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, March 2, 2012

The Single Most Important Question


If you dare to grow beyond your wildest dreams there is one question that you MUST ask consistently.

"How will this benefit me?"


Gone are the days when we simply believed everything that was introduced to us. It is much easier to live life that way because we aren't forced to think and be responsible for ourselves, but today's woman, well, My Savvy Sisters, are smarter than that.

We understand that every belief is a choice. We understand that every move we make will result in an equal reaction from our environment. We understand that if we don't ask WHY we become mindless followers who allow the opinions of others to dictate our lives. We can't allow that to happen.

There are times when it is okay to be a follower, but at this moment, we have to examine every belief introduced to us and every opportunity presented to us.

How will this benefit me?

It is a benefit to you because once you find the answer to this question in any situation, you will be confident in the decision you make as a result. You'll know that this choice was yours and anything that happens is a result of your best wishes for your own life and your authority as the captain of your journey.

Don't allow anyone to chart your journey for you. Stand up to those who think they know what's best for your life, find your answer and stand your ground.

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Te-Erika's Blog: Life Without Food Stamps

So here it is, going on two months since I last received a food stamp payment. Why am I calling it a payment?

Anyway. I made the decision to not renew my foodstamp case, not because I am ineligible, but simply because I felt this urge to move away from my old ways of thinking.

Yeah, I know- food stamps are free money. How else can I go and buy shrimp cocktail, crab legs, brownie icecream, steaks and all the Publix sub sandwhiches I can handle? Can I do that stuff now? Honestly, I wouldn't.

I wouldn't be so luxurious with my own money. I wouldn't splurge so much on things like frozen shrimp PLATTERS when I can just buy the shrimp in a bag and put it on a plate myself.

How have I been eating? I use my own money that I make from work. Have I missed any meals? No, ever since I stopped using foodstamps, I eat out more instead of buying groceries.

I spoke with my Mother about my decision to get off of foodstamps and she said, "If you don't need it, why get it?"

But it's FREE FOOD STAMPS? Why not? It's there. I'm eligible. I can use that money for food and buy other stuff with my own money.

But really, one of the reasons why I wanted to move away from using foodstamps is to place myself in a different mental state, one that is miles away from those who consider themselves to be victims. I am not a victim. I do not need a handout. Sure, I can take it because it's there and its so easy to get but really, do I want to associate myself with the poverty level in life?

What if I moved away from accepting the free government handouts and started focusing on taking better care of myself? What if I examined the lives of those who make careers out of receiving foodstamps and those who create CAREERS that sustain them financially? What will I find? What will be the major differences?

I do not have the group mentality and I am not a follower, but if time after time I witness the most successful women practicing certain habits I would be a fool not to try them out for myself. In this case it is important to align your practices with those you admire instead of those who claim victimhood. Foodstamps are for people who need 'help'.

HELP!

I am glad this program exists for those who do need help but for me, I'm using this ENDING as a signal that I am ready for more responsibility and more abundance in my life. I want to be a GIVER of help instead of a receiver. I'm done with foodstamps and I hope this lasts forever.

Is This Blog For You?


You might be new to My Savvy Sisters and you're clicking links and reading articles and you're not too sure if this is a place you want to visit again.

It's okay. We understand.

To help you decide we've made a bullet list of statements that describe the chief ideals we present and attitudes of the women who typically love our blog.

Sift through and see if you fit in.

This blog is for you if:

  • You are working to spearhead a movement that will help enrich the lives of others.
  • You want to learn how to achieve your dreams.
  • You love your life and want to connect with other women who feel the same way.
  • You are currently in a situation that is less than ideal and you want to learn how to move on from it.
  • You don't have friends who believe in your dreams.
  • You are an entrepreneur who wants to share your work with other women.
  • You want to learn how to love yourself more and judge yourself less.
  • You need help understanding and accepting yourself and your preferences.
  • You need help figuring out your next step in life.
  • You appreciate words of encouragement.
  • You want to learn from women who have successfully achieved their goals.
  • You are typically the outcast in social or work environments because of your lifestyle and opinions.
  • You are seeking enlightenment.
  • Your spiritual path plays a major role in your success.
  • You are open to being exposed to new perspectives about life, love and business.
  • You realize that you are capable of making the rules for your life.

This blog is NOT for you if:
  • You want to hear the latest celebrity gossip.
  • You are interested in fashion and beauty tips.
  • Successful women make you angry.
  • You believe you have all of life figured out.
  • Your beliefs are so strong that you shun anyone who disagrees with them.
  • You take pleasure in criticizing the lives of others.
  • You need to know what happened on Housewives last night.
  • You believe working for someone else your entire life makes you successful.
  • You desperately need to get married.
  • You never ask- Why?

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

The Leap Year 'Leap Day' Challenge


Today is February 29th. It seems a bit odd for February to have 29 days but here it is due to a glitch in the calendar which means that every four years, an extra day is added to the calendar.

What does this mean for My Savvy Sisters?

Well, since this day is special, why not make it even more special by doing the unthinkable? What is it that you have been wanting to do but haven't had the guts to do? Who have you wanted to call? What have you always wanted to get rid of? What have you been holding yourself back from doing for years when you know it will be beneficial to you?

Today is the day to create a lasting story to repeat to your children's children or your girlfriends over drinks.

In four years I want you to be able to call someone and say, "I remember it was on a leap year, 2012, the exact day that usually doesn't even exist- I actually (insert amazing story here)."

Make today MONUMENTAL in your life story.

If you're even more daring- share your story in the comments.

Why Do Parents Choose A Home School Education?

By Nancy Jason

Education is an important problem in society, especially to young people and children . An increasing number of children today are receiving a home school education. The reasons for making the choice to homeschool their kids varies from family to family but there are three main reasons why parents are removing their children from the public school system and giving them a home school education.

The first reason is that the public education system in the United States is struggling to provide a proper education for the nations children with out of date text books, run down school buildings and inadequate equipment. Provision of a home school education enables the parents to have control over the quality of the educational materials used by their children and the general conditions in which they are educated.

The second reason is that parents wish to assume more control over the influences their children will be exposed to. This is often on the basis of religious grounds but, very often, it is simply because a home school education will ensure the child learns the values upheld by the family and is taught from an early age what behavior is appropriate. Unfortunately, many public schools have a poor reputation for instilling good discipline in students. This often results in badly behaved children disrupting lessons and preventing their peers from getting the full benefit of classes. Discipline and the upholding of proper standards of behavior is an important part of a home school education.

The third reason many parents choose to give their children a home school education is fear for their safety. Violence is on the increase everywhere and the public school system has not escaped this trend. Violence in the public education system is getting worse and the individual acts of violence are more serious. Since the shocking events at Columbine High School there have been further tragedies involving firearms where teachers and students have been injured or killed. A home school education ensures the safety of children who would otherwise be seriously at risk of harm.

The Disadvantages of Opting For Homeschooling

Providing a home school education is not simply a matter of parental choice. In most cases the state education board of the state in which the family resides will have to approve a decision to give a child a home school education. The person taking on the responsibility of homeschooling must be certified to be a home teacher, the curriculum must follow the state curriculum, and the text books and other educational materials to be used must be approved by the state. Although this might seen like undue interference in what is a matter of personal choice, the state has a responsibility to ensure that all children receive an adequate standard of education and checks will be made to ensure that any child being kept away from public school is being properly educated.

A home school education might mean that a child is deprived of certain opportunities which would have been available within the public school system. There could be difficulties in providing facilities for athletic children to realize their potential. Musically talented children could be similarly disadvantaged. In some states there is provision for children receiving a home school education to take part in amenities such as being able to attend sports lessons and join after-school clubs. However, the level of assistance provided to homeschooling parents is not uniform and varies a lot from state to state.

The final potential disadvantage to affect children receiving a home school education is that they will not develop the social skills which will be important as they grow up. Social interaction with their peers and with adults outside the family is essential if a child is going to grow up with a properly balance personality and a reasonable level of social skills. These developmental issues can be fairly easily overcome if the child lives in a state where homeschooling parents are given support and the child receiving a home school education is accepted into classes and extra-curricular activities.

The decision to keep a child out of the public education system is not one any parent would make lightly and any weighing up of the pros and cons must take into account the level of support the state will provide. However, if the public school system continues to deteriorate, the number of children receiving a home school education is bound to increase.

Article Source

Female Episcopal Priests Balance on Schism's Edge


By Alexandra Poolos
WeNews correspondent

As the Episcopal Church's first female presiding bishop faces pressure on same-sex unions, female priests say the schism threat places intensified scrutiny on their own leadership.

(WOMENSENEWS)--The current rift between the Anglican Communion and the Episcopal Church, its U.S. body, leaves female priests at a turning point, says the Rev. Margaret Rose, head of the women's ministries at the Episcopal Church.

"We are either headed for annihilation or a conversation that is more healing if we can find a way for women and men to work together," she said in an interview last week.

After a heated five-day meeting in Tanzania that ended on Monday, the global Anglican Communion delivered an ultimatum to the Episcopal Church.

Leaders of Anglican provinces around the world told the Episcopal Church to bar gay men and lesbians from becoming bishops and halt official blessings of same-sex unions if it wants to remain part of the Anglican Communion, a world-wide affiliation of Anglican churches. A decision must be made by Sept. 30.

With the outspoken Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori at the helm, the U.S. branch of the church is not expected to budge.

Schori released a statement just after the meeting that said the struggle for equality for gay men and lesbians would eventually prevail, drawing an analogy with the end of slavery.

Many Protestant churches, including the Episcopal Church, ordain women, but the Southern Baptist Church does not, nor do the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox denominations.

'More Conservative Pressure'
"There is more conservative pressure," said Rose, who is based in New York. "But we're seeing that the way Schori is responding is a model for us: her insistence in the belief that all people should be at the table and that the dialogue should continue."

The crisis comes at a still vulnerable time for female leaders in the Episcopal Church, where women's overall numbers have been rising rapidly but where fewer than 10 percent of rectors--priests that oversee parishes--are female, according to a 2003 study on pastoral leadership sponsored by the Duke University Divinity School.

Rose says many female priests are on edge about what's going to happen to the church but many agree with Schori, who, since taking her office and through the current divide, has expressed confidence that the church will not split and that only a handful of churches express dissatisfaction with the church's overall mission.

The Episcopal Church has been under pressure from traditionalists at home and abroad since the 2003 consecration of the first openly gay bishop, V. Gene Robinson of New Hampshire.

Schori, 52, became the first female presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church since it began ordaining women 30 years ago after she was elected in June 2006 and took over the post in November.

While criticism of Schori is now focused on her support of an openly gay bishop and church blessings for same-sex couples, some think that Schori herself is part of the uproar.

'Delayed Response'
"This is a delayed response to the election of women," said Richard Valantasis, director of Anglican studies at Emory University in Atlanta, explaining that the decision to ordain women still rankles. "That is where the real global resistance is."

Rose agrees.

"The issue at its base is a gender issue," Rose said. "Part of the conversation that has not happened has to do with sexuality in general, which has to do with the nature of marriage as it is seen and lived out across the globe. It has to do with sexuality as it relates to men and women together. It has to do with inclusion and exclusion of the body. It certainly has to do with women's leadership."

The Rev. Astrid Storm, a 31-year-old vicar of St. Nicholas-On-The-Hudson, a small Episcopal parish in New York, speaks and writes in online journals about sexuality and often counsels women on issues related to reproduction.

"I think that women can raise awareness about political issues, like gay marriage," Storm said in an interview in a Manhattan coffee shop before the Tanzania meeting.

Although she is pro-choice, Storm says her pastoral duty is to listen to women struggling with sexuality and childbearing decisions. "It's hurtful when we don't talk about these issues. It's hurtful that they can't bring to church a part of their lives," she said. "I've had women admit to me that they've had abortions, and there's a lot of pain around that."

But institutional tensions within the church make Storm worry that her progressive practices would put her under new scrutiny.

Poverty Focus Advised
"I've had people say if I talk too openly about pre-marital sex, the fewer jobs I'll be able to get because it's so provocative," Storm said. One church leader, she said, has recommended she focus on less controversial issues, such as poverty.

While female priests such as Schori, Rose and Storm have publicly embraced progressive positions, many others have not. The Rev. Carol Anderson, rector of the All Saints Episcopal Church in Beverly Hills, Calif., for instance, has fought for female priesthood since the 1970s, but has publicly expressed disinterest in using her pulpit for women's causes.

Since she became pastor in the late 1980s, attendance at Sunday services has nearly doubled to 3,000 and she has said that her example proves that women can get ahead in the priesthood.

Storm, for her part, says she knows that political and social activism could be a career risk.

But she says being a modern female priest means bringing spirituality down to earth and she is sure that plenty of congregants appreciate her efforts.

"A lot of people are very affirmative of what we're doing," she says. "People come in and say 'when I saw you there, I knew there was a place for me.'"


Original article source

Lady Killers Special: Settle The Score With Your Ex at Machine Gun Vegas

They say hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, and now there’s a new way to harness the power of this old adage without going to jail. Newly single ladies can release their pent up anger at their ex with Machine Gun Vegas’ latest package called ‘Lady Killers’.

Release the heat from within your soul with each round as you grip your Uzi and take a shot for:

1. Not inviting me to prom back in high school.
2. Telling me my sister was hot.
3. Telling me my butt was big.
4. Not proposing to me yet.
5. Not being Matthew McConaughey.

Or, simply imagine your former partner as the target and release the rage that women were taught to repress. No one is judging you here, let the bullets fly with a vengeance as you fire off 25 rounds on an Uzi fully automatic machine gun. Finish him off with your choice of 20 rounds released from the sweet sensation of gripping a Sig Sauer 226, Glock 17 or Springfield XDM 9mm.

In luxurious and secure surroundings, just 10 minutes from the famous Strip, the package for Femme Fatales (French for “deadly woman”) with a few things on their mind is just $89.95. And ladies, while it might not really hurt Mr. Wrong, it sure as hell will make you feel better about Linkyour broken heart.

For more information, visit machinegunsvegas.com.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

EDITORIAL: Military Whistleblower Could Face Life In Prison

By Christina Fermin
Politics & Society

For those who have not heard of Bradley Manning, you should take special attention. Bradley Manning is a 24 year-old Army intelligence analyst who was arrested in 2010 on suspicion of giving whistleblower Wikileaks over 700,000 classified documents pertaining to the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. In July 2010 he was charged with transferring classified information to an unauthorized source. Early 2011, Manning was charged with 22 other additional charges and recommended for court-martial, a military court, where you are tried by military law. Just a few days ago, his arraignment began, if convicted he could face life in prison.

Manning is suspected of leaking the infamous video Collateral Murder which shows a US helicopter killing unarmed iraqi civilians, Reuters reporters and children. If Manning is truly guilty for these crimes, I congratulate him for his courageous efforts in bringing the truth to the public about the Iraq and Afghan war. It was in light of this information that was released of the war for the people to begin the process of understanding a war that has taken over a decade to fight with the premise of ending terrorism and finding “weapons of mass destruction.” When in fact weapons of mass destruction were never in Iraq and intelligence knew this and terrorism has actually grown and become an even greater force in the Middle East.

The idea that war brings peace is an oxymoron beyond the definition of one. War will never bring peace nor will it ever truly defeat an enemy. It has become apparent in the last few years that the reasons for entering war, especially Iraq were other motivated factors with other interests which may or may not include control of oil. Whatever the reasons behind the motivation for war, it was a lie facilitated by our government, our intelligence agencies and many other actors. What Bradley Manning did was expose the rampant corruption and lies of the people we elected into power to serve our interests. Instead they attend to the coffers of those who lavish them with gifts and promises of grandeur. War is a billion dollar business.

Now because this young man, a hero if he did in fact leak this information, sits in solitary confinement, abused and cut off from family and friends in a military brig in Virginia. Bradley Manning exposed war crimes, government lies and what seems to be severe causality losses. Bradley Manning has not received fair treatment in his right to a fair and speedy trial, 295 scholars have written letters objecting to the conditions of Manning’s detention while also stating his Constitutional rights have been violated. In 2011 and again in 2012 Bradley Manning has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for his act of valor. What he did will forever be remembered and we must not allow this man to go unnoticed for his efforts and we must fight for his freedom!

When will the people stand up and say enough is enough? How many more of our children have to come home in body bags to weeping mothers? How many more of our children have to come home with psychological problems beyond repair? How many more of our children have to come home with horrific disfigurations and battle scars? The toll these wars have taken on this nation have yet to come. We have just hit the tip of the iceberg with the economy and we have a generation that will have some serious issues to face in the years to come.

While I focus on the issues that pertain to us here in the US, I can only imagine the horror in Iraq and Afghanistan. With over 150,000 civilian causalities combined (conservative estimate) can you imagine the pain, suffering and destruction brought upon those countries. What will become of the next generation? How will they ever rise above third world status now? The worst part about war....it is the innocent people who suffer most. The people responsible are dead or alive somewhere else, the new people in power are corrupt to the bone, food, water and shelter are scarce and their way of life has been completely disrupted and altered and probably even scarred for life. You have a generation of people who will forever hate us here in the US.

Take action, together unified will be the only way to stop the war. It was the people who ended the Vietnam war and it will be the people again to end all wars. Peace will only come when we forge the way for Peace to blossom.

To learn more:

End the wars

http://iam.bradleymanning.org/

Afghan War

Collateral Murder Video

Bradley Manning




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 27, 2012

Meryl Streep, Octavia Spencer Take Home Oscars

Meryl Streep was awarded the Oscar for Best Actress in her role in The Iron Lady and Octavia Spencer received the Best Supporting Actress nod for her work in The Help during the 84th Annual Academy Awards.























Women Nominated For Oscars in the 84th Academy Awards

Letty Aronson- Producer- Best Picture- Midnight In Paris
Rachael Horovitz-Producer- Best Picture- Moneyball
Sarah Green- Producer- Best Picture- The Tree of Life
Kathleen Kennedy- Producer- Best Picture- War Horse

Glenn Close- Best Actress- Albert Nobbs
Viola Davis- Best Actress- The Help
Rooney Mara- Best Actress- The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo
Michelle Williams- Best Actress- My Week With Marilyn

Berenice Berejo- Actress In a Supporting Role- The Artist
Jessica Chastain- Actress In a Supporting Role- The Help
Melissa McCarthy- Actress In a Supporting Role- Bridesmaids
Janet McTeer- Actress In a Supporting Role- Albert Nobbs

Jennifer Yu Nelson- Animated Feature Film- Kung Fu Panda 2

Stephenie McMillan- Art Direction- Harry Potter and the Deathly Harrows Part 2
Anne Seibel & Helene Dubreuil- Art Direction- Midnight In Paris

Sandy Powell- Costume Design- Hugo
Arianne Philips- Costume Design- W.E.
Lisy Christy- Costume Design - Anonymous

Rebecca Cammisa & Julie Anderson- Documentary Short- God Is The Bigger Elvis
Lucy Walker & Kira Carstensen - Documentary Short- The Tsunami & The Cherry Blossom

Anne Sophie-Bion - Film Editing- The Artist
Thelma Schoonmaker- Film Editing- Hugo

Lynn Johnston- MakeUp- Albert Nobbs
Amanda Knight & Lisa Tomblin - MakeUp- Harry Potter & The Deathly Harrows Part 2

Amanda Forbis & Wendy Tilby - Short Film (Animated)- Wild Life
Gigi Causey- Short Film (Live Action) - Time Freak

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