Relevance

Photo by G. Battle

We are where we're supposed to be, otherwise there's no relevance.

By Me, For Me, Thank God!

Photo by Suat Eman

Today was a fabulous day for me. I woke up, praised God and gave thanks! I was more attentive to myself than I had been for awhile and took a very long, hot, luxurious bubble bath. The bubbles are normally reserved for late evenings to relax and wash the day away.

Next, I meticulously applied mascara and a very smokey eyeshadow to my eyes, not usually my taste for work or daytime. I took a little extra care coiffing my hair; all the while contemplating what I would wear.

Straight Up!

Seriously, being in your 30s is not the new 20s, and being in your 40s is not the new 30s.

For some women, the pleasure of lowering their digits, whether it's her age or weight, is a method of diluting the truth about... (ugh - I can't even say it,) aging and beauty in a society that mostly rewards people for their looks. If you are female, there is an unrealistically high societal expectation, to be a '10' on a scale of 1-10. So not fair!

A Soft Place to Fall

After a long, hard day at work, we all yearn for a soft place to fall, whether or not we work outside the home or not. We look forward to leaving the work behind at the end of the day and relaxing in the safety of our comfort zone.

As a reminder, a house is nothing more than a structure of walls, cement, plumbing and lighting, if you're lucky, but a home is filled with the things you treasure most, especially the people who love and respect you.

What the jewelry he gives you means

Photo by photostock www.freedigitalphotos.com/photostock

A full hour with the beautiful and newly thin, Patti Stangler on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen on a Valentine's Day Special, was filled with love match-matching games, 'plead the fifth game,' questions from viewers via the phone and Skype with plenty of advice on dating, love and marriage.

As usual, Patti was straight forward, yet a little more demure than normal. Seemingly, there was a little damage control done to minimize her sometimes rough exterior. She spoke with authority, and was firm, however, she was not sharp tongued as she had been the last couple of times I have seen her on Watch What Happens and on Millionaire Matchmaker.

Valentine's Day Should be Every Day

Photo by Sharon Goodyear

Happy Valentine's Day! Hopefully, this is not the only day that you express your love for the people that you are surrounded by and those who love you in return.
Today is the day that Hallmark, florist's, jeweler's and chocolate companies are at their happiest, for this is the most romantic day on the calendar. It is also the most expensive individual commercial days of the year. For the sake of true love, do something that is going to be everlasting, do something that will touch someone so much that it will make a significant difference in their life. It doesn't have to involve going out and making a purchase, rather make it an opportunity to truly let it be known that you value the person, their thoughts and their talents.

6 Additional Ways To Make Income Each Month - Pt. 2

By Gina Battle
During these uncertain economic times as it pertains to our finances, future security and daily income, money has become a primary issue that weighs heavily on every one's mind. The facts are cost of living wage has only recently slightly increased, Social Security has risen for the first time in two years, and the price of consumer goods has been out of control and on the rise for many years. The reality is disproportionate to which our lives have been restructured for a myriad of reasons. There no longer seems to be any structure and many people are finding themselves very confused about what to do to earn an income or additional wages in order to keep a roof over head and food on the table.

6 Ways To Make Additional Income Each Month - Pt. 1

Many people have decided to make significant changes in their personal finances this year. Now that the time has arrived you may be wondering how to actually make some income on the side. Whether or not you're a stay at home parent, you probably have enough daily experience doing things that have become second nature to you. This could potentially be a means to make and save money and to pay your down bills. 

Here are just 6 ideas to make money, that might inspire you, as you move toward reaching and exceeding your financial goals.

This is part 1 of a series - watch for upcoming material on the topic.

Coupons, Savings and More

Nobody likes coupons and saving money more than me. That may not be entirely true. I'm sure there are others among us who are in favor of clipping coupons, copying and pasting promo codes and saving at the register, which means more money in the wallet.

One of my new favorite places is: http://www.coupondiscountcenter.com/ to view thousands of quality brand names and familiar places for retail and quality online merchandise with deals of 20% up to 90% savings, and in many cases shipping is free with purchases of $50 and up.

..And What a Year It has Been!

by Gina Battle

It's New Year, 2012 and we have said goodbye to 2011 less than 24 hours ago, and what a year it has been. It has been tumultuous; it has been filled with grief; it has been full of blessings and it has been challenging. 2011 was a year that I've been able to on certain days be extremely emotional wondering why, why, why and how, which I've never done before.

Although, I've never really ever questioned 'Why' as much as I have for the entire year, but mostly I wondered 'HOW!' How would we manage to get through a lot of these challenges and stumbling blocks at every turn? What about all the other billions of people suffering everywhere? When will they find peace through all the storms, literally and figuratively?

Bling

by Gina L Battle

Four quarter turns and the holiday season has already returned and left.

Although it was known to most of us that this annual event would occur, it doesn't seem possible, but here we go again - a brand New Year is here.

Hopefully, you were able to stick to your highly enthusiastic 2011 New Year's financial resolution to gain control of your financial situation. Can it be the financial report card reflects a significant achievement of not spending as much as in years' gone by - even saving some in the interim. Indeed, that's a tremendous accomplishment if that is what has taken place.

Yea, It's 2012, Now What?

By Gina Battle

Happy New Year Everyone! Thank you for stopping by to visit me at my blog "Dreaming in Colors" in the very beginning of 2012. I'm glad you decided to come back.

The highly anticipated brand spanking New Year 2012 has finally arrived. So, now what? Millions of us have endured difficult times for the past few years. And if you are one of the lucky one unscathed, then it's possible you know someone who may has been adversely affected by unfavorable circumstances.

Cyber Monday: Just a Click Away

Photostock

The big event called Black Friday, which started instead on Thursday, November 23, is over.

Much to the delight of thousands of store owners around the country, millions of people took special delight in participating in an unprecedented event that for some overshadowed the actual holiday by opening its doors a minimum of twelve hours early.

The stores’ expectation was for the consumers to embrace the premise of amazing sales of 50% through 90% savings in hopes the customer would be willing to go to any length to wait in line for the deal.

Black Friday Extravaganza, or Midnight Madness?

By freedigitalphotos.net

Ladies and gentlemen, it's here, it's finally here!

It's still Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, and the frenzy millions of people have been waiting for is nearing. 'Blockbuster doors' are about to open to one of two things. #1. Either 9:00 PM, Thursday or 12:00 AM, Friday, may be one of the most exhilarating days in the life of a deal maker, or #2. Stampedes of aggravated sleep deprived people who have waited on line, in some cases over a week may exchange their enthusiasm for tension and frustration.

Thanksgiving Blessings

Gina L Battle
photo by Pixomar

The 2011 holiday season is finally here. Your guests are about to arrive from various locations near and far, for a much anticipated homecoming. The festive atmosphere has gained momentum from home to the stores, and the ensuing chaos is just beginning.

During this holiday season, particularly starting with Thanksgiving, please contemplate what the season really means; family, friends and reflection. Remember those who are dearly departed and give thanks for the newborns that are coming into the family to add their special kinship to a loving family.
There are a some things to consider doing during the season with your family.

Don’t Let Obstacles Block Your Purpose: Respect Your Own Intentions

by Gina Battle

Some of the most frequently asked questions are: What is my purpose? What am I doing here? What am I supposed to do with my life? It is quite normal for people to ask these poignant questions because there may be some who feel as though they haven’t found their true calling in life - yet. It’s only a temporary glitch.

While asking these questions is natural progression in life, realizing that placing trust in your personal instinct is a crucial aspect in the process of the human experience. It’s also important to note that the passions for the many talents you possess are likely the things that will satisfy most of your unanswered questions.

October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

By: Gina Battle

Many women, men and young adults will hear 6 words no one ever wants to hear, I'm sorry, you have breast cancer.

In the event you have been living under a rock of some sort, you must be aware this is October which means it is Breast Cancer Awareness month.

This month in particular highlights the prevalence of the ravaging non-discriminating disease that if gone undetected, can cause insurmountable consequences for women; men, young adults, and their families.

Kris Jenner launches her own clothing line on QVC

Photo is not part of the collection
Image provided by Photostock

Kris Jenner, not to be outdone by her 3 eldest celebrity daughters, Kim Kardashian-Humphries, Khloe Kardashian-Odom, and Kourtney Kardashian, is launching a clothing line of her own on QVC this September. Also view http://www.qvc.com/ 
 
This coincides with the launch of the Kardashian sisters' clothing line which can be found at Sears, and of course, is timely with Fashion Week, in New York and Europe. This new juncture seems to go along with her newly rejuvenated look from a recent face lift.
Subscribe to my blog Dreaming in Colors today.

Honoring the Heroes of 9/11

photo by Paul Martin Edlridge

This week commemorates the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 horrific attacks, killing thousands of innocent people, and destroying NYC's World Financial Trade Center's Twin Towers.

This is also the 4th annual ride for the Brotherhood cyclists a group of nearly 40 riders who set out to honor the memory of the 1st responders of 9/11. The mission of this league of brothers (police officers, firefighters and emergency responders) in New York is admirable; they intend to visit the "Teardrop" memorial site in Bayonne on Sunday.

The riders, expected to arrive on September 10, traveled from Naples, Florida to NYC. The grueling 22-day, 1,600 mile ride is to help raise funds for the survivors of the 1st responders who gave of themselves to save the lives of others.

For more information visit http://www.brotherhoodride.com/.

http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/ Paul Martin Eldridge

The Kardashians, fashion, and Sears

Photo by Photostock
http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

Fashion Week kicked off this week in New York City. Among the chaos, glitz and glamour of high-fashion models on various designer runways, the Kardashian sisters: Kim, Khloe and Kourtney were out promoting their new clothing line, partnering with Sears for the every day modern woman.

I was thrilled to see pieces of the beautiful collection on the new set of "The View" now in their 15 season.

The Kardashian sisters and Sears have teamed up to make a perfect blend of fashion, style, comfort and affordability for all woman. She can go from work to evening by changing a couple of pieces from the Kardashian accessory collection. Subscribe to this free blog.

Coping the first few weeks as kids go back to school

Photo by nuttakit http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

For many states in the south and the southwest schools are back in session. For northern and Midwestern states school will resume after Labor Day.

  
After a long summer with many things to think about, such as financial woes, the weather, home foreclosures, earthquakes, and family issue, etc., it can be a daunting task to shift gears adding back to school to the schedule. Let's face it, it's a stressful time.  Subscribe now for free.

Overcoming negative images and staying healthy

Photo acknowledgment below

We've all done it at one time or the other. We've been critical of the way someone looks; we even do it to ourselves. People have the propensity to judge the way others live their lives. We are especially critical if we see women who may be larger than we think they should be. People are often prejudice against those who are obese, but we don't see that as discrimination.

Many of us don't even have to ask our spouse anymore if the outfit we intend to wear makes us look fat. Gentlemen, please watch out for that trap! Subscribe to this free blog today.

That question will get you in trouble every time, and this is why. We (women) can turn to the mirror, at any size, and think we are heavier than we actually are. Someone has replaced our mirror with one from the fun house, we think to ourselves.

First impressions: Perfect, precious feet

Photo by Sura Nualpradid

As I contemplated the theme for this week's edition, the first images that came to mind when I thought about feet were those of a podiatrist; stinky athlete's foot fungus. Shaquille "Shaq" O'Neil's size-22 feet, feet with bunions, feet with shoes that have red soles, Louis Vuitton, and even my cute feet that I could only wish were adorned with such an extravagant luxury.  You may subscribe right now.

Volunteer neighbors rally around 'the vet next door'

Photo by Chuck Felix

Part 2:

On May 29, 2011, to commemorate Memorial Day and all of our veterans, I wrote a story, in the Feeling Fit section of the Charlotte Sun-Herald, about a gentleman who suffers from congestive heart failure.  Mr. Chet Sours, a jazz pianist hall of fame recipient, has since celebrated his 82nd birthday in July. The story brought out a lot of interest for people who wanted to support and rally around Mr. Sours to honor this Korean War hero who served for our many freedoms.








View part 1: World of difference to the vet next door.

Children off to a great start with healthy initiative

By Gina Battle

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It is an astounding estimate that one out of three children in this country are overweight or obese. It has also been indicated that "over the past three decades, childhood obesity rates have tripled in the United States," according to 2010 statistics from the White House. 

Food should be a source of nutrition, however, for many of us, food is a source of comfort; it can be used to reward ourselves and others, to celebrate, and to fight depression. In addition, it can become a mindless game just gulping it down for any number of reasons.

There was a time when children would play outdoors, had exercise class in school and participated in extracurricular activities after school. We had three-square meals per day, balancing them with fresh fruits and veggies for snacks to munch on in between our meals.