Hard Ta Knock Diva

RSVP for the P&G #EverydayEffect Twitter Party 4/11 at 9pm ET!

2013-04-10T21:54:00.002-04:00

Seemingly ordinary actions - like washing your laundry in lower temperatures, doing the dishes with concentrated products or changing a diaper that uses thinner materials – can be a surprising help to the world we share... allowing us all to reduce waste.

Did you know? Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to run your television for three hours! In celebration of Earth Day, join us for the #EverydayEffect Twitter Party! We’ll be giving out some fantastic prizes and chatting about small steps your family can take at home that can help the environment in a big way.

The Party Details:
When: Thursday April 11 at 9pm ET
Where: Twitter - follow hashtag #EverydayEffect
Custom TweetGrid: http://bit.ly/11wr4rD
Party Hosts: @SheSpeaksUp
Party Sponsors: @ProcterGamble
Party Panelists: @Zipporahs, @StacieInAtlanta, @LisaSamples, @MommyBlogExpert, @WiCProject,@MommaDJane
Hashtag: #EverydayEffect

Prizes*: We’re giving out over $1,000 in prizes. You could win our grand prize, a Whirlpool High Efficiency Washing Machine!

RSVP for the #PGmostloved Twitter Party Wednesday 3/27 at 3pm ET!

2013-03-20T20:28:00.000-04:00

Join us on March 27 at 3p.m. ET for the “Share, Love, Celebrate the Best of P&G” Twitter party with “E! News” co-anchor Terrence J. You’ll have the chance to win some of P&G’s “Most Loved,” award-winning products from many of your favorite beauty, grooming and household care brands.

RSVP to be eligible for the door prize by commenting on this post with your Twitter handle (Ex. @SheSpeaksUp)!

The Twitter Party Details:
When: Wednesday, March 27 at 3p.m. ET
Where: Twitter - follow hashtag #PGmostlovedCustom Tweet Grid: http://bit.ly/XXeAIX
Brands: @PGeveryday
Special Guest: @TerrenceJ
Panelists: @Zipporahs, @StacieInAtlanta, @StacyKnows, @HaveUHeard1,@BrettBMartin, @alywalansky

Twitter Party Topics
You’re invited to celebrate with P&G! Over the last several years, P&G brands including CoverGirl^®, Olay^®, Febreze^®, and Swiffer^® (to name just a few!) have won hundreds of awards from some of the country’s leading magazines. Now P&G is sharing the love with you! We’ll tell you how you can save on these award-winning brands, while giving out some awesome prizes.

Twitter Party Prizes*:
Lucky winners* participating in the Twitter Party will be randomly selected to win prize baskets full of some of P&G’s award-winning, “Most Loved” products! We’ll be giving away a total of $1,000 in products and prizes. You’ll have a chance to win a prize every ten minutes! One lucky winner will take home our grand prize – a P&G “Most Loved” Product Gift Basket AND a $300 Visa Gift Card!

To get started, click here to Tweet:
"Join me at the #PGmostloved Twitter Party w/ @SheSpeaksUp & @PGeveryday 3/27 3pm ET! http://bit.ly/mostlvd"

New to Twitter Parties?
No problem. Check out our TweetGrid 101 video and our Twitter Party tips and hints. Then get ready to jump into the conversation!

Be sure to RSVP for the party by commenting on this blog post.

*Prize winners must have RSVP-ed via comments below and be participating in the discussion to win. Open to United States residents only. One prize per winner. No purchase necessary. Twitter Party prize winners must complete a form with mailing details within 48 hours of the party. The form will be DMed if you win a prize.

HARD TA KNOCK PRESENT ONCE AGAIN IT’S ON SAT MARCH 23rd @BLUE WISP

2013-03-12T13:17:00.002-04:00

Hard Ta Knock is back at it Saturday March 23rd at the Blue Wisp. Located at 700 Race st downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. For more information call 513-221-4273.

KEVIN HART COVERS UPTOWN MAGAZINE

2013-03-07T13:01:00.000-05:00

RSVP for the #MagicBBCream Twitter Party Thursday 3/7 at 9pm ET!

2013-02-24T20:48:00.000-05:00

Everyone is buzzing about BB cream! “Beauty Balms,” or BB Creams, blend skin caring properties with light makeup coverage. Join us on Thursday, March 7 at 9pm ET to get the scoop on L'Oréal Paris Magic BB Cream, share your beauty secrets and WIN gorgeous prizes!

RSVP to be eligible for the door prize by commenting on this post with your Twitter handle (Ex. @SheSpeaksUp)!

The Twitter Party Details:
When: Thursday, March 7 at 9pm ET
Where: Twitter - follow hashtag #MagicBBCream
Custom Tweet Grid: http://bit.ly/TwZyJS
Brands: @LOrealParisUSA
Panelists: Coming soon!

Twitter Party Topics
We’ll be talking all about our favorite beauty and skin care secrets with @LOrealParisUSA and we’ll give you all the info you need to get that flawless bare skin finish with L'Oréal Paris Magic BB Cream.

Twitter Party Prizes*:
Lucky winners* participating in the Twitter Party will be randomly selected to win prizes including L'Oréal Paris beauty baskets that include Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream and more! We're giving away over $700 in prizes. One lucky winner will take home our grand prize, a $250 Target gift card!

To get started, click here to Tweet:
"Join me at the #MagicBBCream Twitter Party w/ @SheSpeaksUp & @LOrealParisUSA 3/7 9pm ET! http://bit.ly/loprsvp"

New to Twitter Parties?
No problem. Check out our TweetGrid 101 video and our Twitter Party tips and hints. Then get ready to jump into the conversation!

Sign up at http://shespeaks.com

THE HARD TA KNOCK DIVA'S WHITE WINE SANGRIA

2013-02-23T19:03:00.000-05:00

Prep Time: 15 minutes Chill time: 2 hours Level: Easy Serves: 4-6

1 bottle sauvignon blanc
1/2 cup Cointreau
1 medium peaches, washed, pitted and sliced (about 1 1/2 cups)
1 cup strawberries, washed, hulled and sliced
1 orange, thinly sliced
1 cup green grapes, halved
1 cup of kiwi cut thinly
1 cup cherries, pitted and halved
3 tsp. of sweetened lime juice
Ice
fresh mint sprigs for garnish (optional)
1 cup of karo syrup

In a large pitcher, mix the white wine, lime juice and Cointreau. Add the peaches, strawberries, kiwi, orange slices, grapes and cherries. Stir all to combine. Refrigerate 2 hours.

Stir in the karo syrup prior to serving and sweeten to taste. Serve over ice and garnish with fresh mint if desired.

ABG | HARLEM SHAKE (90s Dance Edition)

2013-02-22T21:37:00.000-05:00

L'Oreal - Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream Review

2013-02-20T20:32:00.000-05:00

L’Oreal’s first magic B.B. cream with beautifying beads. Encapsulated pigments are infused in an ultra-light lotion with antioxidants vitamins C & E. You get 4 beautifying actions: primes to smooth skin’s texture; perfects to hide imperfections; hydrates for all-day moisture; corrects skin for a healthy-looking, even complexion. Instantly transforms to your perfect shade for a flawless bare-skin finish. Over time, you get more beautiful skin.

My observations:

Price: $10.95 for 1 oz. (available here)
Shades: Fair, Light, Medium and Deep
Smell: Very very subtle fragrance.
Color: “Deep” did not match my skin tone. The BB Cream is self adjusting, so it starts out white. As the cream is worked into the skin, the color will appear.
Moisture: This product does not offer moisture. Might be a good option for oily/combination skin. Depending on how oily your skin is, you may or may not want to use a moisturizer under the BB Cream.
Sun Protection: None!

Coverage: The coverage is very sheer. Although the cream didn’t cover blemishes, it did smooth out some of the unevenness. In my opinion, this BB Cream feels and acts more like a tinted primer with a matte finish than a traditional BB Cream.
I don’t buy into the whole “transforming” bit when it comes to products like these especially for the deeper shades because 90% of the time they come out too light and white-ish and in this case I was kind of right…the deep shade was a tad to light for me.

My skin did feel hydrated when using this, but not anymore than what a regular moisturizer would make it feel and it did cling to some dry patches on my face.

This does indeed prime your skin and makes it a smooth canvas. I noticed upon initial application how much more even my complexion looked (not to be confused with coverage)and my skin was softer. It really cancelled out the redness around my nose and mouth area.

I will still wear this under my foundation, but I just can’t seem to wear them alone like I would want.

If you are looking for something to use in addition to your foundation that can also act as a primer and even your skin tone you’d have some luck trying the L’Oreal Magic Skin Beautifier.

I received a complimentary product from SheSpeaks/L’Oréal to facilitate this review, all opinions are honest and in no way influenced by either brand.

Start Off Your Day Right: The 5 Best Morning Sex Positions!

2013-02-14T07:00:00.000-05:00

Start the day off with some 'good morning' sex! Feeling sluggish in the morning? Try a wake-up call a hundred times better than that tired cup of coffee: morning sex. Surprise him in the best way with one — or all — of these sexy positions. He'll love your spontaneity and you'll love the good feelings you retain throughout the day.
1. Spooning This is likely to be the most instinctual position when you both are just waking up from a cuddling position. With both your bodies so close together and still lying down, you can feel incredibly comfortable while also getting some seriously hot bed activity in. He'll be able to access all of you with his hands as well as kiss your neck, giving you the jolt you need to get yourself going. You can twist your body in order to kiss him or even watch the action for that extra dose of sexiness.

2. Reverse cowgirl Men love this position, but it can also be the perfect position for you to get it on in the AM. What could be better than giving him a show and getting exactly what you want? Not only does it allow for you to accommodate whatever speed and depth is best for your body (which might be a bit stiff in the morning), but it also prevents any awkward morning breath moments.

3. Missionary with your legs on his shoulders If you're feeling particularly vigorous, perhaps consider a deeper penetration to really get your gears going before work. You can jump into this position right off the bat or gradually transition from missionary, first putting your knees up towards your chest, then stretching your legs upwards. This allows for deeper access as well as showing him that bright-eyed face of yours, which is sure to get him going.

4. Shower sex Every guy likes a good excuse to see your body within reach and covered in water. Just turn around in the shower and let him go for it — it will feel amazing to have his hands be able to access all of you while the water massages your skin, too. Not only will you be multi-tasking your priorities of getting frisky and getting ready, it also adds a sweet element of intimacy to gently wash one another's bodies afterward. In the event you have a mirror in your bathroom, take advantage of this by watching yourselves — it'll boost his confidence and yours to see how fantastic you two look in action.

5. Oral sex Okay — so this isn't a sex position exactly. But it can be just as satisfying and hot as the rest of this list! If your guy has recently voiced a desire to be woken up by a blowjob and it's something you both feel comfortable partaking in, go for it. It simultaneously fulfills his fantasy and makes him feel irresistible — a combination that will pump up your sex life and his ego.

5 Keys to Healing a Broken Heart

2013-02-13T08:00:00.000-05:00

We all know that break ups can be rough. Some of us may be so terrified of a broken heart that we stifle and cut ourselves off from the potential of love because of this fear. We want to protect ourselves from ending back at square one and without someone to share that side of our heart with. Those of us who have taken that risk, given all that we have and have been left with a void that our lovers used to fill need to learn how to properly heal. Binging on Graeter's, fried food, cocktails and reruns of Sex and the City is not a cure. The only true way to fill the sudden emptiness is with love from our friends and family, but most importantly, from within.

Listed here are 5 keys to help you reclaim your individuality, inner strength and heal your broken heart.

Stay Active. Getting your heart rate up and getting out of the house is a great way to feel better, look better and keep your mind off of negativity and the past.
Update Your Wardrobe. Feeling better about your outer appearance will help speed up your inner healing. Swap your cozy jeans for a hot black mini dress and some sky-high heels. Love yourself more!
Plan a Girls Night. Girls nights are great circumstances in which to heal. Bonding, commiserating, laughing indulging and love are all things that transpire when with youre having an amazing time with your friends.
Meditate. Feeling sad or depressed is merely a mentality. Happiness is a choice. Consciously choose to do good things that make you happy in order trade in the bad feelings for good. Take time out to listen to relaxing music and to give your heart and mind a break.
Acceptance. The only sure fire way to move on is to accept things as they are. Accept your sad feelings and then let them go and replace them with happiness.Healing is a process, but only you can heal yourself and strength from within is the only way.

Feel better now?

Please let me know your thoughts!

~The Hard 2 Knock Diva

Valentine Gift Ideas: MOONSTRUCK CHOCOLATE Pink Champagne Sweetheart Truffle

2013-02-12T13:15:00.003-05:00

Ivory chocolate ganache flavored with a champagne reduction, with a hint of raspberry, surrounding a candied raspberry, inside an ivory chocolate heart-shaped shell finished with a hand-painted design. One box of 20 truffles. Cost: $45.00 Order online.

THE HARD 2 KNOCK DIVA'S TROPICAL TIKI DRINK - "THE PAIN KILLER"

2013-02-12T12:26:00.001-05:00

You will need the following items:

2 oz Pusser's® dark rum 2 oz cream of coconut 4 oz pineapple juice 1 oz orange juice

Blend the ingredients, and pour in a tall glass. Sprinkle nutmeg and ground cinnamon on top, and serve. This drink will take you back to the beach! Enjoy

The 80/20 Rule

2013-02-11T12:43:00.000-05:00

Exactly what is the 80/20 Rule? Originally, the Pareto Principle referred to the observation that 80% of Italy’s wealth belonged to only 20% of the population. But generally speaking, the Pareto Principle is the observation (not law) that most things in life are not distributed evenly. And just how does the 80/20 Rule apply to relationships?

Well anyone who has seen the Tyler Perry movie “Why Did I Get Married” can answer that question. One of the husbands stated that in any marriage or relationship a man is only going to get 80% of fulfillment from his mate. Now while we all know that 80 percent is a large amount it appears that some men spend most of their time searching for that seemingly unreachable, other, twenty percent. Whether reality or fantasy that “golden”, unattainable twenty percent becomes some men’s life goal. Now please pick up on the fact that I said “some” men and not all.

Definitely not all men feel this way. Let’s examine twenty percent. It doesn’t seem like a big amount at all, which it isn’t of course, unless you don’t have it. Then it becomes even more important to you than the eighty percent that you already have. And if you’re always thinking about the twenty percent that you “think” you’re missing then you may become unappreciative of the eighty percent that you already have on your plate. You would think that as we mature into adults that this would be obvious and the temptation to search for the elusive twenty percent would cease. But as we all know, that doesn’t always happen.

What happens even if you do find your twenty percent that you felt you were missing? Now what? Does the twenty percent take the place of the eighty percent in the relationship that you already have or do you combine the newly found twenty percent to the eighty percent in order to get the full one hundred percent that you feel you are entitled to? Number 1, who ever said that life is fair? And number 2, If your mate felt the same way about you , giving her only eighty percent of the fulfillment that she needs, then is she also entitled to find her other twenty percent?

Things that make you go… hmmmmm. We could always fall back on the old clichés like “A bird in the hand is worth more than 2 in the bush”, “You can’t have your cake and eat it too”, “Be careful what you wish for”, or the most famous line of all “The grass is not always greener on the other side.” But when all of that is said and done, where do you go from here? You’ve got eighty percent in one hand and twenty percent in the other hand. If you’re not careful you may get a little too overzealous and clap your hands together in victory which would only lead to the destruction of the eighty and the twenty percent, when they are both crushed between your hands, leaving you with absolutely nothing.

Would it be worth it? You do the math. -The Hard 2 Knock Diva

The Hard 2 Knock Diva's Vodka Lemonade Pie

2013-02-08T12:50:00.000-05:00

It's a cocktail for the fork! This refreshingly frozen pie is a great addition to any party.

INGREDIENTS

1 refrigerated pie crust, softened as directed on box
2 cups lemon sherbet, softened
1 container (6 oz) Yoplait® 99% Fat Free lemon cream pie
1 can (12 oz) frozen lemonade concentrate
3/4 cup ABSOULT CITRON vodka
1/3 cup of Splenda or sugar
Lemon slices, if desired

DIRECTIONS

1 Heat oven to 450°F. Place pie crust in ungreased 9-inch pie plate. Press crust firmly against side and bottom; flute. Bake 9 to 11 minutes or until light brown. Cool completely, about 1 hour. 2 Mix sherbet, yogurt, lemonade concentrate and vodka until blended. Spoon into crust. Freeze uncovered until firm, about 3 hours. 3 Let stand at room temperature 10 minutes before cutting. Garnish each serving of pie with lemon.

Kendra Scott Jewelry Iggy Feather & Faceted Cobalt Quartz Bib Necklace

2013-02-07T13:10:00.000-05:00

Want to steal the spotlight without piling on jewelry? A striking bib necklace is the key to a totally standout look!
14K yellow gold plated brass feather bib necklace with faceted simulated cobalt quartz details

19 inches long with 2 inch extension chain
2¾ inch bib drop
Lobster clasp closure

Youngest ever Oscar nominee Quvenzhané Wallis

2013-02-03T13:35:00.000-05:00

She is the youngest person in history to be nominated for a Best Actress Oscar, and at just nine years old Quvenzhané Wallis knows how to liven up an Academy event. The young star larked about and was the centre of attention at the 85th Academy Awards Nominations Luncheon at the Beverly Hilton on Monday. Looking impeccable in a lilac party dress, and with one of her trademark puppy purses, the Beasts Of The Southern Wild star couldn't fail to cause a stir as she joked around.

Uninhibited by the A-listers sharing the room, she fooled around and made everyone smile. At the age of five, Quvenzhané lied about her age to audition for her very first acting job, the starring role in Beasts Of The Southern Wild - the minimum age for consideration was six. She won the part, beating 4,000 contenders for the role of Hushpuppy.

Director Benh Zeitlin said that when he auditioned Quvenzhané, he immediately realised he'd discovered what he was looking for, and changed the script to accommodate her large personality. The child star flew to France for the premiere of Beasts Of The Southern Wild at the Cannes Film Festival in May last year, where it won the prestigious Caméra d'Or award for Best first Feature Film. Last week the starlet appeared on the Jay Leno show, and won over audiences as she chatted confidently about whom she hopes to meet at the
Oscars.

'Well, it's going to be a long list,' she declared, before naming Demi Lovato, Nicki Minaj and Beyonce on her wish list. When Jay asked who she'd be taking as a date to the Oscars, Quvenzhané, proudly lifted up her puppy purse saying, 'This and my mom.' Quvenzhané, who plays brave youngster Hushpuppy in the independent film, recently revealed to Vogue's that although her favorite color is pink, she has no idea what she'll actually be wearing on the red carpet come February 24, 2013.

But she will be steering clear of long dresses: 'I might step on it, or trip on it and I don't want to humiliate myself,' she explained. When asked whether she enjoyed herself at a party that was held in her honour recently, she smiled, and said: 'Yes, I just love partying.' Quvenzhané is up against Jennifer Lawrence, Naomi Watts, Jessica Chastain and Emmanuelle Riva, who at 85-years-old, is the oldest Best Actress Oscar nominee.

Since her breakout role, Quvenzhané has been cast in the upcoming movie Twelve Years a Slave, which also stars Paul Giamatti, Brad Pitt, and Michael Fassbender. Quvenzhané was born in Houma, Louisiana. Her mother, Qulyndreia, is a school teacher, and her father, Venjie, is a truck driver. 'Quven', the first part of her name, combines her parents' first names, while her mother has stated that zhané means 'fairy' in Swahili.

THE HARD 2 KNOCK DIVA'S NEW DRINK - COMB VODKA

2013-02-01T12:30:00.000-05:00

While most vodka is produced using corn, wheat, or potatoes, Comb Vodka is distilled from honey. Although honey can be difficult to work with, it can provide numerous flavors depending on the source of nectar. Clover, wildflowers, raspberry, citrus, tulip poplar, and tupelo, are just a few of the nectar sources that bees use to make honey. Each one contributes its unique character and allows the distillery to create a distinctive, well-balanced spirit that is surprisingly dry. Comb is completely unfiltered in order to preserve the quality, which results in a slightly aromatic spirit with a full, round flavor. A family-owned microdistillery makes this exquisite vodka from pure honey.
Anyone who likes to try the latest and greatest should really pick up a bottle of COMB VODKA. Give me a few days and I will post some delicious recipes for your COMB. If you are a purist like me, just drink it over the rocks or with a dash of cranberry. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="141"] COMB VODKA[/caption]

13 money tips for 2013

2013-01-31T13:23:00.000-05:00

1. Track your expenses. Almost every financial plan starts with this most dreaded task. Unfortunately, without understanding where your money goes, it's nearly impossible to make different choices about how to spend. The good news is that there are plenty of software programs to help you out, or you can use a plain old spreadsheet.

2. Establish adequate emergency reserve funds. Perhaps the single best way to protect yourself from unforeseen circumstances is to hold 6 to 12 months of living expenses in cash or cash equivalent accounts. For those in retirement, consider carrying 12 to 24 months of expenses. Don't forget to replenish cash reserves for any bills that are coming up over the next year.

3. Earn more on your safe money. Sure, interest rates are low, but with a little work you can squeeze out some extra money. Go to, www.depositaccounts.com, where you can find longer-term CDs with low penalties; shop around at credit unions that offer better interest than most banks; and consider "I-bonds," a kind of savings bond issued by the U.S. government, from treasurydirect.gov.

4. Get a handle on your risk tolerance. Before you make big changes to your investment accounts, take a risk assessment questionnaire, like this one from Vanguard. The results should help you re-balance your portfolio in a manner that is consistent with your needs and takes into account your emotions.

5. Determine whether you should manage your money or hire someone to do it. Do you have the time, energy, acumen and temperament necessary to successfully manage all of the components of your financial life? If not, it could be time to interview a financial professional. The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors is a good place to start the process.

6. Stop trying to beat the market. "Most investors are not beating the market; the market is beating them," says Charles D. Ellis, a consultant to large institutional investors. Ellis conducted research that found that only one in five mutual fund managers beats the index over the long run. With those odds, investors would be wise to replace actively individual stocks and managed mutual funds with index or exchange-traded funds.

7. Calculate your retirement number. Many people say they are worried about retirement, but most of them haven't done any planning to help themselves. Any conversation about retirement must start with an easy step -- calculating how much in savings people need to ensure a financially secure retirement. The Employee Benefit Research Institute's "Choose to Save Ballpark E$timate" tool is easy to use, or check out your retirement plan/401(k) website for more retirement tools.

8. Maximize retirement contributions. The federal government is helping on this front by increasing the 2013 limit for employees who participate in 401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans and the government's Thrift Savings Plan to $17,500 from $17,000. The catch-up contribution limit for employees aged 50 and over remains unchanged, at $5,500. The limit on annual contributions to traditional and Roth IRAs will rise by $500 to $5,500.

9. Consider buying a home. The real estate market is recovering, which means that those who have been sitting on the sidelines may want to take the plunge on a new home. Still, make sure you weigh whether you are better off renting or buying with this NY Times calculator.

10. Refinance your mortgage. Mortgage rates are at historically low rates and appraisals are starting to rise, so even if you haven't been able to refinance in the past couple of years, try again. Use this re-fi calculator to determine how much you may be able to save or how many years you could potentially shave off the term of your mortgage.

11. Assess your property insurance, Superstorm Sandy was a painful lesson in the limits of homeowners insurance. The best time to review your policy is before an event occurs, not after. The three biggest mistakes people make with homeowners insurance are: 1) under-insuring; 2) shopping by price only and not comparing apples to apples; and 3) not reading policy details before a loss occurs.

12. Review life, disability and long-term care insurance coverage. This is the part of your financial life where an error can cause huge damage to your family. For life insurance, make sure you have enough with this online calculator. Nine times out of 10, term life insurance is the best bet. For disability insurance, enroll in your company's plan, if offered. If you are self-employed, shop around and buy at least some coverage. If you're over 50, time to shop around for long-term care insurance.

13. Create/review/update estate documents: Hire a lawyer to prepare a will, power of attorney and health care proxy/living will documents. If you prefer doing it yourself, you can use software like Quicken WillMaker. As part of the process, create a go-to list of documents, which can include key information about investment accounts, insurance policies, auto titles, income tax returns. Estate records and final instructions also should be stored in a safe place -- don't forget to provide copies to your executor or trustee.

© 2012 CBS Interactive Inc.. All Rights Reserved.

3 Easy Money Saving Tips

2013-01-20T13:32:00.000-05:00

1. Stop using credit cards. Pay for everything with cash or money orders. Don't even use checks. It's easier to overspend when you're pulling from a bank or credit account because you don't know exactly how much is in there. If you have cash, you can see your supply running low. You can even bundle up the predetermined amount of cash allocated for each expense with a label or keep separate jars for each expense (e.g. a bundle/jar for coffee, another for gas, another for miscellaneous). As you pull money from a jar for that particular expense, you'll see how much remains and you'll also be reminded of your limit.
2. Keep a record of your expenses. What you save falls between two activities and their difference: how much you make and how much you spend. Since you have more control over how much you spend, it's wise to take a critical look at your expenses. Write down everything you spend your money on for a couple weeks or a month. Be as detailed as possible, and try not to leave out small purchases. Assign each purchase or expenditure a category such as: Rent, Car insurance, Car payments, Phone Bill, Cable Bill, Utilities, Gas, Food, Entertainment, etc.

Keep a small notebook with you at all times. Get in the habit of recording every expense and saving the receipts.
Sit down once a week with your small notebook and receipts. Record your expenses in a larger notebook or a spreadsheet program.
There are also many apps you can download to your phone that will help you keep track of your expenses.

3. Trim your expenses. Take a good, hard look at your spending records after a month or two have passed. You’ll probably be surprised when you look back at your record of expenses: $30 on ice cream, $10 on parking tickets? You’ll likely see some obvious cuts you can make. Depending on how much you need to save, however, you may need to make some difficult decisions. Think about your priorities, and make cuts you can live with. Calculate how much those cuts will save you per year, and you'll be much more motivated to pinch pennies.

The Hard 2 Knock Diva's Cran-Pomerganate Martini

2013-01-17T12:53:00.000-05:00

As you know, I am a master mixologist! I have the most amazing shaken not stirred martini!
To make this at home, you must go to your neighborhood grocery store and purchase Ocean Spray's Cran-Pomergranate individual powder mix. In your shaker, please add the following:

7 Cubes of Ice
2 oz. Three Olives Pomegranate Vodka
Splash of Triple Sec
Half of the Ocean Spray Cran-Pomerganate Powder Mix
Shake and garnish with your favorite fruit.

Rain Cosmetics Drama Lash - Prude

2013-01-04T05:00:00.000-05:00

Take your look from ordinary to extraordinary. These fun falsies range from demure to daring, allowing you to achieve a look as dramatic as you desire.

Directions: Apply a thin strip of eye lash adhesive (not included) to the length of the lash band. Wait 30 seconds for it to become slightly tacky before positioning. Place the lashes as close as possible to your natural lash line and press gently into skin, starting at the outer corners and working in.

To Remove: Gently pull the edge of the lashes up, beginning at the outer corner

- Pair of synthetic eyelashes
- Color: Prude
- Imported

Rain Cosmetics Sex Pot Gel Eyeliner - Bangin' Body Brown

2013-01-01T06:00:00.000-05:00

Get noticed! Create daringly defined, or soft, seductive eyes with this easy to apply gel liner. Glides effortlessly over the lid for precise lines or can be blended out for a sultry effect. Water resistant. Close product tightly after use to avoid drying.

Directions: With this little jar of excitement, the creative possibilities are endless! Razor-sharp lines are a snap using the What's Your Angle? brush. If it's a an eye-catching wash of color you crave, simply apply Sex Pot Gel Eyeliner with your fingertip over your lid for a fast glam-on-the-go look.

Ingredients: isododecane, disteardimonium hectorite, c18-36 acid glycol ester, tribehenin, polyethylene, propylene carbonate, phenoxyethanol, dimethicone, iron oxides ci 77491, ci 77492, ci 77499

- Size: 0.14 oz.

- Color: Bangin' Body Brown

- For directions and ingredients, see "Show more"

- Made in USA

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM THE HARD TA KNOCK DIVA AND FAMILY!

2013-01-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

Addiction NV Cosmetics Baby's Butt Age-Erasing Face Primer

2012-12-31T05:00:00.000-05:00

Like lingerie for your skin, this habit-forming refinishing formula gives you that super satiny skin you've always wanted. Boosting the enduring benefits of any Addiction foundation, their breathable, line-erasing, and pore-refining primer instantly evens your complexion, while it gives your skin that velvety, va-va-voom texture.
Directions: Apply desired amount to clean or moisturized skin before foundation application or wear alone.

Ingredients: isododecane, dimethicone crosspolymer, cyclopentasiloxane, cellulose, ethylene/acrylic acid copolymer, olive glycerides, hydrolyzed millet, diisostearoyl trimethylolpropane, siloxy silicate, caprylic/capric triglyceride helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil unsaponifiables, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, polymethylmethacrylate, mentha viridis (spearmint) leaf oil, phenoxyethanol, methicone, caprylyl glycol, ethylhexylglycerin, hexylene glycol, bisabolol, fragrance, menthoxypropanediol, lavandula stoechas extract; may contain: mica, titanium dioxide (ci 77891), iron oxides (ci 77492, ci 77491, ci 77499)

- Size: 1.5 fl. oz.
- Made in USA

Avani Dead Sea Deep Cleansing Mud Facial Gel

2012-12-30T05:00:00.000-05:00

This Deep Cleansing Mud Facial Gel is enriched with Avocado Oil, Pro-Vitamin B5, and Vitamin E. Natural plant extracts and essential oils renowned for their cleansing and moisturizing properties have been blended with the unique deep purifying mud from the Dead Sea to create this Deep Cleansing Mud Facial Gel. Enriched with vitamins, this gentle cleansing gel has been formulated to cleanse the skin without upsetting the natural pH balance and will leave your skin clean, refreshed and revitalized.

Directions: Apply to wet skin working into a gentle lather and then rinse.

Ingredients: aqua (water), sodium lauryl sulfate, cocamidopropyl betaine, cocamide dea, glycol stearate, fragrance (parfum), maris aqua (dead sea water), silt (dead sea mud), gluconolactone, persea gratissima (avocado) oil, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, panthenol (pro. vit. b5), maris sal (dead sea salt), dimethicone, propylene glycol, sodium benzoate, anthemis nobilis (chamomile) extract, lavandula angustifolia (lavender) extract, phenoxyethanol, citric acid, tocopheryl acetate (vit. e), mentha piperita (peppermint) oil, benzophenone -- 3, methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone

- Size: 7.5 fl. oz.
- Ideal for all skin types