OPRAH and her 2 cents on the Chris vs. Rihanna controversy

For the record... I am NOT trying to jump on the band wagon and start talking about celebrity gossip. BUT! Domestic violence is a major issue. I have decided to not take sides with the whole Chris Brown and Rhianna situation for the fact that the facts that have been leaked are muddled, I was not there, nor do I know the dynamics of their relationship, and they both had squeaky clean reputations up until this occurred, so until more concrete facts from BOTH sides are released, I remain neutral. Besides... who am I to judge anyways, and what about all of the other women that fall victim to domestic violence? Statistics show that 1 out of every 3 women fall victim to domestic violence in relationships. WOW! Oprah has voiced her opinion and has taken a firm stand about this issue, and it has created enough buzz for me to give my 2 cents, so here goes:

Domestic violence is not ok... period! My mom always told us to live by the golden rule: "Treat others the way that you would want to be treated!" This is not only a household rule, but a playground rule, a sportsman rule, and just plain common courtesy for your fellow man (or woman for that matter.) With that being said, I do NOT condone people hitting one another out of anger. Whether it be man vs man, man vs woman, woman vs man, man vs animal, whatever! It honestly goes both ways. Yes... we all know that men are traditionally physically stronger than women, regardless of how many bras we burn or whatever the case may be. With that being said, men honestly have no business hitting women period! Now... this does not give WOMEN any right to put her hands on a man. Men produce greater amounts of testosterone than women, which is said to be linked with aggression and uncontrollable anger depending on the levels. With that being said, it must take every sane bone in a mans body to not hit a woman if she puts her hands on him. I give men credit that have to put up with the behavior of an unruly woman. I see how men get when they are about to fight one another or when they are about to get into a confrontation. It's not pretty. On the flip side, I know that some men like to cut women down and beat their women for whatever reason. Now that's just plain WEAK SAUCE, and that's all I have to say about that.

Now, back to Chris and Rhianna... I hope that this was just an isolated incident, and that this was the first and the last time that this happens. I know some sources say that Chris is abusive and that he came from an abusive background, and blah blah blah, but its all speculation and here say. I will give him the benefit of the doubt that he is no IKE and she is no TINA. I say this because a lot of people close to the couple are trying to help them work things out, and by people I mean P Diddy, parents, close friends, ect. If he was abusive in the past to her, I doubt any of those people, especially those with a reputation that their career is dependant upon, would jeopardize their reputation to try to help Chris and Rhianna reconcile their differences and make amends. But then again I could be wrong. So, there you have it. I know I gave you my 10 cents instead of two, but its all good. Keep the change ;)

Check out what OPRAH had to say:



OPRAH and TYRA tag-team:



CNN wraps it up and MORE:

Excessive Sweating 101

Ok... A number of people sweat a lot. As uncomfortable as it may be for most people, it is actually a normal function that your body uses to cool itself off. Studies haven't really drawn up any concrete figures as to what is a normal or abnormal amount of sweat to secrete in a given amount of time, but there are ways to control hyperhidrosis:

• Zinc - This mineral is great! I'm sure you have seen it in some OTC cold and flu remedies, but it is also great for your skin. Zinc is often used to treat other skin maladies because it does a great job of keeping the moisture levels of your skin balanced. Your body loses zinc when you sweat, so if you are constantly sweating it may be a good idea to take a supplement of 30 - 50 mgs, a day (this may be a high supplemental dosage for some people, so consult with a physician before taking this much!) Another option is to load up your diet with some foods that are naturally high in zinc. Grab these foods at your next visit to the grocery store: beef, shellfish, parmesan cheese, pecans, fish, eggs, pumpkin seeds, and pine nuts.
• Magnesium - Magnesium helps to maintain your nervous system, heart rate, and blood sugar levels. Excessive perspiration may occur when these levels are not in line. Eat those leafy greens, black beans, and drink some soy to get more magnesium in your diet! (For more info...)
• Vitamin B Complex - My fav! This stuff is great because it aids it healthy cellular development and maintain proper metabolic functions. Also, physical and psychological stress can cause perspiraation as well, and Vitamin B can definitely help your body regulate itself properly. Oatmeal, whole grains, chicken, and bananas have lots of B vitamins, so get your grub on! (This vitamin makes you feel like you are a well oiled machine! It's great!)
• Botulinum Toxin - That's right! There is a specific type of Botox treatment that can be used to stop sweating. Not my favorite... so let's move on to the next one!
• Aluminum Chloride Hexahydrate - Sounds complicated. I think it is... but you find it in some OTC antiperspirants. This is ideal for people with mild cases
• Baking Soda - Naturally soaks up moisture and may stop you from having drenched clothes, but it may not be able to mask odor, so if you are going to try to make up your own antiperspirant, you may want to consider using fragrant oils as well unless you LOVE the smell of your own BRAND. ;)
  

Year of the Gentleman!!!

When I think of Ne-Yo, I think of class, swag, sophistication, and talent. This Grammy winning singer-songwriter has swooned into the heart of millions with the release of his third album "The Year of the Gentleman." The title came from his love and interest in the Rat Pack. He tries to model the way he dresses and carries himself to that of these sensational icons, and with that he dedicated this album to these gentlemen that he has always looked up to. Ne-Yo expresses his disapproval of the sloppiness of todays current R&B artists, and hopes to show his respect for the game by presenting himself as a dignified artist.

"Years ago, if you weren't wearing the right suit or have a correct crease in your pants, you couldn't even get in the door--let alone on stage to perform." -- Ne-Yo

"For me, the sharpness of Sammy and Sinatra is the kind of style I strive for in clothes and music. Year of the Gentleman is named in honor of those guys." -- Ne-Yo

Although he looks up to these late greats, he has made quite a name for himself in the business as well. His own career as a singer has blossomed since his debut album in 2006, but he has written songs for a number of well known artists in the game, including Rihanna, Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige, and even the Grammy nominated song "Irreplaceable" by Beyonce.

His hit song Miss Independent has been a huge hit! Check out the video, and then check out what he has to say about us crazy women. He's trying to find that one woman that can stand on her own two feet with or without a man. I personally think me and Ne-Yo are soul mates. :)


Miss Independent:


Who he wants, and why he wants her to be INDEPENDENT!

A Black Bank That Needs No Bailout: OneUnited Bank

OneUnited Bank became the largest Black-owned bank in the country and the first Black-owned internet bank. What makes this bank so unique is that they promote affordable financial programs for their consumers and aim to promote urban development by proving loans for business, churches, and low-income families. Their initial goal was to take the $700 million black spending power and re-channel it into the communities to support community development. Their reputation supercedes their good deeds thus far in terms of their record earnings, and the strength of their assets. OneUnited Bank is a certified Community Development Financial Institution, and they have consecutively recieved the highest accolade from the United States Department of Treasurey for the past 2 years for their community development lending.

How can you help OneUnited make?

Visit their website and check out their different banking options. Although there may not be a branch near you, they do have internet banking solutions as well as mail options to help complete banking transactions. Each deposit, big or small, help to makes it possible for this bank to help build our communities through various loans. They may even be able to help you in the future with your patronage. Look into it, and support something positive!

Pro-Athlete Quality Skin Care With A MISSION

What a daunting task it must be for pro-athletes to maintain their bodies. The countless hours that these superstars spend conditioning, practicing, and dieting to keep themselves in top form are essential to keep them on top of their game. On top of all of this, they must always put their best face forward when addressing their fans and mingling with the media. Sometimes minutes after their victories, they are in the public eye and are at the mercy of cameras and news crews.

So what products are these pros using to keep up with their health and beauty!?

A lab and some athletes came together and developed a line of much needed products that are specially formulated for the health and beauty needs of career athletes. MISSION Skin Care has an array of products including: water/sweat resistant sun screen sticks, weather resistant lip balms, after-sun skin relief, anti-friction cream for skin and equipment contact areas, and a foot recovery gel that relieves pain, reduces swelling, and improves circulation post-activity.

Carmelo Anthony uses the Anti-Friction Cream to prevent getting blisters on his feet!!! Check out the other pros that keep a stash of products on deck!

Although these products are made for pro's, they are fairly priced, and that's not even the BEST PART!

MISSION gives back to the community! This company helps to showcase the charitable groups that are endorsed by many of their athletes and other noteable organizations, plus they also give the H2O Africa Foundation that aids in the fight against the Africa clean water crisis. Check it out!

Pay It Forward...

What a difference a random act of kindness can make in someones day! I know that it is easy to do things for people that we know, but what about for people that we don't know? As the uncertainty of the economy looms and dooms on, we need to remember that in order for us to make it through these tough times, we need to be helping one another rather than hurting each other. Therefore, I challenge everyone, for the sake of spreading peace and goodwill, to participate in one random act of kindness daily. Be creative! There may be a day when someone in need may ask you for help, or an opportunity may arise when you can actually help someone out or simply brighten someone random persons day with one simple act of kindness. I have witnessed a number of people go out of their way for someone else in various capacities, and I think that it's great! Keep it going people! Share your stories! Pay it forward! Here is what I have seen so far:

1. A lady had her dog with her, and wanted to order a drink at Starbucks, but the pooch couldn't come inside for health reasons. She was not willing to put the dog into the car while she ordered and waited for her beverage, so a customer offered to watch her dog outside until her order was finished! Random... yet much appreciated!

2. I was in a drive-thru one day, when there was a big SUV in front of me that must have ordered 5 of everything on the left side of the menu. I was in no hurry, but it was taking a very long time to get through the line. After I ordered my food and finally made it to the window to pay, the woman handed me my bag and told me to have a good night. I reminded her that I hadn't paid yet, and she told me not to worry. The lady felt bad for holding me up, so she paid for my food! How nice of her!

3. I heard on the news this weekend that a Miami banker gave out $60 million to his employees after he raked in the profits from the sale of his bank! Instead of basking in his newly claimed fortunes, he decided to distribute the money to all employees and about 72 others who were no longer with the bank as a way of saying thank you for all of their hard work and determination. When asked why he did it, he simply stated "I sure as heck don't need the money!" WOW!

Check out the article!

"Diva" Creates All-Natural Chemical-Free Relaxer!?

Dominette "Diva" Yasin has created an all natural, chemical-free, miracle elixer for those of us that have those insufferable "nappy-roots." But, that isn't even the best thing about this Diva. She runs her own hair salon in Virgina that she has had open for less than a year. Not so easy was her path in life. She is the mother of 9 kids, and was a victim of the ghetto, welfare, and a troubled and tumultuous past, and saw that her only way out was to better herself through education and perseverance. On top of her education achievements, she later created an all natural product called Diva Smooth that allows you to go without chemically straightening your hair for up to 4 weeks! WHOA! She gives detailed and specific instructions as to how to use her product based on your hair care goals and hair type. This product is said to reduce breakage and heat damage, and promote healthy and natural hair growth! Check it out, and see for yourself!

Oh yes, and did I mention that this head-strong sista also has a good head on her shoulders!? Every Monday she has a program at her salon called "Diva's Healing Hearts Through Hair," where she helps the less fortunate, namely the homeless, get hair cuts and have their hair done at no charge. She helps people feel good about themselves despite their current condition. Diva knows what it was like to be on the bottom and fight to advance in life, so she dedicates time out of her week to give back to her community, and help better the spirit of those that seem to have lost hope. Thank you DIVA for helping those in need feel good about themselves, and for giving back to your community!

~Diva Smooth~

Oily Skin??? You will never guess what helps...

If your skin is anything like mine, you probably curse at the mirror every morning when you wake up to disgusting oily skin. Much to my *SURPRISE* I have found that the solution to this problem is also a common misconception. I have tried EVERYTHING from Noxzema, to Apricot Scrub, Proactive, Clearasil, Clean and Clear, Biore, and more, and NOTHING works. These products were either too harsh and abrasive or made my face worse.

So, one day I went to Nordstrom to purchase some makeup at MAC, and I stumbled upon some of the their facial cleanser / makeup remover that was made up of 100% oil. The associate gave me this long explanation that oil breaks down oil, so the solution to cleanse oily skin is naturally... oil. She also noted that everyone knows oil and water do not mix, so chemicals are used in cleansers to try and break the oils down. Seldom do the commercial products add any additional natural moisture to your skin. They are known for stripping your skin of much needed oils while trying to unclog pores and remove dirt, so in an effort to replenish itself, your skin will often over-produce oils and cause breakouts and blemishes.


More Info? Check out the OIL CLEANSING METHOD!!! If you have been fighting with oily skin for the longest time, check out this method. You will never have to buy commercial cleansers again, and your skin will not only be healthier, it will be chemically balanced. Create your own oil mixtures based on your skin type, and see your skin lose those blackheads and zits that you were previously prone to. Oil also helps to naturally heal, so this method will also even out your skin tone, fade acne scars, and leave you with a nice and healthy glow. Men... this may even help you reduce the risk of razor bumps when shaving by making the switch to oil from skin irritating cleansers.

Act Like A Lady ~ Think Like A Man

The King of Comedy Steve Harvey strikes again, but this time he has hit the New York Times Best-Seller list and has gone straight to the top! His newly released book titled Act Like A Lady Think Like A Man released January 27th, has received waves of praise from critics, including the infamous Oprah Winfrey. LADIES... This is a MUST read! Steve Harvey unlocks the secrets of the male mind, and kindly reminds us not to lower our standards even when all hope seems lost. We are worthy whether men make us feel that way or not, and that special man will do whatever it takes if he wants to step up to the challenge of being your one and only. This book is said to make you laugh, cry, and make you say "been-there-done-that." Copies of this book are selling fast, so make sure you grab yours fast!

Olive Oil for LIFE!!!

If you are unaware that olive oil is a staple by now, then please, do yourself a favor and keep reading!

Health Benefits: This stuff is great! Olive oil is loaded with vitamins and antioxidants that have been proven to help cure what ails you (heart disease, high cholesterol, cancer, stomach ulcers, and other chronic diseases).

Cook with it: Olive oil is extremely healthy, so make it a habit to go out of your way to use this stuff when preparing meals. As a matter of fact, I don't even use bottled salad dressing any more, I make my own! Its really simple, just mix olive oil and balsamic vinegar together, and VOILA, your own homemade dressing! Kick it up a notch by infusing your olive oil in a cruet with garlic, onions, peppers, herbs, and spices! You can find these anywhere, even at Target!

Also use it to saute chicken to lock in flavor and moisture, especially before baking! (I have some amazing recipes that are quick, easy, and really healthy!)

A BEAUTY must-have: Olive oil is great for your skin, hair, nails, and MORE!

• Use it as a hot oil treatment for your hair or make your own homemade conditioner with it! 1-2 egg yolks and 2 tbsp of olive oil mixed together does wonders, just let it sit for 20-30 minutes before you shampoo it off! Or, you can simply add a few drops to your existing conditioner if the mess just isn't worth it. Olive oil helps to treat hair loss, stimulate hair growth, and relieves dandruff, dry hair, split ends and breakage.
• Add a few drops to your facial cleanser if it is leaving your face dry after each wash. This will prevent your face from being stripped of the oils during the cleansing process without clogging your pores. Mix 2 tsp of milk, 1 tsp of honey and a few drops of olive oil, and you have yourself a recipe for a nice homemade facial! Make it a scrub by adding sugar to help exfoliate. (Note: Make sure you rinse thoroughly or use a warm wash cloth to cleanse so that your face isn't sticky.)
• Olive oil helps the skin to regain its elasticity, prevent wrinkles, and even skin tone. If you have dry skin, use it to add moisture to your skin. This works for chapped lips, cracked heels, dry cuticles, knees, elbows, and more! Add a few drops to your bath to further hydrate your skin as well!
• Use it as a makeup remover and even as a substitute for shaving cream! (This actually works, and your skin feels GREAT after shaving!)
  

Olive oil is great to use and great for you. Although it is a bit expensive, a little bit goes a long way, just make sure you use EXTRA VIRGIN olive oil. (Its a long explanation, but trust me on that one.) Finally, make sure you are well stocked! Make sure you have one bottle in your kitchen pantry and have another stored in your beauty cabinet!

Prevent FROG FACE :(

Many black men have struggled for years when it comes to shaving. Over 50% of black men have encountered outbreaks of razor bumps from shaving. There are some alternatives and techniques that can be used to help prevent and relieve razor bumps, which include chemical hair removal, but for most men, skin sensitivity is a major issue.

Here are some tips that may help prevent those bumps:

• Cleanse the region with a mild astringent prior shaving to help prevent the dirt and oils from causing any further outbreaks or infections.
• Apply a moisturizing lubricant to the region after cleaning the area for a few minutes to help soften the hairs.
• Make sure that the razor is clean and sharp to help prevent irritation.
• Do not shave against the natural grain of the hairs.
• Rinsing the skin after shaving helps to calm the skin.
  
• Apply witch hazel or menthol after shaving. This hardens the hair and prevents them from becoming curly and grow underneath the skin.
• Keep the skin moisturized after shaving. Tea tree oil is great because unlike other moisturizers, this product it will help soften and calm the skin as well as moisturize. Tea tree oil also doesn't clog pores or cause any abnormal chemical imbalances like most products do. BE VERY CAREFUL WHEN CHOOSING MOISTURIZERS!!!
  

~Universal Mind Control~

Common... known for his lyric-ology, American Gangster, Peace-Love-and-GAP, political and social consciousness, Def Poetry floetry, and other marks of talent that have encompassed the success of his ever evolving career, recently released Universal Mind Control towards the end of '08. Now... For those of us who have been a witness to the growth of Common as an artist, we know that this album is definitely different, and even in some cases hard to grasp and accept. Common has always been a renaissance man of sorts by taking the road less traveled in terms of his music, yet this album seemed to almost cater to the mainstream culture in more ways than one. For those of you that don't know Common, he is an all-around uber-threat of raw talent from acting, to commercials, poetry, hip hop artistry, book writing, and MORE. I had MIXED EMOTIONS about this album at first. It was definitely a risky album that stands out from the rest of his discography. His usual LIKE WATER FOR CHOCOLATE lyrics and tones make him different than the usual AMERICAN GANGSTER hip hop that flood the radio waves, yet UNIVERSAL MIND CONTROL moves you in an ELECTRIC CIRCUS sort of way. I was so afraid that he was selling out to the mainstream that I couldn't get into liking the album no matter how hard I tried, until I read his article in the January 2009 issue of SKINNIE MAGAZINE. GENIUS!!!!

During his interview, Common mentioned that he wanted to use this album to aid in his growth. He talks about how he was at a club in the UK and that his DJ went up to spin, and that he wouldn't even spin his music! He took up the challenge to make UNIVERSAL music, yet still have his message BE understood by THE PEOPLE. GENIUS!!!

I now have a new appreciation and respect for the album and I can now see it for its purpose. Once again, Common made yet another successful RESURRECTION by bestowing upon us another piece of GETO HEAVEN for our ears! COME CLOSE, check... out his new album on iTunes, as well as some of my favorite tracks by COMMON! Spread the word, and lets hear your thoughts and opinions!

Check out his CHARITY foundation as well!!!!

UNIVERSAL MIND CONTROL!!!

Common - New Music - More Music Videos

THE LIGHT!!!

Common - New Music - More Music Videos

COME CLOSE!!!

Common - New Music - More Music Videos

Stealing Education Could Cost You DEARLY!!

The children are our future, and education is the most important tool that we can give them in this ever evolving and ever changing country. Although I am not a parent, I am aware of the value of my education and how fortunate I was to have been exposed to such a great group of teachers and mentors throughout my adolescence. BUT! For some kids, this all has a cost.

A Rochester woman was being followed by an investigator for over 4 months for taking her kids to a suburban school, when her place of residence was in the inner city. Unfortunately for this woman, she is paying the price by having to serve time in jail, pay enormous fines, and other punishments. The law states that kids can get a free education as long as they go to a school to where they are in the proper district. Clearly she broke the law by falsifying documents stating that her kids lived in a school district so that they could get a better education. The question is, should she be punished? What are her options if the school district that her kids are assigned to is as unsafe as she claims? What should other parents do if they are in the same situation that she is in???

Check out the article for more details.... be aware!

Healthy Butter: SHEA!

Shea butter has been finding its way into many different beauty products in the health and beauty retail world. Not only is shea butter an excellent moisturizer, it is also used as an anti-inflammatory agent! People use shea butter for various skin treatments including age spots, skin discoloration, stretchmarks, wrinkles, scars, burns and more. In some parts of Africa, shea butter is used in foods as a substitute for cooking oil. In Nigeria, they use shea butter for its emollient properties. Shea butter helps relax facial tension, which helps to ease respiration. By rubbing a small amount of pure shea butter in, on, and around the nostrils, shea butter can help to ease congestion in the sinuses.

So, the next time you see a product that says it contains shea butter, be aware that this product contains a high quality multi-purpose ingredient that is great for the skin and for overall wellness!

Supporting B-Commerce

Currently, the US Census reports that there are over 36 million African Americans living in this country, making up 12% of the total population. The African American population is projected to increase more than 4 times than that of the Non-African American population. (26% vs 6%) Marketing specialists feel that it is in the best interest of businesses to gear more of their advertising media toward the African American audience because their buying power is expected to increase 34%, about $921 Billion by 2011, according to the Selig Center for Economic Growth.

With that said, I am coining the phrase "B-Commerce" to be synonymous with Black spending power. Understand that companies these days are now more aware of the power of the Black dollar, and are looking to capitalize on our marketshare. Right now, businesses are trying to demystify B-Commerce by directing more advertising and marketing tactics to win favor in the Black market. Let us do our part by recognizing how influential our dollars and cents are, and lets really make an effort to try and support Black owned businesses and companies that support programs in underserved communities.

Check out these related articles! They are AMAZING must-reads about the importance of supporting Black owned businesses. PLEASE read, make yourself aware! Join the cause! FIGHT the good FIGHT:

• Allstate - August is Black Business Month
  
• Buying Black Isn't Racist; It's Necessary

Vaseline... Who KNEW???

Good ol' Vaseline... who knew it would come in handy for so many different uses? Besides preventing car battery corrosion and lubricating skate wheels, Vaseline has been a well kept beauty secret for years! Tyra Banks SWEARS by Vaseline, and you can too! Check it out:

• As A Moisturizer: After washing your face, rub in a small dab of Vaseline. Keep wetting face until the Vaseline Petroleum Jelly is spread evenly and does not appear greasy. Health spas use this secret treatment.
• For Makeup Removal: Vaseline helps to remove the toughest waterproof mascara, eye-liners, lipsticks, and other face makeups.
• Lip Balm. Use a little Vaseline on your lips before going outdoors and again before going to bed. It leaves your lips incredibly soft!!
  
• Skin protection for chemical hair treatments (coloring, perms, ect) Smooth Vaseline around areas where chemicals or color may come in contact with skin to prevent damage.
  
• Protect skin from dry weather. Use Vaseline on those extra dry parts of skin like the heels of your feet, or areas prone to chapping or wind burn.
• Shine your leather shoes. Buff leather shoes with a little Vaseline and watch them shine!
• Prevent shampoo from getting into baby's eyes. Smooth some Vaseline above the eyebrows on baby so that shampoo runs off to the side.
• Remove chewing gum from hair. Work Vaseline into the hair until the gum slides out.

Your Piece of the $787 BILLION Stimulus Package

Considering that there are just over 6.6 billion people currently inhabiting the WORLD, and Congress just passed the new $787 BILLION stimulus package, I had to ask myself one simple question... where is my piece????

So here is how we will immediately see some of this money trickle down to us common folk directly:

• First-time home buyers will recieve an $8000 tax credit that doesn't have to be repaid like the current $7500 credit currently does.
• $400 to $800 in tax credits ($400 for singles and $800 for married couples)** This is equivalent to a $500 salary increase or $8 a week for the average tax payer! (Woo Hoo for consumer spending!!!)

Check out where the rest of it is going: Stimulus Chart

I have a solution: Give us all a BILLION! (That may not work, but hey... its a suggestion!)

Is this what will stimulate the economy and get us back on track?

Check out some opinions in these related links:
Bill Clinton - 'It's quite a good bill'
GALLUP POLL - Approval Rating




**This is subject to income range as well. Visit article for more details.

**MIXED CHICKS** Hair HELP!

ATTENTION MIXED CHICKS: A product is out there to help you get a handle on that hair! Curly hair can definitely be hard to handle and maintain. Taming those tresses is the ultimate goal, but those lovely locks require some serious maintenance that can be costly and time consuming. Well, a few lovely mixed chicks developed this line of hair products to help keep curly hair healthy and manageable without using too many products or by damaging the hair with the heat of blow drying and straighteners. Many high profile black icons swear by these products, including: Halle Barry, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Ciara!

There are even products for HIS curly hair! HIS MIX is a treatment system for men to allow them to take control of their curls with the greatest of ease! Products are available for kids as well.

Check out the full line of MIXED CHICKS products! Watch the video and see how these products can help your hair!

Money TALKS Amidst Recession

Remember the days when companies used to actually be thankful for your business? I remember when I used to walk into a store, and be promptly greeted by an associate, and asked if I needed any assistance. Now, I walk into a store and it seems like employees run, or that I am wasting their time by asking for help. HAVE WE ALLOWED CUSTOMER SERVICE TO GO OUT THE WINDOW? My answer: YES! When we continue to support these companies by spending our money on their products and services, yet we continue to be mistreated, we are playing into the notion that some of these companies have, that they are invincible. WRONG! We are in a recession. This is a time for rebirth. The companies that have been taking advantage of consumers are going to fall off, while companies that continue to help consumers by giving discounts, having good customer service, and by giving back to the communities will prosper. Lets make sure that we do our part by supporting the good companies and refuel the economy by spending our money wisely. Money is tight these days, don't just spend it anywhere. If you can help it, spend it in places that have a great reputation for helping others as well as helping you! (Starbucks, Target, Old Navy, GAP, ect.)

Rough Feet Relief

If your feet are always rough and dry, and you are constantly developing calluses, this is definitely something worth trying! The Ped Egg is an ergonomically designed tool that fits in the palm of your hand, that gently sloughs off dry skin, and removes calluses with the greatest of ease!

Feel confident while walking in sandals and back-less shoes again! This product is easy to use as well as easy on your pockets. You can get one of these for about $10! I know when I get my pedicures, they usually charge extra to remove those calluses, so technically, it pays for itself. This may even save you a few visits a year to the salon.

Take matters into your own hands!

Revolutionized Advanced Education!

Have you been wanting to go back to school and get that degree that you have been always wanting? I know for many of us that either attended college for a short time after high school and had to put the degree on hold, or for those that just took the plunge right into the workforce, and never looked back, it is one of those goals that falls by the wayside. Most of us already have jobs, careers, and families, and the thought of trying to fit schooling into the mix is just unfathomable!

Well, if that degree is still on your mind, and you know that having that diploma will raise that glass ceiling that is keeping your career goals from progressing, then I would definitely consider looking at online degree programs! I had the problem that many teens face when they graduate high school. I lacked the motivation and direction of a guidance counselor, so I was pretty much on my own in terms of trying to find the right school to go to and for filling out financial aid paperwork. After many failed attempts at getting into school due to lack of financial aid, I eventually just gave up and started working. As I began to work, I saw that my opportunity for advancement was pretty much slim to none because I did not have a degree! A friend suggested that I look into the University of Phoenix and their online degrees because a lot of military personnel use them while they are on active duty. I contacted a counselor, and within 2 weeks, I was enrolled! They helped me get the financial aid that I needed, transferred my credits from the schools that I attended prior, and they set me up with classes for my degree program.

It has been a great experience so far in terms of the quality of education that I am receiving, and the amount of work involved. The work is challenging and rewarding all at the same time, and the course work is not too much to handle. The classes start off easy so that you can get used to distance learning and then they become more challenging, but they still are not too demanding in terms of work load.

I suggest University of Phoenix to anyone looking to get a degree. The University of Phoenix is nationally accredited, and they have many different education options and degree programs available for you. Although their online degree programs are popular, there are campuses located all across the country for those that would feel more comfortable in the traditional classroom environment. I definitely encourage anyone that has questions to contact a counselor and get going. After all, the economy will fix itself soon, so be ready when it does finally turn around. A degree is a great way to get the upper hand in any field, especially with related work experience.

If you have questions related to online classes or degrees, let me know!!!! If you have experienced online classes, tells us what you think about them!

Related Links: www.phoenix.edu