tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36364303360469649052024-02-19T08:39:30.032-08:00Viva Laverne - Find your passion...It's all the rage!Find your passion... It's all the rage!Lavernehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17121170292902098983noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636430336046964905.post-64495260700971442922011-10-23T19:08:00.000-07:002011-10-23T19:22:53.305-07:00Designers Needed!Hey Lovlies!<br /><br />A new online store is in the works to provide a platform to bring unique fashion, home and pet accessories from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">independent</span> designers to a wide span of customers. I'm looking for accessory designers who have the resources to produce reasonably priced products that are true conversation pieces.<br /><br />If you are interested in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">being</span> one of the featured designers email <a href="mailto:nhmcgill@gmail.com">nhmcgill@gmail.com</a> for more information.Lavernehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17121170292902098983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636430336046964905.post-70604825478622900532010-11-19T13:41:00.000-08:002010-11-19T13:48:22.308-08:00Gosh Darn it I Missed it!<span style="font-size:130%;">So much for the life long dream of attending Oprah's favorite things show... Oprah hosted her last one today!</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCZnEC7wCmfMmuXWNXKaqIihes7Eiv_qhIgpmsledJUBidhgBJiLsQ_YEOO-hSQSq5rQYFFgsTTZno8gFfDbwPVAkS4dRcuZxydcciu9Ms8IIFzSWcG5EFs2JQPiQBSzoZ6tKbep3MwpA/s1600/untitled2.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541379864025140802" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 246px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCZnEC7wCmfMmuXWNXKaqIihes7Eiv_qhIgpmsledJUBidhgBJiLsQ_YEOO-hSQSq5rQYFFgsTTZno8gFfDbwPVAkS4dRcuZxydcciu9Ms8IIFzSWcG5EFs2JQPiQBSzoZ6tKbep3MwpA/s320/untitled2.bmp" border="0" /></a></p><a href="http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Oprahs-Ultimate-Favorite-Things-2010"><span style="font-size:130%;">See what you could have copped for free><br /></span></a>Lavernehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17121170292902098983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636430336046964905.post-51484533780175560172010-11-15T14:22:00.000-08:002010-11-16T12:02:55.346-08:00I'm BAAAACCCK!<span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;"><strong>After a long hiatus filled with all that life brings us, a little laughter, a little disappointment and a bit of soul searching, I'm back! I look forward to bringing you great topics.</strong><br /><br /></span><br /><div><div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;">First topic, how to become a socialite. I was once quoted saying that my dream jobs is to "do me and dress cute" <em>(yes, I know that sounds ridiculous). </em>In my quest to one day actually do this I thought, what profession <em>(term used loosely)</em> would apply better than being a socialite? Well since being popular isn't something I was in high school or college apparently this concept of being ULTRA social does not come natural to me. I did a little research and found tips to becoming a black socialite. Now let me clarify, I am not interested in being a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">NeNe</span> Leaks but more like a </span><a href="http://theblacksocialite.blogspot.com/2008/01/pamela-joyners-unmasking-fundraising.html"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;">Pamela Joyner</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;">. I ran across <a href="http://theblacksocialite.blogspot.com/2007/08/becoming-black-socialite.html">The Black Socialite's </a>tips for doing just that. </span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;"></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0KxGYkWLGy-S-oghfRDkh7MLz9fBYLcNvs5EfdPvSGQQAQrGkDFwERSJC3Wizokv7cdCtN8BEksDC1E_gwwzhlK3_XQ-HTrXMTwvx789em2HL52PB-6_6P0oSdvamXiBCnhjDFGD5Fjs/s1600/dd_gala08.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 290px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 248px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0KxGYkWLGy-S-oghfRDkh7MLz9fBYLcNvs5EfdPvSGQQAQrGkDFwERSJC3Wizokv7cdCtN8BEksDC1E_gwwzhlK3_XQ-HTrXMTwvx789em2HL52PB-6_6P0oSdvamXiBCnhjDFGD5Fjs/s1600/dd_gala08.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;">First, </span><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#666666;"><em>you must be is charming, loyal, and graceful. While this sounds easy, it isn't... Most <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">questers</span> don't have a clue about these principals. So, they get shut down at every turn because they are grasping and climbing without consideration for others. They tend to be users and see people as a means of getting their goals achieved. They often have to buy their way into the social set rather than being asked to table based on their own merits.</em> </span>- - CHECK!</span></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;">Next,</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><em><span style="color:#666666;">Be prepared to kick out some money to appear at various events and activities. However, this is manageable if you factor these costs into your overall budget.</span></em> -- <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">umm</span> OK...wait, there's money involved??</span></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><em><span style="color:#666666;">When you get invited to events, show up. And, you may have to get comfortable going out by alone... Many socialites attend events alone because men tend to not care about social activities as much as we do. So, if you are one of these women who have to clutch onto the arm of a man whenever you go out, true socialite status may not be for you.</span></em> -- Never went to a party by my lonesome, this is getting interesting.</span></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;">Lastly,</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><em><span style="color:#666666;">always dress to the nines!</span></em> -- if this means designer labels, I'm screwed!</span></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;">Well, not too sure about becoming a full blown socialite but it <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">definitely</span> won't hurt to increase my social network. New Goal: get involved!</span></div></div></div>Lavernehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17121170292902098983noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636430336046964905.post-22962578025574118942010-07-27T11:35:00.000-07:002010-07-27T11:39:08.466-07:00Essence.com: The Hair Politics of Natural vs. Permed<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjXHgLvmtVmczxLIp1rDmPeyeWc5nBP0N5fKkhs5gDtiYUGOsyIjDDbZfCClfNveWnepeRfFAI5KGeeci_BoX_SW133jH9gpZiNvS1pLN8amEdr-3_dYHioWkFxQeMHHi37I7pzXgaY8I/s1600/natural-hair-permed-475.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498657285769947650" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 236px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjXHgLvmtVmczxLIp1rDmPeyeWc5nBP0N5fKkhs5gDtiYUGOsyIjDDbZfCClfNveWnepeRfFAI5KGeeci_BoX_SW133jH9gpZiNvS1pLN8amEdr-3_dYHioWkFxQeMHHi37I7pzXgaY8I/s320/natural-hair-permed-475.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">By Bene Viera</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Sometimes the ongoing debate about natural hair vs. permed or weaved hair is too much to stomach. Not only is it tired, it's unproductive and divisive. Really, how is the dialogue about hair advancing our people or solving any of the societal ills Black people are facing today? </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">A Black woman's tresses have always been intriguing to non-Blacks because they don't understand how we can weave it, curl it, braid it, loc it, fro' it, wrap it or blow it out. Although it bothers me when I hear stories of Black women who have to encounter White women wanting to touch their hair as if it's some type of exhibit at the museum. This doesn't surprise me. What does surprise me is the amount of time some Black women spend engaging in this follicle hierarchy as if certain styles authenticate who you are.</span></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.essence.com/hair/commentary_1/commentary_hair_politics_natural_vs_permed.php#ixzz0uuRHQs00">Read more>></a></div>Lavernehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17121170292902098983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636430336046964905.post-88627789777349684222010-07-22T12:45:00.000-07:002010-07-22T12:55:56.609-07:00Death of the Class Reunion<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GXn06hi8fjaVhv_ibuk0ohDpsUG8Nq2g4K7YShuWQwQFWYjJH81w6DhwDeZVeclkKM_ldrIkfkjgmT6XkwcMVZ7wU8KpjQqb9qZ1HEaqOleGz4CO6Mahn0mkky05LZQT1hdAIeLfToo/s1600/facebook.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496821344494489442" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 120px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GXn06hi8fjaVhv_ibuk0ohDpsUG8Nq2g4K7YShuWQwQFWYjJH81w6DhwDeZVeclkKM_ldrIkfkjgmT6XkwcMVZ7wU8KpjQqb9qZ1HEaqOleGz4CO6Mahn0mkky05LZQT1hdAIeLfToo/s320/facebook.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;">Well Facebook accomplished one thing this week, it killed the suspense of my class reunion. While everyone is awaiting Facebook to reach the 500 million member mark, I realizing that most of my highschool class is on the website and i'm pretty much caught up on everyone's life.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;">I think it's sad and I really hope I don't regret this down the road but I have no desire to spend the $500 in airfare to get home. What do you think? Has facebook killed your desire to meet up with old classmates?</span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;">Any-hoo, I'm headed down to Austin to do a quick b-day get-a-way shopping it up at the outlets. HOLLA!</span></div>Lavernehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17121170292902098983noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636430336046964905.post-31840086501922681492010-07-19T12:21:00.000-07:002010-07-19T12:24:48.294-07:00Looksies!<div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;">And why can't I ever find a jumpsuit as cute as this? UGH!!! Mary J. is looking ultra fly, and fit, in this classic staple.</span></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>MARY J. BLIGE</strong></span></div><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhjhqYfIRvqHrVq2CjOiN7yqjXgIQdx99fGpdaGnW2up2R4Fy5SXD4EYRvUlsXNUOTDxuBArX36Sn-oTKWCEJnLDo89v2eXp3jSG2hytDKUKg0Ih6zVy2s-7NChr3uIw1s4pv3kso6xc/s1600/39E5738E15839E31C7200A.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495700405640639874" style="WIDTH: 288px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhjhqYfIRvqHrVq2CjOiN7yqjXgIQdx99fGpdaGnW2up2R4Fy5SXD4EYRvUlsXNUOTDxuBArX36Sn-oTKWCEJnLDo89v2eXp3jSG2hytDKUKg0Ih6zVy2s-7NChr3uIw1s4pv3kso6xc/s400/39E5738E15839E31C7200A.jpg" border="0" /></a></p>Lavernehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17121170292902098983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636430336046964905.post-76972136349241736082010-07-15T08:09:00.000-07:002010-07-15T08:11:14.362-07:00If Money Were No Object...<span style="font-size:130%;">Eva Marcille's $3,000 studded Gasoline Glamour platforms.</span> <span style="font-size:180%;color:#6600cc;">Oh MY!</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;color:#6600cc;"></span><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2rpMRAY-48MiE6rB2LkHOug9pXL51VeHx2VSiyONkXgDIT70FPGqOFh_QnAW_0oVqXnpQfjOMfaG0m3cc5QCmBbTrqnwCfifLWs5dJe0ltxt_vOElhhuEOMGXb_Ry1Ybku-Qh4zpp7iA/s1600/eva-platforms.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494150576205888418" style="WIDTH: 282px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2rpMRAY-48MiE6rB2LkHOug9pXL51VeHx2VSiyONkXgDIT70FPGqOFh_QnAW_0oVqXnpQfjOMfaG0m3cc5QCmBbTrqnwCfifLWs5dJe0ltxt_vOElhhuEOMGXb_Ry1Ybku-Qh4zpp7iA/s400/eva-platforms.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center"> </p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">Love it or Leave it?</span></p>Lavernehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17121170292902098983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636430336046964905.post-27878210594860508782010-07-12T09:24:00.001-07:002010-07-12T09:26:33.990-07:00A Love Affair<span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;">And my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">obsession</span> with clogs (wooden heels in general) continues...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;"></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;">Check out my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">latest</span> purchase for Via <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Spiga</span>!</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZqlKVrOP1T6vclWPyK8fuD45I-Oq72z9_aCg-9A4GVboARK59v-Kvj3NwEdZqKyYxnVGbW9fNijpgzKGeVS684hs_qzhObUtA7xBriOPDNVeMXClE8-4cZ5_1uo-4UN9LAmQmj00W6kc/s1600/pl790891-00p01v01.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493056750737591954" style="WIDTH: 260px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 347px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZqlKVrOP1T6vclWPyK8fuD45I-Oq72z9_aCg-9A4GVboARK59v-Kvj3NwEdZqKyYxnVGbW9fNijpgzKGeVS684hs_qzhObUtA7xBriOPDNVeMXClE8-4cZ5_1uo-4UN9LAmQmj00W6kc/s400/pl790891-00p01v01.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:180%;">LOVES IT!</span></p>Lavernehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17121170292902098983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636430336046964905.post-949464447527111072010-07-01T09:59:00.000-07:002010-07-01T10:16:47.917-07:00Fourth of July Holiday!<span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Summer's main attraction is here! Who has plans for the Fourth of July? I think it will rain all weekend here but it'll be bright and sunny somewhere. So who's barbecuing, who's boiling seafood and who's frying up some fish?</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Try these waist friendly desserts to top off all of that cookout goodness that you probably won't be able to resist. </span><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Volunteer to bring this to the party that way you KNOW you'll have a healthy option. ENJOY!</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLdM3ifJXiFvySIE6Y0r4itr68B3YGBKFZfqCf_Cuc4e5eWyAIzo6EG30YocsSonsW4dc5UB2ggeg4-BrTchj1sP44YWeRTO999MBtdQSohveeFLLRHOA5QkF_JL-owHKqHjR3ItGbbU/s1600/july4thdesserts_party_2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488987521649763442" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLdM3ifJXiFvySIE6Y0r4itr68B3YGBKFZfqCf_Cuc4e5eWyAIzo6EG30YocsSonsW4dc5UB2ggeg4-BrTchj1sP44YWeRTO999MBtdQSohveeFLLRHOA5QkF_JL-owHKqHjR3ItGbbU/s400/july4thdesserts_party_2.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br /><br /><br />Pictured above: <a title="4th of july desserts" href="http://www.blogger.com/Pictured%20above:%20Vanilla-Raspberry%20Sundaes%20served%20with%20adorable%20COOKIE%20SPOONS;%20and%20quick%20&%20easy%20Mixed%20Berry%20Salad%20with%20Mint." target="_blank">Vanilla-Raspberry Sundaes</a> served with adorable COOKIE SPOONS; and quick & easy <a title="4th of july desserts" href="http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/mixed-berry-salad-with-mint?lnc=0ad3452be04c1210VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD&backto=true&backtourl=/summer-food?lnc=0ad3452be04c1210VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD&rsc=slideshow_holiday_food&contentid=a2d97cb018b3a110VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD#slide_9" target="_blank">Mixed Berry Salad with Mint</a>.Lavernehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17121170292902098983noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636430336046964905.post-27387055507626177282010-06-25T09:21:00.000-07:002010-06-25T09:28:59.423-07:00ESSENCE.COM: A Girls Night In<span style="color:#000066;">By Maiya Norton for Essence.com</span><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp9eKYOURLP-fjDN0f9J3U0VX3aTHdYSfCjXY77ev3hBXLyPUbIs6f7SnmMSMenKmIex-Wo-3V7eKyg4rsIDtfRCQIuuIiLlFJFnDFsf3e1757cg4VZcnOc2UGjjUiSU0UH0vt3XDzunc/s1600/girls-night-out-drinks-475.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486749035592247330" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 295px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp9eKYOURLP-fjDN0f9J3U0VX3aTHdYSfCjXY77ev3hBXLyPUbIs6f7SnmMSMenKmIex-Wo-3V7eKyg4rsIDtfRCQIuuIiLlFJFnDFsf3e1757cg4VZcnOc2UGjjUiSU0UH0vt3XDzunc/s400/girls-night-out-drinks-475.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000066;">Whether money is tight, the weather is icky, or you're tired of running into the usual suspects, the incentive to go out and party can quickly disappear. Why not save that $12 you're about to put down on a single cocktail and invite your girlfriends over for an intimate, but no less fun, evening? We know, the thought of being home on a Saturday night might be yawn inducing, but the minute you're surrounded by your girls, your mood will lighten. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000066;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000066;">Think about it: You can swap your crippling heels for comfy flats, and have a real conversation without straining your voice over the loud music. Here are some suggestions for a girls night in. And stick to the script -- no men allowed...</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000066;"></span><br /><a href="http://www.essence.com/tgifcocktails/"><span style="font-size:130%;">For tips to have the most amazing Girls' Night In, click here...</span></a>Lavernehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17121170292902098983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636430336046964905.post-13935352655541455282010-06-23T07:05:00.000-07:002010-06-23T07:07:27.840-07:00Product Review: I Luv this Razor!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIPatOTH3nNbA-_PA3-sDD3hVmkBu9qNVd_Y4sGlM6zrt7yJ5drc07PGUpXOaA0dGYbICapeDvcrrYeEtytTjdU9J78j6RN2BKSgYvaeggQoRU2PaJaIjqzZzT95_IzyCezm8fL9bB7Hw/s1600/intuition-plus.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485970445569556834" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 310px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 325px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIPatOTH3nNbA-_PA3-sDD3hVmkBu9qNVd_Y4sGlM6zrt7yJ5drc07PGUpXOaA0dGYbICapeDvcrrYeEtytTjdU9J78j6RN2BKSgYvaeggQoRU2PaJaIjqzZzT95_IzyCezm8fL9bB7Hw/s400/intuition-plus.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#663366;"><em>Schick Intuition Plus Razor</em></span><br /><br />Ok so now that summer is officially here I can no longer procrastinate when it comes to shaving my legs. It will be 90 plus degrees the rest of the week so it’s just too darn hot to rock pants every day. Last night while I was in Target I ran across the <span style="color:#663366;">Schick Intuition</span> razor with the moisture bar attached, doing away with the need for shaving cream. I must say I loved using this product. The fact that I was able to skip a step and just run the razor over my legs was pure heaven.<br /><br />There have been many times when I’ve gotten in the shower prepared to shave my legs and just as soon as I’m soaking wet I realize I left the shaving cream or the new razor head on the other side of the bathroom. I won’t have to worry about that happening anymore. Only one down side to using this so far, it’s easy to miss a spot on your legs. The razor doesn’t provide much lather so it’s kind of difficult to see what hasn’t been shaved.<br /><br />So for that reason I rate it at a B+. Rating might go up the more I use it… especially when I travel. The all-in-one quality will cut down on packing so many toiletries :)</span></div>Lavernehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17121170292902098983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636430336046964905.post-33665557436830438632010-06-22T17:53:00.000-07:002010-06-22T18:24:48.345-07:00Looking for ME...the search to find her continues.<span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;">Posts are slow this week I'm just going through another one of my "what do I want to do with my life' spells. Sunday night I actually quit my job, well at least in my head for like a split second. Then the thought of my bills and quality of life that I would like to maintain, if not increase, snapped me back to reality.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;">Why is it so difficult to find what I'm passionate about? The love of my parents, sisters and life experiences has given me a great deal of self confidence to where I truly believe I can do anything. Yet strangely that is whats hold me up, the fact that I know I have so many choices. One minute I'm contemplating my own restaurant the next minute I'm designing home goods.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;">Recently I made it a goal to get involved in a non-profit as a volunteer, try my hand at fundraising. Never liked fundraising, sucked at selling raffle tickets, too busy sneaking the World Finest chocolate covered almonds to make a good profit, and why would i try to sell someone $10 cookie dough? Well lately in an effort to find my passion I'm all about trying something new. What non-profit? who knows.... any suggestions?</span>Lavernehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17121170292902098983noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636430336046964905.post-38964942240169084382010-06-20T13:25:00.000-07:002010-06-20T13:29:02.547-07:00Happy Father's Day!<span style="font-size:130%;color:#33ccff;"><strong><em>Viva Laverne</em></strong> would like to wish all the fathers out there a happy father's day. Keep doing a great job at raising your children. A Father's love is so precious and like no other.</span>Lavernehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17121170292902098983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636430336046964905.post-67000741305324544522010-06-18T07:36:00.000-07:002010-06-18T07:44:52.103-07:00If Money Were No Object...<span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;">Would you love it so much it's a definite buy or would you leave it right there on the shelf for the next sucker?</span> <div><br /></div><div><span style="color:#000000;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><em>Fendi Plexi Clutch</em></span> - $3,600 (yes you read that right!)</span></span></div><div></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhITST80m4tEAEtYGYCor488fLlSVYWFrHpd6bAssGNlAW09oNO7Fw0Jo_7BRin47VgVV7CurUUoNu93oMLAev5WdwVvMWHnOQitlSJVR305CFYpazJMZlFl093vZ1pR2a1rqxWqeWkCg/s1600/052810-fendi-400.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484124104755902770" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhITST80m4tEAEtYGYCor488fLlSVYWFrHpd6bAssGNlAW09oNO7Fw0Jo_7BRin47VgVV7CurUUoNu93oMLAev5WdwVvMWHnOQitlSJVR305CFYpazJMZlFl093vZ1pR2a1rqxWqeWkCg/s400/052810-fendi-400.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><div><br /><br /></div><div><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;">So, would you </span>Love it</span> <span style="color:#000000;">or</span> <span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;">Leave it?</span></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div>Lavernehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17121170292902098983noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636430336046964905.post-33689319563180891202010-06-18T06:14:00.000-07:002010-06-18T06:19:06.136-07:0050 ways to use Vaseline<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#6633ff;"><span style="font-size:180%;">50</span> great uses for petroleum jelly in under 2 minutes courtesy of Bellasugar.com. </span></span><br /><br /><script src="http://player.popsugar.com/player.js?height=309&width=550&deepLinkEmbedCode=duamtjMTpN7JRZLDstNxkUREnmGyD92L&embedCode=duamtjMTpN7JRZLDstNxkUREnmGyD92L"></script>Lavernehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17121170292902098983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636430336046964905.post-32380333122012799612010-06-17T11:20:00.000-07:002010-06-17T11:22:14.039-07:00Melissa Dawn Johnson - Brand Me<span style="font-size:180%;color:#333333;">More great tips on Re-Inventing your life from Melissa Dawn Johnson via Essence.com.</span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;color:#333333;"></span><br /><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/sflash.cab#version=9,0,0,0" width="480" height="316" id="embed" align="middle"><br /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><br /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><br /><param name="movie" value="http://cdn.wbpp.warnerbros.com/u/essence/us/video/player2/embed.swf"><br /><param name="flashVars" value="mediaKey=d878b6ae-13b1-44f4-a712-f1f511e817b4&image=http://cdn.wbpp.warnerbros.com/u/essence/us/video/2010-03/31/033110_reinventionintheworkplace_still.jpg&origin=embed"><br /><param name="quality" value="high"><br /><param name="bgcolor" value="#ffffff"><br /><embed src="http://cdn.wbpp.warnerbros.com/u/essence/us/video/player2/embed.swf" flashvars="mediaKey=d878b6ae-13b1-44f4-a712-f1f511e817b4&image=http://cdn.wbpp.warnerbros.com/u/essence/us/video/2010-03/31/033110_reinventionintheworkplace_still.jpg&origin=embed" width="480" height="316" name="embed" align="middle" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed><br /></object>Lavernehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17121170292902098983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636430336046964905.post-60489825532481132532010-06-17T09:55:00.000-07:002010-06-17T10:09:05.138-07:00Summer Soiree<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ749iQfeHgX-emglypPqEzHgsiC9oGfWFWr9Arwz4LNJE-2zg8-Pa3wIt98ruor6qlUu8-wibRkbL6Gv6sJEDWzT8IfCmEphjdZGyPCbu7X4_n7EW7d3nI-yGdAtgEC3ljb3UU7G-6Hc/s1600/image_4796_608_1000.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483787656068240242" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 174px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ749iQfeHgX-emglypPqEzHgsiC9oGfWFWr9Arwz4LNJE-2zg8-Pa3wIt98ruor6qlUu8-wibRkbL6Gv6sJEDWzT8IfCmEphjdZGyPCbu7X4_n7EW7d3nI-yGdAtgEC3ljb3UU7G-6Hc/s400/image_4796_608_1000.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000000;">It's that time of year again! Time for backyard parties and impromtu get-togethers with family and friends. Be prepared this year and have some simple party themes on hand to take your party up a notch</span>.</span></div><br /><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:180%;"><em><a href="http://www.hostesswiththemostess.com/"><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Hostess with the Mostess</span></a><span style="color:#cc33cc;"> Featured Party Theme:</span></em></span></strong></div><br /><div align="left"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc33cc;"></span></strong></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;">Make a splash at your summer party! This party is all about vibrant colors, creative appetizers, perfect-for-summer party decor, and cool, refreshing cocktails like Frozen BACARDI® Mixers Margaritas and Daiquiris!</span></div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1JOTwp0k2vEvqtOgIu27G6jdZzRtGZoKPCMPxY6F-0_2vxt1v7By9vV3Y_KaktGzoduhgBDen_0oAtzjhCjQXE5rhGpuiyOwzYnF8sJZOPZMCCXSQt3Ltkh9VmcwpAdCvdglweTVU8A/s1600/image_4816_500_340.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483789679682805282" style="WIDTH: 187px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 129px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1JOTwp0k2vEvqtOgIu27G6jdZzRtGZoKPCMPxY6F-0_2vxt1v7By9vV3Y_KaktGzoduhgBDen_0oAtzjhCjQXE5rhGpuiyOwzYnF8sJZOPZMCCXSQt3Ltkh9VmcwpAdCvdglweTVU8A/s200/image_4816_500_340.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDX_ZjAFHTAX6jChcB9GFF56oW4YmNZJt7RZHnzkhtQo9OHm0QWA73Gog2cV-VshesQxey21Dcb8A7lUMBqqTPTYoUi4weY4vnWSbywGWwEQtum-9uP1csNC0JjW8e5xWySjb1snD8Rg/s1600/image_4832_500_340.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483789795052791474" style="WIDTH: 190px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 128px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDX_ZjAFHTAX6jChcB9GFF56oW4YmNZJt7RZHnzkhtQo9OHm0QWA73Gog2cV-VshesQxey21Dcb8A7lUMBqqTPTYoUi4weY4vnWSbywGWwEQtum-9uP1csNC0JjW8e5xWySjb1snD8Rg/s200/image_4832_500_340.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2NUFlHfGpCPrKUu3t2_es3-4QYt7wmcZB70vwvjdv81ezDtdG6kZh2KT3-CpAuzp_Pk-9hNPzeMIcYVvioB6wG48IagvlTQdRi30W8mj27VwrxYOZsAgPeGf1eSmxDCVeL90-KgryKPw/s1600/image_4824_500_340.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483789912827571842" style="WIDTH: 185px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 128px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2NUFlHfGpCPrKUu3t2_es3-4QYt7wmcZB70vwvjdv81ezDtdG6kZh2KT3-CpAuzp_Pk-9hNPzeMIcYVvioB6wG48IagvlTQdRi30W8mj27VwrxYOZsAgPeGf1eSmxDCVeL90-KgryKPw/s200/image_4824_500_340.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#ff6600;"><strong>></strong></span><a href="http://www.hostesswiththemostess.com/themes/color_your_summer/color_your_summer/"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff6600;">Get the Party Started</span></a><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff6600;">!!!</span></div>Lavernehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17121170292902098983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636430336046964905.post-90953609357374266722010-06-15T06:57:00.000-07:002010-06-15T07:04:39.553-07:00A Designer you Should Know!<span style="font-size:130%;">Designer <strong>Maya Lake</strong> is the creator of the stylishly bold clothing line, </span><a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outbound/article/www.boxingkitten.com');" href="http://www.boxingkitten.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">Boxing Kitten</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">. Conceived while an African American studies major at Wesleyan University. By combining bold tribal prints with classic silhouettes the results are the perfect merger of heritage, awareness and modern style. Love it!</span> <div><br /><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6WuYONRngOxWkkScI9LYCaGn2UnkKNxUqwBpeoyvY7CrEt5bvEuhlTEwExgCuhdTq4yM7Ak8i8MsD63N5cvkAyT8ecBidn3KuG6UIxa3BZetxa3rez5XwwLM9kVdY5lH_ctzAZOjEco/s1600/BKresort-lb-digiR%5B1%5D.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483000038622385490" style="WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 329px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6WuYONRngOxWkkScI9LYCaGn2UnkKNxUqwBpeoyvY7CrEt5bvEuhlTEwExgCuhdTq4yM7Ak8i8MsD63N5cvkAyT8ecBidn3KuG6UIxa3BZetxa3rez5XwwLM9kVdY5lH_ctzAZOjEco/s320/BKresort-lb-digiR%5B1%5D.bmp" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH2rYTqkT2sBOwAyfiFcth4XNNiDvIwA1IHsT4oLTCUPI23SZcQpxnbS8RfDzCVIfVfk49_NHShMhPcrrbQX7QGGJKeAm3UeIgthC9lL7NbSPyA6YgkVC43yNgj9vNHYcl7uEHhHhSZSY/s1600/untitled23.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483000202955895298" style="WIDTH: 227px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 331px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH2rYTqkT2sBOwAyfiFcth4XNNiDvIwA1IHsT4oLTCUPI23SZcQpxnbS8RfDzCVIfVfk49_NHShMhPcrrbQX7QGGJKeAm3UeIgthC9lL7NbSPyA6YgkVC43yNgj9vNHYcl7uEHhHhSZSY/s320/untitled23.bmp" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br />Look for her designs on top <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Fashionista</span> like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Beyonce</span> and Alisha Keys and even <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Fergie</span>.</span></div></div>Lavernehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17121170292902098983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636430336046964905.post-31774540542842020582010-06-14T08:21:00.001-07:002010-06-14T09:28:49.934-07:00Flexi Rods on Natural Hair<span style="font-size:130%;">I decided to try flexi-rods on my natural hair this weekend and here's the process and products used by my stylist:</span> <div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Step 1.</strong> washed with Miss Jessie's Creme De La Curl and Creme De La Curl.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Step 2.</strong> deep conditioned with Miss Jessie's Recovery Treatment as I sat under a steam dryer.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Step 3.</strong> Detangle and curl hair using blue flexi-rods in spiral pattern . The stylist used a little foam setting lotion to help hold the curl and papers for smooth ends.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Step 4.</strong> Set under dryer for 1 hour until hair was dry. Curls were a little soft so she lightly spritz them.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Step 5.</strong> Separate curls by dividing each curl into 3 to 4 sections. This gives your look volume and allows you to hide any parts created by the rollers. The stylist placed a small about of Miss Jessie's Buttercreme on her fingertips as she was doing this to add moisture.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">This is supposed to last 1 week, 2 if I am careful when I sleep. Throughout the week I will sleep with a bonnet cap or satin pillow case. You can finger curl any curls the are getting frizzy by using a light moisturizer. Just be sure your are going in the direction of the curl.</span><br /><br /></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Here's the end result two days later. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8xgb03rj8wN20ELG0yrfhsog0uRwqWuUD9YqqulPydlKzWaZqB5JbERpjqBXn91XirmHhyphenhyphenuBIdWeh9WB2IVfuvipZWcJs7yFSQM3mh_WPZvwtMFSGoUDQpcD71gdHJ26cCLCq39gpwc/s1600/flexi+rods+1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482653441075806178" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8xgb03rj8wN20ELG0yrfhsog0uRwqWuUD9YqqulPydlKzWaZqB5JbERpjqBXn91XirmHhyphenhyphenuBIdWeh9WB2IVfuvipZWcJs7yFSQM3mh_WPZvwtMFSGoUDQpcD71gdHJ26cCLCq39gpwc/s320/flexi+rods+1.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDLrv1PETdK9JHnV3v2HjB3o8r7rSvwC8rVDZhSwjBqmpW0Mi1GFPZWeQpgSgiN8wiwRPqmFfk-vrCKBIfu2tOkyxNZ4YudUhkSNaAoJDmvOc7Qb_j-qN5cuWclgNyvAx0DuLZYYShZsw/s1600/flexi+rods+2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482653572465348914" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDLrv1PETdK9JHnV3v2HjB3o8r7rSvwC8rVDZhSwjBqmpW0Mi1GFPZWeQpgSgiN8wiwRPqmFfk-vrCKBIfu2tOkyxNZ4YudUhkSNaAoJDmvOc7Qb_j-qN5cuWclgNyvAx0DuLZYYShZsw/s320/flexi+rods+2.JPG" border="0" /></a></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">I like the outcome, and this is definately a style I will rock in the winter when I can't wash 'n go as much. I also think this style will be cuter as my hair gets longer. I'm loving my natrual hair color in this picture.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">As for the products used... I'm not sure what it was, maybe the shampoo, but my scalp is hella dry and flaky.</span></div></div>Lavernehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17121170292902098983noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636430336046964905.post-28453308768737065362010-06-10T18:02:00.000-07:002010-06-10T18:34:10.054-07:00Melissa Dawn Johnson - Brand Me<span style="font-size:180%;">I must share with you one of my favorite little 'pick me up' sites I love to visit when I'm in need of inspiration. It's Brand Me by Melissa Dawn Johnson. (</span><a href="http://www.brandmelive.com/"><span style="font-size:180%;">http://www.brandmelive.com/</span></a><span style="font-size:180%;">)<br /><br />Melissa Dawn Johnson on what is Brand Me?<br /></span><br /><em><span style="font-size:130%;">What started as a dare to live the life I dreamed became a book called Brand Me. Make Your Mark: Turn Passion into Profit (Ambassador Press).</span></em><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><em>Brand Me is more than what we do, it is who we are. The book became a blueprint to help anyone become a brand master. The Brand Me movement provides education and empowerment for those who are serious about personal and professional success lifestyle.</em></span><br /><br /><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Now you and I are a part of a global movement of unstoppable leaders united by one common purpose…to LIVE the life you dream.</span></em><br /><br /><em><span style="font-size:130%;">In an era of financial uncertainty and change, we are redefining entrepreneurship. Brand Me represents the mind-set of this moment that says in order for me to thrive, I must FIRST be CEO of Brand Me.</span></em><br /><br /><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Brand Me Live.com is your daily destination for personal and professional transformation. We offer relevant and right-in-time resources for those who are serious about personal and professional success.</span></em><br /><br /><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Brand Me Live.com is for: </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Entrepreneur – Owner of your own enterprise</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Intrapreneur – Owner of your own career within a company </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Scholarpreneur – Owner of your own dream as you launch into work </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Homepreneur – Owner of a home-based business</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Anyone in between<br /><br />No matter where you are today, I dare you to LIVE the life you DREAM.</span></em><br /><br /><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Looking forward to the journey with you!</span></em><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Be Brandtastic</span></em><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><em><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></em><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/sflash.cab#version=9,0,0,0" width="480" height="316" id="embed" align="middle"><br /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><br /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><br /><param name="movie" value="http://cdn.wbpp.warnerbros.com/u/essence/us/video/player2/embed.swf"><br /><param name="flashVars" value="mediaKey=e23d3c93-f009-4bb4-8ef7-6eb255cba152&image=http://cdn.wbpp.warnerbros.com/u/essence/us/video/2010-03/24/032410_relationships_still.jpg&origin=embed"><br /><param name="quality" value="high"><br /><param name="bgcolor" value="#ffffff"><br /><embed src="http://cdn.wbpp.warnerbros.com/u/essence/us/video/player2/embed.swf" flashvars="mediaKey=e23d3c93-f009-4bb4-8ef7-6eb255cba152&image=http://cdn.wbpp.warnerbros.com/u/essence/us/video/2010-03/24/032410_relationships_still.jpg&origin=embed" width="480" height="316" name="embed" align="middle" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed><br /></object><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Look for more of Melissa's branding tips in the future. We all need to think of how to take ourselves and our ideas to the next level and I believe Melissa has great advice on how to do that.</span>Lavernehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17121170292902098983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636430336046964905.post-68963301032576749342010-06-10T16:12:00.000-07:002010-06-10T16:17:42.557-07:00The O List for Your Pets<div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#990000;">OK now that I'm a pet owner I love looking for unique pet products. I ran across <em>O</em>'s list for top purchases for your pet. Ozzie (my male Weim) doesn't know it yet but he will be blinged out! ha!</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#990000;"></span></div><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://www.oprah.com/relationships/Pet-Products-The-June-2009-O-List"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481287870591147170" style="WIDTH: 350px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 263px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWshRLJllWjY8x3CTCj89LCm6jA5LW9DK8zSPI62lg1nJFB6cJnmOEpmo1rU5ol7OYv3j75R_EU8u3_bOSbfdBipS9qgE3HU-cunBYg7RwVv7SKmHL4dRzTPuC0Nw3lzrw3hCYAXuwPxA/s400/200906-omag-olist-pets-101-350x263.jpg" border="0" /></a></p>Lavernehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17121170292902098983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636430336046964905.post-55734353644608783482010-06-10T16:06:00.000-07:002010-06-10T16:09:26.436-07:00Beach Ready and Curve Friendly!<div style="WIDTH: 400px; POSITION: relative; HEIGHT: 400px"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/fun_un_sun/set?.embedder=1511547&.mid=embed&id=18063799"><img title="Fun un the Sun" height="400" alt="Fun un the Sun" src="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFmZMMjE0OEZOM3hHTndkdWtpQUp2bXcAAAACaWQKAWUAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg" width="400" border="0" /></a><a style="RIGHT: 4px; BOTTOM: 4px; POSITION: absolute" href="http://www.polyvore.com/"><img title="Fashion Trends & Styles - Polyvore" style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px" alt="Fashion Trends & Styles - Polyvore" src="http://cdn.polyvore.com/rsrc/img/logo_embed_alt_63x21.png" /></a></div><br /><small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/fun_un_sun/set?.embedder=1511547&.mid=embed&id=18063799">Fun un the Sun</a> by <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/profile?.embedder=1511547&.mid=embed&id=1511547">vivalaverne</a> featuring <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/juicy_couture_bags/shop?brand=Juicy+Couture&category_id=35">Juicy Couture bags</a></small>Lavernehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17121170292902098983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636430336046964905.post-63214544679361620412010-06-09T07:46:00.000-07:002010-06-09T07:50:25.416-07:00It's OK to Quit...<span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;">I’ve had this list of seventeen reasons why it’s OK to quit on the wall of my office for quite some time. I love it because it’s real talk. Enjoy -</span><br /><br />By Motivational Speaker - Veraunda Jackson<br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">1. Quit arguing with people about the same old foolishness! Respect their position and keep it moving! </span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><br />2. Quit telling people your secrets when you know they are not going to keep them! And if you keep telling them, then quit getting mad when they tell your secrets!<br /><br />3. Quit trying to pull people on your journey who don't want to travel with you. Either they believe in you and value you...or they don't!<br /><br />4. Quit complaining about things you can't and won't change!<br /><br />5. Quit gossiping about other people! Minding our own business should be a full time job!<br /><br />6. Quit blaming each other for things that in the big picture aren't going to matter three weeks from now! Talk solutions...and then implement them!<br /><br />7. Quit eating things you know are not good for you! If you can't quit...eat smaller portions!<br /><br />8. Quit buying things when we know we can't afford them! If you don't have self control, then quit going to the stores! Quit charging things, especially when you don't NEED them!<br /><br />9. Quit staying in unhealthy relationships! It is not okay for people to verbally or physically abuse you! So quit lying to yourself! It is not okay to stay in the marriage for the children! Ask them and they will tell you that they really would prefer to see you happy and that the misery you and your spouse/partner are living with is affecting them!<br /><br />10. Quit letting family members rope you into the drama! -Start telling them you don't want to hear it! Quit spreading the drama! Quit calling other relatives and telling them about your cousin or aunt! Go back to #5 minding your own business should be enough to keep you busy!<br /><br />11. Quit trying to change people! IT DOESN'T WORK! Quit cussing people out when you know that they are just being the miserable and jealous people that they are!<br /><br />12. Quit the job you hate! Start pursuing your passion. Find the job that fuels your passion BEFORE you quit!<br /><br />13. Quit volunteering for things that you aren't getting any personal fulfillment from anymore! Quit volunteering for things and then failing to follow through with your commitment!<br /><br />14. Quit listening to the naysayers! Quit watching the depressing news if you are going to live in the doom and gloom of it all!<br /><br />15. Quit making excuses about why you are where you are or why you can't do what you want to do!<br /><br />16. Quit waiting on others to give you the answers...and start finding the answers for yourself! If what you are doing isn't working for you...then quit it!<br /><br />17. Quit settling and start making your dreams a reality!- Quit being afraid and START LIVING YOUR LIFE! CREATE THE LIFE YOU WANT! If you want something different than what you have had in the past...you must quit doing what you have done before and DO something different! JUST QUIT IT ...... and START DOING something to create the experience you want!</span>Lavernehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17121170292902098983noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636430336046964905.post-83838654057141708032010-06-09T07:32:00.000-07:002010-06-09T07:39:15.949-07:00A designer you should know!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTfG9O08Ba4V-4NhdUoR8ELs0abDXpWFIQBfFEDTiAVkWbGfBJRuI2xQlHUx94mg-W1AW1C3EkW_o3je0HJ7pQ-xYmGkWkEPBrWnZ3dJMGxCYsFK2RUauaK2YbeMLfvBsH0n3LYWI6-Ec/s1600/tracy-reece.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480782718422384002" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTfG9O08Ba4V-4NhdUoR8ELs0abDXpWFIQBfFEDTiAVkWbGfBJRuI2xQlHUx94mg-W1AW1C3EkW_o3je0HJ7pQ-xYmGkWkEPBrWnZ3dJMGxCYsFK2RUauaK2YbeMLfvBsH0n3LYWI6-Ec/s320/tracy-reece.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6633ff;">Tracy Reese ranks as one of the fashion industry's most successful African-American women whose realm is not relegated to the runway. In a business where few designer labels seem to make it past their fifth anniversary, Reese has two clothing lines, TR and Plenty, which have been sold at Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale's, and other top retailers since the mid-1990s. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6633ff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6633ff;">Her company's sales topped $12 million in 2003, and it launched a Plenty-label home line that same year and a footwear collection the following. Reese has an eye for what women will buy. "I don't want to design a </span><a name="&lid="><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6633ff;">skirt</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6633ff;"> just because a skirt is needed to go with a particular jacket," she told Joy Duckett Cain in Essence. "The skirt itself has to make you want to buy it."</span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#6633ff;">Check out</span> <a href="http://www.tracyreese.com/">http://www.tracyreese.com/</a></span></div>Lavernehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17121170292902098983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3636430336046964905.post-54170141474217237192010-06-06T17:58:00.000-07:002010-06-06T18:01:18.361-07:00LOOKSIES!<span style="font-size:130%;">What can I say, <span style="color:#663366;">I LOVE PUR</span><span style="color:#663366;">PLE</span> and I LOVE THIS DRESS!</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV4wGJSHBNIOhKITjrqCJj81_ZctKvXB7_LNUFYsU0Ogy9vZ1i8CRQI3FGroGOMYnz4oRD-eWP9X4BS7sJ_03KdnwfahgbiuxkMNVr4EY1wRmsXE90hf_AA_xWSEcrI1TBHYLU5OFJ4dA/s1600/398713071743986CA9F00E.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479830327139106514" style="WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV4wGJSHBNIOhKITjrqCJj81_ZctKvXB7_LNUFYsU0Ogy9vZ1i8CRQI3FGroGOMYnz4oRD-eWP9X4BS7sJ_03KdnwfahgbiuxkMNVr4EY1wRmsXE90hf_AA_xWSEcrI1TBHYLU5OFJ4dA/s400/398713071743986CA9F00E.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Lavernehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17121170292902098983noreply@blogger.com0