For every pair of shoes you slip your feet into, great handbag you purchase, or perfect fitting dress on clearance you find...there is a dose of real life interjected between all those fantastic events that puts your purpose into perspective.
Today is the NIA, or Purpose, during the celebration of Kwanzaa.
Kwanzaa, is an African-American and Pan-African celebration of life and family, community and culture. It encompasses the seven days from December 26th to January
1st. There are seven principles of Kwanzaa, each celebrated one day during the seven days of Kwanzaa.
Today, is Nia (in Swahili) or Purpose.
To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.

What is your purpose?

Your purpose is both individual and collective. It is both a personal goal and a community based goal. What mark do you want to leave on the world, on your family, of yourself? What will your history be?

The things we do today will help shape our purpose. If we are living true to our purpose, and engaging in activities, thoughts, and ideas that will help us reach our goals and the greatness we are destined for...then we are living according to NIA. If we are living in a negative space, always living in a valley and never climbing up the mountain, suffering from lack of confidence, self-esteem, drive, and PURPOSE...we will never reach that greatness. While there is value in all of our suffering, that value is never manifested if we don't pull ourselves out of the suffering, if we don't seek to end the suffering.

Life is too short to never see the mountainside!

What is your purpose?
My purpose is to be the best servant to God that I can possibly be by being the best possible person, parent, wife, friend, daughter, and granddaughter. My purpose is to live out my dreams, to become the woman that I want to be, to live without worry and without regret. My purpose is to live a healthy and fullfilled life and to raise a child who lives a healthier and more fulfilled life!

All I Want for Christmas

Here is my virtual Christmas List:


All I Want for Christmas by klynnmorton

On My List

Fendi Double Bow Platforms
Pianegonda Ring
iPhone
Fred Flare Retro Record Player
Juno Hamburger Phone
Yorkshire Terrier (say...awwwwww!)
Tory Burch Reva flat
Marc Jacobs Stam bag
Fendi Rollneck dress
Tiffany Frank Gehry earrings
Adidas Top Ten Low sneakers
RUN D.M.C. tee
Chanel Coco Mademoiselle parfume
Hayden-Hartnett for Target clutch

Aarghhh!

Let me just start out by saying...I love love love an eyepatch.
Slick Rick...Rick the Ruler...wore one!
Pirates...who I think must have SURELY been fresh to death wore them!
Rihanna wore one...
So they must be pretty hot right?



Well, you surely wouldn't sport one of these at work...but at a party, on your
birthday...you can get away with just about anything short of showing up in your birthday suit.
So...

BuyCostumes.com


AnytimeCostumes.com


CostumeCraze.com

Spotlight Question: Committment of Contract or Committment of the Heart

Over the years, my opinion has changed greatly about the purpose and place of marriage in society, my life, and the lives of those I know.
I have often wondered, whether marriage is truly a contractual committment or a committment of the heart. Not in technical terms, but in more abstract terms.
In other words, do we marry because it is a construct of society that has become synonymous with the family unit, so much so that we feel that life without marriage is incomplete. Or, is marriage something you do, SOLELY, because you love someone.
So things to consider:
Do you approve of a marriage where people have no desire to have children?
Do you think that married couples MUST be monogamous to one another in order to be happily married?
Do you consider marriage a covenant between yourself and God?
Do you consider marriage a covenant between your partner and yourself, with certain
roles being placed on either party?

I am married.
I personally, reject many of the social constructs in America and the world, although as an inhabitant of this world, I do have to live with many of those constructs that have been put into law.
I married because I wanted to create a family of people who love each other and put God as the head of our household. When I married, I was pregnant. As a pregnant woman, I was faced with many of the worries of a single parent. I had always promised myself that I would not birth a child ouside of marriage. As a woman, I knew I would have to make any decision regarding having a child based upon my own want and ability to care for that child, regardless of the level of assistance, both in parental responsibility and financial, I might or might not receive from the male party. Being married also meant that I had solidfied the benefit of a nuclear family for my child. I got married as both a function of law and a function of love!

That determined, I do not believe, that human beings were created with many of these social constructs in mind, even marriage. Just as I don't think that originally, human beings were created to be clothed and monitored by law. However, as we evolve and change, so does the way the world is run. As we were tempted, so we needed clothes to cover our bodies. As we were wayward and unruly, so we needed laws. As we found that these laws, which often governed our finances, property, and place in the world were more giving to women who were bound to a man, so the construct of marriage came into play. Is it is good construct, I guess that question belongs to the parties who are involved. For me, for my life, it is a good thing. In the modern day world, you can get lost very easily in the various factions of society. To belong to one group, your family, that will never change, is a solid foundation upon which to build a life. You have a comfort where you belong, unlike any other.
That is one of the things I want to create for my family, and most importantly for my son.
That said, I know some people who do not ever want to be married, and could be with someone for twenty years and never have the desire to be legally attached to that person. While maybe not a solid base for me, that could certainly work for someone who has a more individualistic way of thinking and living. Or...maybe just for the person who wants their relationship to be SOLELY a function of love...and have nothing to do with laws, legality, contract, or society.

So, can you even have a marriage...a legally defined marriage...that is purely based on love and love alone?

Can you handle the spotlight?

Picture Perfect

As you may know, designers have been busy sketching their ideas of what President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama should wear during the day and evening of the Inauguration on January 20, 2009.


Michelle Obama Michael Kors Dress....one of my faves


Monique Lhullier...my ohter fave!


Rachel Roy


Peter Som...my favorite day look...but the coat below is fierce!


Christian Lacroix


Barack Obama Day and Night Looks by Ermenegildo Zegna


Sean John


Nautica

Changing...

SOON...we will be changing.
I am trying to reach a broader audience...
because I will FINALLY be launching my Etsy site
and I wanted to tie this blog in.
Still lots of style, lots of talk, and BIG BIG Fun!

Good, Better, Best: Holiday Handbag Gifts

Have a special someone who loves handbags...she changes her bag daily, she must have the newest bag of the season, or she just has a closet full...
Well, check out these gift ideas...all stylish, in three different price points for your pocket's satisfaction!

Good:
Cole Haan is known for its stylish and comfortable leather pieces, shoes most of all. However, their triangle tote collection, with its patent texture and weaving is a sight of beauty. You can get this great gift for under $250.00 during the Cole Haan Holiday Sale. It is a great Holiday bag, with enough sparkle and shine to compliment her fabulous New Year's Eve dress, and goes straight to work with her too!



Better:
Rebecca Minkoff made quite a name for herself with the Morning After Bag. The great thing is, they keep getting better and better. Right now, at Shopbop.com, you can get this fabulous Luxe Morning After Bag, in even smoother and creamier leather than the first installment, for over a hundred dollars less than it's orignial price.
Your wife, daughter, friend, mother or sister will love you for it!



Best:
Louis Vuitton is a household name...really it is! Well, in my household anyway.
Your fashionista will love the Etoile Bowling Bag from Louis Vuitton, with the newer styling but the classic monogram that has been a hit on the fashion scene for decades!

I got Carded

Don't feel like buying stamps and licking envelopes this Holiday Season, but you still want a great and unique card to send out to everyone on your e-mail list.
Go to Mushy Gushy and make one of these fun and personalized cards to send to friends and family (for free!):


Create Your Own GushyGram
Visit MushyGushy.com

Bail Money

The United States is known for bailing out others...we are the flotation device for many third world and poor countries around the world. I applaud that, and I think it is necessary, as one of the most powerful nations in the world, that we help out those amidst us who are in need of help.
That said...how does the saying go...
God helps those who help themselves?

Well, the US is in one of the largest and most widespread economic crises since the Great Depression. We are in a serious deficit, we owe billions of dollars to China and other countries, and we continue to see unemployment rates rise.
I live in the Detroit area, so I can tell you, this is one of the hardest hit areas, since the automobile industry has been failing for years and is now just weeks from the possible fold of Chrysler and General Motors. Both companies have stated that they are just weeks from running out of money to perform their essential functions.
These companies, as you may know, have requested a bailout from the US government, similar to the first bailout that helped AIG and other insurance and financial companies from going bankrupt and closing their doors.

On Friday, the bailout bill failed in the Senate. That same day, President George Bush announced that he might use tax money set aside to help financial companies to bail out the auto companies. As it stand, General Motors needs about 10 million and Chrysler about 4 million dollars.

Many people have been split on this idea, except for people who live in auto based areas,mainly the Michigan area. The bailout would help many people retain their jobs and help put a few people back to work. In addition, both companies have failed to keep up with the ever changing auto industry in terms of more effecient and smaller vehicles, steadily producing gas guzzling SUVs. The failure of the bailout could make them change, quickly. Over time, the auto industry, once an industry started and dominated by America, has been taken over by foreign companies, with their flex fuel and gas efficient smaller cars. However, failure to help these companies could lead to catastropic events in areas that rely on this industry...such as higher foreclosure rates, increased unemployment rates, and rise of the poverty level!

What is your take?
Let me know...share...get involved...and let's come up with some viable solutions!

40...really?

Okay, we have all seen celebrities naked on a magazine covering their nips and tips in creative ways...no big deal.
But when you are 40 and you look like this...you should be celebrated!

Jennifer Aniston is showing us all that you CAN and SHOULD be fabulous, beautiful, fit, and toned at 40...hell, at any age. She looks no older than 25 people...come on!

So celebrate yourself, stay healthy...and promise yourself if you look this good at 40..you will find creative ways to cover your private parts and take a picture as fabulous as this...well,yours might not be on the cover of GQ but I am sure someone would love to see it ;-)!

Now THIS is jewelry!

Hidalgo is known for its enamel and diamond rings.
Well, their interchangeable inserts and jackets let you make the ring of
your dreams. With styles perfect for wedding bands and right hand rings,
these rings give you a one of a kind feel.
To see the entire collection and find retailers near you,
visit Hidalgo Jewelry !

Good, Better, Best: Christmas Party Outfit

Here are more Christmas Party Ideas...
If you really like the BEST option, use it as your inspiration, if you don't have BEST money!

GOOD:
This outfit will not set you back hundreds, but you will still look stylish and trendy!

Holiday Party #3

www.kaboodle.com

BETTER: This stylish and classy option has a touch of fun, with the rose on the shoe and rose ring!

Holiday Party #2

www.kaboodle.com

BEST: WOW! This Zac Posen dress is TDF!

Holiday Party #1

www.kaboodle.com

Cheap Christmas

Having a hard time buying Christmas gifts?
Well, here are some inexpensive gifts that you can give, that do not cost a fortune, but have a ton of thought and love behind them!


1. Ornaments. Go to your local craft store, or try www.papersource.com. They have great craft ornaments, that come in a variety of shapes and sizes. For those on your list who you want to buy for, but you simply don't have the money...make those into great ornaments. For people who don't have a tree, get a bigger ornament, that they can hang on a door or in a doorway. Use glue and glitter, ribbons, paint, or just markers to decorate it. Make a loop on top with a piece of wire stuck into the top of the ornament, thread some ribbon through, and put in a lovely wrapped box! Your gift will be cherished for years to come.

2. Photo CD. Take all your favorite photos of a friend of family member whom you want to gift. Use a computer based program to put the photos on a timeline and set it to music. It is something great they can show each Christmas!

3. Journal. If you have a friend who loves music, use an old record cover for their favorite artist. Or use a newspaper headline that has been laminated for a news buff. Whoever the friend, take something special and make a front and back cover. If it is not heavy stock paper, be sure to laminate it to keep it from tearing.
Put in blank or lined pages and punch holes in the sides of the pages and covers. Use a ribbon to sew together the journal. Box up with a pretty pen!

4. Phone Cozy. If you have a gadget maniac for a friend, make them an ipod, iphone, or cell phone cozy. Get two pieces of felt from the fabric store that match their personality. Also purchase an iron on letter for their first name or nickname. Sew the two pieces together around three sides. If you can put in a zipper, do so, otherwise, just leave one side open. Sew in a simple snap on the open size. Iron on the transfer.

5. GoodieBox. Go to a specialty grocery store and buy things that your favorite person likes to eat and drink. For tea lover, buy some specialty tees, a mug, and some cookies. For hot cocoa lovers, some premium cocoa, a mug ,and marshmallows.
You get the point. Box it all up or put in a basket.

Merry Christmas to ALL!

Things I have learned House Hunting...

My husband and I, along with my tres adorable son, are house hunting.
In our quest for the perfect home, we have one that we are in love with, that just keeps presenting small issue after small issue...and that, my dear friends, is a problem!
So, we have scoured the city for gems...and we have, indeed, found alot of coal.
But amid the process, we have learned some great things I thought I would share!

1. Instead of redoing a whole bathroom because the color sucks, you can get that tub, tile, and even the floor reglazed. While renovation could be between $4,000 to $10,000...reglazing all the tiles and the tub could be under $2,000. It is a great way to fix that ugly pink and teal bathroom that is putting a damper on an otherwise wonderful home. Best thing is many companies offer lifetime warranties.

2. Don't just think of how the home will serve you today...think a few years down the road. A dilemma we have, is bedrooms in a bungalow, where the largest, master, bedroom is upstairs. Our son cannot be on a floor by himself, so we would have to cram all of our things into the smaller room on the same level.
The thing is, in a few years, when he is able to navigate the house safely alone, we can move into that master bedroom...and we will all have a little space and quiet at night.

3. Do not underestimate the importance of moving into a "liveable" home. A home that is, except for a few things you want to change due to preference, a ready to move in home. A house that needs, for example, new doors all around, needs new doors pronto, usually. So you will have to get that done, unless the seller will conceded to buying them, asap. Instead, unless the home is the home of your dreams, or you WANT a fixer-upper...the house may not be as "liveable" as you thought! And you might spend a few uncomfortable years in a home you thought you were going to love!

4. Have the seller do AS MUCH as you possibly can get! If it does need fixing up, see how much they are willing to foot the bill to get the home sold!

Happy House Hunting...and take it from me...pace yourself!

Target does it AGAIN!

This lovely piece of pocketbook power is one of the fabulous items that will be
offered by the Hayden-Hartnett for Target line that will debut on December 18th!
As I must have this, and the ultra chic umbrella that is also featured in this Target Go Designer Collection, I will surely be at Tar'jay ready with my crisp $50 bill in hand.
YES, you read correct, you can get an ultra sylish umbrella and this bag, or many other bags of your choice, for not much more than $50!
Now that is a deal if I ever heard of one...and like always, Tar'jay never lets me down! I mean, what can you say bad about a store where you can buy toothpaste, wrapping paper, Organic milk, bras, designer bags, the new Kanye CD, and some toilet paper from...at the same time?

Christmas Party Outfit

I was thinking about a fabulous outfit for a Christmas party...and I had the perfect vision in my mind. But what stood out, where these shoes I saw on Reese Witherspoon. I found them, they are on sale, and they are inexpensive. So, here they are, for your consumption!



Pair with a strapless dress or dressy shirtdress for your perfect Holiday Party...and wear them again with black trousers and a sequined tank ...see the outfits below!

Holiday Sparkle

www.kaboodle.com

What Has Obama done for you lately?

Well, he is picking one HELL of a team!

Let's look at some of his picks (or most likely picks in the coming weeks), their background, and what this could mean for you!

Chief of Staff*
Rahm Emanuel
This Congressman from Chicago has been a fixture in the Democratic Congress. He is known for his tough and no nonsense presence. He will bring a bit of fire, to the more calm Obama's team. Every team needs a fire breather to light a fire under everyone else...

Secretary of Treasury*
Timothy Geithner
He helped manage the Wall Street meltdown earlier this year and was key in many of the bailouts. His role in the largest financial crisis since the Great Depression can give an inside view on how to fix this issue and move the country forward, out of recession, and back to a wealthy nation.

Press Secretary*
Robert Gibbs
This senior advisor and communications director for Obama's senatorial and presidential campaigns has been in a fixture on his team. He knows Obama, and will be able to extinguish any negative and unfounded media attention, and will shine a bright light on Obama to keep his image positive and trustworthy in the media.

National Sec. Advisor
Jim Jones
This former military man who has dedicated his life to securing the US would be a great choice, and build Obama's national security team to great heights!

Commerce Secretary
Likely Pick: Bill Richardson
He served as Energy Secretary during the Clinton campaign, and with a huge move, proposed to focusing on alternate forms of energy he would be a great pick, to spearhead that movement, along with Al Gore as Secretary of Energy.

Homeland Security
Janet Napolitano
As the governor of Arizona, a US-Mexico border state, and a leader in immigration reform, she will help curb illegal immigration, while also making sure that legal immigrants in the US are treated fairly.

Secretary of State
Hilary Clinton
A former first lady and senator since 2000, who has served on many important committees including the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Committee on Security and Cooperation in Europe, she is well versed in the running of the State Department. Picking Clinton shows a willing to work with a variety of people, in Obama's case, who are well respected in government. Her huge standing in the Presidential primary showed that American's respect her ability to govern and make government more effective and efficient.

Health and Human Services
Tom Daschle
This former senate majority leader has built a reputation for health care reform and can help make the possibility of universal health coverage possible for all Americans.

Attorney General
Likely Pick: Eric Holder Jr.
This former deputy attorney general, U.S. attorny for the District of Columbia, and associate judge of the Superior Court shows his strong legal background. His experience and years of service will bring a great deal of knowledge to the team.


Secretary of Defense
Wesley Clark
This lifelong military man, helped end the conflict in Bosnia and was named the supreme allied commander of NATO in 1997. His background will help lead the military into a stronger and more supporter team.


Ambassador to the U.N.
Likely Choice: William Clinton

Former President Bill Clinton is known and loved throughout the world. During his presidency, the US was looked at favorable by most countries in the world. He has spent the majority of his time since being the President focusing on AIDS and economic conditions around the world. With his wife as the Secretary of State, and many of his former advisors in key roles in the Obama team, this could put more focus on Clinton politics, than setting a new trend in government, and be looked at as more of the same Democrat ideals at work. There was also a great deal of tension between the Clintons and Obama during the primary and even into the Presidential race. This could look like a weakness on Obama's part. I think,personally, a better choice would be Caroline Kennedy or Susan Rice.

Secretary of Energy
Likely Pick: Al Gore

Al Gore has spent most of his time, since his 2000 run for the Presidency, focusing on climate change, energy, and the environment. He won the Nobel Prize for his work. He is educated and will have some wonderful ideas about how to solve the energy crisis in the U.S.

Education
UNKNOWN

The starred positions have been formally picked and vetted.
Stay tuned for more as we cover the transition from Bush to Obama.
...a change gon' come!

Guest Blog: The Bitch, The Ho, The Lady...which one are you?

I have been thinking about writing on this topic for a long time. I'm not a sociologist, or a woman studies major. I am a communicator and I'm always curious an interested in how people talk and relate to each other.
Labels. We all use them. African American. Housewife. Entrepreneur. Christian. Good Girl. Thug. Hustler. Even if you try consciously not to label people somewhere in your subconscious you probably have labels for someone and assigned meanings to these labels.

Three labels in particular have caught my attention. Bitch. Ho. Lady. Women -- young and old, do you identify with any of these titles? Maybe you are a combo or on any given day all three. Men, is this how you classify the women in your life? Is your mom a lady? But that young lady you just met is a cross between a bitch and ho? It's ok though cause you are willing to tolerate her bitch/ho tendencies to accomplish what you need to accomplish?!!?

I want to start a conversation/a dialogue with people on this subject. I am a part of a generation that grew up on hip hop. A generation that doesn't cringe when the terms bitch and ho fly freely thru a rap song. I'll be the first to tell you that one of my favorite all time rap songs is "Gangsta, Gangsta" by N.W.A. I have a good friend who's all time favorite song is Ice Cube's "A Bitch is a Bitch." Some may categorize these songs as misogynistic and degrading to women. Yet I was never personally offended by either of these songs. Does liking these songs mean I'm not a lady?
And what qualifies someone as a lady, or for that matter a bitch or a ho?

I personally think all human beings are multifaceted. Meaning that we all have the capacity and tendency to be more than one way. Sure if I'm extolling my greatness I'll tell you that 80% of the time I'm a lady. But there are some people who might remember me as the occasional, wild loud mouth girl from high school who would look for a fight and threaten to put a size 10 foot in your back. Now that doesn't seem lady like does it?

And the ho label, the ho tag. Someone, if they haven't already, could write a dissertation on this label. I return again to hip hop. What about the rappers that scream about you can't trust a ho? Yet will have scantily clad women in their videos that become labeled as video hos. Or the role that some women feel they have to play, the madonna whore. Pure and Puritanical at work, in the church. But behind closed doors does tricks with the best of the professionals.

What do all these labels mean? Do they pigenhole you and lock you into acting and behaving a certain way? Or are they just words? Tell me what do you think.
-LaToya A. Henry

Happy Birthday to YA!

Glitterfy.com - Glitter Graphics

It is my birthday today!!!!
YAY!!!!!!

So, of course, I have to share with you, my ultimate birthday present.
Wanna know what it is? Well of course you do.
But let me preface:

I have distinct taste.
I like handbags made of soft and supple leather with a "schtick", you know, that thing that makes is even MORE FABU!
I love shoes with comfort and style!
I love sneakers...Adidas, Puma, and Retro Nikes! Give me a pair of Adidas Forum Los...and I might be your best friend forever!
I love gadgets...but I REFUSE to pay full price for them or anything else, if I can help it.
My clothes are simple...and I like them that way. I am not frilly or lacey or loud and colorful. I let my accessories and my mouth do all the talking!
In a nutshell...I like am like a SOUL band with a Funky Drummer...

So, if anyone TODAY was going to buy me ONE item...money was not a factor, it would be this...I LOVE THIS:

Chloe Paddington Croc

I have had a desire for this wonder of a bag for years. Now, I would not expect anyone, but my husband if he hit the lottery, to pay $12,000 for a bag for me.
So in all fairness, I would settle for a Regular Chloe Paddington, Blue with Gold Hardware:

Blue Chloe Paddington

It is a classic "IT" bag... with a big ole gold padlock...and I love it.

For now though, I will settle for my current desire item...A Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Bag! Hey, second best is not ALWAYS bad!

Happy Birthday to ME!

Tales from the Crip -- Tiny Tim's got Nothing on Me

Note from your Fabulous Blog Owner:
I have a friend who is laid up, literally, and she asked to do a guest blog.
Each week she is going to post her newest Tales from the Crip blog about the life of a crippled writer in need of some creative healing. So here we go!

__________________________________________________________

Apparently no two surgeries are alike. No one told me this but for weeks to psyche myself up for my ankle surgery part deux I assumed this surgery would be like the first one. I said to people "I'll just look at the first one as practice."
Well practice shamctice. This surgery is nothing like the first one. So as I prepare to keep myself sane during this time of resting and healing I have decided to blog. The gracious host of this blog has allowed me to post on her site.
And what can I say about Mrs. Morton whom I've know since I was 14? I guess before I start extolling her virtues (right now Karyn is saying why is she buttering me up) I should probably provide a very brief introduction of myself.
On the 16th day of July in 1976 at precisely 3:30 pm the most beautifullest thing in the world...ok I'll stop...My name is LaToya Aisha Henry. I am a multi-talented, multi-faceted woman from Detroit. My day job involves communications and keeping young people engaged in civil rights. My night job is pretty much the same. So I hope you will enjoy my guests blogs and they will add to the style and substance already here!!!
As I stated earlier I am healing from ankle surgery. In March of this year I slipped on ice in my driveway and had as my first surgeon put it "complete destruction of my ankle." I somehow managed to completely shatter my ankle and break the fibula bone in my left leg. I had never broken anything in my life besides a nail. Needless to say I had surgery with a plate and 2 screws inserted into my ankle. Not to mention 6 weeks in a hard cast and 5 weeks in a walking boot plus about 2 and a half months of physical therapy. So I was excited in June when my surgeon said my xrays looked good he would let me have my summer and in October we would remove the screws.
Summer is great. I go for my follow up appointment and then the curve ball is thrown. Here I am thinking we are going to discuss removing the screw and me being back to work right before election day and my surgeon walks in with a look on his face that doesn't look good. And he opens his mouth and says we need to redo your surgery. And instantly my mind flashes back to me in the hard cast, getting around the house with a walker and trying to prevent myself from going stir crazy. Panic, fear, dread are the first emotions.
But this passes quickly. I regroup and just allow myself a moment before I start to analyze and over analyze and figure out what God is trying to tell me now. What didn't I get the first time that He had to sit me down again. I don't believe there are any accidents everything happens for a reason.

Christmas GIFTING!

Yes, it is that time again...
Time to start, if you have not already, for Christmas gifts.
During this time of recession, many people will be limiting their gift giving, so we will be giving you some affordable, but wonderful ideas for all those most important people on your holiday list!

To start you off, here are some wonderful sights where you can find some wonderful gift ideas. Next week, we will start giving you some collections of items to get you inspired this Holiday season!

I LIKE TOTALLY LOVE IT
http://www.iliketotallyloveit.com
This site gives you TONS of great and UNIQUE items, and pictures, to inspire you for gift giving for those techies and people you know who already have EVERYTHING.


BEAUTY
http://www.beauty.com
----------------
SEPHORA
http://www.sephora.com
----------------
CAROL's DAUGHTER
http://www.carolsdaughter.com

If you have a lady in your life who LOVES beauty products, then go to one of these sites for great skincare, scents,and bath products to make her happy!

FREDFLARE
http://www.fredflare.com

For the funny guy or girl in your life, your teenager, or your annoying cousin or nephew, there is surely something on this site that will scream his or her name, and most everything is well priced.

OLDNAVY
http://www.oldnavy.com

Great clothes at great prices...

CRAZY 8's
http://www.crazy8s.com

This site is FULL of cute clothing for kids and guess what, it is so cheap, you can outfit them for the YEAR!

Check some of these stores out...let me know if you find someone wonderful!

My Opinion: The Real Housewives of Atlanta

I watched the entire season, which ended last night, on Bravo TV. Apparently, there is going to be a knock down, drag out on the reunion episode, which airs next week.

I have watched this show and its many installments since the first Orange County group. I enjoy reality tv, and I get a kick out of seeing how non-celebrity people, scripted or not, act once the cameras are rolling. I have always wondered how I would come across on screen, since I come across in a multitude of ways to different people, usually depending on how well they know me. This installment was more interesting to me, as it showcased women of color, and not the typical group of White women spending money, yachting, and buying diamonds. I wanted to see what women, who shared some of my sensibilities, interests, and background, lived life high on the hog.

What I got was a show full of the stereotypes of Black women that I despise. Sheree Whitfield, was the stuck up "bitch" that lived in a fantasy land where everyone wanted to be like, live like, and look like her. NeNe Leakes, who I actually quite liked, was portrayed as the loud, overbearing, two-faced, and sh!t starting friend...the more "ghetto" acting of the bunch. Kim, the sole White woman on the show, was the kept woman, whose mystery man "Big Papa" kept her laced in diamonds, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, and whatever else she fancied, while she laughably dreamed of being a country singer. DeShawn Snow, was the wife of the NBA star, who seemed to spend money like it was water. And finally, Lisa Hartwell, the hardest working of the crew, was the level-headed, responsible woman in the group.

The show was much like a train wreck, it was horrible, but you couldn't stop watching it...and I certainly was lured by it. Much more for its drama than its reality, and certainly not for its similarity to anyway that I live, think, dream, or desire to live. I was amazed at the frivolous spending of money, of OTHER people's hard earned money. I was amazed at the notion that the men were only around to provide a paycheck, and the women only around to spend it. I was even more so amazed at the fued between Sheree, Kim, and NeNe, that seemed to paint NeNe as this classless and basically undesireable woman, to Sheree and Kim's stellar beauty and style. While most of the show Kim looked like either Barbie in her too tight Dolce & Gabbana sheaths and piles of diamonds, or a slutty Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm in her short pilgram dresses with knee high boots.

I cannot wait until the reunion show though, it will somehow put some closure on my season of Fall Reality TV watching...a good ass whooping always seem to bring closure, doesn't it!!!!!!!

More Style...

Since we are on a run with style...
Let's talk for a moment.

During all the election excitement, I was M.I.A.!
However, I was volunteering and helping get out the vote, I was not just
sitting around picking my nose.
Admist all of that, I started reading all of these blogs that were
going at our First Lady elect, Michelle Obama, and her style choice for
election day, that black and red Narciso Rodriguez dress, which personally,
I thought was on point. It was daring and different, not unlike our future First
Lady. It was on trend, with its burst of bright color...and it fit her style and
figure perfectly. Who cares what all the haters say...

Mrs. Obama's style is to be envied. She is not Jackie O, she is Michelle Obama, and to compare her to someone else is to do her a disservice, no matter how fashionable
and fabulous the comparison may be. There will never be another Jackie O, just like there will never be another Audrey, Marilyn, or Katherine. And after Mrs. Obama is
a former first lady...there will never be another Michelle!

Some of my fave Mrs. Obama looks:

1.
In a Maria Pinto dress and Azzedine Alaia belt...look up Alaia to see how
fabulous this designer is...looks fantasic and in GREAT shape!

2.
This is a fabulous halter dress she is wearing, and her updo is gorgeous,
and flattering!
3.
She makes a pair of khaki's look cool and sharp with her white slit neck blouse
matching boots and turquoise baubles!

We're BAAACK...

After a short hiatus, we are back!
To start of this November, my birthday month, in stellar fashion,here
are a list of my November most wanted fashion items.
There may be some things on this list you might want...and notice, (most)everything is
on the cheap!!!!


New York and Company Wool Cape
Great for weekend with jeans and a sweater!


New York and Company 7th Avenue Pant


Old Navy Scarf Cardigan
This works from office to weekend and even at home!


Old Navy Tie Waist Shirtdress
Perfect for Winter Cocktail Night


Complicated Contessa YOU by Crocs Boot
This is a great boot for winter style.


Report Brea Wedges
Great for work, for style without the ridiculously high heel. My feet deserve comfort!


Nine West Mane in Violet
That burst of color and suede make for a perfect winter pump!


Quilted Morning After Mini by Rebecca Minkoff
I just love this style and the quilting makes it a little different from the standard! Definitely on my WANT IT NOW list!


Aqua Women’s Cowlneck Cashmere Dress
Cute and warm...you cannot go wrong...and CASHMERE...HELLO!


Elizabeth and James Cape Cadet Coat (not so cheap)
I love this for an investment coat...it is smart, gorgeous, and stylish!


Marc by Marc Jacobs Dr. Q Magazine Clutch
You can take this any and everywhere, from the market to the club!

Halloween Night

Today is the "scariest" day of the year.
It is time to dress up like your favorite character, trick or treat, and watch some scary scary movies!

So, I was thinking of some of my top scary movies...not necessarily in terms of "scariness".

1. Halloween - Michael Myers at his best, just "appearing" out of nowhere.
2. Friday the 13th: the original one, with the camp counselors making out and getting slashed with the music playing in the background! Classic!
3. Rocky Horror Picture Show: It is just so so so much fun!
4. 28 Days: The whole Zombie thing really got to me.
5. When Darkness Falls: That woman in that black dress...I was actually a little scared. So scared I wouldn't go outside in the dark after I finished watching it, I just stayed at my boyfriend's (now my husband) place!
6. Psycho: the look on Janet Leigh's face and the shower scene made me scared of the shower for weeks (my mom still made me take a bath though...don't worry!)
7. IT: okay, Killer Clowns from Outer Space times a thousand.
8. Scream: I love love love this movie.
9. The Exorcist: the head spinning, the crazy little girl...
10.Children of the Corn: okay, if you want to really be scared, watch this...

Words for Thought...

On Worldle you can go and create some of those fun but interesting word posters that you often see in black and white, with a bold font and words that provoke thought and ideas.
Now you can create your own, and even print and make poster of them to hang on your wall.
I made two that would hang on either side of a door, a yin and yang so to speak.
Check out mine and make your own!

My Wordles:




Have a Fun Friday...and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

What's Happening: Online

Well, the bad economy has given people alot of free time. And when I have alot of free time, or any free time, I peruse the web so I can share all of the wonderful things I have found.
Here are a few things:

Ping : this is a new online invite site, where you get to make your own invite, make an event site, and even send invites in text messages. This is like evite, but with a touch more panache!

Scrapblog : on this site, you can make digital scrapbook pages. You can send your online scrapbook to friends, print pages, or make a book online. The graphics are senstional, and the possibilities are endless! Check out my scrapbook: http://www.scrapblog.com/viewer/viewer.aspx?sbid=807689

SocialVibe : pick a cause and a sponsor, and post your badge on your social networks. Make money for your cause! Get involved!

Mint : Gather all your fiancial accounts in one place, and see how and where you are spending, set goals, and get investment tips...great!

Cozi : set up calendars for the whole family, and make sure you know what everyone needs to be doing at every point of the day! Stay organized and receive all your appointments via text message and on Outlook!

i like totally love it : need a great and unique gift, or want something special just for you...check out this site, with all the wild and wacky things to purchase online (you will be amazed!)!

Finally, my style pick:

Style Guru's Style...

www.kaboodle.com

Dream Big: How to Start Saving!!!

One year ago, USA Today polled 45 of the top economists in the country about the state of the United States economy. The consensus was that 98% believed we were in a recession, and that the unemployment rate would continue to grow into the fourth quarter of 2009.
Having lost over 760,000 jobs in the U.S. in 2008, and with consumer spending and investing down to unprecedented levels since the Great Depression, it is obvious that the United States is in a recession...and based on the amount of investments lost, the hike in gas, food, and retail prices, the break-down of real-estate giants, and the recent bailout plan, things seem to be getting worse before they get better.

However, there is an old saying...What goes around, comes around...and there surely is a bright side to this sad economical period. When the sun shines again, it has got to shine brightly, because we are in one of the worse slumps in the history of America. So, now is the time, to start saving, to build up a reserve of cash. At a time when spending is down and stocks are down, and most of the wealth of the nation is caught up in these bad real estate deals...the time is now for us "common folks" to get on the gravy train.

But HOW do you start?

Well, one sure fire way is to decrease your own spending. Invest in items that will save you money over the long haul. Flex fuel vehicles, that take a variety of fuels, often at a lower cost, will certainly decrease the amount you spend on gas, and the cars tend to be similar in cost to traditional cars. Buy a deep freezer, so you can stock up on lower priced food and keep it fresh for months longer than fresh food lasts. Downgrade your subscriptions, to the newspaper and magazines. Get just one magazine a month, and change it up every year. Peruse the magazine websites for clips of the articles and all the sweepstakes you would normally miss. Read online newspapers daily, for FREE! Use services like Netflix and Bookswin if you rent tons of movies per month and buy tons of books. This way, you can save money on gas picking up and returning the movies, and save the costs of late fees. For books, why buy EVERY book you ever want to read, rent them and send them back for more, for the cost of one book, per month! For those luxuries you CANNOT live without, buy the larger tub of C.O. Bigelow Lemon Body Creme or Noxzema, they last long and tend to cost less per ounce. Also, shop for your clothes at Bluefly or subscribe the many sample sale sites, such as Editors Closet or Gilt Group for designer shoes, bags, and clothes at up to 75% off.

Cut out those things you SIMPLY do not need. Lunch out everyday. Fast food, from twice a week, to once every two weeks. Movies, if you have cable, buy them pay-per view just a few months later, for half the cost of just ONE ticket, invite friends over and share the costs. Cocktails, save on those $12 drinks, and instead, make a round of drinks at home for the group before you go out. Spend the night dancing...instead of at the table protecting your expensive drinks. Buy exercise videos and DVDs and equipment for home use, and cut out that expensive gym membership you NEVER use! Working out at home is free, minus the cost of the program, convenient, and worry-free...who will see the holes in your yoga pants at home?

Use a ledger to take stock of all your savings, and house it in an account SEPARATE from your checking account. Reward yourself with a small token when you hit certain amounts at your goal. You will be surprised how fast you can save $100!

The Best of the Bargain Sites

Bluefly:

This Christian Louboutin Wallis Wedge, at $568.00 is not the best deal on the net, but for such a great shoe that you can pair with tons of outfits, and the Mary-Jane style that will never go away...it might just be worth it!

Sample SALE: SERGIO ROSSI

Yes, sleek and sharp shoes!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ON SALE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It gets no better.
To get online for this sale,
click here to get on Gilt Groupe!
http://www.gilt.com/invite/karynmorton

Dream Big: How to become DEBT-FREE!

YES!!!!!!!!!!!
You can certainly be debt-free. Debt is not a right of passage in life. Debt is not a necessity, and debt is certainly not handed down in the gene pool. Debt is
sometimes necessary, FOR THE SHORT TERM, when we need to buy a home or a car, and to not have $100,000 to plunk down on the home of our dreams. But, the notion that you
have to forever be in debt is a falsehood!

Debt is an amount of money you have borrowed that you pay back with interest. It is usually not the principal amount that gives us the trouble. If I borrow $5200 and no interest is ever added, I can pay that off in one year, paying $400 per month. I can pay it off in two years paying $200 per month...and so forth. I can see, exactly, how long it will take to pay off the principal. YET, when interest, or the money you pay for the convenience and service of getting the loan in the first place, is added each day, each week, each month...then it becomes less clear to consumers how much they really owe. If I am paying 21% interest on a $5200 loan, compounded annually, or in other words, added to the amount of the loan, annually, at the end of year one I will owe $6292 and if left unpaid, at the end of year two I would owe $7613. So if all I can afford is $200 per month, I will be paying on this loan for many years, because interest is being added constantly, and I have not adjusted my payment to include this interest.

Debt is complicated and it is frustrating, when you have other bills that are continually coming in as well. We want to buy and spend on sight, yet when it comes time to pay those bills, we often want to only pay a minimum amount, or can only AFFORD a minimum amount. That increases the life of the debt, and gives most of us the notion that we will forever be in DEBT!

Well, there are many avenues you can take to become Debt-Free. I do not know them all, but I can tell you how I am becoming debt-free. I use EquityTRAX, www.mydebtfreedate.com. This system asks you to input your monthly bills that are credit-based (credit card, auto loans, mortgages, personal loans, student loans, etc.) Using a special formula, the company will send you a monthly statement that shows you how to pay off those bills, gives you a DATE you will be debt-free, and allows you to continue to pay, ONLY what you currently pay on your bills, or add more if you desire to pay off your debt more quickly. Each month, one or more of your bills will be paid in excess of the minimum due. This will shorten the life of the loan, and help you pay if off quicker. Eventually, once your debt is paid off, the system shows you how to save that money to build a reserve of cash for retirement.

It is a genius idea, and so far,it is working well for me. If I follow the plan, I will be debt-free in 12 years, and I have a large student loan. Some fellow members will be able to pay off their homes in less than half the time of the life of their loan (20-30 years).

You can get EquityTRAX by becoming a member of Financial Destination, Inc., and I can help you with that. Not only am I a member, I am also a representative. You can e-mail me at fdidet@ymail.com for more information. We sure to include your name, your phone number and e-mail, and mention of Style and Substance for a special gift.

Fashion Fix

Venus and Serena Williams did a recent fashion spread for Harpers's Bazaar that shows them battling it out on the the court. The sexy sport stars look ravishing in a number of designer dresses, but these two pics take the cake!





Pick up the November copy of Harper's Bazaar for more!

*************************************

In other fashion news, the winner of Project Runway was Leanne, with her wave pattern collection in muted ocean tones. I was more partial to Kortos bright and vivid palette, the beading, and the wonderful cut of her dresses. Kenley, known for her 50's styling, was a little too over the top and craftish for me. Plus, her collection was disjointed and was not cohesive to me.
Check out a few of their styles, and decide for yourself!
Congrats Leanne!!!!!!!!!!!!

MY PERSONAL FAVE: Korto


Leanne


Kenley

******************************************

Neiman Marcus Christmas Book 2008

I love the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book.
It is full of ALL of the things that a woman of style would love to
have in her wardrobe, jewelry box, and on her feet...it is also full
of luxury one of a kind gifts that are usually VERY expensive, but VERY unique
and special.
This year, the two items in the book, affordable (well, in relative terms, of course) and luxury that appealed most to me are the:

His and Hers Lego Sculptures for $60,000.00

and the Marc Jacobs Alonya !

The lego sculptures are different and unique...and you can rest assured, NO ONE else will have these, well, that you know personally. Imagine these in your playroom...with the pool table and old school Ms. Pac Man game.
Then, the MJ Alonya, the pleated body, the beautiful leather, the frame handbag will go from day to evening...and is fierce!

So, leave a few hints to your significant other...you might just get a really special surprise for Christmas.

Biden vs. Palin: The Battle of the Century

Well, okay, maybe not of the century, but CERTAINLY for this week.
Tomorrow, we will all, all of us concerned with the future of this country anyway, be
glued to our sets, waiting to what Biden and Palin will bring to this all important
debate.
Set to start at 9:00pm, and available on virtually every channel from broadcast television to our cable mainstays, this Thursday's debate, already highly debated by the media, will show us all whether Palin has the knowledge and the chops to hold her own in Washington.
So get your popcorn ready, because this is sure to be a drama for the ages!

Shoe Time

There is NEVER a bad time for shoes, especially if it is a fierce shoe.
Well, in the 2009 Fashion Week Show in Milan, a fresh new crop of designer pieces
were debuted...including some new shoe collaborations.
My fave, the Sigerson Morrison and Pringle collabo...which has produced a soft, muted, selection of heels in buttery soft leather.



These are a departure from the hard-edge gladiators we saw all this summer, and will
be a fresh new take on the sandal frontier. No news yet on price, but if you want them, you better start saving now. I have a feeling these are gonna be a show and wallet stealer.

You make the Presidential Prediction!

There is a Yahoo feature that allows users to make their own predictions about the election on one of those infamous red/blue state maps.
This also gives you some valuable information on what the theories are for those states that are still up for grabs.
Click for MY prediction map!

Buy a SHOE for Charity!`

The Stuart Weitzman Celebrity Shoe Auction, which benefits supports Ovarian Cancer is off and running.
You can go to Stuart Weitzman to see all of the shoes and start in the bidding war. You get a great shoe that you can decorate your favorite room with (of course under glass to protect that bad baby) and the satisfaction of contributing to a great cause that affects millions of women every year!

MY faves:
Blake Lively "Sweet Treat"


Joy Bryant "Break the Silence of Ovarian Cancer"


and

Leighton Meester "Colorful"

What this "Financial Crisis" means to ME!

All of this talk going on about Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, the Lehman Brothers, and the American International Group (AIG) is not only confusing, it is one of those things that makes you just want to scream at the TV..." WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO ME!"

Well, in a nutshell, over the course of three to four weeks a few financial disasters have rocked America:
1. Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae had to be bailed out by the US government from bankruptcy because they basically had no net worth. These are the two largest mortgage financing companies in the US.
2. Merrill Lynch sold itself to Bank of America
3. The Lehman Brothers Holdings, the 4th largest investment bank in America, filed for bankruptcy.
4. AIG, one of the worlds largest insurers, was headed for bankruptcy before the US
government bailed them out with $85 billion.

All of this is a result of the mortgage fallout that has taken place in the last few years. With house prices going down and foreclosures at an all time high, many investment banks and mortgage lenders have found themselves in debt from non-paid mortgages. As a result, these companies began to see their profits being eaten up by their debts, and they just could not play catch up!
So, many of them filed for bankruptcy, and now the US government is forced with deciding what is going to happen next, and what moves they will make to ensure that this type of cycle, the biggest since the 1930s depression, does not repeat itself. The governments intervention is the largest of the sort since The New Deal.

So what does this mean to you:
1. Fluctuating stock rates and returns
2. Low interest rates
3. Continually dwindling mortgage prices
4. Some, but limited, worry about the money you have invested at financial institutions
5. The possibility of a major comeback financially after the smoke has settled in this crisis!!!

The Real Race Card

I read a recent Yahoo article that began with these words:
"Deep-seated racial misgivings could cost Barack Obama the White House if the election is close..."
http://news.yahoo.com/page/election-2008-political-pulse-obama-race;_ylt=AlJqFmFZhO5rBGA2_gPZT_Z2KY54

After reading the entire article, I was angered and disturbed. Basically, the article was in response to a poll that showed that 1/3rd of all white Democrats have negative views against black people. The poll showed that many Whites, including Democrats, still view Blacks as violent, lazy, complaining,and irresponsible.
I read the article in its entirety...and it was not the article I was angered by, but the audacity of people!

We live in a society where there are now more millionaires of color than ever before. More minorities are excelling in the business world, in education, in life. While there are still many institutional barriers in place that simply mimic the white privilege that already exists, but minorities and people of color are rising in spite of those barriers and in spite of that privilege. It is that privilege, that many White people deny and refuse to acknowledge, that gives them the audacity to say such things about other people, many of whom probably don't even personally know one Black person. These are probably people from Idaho, Iowa, ALASKA, and other areas,where there are less Black people than in more metropolitan areas. There are a few, most likely, from those same metro areas who have always held resentment towards those unlike themselves. People who are so ashamed and unhappy with who they are, they put others down,especially those least like them, to make themselves feel superior.

Well,I have news for all of those people. If they follow thier prejudices, they will elect into office a man who is purely politics and his sad choice for a running mate. They will elect into office a man who wants to continue the senseless, unnecessary, and deceptive war in Iraq. A man who is not going to bring a fresh new perspective into this country full of FRESH AND NEW life. I am amazed at the audacity of ignorance. I am amazed at the audacity of fear. I am amazed at the audacity of granduer. And I am inspired by the Audacity of HOPE!

Obama in '08...VOTE OR DIE!

Nina Garcia's Luxe List

Can I just tell you this: I LOVE NINA GARCIA!
Her style points are right on.
In honor of her Top Ten Luxe List, I have put together a selection
of each of her top ten. These flow with my own style...take a look
at her list and find things that suit your style.
Happy Shopping!

Dream Big: How to Make Educated Credit Choices

Credit Education is the one thing that is SEVERLY lacking in financial education...as if there is a such thing. Most people have to find out
for themselves, after they have ruined their credit, how to boost it back up!
Well, now, there are a ton of great resources to help us make educated credit choices, fix our credit, and maintain a good credit rating.

First, you can easily go to sites such as crediteducation.org to find classes
in your area that are geared towards teaching people, in plain language, about
credit and how to maintain it. At this site, you can even take online courses,
and become certified. Even the credit bureaus have credit education centers online
that teach you about credit scores, how they are determined, and what you can do
to keep yours at a satisfactory level.

Second, you can sign up for tools that watch your credit, and alert you everytime
a change is made or your credit file is updated. This way, you will stay abreast of
each and every thing that happens, and will be notified immediately so you can take
action if you need to.

Third, TAKE ACTION. If there is something going on that you did not authorize, then
you need to get a fraud alert placed on your credit file, and you can do this with
most bureaus online. Then, you can enroll in such programs as Credit Trax through FDI that will help you take action on those inaccurate cases in your file and get them deleted or updated, thus increasing your credit score.

Lastly, once you have educated yourself and taken some small steps to getting your credit file in order. You need to look at the bigger picture of HOW you are using credit. It is important when you have large purchases like a car or a house. However, you should refrain from accumulating large balances on credit cards that usually have very high interest rates. These should only be used in an emergency OR if you are going to pay off the balance each month. Otherwise, you are paying the credit card company to borrow its money, and the longer and the more money you borrow, the more it is going to cost you!!!!

Fashionable Friday: Runway on a Budget