So much for the life long dream of attending Oprah's favorite things show... Oprah hosted her last one today!

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.

First topic, how to become a socialite. I was once quoted saying that my dream jobs is to "do me and dress cute" (yes, I know that sounds ridiculous). In my quest to one day actually do this I thought, what profession (term used loosely) 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 NeNe Leaks but more like a Pamela Joyner. I ran across The Black Socialite's tips for doing just that.

First,

you must be is charming, loyal, and graceful. While this sounds easy, it isn't... Most questers 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. - - CHECK!

Next,

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. -- umm OK...wait, there's money involved??

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. -- Never went to a party by my lonesome, this is getting interesting.

Lastly,

always dress to the nines! -- if this means designer labels, I'm screwed!

Well, not too sure about becoming a full blown socialite but it definitely won't hurt to increase my social network. New Goal: get involved!

By Maiya Norton for Essence.com

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. (http://www.brandmelive.com/)

Melissa Dawn Johnson on what is Brand Me?

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

Brand Me Live.com is for:
Entrepreneur – Owner of your own enterprise
Intrapreneur – Owner of your own career within a company
Scholarpreneur – Owner of your own dream as you launch into work
Homepreneur – Owner of a home-based business
Anyone in between

No matter where you are today, I dare you to LIVE the life you DREAM.

Looking forward to the journey with you!

Be Brandtastic



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.

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 -

By Motivational Speaker - Veraunda Jackson

1. Quit arguing with people about the same old foolishness! Respect their position and keep it moving!

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!

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!

4. Quit complaining about things you can't and won't change!

5. Quit gossiping about other people! Minding our own business should be a full time job!

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!

7. Quit eating things you know are not good for you! If you can't quit...eat smaller portions!

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!

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!

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!

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!

12. Quit the job you hate! Start pursuing your passion. Find the job that fuels your passion BEFORE you quit!

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!

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!

15. Quit making excuses about why you are where you are or why you can't do what you want to do!

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!

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!

For all of you who love the W hotel and it's funky cool vibe, they have dove head first into the bedding, homedecor and even fashion industy. The hotel brand has an online shop that features a variety of popular products that scream 'W hotel'.

Click below to view thier entire line.

A few of the lucite pieces they carry which I would love to incoporate a (and only one)piece into my home's decor. I think it will go with my ecletic chic decor without being to modern and harsh. Unless you are going for the ultra modern hard line look, a little goes a long way, besides this stuff is NOT cheap. Each of these products range from $300 to about $410.