Create Your Own Adventure

Are you ready to spice up your life? There's only one sure-fire way. It's a secret.

How To Find Answers To All of Life's Questions

Do you want wisdom? There are 3 ways to find it.

Review: Vicky Christina Barcelona (2008)

Vicky Christina Barcelona weaves a tale of transformation of two besties who visit Barcelona for the summer unaware that the trip will challenge their current belief systems.

Survival Series: How To Survive A First Date

If you're ready to begin dating again, you'll need to know these mental strategies to make the most of it.

Where Is My Success?

Have you been toiling away for years and don't see any rewards?

Friday, February 17, 2012

From The Publisher: If Rihanna & Chris Brown ReUnite

Dear Readers,

I saw some interesting rants about the possibility of pop star Rihanna and Grammy winner Chris Brown getting back together. As usual, I cocked my head to the side and laughed.

If Rihanna and Chris Brown get back together, I won't be upset. Rihanna is a grown woman who knows more of this story than I do. If she is willing to forgive and move on from this situation than I have no problem with doing the same. If she is healing from this trauma and willing to give friendship another chance then who am I to force her to hold a grudge?

The problem with our society is that we define ourselves by our worst moments. Yes, this was a defining and publicly humiliating moment for Chris Brown and Rihanna but they have both done amazing things with their careers that few ever have the talent or perseverance to do. Who are we to become emotionally outraged by someone else's choices for their personal life?

As a general rule, I say "If you like it, I love it." I am fascinated by women who break the rules and live their lives on their own terms. I allow other people to live their lives as they wish and you will never catch me becoming outraged by how some women choose to live their lifestyles. It's none of my business, really and I am too focused on pursuing my own goals to become emotionally attached to someone else's choices. If you were busy building your dream, you wouldn't have time or the energy to form an opinion about someone else's life.

Become outraged by your own circumstances enough to change them. As for everyone else and their lives- laugh and then turn the page if it doesn't impact you personally or affect your bottom line.

All My Best,

Te-Erika

Business: Kyleigh's Closet

Julia Kurtz is a stay at home mom living in Seattle, Washington. She is the owner of an online shoe boutique for gently used baby shoes called KyleighsCloset.com.

Julia says her best tip for entrepreneurship is to marry an engineer. She has 3 beautiful girls Sierra 11, Brielle 6 and Kyleigh 4.

"I started selling Sierra’s baby clothes on ebay in 2000 & I started the website 3 years ago. I was addicted to baby shoes but done having babies, what’s a girl to do?" Julia remarked. "It was my wonderful hubby who suggested putting them in a website & I started with just 79 pair."

With over 700 shoes in her inventory Julia now uses Microsoft Office Live to manager her business because it is user friendly and it is free.

"My soft soles like Robeez, Jack and Lily, Bobux are great for babies because they can’t kick them off. Pediatricians recommend them because it’s like being bare foot but baby’s feet are protected," Julia shares. "I love the brands that I sell, they are very high quality soft flexible shoes but they are expensive. It’s hard to pay over $30 for a pair of shoes that your child will quickly outgrow. They grow out of them so quickly that they are often in excellent condition."



Julia offers 6 Tips for women contemplating starting an online business that revolves around sales on ebay.

1. Invest in a scale!

2. Go to ebay & buy poly envelopes in bulk (100-200) bags, I have them in 3 sizes now but you may not need different sizes. They will cost you less than 10 cents each & save you a fortune in shipping fees. They weigh next to nothing & are strong & waterproof.

3. If the item weighs 13 ounces or less always ship first class, it's cheap & it's fast!

4. Print your own shipping~it saves you a trip to the post office & the rates are lower. Shipping confirmation is only 19 cents instead of 70 cents at the post office. Delivery confirmation is so worth it! You can see where your package is & you can give the tracking # to your customer so they know where the package is. It will also save you in a paypal dispute!

5. Wrap the item in tissue paper & include a business card, it's nicer to open & inexpensive. Tissue paper can be purchased at the dollar store, 40 sheets for a buck for white & 30 sheets for color. Business cards are free through Vistaprint.com all you pay is shipping.

6. Communication is so important, even if you don't have the answer at that moment, reply to their email & tell them your working on it. Feeling blown off is the worst!

Kyleigh's Closet offers the best brands at the best prices with the same day shipping.

To shop in Kyleigh's Closet visit www.KyleighsCloset.com

Reader Mail: I Am Not A Victim, I'm A Vessel

Dear Te-Erika,

I found your site at random while viewing news. I read the article & thankfully found your website. I have to tell you that I've been absolutely hooked since then! Its only been a week but this is a site I KNOW I'll continue to read for as long as its there!

I'm extremely grateful for this site. I cant begin to explain the importance to me and how important it could be to so many more women out there, if they only knew it existed, but I know the news will spread and what a blessing it will be to so many!

I know where u are, where you've been, as I can relate first hand. I would absolutely LOVE to contribute to your site. I too am in a place in my life where many changes have occurred & continue. But I know that it is God calling me to a different place in life; a place where I can understand where other women are and have been so that I will one day be able to help them. I'm not sour about life because i can see the Lord's reasoning and I understand it, so I'm actually grateful even while others look down on me. I know I have overcome what many could not; and I know I will continue to prevail through any & all trials!

I have many stories for you, but I'd like to separate them ad turn them into stories of inspiration for others, even though I'm not yet...at my "top" but because I have survived; I'm not a victim; I am a vessel and I will allow the lord to do his work through me.*

I would love to be able to speak with you one day. I would absolutely love to meet you. You are an incredible inspiration to me and to many others.

Thank you, thank you for sharing your experiences and the wisdom you gain along the way. I am no longer ashamed or embarrassed to share my experiences with others who may be searching for just that story on your site. I thank YOU for that!!

Ms. Liz

Thursday, February 16, 2012

When You're A Bad Girl


Mind your manners
Cross your legs
Speak softly
Wear skirts with heels
Become an excellent cook
Find joy in cleaning
Become a nurse
Or a teacher
Nurse your babies
Look the other way when he strays
And you’ll master
Being…a lady

But…WHEN YOU’RE A BAD GIRL…these rules don’t make any sense. In fact, those who follow these rules seem crazy. Exactly what happens to the women who don’t follow the rules? Hmm…Let’s take a look shall we.

Angelina Jolie
Angelina Jolie gets enough flack from women who say she’s a home wrecker because her free spirited essence grabbed Brad Pitt’s attention and affection, which ultimately helped to create the life she always desired. And those same women who leave heated comments on websites and roll their eyes as her image flashes across the screen secretly desire to BE her and be WITH her. They want that same energy.

Madonna
The Material Girl led the way for a revolution for women everywhere even though she had no role model to emulate. She endured criticism and hatred for her uninhibited nature but she stood firm, never apologizing for being who she was. Today, up and coming artists seek to channel her spirit to capture a sliver of her individuality.

Tallulah Bankhead
One of the silent film eras greatest treasures, Tallulah Bankhead is most often known for her rambunctious personality and her ability to evoke emotion through her subtle gestures. Ms. Bankhead is also celebrated for being a woman who listens to her intuition, which led her overseas to England where she became one of the most successful stage actresses of her time. Hospitalized for a life threatening venereal disease, Ms. Bankhead would defy the social norms of the time by sleeping with any man that she wanted to and not being ashamed to talk about it.


Michelle Obama
Shhh.. Be quiet. Let your man lead. Child please! Michelle Obama wouldn’t hear it. She actually led her man to the White House and rose to the most honored position as First Lady. On the night that shook the entire world, the night that President Obama won the presidency, he and Michelle settled down to go to sleep and she turned to him and said,“You’re still taking the girls to school in the morning.”

Maya Angelou
What a wise and humble woman. What an example of grace and strength. Well, many don’t know that Ms. Angelou has been married so many times that she won’t even reveal the number because she says she doesn’t want to take away the honor of your ideals of marriage. She was also a prostitute and a pimp in her younger years, leading women to trade their booty for dollars. What makes Angelou’s life so amazing is the fact that she lived life to the fullest, chased her dreams, shared her talents and walked alongside the greatest leaders without a hand up or an advanced education. She tells her story so eloquently and no one alive would dare to criticize this self made giant of the literary world. That in itself, is inspires so many.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

The Smart Girls Way To Entrepreneurship


Jean Brittingham
Seattle, Washington
www.SmartGirlsWay.com

MSS: Tell us about the inspiration behind The Smart Girl's Way. What changed in your life to help you to first seek to learn a smarter way to do things?

Around five years ago, I became obsessed with the idea that women could make a huge impact on the way that businesses and the world were run if we could only embrace the ways in which we are different from men and bring those significant differences to scale. Traits like passion, collaboration and weaving are critical for our success as society on planet earth. At the time, I—and many of the other women I knew—were being called upon to intervene in the largely negative paradigms impacting the triple bottom line—planet, people, and profit. After spending 17 years in the field of sustainability, I also came to realize that we weren’t going to change the existing culture from within. If we are going to restore equilibrium to the planet and sustain viable societies that work for people and business, we need to bring many more women into the conversation. We need to give assure economic and political parity to create a culture that not only embraces the benefits and contributions of diversity, but reaps the benefits of that diversity.

Around that time I began interviewing successful women, looking for the common set of
attributes that had helped them succeed, and in particular, looking for the “slip” factor—the point at which women give up their feminine approaches to problems because of the pressure of the more dominant, patriarchal win/lose culture we have today. It was this research that led me to uncover the unique strengths that women bring to business. I also saw the growing trend of entrepreneurship as the fastest, and most interesting, path towards that future.

MSS: Tell us about your personality traits. What is it that you believe you developed that has led you toward becoming a teacher of success?

All entrepreneurs have a sense of fearlessness and drive—at least when we find something we feel passionate about. For many women, our personality isn’t the driver; it is our sense of Integrity that leads us towards entrepreneurship. A burning desire to solve a problem and build something we can be proud of. When we have this we can leverage our Creativity… follow our Intuition…and feel simultaneously challenged and fulfilled. For me this manifested in the idea
of championing the cause of women—and in particular individual entrepreneurs. Ultimately I am a very pragmatic person. I’m action oriented and believe in doing something about injustice or what’s not working. When I was in high school in a very, very small town in eastern Oregon, I started a group that was focused on helping disabled teens. I did that because these kids were being marginalized and hurt through no fault of their own. It wasn’t fair. At the heart of my heart is a strong belief that justice can and should prevail. So now my beliefs translate into this work for women entrepreneurs. I believe that women are the key to a balanced future and I want to ignite the strengths and alliances we need to create to build a sustainable future.

Trust is something that is both freely given and also earned. I am an entrepreneur like everyone else and face the same obstacles that all other entrepreneurs face. I have learned some things along the way and it is my passion to share that experience with other women and celebrate the attributes we bring to every business, every day. I’m also a tireless seeker of truth. The research that I commissioned at the beginning of my company and the interviews we have done for the 100x100 are directly related to seeking that truth.

MSS: At the end of the day, we all want to work for ourselves. What sets the women who WILL apart from the women who WON’T?

What an interesting concept. I suppose that everyone who is reading and engaging here—your audience at Savvy Sisters—does want to work for herself. But entrepreneurship is clearly not for everybody. But I do think all women want to work for someone or something that makes a difference—so even the women who are not here looking to be entrepreneurs are seeking meaning in the work they do and the lives they live.

Every entrepreneurial story begins with a Vision-inspired Big Idea, a ViBI™. The challenge for any entrepreneur (man or woman) is turning that ViBI into a viable business. We created the SmartGirls Mirror as a means to help women discover and grow their ViBI. The biggest hurdles facing women entrepreneurs is a lack of confidence and a lack of access to the people, capital and community they need to be successful. We call our tool the SmartGirls Mirror to take the confidence issue head-on. We want women to not only like what they see in the mirror but to understand that what they see in the mirror is defined self-defined. The SG Mirror is a tool that helps them see and focus on their STRENGTHS and helps them tap into the skills they need to be successful.

MSS: Can you offer a gunshot start up advice for women who need that one last push to move toward becoming an entrepreneur?

The 2011 100x100 Project had a lot of goals, but one of them was to understand what helped women entrepreneurs take the leap. We just don’t believe that so few women entrepreneurs want financially successful business. While the statistic of women owning 34% of the non-publically held companies but only representing 4% of the GNP is alarming, we wanted to know for sure what this means—do women really not want financial success? Do we not care? Or are there other things in our way.

Time and time again, the successful (and sometimes still struggling) women entrepreneurs told us three things: Don’t take no for an answer; Surround yourself with people who know more than you do; Stay the course!

What’s the greater risk: Not following your vision and living a life of regret? Or, taking a risk and building the business you’ve dreamed of?

MSS: What has been your biggest obstacle so far in achieving your goal of teaching women and how did you overcome it?

Probably time and resources: Time in that everything takes more time (and money) than you think it will; Resources in that building a business requires more than one person. It takes time to build the relationships with the team, investors and customers you need to achieve success. It really is a relationship building process. Fortunately, most women are very good at building relationships.

MSS: What hopes do you have for your own future and the future of Smart Girls Way?

We are laser focused at SmartGirls Way on uniting the women’s entrepreneurial movement. This includes the investors and organizations that support women entrepreneurs, as well as connecting women entrepreneurs with other women like them. We have some great ideas for assuring that the creation of a constellation—a network of stars—can happen quickly efficiently and intuitively, building powerful global connections that will assure that women entrepreneurs have the opportunity and access they need to build the future we want—for ourselves, our children and their children.

For more information about Jean Brittingham's life changing book, visit www.smartgirlsway.com

MySavvySisters.Com Celebrates Our 1 Year Anniversary


Today MySavvySisters.Com celebrates our one year anniversary! We've had lots of fun bringing you the BEST in women's empowerment news, features and videos.

We look forward to helping you grow for many more years to come.

VIDEO BELOW


Just To Make You Smile: Free Hugs Prank Video


I have stood outside with a FREE HUGS sign before and it is an amazing experience that connects you with strangers emotionally. Try doing it with a jerk standing next to you offering deluxe hugs for $2. The results- HILARIOUS!

Enjoy this Free Hugs Prank VIDEO- Just To Make You Smile

Poll Results: What Are Your Plans For Valentines Day?


MySavvySisters.Com posted a poll that asked its readers to answer the question: What are your plans for Valentines Day?

Of the women who responded:

14% answered - Spending time with my significant other
14% answered - Spending time with my family
35% answered - I will be home alone- again
35% answered - I hate commercial holidays


Analysis- The majority of My Savvy Sisters are not thrilled about Valentines Day.

Who would be thrilled about being reminded for a whole 24 hours that there is no great love in their lives? Its okay. You are allowed to hate Valentines Day if you want to. But, if you must hate Valentines Day- do it BIG!

Here's how

1. Dress in black AND wear a veil all day long. Tell people that you are mourning the loss of your virginity.

2. Make a sign that reads: I don't love you. Go to the mall and wave it at people.

3. Find every old boyfriend you can on facebook and write them a message demanding to know why the hell they didn't appreciate you.

Now, don't you feel better?

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

EDITORIAL: Mortgage Bust

By Christina Fermin

Politics & Society

Recently a deal was struck with 5 of the major banks here in the U.S. over unethical mortgage practices and foreclosure abuse. Ally Financial, Bank of America, WellsFargo, Citibank and JP Morgan Chase agreed to a $26 billion settlement while lowering the principle amount owed on underwater mortgages. For those who have lost their homes to illegal foreclosure practices, they will get a measly $1,800. While the full scope of the deal has not been announced yet, I can hardly say that the banks have been held accountable or that homeowners got any real justice out of this settlement.

This was the largest case involving fraud in the history of the united States, the investigation barely scratched the surface to what could have been monumental and because of this lame duck settlement the true scope and size of the foreclosure crisis may never be known. Banks essentially have gotten away with destroying families, lives and our economy. While we bailed out the banks at over $700 billion for their shenanigans, they got off at paying up a measly $26 billion for their robo-signing and unkempt practices which has left 1 in 5 Americans owing more than their house is worth, by an average of $50,000.

This goes to show the widespread corruption on account of Wallstreet and how they inadvertently control those who we elect to power. Mayor Amschel Rothschild is famous for saying, “Give me control of a nation’s money and I care not who makes her laws.” This quote has never rang so true as it does today. For a crisis that has brought this nation to its knees and has lead to a staggering 23% unemployment rate (when you look at the real numbers), skyrocketing tuition rates, ruined our quality of living and a withing away of social safety nets NO ONE HAS BEEN HELD ACCOUNTABLE. Especially when it has been proven that this economic crisis we have been facing since 2008 could have been prevented!

I for one am outraged. The banks have gotten away with economic and social murder. The middle class no longer exists in America because of the unethical greedy behavior of Wallstreet and the Banks. America the beautiful no longer exists, we live in America the plutocratic nation for the rich who control the power and wealth in this country. The mainstream media has failed to do its job in reporting the abuse and corruption that is plaguing this nation and our elected officials have failed in their oath to the Constitution and the American people. Fire Congress and throw the banksters in jail! We are the majority and they are the minority, the people can overcome this.

As election season comes into full action, we must be vocal, united and insistent about the leaders we would like to see in office. The leaders that have held incumbent seats in Congress and the career politicians must be replaced by just men and women who swear to protect the Constitution and the rights of the people and when they fail to do their duty, they must blacklisted. We must do our duty as people of a nation to be vocal and take to the ballot box. If we continue to allow Wallstreet and corrupt corporations to continue with their behavior of funding Congress and elected officials than we have lost this nation to those who have the money and everyone else no longer matters. We will continue to fall as a nation and a people until one day the history books will speak of the fall of America just as we speak of the fall of Rome.

Never in time has it been so important for you to be active and vocal on your opposition to what is going on in Politics and Business. You matter and what you do or do not do matters. We all wish for peace on Earth, but it will never come, unless we the people forge the way for that peace to come. If we want the American dream back and we want to live in a nation that is fair, free and just. Where the “pursuit of happiness” is a reality, then it must be that we the people stand up to that right and take charge. Until the masses take to the streets and to the box, marching to the hills of the White House, abuses will never cease to exist and America will eventually implode. Make your voice heard, contact your representative and voice your discontent with the direction of our county. Be someone, do something and express your rights as an individual that is part of the collective.

Contact Elected Officials or Pay them a Visit



About the Columnist

With a bachelors degree in political science from Florida Atlantic University, Christina Fermin has always cultivated her love for history, politics, sociology, ancient knowledge and teachings, the outdoors, the ocean and the environment. Christina strives to make our world better by helping us all create a new reality and understanding of all taking place here and now. You can reach her at Christina@MySavvySisters.Com.

Monday, February 13, 2012

President Obama's Budget Outlines Continued Commitment to Hunger

WASHINGTON, Feb. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --Bread for the World is pleased that President Obama's fiscal year 2013 budget proposal presents a fairly balanced approach to deficit reduction. The budget also protects important programs for hungry and poor people, creates jobs, and promotes economic mobility.

"This is a strong indication of the president's priorities as Congress begins consideration of the budget resolution," said Rev. David Beckmann, president of Bread for the World. "Now, more than ever, we must ensure funding for those programs proven to alleviate hunger and help poor people move out of poverty. We praise the president's commitment to programs that help vulnerable people gain access to vital resources to help make ends meet."

The White House's proposed budget makes permanent the current Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit benefit levels, which are set to expire at the end of 2012. The budget also restores the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps) benefit cuts, funds the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) at $7 billion, and includes $2.5 million for Hunger Free Communities.

"At a time when so many families in America are facing unemployment or reduced work hours, these tax credits and nutrition programs are more important than ever," said Beckmann.

The president has demonstrated his commitment to reducing hunger and poverty overseas by proposing sustained funding for critical programs that have proven to be successful. In particular, the president's budget included continued funding to help small farmers in developing countries improve and expand local agriculture; address preventable maternal and child malnutrition, especially in the 1,000-day window between pregnancy and age 2, which has measurable impact on the productivity of developing countries; and continuing funding for important operating expenses that ensure U.S. foreign assistance is used effectively.

"We must address our deficits, but we cannot sacrifice our commitment to hunger and poverty," said Beckmann. "This is not a partisan issue; it is a moral one. In the upcoming budget decisions, Congress must form a circle of protection around programs for hungry and poor people."

From The Publisher: The Value of Entertainment

Dear Readers,

I was always one to gripe about the fact that men in tight pants holding a ball were paid millions of dollars to run across a field while our public school teachers have to get second jobs while they take on the insurmountable task of educating our children.

I couldn't stand it when people would make a fuss about celebrities, especially rappers, who do nothing but gyrate to degrading lyrics that do not uplift or educate or help anyone in any way.

Then, when I heard the news that songtress Whitney Houston had died, I felt the sting of the announcement in my heart. I cried. Yes, I cried. Her voice walked with me as I grew into the woman I am today. Although I have never met her, I felt like she was a part of me. This confused me until I realized exactly why the entertainment industry is so valuable.

We all have goals and dreams and we work damn hard to achieve them. Day in and day out we either put up with annoying bosses and co workers or we are breaking our backs trying to build our own empires. We know what it means to labor for our dreams and to maintain the lifestyles that we believe we deserve. We understand what its like to hunger, to yearn and to break barriers in business as we attempt to leave our footprint on the world. But even those moments of victory as we achieve our goals aren't nearly as sweet as the moments when we are simply free to 'be'.

During those moments where profit margins don't matter, outsmarting the competition isn't a concern and the bills aren't weighing us down we are free to truly enjoy life. These moments of bliss are often earmarked by a particular song we heard or a comparable scene from a movie. As we write the scripts for our own lives, we take pleasure in the simple things that allow us to experience the essence of 'being'- our emotions.

What do we do during those times when we aren't toiling away at our goals? We take our shoes off, we sit back on the couch and we turn on the television or log on to the internet to be moved by someone else's creative work.

We lose ourselves in the songs that musicians create. We become emotionally invested in soap operas. We root for out favorite sports teams because their victory feels like ours. We visit message boards and type out angry tirades against the decisions of politicians because we believe our opinions are important too.

During those times when we aren't doing what we HAVE to do, we get to do what we want to do and what is that? We want to laugh, to cry, to hate, to cheer- we want to feel emotion. The value of entertainment is in its ability to induce emotion in the spectator. If a woman can belt out a tune that makes us feel her pain, we applaud.

We are always seeking an acceptable outlet for our emotions. In this society we are deemed mentally ill if we express any feeling besides a placated happiness. But we are more than just that fake smile we wear at the office. We are more complex than that happy go lucky image we think people want to see. This is why we are drawn to the drama and the passion of watching the details of the lives of celebrities and this is exactly why we are willing to pay big bucks to be entertained.

And you know what? We deserve it. We work hard for it. We endure. We keep the world moving.

So go ahead, you celebrity puppets. ~clap, clap~ Do something silly.

Entertain us.

I mean, we're paying you enough.

All My Love,

Te-Erika

Whitney Houston Dies At 48


Whitney Houston's publicist announced that the mega star had passed away. Tributes to her music and her life were shared across every form of media throughout the world.

There is not a person born after 1980 that has not been intimately impacted by her music. Even while she lived it was an ill fated attempt to even try to sing a Whitney Houston song because no one in the world could match her vocal skills.

The impact that news of her death has been compared to that of Michael Jackson. I only hope that Ms. Houston had an inkling how much her music was an integral part of our culture.

We will always love you, Whitney.



Lyrics To I Will Always Love You By Whitney Houston




If I should stay,I would only be in your way.So I'll go, but I knowI'll think of you ev'ry step of the way.
And I will always love you.I will always love you.You, my darling you. Hmm.
Bittersweet memoriesthat is all I'm taking with me.So, goodbye. Please, don't cry.We both know I'm not what you, you need.
And I will always love you.I will always love you.

(Instrumental solo)
I hope life treats you kindAnd I hope you have all you've dreamed of.And I wish to you, joy and happiness.But above all this, I wish you love.
And I will always love you.I will always love you.I will always love you.I will always love you.I will always love you.I, I will always love you.
You, darling, I love you.Ooh, I'll always, I'll always love you.


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