Good Reads - Get Lost In A Book

There is nothing like diving into a good book - getting lost in a far away land, an alternate time, or even someone’s true life tale. Reading looks so good on you - an educated, well read woman is the best looking thing on the planet. Find your peace and decompress in a cozy corner at home, your favorite park, even the library; there are so many amazing places to pop a squat and read a juicy tale.

Start a book club - you get to drink wine, catch up with your book worm squad and have meaningful debates and conversations. Besides, when was the last time you had quality human interactions? Exactly, it’s been far too long! There are really no excuses as to why you have yet to pick up a book or e-reader, read before you go to bed, on the bus or train, or even on your lunch break; there is more than enough time in a day to find your you time. Expand your world and your mind one tale at a time, reading is so sexy. Today is the day - pick up that book that’s been collecting dust in the corner and get to reading it.

Sisterly Love - Where MY Girls At?

We humans tend to become content, predictable if you will and we seem to be fine with it. Maybe it has to do with getting older, maybe it has something to do with the 21st century and technology, or maybe it’s just the nature of things; we grow in & out of relationships. We connect less. The more advanced we become the more seemingly withdrawn we are. But what does that have to do with you nurturing the friendships you do have?

Real friendships are free - make good on promises, be there for one another and most importantly make time for one another. And no, you don’t have to spend money in order to have fun. From picnics on the beach, hiking a state trail, heck even window shopping at the mall; a little girl time goes a long way. If you do happen to have a little cash to spend, consider Groupon, road trips or events where costs can be split. Hell host a potluck sleepover you provide the space and some refreshments and have the ladies bring additional beverages and favors. We are all about creating moments that will last a lifetime, a little laughter and bonding goes a long way.

The world we live in is challenging enough - we brown skin ladies need to embrace one another and continue to build on the relationships we have cultivated as well as seek out new acquaintances and potential life long friends. Only we know what it’s like to walk in this beautiful skin of ours - let’s connect and share with one another. We as women need to continue to learn from one another and always band together when in need. We have strength in numbers and we are so much stronger than the rest of the world wants to give us credit for, especially when we are together. Let’s do better and be better to each other - call up your sister, bestie, neighbor, cousin, auntie, mom, granny call your favorite gal up or just make the time.

What's Really Stopping You?

So you’ve been scrolling through social media and you start feeling jealous because everyone and their mama or significant seem to be going on vacations to seemingly unreachable locals. Places you’ve only dreamt of vising. Dream no more - turn that vision into a reality. I’m not talking about just visualizing your dream vacation(s), make that shit happen. Yup, you have a family. Full time job? Check. Living check to check? Yup. Damn, seems like there is no way to have that dream vacation. You should just give up, right?

Wrong, there is nothing stopping you except you - that sounds so cliche, but it’s so true. So, how do we make this trip of your happen? It ain’t gonna be easy, there will be small sacrifices but a trip of a lifetime & memories with your loved ones (or self) is well worth a bit of budgeting and potential a side hustle or dare I say seasonal part-time job.

If you want it you can have it - do you have a hobby or a craft that will make you some additional dream vacation cash flow? In most metropolitan areas you can obtain a local permit to have a sidewalk, yard or garage sale. There’s a great way to make some extra cash. Have kids? If they are old enough they can shovel neighbors snow and mow lawns. Do I hear summertime lemonade & iced tea stands being built? Look for seasonal work - adding an addition $150- $350 a month (at a minimum) can make that dream trip of yours a reality in no time! There are so many creative ways to make legit legal money.

Discipline is key, now that you have additional cash flow coming in it’s time to get down to the savings nitty gritty. No spending allowed. PERIOD. Place your money into a bank account where you are not able to withdraw monies unless you are at the bank or if you do receive a bank card, do not activate it until it is time to purchase your dream vacation and accommodations. You can also use the card while on vacation (because you saved a ton of money). Seriously discipline is everything, before you know it you’ll be saving money, reaching goals and if you have kids you are teaching them great lessons about saving, working hard to get what you want and sacrifice vs. reward. Do your research and book your travel in advance with insurance - happy & safe travels!!