A Return on Your Investment

Welp, if you are here looking for money tips , leave now. This is a strictly personal tool-tip. I believe that investing is so much more than financial success. Please, don't misunderstand me, I whole heartedly believe in financial security and monetary investments. I also believe that we've gotten away from emotional investments. So many are looking for short term fixes to long term problems. My thoughts and skill sets lead me to believe that if I invest in you emotionally, my return yield will be so much more than the current cost of Apple stock. Emotional investments take time, courage, patience, and understanding. It also requires a stiff upper lip at times. I take pride in emotionally investing in those around me. I have a high regard for their success as human beings as well as the career paths they choose. I want each generation to do more, have more, learn more than the one prior. It is with so much pride that I look at my younger nieces, nephews, cousins, and family friends. They are college educated, spritually connected, forward thinking people. They dreams I have for them have no limits. I have invested in each of them in different ways and to varying degrees. You have to help people see their worth, potential, and ability to achieve. Through this method, we help the next generation move beyond where we are. I did not always practice this personal tool. I learned it from my bestie, my sister, my friend. She is the MOST kind and giving woamn I know. She emotionally invests in me daily and each day I am blessed for it. She taught me and still teaches me the importance of WORDS and their power. I hope I speak truth and honor in my daily walk. I hope the same for you. Here are a few flicks of me this week, living in my truth! The good, the bad, and the supa cute! HA!! Your sister friend, savings guru, all around gal pal! OHDADIVA

Don't Shade My Shine!

Daily, we encounter those folks whose energy and vibe is so negative, it's palpable. Their negativity takes on a persona all its own. Merely being in their presence is a drain to the aura and dynamics of a room. These Sad Stans and Debbie Downers can take you from 100 to 0 in 60 seconds flat with a simple word, gesture, or deed. I have decided that for me this will no longer be the case. My mantra, the truth I stand firm in, is "you will not shade my shine". Loosely translated, this means you can miss me with that bull$&@t. Life is so precious. Everyday, every minute you deserve to be living your best life. This is not to say there will not be challenges, but its the way we overcome thme that MATTERS. Do not let anyone, be it family, friend, or foe shade your shine. Be the bright light you were destined to be. I try to let my inner light shine from inside out. Start letting your character and natural charisma work for you, I promise, you'll thank me later. This is my sage advice for today. Here is a photo of me with my beams on bright, no foggy day for me. OHDADIVA Your sister friend, savings guru, all around gal pal!



No rest for the weary

Today was awesome. Nothing happened , it just was an awesome day. I spent little or no money and I am cleaning closets. I have 1 son who is experiencing multiple growth spurts. I am buying shoes every other month or so. He had a "fresh to death" pair of Addidas that got no hang time before they were to small. I found a young man with the same size(10.5 in mens) that could benefit, I gladly gave them to him. I don't believe in giving things that are tired, worn, or in disrepair. It's an insult and grossly inappropriate. My other child has just inched past me, so fortunately, I get the benefit of his too little shoes. I am not a sneaker person per se, but I am on a weight-health journey. I want 2012 to be the year of mental, physical, and financial clarity. My blog will be sort of a life style blog. I might post some outfits, videos about my coupon scores, or things that I purchased. I feel so much strength from writing my feelings and thoughts, this could quite possibly be my Fantastic Voyage. You know the song come sing it with me.

I am in the honeymoon stage.

Setting up a blog is intoxicating. It is a personal-public way of expressing opinions, grattitude, or venting about "that bullsh$@" we encounter in life. I find myself in need of a great vent. Family dynamics can be so complex and multi-faceted. I am learning the power of "no". This word is a honorable thing. It gives the user the power to stand up or down on what ever platform presented in front of them. I hope to get better each day at the power of " no" so that I always understand the proper time for yes. I promise, last blog for today.

My favorite things

I want my blog to be a lifestlye blog. I want it to encompass my hopes, dreams, actions, and deeds. I hope it be be a visceral part of my being. I want to clearly translate my thoughts into words that can help me understand lifes everyday challenges. Prior to my 2012 committment to spending less and saving more, I was a bit of a spendaholic, what the heck, let me tell, I was a shopping FOOL. I loved the feeling of walking into a store, visualizing an ensemble, and LEAVING with it. I have a closet packed with things with tags. I purchased them with the intent of a Fabulous Future look. I am learning to surround myself with only those things that truly matter and add value to my life. I love the feel of Nivea face- hand cream, it makes skin so soft. Lumene face cleanser is a must for the rough winter weather months. Bliss Eau de Toilette spray is light and crisp enough for any season. The fragrance is feminine without being overbearing. It can be worn year round. I LURVE(my tete's pronunciation of love) Pandora jewelry. It is a modern twist on a classic look. I have limited charms on my bracelet and I hope that changes as birthdays and holidays arrive. This is a HINT!!!!! Lastly, my coupon caddy. My guys gave it to me and I will rock it until the wheels fall off! They know the importance of couponing to me and this gift was their way of sharing this hobby too. Rounding out my favorite things are my IPad 2 and lemon scented lip balm. These are my favorite things.



Your sister friend, savings guru, all around gal pal!

OHDADIVA