Sign The Petition To Keep Federal Funds For Planned Parenthood

Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to strip Planned Parenthood of all federal funding. The community of men and women who rely on this valuable source of health care are saddened and outraged.

For years as I traveled across many states and cities, I knew that if times were rough and I needed to see someone concerning my health I could depend on Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood has been there for me and countless others across the nation. Let us join together to show our support for them by signing this petition to help them save their federal funding.

Sign Petition Now

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VIDEO: Make Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits At Home

I was a SUPERSTAR server at Red Lobster and although their Cheddar Bay Biscuits are FREE with any meal and you can take home as many as you'd like if you just ask the server, sometimes you might not want to run out and get them every time you have a craving. Try this recipe and tell me if it works for you.

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VIDEO: Florence Scovell Shinn's The Game Of Life & How To Play It

The Game Of Life & How To Play It was given to me as a gift from one of my publishers. She has no idea how much this book changed my life. It has helped me to overcome self debilitating traits and led me to focus more on what I wanted to happen instead of those things I feared.

This book taught me that my words are my wand and that I can create the life I want through the power of my thoughts and focus. The teachings of Florence Scovel Shinn have forever changed who I am.

For My Savvy Sisters who want a breakthrough I implore you, sincerely, to go out and buy this book.






Excerpt From Chapter 3 - The Power Of The Word

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Find Free Treasures With FreeCycle

I learned about FreeCycle when I was living in Houston. I was a nanny for a very savvy woman who gave me several tips about how to save money on your household needs. She showed me how to find a group in my area and register for it and then she showed me how to get the things I needed for FREE.

FreeCycle is a list of groups of people organized by neighborhood or city. When members of these groups want to give their homes an updated look, they often post their used household items on FreeCycle so that someone who needs it can come pick it up.

I gave away an Ann Taylor suit that I grew out of and I met a woman who gave me a jacket. When I had to move I gave away my bed and my coffee table on FreeCycle. None of it was damaged, I just didn't need it anymore.

Be careful when you meet anyone online though. Offer to meet them in a public place like a supermarket parking lot to make the exchange or receive your free item. If you are giving something big away, like a couch or a dresser, have someone you trust at your house with you so that you are safe.

Visit FreeCycle's website to find a group near you.

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Ease Your Fears With Detachment

Our greatest fears come from a place in our hearts that lead us to believe that we can not have or do not deserve to have good things come into our lives. We expect the worst. We plan for it. We strategize about how we will fix it when it happens. We become defensive in our interactions, thereby sabotaging our success which eventually affirms our core belief.

We make our fears come true.

One way that I have learned to stop this destructive habit is to practice detachment. Detaching yourself from your desires is a sure fire way to ease your fears.

How do you know if you are attached instead of detached?

Try this exercise:

List your top 3 major desires. These 3 things must be things you want to happen with all of your heart.

Next, on a scale from 1 to 5 with one being Indifferent and 5 being Completely Heartbroken, rate how would you feel if each of your desires NEVER HAPPENED?

The closer your ratings are to the number 5, the more attached you are.

When you can understand that NOTHING has to happen in order for you to be happy, then you will experience a sense of peace that withstands all weathers. Your fears will subside because you'll know that even if your fears come true, you can still be happy.

Relax. Trust that everything will be okay.

Believe in your greatest dreams and do not allow anyone, especially your own thoughts, to tell you that you don't deserve them.

You do deserve them.

And so what if they never come true. What you are really hoping for is the emotion behind seeing the fruition of the dream. Define that emotion and decide to experience it right now.

For My Savvy Sisters: Do you remember a time when you stopped TRYING and what you wanted seemed to appear magically in your life?

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Free Training for High School Teachers

RESTON, Va., Feb. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As part of its national effort to help teens develop and embrace 21st century literacy skills, my.hsj.org and hsj.org seek high school teachers for an expenses-paid, two-week summer institute.

One hundred and seventy-five teachers will be selected to attend the 2011 Reynolds High School Journalism Institute. The deadline for applications is March 1.

There is no cost to the teacher or high school. Students, especially those who take part in journalism classes or clubs are the ultimate beneficiaries, emerging as stronger readers, writers, critical thinkers and communicators. Teachers from high schools that lack online student media or have struggling journalism programs are especially encouraged to apply.

Transportation, lodging, meals, materials, tuition and continuing education credits are covered by a grant from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation.

The Institute will take place at five accredited journalism schools:

• Arizona State University, Phoenix
• University of Texas at Austin
• Kent State University, Ohio
• University of Nevada, Reno
• University of Missouri, Columbia

Details and an online application form are available at: http://hsj.org/reynolds

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Savvy Blogger We Love- Serenity 23

Valerine Conerly

Insurance Adjuster

Capricorn

Valerine Conerly is a single mom and insurance adjuster who picked up and moved to a new city sight unseen and started a new career. Much of her life transition has been captured in her blog Serenity 23.

“I have been blogging since spring of 2005. I LOVE blogging because it gives me a written record of the growth in my life. It also allows me to invite others to follow along my life path and watch me set goals, grow, reach those goals and just enjoy life. I hope that other women who read my blog leave feeling inspired that they can do anything that they set their minds too and that my blog is like a family. I also show that I am constantly working on my spiritual walk and while I have stumbles and falls, I'm always right back up trying to be and do better,” Conerly said.

Conerly believes everyone has to create their own life path, “Being savvy to me means that I set a goal and it may involve networking, stepping out and taking some risks, finding a support group or a mentor, but I use all my resources to help me reach that goal.”

We love Serenity 23 because she is a dedicated blogger, mother and life enthusiast. You can follow her journey and appreciation for wine, shoes and natural hair by going to http://serenity23.blogspot.com/

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President Obama Honors Dr. Michelle Williams

Dr. Williams receives the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring

SEATTLE, Feb. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. President Barack Obama has selected Dr. Michelle Williams as one of the nation's top science, mathematics, and engineering mentors. Dr. Williams is co-director and principal investigator at the Center for Perinatal Studies at Swedish, the largest, most comprehensive non-profit health provider in the greater Seattle area. Dr. Williams is one of 11 individuals and four organizations chosen to receive the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring. You could say: These mentors met with President Obama in the Oval office and received their awards at a special White House ceremony on January 27.

The Presidential honor is awarded by the White House annually to individuals or organizations in recognition of the crucial role that mentoring plays in the academic and personal development of students studying science or engineering—particularly those who belong to groups that are underrepresented in those fields. By offering their expertise and encouragement, mentors help prepare the next generation of scientists and engineers while ensuring that tomorrow's innovators reflect the full diversity of the United States.

Candidates for the Presidential Mentoring Awards are nominated by colleagues, administrators and students in their home institutions. The mentoring can involve students at any grade level from elementary through graduate school. In addition to being honored at the White House, recipients receive awards of$10,000 to advance their mentoring efforts.

"Dr. Williams is a true asset to our community. She has gone above her normal day job to ensure that our Puget Sound region remains on the forefront of top tier science and engineering," said Mark Reisman, M.D., Swedish's chief scientific officer and head of research. "We are really honored to have Dr. Williams as part of our Swedish team and congratulate her on this incredible award."

Dr. Williams' Center for Perinatal Studies is a multidisciplinary research program involving clinical scholars, basic scientists and epidemiologists. Her research program focuses on integrating genomic sciences and epidemiological research methods to identify risk factors, diagnostic markers, treatments, and prevention targets for disorders that contribute to maternal and infant mortality.

Always interested in engaging young scholars in research, Dr. Williams, her collaborators and her cadre of pre- and post-doctoral fellows actively study cohorts of pregnant women as they work to understand the determinants of preterm delivery, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and placental abruption. Her research laboratory at Swedish is working to identify unique gene expression patterns that may be used to predict which pregnant women will go on to develop hypertension in late pregnancy or deliver prematurely.

In addition to her position at Swedish, Dr. Williams is a University of Washington professor of epidemiology and global health, in the School of Public Health. She is also director of both the Multidisciplinary International Research Training Program, which she founded in 1993, and the Reproductive Pediatric and Prenatal Epidemiology Training Program at the university. In addition, she is an affiliate investigator at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, Wash. and has authored or co-authored more than 230 original research publications.

Dr. Williams is a second generation Jamaican American who grew up in Queens, New York, and attended public schools. Successful encouragement by high school teachers motivated her to earn her B.A. in genetics from Princeton University. She then continued to Tufts University earning her Masters in Science, and finally her Doctorate in epidemiology from Harvard University.

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So You Wanna Be Rich? 7 Traits Of The Filthy Rich

Who among us hasn't daydreamed about flying around the country in a private jet, hob knobbing with the country's elite while being waited on hand and foot by servants?

Even this daydream is attainable for those who start from nothing. Since I am a student of success, which means I study the lives of successful people, I will share what I believe it takes to get to the land of the wealthy.

1. You have to be crazy. Yes, you read correctly. You can not attain heights that few have attained if you are normal and follow the crowd in thought and habits. People are labeled 'crazy' when they dare to dream dreams or take risks that the average person would be too afraid to. There is nothing wrong with being a little crazy. You have to be in order to achieve something great. It was crazy for Thomas Edison to believe that he could invent artificial light. It was crazy for the Wright Brothers to think they could invent a machine that allowed them to fly. You will be labeled 'crazy' too and that is a sure fire sign that you are on your way.

2. You must become an entrepreneur. No one ever became rich by working for someone else. It doesn't matter how many raises you get or tax brackets you break, the TRULY rich and successful had to strike out on their own. You must figure out which product you have to offer and sell it, even if you are your own product. Your product can also be your ideas or any information that you feel might be valuable to others. You know your niche. You already know what areas you are an expert in. Even if it seems unbelievable, it isn't. Someone needs you to teach them or give them what you have to offer and you can profit from this.

3. Invest in yourself. You must become knowledgeable about the service you will provide. Read books on others who have become successful in this area. Go to school if an education will make you more credible. Invest time, energy and money into making yourself into the person you want to be. It's not simply about appearance, although that helps. It is more about the inner person being developed and the wisdom being gained from your experiences.

4. Downgrade your lifestyle. While many will not have to cut back on expenses, most will. It is a good idea to downgrade your lifestyle for now so that you can fully invest in your success. It will become a trying time for you because you will see people around you and it seems as though they are flourishing while you are planting seeds. They are flourishing into their dream and you are blossoming into yours so it does not matter what is going on in their life.

5. Safeguard your dream. The truly successful hold on to their dream as if it is the Holy Grail. You must safeguard your dream by never allowing any negative talk from yourself or others to taint it. You can do it. You can have it. Never allow anyone to cause you to disbelieve that.

6. You have to do the work. Sure, blessings come in all forms, but for the wildly successful they have to at least show up and move their hands. If your dream is something that brings you pleasure then working at it will not feel like work at all. Step by step you take action. While you are taking action you must believe that this action will yield the results that you want. Take action. Take action again. Believe that you can have the results you desire.

7. You must eliminate fear of failure. What is the worst that can happen? Well, if it happens will you die from the catastrophe? As long as you have another breath you can look at the situation and make a change and try again. Your opportunities to try again are limitless. You always get another chance to turn a failure into a success. Eliminate your fear of failure by facing it. You WILL fail. All successful people do. The only difference between them and the ordinary is, they didn't allow it to cause them to stop trying. If you never give up you will get there.

There is a science to getting rich that you can develop to help you along your way. You can find out more about a program developed decades ago which has led many into a financial breakthrough by taking a look at this guide.

For My Savvy Sisters: What would you do first if you could have the riches you envision? How would it change your life?

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Statement From The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy on President Obama’s FY 2012 Budget Proposal

WASHINGTON, Feb. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- President Obama's FY 2012 budget proposal, released on February 14, 2011, provides much-needed ongoing support for several programs that help reduce teen and unplanned pregnancy. Highlights include:

• $120 million for evidence-based teen pregnancy prevention programs. This would continue support at current levels for $75 million in community-based grants that replicate effective programs and$25 million in research and demonstration grants to test and evaluate innovative strategies. It maintains current funding of $10 million for technical assistance and program support, and increases funding for rigorous evaluation of programs funded under this initiative from $4 million to $8 million.
• $75 million in continued mandatory funding for the Personal Responsibility Education Program to educate youth on both abstinence and contraception for the prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. This includes approximately $50 million in formula grants to states for evidence-based programs that also help young people prepare for adulthood. The remaining $25 million provides continued support for innovative grants focused on at-risk youth, grants for Indian tribes and tribal organizations, and research, training, and technical assistance.
• $22 million for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's project to address teen pregnancy through multi-component, community-wide initiatives within the Safe Motherhood Project, an increase of $7 million over the FY 2010 appropriated level.
• $327 million for the Title X family planning program, an increase of $10 million over the FY 2010 appropriated level.

In addition, the President has proposed new funding to improve K-12 education and college readiness and completion to ensure that students are prepared to succeed and compete in the global economy. As the Administration and Congress work to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and take other steps to increase the number of college graduates in the United States, it is important to consider that teen pregnancy is a key reason why students drop out of high school, and unplanned pregnancy is an important factor that makes it hard for older teens and young adults to complete their higher education goals.

At a time when the nation faces a very difficult fiscal situation, The National Campaign applauds the Administration's commitment to these important initiatives. According to National Campaign CEO, Sarah Brown, "Reducing teen and unplanned pregnancy is a cost-effective way to improve our nation's health, strengthen education and workforce competitiveness, and reduce taxpayer costs. In particular, we commend the President's strong support for funding evidence-based approaches. These critical and timely investments are more important than ever given that teen and unplanned pregnancy in the U.S. remains far higher than among other countries with which we compete. We look forward to working with the Administration and Congress to provide continued funding for these common-sense programs that work to improve outcomes for this generation and the next."

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How To Survive - Living With Your Parents (Again)

Life is funny sometimes.

You never know what the next day might bring. Something happened in the cosmos and you find yourself having to move back in with your parents. You may be in the midst of a financial crisis or maybe you need space from your romantic partner. You could be going through a mental crisis or just in need of that loving touch from the people who raised you.

Regardless of the situation, you find yourself sitting across the dinner table from them. They look a little different. A few extra gray hairs but they are still pretty much the same. You can't believe this is happening but you KNOW you have to survive this.

Here's how:

1) Take care of their home. Although you are an adult you are still living with your parents so there is a certain amount of respect that needs to be shown. They are taking care of you again and they do not have to. Show appreciation by taking care of things without them having to tell you to.

2) Allow them the authority to make the rules. Your parents may have worked for decades on end to support you. They have battled with unruly bosses and vicious co workers. They have had to swallow their pride and bite their tongues on so many occasions. Their home may be the only place where they have full authority and it is not uncommon for them to go overboard in setting guidelines. Give them that authority in their house. Let go of trying to prove to them that you are your own person and you are an adult. They know that. Do what they ask you to and do it with a smile. This will keep them generally happy and then you are able to get the relief you need to position yourself to move out.

3) Pay a bill. Whenever you have money, give them a portion. Pay an entire bill if you can but if you can't, be sure to do enough chores so that they will begin to see that having you back at home is a benefit instead of a burden.

4) Spend time with them. They haven't had you around in a while so they may actually want to get to know you as an adult. Offer to do things with them that they like to do every once in a while. Show an interest in their lives. This will make them happier to see you. Use this circumstance as an opportunity to create more beautiful memories with them that you will cherish forever.

5) Get out of the house. Don't spend your days sulking around, angry at the world. They are not used to having you there and they will welcome a chance to have some quiet time alone. Plan activities away from the house. Don't use their place as a motel where you simply sleep though. When you do come home, bring a treat for them and keep them smiling everyday.

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Kmart Launches Love Your Style Collection for Plus-Size Women

The New Line Encourages Women to 'Love Your Style, Love Your Size'

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., Feb. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Kmart will debut LYS—Love Your Style, Love Your Size—this month, a new and exclusive plus-size apparel line. The collection features trend-forward separates designed to flatter plus-size women of all shapes and sizes. From printed halters to skinny jeans and tunic dresses, LYS features must-have pieces that will add a contemporary element to any woman's look

The LYS collection offers items that are easy to mix and match to create casual yet sophisticated looks from head to toe. The ready-to-wear collection ranges from drape-front sweaters, cropped jackets and reversible tank tops to denim cargo, satin pants, embellished leggings and tiered miniskirts. The LYS line offers its endless chic combinations in the seasons' hottest colors to help women transition seamlessly from the work week to the weekend.

"Over the past year, we have strengthened our brand offerings in apparel to appeal to a young, contemporary customer," said Tara Poseley, senior vice president and president of Kmart Apparel. "The launch of LYS sends another strong message to the market that Kmart is serious about fashion and committed to bringing incredible style and quality to all women. With the addition of labels like LYS, theSofia Vergara Collection, Bongo and Dream Out Loud by Selena Gomez, we're giving them a number of compelling reasons to shop our stores or check us out online."

The LYS collection arrives just in time for spring. Kmart will offer the separates in a price range of $14.99 to $29.99. The LYS collection is currently available in 450 stores across the nation and online in a variety of sizes, including 1X to 3X and 18W to 26W.

"We are always looking for ways to enhance our brand portfolio to better meet the fashion needs of all of our customers," said John Goodman, executive vice president of Apparel and Home for Sears Holdings. "Many retailers overlook the plus-size category, which has created an opportunity for Kmart to become a destination for that particular customer. We are excited to launch LYS, offering trends and styles that all women want, at approachable prices."

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