GENEROUS

Eyewear Deals For the New Year

2012-02-21T21:33:48Z

If you're tired of those same of specs with the hard water deposit that don't work as good as they should or you just want a different look, then check out these $6.95 prescription eyeglasses.

You heard me right! Get affordable eyeglasses without paying a small fortune in over 3000 different styles.

Zenni Optical includes with their glasses Anti-scratch coating, Thin and Light single vision lenses and full UV protection. Even anti-glare coating is available at less than half the price of most retailers.

Right now, they have a promotion going on right now where if you buy 2 pairs of eyeglasses, you get one pair free. This is excellent for those that have children or want to get a nice pair of prescription sunglasses.

Many of us do not have sufficient insurance coverage from our employers or those plans are extremely limited when it comes to styles that bring out our best features. I know the last salaried job that I had, I was placed in a corner where the "value" section was and still had to pay $100 out-of-pocket.

While I got compliments, I still felt that I had been ripped off.

And these glasses are not some little things that will break if you tap them a certain way or move them too fast. In other words, Zenni deals with high-quality eyewear that will last for a very long time.

Just Left L.A. Zine Fest, Promo Copy

2012-02-20T01:38:56Z

The zine fest was pretty awesome filled with self-publishing hipsters of all ages and backgrounds, even though I was only there for 30 mins. tops. The music was nice and it was really cool to see so many different works...uncensored.

I'm still going through my handouts but speaking of, if you couldn't make it or the front desk ran out, here's a link to the promotional copy of GENEROUS I gave away for free today.

How Low Can the Media Go?

2012-02-18T21:33:47Z

In the past week, I have watched different forms of media go in on the death of Ms. Whitney Elizabeth Houston. I didn't know her just like I didn't know Amy Winehouse or Etta James outside of being Donto from the 4th grade at West Athens ES mama. So though my brand brings in a little change for me (thanks to my audience *blows a ginger lip gloss kiss in the air*), there are some areas I refuse to touch.

Even as I run across people from my past and present who are dealing with addiction and mental issues, I refuse to discuss their problems with people that can't help them. This reminds me of that bad Lifetime Christmas movie where Vanessa Williams is a pop singer that has a dream that she dies and her people are happy because her record sales will go up, bringing in millions.

This is also to say that my fellow bloggers can also use a lesson in decorum. Sandra Rose has attacked the late Ms. Houston in more ways than one in the past week and she's also posted pics of Octavia Butler (The Help) taking a fall at a recent awards show (Link for pics/post). I won't go into details and I'm definitely not trying to censor people but why has media gone the gutter route in reporting news.

These days, I miss the "satire" of Howard Stern knowing there were some boundaries (at least when he was on terrestrial radio, much to his chagrin) when it came to reporting news. I say this as an Angeleno that is really getting effing tired of my local news using TMZ as a reliable source.

My .02

2012-02-07T21:51:32Z

A lot has been going on as maintaining three blogs and keeping up with private clients had taken its toll. And some days, I feel sadder than Lana del Rey sounds (Where the hell is Fiona Apple, btw?) Not even sure if that last sentence was correct English and right now, I don't care. LOL

Despite my near-desperate need to pay bills, I do have some good news. I will be at the L.A. Zine Fest 2012 where you can get the latest issue of GENEROUS for free. It is Sunday, 2/19 at the Last Bookstore in Downtown L.A. No, I won't have a booth but I plan to mingle and such as I'm recharging my networking game and getting back into why I really went into business for myself.

Making Way For My Money

2012-02-02T22:46:04Z

Over the holidays, I helped out a friend that was running a craft booth for a holiday show. This was her first and her inexperience showed. She paid to have stanchions since we were both selling our wares but people stood everywhere looking for some type of order.

Thinking on my feet, I gave the standees old copies of the 'zine with my business card attached while helping to set up and get some crowd control. After a while, I took time to socialize with them and speak to by partner-in-crime for the day.

For years, she sold crafts to friends and co-workers until someone encouraged her to sell to the public. Since she worked alone, she didn't care much for outdoor markets and couldn't afford to lease her own shop. So one-time events like these were going to be the happy medium until she could afford to hire an assistant.

I gave her some pointers about these types of events and to never be afraid to use barricades as they help to protect you and your merchandise.

The event went well and she even asked me to help out with the next coming up in March. I know the spring months are the most hot so we'll see what happens.

The Waldens

2012-02-02T22:30:32Z

This guest post from Doris Dillon

Mr. and Mrs. Walden, an elderly couple that go to our church, moved across town here in Fort Worth. Several of us younger adults helped them get moved. The poor things, they are in their early 80’s, but at heart, they aren’t a day over 50. I sat down with Mrs. Walden a week before they moved in, and helped her set up most of her utilities on the computer. She was so impressed that by going to a website like www.shopelectricityratestexas.com/ , she could choose her energy provider. Things have changed a little in 45 years when she and Mr. Walden moved into their last house. On moving day, we were hoping to have them just point us in the direction that boxes were supposed to go, and let us help them unpack as much as we could. They had a different idea in mind. Mr. Walden was up in the truck passing boxes down. He never would admit to being sore after that either. I guess a little physical labor is no big deal after you serve in war for 2 years.

Freebie Friday - Career Training

2012-01-29T22:16:12Z

Are you looking to sharpen current skills or learn new ones but do not have the resources to return to college?

Here is a site that I visited for my accounting/bookkeeping terminology. The Bean Counter also has links for Marketing, Project Management and a few other career options.

Don't worry, you don't have to leave your personal information or use me as a referral to get basic information.

Etta James Song You Probably Forgot About

2012-01-25T18:07:37Z

Back in the 70s, I went to West Athens ES with her son Donto and he was one of many little boys who thought my weight was funny, so I had to take care of business as a member of Team Chunk. LOL Anyway, Ms. James was always friendly to us kids and I'm glad that she is finally at peace.

Around the time my mother and grandmother tried to hip me to who she was this is the song that was pretty popular. I didn't know who Janis Joplin was or that a gritty voice could be sexy.

Hopefully, someone will put this one back in rotation but here's the live version.

Mad, Mad Mama: Honorable Mention

2012-01-20T18:57:05Z

In age when parents are scared of their toddlers (and I have a cousin who turned out to be be a "very lovely person to deal with" as a result of BOTH parents, despite having advanced education and affluence were too damn scared to put her place...well, she now works for LAPD).

Anyway, I tip my hat to Dynesha Lax who has taken time with her teen son to show him how dealing, stealing and cutting classes will land his narrow ass - on the street!

And for those parents consumed with Blue Ivy/Ivy Blue whatever...pay more attention to your child!

More at Crunktstical.net.
video platform video management video solutions video player

Giving a Practical Gift

2012-01-20T18:42:08Z

Over the holidays, people I know were a little more considerate about their money. Though the media may have shown people sleeping overnight to get the best discount, those is my circle chose to buy hampers as a way to show people that they appreciate them.

I know some people that do this for a living and they say that since the economy is on a rebound, business picked up some over the holidays. Hampers, or gift baskets, are a nice way to give a variety in a gift. Though it is common to give a fruit basket where I live, also popular are cupcake or muffin baskets and for every girl with a serious sweet tooth like myself, chocolate.

My personal favorites are white and mocha, by the way.

When you're not really sure what to get a person, you can never go wrong with food as people have to eat to live. Or if they're a foodie like me, then it is one less thing I have to buy at the store. My favorite food basket of all times was a garlic-themed basket that included the oil, bulbs of different sizes, seasonings and pasta. That was some good cooking.

If you want to learn more about hampers or gift basket, check out this site!

Sh-t Lil' Eva Says

2012-01-14T21:45:41Z

Yeah, 2011 was some year and I'm here to cut through the BS that has kept some women on edge and let you know that it's okay, just carry on with YOUR life.

1. If you stop paying attention to the Kardashians, they will go away. Really. I hate reading mindless gossip blogs where commenters write 3-4 long paragraphs about what type of women these chicks really are. A hoe is a hoe. Whether it's a $2/bl*w job or a multimillion dollar contract with an American institution that's already on its last legs (Sears, that was a dumb move, btw. Should have brought back that fresh candy section instead.).

2. Ladies, women...however you define yourself. Stop buying the ring in hopes that they will pop the question. I would rather wait (and watch the calendar closely) than spend my hard-earned (even if it was on your back but I'm not judging) money on someone who is not ready to commit on that level. And when you're tired of the excuses, move on for good. And if he/she is not ready, don't torch their car, crash their wedding or do other foul mess to let them know they hurt you. Life is too damn short.

3. Unless they are suffering from serious health issues (and still, you may not be a Dr.), stop picking on people because they have gained weight or are a little heavy. Be a friend and offer to split dessert, go for a walk around the block or get to the center of THEIR pain and work it out. Or if they need space, just leave them the hell alone.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Important Information For Anyone Who Has an Active Prescriptionh

2012-01-14T20:53:21Z

This post brought to you by Walgreens. All opinions are 100% mine.

You work hard to get life's basic necessities but then comes a monkey wrench to turn your world upside down. Until late last year, Walgreens and Express Scripts partnered to bring customers discounts on name-brand and generic prescriptions. This has ended due to a contract dispute that did not request that more money be paid to Walgreens, despite Express Scripts having an increase in sales over the past couple of years.

This has placed many customers between a rock and a hard place due to having to change pharmacists and possibly drive further from their home to have prescriptions filled. They will also miss the savings offered on 90-day refills versus 3, 30-day refills.

This change has also had a negative effect on our military personnel who use Tricare. This health and prescription drug program is also a client of Express Scripts.

Walgreens understand the impact this has had on their customers who need to have prescriptions filled wiithout having to pay extra or drive further than they are used to.

For the month of January, you can join the Prescription Savings Club at Walgreens for the low price of $5 for individuals or $10 for families. That's a savings of more than 50% off the regular fee.

So if your prescription card says Express Scripts, then there's a strong chance that you are affected by these unfortunate changes. However, instead of waiting for something to happen, let your voice be heard by the media. Also, spread the word around to those you know with children, are elderly or out there fighting for this country.

Get updates and hear what others have to say at Walgreens on Facebook or tweet with Walgreens on Twitter

A Whole New You...with a click of a mouse!

2012-01-11T18:08:23Z

Happy New Year again. If I see another CL ad asking for a head shot to answer phones and file for $10/hour, I will scream. Well, if you want to have some fun with these superficial @ssholes that judge by appearance, check out this new app below

Fotoshop by Adobé from Jesse Rosten on Vimeo.

A Reality Wives Show That Will Not See the Light of Day...Finally

2012-01-07T21:09:31Z

If you're like me and waiting for that extra-loud, beweaved, violent GF that calls themselves a spouse on Equestrian, Rugby or Soccer Wives, your dreams may not come to fruition.

Not because your idea wasn't original but one network allegedly decided that enough was enough.

In their effort to not live up to the hype of being a purveyor of all things bad in Black and Brown communities, they have decided to not shoot a reality show based on the lives of drug dealers "wives".

Courtesy of Rhymes with Snitch

Well, let's see...there's some other ideas such as Scared Parents of Toddlers, Geriatric Sex Games or I Told My Boss to F*ck Off (Without Mediation From HR).

Not the best listeners

2012-01-02T21:05:02Z

This guest post from Lewis Beck

MY kids aren’t exactly the best listeners, and they never were. When I brought both boys home from the hospital they just screamed and screamed, never really calming down no matter how long we held them or sung to them or caressed them. Now that they’re a little bit older and able to move around on their own at night, we’re having just as many issues with them not listening to the instructions we give them. When we caught Michael trying to climb out of his bedroom window the other night I knew that was the last straw – someone was going to be hurt! I immediately did some research on home security atlanta on a security alarm that would alert me if any doors or windows were opened and I talked to the boys nice and firmly about what was expected of them. I think they get it, but just in case it’s comforting to know I have sort of an insurance policy against something terrible happening when we’re not around to see it.

We're Sorry...So Sorry

2012-01-02T21:04:00Z

Yeah, we promised you holiday recipes and we reneged.
For those of you getting to know us for the first time, we used to have beef about which recipe was better - the healthier one or the one that tasted good. Sometimes there was a draw so we decided to call it a truce but we ran across a Holiday Punch that was really wonderful and called it a hangover from there.

So here's the recipe along with a promise to deliver on a monthly basis -

Serious Holiday Punch

Mix the following in a medium-sized pitcher -

One liter of ginger ale
One frozen cranberry juice cocktail, thawed
About one cup of vodka (lemon, vanilla or orange will give a special kick)

Mix juice with only half the water suggested by the directions on label. Add ginger ale and we like Stoli, which is pretty strong and comes in the above flavors. However, Smirnoff or any other should give the desired buzz to help you forget how much money you spent over the holidays ...or wish you could have spent.

The Younger You Know...?

2011-12-16T02:04:54Z

I guess this is my time to reminisce about toys I had growing up. LEGOs were one of the few things that were gender-free. Did this genderless, race-less, colorless world I knew best (you could be fat but look forward to getting taunted once in a while, especially when a new kid moves to the block) possibly set me up for failure?

Well, LEGO has several lines of building blocks targeted toward boys and of course, the new line for girls is cute and comes in pastel colors. Even the career options have been expanded to veterinarian. They're probably actually soft too but since there are no kids in my life right now, I guess I won't know anytime soon. Courtesy of npr.org.

Anyway, back to my client hell and making Aunt Flo go away 'cause I'm not going back to the Dr.

Getting the Right Team

2011-12-09T21:16:26Z

When it came to getting my business off the ground, a lot of people had their own ideas for generating new contacts. Some were okay but after turning down a partnership with a weight loss company, I tried an Advertising Agency.

Yeah, sometimes upfront money looks good and can be enticing but nothing gives a better feeling than knowing that you have connected to real audience that can appreciate your brand instead of some magical words or silly stunts.

You know exactly what I mean. Some of these celebrities that set out to appeal to the everyday wo(man), they build a following and then, BOOM, they're telling us that we should lose weight or chop off our ugly faces because it "worked" for them.

Like the tortoise and hare, I chose the slow way without relying on gimmicks or cheap stunts. Though I understand that some brands have great overhead and need to pay everyone quick,quick,quick. Believe me, I'm not mad at you.

What Would You Do?

2011-12-09T21:04:58Z

If a three-legged being were in a dressing room next to you? Courtesy of Sandra Rose

Truthfully, I never gave it any thought. Though I have gay male relatives (including my cross-dressing cousin, Jazzmun) I figured that those with something to tuck would go to a shop that is unisex or deal with the dark men's section.

Probably having plus-size gay male friends would give me a better prospective.

Anyway, one lady lost her job at Macy's because she was bad enough (nobody can fight like a drag queen or old-school gay dude, see below) to stop a transgender man from using a women's fitting room and lost her job as a result.

Get Them a Gift They Can Use

2011-12-07T19:57:42Z

Times are still tough for many and some are looking to shop wisely. For some, it's not about price but what recipient will actually appreciate. With the Tea Collection, you get quality clothes at a reasonable price.

A girlfriend of mine who was expecting her first child a couple of years ago, received a gift certificate from a co-worker. At first, she thought nothing of it since the name threw her off. When she visited the site shortly after her son was born, she was truly elated because everything was so nice.

I fell in love with Mini-Wooly the Sheep so when she returned to work, I sat him at her cubicle with a "Welcome Back" sign.

Now that she is expecting twins in the spring, she will have a few fashionable items to pass along. That's smart shopping!

Riding a Plane Will Never Be the Same Again

2011-12-07T19:26:02Z

When I flew back to LAX from DFW a couple of years ago, I had an Alec Baldwin situation and it was not fun. I'm already claustrophobic and feeling the wrath of too-tight seating and the flight was delayed due to some ass with a skateboard. Go figure.

Anyway, three women travelers found themselves in a peculiar situation involving one of those overzealous stewards. Courtesy of MSNBC.com.

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Helping My Kids Out With their Christmas Pageant

2011-12-02T23:18:46Z

Guest post written by Dana Morrison

There are all kinds of things that I help out with at my kids' school. Just one of the ones that I've recently started helping out with is the Christmas pageant. Well, it might be a little more like a Christmas play, actually. This is the first time that I've helped out with something like this. I'm already learning a whole lot about it.

I was online looking up some ideas about how to make costumes, when I ran across some info on Miracle Ear. After I looked through it a little bit, I decided to go and get fitted with some hearing aids. Besides, they're something that I've thought I needed for a few years.

I'm about half way through the costume making for the pageant. It's just a little trouble having kids stand still long enough so you can pin a costume so you know how to sew it. But I'm just about through with that part of all the costume making anyway. I'll for sure have it finished by the deadline but it's going to be a bit tight.

My Doll Minaj - 70's Style

2011-12-02T23:14:43Z

Sorry even though the Nicki Minaj doll is being auctioned off for a good cause, I go back to a simpler time when dolls were synonymous with the boys' action figures. Growing up as a kid in Inglewood, my "friends" not only got along but there was no real ego-tripping since they were all great women in their own way. Especially since ALL of them got equally nappy hair at about 6 months after being taken out of the box. Those were the days!

Cher
(her hair was the first to "go back")

Diana Ross
(I refused to get a KISS Gene Simmons doll)

Jamie Sommers aka The Bionic Woman
(FYI - I had the orginal Charlies Angels too but Barbie's townhouse was getting cramped)

Treat the Family

2011-12-01T19:21:50Z

Soon your kids are going to be on winter break and you probably deserve one yourself. Instead of calling around trying to get the best travel package for you and your family, be a kid again with disney vacation specials.

That's right! Hang out with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and all the others during your time off from it all. By staying at the resort, you can enjoy all kinds of benefits such golfing and my favorite, Character Dining. This is so much more fun that trying to sit through a meal where your date only talks about their dull job all through the night!

Now, as far as the kids go, they're not likely to be bored either. If you don't want them on the green with you, then there is a complimentary shuttle that will take them to Disney World, Epcot Center and other attractions.

Now, if you thinking about aggressive crowds and other obnoxious kids you'd like to hit, it is not THAT kind of party. As a resort guest, you and your family are given the VIP treatment from the time you arrive. This means no long lines, no pushy people, no overcrowding. Just hardworking families like yourselves looking to have fun during the winter months.

Why I Hate This Time of Year

2011-11-27T22:25:51Z

Love dry turkey w/cranberry sauce. Hate Black Friday.

Unfortunately, the latter is becoming more the norm as opposed to spending time with Nana/Big Mama/Madear/your "other" mothers.

I'm really tired of hearing about Black Friday sales that start Thursday evening minutes after your food has settled.

Anyway, the Asswipe of the Year Award goes to lady who decided to pepper spray her way to a damn video game that will probably be replaced by July 2012. I wish I could just say that Wal*Mart is the devil but that would be too easy. People have just lost their fucking mind.

Making Positive Change

2011-11-16T23:59:35Z

There are many ways that we can make a difference in our communities without ruffling any feathers. The first time I saw those Susan Komen breast cancer awareness pins over 25 years ago , I just thought it was a cool design. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that the movement to promote this would be stronger than ever!

I had a friend who was trying to stop domestic violence in her neighborhood. According to her, incidents would pretty much get brushed under the rug. It didn't matter whether it was man against woman, two women or even a child. When one elderly lady took action against some juvenile delinquents that had been harassing people at night, she and some other concerned citizens were the ones on trial for assault against a minor. Of course, all his life went on as usual.

Angry and frustrated, she had a meeting with locals that included community leaders and together they fought to shake down a corrupt judicial system and lazy-ass law enforcement. While things are not perfect nor has it stopped with a pin to increase awareness but she and others enjoy life in the community they helped to build.

Holiday Reading/Writing Opportunity

2011-11-16T23:44:39Z

If you're like me, you need a good book to make you forget about pigging out. Yep, I'm somewhere between wanting to stuff my face until I pass out and not cooking a damn thing. Problem is I don't make the rounds like I used to so there are fewer folks giving away food.

This is a pretty good site I ran across a couple of months ago. They've got interesting titles for the women's books whether it's relationships,LGBT lifestyle or cats. Sounds old maid-like but I'm pretty sure you'll enjoy it.

Stay tuned for some cool turkey day leftover tips!

Rest in Peace

2011-11-13T06:37:16Z

If you've ever wanted to know the exact history of the breast cancer awareness pink ribbon logo, here is the woman behind it.
You will be missed.

Worksuits That Suit You

2011-11-13T02:21:16Z

One thing I used to hate when I was punching a clock was getting dressed. You know what I mean. You could either come in your Sunday best or "rough it".
Now, give me a nice blouse or silk tee with a couple of plus size suits and I was happy.

No ironing, no stress. I used to find all kinds of bridges to my eclectic personality and corporate America. During this time I found that a person can wear too much lace, or ruffles, in order to be taken seriously.

Also, a plus-size chick has to be careful with trendy items. I used to think that when bell bottoms came back in style, I was going to be so retro. Then I found out why no many in my social circle wore these. They made you look fatter. If you're one of those chicks that says "Fat is where it's at", have someone take a picture of you from a distance and you'll see what I'm talking about.

Platforms were nice for giving support while walking but the object was to not fall, especially with one of those broomstick skirts. Oh boy!

Mad, Mad Mama...10 Finger Discount

2011-11-11T16:28:23Z

by Cheryl T. Crosby

Okay, I used to be one of those chicks that felt whipping or beating a child should be illegal and just talking with them would solve all that could go wrong in an effective parental relationship.

Here's my story.

Back in the late 80s, I was a serious career woman with no time for relationships or much else. Then when Aunt Flo didn't stop by as often, I went into a panic and had a sperm donor. Then six months later, I was converting my study to a child's room.

At 40, I was determined to give Samantha the best life had to offer as she was a good little girl for the first 15 years of her life. Then out of nowhere, I noticed that my baby suddenly looked like a woman and seemed to carry herself differently.

She dressed really nice, I mean she came up with all kinds of color combinations I would have never thought of. One day, I looked in her room to find bags from places her allowance did not cover.

At first, she told me that the items were borrowed from a friend. While she was on a trip to visit the local college, I was freaking shocked and amazed while perusing.

It was like she had a mini-boutique. In boxes were the latest costume jewelry pieces by today's designers, along with tees and jeans. Once again, I knew she didn't have THAT many friends and she lied to me.

I could feel my blood pressure going up so I did the next best thing, I called the police.

They sent over a plain clothes officer in an unmarked car so as not to draw attention. My hear broke when he took her away but the little cunt had to learn.

It was the hardest thing I had to do and Samantha cursed me out during the first few visits to the youth detention center.

After serving six months, she came home a little distant. I took medical leave from work so I had more time to talk to her and found that I had let my career get in the way of getting closer to my child. I didn't want to believe it but it was true. So hell-bent on moving up the corporate ladder that I seldom took the time to really talk. All the conference calls at the breakfast nook, texting during recitals and everything else turned my baby into a sneaky, lying young woman.

After confessing all the bad things she did over the years, I beat her with a belt for five minutes straight.

Strange but we've been closer since.