What is on your travel bucket list?

What is on your travel bucket list?

Azarialamode

RAZOR (DENIM) by IAMJENNIFERLE

Shoe love is true love!http://www.azarialamode.website/shoe-lust-razor-denim/

It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us

Our Greatest Fear 

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous,

talented and fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of God.

Your playing small does not serve the world.

There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other

people won't feel insecure around you.

We were born to make manifest the glory of

God that is within us.

It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine,

we unconsciously give other people

permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear,

Our presence automatically liberates others.

—Marianne Williamson

The Blossom Pledge

I came across this pledge and website, this is a much needed pledge to recite in our society and community.

It is important that we continue to encourage young women that there is still hope and solutions to whatever obstacles they face.

The blossom pledge because  Every girl deserves to blossom. 

I am a young woman

like a flower in bloom

I am a beautiful work in progress

I am improving myself and setting an example for my peers

each day gives me a new opportunity to do that

I have all that I need to succeed-right here

and the potential to be more tomorrow than I am today

I am so much more than my face, my clothes, or where I live

I am a reflection of my ancestors, who have paved the way for me

I am a reflection of hope and purpose

but most importantly I am a reflection of my blossom sisters

and all young women who are taking this life journey

this will allow them to become successful, compassionate and

strong women!

YEM youth empowerment mission, inc.  is dedicated to creating comprehensive long-term solutions that give young people in high-risk environments real alternatives to violence and delinquency while addressing the underlying conditions that influence this self-destructive life style.

Are You The Reason You Can't Find Mr. Right?

Gentleman Rambles

G E N T L E M A N - R A M B L I N G S; A collection of perspective ink spills. Spontaneous writings. In the moment poetics. Sometimes it rhymes, sometimes it doesn't. But it always comes from the soul. Something like the blogger feed before the hard back literature read. Get me?

A woman will never have a good man with the "all men are dogs" state of mind. 

You want the right man? 

Quit submitting your bodies to the wrong attire

Your time to the wrong activities

Your eyes to the wrong sights/sites

Your minds to the wrong perceptions and imaginations of what real is

Your hearts to the wrong Gods..

Less complaining, more praying. Not just for us, but for yourselves. God gives according to what you can handle. He's not just gonna hand you a husband when you still have a girlfriend state of mind. That's like putting a minor with no driving experience behind the wheel of a brand new car. An accident waiting to happen. Nothing that is meant for any of us in life is withheld from us when it's time for us to have it. The only reason for not receiving exactly what's for you, whether man or woman, is YOU. If you're tired of a specific type of man being the way he is, pray for him. If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem. If you're just pointing, chances are, while identifying those bones in his closet, you're ignoring the bones falling out of your own. The moment you reach down to pick up one of your own, and compare it with one of his, you'll go into shock at the realization that, the two of you are one of the same.

Ask yourself - What is it you're really looking for? When God speaks of man and him having a wife who is fruitful to his soul, he's speaking of a man who fears Him. A blessed man. (psalms 128) ...Do you really desire this type of man? See, God doesn't make mistakes, and the devil only gives you what you accept. It's not rocket science - MANY women don't want a man who really fears God, they want a man who pretends he doesn't fear anything. Unfortunately this man isn't pretending when it comes to two things - He doesn't fear God, and he doesn't fear leaving you. Which goes right back to him not fearing God. A man who doesn't fear God has no restraints. Yes, I know what's coming next from some of you. There are men of God who cheat, lie, etc etc..Listen, the only perfect man to ever walk the earth was NOT married. If you're looking for perfect, quit looking for a man, and start looking for Jesus. Not only will you find him, but you'll also find that the man he has for you is nothing like everything you've been dealing with all your life, and yes, flaws and all, he's a perfect fit for you.

I'm in no way, shape, form, or fashion, condoning any wrong doing on any man's part. I'm not saying that there aren't bad men out there, because there are plenty. But plenty has nothing to do with your ONE. Just know, if you want what's right for your life, you yourself have to be living right. Encourage the men in your life, pray for them, school them to the needs and purpose of your soul. If you're not doing any of the above, what sets you apart from the typical woman who deserves exactly what she's been getting? Honestly! What makes you so different? Remember- The RIGHT man isn't looking for a good woman, he's looking for the RIGHT woman. Your definition of good, might be someone Else's definition of bad, but God's definition of right can not be modified. So, I encourage you to do less groaning about the wrong men, and be the right woman. What's right for you will come to you in the right time and season

Thank You Jermaine G. this was a much needed read!

A Virtuous Woman

A Woman’s Checklist

by: Trent Shelton

-Am I a woman with style, elegance and grace.
-Am I a woman that knows where she is going and has learned from where she has been.
-Am I a woman that is not afraid to fail because I understand the road that has to be traveled in order to succeed.
-Am I a woman that respects a man, but also demands respect from that man.
-Am I a woman that won’t settle because I’m aware of my worth.
-Am I a woman that is independent but knows I have to depend on a man for the things a woman can’t provide.
-Am I a woman that values self-respect even if it causes me to lose attention.
-Am I a woman that is enticed by a man’s heart not a man’s wealth.
-Am I a woman that doesn’t hold a grudge against my past hurts.
-Am I a woman that has my own identity and is not only known through man.
-Am I a woman that values my girl friends opinions, but has enough sense of self to make my own decisions.
-Am I a woman that doesn’t despise a man’s heart because of the mistakes made by one man that was heartless.
-Am I a woman filled with integrity and gives the same respect that others give me.
-Am I a woman that understands even if I possess all these traits, I’m still nothing without the Love of God.

The woman that has made it down this checklist is the perfect woman for a REAL MAN! You are a VIRTUOUS WOMAN!!!

Check out REHAB Time   (Renewing Every Heart and Body)  http://rehabtime.org/home/ 

Tera Carissa Hodges: A Virtuous Woman is a Business Woman

Tera Carissa Hodges is an inspiration to me and I want to share her with you, because you will not be disappointed by her wisdom!I started following her on twitter, and I was definitely encouraged to make some positive changes in my life and I know you will too. She is a prophet and author, who is grounded in her faith, a definite reminder that you can be young, spiritually in-tune, and still fabulous! Check her out!

Please read: UnApologetically Anointed | E-Book

Prophetess Tera Carissa Hodges a licensed and ordained minister of the gospel, has birthed a ministry where the concept, like all things in her life, was placed in her heart by God. The Founder of Life Now Ministries based in Atlanta, GA, Prophetess Tera Carissa, as she is affectionately called, hosts conferences throughout Atlanta, and travels domestically and abroad to preach Gods Word. Her International invites include: Australia, Bahamas, Kenya, Nigeria, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago. Prophetess Tera Carissa has also appeared on numerous national television programs, radio shows, and magazines.

A regular panelist on Radio 1000, a national radio program, she has participated alongside guests such as Bishop Noel Jones on numerous panel discussion topics such as Man Down, a panel discussion encouraging men to embrace their masculinity, and women to embrace their femininity, and Did God Ordain Me To Be Single?

Often called "A Prophetic Lioness",™ by her peers in ministry due to her straight with no chaser sermon delivery style, and gift to minister sharp words, 

When asked what prepared her for the challenge of conceiving and running Life Now

Life experience and God. All of the different people that the Lord has linked me with in the last three years have prepared me for this journey of Life Now Ministries, even the people who meant me evil.

How did you start your career? What inspired you?

I’ve known I was called to preach since the age of 16. Though I went on my own journey away from God throughout my college years, upon graduation in 2005, I could literally feel God’s hands on me, even when I didn’t want it on me. Because God processes before propelling, I had to go through a season of being totally stripped of who I thought I was physically, emotionally, spiritually, and even in my career. What literally jump started my career in ministry was God telling me to leave my comfortably salaried job with benefits and get busy in ministry, preaching the Word of God. Everything I had learned in my corporate career was to be applied in building the ministry He had given me. What inspired me to make such a bold move was knowing that my peace, happiness, and wholeness was connected to helping other people connect with God. God always gives us instructions with a plan ahead of time to help us avoid what is inevitably coming that we don’t yet know about. Not long after leaving my job, I found out that the company, due to the economy, had laid off the majority of the office, including my manager. God instructing me to leave was His way of preventing me from getting laid off unexpectedly with no plan.

How has God led you into the life that you have now?

God has led me to where I am now one step at a time. Sometimes, day by day, other times, hour by hour, and some days, minute by minute. Prayer, praise, worship, reading the Word, making personal and career sacrifices, falling, and getting back up all lead me to be fully dependent on God, and deepening my relationship in Him, even when I didn’t understand Him. I had to go through many seasons of sowing and sacrifice, without seeing an immediate harvest. But it was those seasons of seed sowing that built my faith, which is now producing fruit. We often quote, “you reap what you sow,” when referring to negative results expected, when the same applies to positive results expected.

How does it feel to be an inspiration to so many people on a daily basis?

I am truly humbled that God uses me to minister to thousands of people daily. I do not take it lightly. Being a leader is not about having a title but about acting responsibly. People may think it’s hard working for a supervisor on a job. But, having God as your supervisor is no walk in the park either. You can’t lie to Him. You can’t call in a sick day, when you know you’re not sick. To whom much is given, much is required. The work is hard, but unlike my old corporate job, the pay is much better, and the benefits are out of this world! As young people in today’s world, it’s easy for us to get swept up into what society says is right and forget how God wants us to be and act. How do you suggest young people stay focused on trying to stay on the straight and narrow? I would encourage all young people to remember you can be flyy and fabulous, and still live according to your faith. A lot of young people abandon their faith because for years it was seen as not cool or too restricting. Yes, your faith walk comes with limits but so do credit cards, budgets, and highways. Staying within the limits is for your safety and benefit. You can stay focused on God and live for God by being true to who He has created you to be.

Taken from:  Urban Shake Magazine  and  Tera Carissa 

Follow Tera on Twitter: teracarissa twitter

Website: http://www.teracarissa.comYou Tube Channel: teracarissa's Channel - YouTube

S.T.A.R: Betrayed by a Thing Called Love

A memoir by bestselling author
LaJoyce Brookshire

Even though this story is old I decided to share it, maybe it will encourage some of us to take the decisions we make more seriously. 

Be a STAR: Stop Think and Reconsider your decisions........

LaJoyce Brookshire, the best-selling author of Soul Food and Web of Deception, shares a true story more shattering than any novel. It’s her story. Her candid memoir, FAITH UNDER FIRE: Betrayed by a Thing Called Love tells Brookshire’s story of survival against the odds and courage in the face of a troubled relationship and a terrifying illness.

LaJoyce Brookshire was married to a man she thought was her very own Prince Charming…but then discovered a veiled side of him…He knew he had AIDS but kept this deadly secret from her until his body betrayed him. The frightening statistics of HIV/AIDS infections in this country only prove that there are too many secrets in too many relationships—and many of them are harbored by families living in fear, ignorance, and denial. With the statistics raging even higher for African American women, LaJoyce boldly shares her truth after years of silence. Standing on her incredible faith, then as now, LaJoyce says it’s time to stop lying, start telling the truth, and begin to live life with the understanding that only the truth will make you free.

LaJoyce Brookshire has certainly been through the fire, but thanks to her unrelenting faith, came out unscathed.

Here are excerpts from her interview....................
Who are the people most at risk, black women, married?
Black women are highly at risk, yes . And heterosexual women of all walks of life are highly at risk.
How did you maintain your Christian faith when you knew that this man knowingly had AIDS and still slept with you?You know what it is, honestly...because I didn't know that I was being deceived until he was almost dead. It was easier for me to maintain my Christian faith, because I was staying true to my wedding vows. And I thought back to the day of my wedding, when the only tear I shed was when I said, "through sickness and in health". That was the only tear. And we ironically got married on World AIDS Day in 1990- December 1st. That's how I was I able to hold on and just through the grace of God honestly.

Do you recommend that people in marriage get HIV tests?

Absolutely, I think now, its become routine. HIV can slip up on you and you might not ever know. I think what health systems should do is make blood testing mandatory to obtain a marriage license again. When I got married in 1990, to this guy, it was mandatory in 28 states, and now its only mandatory in 14. In the life and times of which we live now, why are there less? It is the responsibility of each individual to gather information; before you swap spit, swap information. No test, no touch! But we say that in theory and it's all fine and good, but here I am in this situation when Mr. Tall, Fine, and Handsome came stumping up in my life sending roses to my job every week, and my nose was open like a Mack truck. There's nothing you can tell a woman when she's in love.

Has there been any backlash?
From his family, yes, his sisters. Outside of that, no. There's been backlash from people, who feel that I preach abstinence... well I do. I don't think that you can put your faith in a condom. You can't put your total and complete faith in a condom. I ask this...If you know the person has AIDS, do you still trust the condom? The answer is generally no! Why then, do you trust it and you're not really sure? You're rolling the dice.

So abstinence outside of marriage?
Abstinence outside of marriage... or until you find out enough information. We don't want to hear that... because it's very hard to hear.　

Learn more: HIV/AIDS Education

Vacation Destination: Belize, Central America

Spectacular natural attractions and the excitement of discovering Mother Nature’s Best Kept Secret draw travelers from around the globe, promising both relaxation and the richly rewarding authenticity they seek in a genuine Caribbean getaway. Belize: (formerly British Honduras) is a country located on the north eastern coast of Central America. Belize has a diverse society, comprising many cultures and languages. Belize is bordered to the north by Mexico, south and west by Guatemala, and to the east by the Caribbean Sea. It is the only nation in the region with a British colonial heritage. 

Travel Documents: A current passport, valid through your departure date, is required for entry into Belize 

Currency: The ISO code for the Belize dollar is BZD. The Belize dollar is subdivided into 100 cents. One USD is worth 2 BZD 

Climate: The overall climate of Belize can be described as sub-tropical. The humidity while high, is seldom oppressive for long and is most noticeable along the coast. The mean annual humidity is 83%, but many days the humidity is masked by the cooling sea breezes.

People: Belize is often described as a "melting pot" of cultures all intermingled to form a unique "Belizean identity". Even with the many interracial unions, Belize boasts several distinct and identifiable ethnic groups. These include the Creole, Mestizo, Maya, Garifuna, East Indians, Chinese and Mennonites. These all blend to form a people with a wide diversity of cultures, traditions and beliefs all co-existing in harmony. The Belizean society exemplifies the preservation of individual identities and ethnic differences

Food: The traditional food of Belize is popular world wide. Some of them are Relleno, Tamales, Escabeche, Tacos, Chimole and Negro. Belizeans like to eat rice, either with fried chicken, or sweet beef. Fruit and vegetable salad also form an important part of the Belizean food. Corn is one of the important cooking ingredients and is used for cooking tortillas, bollos and tamalitos. Maya and Spanish flavors are also used for preparing Foods in Belize. 

Come enjoy:

• The longest barrier reef in this hemisphere, home to the Great Blue Hole, hundreds of islands, snorkel and dive locations.
• Hundreds of ancient Maya sites both excavated and jungle-covered.
• Lush tropical rain forest with many species of birds, and exotic tropical flora and fauna.

Attractions & Activities:
Ka’ana’s “Overnight Adventure At Caracol” has been featured in Smarter Travel’s “10 Best Places To Be When The World Ends.” Smarter Travel, a Smarter Travel Media LLC Company, is one of the largest online travel resources offering deals, news and tips to its online members.

Raggamuffin Tours: Three-day sailing trips to Placencia depart every Tuesday and Friday. Raggamuffin has a reputation as a party boat!

Frenchie’s Diving:Offers full-day trips (three dives) to Blue Hole and Turneffe and half-day trips (two dives) to Hol Chan, Caye Chapel or Spanish Bay. Night dives at Caye Caulker Marine Reserve 

Belize Zip Lining

     Belize Zoo

Fishing

Horseback Riding

Kayaking

  Scuba Diving

 Snorkeling in Belize

Windsurfing and Kite boarding

                                           

Island and Atolls:The islands off the coast of Belize offer white sand beaches near to the barrier reef, turquoise waters and abundant fish life. Live the island life in established communities such as Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker or opt for a private getaway at small resorts, retreats and campsites on the smaller islands that dot the reef line from north to south. 

Festivities: Festivities for Independence Day in Belize extend over three weeks in Belize. Traditional events include the Queen of the Bay Pageant, Carnival Parade, St. George’s Caye Day Citizens Parade, Expo, Official Independence Day Celebrations, and live musical concerts.

Transportation: 

• Water Taxi to Caye Caulker & San Pedro
• Boat / Ferry 
• Flying 
• Buses 
• Car/Truck 
• Shuttle Van

Belize Accommodation Directory: 

Lodging and Places to go: Check out many more here: Trip Advisor Belize Hotel Deals 

• Coco Beach Resort
• Las Terrazas Resort 
• Xanadu Island Resort Belize 
• Robert's Grove Beach Resort 
• Captain Morgan's Retreat 

             

A vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what you've been taking

Commit to be fit: Sexy Abs with Kelly Rowland

Join Superstar Kelly Rowland & Hollywood Trainer Jeanette Jenkins for this super fun and motivating Sexy Absworkout. This workout starts with a fun heart pumping standing warm-up to prep you for 6 chapters of Sexy Abs Training with Kelly Rowland & her trainer Jeanette Jenkins. This workout will help you develop core strength, tone & flexibility so you look good & feel good! Follow this Sexy Abs Workout 3x a week in addition to cardio, total body training & a healthy meal plan!

If you're short on time you can just do your favorite chapter!

The Confident Woman

“Sometimes you have to let everything go – purge yourself. If you are unhappy with anything – whatever is bringing you down – get rid of it. Because you will find that when you are free, your true creativity, your true self comes out.”

~ Tina Turner

What is confidence? I believe confidence is all about being positive concerning what you can do-and not worrying over what you can't do. She can walk into a room and people take notice. They are intrigued, not necessarily because of her physical attributes, but instead by her self-assurance. A confident person is open to learning, because she knows that her confidence allows her to walk through life's doorways, eager to discover what waits on the other side. She knows that every new unknown is a chance to learn more about herself and unleash her abilities.

Define Yourself: Don’t let others determine how you feel about yourself nor allow society to tell you what you can and cannot do. Tap into your inner voice and write your own rules for your life. If you’re writing your own rules you don’t have to worry about succumbing to someone else’s.

Know Your Strengths and Use Them: Confident people do not concentrate on their weaknesses; they develop and maximize their strengths.The world is not hungry for mediocrity. We really don't need a bunch of 4s and 5s running around, doing an average job in life. This world needs 10s. You can be a 10 at something, but your problem might be that you often work so hard on trying to overcome our weakness that you never develop your strengths.

Always Dress the Part: So you just don’t feel like putting a 100% into your appearance? I completely understand. We all have those days when we want to just roll out of bed and head straight to work,but remember confidence is never tacky. I would love to believe that people don’t care about your outer appearance,reality is people judge you based on what you’re wearing. So always ask yourself ‘what message am I trying to convey with my attire?’

Take Risks & Take Action:The only thing that comes to someone who stays in their comfort zone is what they already have. A confident woman wants the most out of life and pushes herself to be the best she can be. The only way to do this is to step out of your comfort zone and into something new.

Confidence allows us to face life with boldness, openness, and honesty.

People with low confidence, on the other hand, are not sure about anything. They are double-minded, indecisive people who constantly get frustrated with life. If they do make a decision, they are tormented by self-doubt. They second-guess (and third- and fourth-guess) themselves. As a result, they don't live boldly. They live little, narrow lives, and they miss out on the big, rewarding lives God wants them to enjoy.

God requires us to approach Him in faith-the deeply held confidence that God is trustworthy and will always make good on His promises.Too many people cower at the mention of God's name, because they are afraid He is sitting up in heaven, just waiting for them to slip up so that He can punish them. I'm not saying that we never have to face consequences for our actions, but God doesn't delight in punishing us. Instead, He wants to bless us and prosper us. He is merciful and if we are able to receive His mercy.


When we have confidence in God and His love and kindness, we can progress to living confidently and enjoying the life He wants for us. Confidence in God, not in ourselves. Usually, when people think of confidence, they think of self-confidence.

I am confident in my leader, God, and the gifts, talents, and knowledge He has placed in me. I know that without Him I am nothing (John 15:5), but with Him, I can be a champion, because He brings out the best in me.

Fear is a dangerous virus, because a fearful person has no confidence and can never reach her potential in life. She won't step out of her comfort zone to do anything-especially something new or different. Fear is a cruel ruler, and its subjects live in constant torment.

Courage is not the absence of fear; it is action in the presence of fear. Bold people do what they know they should do-not what they feel like doing.

A confident person feels safe. She believes she is loved, valuable, cared for, and safe in God's will for her. When we feel safe and secure, it's easy to step out and try new things

Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed.
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It's in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
'Cause I'm a woman
.

If you are ever in Vegas check this out!

Great costumes and hand made mask with exquisite quality!
Thanks Elle Kennedy Dutches

Originated from the parent company Il Prato - Venezia and Veniceland - Venezia. This company offers authentic Venetian products, carnival masks, and costumes that are all hand made in our own atelier by skilled Venetian artist that had learned mask design and painting from master of the trade passed from generation to generation.
Il Prato prides itself in offering the highest & best quality for masks. Copper gold plated filigree die cut to have uniform look and decorated with high quality Swarovski crystals.

Grand Canal Shoppes
Venetian Hotel & Casino
Las Vegas, Nevada

IL PRATO | 3377 S Las Vegas Blvd. Suite 2170 Las Vegas, NV 89109 | (702) 733-1201

Happy New Year my fellow Fashionistas!

   We can only hope to have a fashion forward 2012! So to get started I wanted to share some great financial advice to help you throughout this year. We can defintely look great and be smart with our money!
Be sure to set some simple action items that are measurable, achievable and realistic, you could be surprised as early as a few months by your personal finance prowess.

• Is it achievable?
• Are the results measurable?
• Are the results I’ve set realistic?

I read this great article on seek wisdom find wealth, catchy phrase and great financial advice! Patrice C. Washington who is known for being financially fit & fabulous. She goes over How To Set Financial Goals You CAN Achieve in 3steps: 1. Be specific. 2. Be deliberate. 3. Be accountable.
Another great article to check out is: 5 Reasons Black Women Can't Save Money. I sure know this article brought some light to my personal situation and I assure you it will help with yours. Patrice is also available for financial coaching!
 "Remember that what you verbalize, you materialize . . . no matter what you may think you want"

Here are other list of ways you can improve your finance for 2012

• Set up at least one automatic investment besides your 401(k) account. Commit to maxing out your 401(K) or any other retirement plan your employer may offer in 2012. We do not contribute enough to our retirement account — a minimum of 10% per month is advisable.
• Put your credit cards in order. Pay off the credit cards with the highest interest rates and transfer balances to 0% interest cards.
•  If you have children, open up and contribute to your child’s 529 education fund.
• Gather your tax information together now and file as soon as possible, especially if you are to receive a refund.
• Review your insurance needs—property and casualty, life, and health.
• Create an emergency fund to cover 8 to 12 months worth of bills.

When your money is together you will feel more secure with saving and spending. Educate yourself and set reachable goals.

When that aspect is together we can commence to shopping..................:-) Throw it in the bag!