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?