50 Million Pound Challenge

This is a reminder to all of those who want to join the challenge.... Please go to www.50millionpounds.com and set up your profile and watch the weight fall off!!! Don't wait to the new year start today!!! I Have started a group called the " Black Dashians".... Set up your profile and join the group. We can share stories and help each other during the process!!! Lets get excited about our health!! For any questions inbox me on facebook or email me at lee.chiquita@ymail.com

Drug Test And Welfare?

As some of you may have heard or read... Under a new Florida law when applying for welfare you have to take a drug test at your own expense. If you fail you will not be able to receive the benefits for a year, If you pass the state reimburses you. And to dig deeper its becoming a popular idea with other states. Indiana also want to not only limit it to welfare they want to use the same model for those applying for unemployment benefits. Here are some key arguments for each side.

Those for it:
1. Think its unfair for taxpayers to have to foot the bill to support homebody's drug habit.
2. This will be able to weed out those abusing the system.

Those against it:
1. How can a person applying for the benefits have the money to pay for a drug test?
2. Drug use is not only contained to those applying for welfare and unemployment. Why should the poor and underprivileged be the target.

So there you have it, I am sure as more states adopt these laws the issue will heat up. But the question is where you stand. I would love feedback.... Take it to the water cooler, Happy hour and tell me what others think as well.

Love On Top.....

Its finally True Beyonce is have a baby!!! You would have thought we all knew her personally, well I can not speak for others but I was happy. It was just a beautiful moment all around and the look on jay face...priceless! One thing that bothers me the most about last night is the fact so many people where being so negative worried about the looks of her bundle kind of over shadowing her moment by " I hope the baby looks like her not jay" and I totally get that. But really folks You may want to look in the mirror, and you would be upset if someone said the same about you and yours. Wishing them the best.... I am sure I will post pics of her and her baby bump every now and then... You Ready Bey?

Unanswered Prayers

When people make the comment "I am so in love with myself" I always thought duh...that's just a fact of nature Everyone love themselves. More and more each day I am totally understanding what that term fully means. Growing up I knew what I wanted Husband,Kids, and a dog. Lately things have changed.Before you dismiss this as one of those " I love being single"rants... having those things are still in my plans. But the other day it hit me that I have been blessed not to have some of those prayers answered. When you have time make sure to listen to the old Garth brooks song called unanswered prayers its really a great song. I think motherhood is great but was I ready for that all those times I wished I could have a child... would I have been half the mother I had? Would my child have all that I had as a child? I would like to say yes but, the truth is I had a lot to learn and still have a lot to learn... Sometimes I wake up and just want to lay in bed and do nothing... sometimes I want to come home and not cook.... Sometimes I just want to hop on the next plane south of nowhere..... Would that have been fair to my child? Would I have resented my child for breaking up the party? Would I have dropped it all? The answer to that could never be answered. What if that guy I thought was my prince charming asked for my hand... and I said Yes? Would I been able to... Cook dinner to satisfy him, Would I have been selfless enough? Would I have worked hard to compliment his life?Would I keep him interested? Its a fact that nature molds us and for the most part I could have been a great mother and wife, But its also a fact that you should never rush nature. Sometimes people make you feel Bad or even less than for not being a mother or wife. I am so sick of "Chiquita you next or Chiquita you need to have a Baby... How about it's not written for me yet I think when My time arrives you all will be entertained. If that's what you are looking for, or maybe you think I am unhappy. I know I am not the only person going threw the " Your clock is ticking stage" And I get it but... Not everyone get it!! You never know what the person you are teasing with " You old as dirt" jokes is going threw. Maybe that person it trying to have children and is unsuccessful, Maybe they want to be married but have not found that special one yet!! I am sure in the next few years I will be on the road to motherhood and maybe even married.. Just let me get there on my own... just because he doesn't answer doesn't mean he don't care some of gods greatest gifts are his unanswered prayers!!

How To Love

Thought I would share this with you guys.... I guess Wayne is trying to be deep... And I love it!! I think the video compliments the song well.... Hopefully someone will Take something from it.... Sure its not an Oscar performance but people look up to him so I think It was great..... Where would some of us be... If we did not know HOW TO LOVE!!

Hide your Debit cards.... Hide your Credit Cards

Never thought I would be in the middle of a credit card fraud ring... Who would have guessed it!! This past weekend someone decided they wanted to go on a shopping spree on my tab.... And boy did they shop!!! I am one of the latest victims of credit card fraud.... Somehow someway... My credit card number and expiration date was stolen and placed on another debit/credit card... I mean who does that? I honestly don't know where my information was stolen from and that is the scary part!! Honestly how many of us just swipe and go? I always thought I was careful about where I swiped my card but I guess not. So now my account is frozen and I have to wait for the investigation to be over to get my money!!! Can someone say pissed... I don't think that word gives Justice to the way I feel!! So with all that I have been threw... I thought I would share my lesson from this horrible incident .... Nothing is full proof but here are someways you can save yourself from fraud...

1. Don't swipe your card at the gas pump... Some pumps have been rigged to save all you information when you swipe... Stop being lazy and go inside the store to pay!!
2. Be careful when online shopping... Go out and purchase yourself a prepaid card of some short...that way they will not be able to rob you blind
3. Be very careful with your statements... those things have a lot of information on them.
4.Carry cash... If you plan on doing multiple things that day...carry cash it cuts down how many times you have to swipe!!
5. Make sure your bank has some time of alert in place.. that may can stop the excessive spending. I was told by a friend after the second major purchase her bank would have called her or sent a text. Another great thing is text messaging every time your card is swiped... Look into all the programs your bank has in place

As serious as this matter is... I pictured the low life's shopping with his song as their theme song..... Throw it in the Bag by Fabulous.... losers!!

When two Become One

When done right Love can be a beautiful thing..... That's why I have to give a congratulations to the soon to be married couple Mike and Kandace Reese. I have known Kandace my entire life, Not only did we attend High School together we attended College together. The couple met on a friendly bases in 2008 at a night club, Nothing major until a few phone calls and a year later. After the two hung out more the two decided they wanted to spend a lifetime together. A proposal followed and as fate would have it in December of 2010 they welcomed a baby girl to their family. The two will become one this weekend, More then just a occasion the two will stand before all of their family and friends to declare their love. Kandace and Mike both share a love for family and strong faith in god. If you know Kandace like I know her, it takes a special person to tame Kandace. Such a sweet and silly girl I am happy she found her better half. In the words of Kandace
"we balance each other,I compliment his swag and match his fly!"

I wish the two a life time of happiness,and a bunch of babies. Make sure to keep God first and everything will fall into place."

Michael is a music producer/engineer for Paralysis Records he is a manager at Discount Tire Company he enjoys watching sports, and spending time with his family. Kandace is a Librarian at Mainland Preparatory Academy she enjoys spending time with Family and Friends, reading and Internet shopping.

Stayed posted pictures from the event will be posted later!!

KEYSHIA DIOR - BUILDING THE BRAND Documentary (@KAOIR_Cosmetics)

Building A Brand....Keyshia Dior

From video Vixen to having her own line of Lipsticks and Glosses..... Keyshia Dior is making a name for herself in the entertainment industry. Keyshia is of a Jamaican background but lives in Miami Florida. Among all to the things she has on her resume her newest venture is a Cosmetic line by the name of KA'OIR.....which includes a line of bold lipsticks and glosses!!! Make sure to follow her as she builds her Empire!! What inspired me the most about her story is she used a simple platform... and now is working to build a brand for herself. Most entertainers are looking for their five minutes of fame and she is hard a work building herself a legacy. Along with videos she also is a celebrity stylist. Her videos include... Timberland - say something Young jeezy - lose control Yo Gotti- we can get It on... Below are some links so you can find out more about her!!

http://www.kaoir.com/

http://www.keyshiadior.com/

She also has a twitter account and facebook account

@keyshiadior

keyshia dior

Ka'oir cosmetics

Open Letter to My readers.......

With all the stereo Types out about black women you would never think we are of any worth.... Well think twice, Like Aretha Frankin said " Sisters are doing it for themselves...standing on their own two feet"... When starting this blog I wanted to make sure my readers always had "A Positive Reading Experience" So when I find out about Positive doings of any women especially black women.... I am honored to share with you. So be on the look out.... And if you know anyone that is doing anything extraordinary please email me @ lee.chiquita@ymail.com or contact me via facebook. If you have any topics you would like to discuss or hear about feel free to send me a message.

Week In Review: Sunday Dish

Hey Guys I survived another week..... As much as I love summer days on the beach... Its too hot outside!! I have never been a cold weather type of girl...But with this Texas heat I soon may convert to #teamwinter!! This past week was a very busy at work so I really did not have time to blog :-(


If you know me then you know I love love love TV..... Caught some new shows this week Tia and Tamera have a reality show and I must say I like it. I also watched a show called "The Marriage Refs" don't know how long its been on but its really cool.. Married couples come on the show to have a panel decide who is the " Right person" in a reoccurring argument. It comes on Sunday's I think you married folks sould give it a try!!

My word are thought for the week is Arrested Development-an abnormal state in which development has stopped prematurely....

Some time you just have to grow up... we all have our short comings but sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and handle you business. With that being said... Men start being a man..if you 35 and rapping is the only thing you do... Get a REAL job and rap on the side... Ladies handle your business and act like the women you are born to be... If you modeling at 25 get a real job and model until you are discovered!! Life is real you gotta know when to hold and fold em!!

Money Matters

Are you living pay check to pay check.... is your bank account always overdrawn or at zero... Where is your money going? My co worker and her friends wanted answers to those questions. When it came to how come they could not take the trips they wanted to...buy the shoes and clothes they wanted to. After many talks about money, the ladies decided for a month to write down and keep receipt's of everything they purchased....little did they know it would make a major difference. Many people do not know the importance of budgeting their money.... In order to budget your money you must first know where your money is going... By keeping your receipts you will know exactly where your money is going. One lady found out that she spends more money paying for tolls vs buy the EZ Tag.... One found out that she spends almost 100 a week on eating breakfast,lunch during the work week... Do you know how much money she could be saving? Just knowing these small things could make a big difference in how much money you save. So I challenge you all to save all your receipts you use for a month... And let me know where your money is being spent!! Make sure to fill me in... I would love to write a success story!!

Taken Too Soon

The thought of turning on the 5 o clock news and seeing your loved one, classmate, childhood friend, church member as a top story or breaking news... never seems to cross your mind. It was all too Real for the those who knew Miktosha James. Coming from La Marque Texas, everyone pretty much knows everyone so when news spread of her tragic death it left many people heart broken and puzzled. Even if you have not seen or talked to her for years, La Marque was a place she left a strong impact on many lives her beautiful voice and her warm personally always showed threw. I think her untimely death is a wake up call,For many of us to take a deeper look at the actions of our mates.

If you know someone who is a victim or showing traits of domestic violence please reach out to them.. Let you know you love and care for them.

Here are some links for Miktosha to raise awareness:

www.gofundme.com/In-Memory-Miktosha

Facebook Pages:

GSS and APO Rally Against Domestic Violence

In Loving Memory of Ms. Miktosha Mikal James

Also check: Google and yahoo for tips and stats on Domestic Violence

Prayers go out to her family...... May her Sweet Soul Rest and Peace!!!

Sunday Dish

Thank God I made it another Week, Last week my body told me I was getting old, After helping a friend move I felt like a bus.. Man I am getting old!! This week was very trying for me at the work. But on a positive note thanks to all those who come and read my blog, please continue to grow with me and tell everyone you know!!

This weekend I went to a 70's party with some friends... Lets just say we where some foxy ladies. The crazy part is when I was looking for something to wear, all the outfits I would wear today, Matter of fact me and my friend purchased a few pieces. Be on the lookout for our thrifty world finds.

Any week lived... is a week learned!!! I learned to be thankful for waking up everyday with a sound mind!! Be thankful for all you have and for the things you do not have!!

Move Over Karadashians

Move Over Karadashians, The REAL curvy queens are about to take their crown back. After having multiple conversations with friends and co workers about weight and getting back in shape. I figured the best thing I could do to help myself and my friends and is make is join the 50 pound challenge and make a team. I named the Team the Black Dashians!! Out of fun... I choose that name since they have Shapes like our
'Sister". Its time For us to get healthy and take back our "vixen shapes" and live a full life!! If you are ready to take your life back health wise, Please join the 50 pound challenge! You can sign up to join the team " Black dashians" and here is the URL http://www.50pounds.com/blackdashians!! The challenge will start September 1,2011!! We you join the group you will be able to chat with other members, share tips,etc!! Be on the look out!! Any other questions you can also contact me at lee.chiquita@ymail.com or via facebook! I am looking forward to all my family,friends,and co workers joining before September 1st!

Money VS Wealth

" Money is a diamond-encrusted watch flashing on the wrist of someone who rents his home, Leases her fresh-off-the-line car and has no savings. Wealth is the ability to contribute to your retirement fund, own a home with a monthly payment you can afford, donate to charity and send your kids to the best schools possible to ensure their success" ( Ebony magazine August 2011 issue... )

Do you know the difference between money and wealth? Well if you don't.... Read up!!!

Money: is any object or record that is generally accepted as payment for goods and services and repayment of debts in a given country or socio-economic context.

Wealth: the abundance of valuable resourses or material possessions, which includes assets that are tangible( land and capital) and fincncial (money,bonds,etc)

There is a clear difference in money and wealth... Money will hold you, Wealth will sustain you. In the African American community the disconnect comes from how we spend our money rather than investing or saving!!! Many times we all see the things that money can buy but not the benefits that wealth gives. In most homes we are not taught to keep money we are taught to make money..... Its sad to say!! No one ever told us to save some for those " Rainy days". But we are quick to say we can not catch a break " the white man has it good, they never seen a rainy day" that very well could be true but in the same instance the "white man" may have a savings account that allows him to live and the same level while going threw hard times. My challenge to you is to figure out which one you Rather have Wealth or Money?

"Money is fun but wealth is forever"- Amy DuBois Barnett( ebony magazine)

Please stay posted the month of august I will give you tips and information on the State of Black Wealth.... I know its not juicy... But it will help you!!

Sunday Dish

While Laying in Bed Sunday Afternoon, I begin to notice that on most Sunday's I sit back and reflect on my past week, and make notes for my week to come. So I figured that it would only be right if I have A entry every Sunday called Sunday Dish!! So here it goes!!





Looking back at my week I have learned A lot of things about myself and others, but one thing that stood out more then others is being true to myself!! Its crazy how people will cut you down to get ahead, My friend always told me at the workplace say little or nothing at all, And honestly I totally see what she means by that. When any company is forced to do lay offs folks true colors, come out some for the good...others for the bad!!! It sad to say, who are you selling your soul too? Its kinda sad and pathetic it truly makes me more aware of who I choose to have "water cooler" chats with!! I guess thanks for the heads up!! Hopefully everyone that is affected by the lay offs find peace and new jobs!!





Also since starting my blog, I have found a few people not supportive of my endeavor or maybe mad at some of the things that I have blogged about! At the end of the Day this blog site it about my truth... its not about your opinions and your truth!! In anyway do I want to step on anyone toes I just want to make sure that My true feelings,ideas,and thoughts are on my page!!

Thanks to all the positive feed back and love!! Hopefully you choose to come to my site more often!!! Peace&Love