Pardon Our Dust

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TUESDAYS WITH MIRIAM :: Don't Forget Your FAFSA

Miriam is an Assistant Manager at a national banking institution. Her weekly posts will help you prepare for the financial realities of education and life. Be sure to leave a comment or send an email if you have specific financial questions.

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New and continuing students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to receive federal student aid. To apply online, visit here (http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/) or copy and paste the entire link below into your web browser's address line.www.fafsa.ed.gov/FOTWWebApp/complete013.jsp.

Deadline for FAFSA on the Web is midnight Central Daylight time on June 10, 2009 for the 2009-2010 academic year.

MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY :: The Power of ONE

One man inspired millions. One man, with the help and support of others, inspired change. In 1963 that one man made a powerful speech that bespoke his hopes and dreams for a country, its people, and more importantly his people. Today, please take the time to celebrate the life and honor of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Whether through an act of kindness or service, one action, one smile, one tip can make a difference in the life of another.

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I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.

Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity.

But one hundred years later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination.

One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languished in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land.

And so we've come here today to dramatize a shameful condition. In a sense we've come to our nation's capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the "unalienable Rights" of "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note, insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked "insufficient funds." But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt.

We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. And so, we've come to cash this check, a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice.

We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of Now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism.

Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy.

Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice.

Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood.

Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God's children.

It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment. This sweltering summer of the Negro's legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, but a beginning. And those who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual. And there will be neither rest nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights. The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.

But there is something that I must say to my people, who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice: In the process of gaining our rightful place, we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred. We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again, we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force.

The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. And they have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom.

We cannot walk alone. And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back.

There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, "When will you be satisfied?"

We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality.

We can never be satisfied as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities.

We cannot be satisfied as long as the negro's basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one.

We can never be satisfied as long as our children are stripped of their self-hood and robbed of their dignity by a sign stating: "For Whites Only."

We cannot be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote.

No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until "justice rolls down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream."

I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations. Some of you have come fresh from narrow jail cells. And some of you have come from areas where your quest -- quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality. You have been the veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive.

Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to South Carolina, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed.

Let us not wallow in the valley of despair, I say to you today, my friends.

And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today!

I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of "interposition" and "nullification" -- one day right there in Alabama little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today!

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; "and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together."

This is our hope, and this is the faith that I go back to the South with.

With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith, we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.

And this will be the day -- this will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with new meaning: My country 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the Pilgrim's pride, From every mountainside, let freedom ring!

And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true.

And so let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire.

Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York.

Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania.

Let freedom ring from the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado.

Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California.

But not only that:

Let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia.

Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee.

Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi.

From every mountainside, let freedom ring.

And when this happens, when we allow freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual:

Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr
August 28, 1963
Lincoln Memorial, Washington D.C.
Copyright The Estate of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr

MAKEUP ART & DETAILS :: FREE - FREE - FREE COSMETICS

Did you buy makeup between 1994-2003? Of course you did!

As part of a class-action settlement, several major retailers will give away $175 million in high end cosmetics beginning January 20, 2009 due to their alleged participation in a price-fixing plan. While supplies last, customers may select one free cosmetic from brands such as Chanel, Dior, Clarins, and Estee Lauder from various department stores like Nordstrom, Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Visit here for a complete list of retailers and available cosmetics.

HANDWRITTEN :: Letter of Hope

Recently, President-elect Barack Obama penned a letter to his daughters, “What I want for You—and Every child in America.” No matter your political affiliation, this letter is a parent’s testament and devotion to his children. Like any parent, the letter shares a father’s personal desire for his daughters and all other children to be able to live the best life possible:

Dear Malia and Sasha, I know that you've both had a lot of fun these last two years on the campaign trail, going to picnics and parades and state fairs, eating all sorts of junk food your mother and I probably shouldn't have let you have. But I also know that it hasn't always been easy for you and Mom, and that as excited as you both are about that new puppy, it doesn't make up for all the time we've been apart. I know how much I've missed these past two years, and today I want to tell you a little more about why I decided to take our family on this journey. When I was a young man, I thought life was all about me-about how I'd make my way in the world, become successful, and get the things I want. But then the two of you came into my world with all your curiosity and mischief and those smiles that never fail to fill my heart and light up my day. And suddenly, all my big plans for myself didn't seem so important anymore. I soon found that the greatest joy in my life was the joy I saw in yours. And I realized that my own life wouldn't count for much unless I was able to ensure that you had every opportunity for happiness and fulfillment in yours. In the end, girls, that's why I ran for President: because of what I want for you and for every child in this nation.

Read the entire letter here.


What would your letter say to your current or future children? What about your parents, grandparents, siblings, significant others, friends , strangers, the U.S.? Leave us a comment below and share your Letter of Hope.

Better yet, take a few moments to actually handwrite the Letter of Hope and give it to the addressee on Inauguration Day or another special day in the future like graduation, birthday or wedding. Their hearts and yours will swell with pride and appreciation because you BELIEVED in them.

Image Courtesy Crane Stationery

SYMBOLS & SUBSTANCE :: Are You a Once-In-A-Lifetime Find?

CHICOLE::INTERMIXED strongly believes in your application being your commercial. It should sell your strengths, how you benefit the program, and how the program and institution will be better off if you attend. You are your product, so show your value and worth. (Visit here for information on completing your application essays) On Monday, we suggested reading Kokology: The Game of Self-Discovery. Although you should’ve already submitted your graduate and professional school application, complete the following game from Kokology and see how well you showed and sold yourself in your application. Are you a once-in-a-lifetime find?

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In Business for Yourself
courtesy Kokology: The Game of Self Discovery
The crowded walks at a summer fair are lined with street vendors hawking their wares from tents and stands. Table after table of wooden children’s toys, crafts, oil paintings, silver jewelry, and other treasures draw the eyes of passerby and make them pause a while to browse. Everything is made by hand, and no two items are alike, giving a sense of hope that once-in-a-lifetime find waits unnoticed at the back of some counter display. The quality of the goods ranges from merely competent to exquisite craftsmanship equal to that found in the finest boutiques, and the vendors themselves, with their colorful personalities and appearances, add a dimension to the adventure that can’t be found in any window-shopping experience. The scene has been set; why not stop a while and see what’s up for sale?

1. You have opened a tabletop stand to sell your own original handmade jewelry. How many different types of accessories and bangles do you put on display?

2. A person walks up and looks over your table but after only a moment walks away without buying anything. What do you think to yourself?

3. Another potential customer comes up and seems extremely interested in one of your designs. In fact, you consider it the best piece in your collection. What type of salesmanship do you use to recommend it?

4. It’s time to close up shop for the day. How would you describe your sales?

Key to In Business for Yourself
Fashion accessories like jewelry express the social side of the self. Items you make by hand only deepen that personal meaning and significance. Your responses to this scenario therefore show how you hope to be viewed by others.

1. The number of different kinds of jewelry you sell corresponds to the number of different personas or social masks you wear in different situations. These are the faces you put on in front of your friends, your parents, your boss, your partner. The more you have, the more complicated your social life will seem.

2. The feeling you had at losing a customer corresponds to your feelings after a heartbreak or other rejection. Did you feel it was something you did wrong (“I wonder what it was they didn’t like?”), shrug it off and get on with your business (“No problem, there’s a plenty of other people in the park”), or take the chance to make some critical observations of your own (“They wouldn’t know quality workmanship if it walked up and bit them in the nose!”)?

3. The way you talked about your finest piece reflects what you feel your own strong points to be and the ways you try to express them to others. Did you take a low-key approach and let customers make up their own minds, hammer the point home by badgering them incessantly, or offer to lower your asking price? Be careful not to sell yourself short.

4. Your sales total for the day is an evaluation of your own social achievement. Those who said they sold out their entire stock are not short on self-assurance. Just try not to scare people off with your boldness. If you said you had a bad day, you may need a little boost in self-esteem. Don’t be too hard on yourself; customers can smell doubt a mile away. If you had an average sales day, you’re the type who understands your true place in the world without undervaluing your own worth. And that may be the key to achieving long-term success in this line of work.

TUESDAYS WITH MIRIAM :: Preparing for Tax Season

Miriam is an Assistant Manager at a national banking institution. Her weekly posts will help you prepare for the financial realities of education and life. Be sure to leave a comment or send an email if you have specific financial questions.

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Preparing for Tax Season

It’s a new year!! What is the first thing that people start to think about? Their taxes!! In this weeks article I would like to just point out a few line items that you as a student and/or homeowner can take advantage of.

Students should look for deductions or credits that they can receive.

a. If you have a student loan that you are currently paying on you can deduct all or a portion of the interest that is paid on that loan. Detailed information is available in your tax instruction manual for the form that you will be using.

b. There is also a tuition and fees deduction. You cannot use both the tuition and fees deduction and education credits. Therefore, as you or your tax preparer are filling out the required worksheets, be sure to use the one that would make sure that you are required to pay the smallest amount of tax possible.

c. There are two education credits that you can look at. However, you are only able to take one and you cannot use the tuition and fees deduction and education credits for the same student in the same year. The first credit that can be considered is the Hope Credit. This tax credit cannot be used for more than 2 years for one student. You should refer to form 8863 for rules of calculating the Hope Credit. The second credit is the Lifetime Learning Credit. There is also a method on form 8863 to calculate the dollar amount of your credit. In addition, there are income caps. If you make over a certain amount you may not be able to take advantage of the credit.

Homeowners also have deductions that they can take to minimize the amount of taxes that they are required to pay. However, these deductions can only be utilized if you itemize. However, you should only itemize if the total amount of the deductions is greater than your standard deduction. If it is not, it will not be beneficial for you to itemize. If you have a mortgage on your home or paid points in 2008 then you will be able to input this amount on Schedule A of your tax forms.

As we continue to move through tax season I will post more information on how you can minimize the amount of taxes that you need to pay. If you have any questions or who like information on getting your taxes prepared feel free to contact me at mhornbuckle08{at}gmail.com.

ChicMix Weekend Recap

This weekend CHICOLE::INTERMIXED met with several individuals and noticed a common theme: motivation, self discovery and personal success. We encourage you to read, Kokology: The Game of Self-Discovery by Tadahiko Nagao and Isamu Saito now that the New Year revelry has faded, spring semester classes underway, work continues, and winter doldrums really set in. This is a light, energetic but very informative read. What exactly is kokology? Simply, it is a series of psychological games designed to reveal your hidden attitudes about sex, love, work, and more. The book can be read alone or in a group. Go here to “Take a Desert Journey” and see for yourself. We are sure it will raise an eyebrow as well as self-awareness.

MAKEUP ART & DETAILS :: 10 Makeup Felonies

Admit it. We've all made some makeup mistakes and should have been ticked for those major violations. Totalbeauty.com has created a great slideshow on the top 10 mistakes to avoid. View

How many tickets do you have?

HANDWRITTEN :: Journal for Your Thoughts?

The New Year always brings thoughts of change and development. Many thoughts turn to saving money and fiscal fitness while others yearn to recapture the memories of yesteryear. Keep track of spending, goals, or doodles in this lovely journal. Since this 5x6 oak-tanned leather journal or sketchbook is hand made, no two are alike; it's perfect for your unique thoughts.

Visit MJA Designs here to purchase this little beauty.

Need a little help jump starting your thoughts or your thoughts to action, Oprah's giving away a free copy of Suze Orman's 2009 Action Plan until January 15th!

SYMBOLS & SUBSTANCE :: Financial Transitions to Life as a Grad Student

The essays are done and the applications are submitted. Now what? As you wait for the acceptance letters to trickle in, now is the best time to start thinking about the financial transition to life as a graduate or professional student.

The fortunate students will have fellowship or other funding offers that will cover tuition and living expenses. Others will receive a limited amount of funding that will cover tuition or a portion of their living expenses. Still others, will receive no financial support at all. Sadly, this last category is where a large number of grad students find themselves. They are left trying left trying to decide between the lesser of two debt evils—living on student loans or credit cards. Some students are forced to live on both. Preparing a budget or spending plan now will help you immensely. It will help determine how much money you will actually need to live modestly, yet comfortably. It will also help determine how much you need to start saving now for your immediate costs associated with grad school-tuition, mandatory fees, books, health insurance, lab fees, parking passes, apartment and utility deposits, etc.

Most students find they can live comfortably on $350 or less per week. Those with families or higher consumer debt may find they need to be more in the range of $500-$550 per week. It is imperative that students be able to anticipate living on no more than $1850 a month. Live like a student while a student to avoid living like a student while a professional. Being grown and eating macaroni and cheese as a meal on paper plates with utensils from a fast food restaurant is so unattractive past the age of 30.

Please visit here to read the thoughts of a grad student living on credit. Do you want this to be you?

TUESDAYS WITH MIRIAM :: Is it Safe to Invest My Money Now?

With the current recession and the falling stock prices it is frequently asked whether or not it is a good idea to invest money. Yes, it could be a good time because prices are low; however, it could also be a bad time because it is unknown when the prices will rise and whether or not the company you invest in will be able to make it through the recession. If you want to invest, here are a few pieces of advice:

1. If you must invest, invest in things that are receiving funding and that the government is focusing on. For example, the major focus right now is the automobile industry. Even though their prices are down, it is evident that the government is attempting to keep them afloat and it is very likely that their prices will begin to go up.
2. Determine what your tolerance for risk is. If you cannot stand to lose money then your tolerance for risk is low. If you can stand to lose money and it won’t cause you any hardship then your tolerance for risk is high. If your tolerance is high then you can take the chance of investing in the stock market because your returns will ultimately be higher, but if your tolerance is low you should invest in CD’s or money market accounts because your money is protected by FDIC and you won’t lose any of your initial investment.
3. Find a financial advisor. You can get free advice from the advisor from your local bank. They are more aware of what is going on in the market and where you are more likely to make money instead of losing it.
4. Diversify!!! Don’t put all of your eggs in one basket. If you spread your investments around you are more likely to diminish the likelihood of large losses.
5. Look at investing in municipal bonds. These are bonds that help to fund city projects. As long as your city is in good financial shape, it is not likely that you will lose money.

ChicMix Weekend Recap

Happy New Year. Well the holidays are over and after a much needed break to recuperate from the accident, finish client projects, and get things in order here at Chicole::Intermixed, we have so many things to share with you.

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Website. The websites for Chicole::Intermixed and the Makeup Art & Details specialty division, Bridal Beauty by Blush, are being fine tuned for your ultimate experience. We are excited for their debut. Stay tuned.

Expressions. We finished addressing some beautiful holiday and New year’s cards for a few clients. Now is the time to stock up on your holiday greetings for 2009. At most retail and discount places they are 50-85%. It’s also the time to purchase your custom or personalized stationery. It’s not luxe, it’s a necessity! Personalized stationery really sets your thoughts and correspondence apart. Don’t just buy and admire it, use it!

Educational Consulting. We also worked with an individual to create a unique specialized degree program. Although we can’t share too many details just yet, we can say, this degree will definitely increase the personal and professional value of students who receive it.

New Year, New You Vision Boards. We’re sure many of you created New Year’s Resolutions. Why not take it a step further and actually visualize your goals. Create a Vision Board. You can either create one the old school way by scouring and cutting up magazines and newspapers to find the images that represent your goals and ambitions. You can also do it new school and just cut and paste pictures found in your personal files or online into a word document or other publishing software. Either way you go, you will end up with a visual representation of your goals. Seeing it everyday will surely motivate and hold you accountable. Seeing is believing, right?

Financial Accountability. For many, finances are somewhere on the list of resolutions or goals for 2009. To add a little bit of perspective, we must share this story from Fabulously Broke in the City with you. It is truly a story of what not to do in 2009. If you are blessed with a new job or increase in cash flow this year, please do NOT follow this couple’s example:

Story of the Idiot and his Wife, Part I
Story of the Idiot and his Wife, Part II

Bridal Specialty Division Contest. Christmas and New Years are very popular times for couples to get engaged. We confirmed several more wedding parties for Makeup Art & Details’ bridal specialty division, Blush. We can’t wait to start creating makeup looks for these lovely brides and their bridal parties. Did you get engaged over the holidays? Share your story with Blush and e-vents: a wedding and event planning company, and be entered for a chance to win:

*$750 0ff on e-vents: a wedding and event planning company planning services (Platinum package only)
*Complete wedding day makeup application with trial consultation provided by Bridal Beauty by Blush (value - $250)
*Dinner for two @ Harry & Izzy's - Indianapolis Downtown (value - $100)
*Romantic gift basket full of chocolates, candles and other goodies!

Please visit here for all the rules.

Glitz & Glam: A Holiday Tea Party. This tea PARTY was so much fun and benefitted a great organization, Dress for Success. The ladies truly brought their fabulosity! We hope you can attend the next tea PARTY CHICOLE::INTERMIXED hosts.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

From our family to yours, HAPPY HOLIDAYS.

TUESDAYS WITH MIRIAM :: What Am I Supposed to do With the Debt ?!?!

Miriam is an Assistant Manager at a national banking institution. Her weekly posts will help you prepare for the financial realities of education and life. Be sure to leave a comment or send an email if you have specific financial questions.

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What Am I Supposed to do With the DEBT?!?!

One thing that the majority of college/graduate students encounter is debt. When we entered into our undergraduate studies at various colleges across the country our parents told us, “Don’t get a credit card!!” But what did we do? We got credit cards. Why? We wanted the freedom to break away from our limited incomes and be able to spend money when it was needed. The ideal situation is to be responsible with your credit and only spend what you can afford to pay off. However, this is not always the case. The majority of recent college graduates have some mixture of debt whether it is through student loans, personal loans, or credit cards. This then carries over when entering the work force or graduate school. The question then remains, “What am I supposed to do with the debt?”

1. Make a list of all of the debt you have. Be HONEST with yourself. You need to know what you owe down to the penny.

2. Figure out what your debt to income ratio is. You want your debt to income ratio to be less than 30%. You find this number by dividing your total monthly payments by your total monthly income. If this amount is higher than 30%, it could hurt you when you look for credit in the future.

3. If you have a lot of credit card debt, figure out the percentage of the credit limit that you are using by taking the amount of credit used on each individual card divided by the card’s limit. This number should also be less than 30%.

4. Figure out what interest rates you are receiving on your cards. As a student you probably received a low promotional rate and then a very high rate following the promotional period. The first step is to contact the credit card companies and request that your rates be lowered. If this cannot be accomplished, then you should search for a new card that has a lower rate and transfer your balance. Do not close out your old card!! You need to leave at least your oldest card open for length of credit.

5. It is often smart to also look at consolidation. This could possibly put you over the 30% utilization on your card; however, it will allow you to have one payment and lower what has to be paid each month so that you can pay the balance down quicker. Avoid using debt consolidators!! This information goes on your credit report and debt consolidators are typically used by those who have problems paying their bills. This can negatively impact you when creditors look at your credit report when you attempt to attain credit in the future.

6. Consolidate your student loans. You will have to contact the bank your student loans are through because each type of student loan is different and you can’t consolidate different types of loans in one bundle. For example, federal must be consolidated with federal and private with private, etc.

7. Be proactive. The debt will not just erase itself. If it is a substantial amount of debt, you will need to make LARGE payments so that you can see a difference. This may require you to have a roommate or give up some of your luxuries for awhile.

ChicMix Weekend Recap

Congratulations to TG. You are the winner of the December Reel to Real contest. TG shared, "My Star Makeup Crush has to be a mix of Gabby Union and Ms. Sasha Fierce!" CHICOLE::INTERMIXED couldn't agree more.

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This weekend we reread The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom. This book is a must read and worth every read after that.

"There are five people you meet in heaven,"..."Each of us was in your life for a reason. You may not have known the reason at the time, and that is what heaven is for. For understanding your life on earth." As the Holidays are just days away and the last minute shopping frenzy increases, we hope you are able to sit down and create a miniature version of heaven on earth. Whether you create an elaborate relaxation space or simply take a moment while in line at your favorite coffee or tea-house to stop and think about all of the triumphs and definitive moments in your life. We're sure your thoughts will be inundated with people and special memories with them rather than the acquisition of things. Why not express your gratitude to those very special people this holiday season. Tomorrow is not promised; tell them how you feel today. That's the best gift ever!

MAKEUP ART & DETAILS :: Reel to Real Contest with Your Celebrity Makeup Crush

Who's your celeb makeup crush? Don't forget to enter this month's Reel to Real contest for a chance to win a Limited Edition the Glam package and have your celeb makeup crush featured in this month's Reel to Real. Makes a great gift for you or a friend! So hurry and post your comment below by noon on December 21st.

Inspiration Board Credits
Faux-stone/crystal-pavé-dome necklace, Kenneth Jay Lane, shop.avon.com
Plated Gunmetal Bracelet, R.J. Graziano, lordandtaylor.com
Bandeau Jumpsuit, Paul & Joe Sister Noisette Bandeau Jumpsuit
Peep Toes,Victoriassecret.com
Gray Booties, Giuseppe Zanotti Shoes
Clutch, Aldo Shoes
Peacock Feather Earrings, fredflare.com
Top Makeup Photo Courtesy Imaxtree at Zac Posen Spring Ready to Wear 2009
Middle Makeup Photo Courtesy Haydee Ferreira
Lower Makeup Photo Courtesy People.com

HANDWRITTEN :: Personal Gratitude

A handwritten note does not due justice the deep humbleness and gratitude I feel for those who risked their lives and the lives of their families to help me during a recent major accident. I am so blessed to walk away from this with no major injuries. I’ll take the soreness, stiffness, and minor head trauma any day over the other potential outcomes. To my Father God and Angels. Thank you. To my family and friends. Thank you. To those who stopped to help. Thank you.

Clearly, my destiny is just beginning. Use me Lord!

Gratefully yours!

SYMBOLS & SUBSTANCE :: The Lost Year

You will constantly hear CHICOLE::INTERMIXED say something along the lines of follow your passion or go to Graduate or Professional school if it's really what you want to do. Students often return to school out of not knowing what they want to do or to meet the expectations of others. Below is one individuals decision NOT to go to grad school.

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Grad School: My mind is telling me no, but my body is telling me...well...no.
Courtesy The Lost Year Experience

In September of 2007 I began researching grad schools for...well...I wasn't really sure what, actually. I was looking into schools that I thought I could stand going to, in fields that didn't make me want to gouge my eyes out with a spork. Truth is, I was at a loss and I thought the only way to find my way was to go back to school. And somewhere in the background my father was doing the happy dance of a parent whose child had decided to give up acting and pursue a "real" career. He was hoping for business school. My grandfather was hoping for law school.

I was hoping for a paying job that didn't make me look or feel like a moron, with decent benefits on the side.

I'm still not positive I don't want to go to grad school, but I do believe that it is not necessary in every field in the world today...in a lot of cases work experience and making connections are more valuble.

Plus, well, SHEESH it's pricey.

I was raised in a household (and community) where a great deal of emphasis was placed on the importance of education, so it was never even a question in the deepest recesses of my mind that I would attend college. After that, I just wasn't sure.

And I'm still not sure.

And next year I probably still won't be sure.

But sweet jeebus I hope I at least have that steady-paying job with benefits by then.

Oh, and my grandfather called the other day to ask how long the lease on my apartment was...because what if I need to leave to go to grad school???

Oh, siiiiggggghhhhh. To be able to make everyone in my family, including myself, happy and proud of my accomplishments in life...that would be nice.

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Revisit CHICOLE::INTERMIXED's Deciding to Go post on choosing to attend grad and professional school. Are you sure this is what you want to do?

TUESDAYS WITH MIRIAM :: Your Best Monery Savings Tips

As the economy continues its downward spiral and we all continue to watch our pennies, we often hear the same tried and true money saving tips being repeated---spend less than you earn, cut back on buying wants, yadda yadda yadda. As gift buying season continues and as many begin thinking of money-related New Year’s Resolutions, we thought a group discussion on your best money saving tips was fitting. Trent at The Simple Dollar recently posted on reader submitted comments for saving money. We’ve reprinted the entire article below because it’s just that good.

What are your own best tips and actions for saving money? Please share your tips in the comments section below so we all can learn something new.

The Readers Speak Out: Their 25 Best Actions for Saving Money
Trent :: The Simple Dollar

A few days ago, I mentioned my single best action for saving money in my own life - utilizing the library. I also encouraged readers to submit their own best actions - and did they ever! The post has already received almost 250 comments and several dozen more readers emailed me their single best action.

As promised, I’ve compiled a list of all of these actions. Here are the top twenty five - basically, these are the ones that were repeated more than twice. These aren’t in any particular order. If you want some direct personal finance actions that have actually worked for people, here’s your list.

1. Utilize the library. Many readers agreed with my statement about how valuable the library is for those who read avidly. Not only can it save you on the cost of buying books, it can also provide DVDs for viewing, CDs for listening, and many other interesting cultural experiences if you pay attention to the schedule of events.

2. Use online bill pay. Not only does online bill pay save you the expense of envelopes and stamps (roughly fifty cents per bill paid online), it also provides you the convenience of auto-calculating your bills and comparing them immediately to your checking and savings account balances. No more checkbook math necessary.

3. Get your paycheck direct deposited. Instead of receiving a paper paycheck, have your paycheck directly deposited into your checking account. This spares you the need to have to go to the bank to cash your check, plus relieves you of the temptation to have some cash taken out of the check when you deposit it.

4. Make your own lunch and take it to work with you. Instead of eating out every day, brown bag it! Prepare a lunch the night before and take that lunch with you to work the next day. It can be leftovers, it can be a fresh meal (like a sandwich), but either way, it can cut into your costs tremendously.

5. Stay home. Instead of going out on the town for entertainment, stay at home and enjoy the activities available in your domicile. Most of the activities you can do at home - reading, watching television, exercising, playing games with friends, meditating, listening to music, cooking, etc. - are far cheaper than similar activities you might do out of the home.

6. Set up an automatic savings plan. If you’re getting your paycheck automatically deposited, consider setting up an automatic savings plan to have some of that money routed into retirement or into a savings account for an emergency fund. It’s far, far easier to start saving if the actual transfer of money happens automatically without your intervention.

7. Build an emergency fund. Alongside that advice comes the idea of building an emergency fund, a cash reserve that can help you in the event of a crisis such as a job loss or an automobile breakdown. It’s easy to build one - just sweep a small amount of money on a regular basis into a savings account, watch it build, and utilize that cash when the time comes.

8. Stop smoking or drinking. Expensive consumables can be a huge drain on your financial situation. Eliminating a consumable habit, such as tobacco or alcohol, can quickly improve your financial situation while also improving your health (which can also improve your financial situation by reducing health care costs).

9. Use the “envelope” system. Many people swear by this method, in which one actually budgets their money for a month using “envelopes.” Whenever you need money for, say, groceries, you take money out of the groceries envelope - when that envelope is empty, you’re out for the month. This forces you to be careful with your spending in all respects.

10. Stop looking at ads. Advertisements of all kinds - from television commercials to flyers from the Sunday paper - simply serve to coerce you into spending money on things you don’t actually need. Minimizing your exposure to advertisement minimizes the temptation to spend that money, keeping it at home in your wallet where it belongs.

11. Ditch cable television. Cable television is often a pricy monthly bill and all it does is provide you with more channels that repeat variations on the same content. Get a digital converter box instead and watch the channels that come in over the air - ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, Fox, and often others. And they’re free - no monthly bill!

12. Drink more tap water. Tap water makes you healthier (most people are somewhat dehydrated, even if they don’t realize it), fills you up (keeping you from overeating expensive food at meals), and is incredibly cheap compared to any other beverage out there. Take advantage of the tap - it can save you a ton of money on beverages and on food.

13. Eat out less (esp. fast food) and cook at home instead. Every time you purchase prepared food outside the home, you’re spending more than you would making a similar meal at home. So why not adopt that as a platform instead? Learn how to cook at home, make your own meals, and save a lot of money.

14. Stop shopping for fun. Shopping is a very expensive form of entertainment. Instead of shopping with your free time, find other fun things to do - almost anything is cheaper - and leave the shopping trips for the times when you actually need an item.

15. Use the “ten second rule” (or some close variation of it). Whenever you are tempted to spend your money on something frivolous, stop for a few seconds and ask yourself whether you really need this item. Ten seconds is usually enough - many people also recommend putting the item down and leaving the store, only returning if you’ve decided you actually want it after some serious consideration.

16. Accept help from others. It’s easy to let pride get in the way of accepting help from others. Don’t let that happen. Be willing to accept help if others offer it, and be thankful for it. Later on, when your situation improves, you can pay it forward and help someone who needs it.

17. Plan ahead for meals. At the start of a week, make a careful plan of what meals you’re going to eat during the week, then make a grocery shopping list based solely on those meals. When you go grocery shopping, stick to that list. This is a great way to keep your food shopping bill low while keeping the food you want and need on the table.

18. Go on a diet. Many people recommended healthy dieting as a tactic for saving money. If you make a conscious choice to eat less, not only will you save money on your food bill, you’ll also reduce your health care bill and perhaps your clothing bill as well (since it’ll be easier to find consignment clothes).

19. Eliminate expensive hobbies. Are you engaged in a hobby that requires a lot of financial upkeep, like golf or collecting? Instead of continuing that expensive hobby and watching it drain all your money, choose a different path entirely - find a new hobby to focus your energy on that doesn’t require so much upkeep cost.

20. Stop reading women’s magazines. This is perhaps the biggest surprise on this list for me, but several readers swear by it. They argue that women’s magazines are extremely effective at convincing you to shop for things you don’t necessarily need, convincing you that you need some item in order to keep up with the crowd. Spare yourself the guilt - skip those magazines.

21. Make a budget/spending plan. If you can’t seem to get a grip on your spending, try assembling a budget/spending plan so that you can clearly see where your money is going. Spend a month or two keeping careful track of what you actually do spend on certain items, then set a spending goal for that type of item. This can simultaneously serve as a wake-up call and as “training wheels” for good financial habits.

22. Set strong goals. Don’t fleetingly think about how you wish things were. Instead, sketch out exactly how you want your life to be in, say, five years, then focus all of your actions toward that goal. Not only can this cut out frivolous spending, it can also help you to make strong choices to improve every aspect of your life.

23. Stop worrying about what other people think. Don’t let the opinion of others rule the choices you make in your personal life. It’s not their life to live - it’s your life. Instead, make choices that you think are strong - and don’t worry about the neighbors or the naysayers.

24. Sell your car. A car is perhaps the worst investment you can make. It depreciates rapidly, breaks down regularly, and requires constant upkeep. Instead of dealing with this, sell the car and make do with the other transportation options available to you - a bicycle, buses, trains, and so forth.

25. Be accountable to what you spend. Finally, try having a weekly or monthly review of all of your spending. Make yourself face the mistakes you’ve made - don’t let a bad spending move lie in the dust and be forgotten. Use it as a tool to make sure it never happens again.

Hopefully, these tactics spur you on to great things.
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What are your own best tips and actions for saving money? Please share your tips in the comments section below so we all can learn from your wisdom.