Hater- By Maya Angelou

 

 

Hater/ By Maya Angelou

A hater is someone who is jealous and envious and spends all their
time trying to make you look small so they can look tall.
They are very negative people to say the least. Nothing is ever
good enough!

When you make your mark, you will always attract some haters...

That's why you have to be careful with whom you share your
blessings and your dreams, because some folk can't handle seeing
you blessed...

It's dangerous to be like somebody else... If God wanted you to be
like somebody else, He would have given you what He gave them! Right?

You never know what people have gone through to get what they
have...

The problem I have with haters is that they see my glory, but they
don't know my story...

If the grass looks greener on the other side of the fence, you
can rest assured that the water bill is higher there too!

We've all got some haters among us!

Some people envy you because you can:
a) Have a relationship with God
b) Light up a room when you walk in
c) Start your own business
d) Tell a man / woman to hit the curb
(if he / she isn't about the right thing)
e) Raise your children without both parents being
in the home

Haters can't stand to see you happy.
Haters will never want to see you succeed.
Most of our haters are people who are supposed to be
on our side.

How do you handle your undercover haters?
You can handle these haters by:

1. Knowing who you are & who your true friends are
*(VERY IMPORTANT!!)

2. Having a purpose to your life: Purpose does not
mean having a job.. You can have a job and still be
unfulfilled.

A purpose is having a clear sense of what God has called you to be.
Your purpose is not defined by what others think about you.

3. By remembering what you have is by divine
prerogative and not human manipulation.

Fulfill your dreams! You only have one life to live...when its your
time to leave this earth, you 'want' to be able to say, 'I've lived my
life and fulfilled 'my' dreams,... Now I'm ready to go HOME!

When God gives you favor, you can tell your haters, 'Don't look at me...Look at Who is in charge of me.

by Maya Angelou    

FREEBIE ALERT! U by Kotex

https://ubykotex.com/get-a-sample

 

Head on over to U by Kotex to score your free sample of feminine products! My favorite price is $Free.99 and I love letting everyone know how to get in on the deal, so I just had to share! Also, don't tell anyone, but if you want to order some for "your gal friends or family" enter their info with their email address but have it sent to your home address! Don't go overboard, but I know I've had people ask me for emergency products, so why not get some extras!

COUPONING! FREE STUFF ALERT!

A lot has been going on lately in life, so I havn't had much time to update DF.. But I am climbing back on the wagon, and hope to have it rolling real soon..One of the many new life adventrures I've started on is COUPONING. I am wanting to keep everyone aware of the fabulous finds, and I am going to start with a FREE ONE! HEAD OVER FAST becuase starting at 12 PM EST.. You can get free stuff at the fllowing site.. I know it's kinda last minute so DO IT FAST!!

https://www.pinchme.com/samples

Sharing is Caring- March Links to Items I Love

Everyday, I find things around the internet that I love and try to make a mental note of which website I saw it on. Totally impossible to remember the bajillion items I feel I must own. Sometimes I get around to purchasing the item, sometimes I don't. Other times I probably can't even afford them, but a girl can dream right? Well I'm here to share with ya'll some items I love, every month. so if you share the same sentiments, go ahead and buy, or daydream with me how awesome our wardrobes would be!

This LA Hearts Bathing suit is awesome! To know me is to know I LOVE leopard, even though the animals on the print could pass as Jaguars, it still reminds me of leopard, okay? And the lace-up detail on the bikini..HOT. Womens La Hearts Swimwear - La Hearts Lace Up High Rise Bottom , and Womens La Hearts Swimwear - La Hearts Surplisse Bra Top

I didn't jump on the "Sneaker Wedge Train" until I joined JustFab. I always see the Isabel Maraunt Inspired sneakers and cringe each time.. To me, they are gross and remind me of orthopedic shoes. I don't think any grown up should have velcro on their shoes unless a Dr. recommends them. MY OPINION. Now, when I seen this Reise Sneaker Wedge, my heart fluttered to see a cute "sneaker wedge" with no velcro! I needed a black sporty shoe and thought this would work, and when I received them, I fell in love.

FRINGE & TASSELS

 Those 2 words automatically make my heart flutter. I am not sure why, but I am OBSESSED with fringe and tassels. It adds so much pizazz to any outfit and can be dressed up or down. You can literally never go wrong.

H&M Tassel Leather Sandal

Express Suede Fringed Strap Heels

I went in Express just to browse, and stumbled across these darlings and had to have them! I love Express, but if you're like me, if I see a $49.95 T-Shirt, that's my que to exit... or grab my cell phone and check out Retailmenot.com for a coupon code. Today I chose the later and the coupon came thru and forced me to purchase these babies! I love them because when you walk, the fringe moves. That makes me so happy!

Gucci Nouveau Suede Fringe Bag-

A moment of silence in honor of this beauty...................... This bag is E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G! I cant even explain the way it makes me feel. Just, so over the top, boldly and orgasmicly beautiful. This beauty is a neck breaker.. I would get it in this exact color and bask in the, "omg, did you see her purse!?" comments- If only I could win the lottery!

KIMONO's (with fringe)

I just realized I'm also currently obsessed with Kimonos also- with fringe. I have 2 but since they're both black, I'm trying to convince myself to order this lovely

Womens La Hearts Shirts - La Hearts Fringe Kimono

 If you decide to purchase anything from PacSun- Check out this exclusive offer to get 15% off! Get 15% Off Your Next Order When You Sign Up For Our Newsletter

Saving for the Future

Everyday I remind myself that I need to save more money. I love to shop but this year, I have made it a personal goal to spend less, and save more. I came up with an “aggressive savings plan” that should put everyone on track to being financially comfortable. First off, saving for retirement is a top priority. I’ve been working since I was in grade school- Yes it was a family owned business, but the business was a product of child labor! So I don’t know about yall, but I'm trying to retire by 50.

Saving for the Future- Aggressive Savings Plan- 50, 30, 20

Having a 401k is very important because it is an account that you will rely on when the opportunity to retire comes along. I suggest only investing in your job’s 401k if they offer to match- The previous company I worked for matched all monies contributed, 6%. That’s a big deal- Meaning for every $500 contributed, they add $30. Every bit counts! In addition to your employer 401K, I suggest every human being earning a paycheck invest into a Roth IRA. There are many advantages to having a Roth IRA, the most notable being the fact that you pay no taxes on the funds in the account. It’s like a gift to you from Uncle Sam- Take advantage! According to Kiplinger.com “If a 25-year-old contributes $5,000 each year until she retires and makes an average annual return of 8% on her investment, she'll have $1.4 million saved by the time she retires at age 65. And the money is all hers — she won't have to give the IRS a cent of it if she waits until retirement to withdraw the earnings.” If that isn’t enough to have you racing to your nearest bank as soon as you get done reading this post, there’s some screws missing! This 3easiest way to ensure you are contributing to your IRA is to set up your direct deposit from your employer to contribute a percentage or set amount directly into the account. Since the max contribution is $5500 a year, Starting in January, if you get paid bi-weekly, that's $230 every pay period.
There’s lots to know about Roth IRA’s – How to get one started, what to invest in (stocks, CD's, real estate & more,) accessing your money early (you can access your contributions out with no penalty, but touching earnings carries a hefty drawback,) and many other aspects. Check out this awesome blog for tons of info on everything to do with Saving $$... Specifically their article on Roth IRA's! Our Freaking Budget- Why to start a Roth IRA

Next, when it comes to using the money you earn from your job, It is best to have 3 different bank accounts, in addition to your IRA. You have to have a budget first to know what works for you. Taylor it to what your income allows you to do.

The funds remaining after your automatic direct deposit to your Roth account should be split up into 3 accounts.

50% Bills
30% Savings
20% Everything Else

Example: Your net direct deposit (after the auto deposit into your Roth account,) is $1000. $500 will go to bills, $300 will go to savings, and $200 will be fun money, and everything else. For me that's, entertainment, dining out, gas, dry cleaning, pet supplies, unnecessary crap I feel like I need, etc.

Sticking to this plan allows me to simplify my spending and saving. When I run out of "fun money." I'm broke. Yes, sometimes it is necessary to I always dip into my savings, but this bad habit is improving, and I'm getting to the point where I can say no to going out because I am thinking more about my future, than fun nights on the town.

Daft Punk ft Panda- Doin' it Right

 Feel like a Midday Jammin' Get Down Session? Who wouldn't ???- THIS IS MY JAM!

St. Patricks Day- Destination: Free Fun in San Antonio

St Patrick's day is coming up! Another reason to hang out around town and have fun with friends! This weeks free fun will be in celebration of St Patrick's Day! Every year since I’ve been in San Antonio, I like to go to the River Walk to see the water be dyed, even more green than it usually is, But since it falls on a Monday this year, I will be indulging in my traditional celebratory green beer on the San Antonio Riverwalk on Sunday (I may end up going Monday too, lol.) But also, this Friday-Sunday, Check out the Boardwalk on Bulverde! The Boardwalk is San Antonio's first ever "food truck park," known for the vast array of delicious food trucks that gather, but this St. Patrick's Day Weekend Celebration will offer many more amusing attractions than just food! Bring out the family, including your furry children for a good ole time!

   

Check out info on the Boardwalk HERE

14732 Bulverde Rd, San Antonio, TX 78247

Destination: Free Fun in San Antonio - Jazz Concert Series

Mother nature is finally starting to get her act together, and in celebration of the arrival of Spring, DF will be keeping you up to date on FREE activities to do around the city of San Antonio! Yes, FREE.99!!

"Free Jazz Concerts at The Falls" 

 When- 3/1/14 & 3/29/14- Saturday Concerts, with Thursday concerts March 6-27.
What- The Shops at La Cantera,(my favorite mall in the USA!) will kick off their "Free Jazz Concerts at The Falls" this Saturday, March 1st, at 7:30 pm. 
Where- 15900 La Cantera Pkwy #6698, San Antonio, Texas 78256 (By Yard House Restaurant)

According to their website- The schedule and performers are as follows- 

 Saturday, March 1. Slim Man, Jazz Vocalist. Rolling Stone says the Slim Man's style is a near perfect example of how jazz and soul can be combined as pop. 

Thursday, March 6. Joe Posada Tejano Saxophonist. One of Tejano music's most celebrated saxophonists, is also recognized as a timeless vocalist and a well-versed lyricist. 

Thursday, March 13. PM Soul. Pat Carey, Michelle Garibay-Carey and Carl Spann have been performed and written music together for many years making their mark first as Planet Soul. 

Thursday, March 20. Althea Rene, Flautist. Considered a "master of her craft" and one of the world's most exciting solo improvisational flautists. 

Thursday, March 27. Edith Rivera & The Main Event Band. 

Saturday, March 29. Rick Braun, Jazz trumpeter. Rick Braun has backed the likes of Rod Stewart, Sade, War, Tina Turner, Natalie Cole and Tom Petty, before stepping into the spotlight as a vocalist and master of the trumpet and flugelhorn.  

Bring your lawn chairs, and no coolers- (That doesn't mean no Flasks!)

I'm most excited for Althea Rene and Rick Braun! Jazz was in heavy rotation in my childhood, so I'm definitely going to be attending most of these events and connecting with my roots!

 See ya'll there?

Moving Away from Home - Starting a New Life in a New State

Have you ever thought about moving away, and starting a new life in another state? Here are my thoughts on the benefits of doing so, and if you are hesitant about it- why you should absolutely go for it! Coming from Detroit, a city where "keeping up with the Jones" is a heavy influence on everyone, I wanted to be able to discover life outside of what I was accustomed to and doing what other people thought was right, and the only way to do so was to get away!

If you still live in the town you were born, I am sure your lifestyle may be heavily influenced by others. It is hard to admit, and we all are quick to proclaim, "I am my own person," But face it, there are pressures from society to live your life a certain way. Your authentic self is progressively being smothered by outside influences. These pressures influence everything from the way you look and dress, career paths, values & beliefs, to who you are supposed to love and where you see your life in 50 years. Moving to another city can help you escape these pressures (society, parents, friends, social media,) so you can fully explore what life has to offer.

When I moved from Detroit to San Antonio, I had NO IDEA what I wanted to be when I grow up, and I don't just mean career wise. I didn't know who, or what type of person I wanted to marry, my personal style, what type of friends to truly value, the strength of my faith, what my passion was, my values, pretty much who I was as an individual. I have discovered all of these things in the 4 years I have been away from home, and It has opened my eyes to realize what life is all about.

Friends:

Are you only friends with people you grew up with? If so, you are inadvertently limiting yourself from meeting new friends who will add life long value to your being. Yes- some of my best friends are those I've known since grade school, But new friends allow you to discover even more interests and activities that your current friends may not be involved in. When you add in the fact that these new friends will be from different backgrounds and demographics, this will allow more authentic, lasting friendships to grow. These friendships are built based on your character, not what they know about your past which means they will be less likely to judge you unlike some friends unknowingly do.  

Dating/ Love (This applies only to those single folk.):

When you explore the dating scene in a different state, you are bound to step out of your comfort zone. We are all close minded when it comes to personal preferences in dating. For me, I never imagined myself dating outside of my race. Not that I was opposed to it, it's just that I didn't see myself dating someone that wasn't my "type." When I moved, it happened. I believe everyone should experience this in life, and you will definitely expand the narrow mind that thinks you are only supposed to date someone exactly like you. It allows a person to become more diverse, learn new ways of thinking, incorporate different aspects of culture, race and religion practices into your life, and so many more positive characteristics. Besides going outside of our "type," being away from the people you would traditionally date in your hometown will help with the realization of who is really meant for you. 

Following your Passion:

 There are particular places around the world where people with certain passions and life desires navigate towards. If you have a particular passion, it is very likely that there is a place more tailored to helping you pursue that passion. Never let go of your dreams because they seem unattainable in your current location. For example, New York is the best spot for Marketing careers according to this Forbes Article, according to this article, the West Coast is the best for Nursing Jobs, We all know NY and LA are the fashion and entertainment "capitals," and Chicago is becoming the "New New York," combining fashion, entertainment, and business. Whatever your are passionate about doing, put yourself in that market!  

Opportunity:

 I love my hometown, and it has made me the person I am today. Michigan is a VERY diverse place to live and has grounded me in many ways, but it is also home to the city known as a popular symbol of urban decay. I was lucky to actually grow up in the suburbs, and attend a renowned school district, but Detroit is the Heart of Michigan, and I represent it to the fullest, before admitting to actually be raised in the suburbs. But everyone who lives there, and even those that hear stories but have never even visited, knows there are many more opportunities afforded to individuals NOT living in places with bad reputations. I can't speak for other cities, but I know these types of places exist in every state in the USA, (except Texas, LOL!) With that being said, go where opportunity is more available- The economy, job market, home market, safety, education, all play a part in the opportunities available to better your life.

 

 How to know its time to go

• You have never experienced other cultures outside of your hometown- There is SO MUCH to discover outside of the current state you live in. To this day I am still discovering new things to do in my new city, and new things about myself. I never knew that I like country music, I can eat Mexican food everyday, and I like non-denominational worship better than religous churches- just to name a few. Also the people- People here are a lot nicer, not always in a rush, and everyone loves to hug!

• Nothing is holding you there! You are not getting any younger and the older you get the more responsibility you have. Right now if you are single, an empty-nester, work at a job you dislike, unsure where you see yourself in the next 10 years, get jealous when you see family or friends enjoying life in another state, you complain about your current residence and or you are just unhappy, NEWSFLASH: it’s time to move! Even if you have a family, if you feel any of the later, if you have the means to do so, go bye-bye!

• Nothing excites you anymore- Sick of seeing the same ol' people, at the same ol' places, engaging in the same ol' activities to the point to were your idea of a good weekend is staying home and catching up on all the Netflix Series? Then yea, it is definitely time for a change of scenery! You are only going to continue to be bored with life and become the "Debbie Downer" of the group. 

Finding the real you is an enlightening experience. You become more self-sufficient and discover things about yourself that you would have never imagined, when you move to a new state. It's a hard feeling to put into words, but when you are not happy with where you are, it's hard to ignore. This feeling of completeness comes only when you step outside of your comfort zone and get away from the "same ol', same ol'"

 "I need a vacation-" I hear that all the time- Mostly from people who are unhappy with their surroundings. Don't just make it a "vacation," Make it a life change! My idea of a vacation now that I've moved, is being off of work, and spending time with my family- Not just to escape the weather! 

 

 

Rings & Tings - Review

Jewelry can change the look of any outfit from blah to BOOYAH! I was super excited to do a review of jewelry sent to me from a fabulously affordable accessories website, Rings & Tings! They sent me 2 rings, a bracelet/cuff, and a necklace.  Check out their website here and discover everything from rings to watches, and even clothes, to add character to any outfit.

Their prices are very reasonable, Fast &  FREE worldwide shipping  (they are located in Hong Kong,) and their customer service is very prompt and professional.

 The infinity ring can be worn traditionally, or above the knuckle for a more trendy look.

Purchase the "Infinity Ring 2 HERE

 My favorite was this bow ring.It can also be worn above the knuckle- The perfect style and daintiness!
Purchase the "Minimal Bow Ring" HERE

This black arrow necklace is very fashion forward, and will definitely spice up a bright, solid colored shirt.

Purchase the "Silver Tone Long Arrow Necklace" HERE"

 

The suede "tiffany blue" and gold cuff is very stylish will look great with a white shirt, with shoes or a purse of the same color on the band.

Purchase the "Curve Pendant Bracelet" HERE

I cant wait to show you guys how I pair my outfits with my new jewelry! In the mean time head on over to Rings & Tings and use this 10% off coupon code to snag some great items!

 COUPON CODE

“ STYLECARD10 ''

( Enter this at checkout to get 10% off all items! )

www.ringsandtings.com