iIeXaoYr58adiOsVIhAkn5kmnDq3PHpmB_motTE-jvEv1Dx4/s1600/know+your+worth1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEggCaVLLfNfjrKCpFs7ya97RQCHJSunEr-jefm0af5LoT0tXPhUfSEwz9jagh02MF1gJEOGPzw2c-CGTAPNP9RN0Np80iIeXaoYr58adiOsVIhAkn5kmnDq3PHpmB_motTE-jvEv1Dx4/s200/know+your+worth1.jpg" width="156" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s not easy and won’t happen in a day. But if you work at
it, it gets easier each day. Despite my dad constantly speaking greatness into
my life, I am human and had my own moments of uncertainty. For me, I always
felt like I never belonged. A lot of it
had to do with being the lone big girl in my circles and feeling “almost”
beautiful. People would always tell me
that if I lost weight, I’d be beautiful. Or if I lost weight, I could do this
or that. It was as if my weight determined my worth and my standing in the
world. When I looked in the mirror, I
saw a beautiful person but it was hard to shut those other voices out of my
head, telling me I was not beautiful. It used to bug me how much worth people put
on outer beauty. Frankly, it really screwed my head up when it came to how I
looked at outer beauty. So I would wonder what was wrong with me and compare
myself to others. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It took some time and the Universe placing people in my path
who offered wisdom along the way, for me to see that I was beautiful, inside
and out. Once I saw that, I knew my worth and knew that my beauty did not determine my worth. Once I knew my worth, my life
changed dramatically because I did not settle for mediocrity. Daddy was right.
When you know your worth, you never settle for anything less than what you
deserve and want. You won't give yourself away and let people use you and mistreat you. You won't loath and mistreat yourself. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYfor8jeGpBftES_ryfZcCy9TzmDeBQVUBGypO9YiUXvIoRZdV7V77W2gzNgmltYxhKAMzCH_i78YQSvu81o9hoW8TY0PovoTu1tx9sQdqVW8fUmkb1xy4Yt2tMr7Yv8miCuoVSRR_4c/s1600/knowing-your-worth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYfor8jeGpBftES_ryfZcCy9TzmDeBQVUBGypO9YiUXvIoRZdV7V77W2gzNgmltYxhKAMzCH_i78YQSvu81o9hoW8TY0PovoTu1tx9sQdqVW8fUmkb1xy4Yt2tMr7Yv8miCuoVSRR_4c/s200/knowing-your-worth.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Knowing your worth is about being true to who you are and knowing that no matter what you have done in the past or what people think of you, you are an incredible, amazing being and you're worth more than gold, diamonds and all the money in the world. When you hold yourself in this high regard, anything is possible. The sky's the limit! And no one can change that unless you let them. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Knowing your worth is the answer to letting great things come into your life, letting love find you and living your life to its highest potential.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can close my eyes and remember how my dad looked at me when I graduated from college (I was the first one in my family to graduate from college). He looked at me so proudly and said, "I knew you could do it. And you knew it, too." Yes, Daddy, I know my worth...thank you for seeing it before I did. Your legacy lives on.</span></div>
Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10991966416879530369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292604186748554346.post-34803146696356358762012-10-16T07:30:00.000-04:002012-10-16T07:33:23.620-04:00The Frugal Files: Know Your Lingo, Coupon Lingo!!<br />
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Hey frugalicious divas and the men who love us and love to
save!! Welcome back to The Frugal Files!!</div>
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This past weekend has been such an awesome one. I taught my
very first Coupon Workshop at the <a href="http://www.thenaturalexpo.com/workshops/">2nd Annual Natural & Beauty Expo</a> of NW Ohio, along with my best coupon buddy Tasha, of <a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/ILUVCOUPON">I LUV 2 COUPON</a>!! Be sure to visit us there and join the group. It’s where we talk
about saving and couponing daily. We share the steals and deals, the ups and
downs and pictures of our store hauls and stockpiles. It’s a great place to
be!!</div>
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It was my pleasure to share the stage with Tasha, as she is
the Coupon Guru!! I credit her with teaching me MOST of what I know about
couponing. She even put together my first coupon binder and later upgraded me to my second
and she’s an all around great frugalicious diva and Belle!!</div>
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The people in the workshop brought so much energy; they
were involved and truly sponges to the knowledge we were sharing. There were
couponers and aspiring couponers alike in the room and it made for a great
class. The workshop was only 45 minutes, so we crammed in as much information
as possible. We created what was called The Countdown to Couponing, giving the
run down on the 10 most important things to know about this art we call
Couponing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEpJEC9QL6SS0b-IhafbMMT8pGQey_BYBVu5TdAROTk0CnGpMLcTns7nD03jtt6NQN2ou4lf-uKyp3991_Z8dTm1JwGv4EkANQ284vvKen1cf1vsl_uQDonVsC3EryL7jF0tdepz0Bqcgb/s1600/say+what.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEpJEC9QL6SS0b-IhafbMMT8pGQey_BYBVu5TdAROTk0CnGpMLcTns7nD03jtt6NQN2ou4lf-uKyp3991_Z8dTm1JwGv4EkANQ284vvKen1cf1vsl_uQDonVsC3EryL7jF0tdepz0Bqcgb/s1600/say+what.jpg" /></a>People often see my Facebook and Twitter posts and ask me
how to save, how to get things free and how to coupon. Such vague
questions we always need to narrow own, but I’ve found for those most
interested in couponing, they just want to know where to start. One of our
first pieces of advice is to LEARN THE TERMS. We speak English and we usually
are able to decipher what each of us are saying to each other, but when it
comes to couponing, there’s an entirely different lingo. I thought we’d explore
those today. Here’s a list. Some are self-explanatory and some, a little more
complicated.</div>
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<i><u><span style="color: #38761d;">Coupon Lingo</span></u></i></h2>
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<b>$1/1, $1/2:</b>
One dollar off one item, one dollar off two items, etc.<br />
<b>2/$1, 3/$2:</b> Two items for one dollar, three items for two dollars, etc.<br />
<b>B1G1:</b> Buy one item get one item free<br />
<b>B2G1:</b> Buy two items get one item free<br />
<b>Beep:</b> Register may beep when a coupon is scanned, sometimes due to
error. Most times cashier will have to enter the coupon amount manually<br />
<b>Blinkies:</b> Grocery/drugstore coupon dispensers with blinking lights</div>
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<b>Catalina:</b> Coupon that prints
out during or after a transaction, like money, to use on next transaction<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>CRT:</b> Cash register tape; CVS
coupons that print with receipt</div>
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<b>DND:</b> Do not double<br />
<b>ECBs:</b> ExtraCare Bucks; CVS loyalty rewards system<br />
<b>ETS:</b> Excludes trial size; a restriction usually found on coupon</div>
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<b style="line-height: 150%;">Exp.:</b><span style="line-height: 150%;"> Expires</span><span style="line-height: 150%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 150%;"> </span></div>
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<b>GC:</b> Gift card<br />
<b>IP:</b> Internet Printable, coupons that can be printed at home from the
internet, usually two per computer are allowed. *Warning* These cannot be
copied to make more!!</div>
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<b>IVC:</b> Instant Value Coupon,
Walgreens coupons found in ads/monthly booklet<br />
<b>MIR:</b> Mail-in rebate </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4C0-79SUiK6-VHD1rhyphenhyphenDFVjmMDlIA4DnDz4kWdtRpNqxvYlZKyPkNts__T57EXXAzunxpjKPkxTWbF_QuIpbsXFZVpILeo_fFF4MIMgLebgg2LHboR-KY8IWBPqi2GBam5_TX3fxsDsMY/s1600/Coupon+Lingo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="102" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4C0-79SUiK6-VHD1rhyphenhyphenDFVjmMDlIA4DnDz4kWdtRpNqxvYlZKyPkNts__T57EXXAzunxpjKPkxTWbF_QuIpbsXFZVpILeo_fFF4MIMgLebgg2LHboR-KY8IWBPqi2GBam5_TX3fxsDsMY/s320/Coupon+Lingo.jpg" width="320" /></a><b>NLA:</b> No longer available;
usually referring to internet printable coupons<br />
<b>OYNO:</b> On your next order<br />
<b>OOP:</b> Out of pocket </div>
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<b>OOS:</b> Out of stock<br />
<b>Peelie:</b> Peel-off coupon found on product packaging<br />
<b>PG: </b>Proctor & Gamble Inserts found in Sunday newspaper once or twice
monthly </div>
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<b>RP:</b> Red Plum Insert usually
found in Sunday newspaper </div>
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<b>SS:</b> Smart Source Insert
usually found in Sunday newspaper and weekly “junkmail”</div>
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<b>PSA:</b> Prices starting at<br />
<b>R:</b> Regional coupon; will be listed after insert date as applicable</div>
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<b>RRs:</b> Register Rewards; Walgreens' Catalina coupons</div>
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<b>Q/MC:</b> Coupong/Manufacturer's Coupon</div>
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<b>SCR:</b> Single Check Rebate, Rite Aid monthly rebates program</div>
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<b>Stacking:</b> Using bot a MC and a store coupon on one item</div>
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<b>Tearpad:</b> Pad of coupons attached to a display that you can tear off and use</div>
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<b>UPC:</b> Universal Product Code, the bar code on every product that scanned at the register</div>
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<b>+UP Reward:</b> Rite Aid Rewards Program</div>
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<b>WYB:</b> When you buy</div>
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<b>YMMV:</b> Your mileage (or manager) may vary, meaning some stores might give you a deal and others may not</div>
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<span style="line-height: 150%;">Hopefully this helps when trying to figure out what's what about the couponing language. I'm always up for a coupon discussion, so if you have any questions, comments or concerns, be sure to contract me!! Until next time, stay frugalicious!!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Frugalicious </span><i>Diva</i></span></b></div>
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<b><i>Follow Me on Twitter at @FrugaliciousDva</i></b></div>
Frugalicious Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773427468403672114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292604186748554346.post-31333822522174200082012-10-14T08:00:00.000-04:002012-10-14T12:23:30.300-04:00Self-Love Sundays: Accept Me As I Am…NOW<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Recently, I saw a question posted on Facebook asking
if it was fair to tell someone to “Accept me as I am!” if you, yourself, were unhappy with your current state in life. This made me think about my last
relationship and reflect on the whole acceptance thing.</span> </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My last relationship was a complicated one. We had a lot in common and had many good times. BUT...he and I
butted heads a lot because he was one of those men who never liked things “heavy”. He never liked to have deep conversations. So in order to keep things light, he would constantly joke around and be sarcastic to the point where he was offensive. And then his
way of speaking sometimes made me feel like he was trying to tell me what to do
and I did not take kindly to that. He said I was too “technical” and serious. That I was being too "sensitive". This was always when I wanted to discuss the state of our relationship and
where we were going. So during one of our heated conversations over the phone,
I said those 5 magic words to him: “Accept me as I am!” I then told him that
this was me and if he didn’t like who I was, he could keep it moving. I felt
like he was trying to change me and it offended me. Who was he to tell me about
myself? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many of us have said those 5 magic words to a
significant other…heck, we’ve said it to friends and family. It’s something you
tell someone who you love and care about and vice versa. But I think this request is
often taken out of context. I think it’s perfectly fair to accept someone as
they are at that very moment. However, to be the best person you want to be,
you have to grow and evolve. You learn from your past mistakes and setbacks. If
you don’t learn or let go, you won’t move forward. You won’t grow. So if you
are in this stalled state of life and then expect someone to accept you as you
are, it won’t work. A big part of any relationship (even friendships) is two
people walking together on their individual paths. But if one person is not
moving and the other is, the relationship won’t work.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpVuPAkDil3j4pPnVdzCSXGzGXQmGoUkblUs27NUTkCmZGqJieoudBLZ8BQ5HalbxmCNEDuLpzaaen1C8fcfFj08UiTldTftXnJrBEznDkBWlbjFFA6-5iQbYAHVTylrZWLiEknFcNRNY/s1600/Accept+blog3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpVuPAkDil3j4pPnVdzCSXGzGXQmGoUkblUs27NUTkCmZGqJieoudBLZ8BQ5HalbxmCNEDuLpzaaen1C8fcfFj08UiTldTftXnJrBEznDkBWlbjFFA6-5iQbYAHVTylrZWLiEknFcNRNY/s200/Accept+blog3.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The greatest lesson I have learned in my life is
that I cannot change someone else. I can only change myself. Many of us try to
control people and situations but in all reality, you can’t. You can only
control YOU. You can’t control how the other person will react or treat you. But
you can control how you react to their actions. You have the power to change
you for the better. So my ex telling me to change this and that maybe I should
be “this way” really pissed me off. Because I accepted him for who he was when
we first got together. So imagine my surprise when later on into the
relationship, when we started to have issues and I voiced my complaints, he
threw those 5 magic words back at me. He told me that I knew who he was when we
got together so he couldn’t understand why I was having issues with who he was.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While this is true, I’ll be honest and say that I didn’t
expect him to stay the same for the rest of his life. I expected him to evolve
and grow as well. I believed that there would be moments with us when things would
get heavy and that’s okay. But he’s a stubborn man with his own issues and I
had to come to terms with the fact that he has to change on his own. I can’t
change him. I tried to make it work but me working on myself wasn't going to save our relationship. A relationship is a team effort. It was hard to walk away. It still hurts because I know he’s a good
man and has a good heart. But his stubbornness and unwillingness to grow and
evolve is what made me walk away. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dating is not easy, period. That’s why it is so
important to learn the lesson in every heartache and not let those heartaches
stall your life. As I always say, acceptance is the foundation to everything in
life. If you can accept things as they are, those things beyond your control…life
would be so much easier to deal with. When we can accept that we are
accountable for ourselves and not someone else, I think there will be more
happy relationships out there. We will not waste our time trying to change
someone else and instead focus on fixing ourselves. You can't make someone do what you want or treat you the way you want to be treated. At the end of the day, you can only control your own actions.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So when I tell someone to accept me as I am, I am
telling them to accept me as I am NOW. I won’t be the same person in 5 years. But
my goal and mindset is to always try to be a better person. No one is perfect but
really, it is the core of someone that counts. If someone has a good
heart and will do anything for you, who cares if they joke around sometimes?
Over time, that will change (if the person wants to change) but the contents of
that great heart will remain the same.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My heart still aches for my ex. I really wish we
would have gotten it right. But as I said, I can’t force him to change. All I can do is
move forward and keep evolving as I walk my path in life. That’s how you live
your best life possible; by being honest with yourself, recognizing your flaws,
working to better yourself and just being happy. When that’s your focus, anything
is possible in life. And you are showing yourself so much love by living your best life possible. As the saying goes, “Be that person you want to meet”. And
let’s not forget…Accept me as I am! ((NOW)) ::big cheesy smile::<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10991966416879530369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292604186748554346.post-70454694996876706842012-10-11T15:00:00.000-04:002012-10-11T15:00:01.227-04:00All Eyez On...:Tru Diva Designs to Host Trunk Show & Launches Search for New Face for Brand<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9MP2Oj55RDznTYSVbz3JNBine1usmxGMKge-k-SIXTqUlW3eND4FrlqtoAsHTtGAM8NTiVwRr6HJ_QadeFnV_GMaxuqjuYRVrutpuyaW5akXVoYVaMWzJErx6SutXDf_TPLDq57PhNv2k/s1600/trudiva.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9MP2Oj55RDznTYSVbz3JNBine1usmxGMKge-k-SIXTqUlW3eND4FrlqtoAsHTtGAM8NTiVwRr6HJ_QadeFnV_GMaxuqjuYRVrutpuyaW5akXVoYVaMWzJErx6SutXDf_TPLDq57PhNv2k/s400/trudiva.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
Veronica Lipscomb, the design mind behind plus fashion brand, <a href="http://www.trudiva.com/" target="_blank">Tru Diva</a>, announced via press release that she is hosting a trunk show later this month to celebrate the relaunch of her brand. Taking place on Saturday, October 27th at Basha Studios 34, Tru Diva will also host a search for new faces of the full figured fashion brand.<br />
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Launched in 2006, Tru Diva has quickly made a name in the plus size fashion market by setting itself apart. Known for its innovative and unique use of colors and styles, Tru Diva and Veronica have earned tremendous praise from women worldwide in the size 10 to 26 demographic.<br />
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Recently Ms. Lipscomb decided to take the design aesthetic Tru Diva became known for up another level with the expansion of more customizable fits for her curvaceous customer. Veronica understands that not all plus size bodies are build alike. To better serve her clientele, the designer now offers four fits (straight, pear, hourglass and oval) to better flatter their diverse shapes. The trunk show will give attendees a sneak peak at her new offerings for Holiday 2012—which will include coats.<br />
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“Knowing your body type is half the battle,” said Lipscomb. “But getting the right fit is winning the war,”<br />
The announcement of the new fits is in tandem with the relaunch of the Tru Diva website which will now be a full service e-commerce site.<br />
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The Tru Diva trunk show will begin at Noon. To learn more about Veronica Lipscomb and Tru Diva, visit <a href="http://www.trudiva.com/">www.trudiva.com</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TruDivaDesignsbyVL" target="_blank">facebook.com/TruDivaDesignsbyVL</a>. <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07036060317719982127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292604186748554346.post-15666095291955728672012-10-10T08:01:00.000-04:002012-10-10T08:01:04.495-04:00The Frugal Files: Teach Me How to Save, 8 WaysHey there frugalicious folks!!<br />
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People always ask me how to save and want me to teach them
how to save. For me, it’s a loaded question, and unless they are looking to
save in one particular way, it’s almost impossible to answer the question. For
me saving money and being frugalicious is a way of life. It’s every moment of
every day and it’s the thinking that I can live fabulously and pay less than
fabulous prices.<br />
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One tip I can give anyone who ever asks me about saving is
that I play games and attempt to trick myself. My basic saving rule of thumb
is, “never pay full price”. Then I set out to experiment with that theory on
everything I ever need or want. Here are eight ways that I “trick” myself into
living a frugal life and saving in every direction I go.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Comparison shopping.</span></b> This is a game many people pay, and
many salesmen pounce on you. Anyone that is trying to sell you something will
always create a sense of urgency, that really isn’t a factor. They try to make
you think it’s a factor, so they can get the sale. The fact is, you have plenty
of time to shop, you can wait it out and the “hot item” is not going that fast.
You want to know why? Because, if you want to buy it, they will have one for
you to purchase. They always want the sale, but want you to think it’s urgent,
so don’t fall for it. Take your time and do not give into the instant
gratification. Chances are you can find a better sale or some discount.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Freecycle.</span></b> This is kind of a comparison shopping trick for
me too. Things I really don’t want to buy because maybe it’s a small thing or
maybe just not in the budget this month. So many great things pop up on
freecycle and sometimes you don’t even have to ask. I have found some great
home décor items there. They were a little dusty, but were in great shape.
Recently, I was at Savers looking for a pair of black shoes for work. Nothing
fancy, just something comfortable in a basic black. I found a pair, but was not
sold on them, so I didn’t purchase them. Then, that evening, a freecycler
posted a “like new” pair of black, leather mules…in my size. I knew they were
just for me, so I emailed them and I was able to pick them up the next day.
They are perfect, just what I needed. Free!!</div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Bank Games.</span></b> On the financial side, I keep my checkbook in
check by fudging the numbers, but in a good way. First, I watch my bank account
online daily, so at any given time, I know what I have. However, when I’m not
online and I glance at my checkbook, it’s balanced off by $50. I use that
amount as a buffer in my account, so that I’ll never get it down to $0. It
helps keep it balanced knowing I always have a $50 cushion in there in case
there’s a bank or purchase mishap like a double charge. It keeps stress levels
down.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d;">DIY.</span></b> Many ask me all the time, what is "DIY"? It simply means "Do It Yourself" and when you live a frugal life, this is a staple in it. While I'm not opposed to paying for someone else's expertise when I just don't know what I'm, most times, I find I can get a better deal if I do it myself. "Myself" occasionally includes family and friends that will assist me in my goal.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">There are so many DIY articles, videos, blogs including my
own. I even did a DIY series a while back. Check out these links to read them: </span><a href="http://bellenoirmag.blogspot.com/2012/05/frugal-files-diy-challenge-frugal.html">DIY Beauty</a>, <a href="http://bellenoirmag.blogspot.com/2012/05/frugal-files-diy-challenge-frugal-faces.html">DIY Faces & Body</a>, <a href="http://bellenoirmag.blogspot.com/2012/05/frugal-files-diy-challenge-do-it.html">DIY Decor</a>, <a href="http://bellenoirmag.blogspot.com/2012/05/frugal-files-diy-challenge-do-it_22.html">DIY Cleaning I</a> and <a href="http://bellenoirmag.blogspot.com/2012/05/frugal-files-diy-challenge-do-it_29.html">DIY Cleaning II</a>. There are plenty of ways to save by doing things yourself, if you just try.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Entertainment Tricks.</span></b> I think with the stress of jobs, family and overall living, everyone is looking for an outlet and that's typically in the form of entertainment. Ways to save there is to rent movies from Redbox or even the library, play games you already have at home. Attend free events your local library, museum or university is sponsoring. What to see concerts or plays for free? Sign up or get hired as an usher. You get to meet great people, while ensuring you and them alike are thoroughly entertained.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Creative cooking.</span></b> This is can be you cooking up some fancy vittles for a dinner party, but in this case, creative cooking means cupboard cooking; cooking what you have. My daughter would always whine that we didn't have anything to eat. It's because she'd already eaten up the easy snacks and things, but it is not my custom to go out and buy more of the easy stuff, when there's plenty of food on the shelves and in the freezer. Take an inventory of what you have and make a weekly or monthly menu. Mix and match meats, veggies and starches. Skip the meat occasionally and experiment with snacks. You might find that down deep, you're some kind of sous chef!!<br />
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<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Couponing and Sales.</span></b> You all know this is my favorite savings tip. Make this your personal shopping mantra. If you want to buy something, find a coupon or coupon code to use on your transaction. Ask for a discount right at the counter. Buy something irregular or in the case of furniture or cars, purchase the display model. They can't charge you full price for it and it's often in really great shape. When grocery shopping, shop the stores with the best deals that will match with your coupons. Check out some additional <a href="http://bellenoirmag.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-frugal-files-couponing-tricks-of.html">Couponing Tricks of the Trade</a>.<br />
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What ways can you teach yourself how to save? Where can you spend less? Set out to challenge yourself this week. Always ask yourself how you can get a better deal. Good luck to you and happy saving!!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Frugalicious </span><i>Diva</i></span></b><br />
<b><i>Follow me on Twitter at @FrugaliciousDva</i></b><br />
<br />Frugalicious Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773427468403672114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292604186748554346.post-18164637843012205122012-10-05T08:00:00.000-04:002012-10-05T08:00:04.537-04:00Fearless Fridays: Journaling is Good For The SoulWriting has always been a form of escape for me. I began to
journal when I was 10. It was a traumatic year for me. I went to live with a
relative for a year so I was in a new school, a new home. And it was not a
great experience for me at all. For reasons I won't divulge here, it was one
of the worst years of my life that defined and shaped who I am today. Being
able to write and journal my feelings helped me get through it all. Journaling
helped me while I was in a dark space in my life. It gave me strength. My
journal became my best friend; my lifeline.<br />
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As the years progressed, my journaling continued. It made me
feel better to put my feelings down on paper. It was as if I was purging myself
and leaving all the crap behind in my journal. Even today, my journaling is one
of the things that I rely on in order to heal my spirit when needed. But it has
become more than that. A journal wasn't just a place to record my negative
moments. It also became a space to celebrate the good stuff, too. I have times
where I go back and read past entries. It shows me how far I have come in my
life. It helps me to reflect and let go. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Journaling is essentially telling your story. Everyone's
story has its good and bad moments. But it is YOUR story; YOUR life. Journaling
is therapeutic. It's never good to keep things bottled up. And if you have no
one to talk to and vent to...well, you have your journal where you can write as
much as you want and say whatever you want. Your journal is your space to do
what you see fit.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvlukzvn3OLL9huqxDA3M23gF4w8AViOVYeh59IiG0iIcq7Exd6vafG6NPBESOtwxwYg9F4ggpEmw-smyaMHqEeHklPRb2gvHi5ongSCB2g7wddGS6YwaSj8qdCTfkjAcWZvr-foG0e8A/s1600/journal3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvlukzvn3OLL9huqxDA3M23gF4w8AViOVYeh59IiG0iIcq7Exd6vafG6NPBESOtwxwYg9F4ggpEmw-smyaMHqEeHklPRb2gvHi5ongSCB2g7wddGS6YwaSj8qdCTfkjAcWZvr-foG0e8A/s200/journal3.jpg" width="200" /></a>There is no standard way to journal. A friend of mine
journals by writing poetry. I have another friend who does video entries. Some
people have private blogs online where they journal. Or you can do it the
old-fashioned way like I do and journal in a notebook. You choose how you want
to journal. It's all about telling your story in the way you want to tell it.
Since you are creating your own space, you have the freedom to set it up
however you want. That freedom is a powerful feeling. It makes you feel free
enough to let go of the emotional baggage because you are releasing those
feelings into your journal. An essential
part of life is letting go. If you can't let go, you can't move further on your
journey. So a journal is the perfect companion for you while on your journey. <o:p></o:p></div>
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A journal can also aid as a guidebook to you during your
journey. Old journal entries can work wonders on keeping you in check, let me
tell you. By reading past entries, you can rediscover the things you need to do
in your life to make changes for the better.
And you can also see how you once were and see how far you have come.
You certainly don't want to go backwards in life, only forward. Through your journal, your past self can
check your present self and make sure you don't make the same mistakes or react
the same way to a situation.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS6BzMtZyRbmq6u2UJsTA58ei-oQT9Fy564FSQ3rcR8WXyEpKSNjO-WPPhxGwH6bXM0oHaiYMf4FtKWB2Mf39pGBerPvfJmKjEkAVF5VbSplz_gnhAHDkAfQsGlMr10QprnPnmcIjdWXU/s1600/journal4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS6BzMtZyRbmq6u2UJsTA58ei-oQT9Fy564FSQ3rcR8WXyEpKSNjO-WPPhxGwH6bXM0oHaiYMf4FtKWB2Mf39pGBerPvfJmKjEkAVF5VbSplz_gnhAHDkAfQsGlMr10QprnPnmcIjdWXU/s200/journal4.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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It’s just something about having a notebook to write
anything I want in it, that makes me feel calm and safe. The best thing about a journal? You don’t
need to be a writer to journal. Just write how you feel and let it flow. You will
be amazed at what will come out and how great you will feel after.</div>
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Journaling is good for the soul. This I know. I can't imagine where I'd be today if I couldn't write my feelings and experiences out on paper. Journaling has helped me to be more open in life. It has provided me with a way to see myself as I really am and realize that I am okay. I am normal. I am enough. It helps me to make my voice heard. When there are times when I feel like I can't say something to someone or about something out loud, I know that I have my journal. I can write it all out and leave it there. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkKsDADwOmAeYKrdXWYW9rFaF98KJ2kDqC08w-x0F3SrT0zEFVIgWOgjUXrDR5Jh6g34x1FCvcocpXrC1o7Lj0AWclktNULLzthvcYBsMA2MO6KH1wxFCArYGJOgdmM8pk-dKjUQI5dzY/s1600/journal2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkKsDADwOmAeYKrdXWYW9rFaF98KJ2kDqC08w-x0F3SrT0zEFVIgWOgjUXrDR5Jh6g34x1FCvcocpXrC1o7Lj0AWclktNULLzthvcYBsMA2MO6KH1wxFCArYGJOgdmM8pk-dKjUQI5dzY/s200/journal2.jpg" width="200" /></a>So if you're feeling like you're carrying too much weight on your heart and soul, you need to release that immediately. All you need is a piece of paper and a pen...or even just a laptop or a cell phone. Just find a way to write it out and let go. Trust me, you will feel better and life will be better. Life is short, unexpected and never guaranteed. All we have are the moments. So tell your story today, let go and let it be.<br />
Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10991966416879530369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292604186748554346.post-23315342877303949602012-10-04T08:00:00.000-04:002012-10-04T08:00:18.836-04:00All Eyez On...: Beyond The Rack, The New Flash Sale Destination for Plus Size Fashion!<a href="http://www.beyondtherack.com/" target="_blank">Beyond the Rack</a>, North America’s fastest growing online retailer announced yesterday that it has launched a new destination accessible through its website called <a href="http://www.beyondtherack.com/event/calendar?category=10" target="_blank">My Curvy Closet</a> - devoted solely to plus size fashions. Members can expect ten new events per week including a selection of sportswear, dresses, denim, outerwear, intimate apparel, shapewear, accessories, and footwear – all up to 80% off
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Recent studies indicate that almost 2/3 of North Americans wear a size 14 or more and that plus-size consumers represent approximately 30% of consumer purchasing power.<br />
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“Plus-size fashions have been a top requested category from our customers for quite some time. Providing plus-size customers with an equally broad assortment of goods tailored to a variety of shapes and sizes - in a dedicated shopping destination - was a priority for us,” says Yona Shtern, CEO of Beyond the Rack. “Listening to and acting upon feedback from our members has always been integral to our success and continued growth.”<br />
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My Curvy Closet will be accessible to all new and existing members of Beyond the Rack. Membership in the club is always free.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf7FTloQeZpW1slPqJFDIOCNioFA8vD2oiGIFj3yMPvVR0m5T14Uowm5s4w0nqD3TnB4qFNXzPOJhX81iIgO04RSj2OvoV4dSN00D9n6k0KBATKdKFB04k_6ybmLFkcdmP657kq0tTvVen/s1600/mycurvyclosetforapparoval.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf7FTloQeZpW1slPqJFDIOCNioFA8vD2oiGIFj3yMPvVR0m5T14Uowm5s4w0nqD3TnB4qFNXzPOJhX81iIgO04RSj2OvoV4dSN00D9n6k0KBATKdKFB04k_6ybmLFkcdmP657kq0tTvVen/s400/mycurvyclosetforapparoval.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
We're loving their slogan "Love Your Curves, Fill Your Closet!" Belle-Noir Readers, be sure to check out My Curvy Closet! To sweeten the deal, they are offering a <strong>$10 shopping credit</strong> to our readers when you sign up for the site when you sign up <a href="http://www.beyondtherack.com/member/invite/MYCURVYCLOSET" target="_blank">here</a>. Also, be sure to check out <a href="http://thecurvyfashionista.mariedenee.com/2012/10/beyond-the-rack-releases-my-curvy-closet-a-plus-size-sample-sale-site/" target="_blank">The Curvy Fashionista, Marie Denee</a>, as she selects her favorite looks for the month of October, while also sharing her style recommendations for plus size fashionistas!<br />
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<a href="http://www.beyondtherack.com/member/invite/MYCURVYCLOSET" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Click here to sign up for My Curvy Closet <br />and receive your $10 Shopping Credit!</span></a></div>
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