Dollar Vacays Part 1

Okay, Okay, sooo I know I have been slacking on my writing duties! But I’m back now in FULL effect…I’ve been busy…Sorry Ladies!

So I was thinking and one word popped into my mind…TRAVEL!

While everyone is thinking about the doom and potential gloom the recession is bringing, there are a lot of bright spots in what seems like a never-ending dark tunnel. I have been in school for the past four years so a lot of my travel plans had to be set aside for the simple fact that I AM A STUDENT and have absolutely no dinero! The downward turn in the economy caused an upward turn in luxury travel by those who are not celebrities or CEO’s of FORTUNE 500 companies.

I have been researching partly because I’m making plans for my 22nd Birthday and partly to hopefully give you ladies Haute destination spots that will ignite the inner traveler in you!

1.Las Vegas-Three words for you... Vegas Is Cheap!!! It’s a great place for single ladies to enjoy Sin City in a hedonistic fashion. And you can tailor your experience to be as toned-down or amped-up as you'd like. Among the hottest clubs to put on your party-hopping agenda are Pure, LAX and Tryst. And pencil in some morning-after rehab with a spate of steam-room and massage action at the Spa Mandalay at Mandalay Bay.

2. New York, New York-The Big Apple offers every obligatory diversion for guaranteeing a good time with your best ladies -- world-class shopping, spas, nightlife, restaurants. For a "Sex in the City"-style soiree, check into the super stylish Gansevoort Hotel in the Meatpacking District, where the heated rooftop pool is open year-round and you're just a few Manolo Blahnik-clad steps from some of the city's edgiest nightlife and shopping. Truth be told, however, you won't need to leave the hotel to have a high time. By day, G-Spa, the hotel's spa, is a hip Japanese-minimalist spot for facials, pedicures and massages, complete with steam rooms and hydro pools. After dark, the spa's red-glass treatment rooms get transformed into private alcoves for sipping cocktails and scoping the beautiful people, and the hydro pools, covered with glass, morph into liquid-illusion dance floors.

Okay... Looking to head out into the World on your own???? Well, there are plenty of places worldwide to enhance your solo getaway…you just have to think outside the box!!!

1. India

One of the most colorful and calamitous countries on the planet, India is not for the fainthearted. In fact, India, with its cultural riches and deeply spiritual framework, is one of the most rewarding destinations for women traveling solo.

2. Morocco
In many parts of Marrakech, the vibe is almost European, and fellow travelers abound. The seaside city of Essaouira, a three-hour bus ride from Marrakech, is one of Morocco's most laid-back and beautiful destinations, with a hassle level hovering near zero.

For more information of trendy places to visit and to get more bang for your buck check out http://www.travelchannel.com/.

-Bon Voyage!
Loren

Beyonce Dance Contest!!

So as I was riding to school this morning and I heard on the radio that the infamous Beyonce is hosting a video dance competition to chronicle the "Single Ladies, Put A Ring On It" video. The icon has found yet another way to make some major dollars (not hatin' at all). We've all stood infront of our bathroom mirrors, with our stereos, desperately trying to imitate the dance down to the intricate neck movements. However, only a select few will make the finals and be chosen to have their video shown in Beyonce's latest world tour. Not to mention a nice piece of cash, $2,500 to be exact. For exact rules and regulations see http://www.beyonceonline.com/. Good luck gals and guys!!!!

Word from the Mother: Geneva Smitherman

I don't want to read this book but I am going to read this book simply for the fact that the shit pisses me off! Now you're probably wondering why in the hell I would want to read something that would piss me off...well its because an educated person knows to be enlightened on all fronts not just on the things she agrees with. So basically, as it was explained to me she thinks the AAL (African-American Language) should be taught in the classroom. Then, I ask what the heck is African-American Language anyways?!?!? Well as she explains it, it's phrases and idioms such as "Im fixin to do tha do" or "Move tha hoe 'round". WOW...Really that's what you wanna teach in the classroom! It's not enough that the greater public already thinks that we are inferior and inept to higher learning but let's marginalize black culture more! I'll just say this, I may talk like this in more lax and comfortable settings but I refuse to speak like this in the greater public or in an educational environment! Just because black folks may not take the time to pronounce every syllable in a word when talking to OURSELVES, doesn't mean that this is somehow a language and doesn't mean that we have less education or didn't learn the fundamentals of the English language coming up! Oh Gosh...it doesn't matter how many bulshit degrees you have or how intellectual you are...you will never understand the black perspective unless you are in fact BLACK! So thanks for marginalizing us Geneva Smitherman and she black too! DAMN!

Tell me what you think!

-Loren

Plan A: Prosperity

I was listening to the radio on my way to work this morning and on the morning talk show, they had there own version of Suze Orman (a financial guru) speaking on how as women we can take charge of our own destinies. But the first way to gain control of our lives was by gaining control of our finances.

Now, I am very lucky in that I have absolutely no debt...I went through school literarily without taking a single loan. Of course, I realize that I am the exception and not the rule but that shouldn't stop any of us from reaching our financial goals...although it just might take longer for others. Listening to the woman speak, I started to really think hard about where I wanted to be ten, twenty or even thirty years from now. Evenmore so, what I needed to do to actually make these goals come into full realization. Nevertherless, we all know that this takes careful and meticulous planning.

So, I did a little research and took a couple of notes to make sure as young and intelligent black women we would start 2009 with solid financial footings or at least make attempts to.

1. Load Up On Your Cash Reserves...it's always inportant to have cash for emergencies (unemployment, car trouble, and medical bills) at least three to six months worth.

2. Track Your Monthly Expenditures...it's important to monitor everything you spend within a month therefore you can make cutbacks when needed and save whenever possible.

3. Save...instead of doing your hair every week at the beauty palor maybe go to the stylist once a month. Bring your own nail polish to the nail shop it's cheaper...cut out the bottled water, alcohol and desserts....bargain shop..try the dollar store or drug store instead of H.E.B. or Wal-Mart (contrary to popular belief these grocery chains don't always have the lowest prices.

Immediately you should...

1. Open a savings account...every paycheck you should set aside 10% of your paycheck. It might seem like a small amount but it adds up overtime.

2. Pay off your credit card...pay it off, simple as that. Credit cards can have an interest rate of 19-25% therefore robbing you blind. Every month if your only paying the bare minimum then your only paying the interest. Thereby, it will be impossible for you to get out of debt.

3. What goes down, Must come up...although trust in the stock market is at an all -time low, we should all know that stocks within the next two years will begin to sore...so why not start thinking of ways or places to invest your surplus of cash. It'll pay off in the long run and lead to financial stability.

4. Get a financial planner (if needed)...sometimes their costly or sometimes their free...either way their knowledge and advice is invaluable.

Here are some sites I found very helpful:

www.bankrate.com/brm/calc/creditcardpay.asp

http://www.geezeo.com/

Now let's get on the Road To Financial Security...

-Loren

African-american Father of the Month: Barack Obama

I just wanted to say when I read this it made me want to cry. It reminded me of my father and just how much he loved, advised and taught me lessons that were so valuable. Below is the open letter that Barack Obama wrote to his two daughters: Sasha and Malia. He has a candid and intimate conversation with them about their future life at the White House as well as apologizing for the days he missed. It reminds me just how important black fathers are to black girls. It is touching and Enjoy!

-Loren

Dear Malia and Sasha,

I know that you've both had a lot of fun these last two years on the campaign trail, going to picnics and parades and state fairs, eating all sorts of junk food your mother and I probably shouldn't have let you have. But I also know that it hasn't always been easy for you and Mom, and that as excited as you both are about that new puppy, it doesn't make up for all the time we've been apart. I know how much I've missed these past two years, and today I want to tell you a little more about why I decided to take our family on this journey. When I was a young man, I thought life was all about me-about how I'd make my way in the world, become successful, and get the things I want. But then the two of you came into my world with all your curiosity and mischief and those smiles that never fail to fill my heart and light up my day. And suddenly, all my big plans for myself didn't seem so important anymore. I soon found that the greatest joy in my life was the joy I saw in yours. And I realized that my own life wouldn't count for much unless I was able to ensure that you had every opportunity for happiness and fulfillment in yours. In the end, girls, that's why I ran for President: because of what I want for you and for every child in this nation. I want all our children to go to schools worthy of their potential-schools that challenge them, inspire them, and instill in them a sense of wonder about the world around them. I want them to have the chance to go to college-even if their parents aren't rich. And I want them to get good jobs: jobs that pay well and give them benefits like health care, jobs that let them spend time with their own kids and retire with dignity. I want us to push the boundaries of discovery so that you'll live to see new technologies and inventions that improve our lives and make our planet cleaner and safer. And I want us to push our own human boundaries to reach beyond the divides of race and region, gender and religion that keep us from seeing the best in each other. Sometimes we have to send our young men and women into war and other dangerous situations to protect our country-but when we do, I want to make sure that it is only for a very good reason, that we try our best to settle our differences with others peacefully, and that we do everything possible to keep our servicemen and women safe. And I want every child to understand that the blessings these brave Americans fight for are not free-that with the great privilege of being a citizen of this nation comes great responsibility.

That was the lesson your grandmother tried to teach me when I was your age, reading me the opening lines of the Declaration of Independence and telling me about the men and women who marched for equality because they believed those words put to paper two centuries ago should mean something. She helped me understand that America is great not because it is perfect but because it can always be made better-and that the unfinished work of perfecting our union falls to each of us. It's a charge we pass on to our children, coming closer with each new generation to what we know America should be. I hope both of you will take up that work, righting the wrongs that you see and working to give others the chances you've had. Not just because you have an obligation to give something back to this country that has given our family so much-although you do have that obligation. But because you have an obligation to yourself. Because it is only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you will realize your true potential. These are the things I want for you-to grow up in a world with no limits on your dreams and no achievements beyond your reach, and to grow into compassionate, committed women who will help build that world. And I want every child to have the same chances to learn and dream and grow and thrive that you girls have. That's why I've taken our family on this great adventure. I am so proud of both of you. I love you more than you can ever know. And I am grateful every day for your patience, poise, grace, and humor as we prepare to start our new life together in the White House.

Love,

Dad

from the January 16th issue of Parade Magazine

NAKED

Byrd and Solomon contribute to this collection of 25 essays by black women on a range of issues related to the black female body and image. Everything from hair to feet is explored within the context of American standards of beauty and individual journeys to self--acceptance. The contributors, ranging from young to old, from a variety of backgrounds and hues, share their feelings about their bodies: the attitudes and genes they inherited from their mothers, their treatment--ill and good--by the men in their lives, the influences of American culture on self-image, and their own evolving sense of self. The age-old debates about skin color, hair texture, and weight are prominently featured, but the women each have very personal stories to tell about their paths to accepting and loving themselves. Among the contributors are entertainers Kelis and Jill Scott, former video model Melyssa Ford, writer Jill Nelson, and television personality Iyanla Vanzant. Although the collection is culturally specific to black women, all women will appreciate the struggle with beauty ideals and the need for self-acceptance.

-Naked

My personal views: It is a great read. It will open your eyes to some very interesting topics plaguing black ideology and thought in regards to our bodies, our hair and our self-image. After you read this book, you will feel uplifted and blessed!

-Loren

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Haute Designer: Diane Von Furstenberg

Spring is here and who better to put a spring in your step than DVF....BOLD colors are in this season plus it looks oh so good on our skin!!!

She is sooo unique!
I love her clothes...their soo feminine and chic!

See link below:

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=42476798

Prada 'Infusion D' Iris' Eau de Parfum Splash

Everyone who knows me knows I love a great fragrance! And now I think I have found my signature scent.....Prada Infusion D'Iris is a contemporary eau de parfum that reinforces Prada's connection with the artisan traditions of classic perfumery. Full of high-quality natural ingredients, Infusion D'Iris is clean, fresh and light and at the same time sophisticated and elegant. It is an intimate and personal scent that envelops you. The name Infusion D'Iris is inspired by the ancient and revered six-month-long infusion process used to draw soft, fresh notes from the root of the iris plant.The splash bottle comes equipped with a small portable splash flask (1 oz.) and a funnel to enable the wearer to display the original larger bottle at home and travel with the smaller one.
By Prada.

Why I Love Black Women

Whenever you are feeling down about yourself or just need that little push to help you aspire for greatness...Read Why I Love Black Women by Micheal Eric Dyson. It will truly make your heart melt as you realize the inner goddess in you. Dyson draws from his personal accounts with extraordinary and "ordinary" black women he has encountered throughtout his existence. He dives in head first into the psyche of a black woman and what it really means to be a black woman. From engaging the reader in black feminism, sexism and all the other "-isms", Dyson truly has out done himself. All in all, it is a must read!!! So go out and pick up the book! You will truly be uplifted and inspired!

Dinner for One, Please!!!

In an effort to free myself from my own shackled way of thinking, I boldly decided that I would get all dressed up , go to a fancy restaurant, and have dinner alone. Yes I said alone, meaning unaccompanied, or by my damn self. My sudden urge for liberation sprang from a three year relationship of togetherness. Everything became an us or a we, so much that I had forgotten how to live my life solo, or without a man. I made excuses for myself throughout the entire relationship, blaming my weakness on the fact that all my girlfriends were away at college or the age-old "I didn’t have a father growing-up" syndrome. However, after finding out that no matter how much togetherness we had managed to pack into our little bubble, he somehow had found ways to include other women into our equation. Finally, I decided it was no better time for me to take a stance and learn to fly solo. So, I guess you can say I was sort of forced into my situation by both his actions and my friends and families silent whispers, but you know what they always say, "Everything happens for a reason".

As I reached to release the keys from my cars ignition, I whispered a silent prayer, "Lord, please give me the strength." It was short and sweet and straight to the point, I needed the strength of a lion to be able to get through this little experiment I had concocted. I walked up to the Olive Garden restaurant around mid -day, a time I thought the least people would be there canoodling with their significant others. I promptly opened the door for myself and walked into the corridor where the hostess was standing, awaiting to greet me. "Hello, welcome to Olive Garden", the short homosexual male exclaimed. Don’t ask me how I knew he was gay but the black eye liner and nose piecing were a definite clue. I replied, "Hello, Thank you, and ill have a table for one please". He exclaimed, "Ok baby girl, ill put you in the bar area while you wait for your guest." I replied, completely annoyed, "No, its just me, ill take a table or a booth please." My brassiness had apparently annoyed him because he had a completely different, almost manly tone, "Ok girl, whatever you say, please follow me". I remember thinking out loud to myself, "Is he allowed to talk to me this way." I guess without the presence of a second person by my side, he assumed I wasn’t even worthy of his respect. As I sat down at the secluded booth, I remember feeling completely discouraged; had I made a huge mistake, this didn’t feel liberating at all.

My waitress walked up to the serving area and preceded to help the white couple directly behind me first. I tried not to let it bother me that I had been sitting here waiting five minutes before they had, and I tried not to make the conclusion that because I was alone I was somehow insignificant, not only to the hostess, but to the entire wait staff as well. After completing their drink orders, she approached me and by then I was tired of the bullshit, "I’ll have a sweet tea with lemon, the Chicken fettuccine, and the Fagioli soup please." I came off as a no-nonsense black woman, who knew what she wanted and didn’t need the catch or thrill of the day to excite her, just give me what the hell I asked for. I couldn’t believe we still lived in a society of coupled expectations. If you were alone it was as if you had the mark of the leper. Everyone looked at you with pity or sorrow, whispering "Wow, that poor black girl is eating alone." I preceded to pull out a book I was tackling at the time and decided I would get some much needed reading done while I ate. As I lost myself in the words, the waitress came back with my drink and soup, and the famous Olive Garden bread sticks. She tried to make conversation, but I was not the one for small talk. She asked, "hey, what are you reading." I turned the book over where the title was visible, I figured she would make even more stereotypes and conclusions about me solely based on the title of the book (the books title was Naked). She seemed interested in asking questions, but she went along on her way with only a smirk on her chocolate brown face.
So I ate and ate and read and read till finally my experiment had ran its course. It was check time, which meant it was time to get the hell out of there. I pulled out my credit card, stuck it in the little black folder, and waited for her to return with my receipt and those small chocolate mint candies they always gave at the end of an Olive Garden meal. She walked up again with a smirk and handed me the little black folder. I preceded to open the book and sign my receipt, but was shocked by what I saw. A note on a white slip of paper that read "You go girl" in big bold black ink. I didn’t know what to think. Was she being funny or sarcastic, or had I really inspired another woman or two into a better way of thinking? I decided to assume the second thought. Little ol’ me had managed to break down just a little of the societies coupled expectations. I walked out feeling triumphant and confident, the world was now my Smorgasbord. So ladies, the next time you are feeling the urge to get your grub on but don’t have a date or friend to accompany you, make the trek alone. At first glance, you would think my experiment was a total failure, but in the end I felt good about myself, knowing I could finally go-it alone.

Not sure of places to go for great food and fun ALONE, here are a few Houston Hot Spots:
1. Z-coffee or Starbucks- coffee houses are always a good selection for dining one deep. The atmosphere is inviting and comfortable and the pastries are to die for. Most people are already alone either studying or reading, so you’ll fit right in!
2. Panera Bread- the food is good and healthy and the atmosphere is quaint, perfect for the single and fabulous.
3. The Breakfast Club- although usually overcrowded, I found that in the morning there are a handful of black professionals, both men and women, dining alone with their morning paper, coffee, and hot grits.
4. A park or Pond- grab a lunch and have the ducks be your company, the atmosphere is completely relaxing and serene. Ladies, be careful at night, make sure park is not completely deserted.
5. Tokyohana- sushi bars are the shit, it’s something fun and different to experience.
More to come ladies......enjoy Dinner for ONe!

-Abby