Saturday, 12 January 2013 18:32

You, Inc. Quarterly Review

Lifestyle // January 14, 2013

From Guest Writer Nailah Blades, Polkadotcoaching.com

It's the first month of the 2013, which means that if you were a corporation you’d be starting the first quarter of the year: your Q1. This also means you would have all of your super smart business and financial analysts reviewing the past 3 months -- your Q4-- and evaluating where you netted out.

It’s important to take a step back and review where you are from time to time. Being aware of your progress can help you decide what needs to be done to keep moving forward.  Doing an honest review of your last Q4 will help you keep track of your accomplishments and will also help you determine where you need to change direction.

Let’s take a look at the corporation of You for a second – dare I say ‘You, Inc.’ What did the last quarter look like? Were you able to achieve the results you outlined at the beginning of the year? Would your stockholders be pleased? Take around 30 minutes to review the questions below:

  •     What have you accomplished during your Q4?
  •     Any disappointments or setbacks? What can you learn from those experiences?
  •     Are there any goals or projects that need to be adjusted? Any goals that just need to be axed?
  •     What goals have fallen off the radar? What can you do to get them jump started again?
  •     What are your priorities for Q1? How will you adjust your plan to meet your goals in the next few months?
  •     What resources or tools do you need to have a crazy successful Q1? How will you get those resources and tools?


Once you've completed your review, you should have a good idea of what worked and what didn’t in the past few months. You will have a list of your awesome accomplishments as well as goals you still want to work toward. Breaking our big goals into smaller pieces makes them more manageable and will help keep us truckin’ along. Here are some other tips to keep in mind as you work toward your goals so that you can stay motivated and not get burnt-out:

  • Create & Track Milestones -  Working toward a lofty goal can be overwhelming, and you’re more likely to get frustrated and give up when you don’t think you’re moving the needle. Acknowledge when you make it to smaller milestones. If there aren’t any small milestones – make them up. For example, if one of your goals is to run a marathon, start keeping track of when you successfully complete each mile.  Running 1 more mile each week sounds a lot more manageable than running 26.2 miles by a certain deadline.
  • Stay Focused on Your Compelling Vision - It’s a lot easier to tackle tough goals if you know it all fits into your overarching compelling vision. What’s your big “why?” Losing 20 pounds doesn’t sound like fun, but if you know that losing 20 pounds fits into your long-term compelling vision of being healthy and feeling great about yourself, it becomes a bit easier.
  • Be Realistic - Make sure that your ultimate goal is realistic. Maybe the reason you are facing burn-out is because you are trying to achieve the impossible. It’s important to aspire for greatness, but make sure your goal is something that can be steadily worked up to – otherwise you’re liable to throw in the towel.  Make sure you’ve set reasonable timelines for yourself, and continue to evaluate your progress as you go along.  There’s nothing wrong with making adjustments to “the plan”!  Setting a way too aggressive goal for yourself does nothing but bring disappointment.
  • Give Yourself a Break – We’ve all done it: we set a goal up for ourselves that we’re so excited about, we never want to stop working on it. Give yourself a break occasionally! Taking a step back from your project or goal from time to time will help you re-energize, and you’ll feel much more refreshed when you pick it back up again.
Published in Lifestyle
Monday, 31 December 2012 05:36

Shoes | These Heels Were Made for Workin'

Best of 2012 // December 31, 2012

It’s no secret that I’m a sucker for a fly pair of heels. One of my favorite things to do as a kid was play dress up--and you can bet that included trying to strut in some over-sized pair of my mom’s high heel shoes. While these days I prefer to wear shoes that are my own size, my love for a sky-high pair of pumps has not waned. 

But I, like many women, am constantly faced with the work/heel dilemmas: are these too high for the office? Too “hooker-ish”? Too night-time? To some it may sound trivial, but these things really do affect how we ladies are perceived in the workplace--even in a more creative environment like the music industry, where I work. And while the goal is always to keep it classy and professional, we also want the world to know we have a little bit of shoe game. Rest assured, I did the work for you and tracked down some of the hottest, work-appropriate heels that’ll carry you through this season and beyond. And they’re far from your momma’s pump.


The Wedge

One of my favorite “trends” this season is the re-emergence of the wedge. It’s been kind of lingering in the background for a while now, but I’m loving that it’s finally taking center stage. It’s a great option if you’re on your feet a lot--or just don’t feel like balancing on stilts all day! 


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Rachel Roy “Lacina” – Available at RachelRoy.com  - $110

This is a cute twist on the nude pump, with a fun pop of color. These are also available in teal, but you’ll be able to get a lot more wear out of the neutral version. These are uber versatile and will pair well with a dress, slacks or skirt/blouse combo.


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Tory Burch “Emilie” -  Available on ToryBurch.com - $350

To me, this color color epitomizes Spring.  I just think of freshly cut grass and walking through a field of flowers.  I love this wedge paired with a wrap dress or tapered trousers for a laid back sophistication. 


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Dolce Vita “Pilar” – Available at Bloomingdales - $100

These are for the ladies who have a more casual work environment. While these are more of a fall look, you can nab this style at a discount now and they’ll carry you into next fall. And if you live in LA like me, you can get away with a cute neutral bootie like this year-round. 


The Classic Pump, With a Twist

Pumps are the obvious choice in an office setting. But that doesn’t mean they have to be as drab as the neutral paint on the office walls. Here are a few options to spruce up your pump rotation:


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Steve Madden “Knoyzz” – Available at SteveMadden.com - $89.95

I love the 1950s feel of this shoe, with its elongated round toe.  The reasonable stacked heel and the give of the leather will keep your feet feeling great all day. Plus the plum color is so classy and wearable year-round. 

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Sam Edelman “Orly” – Available at Bloomingdales.com - $120

So I must admit: I’m generally not the hugest fan of kitten heels or slingbacks. But what’s not to love here? The style and pattern combo is so Parisian chic, and the heel won’t put pressure on the ball of your foot like those Kim K platform stilettos you see everywhere. It also comes in a variety of patterns to suit your taste.


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Elie Tahari "Bretta" – Available at Bloomingdales.com - $174

So you know how every year all the stylists say how “in” leopard is this season? In my opinion, it’s safe to say that leopard isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. I still get compliments when I pull out my leopard pumps I bought in like 2005. This pump has such a versatile, timeless style that can be dressed up or down--it’s sure to be a great investment.


Put Some Spring in Your Step

What kind of person would I be if I didn’t give you some cute, springy options to choose from? This season is always a great time to play around with color and more easy, breezy shoe options. Here are a few of my fave styles:


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Juicy Couture “Flash Color Block” – Available on Bloomingdales.com - $228

I seriously almost started drooling when I saw this shoe. The color blocking offers an understated sexiness, and the chunky heel is easily dressed up for work, or down for a weekend outing with the girls. 


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Nine West “Feelngood” – Available at NineWest.com - $99

A floral pump is so fun as an accent piece this Spring. Wear one color head to toe and pop these on, and you’ll have the whole office asking who you’re wearing. I’m loving the unique cut, and the classy pattern somehow reigns in the bright colors.


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Vince Camuto “Bello” – Available on VinceCamuto.com - $129

I love this shoe for a casual Friday. Mint coloring is huge this season and can easily be thrown on with a pencil skirt for work, and a cute dress for a weekend brunch.

Keep in mind, these heel options are meant to be a jumping off point. If these options don’t quite fit your style or budget, use them for inspiration and add your own twist to find something that works for you. That’s what makes fashion fun in the first place. Happy strutting!

Published in Style
Monday, 31 December 2012 05:31

Day 13: Ode to Big Bones

Best of 2012 // December 31, 2012



Ode To Big Bones

I love Me enough for the both of us trust, it's just my Big thing.

In spite of your judgmental nature

and piercing words that define your stature

A Big coping-mechanism of sorts is to blame…

Something to best explain why your face contorts when I stand before you.

B I G

Maybe it's my size that intimidates you

My extreme curves and chocolate thighs

make you look twice and think your thoughts through.

Have you hypothesizing what it’d feel like

to be inside of my Big,

hypnotizing

mind & things ...

seems like you’ve got some Big explaining to do.

I know I’m far different from the image

depicted on the silver screen

A sliver of society’s magazine pin-up wet dream

Seems its proved to be problematic

You write my name with only what your eyes have seen

Automatic-ally

B I G

And even though its not my job to fill all your potholes & shit

I guess you assumed all my excess thick would do the trick…

But Big intellect is not wearable, honey.

Try that on for size.

The irony of a Big girl possessing more swag than you do is unbearable..

I know, it can’t be true.

And when my Big mouth met your open ears,

I know the depth of my Big vocabulary was too much for you to handle.

You play pretend like my Big presence doesn’t make you uncomfortable.

Like this room isn’t big enough for me, you & your chauvinistic ego

Little do you know, relationships they come, they go

But I still remain here…

Proudly

B I G

I despise the way you look at me as if your stare isn’t see-thru,

I know your story so well, I could recite it back to you.

If I had a nickel for every time I ran over a superficial so’n’so like you,

I’d have collected enough dimes to fill up the space occupied by this one-of-a-kind

behind, combined with enough residual to change your cadaverous mind into

appreciating Big beauty… Soak it up.




This post was part of our series "30 Days of Made: Love Yourself." Each day we released updates of videos, poetry, images, and original content, all based on the theme of loving yourself. Click the link to read more!

Published in Current

Best of 2012 // December 31, 2012

Like some comic book action heroine, Eve Torres leads a double life. By day, she focuses her time and energy on things like speaking to high school kids about bullying and teaching self-defense tactics to women.  By night, she pulls on her electric pink suit and kicks ass as part of the WWE’s wildly popular wrestling competitions. The duality of her life is clear when you compare the tough Diva--who can handle acrobatic take downs and fast paced boxing sequences--with the calm, down-to-earth young lady who graduated from USC with a degree in industrial and systems engineering. The ability to transform into such a strong character each night is what has led Eve to become such a popular performer.  How popular?  For starters, she’s got over over 400,000 Twitter followers. And her focused vision and innate business sense is shaping up to allow her to take the platform she has created for herself to the next level. She is definitely a rising star—aka Made Woman—to watch.

This Colorado native didn’t grow up with any Hulk Hogan dolls in her room. With her modeling and dance background, Eve was more interested in rond de jambe’s than roundhouses. But that didn’t stop her from jumping head first into the fiercely competitive environment of the WWE. This cultural phenomenon of professional wrestling started in 1952 and has grown to become a worldwide success with 13 million viewers, shows broadcasting to more than 145 countries, and over $600 million in revenue. While the elaborate stunts and dramatic storylines may not be for everyone, the WWE has millions of intensely loyal fans who tune in religiously each week to see who’s going to get the smack down. The passion and excitement of the packed stadiums were infectious and, at 23, Eve had found her niche. “I fell in love at my first show,” she says.

This former Clippers Spirit cheerleader always knew she was going to be a performer. With the hopes of getting back to doing what she loved, she entered the WWE Diva search in 2007 and was crowned the winner. While most people would have just taken the sweet contract and backstage hosting gig with a smile, Eve knew that she could take this opportunity even further, so she began training to compete in the ring. “I said if I’m going to be a Diva, I’m going to be a champion Diva. I’m going to change the game.” But you need more than a pretty face to be a good fighter. And you need to be more than a great fighter to actually become a recognizable face in the world of professional wrestling.  “You are sort of thrown into the ring and have to learn in front of millions,” she remembers. While learning to not get her ass kicked, Eve had to quickly develop a character that people would want to root for, “I had to learn to tell a story with millions watching and hope people connect,” she says. And you thought your job was hard.

The choice to commit to the professional wrestling lifestyle is not an easy one. There are exhausting travel schedules (4-5 cities a week), mandatory public appearances, and intensive training. And then you have to deal with the people who can’t separate fact from fiction. There are those who think Eve really is the brash Diva she plays on TV, “If people hate you on TV they are going to hate you in real life.” But what you see on TV is a small part of her life. She considers herself a homebody and you can usually find her on the beach. She says the skills she learned in college, like pulling all nighters, time management, and communications are all things that help her with career balance.

Five years later, and Eve has definitely made a name for herself in the ring. This year alone, she appeared in the huge Wrestle Mania event, and won a championship title. If you visited a 7-Eleven you might have seen her face on one of their Big Gulp cups since she was featured the national SummerSlam promotion. Eve also plans to make a name for herself as a philanthropist with her work with the WWE, Make a Wish, Tribute to the Troop’s, and her own personal mission: teaching women self-defense. One of the fighting techniques that Eve has come to master is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. A special form of this fighting style was created at the Gracie Academy, where Eve teaches, so that a smaller, weaker person could defeat a larger attacker. A blue belt herself, she believes this martial art is perfect for women to learn and use for self-defense. “There are subliminal insecurities that come with being weaker,” Eve says. Knowing this, she uses methods like women’s only classes to create an environment where they can feel free to go outside their comfort zone, “some women will only want to train with other women.”

In addition to the Jiu-Jitsu classes she teaches, Eve was also asked by the Gracie family to appear in the “Women Empowered” series of training videos on self-defense. She says that getting to teach young girls self-defense is one of the biggest accomplishments in her career. She also speaks at RAINN events, an organization committed to providing support to victims of sexual assault. She sees herself as a role model and diligently protects her brand. “I stopped drinking three years ago and have had to turn down sponsorships because they don’t fit my brand.” Eve sees the WWE personality she has created as a perfect extension of her mission. “Girls need to see a female figure being strong.”

Eve is confident that this off-the-beaten-path career was meant for her and she feels she is providing the younger generation with a positive role model. Rather than take the easy route she has turned a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity into unique and useful platform championing the strength of women. At the heart of it all she has achieved her dream to be a storyteller and says “I love the idea of this powerful woman who can kick butt. I’m proud of that.”

You can see Eve in our very own "I Am a Made Woman" video, out later this month (sign up here to get an email when it's released!) 

Published in Business

July 2, 2012

Culture shock. It’s one of those funny little phrases that are difficult to fully grasp; it’s hard to really nail down what it entails exactly—until you find yourself smack dab in the middle of it. 

I would consider myself to be a somewhat “traveled” person. I’ve been to most of the major US cities (and some cornfields in between), hit the Caribbean a few times and went to Paris in college. I even threw Mexico, Canada, Hawaii and Puerto Rico in for good measure. From my childhood until now, I’ve lived in very diverse neighborhoods and encountered people from all backgrounds. Culture shock shouldn’t be an issue for me, right?

Uh…not quite.

Let me back up. A few months back, I made a decision. Although it was relatively simple in a lot of ways, it wasn’t an easy one for me to make. I decided that I was going to pack up everything, quit my job at a major record label in LA and just…go. I would work on my passion project, Made Woman Magazine, see the world (starting with Barcelona, Spain) and solidify my next steps in the music industry. And in June, that’s just what I did.

And never before have I experienced culture shock on this level.

I’m sure much of it stems from the fact that I decided to roll out here completely solo: I spent my first week and a half or so wandering the streets of Barcelona, seeing sites and frequently getting confused while doing seemingly mundane tasks. I’ll never view going to the bank, the post office, or generally communicating with other human beings the same way again.  I stopped at the market one day to pick up a few items, which sounds easy enough, right? Problem: my Spanish vocab needs serious work (how the hell do you say “bell pepper” in Spanish?). Since there are like a zillion stations spread out in a huge marketplace where the vendors select the items and ring up your orders separately, communication is slightly important. After roaming aimlessly for a few minutes trying to find bags for my produce (they bag it for you), I luckily found a sweet lady in the cheese section to take pity on me and figure out that I wanted mantequilla y harina. But the whole thing was kind of like being on Mars. Sure, I had been put in touch with some people in the city, but they had been in Barcelona for years, surely leaving moments like these far behind them. Taking in all this newness independently had me feeling like a Punk’d crew would come rushing out laughing at any moment.

                                                    

Also—and this partially prompted this trip--I had never spent more than maybe ten days on a given vacation. I got in, saw some sites, hung with the friend(s) I had traveled with, ate more than I should, and then headed back home. Hey, ten days is a long vacay in the US!

This time, however, those ten days were spent finding my way around a huge city, working on my (rather broken) Spanish and just generally getting acclimated. Rather than being a true “tourist,” I’ve been able to take in some of the true nuances of the region’s culture.



Beyond the simple things like my feet hating me for making them do more than push some pedals in a car to transport me around the city (and where the hell is a good mani/pedi!?), eating dinner at 10pm, or paying $3 to drink water at a restaurant (wtf?); taking in the cultural differences definitely sheds a light on my own background and my personal ideals. It’s challenging! Seeing kids running down the street outside of arms-reach of their parents, or lighting fireworks in the Festival de St. Joan was shocking to me! Looking across my balcony and seeing people outside smoking a cigarette in their underwear the first time caught me off guard, I can’t lie. And learning about the differences between Catalan and Spanish people first-hand has been eye-opening.

So what does this all mean? For some travelers, it may mean that they should rush back to their home where babies aren’t running around with firecrackers. Hey, I wouldn’t judge! Everything isn’t for everybody. But personally, I think it makes sense to remain open to new cultures and situations and what you may be able to learn from the differences. Instead of labeling something as “weird” or “foreign” and rushing back to my bubble, why not try to embrace at least some aspect of it?


Sure, seeing people on a nearby balcony half-naked on a hot afternoon can be startling, but I think it’s nice to see people who don’t equate nudity with shame. In their mind, it’s just hot! And with the lack of A/C around these parts, they may have something there. And sure, you could consider it annoying that you have to chase down the waitress for your check every time you eat out, but isn’t it nice to not be forced on your way so that they can free up the table (read: get more tips)?

Clearly, I’ve felt more pangs of culture shock than can be named or explained in one article, —and will no doubt encounter more as my travels continue. But if I can offer my humble advice to someone considering travel of any length of time, it would be this: put away your preconceived notions, your expectations and, many times, your pride. Give your travels the opportunity to shape you for the better and take the experiences as they come. And most importantly, learn to laugh at yourself. Seriously. 

Have you had your own experiences with culture shock? Where were you and what happened? Let me know in the comments!

Published in Lifestyle

July 2, 2012

Like some comic book action heroine, Eve Torres leads a double life. By day, she focuses her time and energy on things like speaking to high school kids about bullying and teaching self-defense tactics to women.  By night, she pulls on her electric pink suit and kicks ass as part of the WWE’s wildly popular wrestling competitions. The duality of her life is clear when you compare the tough Diva--who can handle acrobatic take downs and fast paced boxing sequences--with the calm, down-to-earth young lady who graduated from USC with a degree in industrial and systems engineering. The ability to transform into such a strong character each night is what has led Eve to become such a popular performer.  How popular?  For starters, she’s got over over 400,000 Twitter followers. And her focused vision and innate business sense is shaping up to allow her to take the platform she has created for herself to the next level. She is definitely a rising star—aka Made Woman—to watch.

This Colorado native didn’t grow up with any Hulk Hogan dolls in her room. With her modeling and dance background, Eve was more interested in rond de jambe’s than roundhouses. But that didn’t stop her from jumping head first into the fiercely competitive environment of the WWE. This cultural phenomenon of professional wrestling started in 1952 and has grown to become a worldwide success with 13 million viewers, shows broadcasting to more than 145 countries, and over $600 million in revenue. While the elaborate stunts and dramatic storylines may not be for everyone, the WWE has millions of intensely loyal fans who tune in religiously each week to see who’s going to get the smack down. The passion and excitement of the packed stadiums were infectious and, at 23, Eve had found her niche. “I fell in love at my first show,” she says.

This former Clippers Spirit cheerleader always knew she was going to be a performer. With the hopes of getting back to doing what she loved, she entered the WWE Diva search in 2007 and was crowned the winner. While most people would have just taken the sweet contract and backstage hosting gig with a smile, Eve knew that she could take this opportunity even further, so she began training to compete in the ring. “I said if I’m going to be a Diva, I’m going to be a champion Diva. I’m going to change the game.” But you need more than a pretty face to be a good fighter. And you need to be more than a great fighter to actually become a recognizable face in the world of professional wrestling.  “You are sort of thrown into the ring and have to learn in front of millions,” she remembers. While learning to not get her ass kicked, Eve had to quickly develop a character that people would want to root for, “I had to learn to tell a story with millions watching and hope people connect,” she says. And you thought your job was hard.

The choice to commit to the professional wrestling lifestyle is not an easy one. There are exhausting travel schedules (4-5 cities a week), mandatory public appearances, and intensive training. And then you have to deal with the people who can’t separate fact from fiction. There are those who think Eve really is the brash Diva she plays on TV, “If people hate you on TV they are going to hate you in real life.” But what you see on TV is a small part of her life. She considers herself a homebody and you can usually find her on the beach. She says the skills she learned in college, like pulling all nighters, time management, and communications are all things that help her with career balance.

Five years later, and Eve has definitely made a name for herself in the ring. This year alone, she appeared in the huge Wrestle Mania event, and won a championship title. If you visited a 7-Eleven you might have seen her face on one of their Big Gulp cups since she was featured the national SummerSlam promotion. Eve also plans to make a name for herself as a philanthropist with her work with the WWE, Make a Wish, Tribute to the Troop’s, and her own personal mission: teaching women self-defense. One of the fighting techniques that Eve has come to master is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. A special form of this fighting style was created at the Gracie Academy, where Eve teaches, so that a smaller, weaker person could defeat a larger attacker. A blue belt herself, she believes this martial art is perfect for women to learn and use for self-defense. “There are subliminal insecurities that come with being weaker,” Eve says. Knowing this, she uses methods like women’s only classes to create an environment where they can feel free to go outside their comfort zone, “some women will only want to train with other women.”

In addition to the Jiu-Jitsu classes she teaches, Eve was also asked by the Gracie family to appear in the “Women Empowered” series of training videos on self-defense. She says that getting to teach young girls self-defense is one of the biggest accomplishments in her career. She also speaks at RAINN events, an organization committed to providing support to victims of sexual assault. She sees herself as a role model and diligently protects her brand. “I stopped drinking three years ago and have had to turn down sponsorships because they don’t fit my brand.” Eve sees the WWE personality she has created as a perfect extension of her mission. “Girls need to see a female figure being strong.”

Eve is confident that this off-the-beaten-path career was meant for her and she feels she is providing the younger generation with a positive role model. Rather than take the easy route she has turned a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity into unique and useful platform championing the strength of women. At the heart of it all she has achieved her dream to be a storyteller and says “I love the idea of this powerful woman who can kick butt. I’m proud of that.”

You can see Eve in our very own "I Am a Made Woman" video, out later this month (sign up here to get an email when it's released!) 

Published in Business

May 21, 2011 


Dear Reality Show Circus Freaks,
 
I know I know, you’re “getting paid”, you’re “about your paper”, and the rest of us are all jealous and “hating” on you. You know what? You are absolutely right. We are incredibly envious of your “talent”. The God-given talent you have to act like an ignorant fool or an over-sexed prostitute (maybe even both) really makes me wonder why I can’t catch a break. I don’t even know why I bothered going to college and pursuing a Master’s Degree when I could have been like you: on TV spewing curse words at America and throwing punches at people for ratings. Some people catch all the breaks. Why can’t I be you?

You know what else I am envious of? How you get to sit around all day and talk about your charity work and all the great things you do for your community. You get to throw parties, get drunk, raise no money, provide no clothing; hell, you don’t even provide canned goods, and then you report that you “are doing great things” for your charity. Thank goodness the world has you to name charities after yourself and never raise a finger except to take another shot of Don Julio Tequila!
Ok, but here’s why I really love you. Since the early 90’s we have watched you on national television perpetuating every negative stereotype known to mankind. From the neck rolling to the weave pulling, to the limited vocabulary and tales of sexual escapades, you have perfected women looking like hyper-sexed alcoholic animals. Your male counterparts do their best to look their worst by getting into fights in public every chance they get and sexing all of their roommates, while their girlfriends watch from home. But you work really hard! I am sure all this hard work is going to pay off in the long run. I am certain that Steven Spielberg and Christopher Nolan will be banging down your door begging you to star in their next Hollywood blockbuster. I’m positive that once you start your singing career Stevie Wonder will want to do a collabo and it will not only be nominated for a Grammy for “Song of the Year”, it will be the lead song to an Oscar-nominated film. Then, Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar will want you on the cover of their magazines.  (I know they are downgrades from what you model for now, like the prestigious “King” magazine, but a lot of people read Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar.  I promise.) Then comes  the Tony awards, then an Oscar. You have it made as a reality TV star; this will open doors for you. I am so envious I can’t stand it. 

So, don’t forget about the little people as you buffoon your way to the “top”. Then you’ll wake up in the abyss with the rest of the “promising” reality TV show stars and starlets. Say what’s up to the “Flavor of Love Girls” while you’re down there.  In the meantime, I’ll be busy changing the channel to re-runs of Martin and reminiscing about the days  when scripted shows were actually entertaining and kept my faith in humanity intact.
 
Sincerely,
The Rest of The REAL WORLD. (no pun intended)
Published in Entertainment

April 9, 2012

We all see them. The graphic images on Pinterest and Facebook like this one. Food porn. They lure you in and trick you into thinking you really can squeeze a gourmet lunch or breakfast everyday into your budget. But when was the last time you actually calculated the cost of your breakfast?  I calculated the cost of mine the other day just out of curiosity and was pleasantly surprised that it was only a whopping $1.96 every day!

Breakfast Breakdown 

  • Bananas- I buy a bunch of bananas every week and usually can get 6 for $1.29, 1 banana = $.215
  • Oatmeal- I eat two individual packets of regular oatmeal, 6 packets to a box, box cost $2.50, 2.50/6= $.42 x 2 packets= $.84
  • Coffee- I buy Starbucks coffee and I brew it at home- One pound cost $9.95 and can last me 14 days = $.71 per day
  • Soymilk- I buy a carton that last about 10 days- one carton cost $1.99= $.199 per day

Grand total= $1.96

Not too bad right?  Great way to start the morning and not bad on my wallet either.

Now if you know me, you will know I am a creature of habit when it comes to food and don’t mind eating the same thing every day.  My breakfast is the same every morning; oatmeal, a banana, and coffee with soy milk. As routine as this may sound, I plan my meals like this mainly because I want to eat something healthy and filling in the morning. Because I stay so busy, I also appreciate not having to think about what to eat every morning– which saves me lots of time and money.

Get Control

When working with clients on their cash flow, I usually see their food costs as the expenses that can really get out of control.  They save and skimp in other areas but often times dining out is the one place where money falls through the cracks.  A lunch here, a dinner there, drinks here… and there– all of these things really add up. Planning ahead and prepping your meals for the week can ultimately become a more cost efficient route. Think of it as portion control for your finances.

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Iron Lady Chef 

As tempting as it may be to call up your girl friends for a fancy dinner out, a good way to keep your food costs in control is simply by eating at home. I try to go grocery shopping every weekend to stock up for the week ahead.  Yes, there are occasions where I do eat out during the week (i.e. business meetings, client meetings/events or to celebrate a special occasion), but for the most part I usually eat my prepared, planned out meals and it frees up some time and spending cash.  Get a jump on breakfast this week and cook a batch of these. Your tastes buds and your wallet will thank you. 

One Bite At A Time 

Another tip (one I learned from my parents), is to save money by not buying drinks while eating out. Think about it. You’ll end up drinking more water, saving cash, and possibly losing a few pounds by cutting back on sodas. I still follow this same philosophy today.  If you have to have your diet Coke with dinner maybe skip the appetizers and/or dessert. Life without dessert may seem extreme, but deciding ahead of time what to cut will help you stay in control.

Now, I know what you may be thinking.  Going out to eat is part of what you enjoy most and part of your social life too.  I completely understand this. But I’ll let you in on a little secret, I still see my friends, family, attend networking events and go out for social gatherings all the time and usually do all while sticking to my food budget.  Instead of business lunch meetings, I opt for coffee meetings (saves time and money). Instead of always going out to eat with friends, we opt for potlucks at someone’s house.  We love this idea because everyone can bring their favorite signature dish to share, which is usually a great conversation starter and a less expensive route too.

If you just simply enjoy going out to eat and don’t want to give it up– don’t.  Instead, make sure you adjust your spending plan accordingly to ensure you are still in control of your food costs. Remember, financial planning is not about cutting the fun out of your life.  Rather, it is simply planning how you want to use your money to support your current lifestyle, while being able to save for your future one.

For further information I invite you to check out my blog www.Financiallywisewomen.com or email directly at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Brittney Castro is not affiliated with MadeWomenMag.com. Brittney A. Castro is a registered representative with and securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. California Insurance License #0F33895.

Published in Business

March 12, 2012

Spring is just around the corner which means it’s time to start thinking about fabulous weather, bold accessories,  SHOES, fashion and the season’s hottest nail colors and trends. Let’s face it, nothing can make or break an outfit like your nails.  Last season, everyone was in a frenzy about, dark grays, different shades of blue, brown and let’s not forget about the shatter polish everyone was rocking. This season is all about bold and vibrant colors, nail art, green, glitter and metallic.

Go Green!
Going green has never been easier as it will be the hottest nail color for the season. Stick to softer shades of green like pistachio, mint and sage. Although these are softer shades of green, they will certainly stand out and make a bold statement with any outfit.
                                          
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Peppermint Patti- MAC $16.00        Navigate Her- Essie $8.00

Creamy Neutrals and pastels
Each season has a natural option. During the fall and winter seasons, the neutral options are typically black, brown, navy and gray. This spring, stick to pale pinks, sheer beige and shades of nude that are close to your skin tone to pull off a flawless and classic look.
                           
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Mod about you-OPI $8.00        Sandpiper- MAC $16.00       Cream Tea- Butter London $14.00

Bold Brights and Neons
Nothing says “Spring is Here!” better than bright bold colors. This season try tangerine, fuchsia, chartreuse and coral. Bold nails are a great way to spice up an outfit as an added pop of color. Also, try matching your nail color to your lipstick or shoes when wearing a neutral outfit as a fun color accent.
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Tour de Finance-Essie $8.00            Did It On ‘Em- OPI Nicki Manaj $7.00        Truly Tangerine-Orly Nail Lacuer $6.99

Nail Art
Take a walk on the wild side this season with some nail art. You can add cheetah print, stripes, circles, lace, tie dye and so much more with Sally Henson’s Nail Effects. They are strips of nail polish that are applied like stickers and then are shaped to your nails. The best part is that there is no dry time so you can jump right back into your busy schedule without waiting around for your nails to dry. If you’re not that adventurous, try adding rhinestones, a small design or two tones to your nails which is a sure way  to spruce up a basic manicure while expressing your fun personality.
                     
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Nail Pen Art-Sally Henson $7.99                         Nail Effects-Sally Henson $7.00

Glitz and Glitter
Add a little sparkle to your manicure with glitter polish this season. Although glitter has been around for many seasons, it’s been updated with new shapes, sizes and colors for spring 2012.


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Save Me-OPI Nicki Minaj $7.00            Rainbow Connection-OPI $7.00            DS Temptation-OPI $7.00


So many colorful options to choose from! Do you have a style or nail trend that you are excited to try this spring? Tell us about it in the comments below!



Published in Style

March 12, 2012

It’s no secret that I’m a sucker for a fly pair of heels. One of my favorite things to do as a kid was play dress up--and you can bet that included trying to strut in some over-sized pair of my mom’s high heel shoes. While these days I prefer to wear shoes that are my own size, my love for a sky-high pair of pumps has not waned. 

But I, like many women, am constantly faced with the work/heel dilemmas: are these too high for the office? Too “hooker-ish”? Too night-time? To some it may sound trivial, but these things really do affect how we ladies are perceived in the workplace--even in a more creative environment like the music industry, where I work. And while the goal is always to keep it classy and professional, we also want the world to know we have a little bit of shoe game. Rest assured, I did the work for you and tracked down some of the hottest, work-appropriate heels that’ll carry you through this season and beyond. And they’re far from your momma’s pump.


The Wedge

One of my favorite “trends” this season is the re-emergence of the wedge. It’s been kind of lingering in the background for a while now, but I’m loving that it’s finally taking center stage. It’s a great option if you’re on your feet a lot--or just don’t feel like balancing on stilts all day! 


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Rachel Roy “Lacina” – Available at RachelRoy.com  - $110

This is a cute twist on the nude pump, with a fun pop of color. These are also available in teal, but you’ll be able to get a lot more wear out of the neutral version. These are uber versatile and will pair well with a dress, slacks or skirt/blouse combo.


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Tory Burch “Emilie” -  Available on ToryBurch.com - $350

To me, this color color epitomizes Spring.  I just think of freshly cut grass and walking through a field of flowers.  I love this wedge paired with a wrap dress or tapered trousers for a laid back sophistication. 


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Dolce Vita “Pilar” – Available at Bloomingdales - $100

These are for the ladies who have a more casual work environment. While these are more of a fall look, you can nab this style at a discount now and they’ll carry you into next fall. And if you live in LA like me, you can get away with a cute neutral bootie like this year-round. 


The Classic Pump, With a Twist

Pumps are the obvious choice in an office setting. But that doesn’t mean they have to be as drab as the neutral paint on the office walls. Here are a few options to spruce up your pump rotation:


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Steve Madden “Knoyzz” – Available at SteveMadden.com - $89.95

I love the 1950s feel of this shoe, with its elongated round toe.  The reasonable stacked heel and the give of the leather will keep your feet feeling great all day. Plus the plum color is so classy and wearable year-round. 

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Sam Edelman “Orly” – Available at Bloomingdales.com - $120

So I must admit: I’m generally not the hugest fan of kitten heels or slingbacks. But what’s not to love here? The style and pattern combo is so Parisian chic, and the heel won’t put pressure on the ball of your foot like those Kim K platform stilettos you see everywhere. It also comes in a variety of patterns to suit your taste.


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Elie Tahari "Bretta" – Available at Bloomingdales.com - $174

So you know how every year all the stylists say how “in” leopard is this season? In my opinion, it’s safe to say that leopard isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. I still get compliments when I pull out my leopard pumps I bought in like 2005. This pump has such a versatile, timeless style that can be dressed up or down--it’s sure to be a great investment.


Put Some Spring in Your Step

What kind of person would I be if I didn’t give you some cute, springy options to choose from? This season is always a great time to play around with color and more easy, breezy shoe options. Here are a few of my fave styles:


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Juicy Couture “Flash Color Block” – Available on Bloomingdales.com - $228

I seriously almost started drooling when I saw this shoe. The color blocking offers an understated sexiness, and the chunky heel is easily dressed up for work, or down for a weekend outing with the girls. 


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Nine West “Feelngood” – Available at NineWest.com - $99

A floral pump is so fun as an accent piece this Spring. Wear one color head to toe and pop these on, and you’ll have the whole office asking who you’re wearing. I’m loving the unique cut, and the classy pattern somehow reigns in the bright colors.


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Vince Camuto “Bello” – Available on VinceCamuto.com - $129

I love this shoe for a casual Friday. Mint coloring is huge this season and can easily be thrown on with a pencil skirt for work, and a cute dress for a weekend brunch.

Keep in mind, these heel options are meant to be a jumping off point. If these options don’t quite fit your style or budget, use them for inspiration and add your own twist to find something that works for you. That’s what makes fashion fun in the first place. Happy strutting!

Published in Style
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