Archive for the ‘Inspiration’ Category

I am very glad the holidays are over. I find it to be a very hectic time, as many of you do.

As you all know, January 8, 2008 was the first of 50 presidential primaries. This year, we, the voters, have many choices in both parties. (Please make the right choice )

Being a relatively new US citizen, I am still excited about the voting process. I vote pretty much every election. We all need to be engaged in our local politics as well as national politics. Some people say, “Oh I do not like all that political stuff.” But what they do not realize that government affects all of us, even if they do not care. God forbid, a law is passed that they do not like.

All that said, REGISTER TO VOTE TODAY!!!!

You can register online @ RockTheVote.com. Rock The Vote caters to a younger demographic, so the site is a good way to learn about election issues.

You can also refer to Declare Yourself – State By State Info. This site gives you information about your state’s primary and general election voter registration deadlines. This website has a plethora of voting information and you can also register to vote.

And my favorite resource is C-SPAN. C-SPAN airs many campaign speeches and events, so you can be apart of the process. Please note: If you do not have cable, do not fear because C-SPAN airs programming online. WooHoo!!

REGISTER TO VOTE TODAY!!!

See you at the polls,

Mix Maven

Hey Pumps and Glossies,

I hope the holiday season is going well for you. I know that many of us celebrate different holidays around this time, so remember that we live in a multicultural and multi-ethnic society. Happy holidays, everyone!

Ok, ok the new year is fast approaching and the time has come to do a personal year-end checklist. The checklist can include goals from 2007 that have been attained, goals you want to attain in 2008, financial data (monthly and holiday budgets), annual tasks/projects e.g. purchasing real estate, preparing for a new baby, finally working on the scrapbook and self-improvement, which could also fall under the goals category.

Really take the time to do this checklist and monitor your progress weekly or monthly. In the past, instead of making resolutions during the new year i.e. January 1, I would make monthly resolutions. Definitely helps to better track the progress.

When setting goals, think big! I think by writing down those big dreams, you will/may find a way to achieve them.

When doing your financial checklist, you will need to consider your estate, insurance coverage, investment accounts and taxes. A few years back, Mr. Maven and I tweaked our financial checklist. We thought about our short and long term goals and needs and how we could get those items taken care of. (Sidebar: insurance coverage for renters – Please oh please make sure you have rental insurance. The cost is quite nominal a year. When we were renting, we always made sure we had rental insurance, especially living in wood-framed homes of New England.)

Keeping accurate records is a must. Mr. Maven has been very fortunate that he was able to telecommute cross country from the corporate office. He kept all relevant bills and such, so he could claim his business expense on our taxes. If we had this stuff floating around, who knows what would have happened.

I wish everyone a happy new year. May 2008 bring you peace, love, joy, wealth, and many more blessings. I am looking forward to the time we will spend with you, our readers, in 2008.

Live Triumphantly now and in the ’08,

Mix Maven

Happy Holidays (Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy Kwanzaa) to all.

This writer’s strike is really bothering me. I am missing Conan O’Brien, The Daily Show and The Colbert Report. If there were not other important things going on in my life, I would have no reason to exist. I hope both parties can come to a suitable agreement, so I can see my men live on the TV once again.

My top 5 favorites shows are (not in any specific order) that I have never discussed on Pumps and Gloss before:

1. Eureka on the SciFi Network – Mr. Maven turned me on to this show as he is a sci-fi fan, but not in a weird/nerdy way. The show is about a sheriff who moves to a town where all the residents are geniuses. One of the major employers of the town is Global Dynamic where scientists work on high-level, top secret assignments for the Department of Defense. The show has a nice mix of romance, science and mayhem, which I totally love. The ensemble cast includes Salli Richardson, Joe Morton, and Colin Ferguson.
2. The Nanny -I love this show. When the show first aired, I was a freshman in college. At the time, I liked how Nanny Fine dressed because I, too, loved the short skirts and wore them as often as I could. The show is a classic just like “I Love Lucy.”
3. I am not a huge animated fan, but I love “The Boondocks.” This sharply written animated show is definitely NOT for the kids. The show is based on the cartoon strip of the same name. The strip contained a biting critique of popular and political culture in the United States. My favorite episodes include Gangstalicious, a rapper who gets shot and kisses a fellow male rapper. I am still trying to figure out who he is supposed to represent.
4. Chuck is a new show on NBC prime time. We missed a few episodes in the beginning. Thankfully, we were able to catch on easily to the show. “Chuck” is a show about 20-something techy nerd, who accidentally downloads NSA and CIA information into his brain. Chuck works at BuyMore as a tech support that works in the Nerd Herd (i.e. Geek Squad.) He works undercover for the government and each week battles, along with his spy handlers, terrorists and other evil-doers.
5. Las Vegas is worth watching for Josh Duhamel alone. He is definitely fine!! I liked the kick-a$$ nature of the show, until James Caan decided to leave the show, I am sure for valid reasons. The new addition of Tom Selleck as casino owner is a, somewhat, dull . Would have been super nice, if Mike got the President of Operations job, considering he has a degree from MIT. Still I enjoy the show, but I waiting for an increase in kick assery.

What are some of your favorite television shows?

Decking the Halls with Boughs of Holly,

Mix Maven

Hey Pumps and Glossy ones,

God willing, next week this time, we will be en route to our Thanksgiving destination, cooking up a storm, and/or getting ready for the Turkey day football match-up.

I recall a former classmate whining about feeling forced to spend time with her family and friends. She wanted to control how often the family gathered together. I told her to take it for what it was that if people wanted to get together for major holidays, then deal with it another way. Stop all the whining!

As we were reminded over the weekend, family and friends should not be taken for granted. I know that many of us make sure we connect with our loved ones.

We have a lot to be thankful for. In our daily devotionals, Mr. Maven and I thank God for our blessings. There are times in life, when everything is not what we want it to be, but God continues to provide.

What do you have to be thankful for? My friend LH and I were talking about how God has strengthened our Faith because sometimes we do things that we did not intend to do on a specific occasion like give an extra offering, helping out a student, church member or neighbor in need. God continues to provide and we are thankful. For example, one of my “aunts” told us about how she helped a friend who needed money, she gave the lady all the cash she had. She was happy that she could help her friend. She was reading her Bible and she found the exact amount of cash that she gave her friend. She is not sure how the money got there!! Wow, what a praise report!

So as we see, we all have something to be grateful for. Even if you are not a particularly religious, that does not exempt you from being thankful. Keep a Grateful or Thanksgiving journal. You will be surprised at all the things you have to be thankful for.

The ladies of Pumps and Gloss wish all of our wonderful readers a wonderful, fun and safe Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Mix Maven 

Happy Monday Glossy Ones!

I hope you all had a great weekend.  I have been sick since last Saturday – yes, over a week now, so consider yourselves special because I dragged myself out of bed to do this post! LOL!  I’m tired, so this post will be short and sweet.

MONDAY MELODY

How I wish I was doing “Just Fine.”  Here is Mary J. Blige’s new jam – can’t wait to hear her new cd.

MONDAY FLASHBACK

I can never get enough of New Edition – they are my boy band of choice for always! LOL!  The “Home Again” Reunion cd is in my top ten favorite cds.  Here is “Hit Me Off” (above).  Who knew BBD would jam the way they did?  Here is “Poison” (below) - “Do Me” will have to be saved for a Friday. 

TREATING AND PREVENTING COLDS from Tylenol.com

Believe it or not, it’s possible to sneak through the season without getting the cold that everybody else has. Below are tips on how to do it. And just in case you still catch a cold, we’ve got tips for feeling better until the cold goes away.

Tips for Preventing Colds

• Frequently disinfect surfaces in your home and office-especially things like phones and doorknobs that many people touch.
• Wash your hands often.

Tips for Treating Colds

• A cold has to run its course (usually around a week), but you can make yourself more comfortable while your body fights it off by getting plenty of rest, and drinking plenty of fluids.
• Stay comfortable. Treat the symptoms that bother you most.
• A humidifier may help ease your congestion and throat discomfort.
• To avoid spreading the illness, try to stay away from others if you can-and wash your hands frequently.

 

JOY’S BOOT PICK

I love this BCBGirls Karla Knee High Boot.  I like it in all the colors offered, but I especially like it in the Vintage Pewter because you get the imprint on the shaft of the boot.  Hot color and design – it’s a win-win.

MONDAY PRAISE

Whatever happened to Take 6?  What great harmony!  Here is “I L-O-V-E -U” (above) and “The Biggest Part of Me.” (below)

A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones. ~Proverbs 15:30

Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. ~Proverbs 16:24

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. ~Isaiah 53:5

 

Stay Well Glossy Ones!  It’s back to bed I go…

~ Joy

Hey Glossy Ones,

This Monday’s edition is inspired by items I saw in one of the recent Neiman Marcus catalogs (the title on the cover is “Accessorize Me”).  Once I went to the site to pull pics, I came across other items that begged to be posted. 

Luxury is defined as “a material object, service, etc., conducive to sumptuous living, usually a delicacy, elegance, or refinement of living rather than a necessity.”  I’m a “key word” kind of lady, so the key word for me in that definition is necessity.  In essence, luxury could mean unnecessary.  For some of us, a shoe is a shoe is a shoe, and that’s great. 

Keeping in mind “Counting Up The Cost,” my motto = You Have To Treat Yourself Sometime!  Not all the time, but sometime.  Everything in moderation!

MONDAY MELODY

The-Dream (who wrote “Umbrella,” “Bed,” and “Just Fine”) is no longer behind the scenes.  Is your name mentioned in “Shawty Is A Ten?”  Even if it’s not, you’re still a 10!  Check out the remix featuring R. Kelly on The-Dream’s MySpace page.  Also check out his song “Falsetto” – it will most likely be his next single.

MONDAY FLASHBACK

I heard you last week Jam Bella!  Here is Guy’s “Let’s Chill.”  “From the first time I saw your face, Girl I knew I had to have you.” – I LOVE that line!

LIFE OF LUXURY

Here are my shoe and purse picks from Neiman Marcus.

This Christian Louboutin “Speechio Very Prive Pump” is fire!  I love the covered platform and although the highest heel in my collection is four inches, I am inclined to give these 4.75 inch bad boys a try.

There is nothing sweeter than a matching shoe/purse combo.  I love the buckles on the  Miu Miu “Stretch Ballet Flat” and on the Miu Miu “Pleated Leather Hobo.”  The hobo is pictured from a side angle in the catalog and it shows three buckles on each side of the shoulder strip and it has “Miu Miu” embroidered on the side of the bag.

I couldn’t decide which Prada flat to post, so I am posting both!  The “Linea Rossa Squared Cap-Toe Ballerina” and the Mary Jane “Linea Rossa Leather Flat” are too darling.  They look pretty comfy too.

I LOVE this glossy Prada “Vernice Bowler.”  I love the shape, the colors, everything.  The matching shoe is cute (click the link above to view), but a matching pump would have been great.

Once again, I came to a hard decision – which color to post?  The black and brown Gucci “Bonnie Mid Heel Platform Pump” can do no wrong in either color.

The Burberry print was always a little too busy for me, but I love the splash of color it brings to this boot.  The Burberry “Check-Trim Leather Boot” is supa dupa fly!

Finally, I love the simple, classic but modern look of Kate Spade’s “Small Carla Hobo.”

MONDAY PRAISE

I hope Tonex returns to the music industry soon!  Here is “Make Me Over,” one of my faves.

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. ~~~Psalm 51:10

Have A Wonderful Week!

~ Joy

Happy Monday Glossy Ones!

I hope all of you had a wonderful weekend.  We have been having a wonderfully warm fall thus far.  So grateful for sunny skies!

MONDAY MELODY

I have been hearing this song on the radio, but always missed who it was singing it.  I would have never guessed it was Trey Songz!  “Can’t Help But Wait” has a nice groove to it and I can’t wait to see the continuation of the story line.

 GOD’S MERCY by Kari West from “Dare To Trust, Dare To Hope Again”

When tears are the only language you know, God hears.

When darkness envelops your way, God sees.

When pain forces you off course, God stabilizes.

When loss wears you down, God comforts.

When grief suspends your progress and saps hope, God remains.

ELLEN’S PUPPY BLUES

I just wanted to give my two cents on this issue since I am a puppy fan (my puppy will be one next month!).  I certainly understand that there was a contract signed stating that Iggy should be returned to the organization if he did not work out with Ellen and Portia.  At the same time, I think Mutts and Moms went about it the wrong way.  I see nothing wrong with Iggy going to Ellen’s hairdresser and having Mutts and Moms check out their home.  It kinda feels like Mutts and Moms was looking to make an example out of this situation.  In my opinion, it’s better to just do good than to follow the rules.

JOY’S PURSE PICK

If it were up to me, this site would be called Purses, Pumps and Gloss.  I am addicted to purses like Mix and Sen are addicted to shoes.  I got a really neat storage organizer from Ikea and I have it filled with purses already.  So, from time to time, I will share a purse that has grabbed my attention.

My Mom recently got a new Coach purse, and while I had seen it on the website, it really didn’t grab me until I saw my Mom’s in person.

The Bleecker Signature Duffle is so sharp in person.  I love the leather on it. 

JOY’S SHOE PICK

I love the Steve Madden Lezlie pump.  It comes in so many colors, so you are bound to find one you really like.  The all black (above) is from SteveMadden.com (where there are 16 color combinations) and the Burgundy (below) is from Zappos.com (where there are four color combinations).

NEWS – LIPSTICKS CONTAIN LEAD from Yahoo! News

By Karen Jacobs Thu Oct 11, 6:59 PM ET

ATLANTA (Reuters) – Lipsticks tested by a U.S. consumer rights group found that more than half contained lead and some popular brands including Cover Girl, L’Oreal and Christian Dior had more lead than others, the group said on Thursday.

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics said tests on 33 brand-name red lipsticks by the Bodycote Testing Group in Santa Fe Spring, California, found that 61 percent had detectable lead levels of 0.03 to 0.65 parts per million (ppm).

Lipstick, like candy, is ingested. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, a coalition of public health, environmental and women’s groups, said the FDA has not set a limit for lead in lipstick.

One-third of the lipsticks tested contained an amount of lead that exceeded the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s 0.1 ppm limit for lead in candy — a standard established to protect children from ingesting lead, the group said. Thirty-nine percent of the lipsticks tested had no discernible lead, it said.

“It’s critical that manufacturers reformulate their product,” said Stacy Malkan, a co-founder of the coalition. “It’s possible to make lipsticks without lead, and all companies should be doing that.”

Lead can cause learning, language and behavioral problems such as reduced school performance and increased aggression. Pregnant women and young children are particularly vulnerable to lead exposure, the group said in its statement. Lead has also been linked to infertility and miscarriage, it said.

Procter & Gamble Co‘s makes Cover Girl brand and France‘s L’Oreal is one of the largest cosmetic companies in the world.

Over the last three months, more than 20 million toys made in China have been recalled, mostly due to the use of lead paint.

The coalition said that some less expensive brands it had tested, such as Revlon, had no detectable levels of lead, while the more expensive Dior Addict brand had higher levels than some other brands.

The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association trade group said in a statement that lead was a naturally occurring element that was not intentionally added to cosmetics.

The FDA has “set strict limits for lead levels allowed in the colors used in lipsticks, and actually analyze most of these to ensure they are followed,” the association’s statement said. “The products identified in the (CSC) report meet these standards.”

L’Oreal’s U.S. arm said its products are reviewed and tested by a safety team that includes toxicologists, pharmacists and doctors.

“All the brands of the L’Oreal Group are in full compliance with FDA regulations” as well as safety requirements in international markets, L’Oreal USA said in a statement.

P&G said in a statement that the quantity of lead a consumer might be exposed to from its lip product “is hundreds of times less than the amount that she would get from eating, breathing and drinking water.”

“Lead builds up in the body over time and lead-containing lipstick applied several times a day, every day, can add up to significant exposure levels. The latest studies show there is no safe level of lead exposure,” said Dr. Mark Mitchell, president of the Connecticut Coalition for Environmental Justice.

MONDAY PRAISE

I went out of town recently and saw LaShell Griffin in a play and WOW- she can sing, sing, sing.  This is the title track from her first cd, Free.  Great CD – I love this song and “Get Away.”  LaShell is the winner of Oprah’s Pop Star competition.

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 

~ 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

Have a Wonderful Week!

~ Joy

Mix Maven is feeling refreshed and renewed.

While on the vacay, Joyful Radiance introduced to my new ami(e), Love B. Scott. This dude is crazy funny, yet insightful. Check him out!

On to the heart of the matter!

I have been railing against the images being forced to us via the fashion industry. We have been forced to view androgynous, gaunt White girls walking down runways and in magazine spreads and accept these images as the standard of beauty. (Uhm er a, I don’t think so!!) I want to see more women of color: Black, Native American, Pacific Islanders, Latinas,  South Asian, indigenous tribes. The majority of the world appears to be teetering on the brown side, so how come we are not represented?!?!

On Specktra.net, we have been discussing possible new Viva Glam models i.e. Fergie and Gwen Stefani. Ok, I am cool with the idea of Gwen Stefani, but definitely not Fergie. Fergie looks kind of drugged out, so I am not keen on seeing that. Of course, I suggested Jill Scott. Fortunately, there was agreement on that idea. So MAC selects Fergie. I am thinking WTH. What about Kelly Rowland, Taraji P. Henson, or Bollywood actresses: Shilpa Shetty or her sister Shamita?

I stumbled on a New York Times article , Ignoring Diversity, Runways Fade to White, about how designers have not been using many Black models (or any female models of color for that matter.) Guy Trebay states,

“IN the days of blithe racial assumptions, flesh crayons were the color of white people. “Invisible” makeup and nude pantyhose were colored in the hues of Caucasian skin. The decision by manufacturers to ignore whole segments of humanity went unchallenged for decades before the civil rights movement came along and nonwhite consumers started demanding their place on the color wheel. “

According to the article, Black women spend over $20 billion on apparel annually. So why have not we been represented in this year’s fashions shows? Bethann Hardison, former model, successful business owner and mother of Kadeem Hardison, stated that “modeling is probably the one industry where you have the freedom to refer to people by their color and reject them in their work.” Very shameful!! Some designers have been very emphatic in stating that they only wanted White models.

I know that designers think of creating pieces that will be create a fashion buzz. A few years back, the industry was all a twitter on pointed-toe shoes, A-line dresses. Now the styles include round-toe pumps and wedges and trapeze tops (thank the Lord for that!!) But Black women and all other women of color will NEVER, EVER go out of style. (So suck it and deal with it!!!) So there should be no rotating of images. I want to see all models of every shade and ethnicity. As my boy B. Scott says, enough with the “monkey doodleness”!!!!

Remember we are all beautiful and precious in His sight. So ladies, keep on being the best you!!

Live Victoriously,

Mix Maven

 

 

Happy Monday Glossy Ones,

Hope you all had a great weekend!

MONDAY MELODY

I love a song that celebrates women.  Here is the adorable Raheen Devaughn with “You.”  I love the first line of the song and the groove is hot.

ANNIE LEE

My Mother is a huge fan of Annie Lee art.  She loves that there are no faces – “If I want faces, I will put pictures of family up!”  I spent the majority of the weekend with her looking for a frame for “Drip Dry.”

Sites say it is 24×36, but that does not take into account the write trim around the actual pictures.  Whew!  Finally found a frame and it looks great.  Black frame with a black mat – perfection!

Why did I post this picture?  Because I need your help with figuring something out.  We see the lady washing clothes – what exactly is the child doing in the picture?  My guess is that the child is supposed to be potty training, but is playing instead.  I will write Annie Lee and see what she says!

WEDNESDAY MORNING UPDATE:  My Mom called the official Annie Lee website – the person who answered wasn’t sure, so Annie Lee was called to give the answer!  Annie Lee said that the baby is supposed to be potty training, but instead the baby is pulling the sheets off the line/playing; as soon as the mother hangs a sheet, the baby pulls one down.

Here is another cute pic my Mom got by Annie – it is called “Burn Ya Baby?”

That was me many a day when I was a child!

THOUGHTS TO PONDER

“To ignore evil is to become an accomplice to it.”   ~ Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (source)

“What’s truly audacious is to believe that something different is possible, to hope, to aspire, to change.”   ~ Senator Barack Obama (source)

“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll ed up having more.  If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.”   ~ Oprah Winfrey (source)

BEDROOM DECOR

I posted a beautiful blue and brown comforter set last week.  I came across this one on the JCPenny site.  Different pattern, but the same colors are there:

I found this combination on Target.com:

Blue comforter set, brown sheets and accent pillows.  Great look!

SHOE PICKS

I love this gymshoe – it immediately caught my eye in the store Saturday.  The Nike Dart V comes in a couple of colors, but my fave is the Clay/Garnet.

These kicks can be found at JCPenny and Kohl’s – both have them marked down to $39.99.

I love the berry color of these Steven Madden “Blazzin” pumps.

These pumps can be found on Macys.com for $74.25.

A WORD FROM T.D. JAKES

“You CAN Recover From A Fall” – A Word we can all use!  “Let the haters hate” – alright now!

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
~ Matthew 7:12

Have a Wonderful Week!

~ J.R.

Hey Pumps and Gloss Readers,

Happy Tuesday to you! I hope you all enjoyed your extended holiday weekend.

Mr. Maven and I had to a chance to spend a part of the holiday weekend in Chicago for my friend, LH, surprise engagement party. You may remember LH from an earlier post I wrote about “Shopping Serendipity” about one of my friends who asked God to help her find an inexpensive, yet elegant dress and she did.

In early August 2007, J, LH’s sister, invited us to the engagement soiree. We gladly accepted the invitation for this joyous occasion. Both LH’s and her fiance’s families went the extra mile in planning this event. They all had her believing she was going to get the proposal around December 2007.

Fast forward to Saturday night. Elaborate romantic plans were made for the actual engagement. Every action was well-thought out. (Sidebar: I am going to suggest to GS to do a series of seminars on the fundamentals of romance. Let’s just say he raised the bar!) Everyone congregated in the fiance’s (GS) family’s home. The great thing is that she had no idea that family and friends came from far and near to celebrate her engagement. (Backtrack: LH and I were chatting a few weeks back about what she thought the proposal would be like, so I told her to be patient and it will happen soon enough probably by October or November.)

So G suggested to L that they go back to his mom’s house to show off the ring. She called her parents and siblings to let them know what happened. They were all “stunned, yet happy” for the news. As they were approaching the house, we were all instructed to hide. As we heard the first set of “Congratulations” from her family, the rest of us emerged. She was so surprised that she cried. (I was misting up too!!) LH was totally speechless when she realized that her parents had flown in from the Southwest to share this wonderful memory. When she saw the rest of us, she could barely stand because she was too stunned.

The rest of the night was about showing off the ring (which was absolutely LOVELY!) and sharing each version of the engagement story (the best!!!!) My heart was warmed that night to be apart of Love that was in the room:

1. The obvious Eros – romantic love – L and G.
2. The Agape – the love that we have for God for being wonderful and always working on our behalf, even though at times things may be seem hopeless.
3. The Philos love – the love shared among family, friends and community.
4. Storge – the specific love that a family shares with each other.

I was very impressed, not shocked, than Mama and Sister S love LH, so that will be 3/4 of the battle won. We, Mr. Maven and I, look forward to sharing more wonderful memories with LH and GS. May God continue to be in their details and that their love for each other will continue to grow.

We learned that JOE’s “I Wanna Know” is LH’s special ringtone on GS’ phone. (A great song!!)

Continue to Live Triumphantly,

Mix Maven