Sunday, August 15, 2010

"Suicide Love Song"

Fans of American Idol winner Fantasia were stunned at her suicide attempt last Monday. Per the phone call made by her manager Brian Dickens Tasia was found in a closet in her North Carolina home.
"She is slowly losing consciousness," he tells the operator. "Her family put her in the shower to try to keep her awake."Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2010/08/12/2010-08-12_fantasia_out_of_hosp__lifted_up_by_fans.html#ixzz0wgbMOX4p

The attempt followed the scandal surrounding Tasia and a married man (Who's name she has tattooed on her shoulder by the way). Antwuan Cook who is an employee of T-Mobile (Red Flag) told Fanny that he was separated from his wife(Red Flag! Show me some papers!) and began a relationship with her which supposedly includes the making of a sex tape which the wife allegedly got her grimey little hands on. Paula Cook is suing Tasia saying that she knew that he was married and this was an intentional act on her behalf. This is the age old tale of a man manipulating two women for his own self reasons. He saw an opportunity with the young singer who has publicly admitted that she has a weakness for men due to growing up not being the swan but the ugly duckling. Anyone who has followed her career and seen her movie or read her book knows that she has a troubled past when it comes to her love life including the relationship with her daughter Zion's father. This is something that a lot of women can relate to which gives Fantasia that extra dose of realness. The desire to be loved and wanted is so deep that it is almost crippling and a handicap because it's easy to fall victim to the charm and pillow talk. Its even easier to believe their lies especially when you're in love. However, NO MAN and I do mean NO MAN is worth taking your life over. Fantasia is a single mother of a young girl and if she isn't careful her daughter will go through the same cycle as her mother. Leaving your child alone without a mother when she already has no father is the most selfish thing you can do. So what you got a sex tape (Who doesn't? Use it to your advantage Tasia! Look at Ray J, Kim Kardashian!) so what you got played (what woman hasn't?). Use this as a stepping stone to make you stronger! A man does not and CAN NOT validate who you are. I don't judge Tasia cause love will break you down but you're better than that!

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

30 DAYS OF BROKE

Recently I had to take a job were I am now making less money than I have in a very long time. With the recent deduction in the amount of money I bring home monthly and a very high maintenance 5-year old son I had to sit down and review my budget and make some serious cutbacks. One of my new found favorite people is a woman by the name of Shanel Cooper (you will find a link to her YouTube channel further down on my page). One of her posts was titled "Put Your Money on Ice", in the post (which I have embedded) she gives women tips on a unique way to save money. She suggests that you literally out your money on ice until you have saved up enough to take to thebank to put into an interest bearing or savings account. This made perfect sense to me because by the time it takes your money to thaw out you have forgotten what it is you were going to buy with it. So I decided to do this, I am going to set aside $20 a week for the rest of the year and literally put it on ice.

I asked some of my followers on Twitter what were some ways they liked to save, here are a few of the suggestions I received.
1. One of the most common ways to save money is to use coupons, the Sunday newspaper is a good source for coupons of all sorts; grocery store, restaurants, dollar stores etc. You can also find great coupon savings at RetailMeNot.com.

2. Ride the bus instead of driving your car (Not only does this save on gas but also helps the ozone layer) I personally decided to take advantage of this money saving tip, I spend at least $60 on gas every 2 weeks. A bus ride costs me $2, which is $16.00 a week, you do the math.
3. Distinguish between wants and needs when going shopping; if you go into the store for specific items stick to that item and that item only. This is a challenge for me because I love to shop, if I go to the grocery store for milk I come out with cereal and cookies also.
4. Take your lunch to work, not only is this a great way to keep money in your wallet but it also cuts down on the wasting of last night's dinner.
5. I am an advocate nail shop patron, I wear acrylic nails which costs me no less than $21 every other week. I tried taking my nails off for a week in an attempt to cut costs. (I couldn't do it. *hanging head in shame*) However I was told that it is cheaper to go to the beauty schools for manicures and pedicures. It's professional service at a fraction of the cost.

These are just a few tips on saving money that for the next 30 days I will attempting to save money. All of my extra money outside of needs will be "put on ice" I will keep you all updated on my progress during my 30 Days of Broke. Peace and blessings ~B~

SHANEL COOPER "PUT YOUR MONEY ON ICE"

Monday, August 2, 2010

VIDEO OF THE WEEK

One of the Lou's unsigned Hypes recently released his new video....This is not for the kids, PARENTAL DISCRETION IS STRONGLY ADVISED! "Money in my Pocket" was shot in Brooklyn, Illinois and we all know what's over there. Enjoy......