It’s Thanksgiving Time! – Do the Tummy Splurge

I am looking forward to next week! I get to spend time with my family! I have been working on my menu for the last few days. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I get so excited about cooking for my parents and making sure they really enjoy themselves. My menu has not been finalized yet because this weekend is going to be a big one as well. This weekend is NCSU’s Homecoming weekend so I will be cheering for the Wolfpack!

Getting back to Thanksgiving, can you picture it? Cuddled up in your thrower watching movies with family after a belly full of your favorite foods, laughing together and conversing with one another. It’s the one time of the year (besides Christmas) when I get to “tummy splurge” by eating whatever I want. Well here is a look into my draft menu.

  • Fish stew
  • Rice
  • Collard greens
  • Chicken (not sure how I will prepare the chicken yet)
  • Potato salad
  • Dressing
  • Green beans
  • Mac & cheese
  • coconut/pineapple cake
  • cornbread or rolls
  • Some of the things on the menu may change such as the dessert and/or one of the vegetables, but whatever the case they will have a great and healthy feast. This should last the whole weekend. I thought about a healthier dessert, but I kind of miss some of the things my Mom used to make so I decided to make a “blast” from the past.

    Are you cooking this Thanksgiving holiday? If so, have you made your menu for the holidays yet? Feel free to share!

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    Invest in Yourself – The Entrepreneural Spirit

    There have been plenty of layoffs over the last four years, but what happens to the 401k plans when former employees do not find work immediately? Some may choose to roll it over into an IRA, leave it at their former company, or take cash out to pay off debt. However, which option would be more beneficial for you? When you don’t know what to do, it is wise to find someone who can review your options with you. I found just the person who could assist with investments and who could share how she started in this business of helping others with their finances. Meet Taura Simmons and her desire to help you “invest” in yourself.

    Q: When and why did you decide to change directions by choosing a career outside of the mortgage industry?

    Taura: When I was a mortgage consultant back in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s, I found myself giving a lot of advice and counseling to clients about how to clean their credit, save money, and pay their mortgages off sooner. I wanted to offer my clients more in the way of products and services, and to be able to provide and educate my clients on more aspects of becoming financially stable and independent. I became licensed for life and health insurance and medicare supplements in 2000. I then acquired my series 6, and 63 securities registration in 2008.

    Taura Simmons - Primerica Sr. Regional Leader

    Q: What qualifications were required to start your own business within Primerica?

    Taura: There are a few products that a new representative can offer while they are becoming licensed, so that they can hit the ground running; but to really be effective you must become a licensed agent. Primerica has a dynamic program to assist you in getting your insurance license and later your securites licenses if you desire and qualify. There is a modest investment fee of $99 which allows you to get processed as a representative and to begin selling products and studying for state licensing.

    Q: What do you hope to accomplish with your business within the next five years?

    Taura: My primary goal is to bring awareness to more of our community on the necessary tools for financial stability, debt freedom, and financial independence. My secondary goal is to continue to build my business, which in turn will help others to achieve their goals and dreams.

    Taura with her husband Bobby.


    Q: What kind of services do you offer?

    Taura: Primerica Financial Services offers a wide range of products to meet the needs of the average middle-income American family. We have recently expanded our investment strategies and portfolios to meet the changing needs of upper middle-class families as well. We offer term life insurance products, IRA’s, mutual funds, 401k’s, 529
    college plans, investment portfolios, variable annuities, homeowner’s and auto insurance, debt consolidation loans and mortgages, long term care, and an exciting new Debt Watchers program which allows one to monitor their credit and credit scores and assists clients in their quest for debt freedom. We also offer financial needs analyses to help clients determine what their current asset protection needs are and also help them plan for and establish savings and retirement goals. We continually strive to offer high-quality products that families can utilize to become debt free and financially independent.

    Q: If someone is interested in the business or your services, how can they contact you?

    Taura: I can be reached at the office (919)266-5809, on my mobile (919)274-2384 or emailed at tsimmons@primerica.com.

    Q: What advice would you give someone trying to decide what business opportunity to pursue?

    Taura: My advice to those considering any business opportunity is to find one in which you can picture yourself doing 5, 10 and even 20 years into the future. Find an opportunity in which a passion to help others can fuel and motivate you. And finally, be more concerned for others than yourself, in business and outside of business; this will
    keep one focused on your integrity and the integrity of the business opportunity that you choose.

    And lastly, have fun! If you don’t enjoy what you do, you won’t be good at what you do. Above all: treat others like you want to be treated. Your customers or clients will appreciate it, and the rewards will come naturally.

    Thank you so much for sharing with us Taura! We wish you much success with your business! For those interested in checking out the services provided, you can also visit Taura’s website. It is www.primerica.com/tsimmons.

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    Gluten Free Treats

    I stopped to get gas one day and noticed a business card at the pump for gluten free products. It happened to be the last card at the pump so I decided to take the card and check out the website. The products looked so tasty.

    Gluten free products are usually sought by those with Celiac disease. Celiac disease deals with the autoimmune system and results in damage to the lining of the intestines (http://www.windsorstar.com/health/Nutrition+Celiac+questions/5587217/story.html). Even though this is not something I suffer from I decided to give the products a try.

    I ordered the pizza mix, a loaf of bread, and Monster bars. I ordered them on a Monday and my order was ready a couple of days later. There were several drop-off locations, but I selected to pick up my products from one of the Whole Foods locations.

    I was so excited to try my goodies when I got home! I tried the Monster bars and they were so moist they were almost falling apart! I took one bite and thought I would melt. They were so delicious! I felt like I could eat a couple of these and not have to worry about too much sugar. Some of the main ingredients are:

  • coconut flakes
  • apple pieces
  • cranberries
  • pecans
  • honey
  • The next one I tried was the sliced bread. I made a breakfast sandwich the next morning and the bread was good. It stuck with me for a while too which was great because it kept me full for a longer period of time. This resulted in eating less during the day. Please note the picture I took of my sliced bread is after I had already ate several (about eight) pieces.

    I haven’t made my pizza using the pizza mix yet, but judging from the other goodies I have already tried, I am sure it will be good. I have found more and more gluten free products sold in the stores now, but not everyone has time to make the breads and other baked goods themselves. If you suffer from Celiac disease and want to purchase fresh baked gluten free goods then I would recommend trying Gluten Free Galley. They have other products available such as pies, scones, etc. For more information on their products check out www.glutenfreegalley.com.

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    Veteran’s Day – In Honor of Our Veterans

    On this day back in 1918, President Wilson declared November 11th the day in which we take grade honor and pride in those who have served for our country (http://www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetdayhistory.asp). This tradition officially became a holiday on May 13, 1938. Each year we honor our Veterans with parades and ceremonies for those who lost their lives protecting ours and our freedom…

    Thank you my fellow Veterans for your service and dedication to making this country a safe place. Though it is not everyday we have the pleasure of showing our gratitude, we hope you will enjoy this special day and all of the celebrations in store for you.


    We pray that whether returning, serving on foreign land, or mobilizing for another tour, God keeps you safe and guided so you may return back to us once again alive and in one piece. May He protect your mind, body, and your spirit as you protect our freedom, lives, and allegiance to making the world a better place.

    Happy Veteran’s Day! We love you and God bless!

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    The New Generation of Entrepreneurs on Youtube

    Over the last five years Youtube has emerged producing online celebrities and entrepreneurs from all over the world. You can find a wide variety of information ranging from crocheting tutorials to weight loss programs. One of the biggest spotlights shine on natural hair journal channels such as BlackOnyx77, Kimmaytube, and Prettydimples01. These ladies not only have their own Youtube vlog channels, they are entrepreneurs as well. I had the pleasure of interviewing Denitrika Marbury (Prettydimples01), a warm and friendly young lady who relocated to NC.

    Q: You are well known for your channel on Youtube, but what is your profession?

    Denitrika: Hair Stylist.

    Q: How long have you been a stylist and why did you choose this profession?

    Denitrika: I always loved doing hair from a young age. That was the only real reason for playing with Barbie dolls.

    Q: What led you to create your channel on Youtube?

    Denitrika: My mother always wanted me to because she felt I would bring something different to Youtube because I did different styles. After her constantly telling me I finally gave in. LOL

    Denitrika (Prettydimples01) -Youtube Partner and Hair Stylist

    Q: Are you a Youtube partner now?

    Denitrika: Yes.

    Q: What is the biggest challenge you see from your clients?

    Denitrika: Really the biggest thing is either keeping them encouraged to stay natural or encouraging them to make sure they get protein treatments to keep their hair strong and healthy.

    Q: What else can we expect to see from you in the future?

    Denitrika: Well I won’t say because I can never know what the future will hold. All I can say is keep watching my videos.

    Q: What advice would you give to those interested in becoming a partner with Youtube?

    Denitrika: Keep posting videos that are interesting and keep them short and to the point. Avoid a lot of talking unless you are doing your hair at the same time. Tag your videos well and don’t give up.

    Q: Can you share with the ladies in NC or those visiting the area where to go if they want their hair as fabulous as yours?

    Denitrika: In north Carolina I work at the Euporia hair salon in concord at:
    3105 Rock Hill Church Rd
    Concord, NC 28027

    In Orlando I work at Gina’s hair salon at:

    4151 west colonial dr
    Orlando, FL 32808

    I’m only in Orlando once a month and I normally post it on Youtube.
    You can purchase my hair care products at www.heavilyrooted.com

    Thank you so much Denitrika for taking time out to share with us. I have no doubt you will be successful at whatever you set your mind to achieve.

    For those interested in starting their own natural hair journey and need some pointers, be sure to subscribe to Prettydimples01’s channel.

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    The Scent of Success – A Home-Based Business Professional’s Prospective

    Annie Royster informed family and friends of her home-based business back in June of this year. Since then her business has thrived and she wanted to share with others the “scent of success” with Scentsy.

    Q: How long have you been promoting your home-based business?
    Annie: I have been promoting my business since June 4, 2011.

    Q: Is this a full-time or part-time venture?
    Annie: This is a full-time venture.

    Q: Why did you choose to start a home-based business under another company
    verses creating your own company?

    Annie: I chose to start a home-based business with Scentsy because I love the product. These are wickle warmers. They are safe and I don’t have to worry about the toxic.

    I love candles and they have eighty scents for me to chose from. I also love the
    idea that I don’t have to worry about leaving a candle burning at home when I forget
    to blow them out.

    I would love to create my own home-based business, but like everyone else you
    need start up money. If there were any grants out there I would start my own
    business. I make awesome bathroom accessories with towels. I also have Annie’s
    Candies and Things Arrangements. I will start my own business very soon.

    Q: Out of all of the other MLMs, what made you choose this one?
    Annie: Out of all of the MLM businesses that I have done, this business is the best. The compensation is wonderful! This is the only business that you can be promoted every month and not have to sell these crazy amounts each month. It is awesome!!!!! I also like this company because their back office is great.

    They have all the training you need right at your finger tips, and training calls you can tune into. The office is so friendly and will help you through anything you don’t understand. I have never been in a company where you can climb up the ladder so fast. This is the greatest company I have ever worked for.

    Q: What advice would you give someone interested in starting a home-based
    business or who has just started one?

    Annie: My advise to someone that is interested in a home-based business is make sure that
    they have a passion for what they are doing. If you have a passion for the business you will do very well. You will have to love the product yourself and your product will sell itself. People will see how excited you are about the product and trust your judgment and believe me, they will buy your product. I love Scentsy and it does sell itself and I am having fun doing it!

    Thank you so much for sharing with us Annie! I am enjoying my warmer and scents! Please keep us informed of when you bring your other business ventures to life!

    If you are interested in purchasing any of Annie Royster’s products or would like to pursue this business opportunity, please visit her website at www.warmspirit.scentsy.us. You also can contact her by phone at (201)697-8439.

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    Winning the Battle Against Eczema

    When I was growing up I had flawless skin. However, over the last year or so, Eczema has appeared and doesn’t seem to want to stay away for long. It reached it’s peak of destruction on my face this year. I tried a couple of creams prescribed by the Dermatologist yet it would not stay away for long.

    I thought perhaps I was starting to have an allergic reaction to shellfish or some other foods due to hormonal changes. Stress also has a tendency to trigger physical ailments in the body. Each time I eliminated one thing the Eczema would still return. So I decided to do a two week detox. This was something my body needed anyway so I looked forward to it.

    After my detox, I would still see one or two red bumps appear on my face followed by itching, scaling, and dryness. As you can imagine I was quite frustrated. But after paying close attention to my diet, I decided to reduce the amount of chicken I eat and reduce the number of times I fry food. I also cut my intake of dairy to once or twice a week. I limited how often I drink citrus drinks such as orange juice as well.

    I started using Thayers Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel with Organic Aloe Vera. I use the Witch Hazel sometimes for cleansing and sometimes as a moisturizer after cleaning my face with Cetaphil. To seal the moisture in I use cocoa butter. My face is clearing up and I have not had anymore Eczema breakouts.

    My diet consists mainly of fish, vegetables, fruits, and water. I do have the occasional burger every once in a while. When I do eat chicken, I usually bake it. I have traded my fried okra, fish, and chicken for oven fried food when I crave the like.

    I was never big on the intake of pork and beef, thank goodness, so the change in my diet was not a drastic one. I was not one to eat a lot of fried foods either, but I ate enough to make a difference when cutting down on it. I stay away from processed food as much as possible also. Occasionally though, I do crave a Jersey Mike’s sub. But for the most part, when I crave sandwiches like that, I try to get the real deal at the deli like roasted turkey and swiss cheese. I have been eating whole wheat bread for well over 10 years now so that was not a big change either.

    I am hoping to have the lingering effects of Eczema completely gone by NCSU Homecoming festivities. Yes, I am a fellow Wolfpack!!! I am happy at the progress so far. If you have problems with Eczema as well and want to try natural options for helping to clear it up, you may want to check out Thayers Witch Hazel alcohol-free product line.

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    Natural Hair Professional – Following Your Dreams

    Many of us have dreams in life of what we want to do or become, but few follow their dreams. However, Takiya Saunders decided to make her dreams a reality. Her love for healthy hair led her to start her natural hair journey (NHJ) on July 30, 2010. But that’s not all…after starting her NHJ she gave life to her dream of developing her own hair care line. I had the pleasure of working with Takiya and wanted to share her insight on being an Entrepreneur…

    Q: What were you doing prior to starting your hair care line?

    Takiya Saunders - Natural Hair Stylist and Founder of Nafretiri


    Takiya: I’ve been a licensed cosmetologist for the last 10 years; however, I worked full time in Corporate America at Fidelity Investments prior to starting my hair care line.

    Q: What made you decide to start your company Nafretiri and how did you decide on a name?

    Takiya: I’ve always had a passion for hair since the early age of 9 years old. While pursuing my cosmetology license I decided that in the future I’d like to start a haircare product line. After a couple of years of research, plenty of prayers, a company layoff, and a few friends and clients who believed in me, I decided to go for it.

    Nafretiri is actually a name my daughter picked out. We were looking for a unique name that had a powerful meaning.

    Q: What does Nafretiri mean?

    Takiya: The name Nafretiri is an Egyptian name meaning “Beautiful Creation.” My product line is for natural hair. I feel that our natural hair is God’s beautiful creation. We should celebrate it and learn to embrace, love, and take care of it as such. Although media and society has taught us to believe otherwise, our hair is beautiful. Our hair is Nafretiri.

    Q: What products do you offer for purchase?

    Takiya:
    Nafretiri- Organic Deep conditioner which is a thick creamy blend of 100% natural essential oils, Pro Vitamin B5, Pure honey, and plant proteins. Regular weekly applications of this deep treatment will stimulate growth, moisturize and nourish your hair.

    Nafretiri- Mistifier leave-in treatment
    Ingredients: Rose water based solution, vegetable glycerin, and pro vitamin b5
    Use daily as a leave-in treatment. It promotes growth, shine, and manageability.
    It is great as a detangler and very moisturizing.

    Nafretiri- Curlee Creme
    Ingredients: Coconut oil, Coconut butter, Shea butter, Burdoc
    Curlee Crème is a hair cream that brings out your curl pattern, fights frizz, and adds
    shine and moisture.

    Nafretiri - Natural Hair Products

    Q: Do you offer any services as well?

    Takiya: Yes, I offer the following services:

    • Transition services – Consist of styling and making it easy to grow from
      relax to natural.
    • Natural hair styling – Consist of twists, cornrows, twist outs, braid
      outs, bantu knots, and blow out/press out.
    • Steam treatments and deep treatments
    • Weaving – Consist of healthy hair weaving sew-ins using braidless methods

    Q: What advice would you give to someone looking to start their own business?

    Takiya: The first advice to up and coming entrepreneurs is:

    • Let your dream and your passions live. If you don’t let it live then it’s going to die and you’ll never know how great it could have been.
    • Find a mentor and/or like-minded people and a great support system.
    • Know who those people are and aren’t.
    • Don’t share your goals with everyone because some people are dream killers or naysayers.
    • Protect your vision as if it’s your unborn child or something you hold near and dear.
    • Believe in yourself and be a risk taker.

    Q: What is your website or contact information for those interested in using your services or purchasing your hair products?

    Takiya: My website will launch in early November. Right now I can be contacted on Facebook – Takiya Saunders, Phone: 919-862-4654 and by email: takiya75@gmail.com

    Thanks so much for sharing with us Takiya. I love your conditioner so I can’t wait to try your Curlee crème! We wish you much success with your product line and your salon services.

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    A Way to De-Stress

    Sometimes there are stresses we cannot avoid. When this is the case, exercising is good, but there are other ways to de-stress yourself as well. One of them is cooking.

    Combination Fried Rice

    I love to cook! One of my favorite dishes is combination fried rice. I use chicken, turkey sausage, and shrimp in this dish. I also use yellow rice because it has such great flavor. Cooking allows me to take my mind off of whatever stresses I encountered during the day. It also allows me to channel that stress into physical and mental exercise.

    I usually cook, curl up on the couch with a bowl of comfort food, and watch my favorite show or a movie. This is a better alternative to me than crashing at a fast food place and loading up on the burgers, fries and grease.

    Appetizers for Gathering

    I love to entertain every once in a while as well. It allows me to bring everyone together and pamper my loved ones and friends with good eats. There is nothing like getting together for some comfort food and laughs.

    Think about the good and healthy things you like to do. You may be able to use it to de-stress.

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    I Always Win!

    I attended a “Supermodel” Women’s conference in Killeen, Texas at Destiny World Outreach Center back in August of this year. The conference lasted four days and featured several great women of God. But the one who stood out most to me was Pastor Bridget Hilliard. Prior to the conference I had never heard of her. She is the First Lady at the New Light Christian Center Church in Houston, TX. She was energetic and when she finished the ladies were highly motivated!

    The title of her message was “Strategies for Winning During Tough Times.” I think everyone would benefit from this message because everyone faces tough times at some point during their lives’ journey. This year marks big changes in my life so it is important that I react to those changes in a spiritual manner. Nourishing the spirit is an important part of being able to keep your mind and body in balance and in tune with God’s will for your life.

    The understanding I have from her message was that nothing is as it seems so we should give thanks for where we are now. If we remember the promise God made, then we know that no matter what it seems like, we will “always win” in the end.

    A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.
    For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the Lord upholdeth the righteous.
    Psalms 37:16-17

    There are several strategies required for winning during tough times. Some of them are:

    • Commit to a righteous lifestyle
    • Maximize your connection to your resources
    • Manifest the courage for remembering

    This means committing to not only reading God’s word, but putting into action what you learn. One of our resources is “sowing seeds” which is paying our tithes and offerings cheerfully. The Bible is another resource because it is a guide on how we should live life. And we have to remember the “miracles” God has performed in our lives when we are facing trials and tribulations.

    Maybe you or a loved one has gotten behind the wheel while intoxicated and wondered how you made it home that night without a scratch on you or your car (I wouldn’t keep taking that risk going forward if I were you). Or maybe you can recall when you were ill and somehow your medical situation was corrected without having to have surgery. These are the kind of miracles we need to remember when facing layoffs and other major changes in our lives.

    Speak life into situations. When I find myself being challenged, I always go back to the night I heard Pastor Hilliard speak and I smile and declare, “I always win!” This empowers me to some degree and serves as a reminder that I may not know the outcome of my situation at the moment, but as long as I stay committed, God has assured me of triumphing at the end.

    Pastor Hilliard has written several books and if she puts as much passion into her books as she does into her teachings, I have no doubt they will be very informative and encouraging. There is actually one I plan on purchasing in the near future and the name of it is “What Does it Take to Win.” I think her message at the conference was taken from this book. For those interested in spiritual growth, check out her bookstore on the following site: www.newlight2.org.

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