How To Beat The Winter Blues

The winter is here and it is the time that the day's are shorter and you are spending more time indoors. Sometimes your mind will wander and you can find yourself in a very depressed mood.  The holidays are upon us and it can also be a source of your depression because maybe you cannot afford to get all the things that you wanted for your family.

Those of us who have lost a loved one will start to remember the good times and we will find ourselves grieving.  I find that the best ways is to light your home more during these times and also find ways to keep yourself busy so that you do not have much time to get in this state of mind.

Spending quality time with love ones will help so much during this time.  I am so happy that we are now afforded with resources such as; Skype, so we can communicate and see family members who may live in another state or country.

I surround myself with good music in my home and it seems to uplift me.  Don't allow yourself to feel alone and by yourself during the winter.  If the weather is okay outside, get out and go to the local mall and socialize and try to meet new people.

People who are my age or older are losing more and more family members and that can make you feel depressed and isolated.

If you are homebound because of disability, get online and find some interesting people to talk to and even start yourself a hobby to keep you going.

You and I are going to beat this and make this the best winter ever.

 

SashaMoniqueTalks

How Not To Go Broke With Holiday Parties And Gifts On The Job

During the holidays a  lot of companies like to celebrate with a lot of parties and they usually come to you and ask you to pick a name to exchange gifts.  This can be a difficult time because we are preparing to get our special dinners together and gifts for our children and families.

I have never liked participating in these things because you usually give or receive a gift that you do not like and i consider it wasteful.  I actually wouldn't mind donating a few dollars to go to a charity during this time so families that are struggling will be able to give their children some gifts and towards their family dinner.

Sometimes it is very hard to get out of these activities because you don't want to be the only one who isn't participating.  My answer to you is for you to be honest with yourself.  If these activities will be a strain on your budget and take away from your family, it would be very wise to just say no.  Tell the person who set up the gift giving to not add your name to the grab bag and that you are not interested.

If you are not participating in gift giving, do not accept any gifts because this is only fair.


You can also start getting little gifts when they go on sale after the holiday's for Men and Women and put it away for next year when the holiday gift giving starts.

You could also buy some gift cards and save those to give during this time.  Opening a small account at your Bank and save all year to buy gifts for your family and also for these events on the job is a smart thing to do.

Remember, you have to live after the holidays and you do not want to be stuck with credit card debt because you are trying to please people on the job and in  your home.


Happy Holidays!

How To Prevent Greed And Going Broke During The Holidays

                     
They tell me that the Recession is over but my pockets tell me that it is far from over.  Christmas is upon us and you and i have been out shopping and it seems like we have more people on our list but less money to achieve our goal of  making the holidays merry.

You are probably like me and feel a bit sad because you cannot get your family all the things that you want.  My daughter has never put any pressure on me, to buy her really expensive gifts and i am thankful to her for this.

I don't really want much because i shop all year round for myself so it isn't a big deal if i don't get much, but, what really gets on my nerves during the holiday is people who i haven't heard from for years calling to see how i am doing and blatantly ask whether i am giving them a gift.  This really makes me angry because you should show your concern and care year round.

These are people that i would never give anything because they have a sense of entitlement and think that i should just cross my daughter and grandchild off my list and give to them.  I like to give to others but with a restricted budget, you have to pick and choose and some people you may have to give  to after the holidays.

I would suggest that you, not use your credit cards during the holidays because this is a quick way to become broke and then you will have to pay all year to try to catch up.  A great idea is to open up a Christmas Club Account at your local bank and save a little all year, so you do not have to use your credit card.

If you cannot afford to buy presents for people outside of your family, tell them that you cannot do gifts this year and most will understand.

Don't be a slave to the holidays, just enjoy it!

How To Enjoy Life And Declare Your Independence While Disabled.

Being disabled is not easy and sometimes it can be quite isolating.  For many years there wasn't many options available to the disabled and they were often left in the home to be in front of a television set most of the day.  We never think about the lifestyle that a disabled person lives until chronic disability comes knocking on our door.

This type of lifestyle is limiting because you don't have the opportunity to interact with the outside world.  So many disabled people are depressed and their families don't even notice it.  There are so many advances concerning transportation that open many doors for disabled people.  I have been out and seen so many people in my area out in wheel chairs and they are enjoying themselves right with everyone else.

I attended a Concert and saw a wonderful blind Gentleman enjoying the music and just enjoying the vibe and I was so happy for him because finally things have changed in this country that allows the differently able population to experience the joys of life without having to rely on family members to ride them to events that they would like to attend.

Living in the City is such a blessing because the modes of transportation service are getting more and more dependable.

So, how to enjoy life and declare your independence while disabled:

• First you need to do research online to see if your town have state wide transportation that won't only take you to work but also anywhere that you would like to travel throughout your state.
• Look online for groups specifically geared towards the disabled because sometimes they will have outings that you can go to as a group and they will provide the transportation at a small fee.
• For disabled people who are home bound it is good to go online and talk to different people that hold the same interest and make life long friends.
• If you are home bound; have movie night at home with some of your friends and ask them to bring the refreshments.
• Check your local Senior Center to see if they have a trip coming up and see if they will allow you to go also.
• Go on Ticketmaster to see if they have tickets to your favorite show with accessible seating.
• Look online to find out about Wheelchair accessible group tours.

The more that you search online you will find out about more resources that are available to you and you will be able to expand your horizons.

                                                              

                                                          Sashamoniquetalks

Dreams and what they really mean.

                                        Dreams and what they really mean.

I learned a such a powerful lesson today.  I was talking to a very knowledgeable person today and we were talking about living your dreams and your purpose in life.  A lot of times we make plans and we are very excited when we decide to step out on faith to focus on our goals but at some point we start to go into another direction and we seem to forget all the steps that we used to create that dream and we start to get complacent and we are ready to give up.

We get bored with the progression of our projects.  One thing about dreams,  they are put into our spirits and at the time, we feel that we can accomplish everything that we set out to do. We plan but when things are not going fast enough, we tend to get discouraged and when you feel this way, you tell yourself that you cannot reach your goals.

Some times it is other people telling you that your dream doesn't make sense and this tends to give you a self defeating attitude.

I learned today that the thing that kills progression is giving up and throwing in the towel.  If you don't follow through then you will never reach the finish line, so, keep working at this goal and do not tell people your dreams because they will kill them.

In the end when you are successful, you can be proud of the fact that you persevered. God put that dream and desire in you for a reason and that reason is the fact that he felt that you could do it and you were the best one for the job.


                                                 

                                                          Sashamoniquetalks

GOOD LAUNDRY DETERGENTS TO USE IF YOU HAVE SENSITIVE SKIN

I have very sensitive skin and some of you know that I love to do Laundry Detergent reviews on Youtube.

I love detergents with fragrance but once in a while I experience breakouts, hives and wheezing due to trying different brands. 

There are many detergents that are formulated to be used by people who are allergic to laundry detergent.

I have tried many of them and they are good.   I am going to show you some of the detergents that are good at removing stains and also leaves you with clean smelling clothes.

All of my favorites are listed below and let me know what your favorite is.

Out of all of these detergents, this is my absolute favorite!

High Efficiency Washing Machines Are They Worth All The Hype?

                       High Efficiency Washing Machines Are They Worth All The Hype?


In my complex we just switched to HE Washing Machines after many years of dealing with an old machine that needed repairs badly.  As the manager bought the new machine in, we were so excited that we would now be able to enjoy a brand new machine that would make our clothes clean and at the time, we didn't know that it was high efficiency.

So, I decided to do my wash and I was so surprised by the quiet sound of the machine.  I thought to myself "This is a plus." but what I did not anticipate was the fact that the machine only filled up with half a bucket of water.  I automatically thought something was wrong with the machine and I had the setting on heavy duty and the sound was still so quiet.

I finished washing my clothes and I pulled out clothes that didn't smell clean at all.  I was so frustrated about this and i started to ask other people regarding this issue and they said that these kind of machines are not meant to use much water.  I was so upset about this because i have no need for a machine that will not clean my clothes effectively.

Sometimes, we yearn for products that are new and do things a different way, when there wasn't anything wrong with the old way.

I don't like these machines at all because it just defeats the purpose.  This machine sports a big tub, but what is the use of a big tub and less water?  When shopping for appliances please research online to see what your options are because you may not be getting what you are paying for.

Sometimes, you can save more money by just using a traditional washing machine and getting the job done the first time.

This is sort of a rant but the message here is to not go with the flow but do what works for you and your family even if the product isn't what's in at the moment.

My Grandson on his birthday and what he has taught me about life.

                                    This is my Grandson on his birthday yesterday.

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen:  This is my Grandson enjoying his birthday with a big slice of cake.  When I found out that my daughter was pregnant with him, i was overjoyed.  At the time i was so sick and i didn't think that i had much time on this earth.

The announcement that i was going to be a Grandmother was music to my ears.  It represented hope, newness, a new beginning and a beautiful baby to hold and to nurture.  I had something to look forward to.

I was excited when my daughters stomach was growing and i knew that the time was near.  Some people asked me what my Grandchild would call me and i said Grandma or Granny.  They said " that sounds too old.  You should ask him to call you Nana or some other name"  I told them that i didn't care how old it sounds, Grandma represents a blessing to me.

I will never forget seeing Jamie Fox cry about his Granny when she passed away and i thought to myself, she must have been an amazing woman.

My Grandchild taught me to be stronger and that life doesn't always stay the same.  He taught me that if you you hold on, a change will come.  He taught me how to love unconditionally.

Remembering how it felt to see this little Man born and i was the second person to hold him after he came into the world makes me teary eyed.  He say's so many funny things and he is such a joy to have.

Yesterday, i had a conversation with someone and they were talking about their grandchildren and we both agreed that it seems like these children have always been with us.  God gave us these children who will extend our family tree for generations to come.

My Grandson is turning into a great young Man and i pray that when Grandma is gone, he will remember all the things that we have done and the happy times that the Lord allowed us to experience.

Happy Birthday little one and never forget; your Granny loves you.



                                                       SashaMoniqueTalks

Should you delay some of your holiday purchases?

                                Should you delay some of your holiday purchases?



Shopping for the holidays can be fun but it can also be a big hassle because of the big crowds.  I plan on going to the mall with my family members to get a few things but i am mostly going to just be with family during this time.  This year has been really rough.

I saw a report on the news this morning and it was discussing some of the deals that will be available for Black Friday and to be honest with you, they are not all that great.  I went last year and it was more of a big build up for nothing.

Some department stores show sales of big televisions and other electronics and there are big savings, but, what these stores don't tell you; they are in limited quantities.  I am not the kind of person who will camp out overnight just to get a deal.  You can get better deals other times of the year and if you time it right, you can save a lot of money.

If you can wait until late February, you can get winter clothing at extreme discounts because the stores start to get ready for the spring, so, if you can wait until then, you can get multiple items for deep discounts.

If you can wait until the Superbowl, you can get your dream television for a much cheaper price and you can get the biggest screen that you want.

Delay getting that Computer, Camera and other electronics till February, March or keep searching online till you see the deal that you want.

Also, I think Cyber Monday gives you more discounts and it is a safer way to shop.

Happy Holidays to you all!



                                                       SashaMoniqueTalks

What Elderly People Know That We Don't Know

I was at the Mall the other day and i saw elderly people walking around the Mall like they didn't have a care in the world.  I started to study this beautiful population of people to see why they were just strolling around and taking it easy, so to speak.

When i go to New York City, i see people running for Trains, Planes and Automobiles, and everyone is in a hurry.  If you just stroll along, you may just get ran over by someone, lol.  The energy is exhilarating and it is so much to do and i love it, but, to live in the City and have to be on and moving all the time can sometimes be tiring.

The older dolls and gents are not in a hurry because they have lived their life and being that they don't have to run to get to a job or catch the next train or be tied up in traffic, is a blessing and they know this.

They go for a nice, slow, walk, to get some exercise, and breathe in some nice, clean, air.
We can learn a lot from them because when you are constantly on the run, you are nervous, jittery and you will then drink coffee and energy drinks to keep yourself up.  This has a bearing on your health right now and in the future.  You do not sleep as well as you could because you have programmed yourself to get up and out the house by a certain time.

You work all day and then you come home to activities that you must take care of before you go to bed.  You set that amazing invention called the alarm clock to set you in motion to do the same thing tomorrow.

Your body must have a certain amount of sleep everyday to make a positive impact on your health.  You see, being healthy is not all about eating healthy, it is about being healthy in all aspects of your life.

Our Mothers, Fathers, and Grandparents now have time to go to the Doctor to take care of the health problems that they could not attend too because they were busy working all the time. They also find time to go out with their friends who are retired also, and have lunch and talk about "The Good Ole Days."

You may be thinking, Ms, Sashamoniquetalks, I work all day and i am very busy and i cannot live the same way that these wonderful people are living but i say, you can.  It is all about taking a little time to just sit a little and relax and when you get home from work, take a nap for about a 1/2 hour or an hour before you start your duties at home.  Don't always be in a rush to do things when you don't absolutely have to.

Tell your spouse or other family members that from now on you will take a little time for yourself each day to just "Smell The Roses."

Take a nice slow stroll in the park to just shake off the pressures that you had to deal with during your work day.

On your lunch break, take the time to eat and read a magazine without any interruptions if it is possible and just be still and quiet.

This will do so much for your well being and you will start to feel more relaxed and happier.  You have to make and create some time for just yourself.

What i have learned the most about elderly people is; they have lived it all and seen it all and deep down they know after all, it is going to be all right.




                                               Sashamoniquetalks

How to enjoy holiday sales and stay safe.

                                         How to enjoy holiday sales and stay safe


The holidays are coming up and the most exciting part is the sales that are available after the holidays.  I am not a person who like crowds but i love shopping and you can get special items for your family during this time.  Over the years i have heard so many horror stories of people getting robbed or killed during this joyous part of the year.

We are living in a time where we have to look over our shoulder when we are out shopping.  One of the shopping malls in my area is high end in a very swanky town and the perception by people who are less fortunate is: "I will hang around and look for a target with money and high end goods and i will attack."  So, I am going to give you some tips to use during the holiday shopping season.

These tips will help to reduce your chance or being robbed:

1. If you have an extra Car that is inexpensive and old, this is the time to drive it to the mall to do your shopping.
2. Wear plain unbranded clothing to the mall.
3. Do not flash large sums of money.
4. Take your expensive watch and jewelry off before you go shopping.
5. Before going shopping, buy some shopping bags that are plain so people cannot see what stores you are shopping at such as; high end stores.  If all fails, buy white garbage bags with handles.  People will think that you are weird, but, you will be safe.
6. Do not go to the ATM while you are at the mall.  Get money before you leave home.
7. Try to park your Car where it is well lit and try not to park in a garage.
8. Do not entertain people who strike up an odd conversations with you.  Do not be rude but, try to make up an excuse to get away quickly.
9. Do not use your expensive phone at the mall if you can help it.
10. Go to the bathroom in groups.

The best tip there is:  Order all your gifts online.

Some of these tips may sound a little funny but it will help you to avoid these situations when out shopping.

If you feel that someone is following you. Go in the nearest store and stay there and call police.





                                                 SashaMoniqueTalks

Top Ten Ways To Be A Good Steward Over Your Money.

Many years ago I would hear people talk about being a good steward over your money and I thought that it was just words that Christian people would use to try to get in your personal affairs or to judge you on, but, it is a practice that I had to embrace when my financial state became very fragile at a very difficult time in my life.

There are times when you just didn't know whether you were going to make it through.  These are the moments that I would grasp all the knowledge that I would hear or learned from other people in my past and I learned a great lesson and that is, " I learned more about trusting God but also being a good steward over my money".  

I watched how other people lived and I began to hold onto a stronger value system.  Some people look wealthy but they really aren't.  They are spending more than what they really earn.

I met a very wealthy Lady and from the outside, this person did not look rich at all.  I met her family and they lived a very modest life. They enjoyed life but they maintained their wealthy state of being by being mindful about where and how they spend their money.  In this post, i am going to show you ten of the things that I learned and embraced that transformed my thinking.

Top Ten Ways To Be A Good Steward Over Your Money:

1. When shopping for clothes, buy the best fabrics that your money can buy in simple styling because these items can be worn for many years.
2. Adopt a minimalist theme in your home and you can make it look nice but focus more on keeping everything spotless and it will make everything look pulled together.
3. Set aside a certain day of the month to go out and eat and for recreation. This way you will not feel like you are missing out on the good things in life.
4. Look over your receipts to find out how much money is going out and what exactly you spent it on.
5. Do not wear your good clothing when you are at home; this way you can preserve your clothes and it makes them last longer.
6. Every pay period make sure that you save some money for emergencies and make this a regular habit. Teach your children to save a portion of their allowance for special things that they want to buy.
7. Learn how to maintain your clothing such as; hemming pants, spot removal and little repairs that you can do yourself.
8. Bring your lunch to work a few times a week.  This will save you so much money.
9. Buy clothing that can be washed in a washing machine.  Only dry clean suits and special occasion clothes.
10. Find an alternative to Cable TV such as; Netflix or watch programs on your computer.

Such A Cute Throwback Outfit.

I was at the Mall last week and i saw this cute skirt with the black top  and i fell in love with it.  I had seen this skirt about two years ago at my local thrift store and i didn't get it because i thought that it would be too dated, but i wanted to get it and wear it with some black boots.

The skirt was no more than three dollars at the thrift store and i wish that i had gotten it.  This skirt at the department store was about twenty or thirty dollars which isn't bad.

I have learned a serious lesson and that is, when i see an item of this sort; just get it!
Sometimes you really have to think out of the box and make an outfit work for you.  I am thinking of going back to the Mall and purchasing this skirt.

How I learned to live with hairloss.

                                      How I learned how to live with hairloss.


When i first realized that i was losing my hair, i was in my twenties.  I was combing and brushing my hair and it was getting thinner and thinner.  I was devastated because i didn't know the exact cause.
At the time, wigs weren't very popular for younger people.  I used to wear long draw string ponytails and the top of my head was showing streaks on my scalp.

I went to the library and researched and tried a lot of home remedies and i spent a lot of money and time searching for a miracle.  With each remedy i quickly grew tired of not seeing any results.  I would see all these products geared towards African American hair and the labels would say miracle this, fast grow, hair food this or that and etc.

A lot of companies are profiting off desperate people looking for a miracle and answers.  I went to Dermatologist to see if there was anything that could be done and they ran many test.  They came back with the results and said that i had Androgenetic  Alopecia. The Doctor asked me whether i had any women in my family who had major hair loss and said that i didn't know any.

I was prescribed ointments and creams and i didn't see any results.  The Doctor then recommended that i start using 2% Minoxidil  and i started to buy it and i saw a little thin fuzz but nothing major and it was getting to be very expensive.  The Dermatologist told me that if i stop using it, i would continue to see hair loss and the little fuzz would be gone also.

My faith was gone and i felt desperate.  At that point i decided that i wasn't going to be a Guinea Pig any longer and i was going to go to the wig shop and start looking for suitable wigs.  I really didn't know what kind of wig to get and i tried some on and they didn't feel right for me.

I went to another wig shop and there was a really nice lady working in there and she said "They look different on when they are styled"  I told her that i didn't know that they could be thinned out and styled and she took me over to her booth with the wig that i tried on in hand and she said " I only charge $5.00 to style it."  I let this wonderful lady thin out and shape that wig and it looked beautiful and she really changed my life.

From that day on, i was able to go in the Beauty Supply Stores and pick wigs out and let it be styled or pick some that didn't have to be styled and it really changed the way that i felt about myself.  I had been praying for a miracle and it didn't come the way that i wanted but God made a way out of no way.  He gave me a covering and a belief that he would provide if  i would let him.

Now, wigs are not only a covering but it is a way that i express myself and i just love it.




                                                         
                                                     Sashamoniquetalks

Why Do I Blog?

I started blogging as a way of self expression and a way to connect with new people. It is a good way to find out your love and your passion.  Blogging can be therapeutic because you are able to project your views in a non judgmental way.  My new passion is pushing me in more directions than i ever thought possible.

To find out how powerful words can be is just exhilarating to say the least.  If you are a person who is thinking of blogging; i say just do it.  You don't have to be super perfect.  Your words and your style of writing can project new knowledge to your readers and you can distribute this content for many years to come.

Learning how to put words together and finding time to compose your post can be a bit tricky and time consuming, but blogging is something that you can do on your own time without added demands of what you should do or what not to do.

Sometimes i get up late at night to create my post because everything is so quiet and still and it is the best time to put my writings together..  I don't know what direction my blog is going to go but i am so happy with the opportunities that are coming my way and i didn't decide to blog for that reason but, it is an added bonus. 

There is no secret that i have a chronic illness, but, i decided that i will not let that be my crutch and it gives me a sense of creativity and to use my time wisely.  I am leaving my permanent imprint on the world.

Sashamoniquetalks is here to tell you that no matter your age or disability, you still have an opportunity to share something with the world.  Don't let anything stop you from reaching your goals.  

Black Cats Are Beautiful!

I am doing this post because Halloween is approaching and there is a stigma against Black Cats because they are thought of as being evil and belonging to witches and this couldn't be further from the truth.  I have had a few Black Cats and I find them to be so beautiful.

Sometimes these Animals are the last to be adopted because of the negative stereotypes made about Black Cats.

If you are looking for a new Pet to introduce to your family, consider getting a Black Cat and save them from unscrupulous people looking to harm them.

A Cat is a Cat and we must stop the discrimination.  Take your Family to a local Animal Shelter and find a Cat who is just perfect for your family.





Adopt a pet, Save a Life!

Never Forget Where You Have Come From

I ran across this video and i was so amazed at these wonderful women washing clothes for their families.  One woman has a child on her back, but she will not let this deter her from getting the job done.

This video is such an eye opener because there are many countries besides her own, that still wash clothes this way.  She has a lot of pride and she wants her clothes to be so clean and fresh.  They have to actually stand in water to get this chore done.  She doesn't have time to complain because this is something that she must do and it must be done in a timely manner.

I have never lived this way, but, I can remember when our washing machine broke down and my Mom had to wash our clothes in the tub and it was a lot of work but she did it and our clothes were so clean  and i have done it many times in my life since.

This video teaches us to never take things for granted because we could be in the same situation. I read some of the comments on this video and some were outright hateful because people who have plenty cannot understand why these women are doing this.

This video teaches you to be resilient because if i was in this situation i would be doing the same thing because, if you have been through hard times in your life, you can do anything.

God has made us so strong because we can carry babies and go through childbirth which is very hard and we still run our homes and work and he put something in us to not only carry our burdens but to help others with their own.

Can you please leave a comment to share what this video or experience mean to you?

ARE YOU A CHEAPSKATE?

This is a question that is hard to answer sometimes because when you are a saver by nature, sometimes people form different opinions on the ways that you spend and control your money.

Many times we are introduced to this lifestyle from the way we are raised and if you are a frugal queen like myself, you can best believe there is another influential person in your life who lived a frugal lifestyle and you were amazed at what they could do with so little.

I can recall people that I heard were cheapskates and other demeaning terms but in the long run, they were better off.  Why?  because they were planners.  They prepared and had self control over wants over needs and what I found is that they actually had all the good toys that everyone strives to get.

Self control is something that is needed that will allow you to pay your bills in a timely manner and to save weekly or monthly towards special things that we would like to acquire.

I have a motto that I live by and it is ("If It Isn't Broke Don't Fix It").  This means that I will live a modest lifestyle but you best believe that if I really want something I can get it, but, is it necessary right now?

My weaknesses are: Clothing, Jewelry, Computer Products and other Electronics.  I like to save up for these things and when I am ready, I splurge on myself.

I also like to save money for things for my family on Birthday's.  Am I a cheapskate?  No.  I am an innovative thinker because I want my money to work for me long term.  I don't want to keep replacing the same things over and over again.

To save money you also have to learn how to take care of the things that you already have.  This is what is called being a good steward over your money.

I am seeking to be financially secured and I am working towards this goal.  It starts with a change in your mindset towards money.

 Let your money work for you and create opportunities and growth and when you make it; don't worry about the label that society gave you regarding being a cheapskate.  Real Millionaires are very strategic in their spending; sure, they play hard but they make sure that their money is always growing.




                                                   SashaMoniqueTalks
                                       

This Is The Month That I Like To Start Preparing For Christmas

                                                         SashaMoniqueTalks

The holidays are upon us and to keep it from being a financial strain, this is a good time to start buying  small purchases for family members or to save towards Christmas.

I have been doing this a long time and it surely works.  Sometimes you will have some unplanned purchases but it will not be overwhelming.

When Bath And Body Works have their markdowns during this month, you can buy items in bulk for family members and get a great savings.  Men can be very hard to shop for at times, so you may want to just save money to give to them in a card.

You can go to Walmart and see what sales they have on  children's toy's and you can get these and put them away.

A great tip that I have used is; go on ebay and look for different items in lots. Those are bundled items that they will sell to you for a low price and I like to use this to get multiple items and split them up to put towards Christmas gifts.

Do not frown on the dollar store to get decorative soaps to add to your gift bags.  By December you will have most of your gifts for Christmas and you will not feel so rushed to get all the things at once.

How To Create Your Own Signature Style By Watching Your Style Icons.

I created my own signature style based on the fact that i am a plus size lady who is apple shaped and a lot of designers don't really cater to my shape.  I am extremely full busted which creates some clothing issues on its own.  People with my body shape don't look good in styles that are fussy or extremes in design.

So, i came to the conclusion that i would only dress in specific styles of clothing that accentuate my positive assets.  I like tops that softly skim my body and also empire waist dresses and tops looks great on me.  I like suits, but, when i buy a suit i have to have it altered which increases the cost of the garment.

In the winter, i like to wear pretty tops with cardigan sweaters and pants with cute boots.  I enjoy clothing, where i can remove a piece if i get hot and it is very versatile because i can easily change my look by just adding another shell under my sweaters.  

Simplicity in my style leaves me with no surprises when going to special events.  I love to wear blazers with pants and jeans and a crisp white blouse.

Once in a while, i will buy a piece of clothing that i am not sure of and when i do this and the piece fits my body perfectly, i will add this style to my arsenal of styles that i will wear frequently.

Now, To My Style Icons, That I Admire:

1. Queen Latifah:  I love her style because it is very similar to mines.  I notice that the lines are in simple cuts, but, beautiful fabric.  On the Runway, i have never seen her look bad in anything she has worn.  Her clothes are tailored to her body shape and she is definitely the first person i would look to, when creating my personal style.
2. Oprah:  She loves clean lines and clothing in nice colors.  When i buy her magazine, i anxiously look forward to seeing her cover, with her classically, stylish clothes.  She is not afraid of bright colors and she dress correctly for her hour glass shape. I love to see her in blazers and the cut of her pants are perfect for her body type.
3. Wendy Williams:  I love the clothing that Wendy wears on her show.  She loves to wear wrap dresses and it accentuates her full breast and slim hips. She loves beautiful shoes and although she follows a particular style, it is always classy on her.  Wendy uses hair as an accessory to bring out her total style.
4. My Mom:  My Mother has always had style her entire life.  She can look at an outfit in a magazine and she knows whether it would look perfect on her or would it need to be tweaked a little by taking it to a tailor to specifically form it to her body shape.  She loves to wear a nice sophisticated suit with pretty kitten heels.  She wears her skirts at a specific length and it always looks tasteful, but, really pretty. All her clothes are cut to accentuate her waistline.
5. Julie Chen:  I love her style because it is simple but she is a lady who can wear white and look so fabulous in it. She wears a lot of rich looking fabrics and she just look regal in anything that she wears. Julie can really rock a sheath dress like no other.

To find your personal, signature style, look at various magazines and see what the celebrities are wearing and if there is one with your body type, just grab that style and make it your own.

How to deal with office politics, cliques, and office gossip

Working in an office can be a nice experience but it also has it drawbacks.  We all know that we have to interact with our co-workers and be cordial but sometimes our co-workers like to over step their bounds by asking personal questions and trying to pry in our private affairs.  I think that the office is not a good place to discuss other workers and to put your business out there because it can be used against you at another date.

There are a lot of people gathering at each others desk and excluding others who are not in the clique or so-called popular crowd.  If you see this happening it is a good idea to stand your ground and not associate yourself with these people in these cliques because it is a slippery slope into gossiping and  someone could say that you were talking about someone when you weren't.

Also, there is a problem with people trying to compete with other women by buying more expensive clothing and making negative comments against the women who aren't.

What you can do is, when these folks come to you with all this foolishness and asking you personal questions, is to cut them short, right when they do it the first time.   Make sure that you don't make negative comments to any of your co-workers and you can avoid this.


Do not say anything negative about your boss at all, even if you do not like him or her.

Don't spend large amounts of money to try to fit in in your work environment but make sure that you dress neatly and respectable for your position and look nice for your personal budget.

You may not be able to control your environment but you can control how you react to your environment and command respect.

If you are dealing with an office bully, promptly, let you employer know exactly what this person is doing, so, you can protect yourself.






                                                           SashaMoniqueTalks

Should You Change Your Look Or Style For A Job?

Hello Ladies:  I decided to touch on this subject because I saw a talk show  this week start this conversation because a young lady with very a very full Afro was asked by someone she worked for, to change her hair into a more controlled, sleek,  hairstyle.  There were different opinions stating that she had the right to wear her hair the way that she wanted to.

Some of the other ladies on the program said that she needed to comply with the recommendation about her changing her look and this conversation really made me think about the reasoning behind some of the answers that was given.

We live in a time where a lot of ladies like to wear their hair in different kinds of styles and this is fun and a way that they express themselves. 

I believe that our schools need to get back into teaching our young ladies what is appropriate and not appropriate.  If you work in Fashion and the work environment is more relaxed, then, you will be free to wear hair and fashions that are less traditional.

I feel that these extreme hairstyles and also tattoo's are leading our young ladies and also young men to experience unemployment and keeping them from advancing in their careers.  It is quite fine to dress the way you want to or wear your hair in any style that you desire when you are home or out with your friends, but, if you want to have a career and experience growth, then you have to play by the rules.

The young lady in the show was beautiful and I actually liked her hair but not for a professional job.

Where I live, I see many young ladies with piercings, tattoo's and these hairstyles and I have seen some working at the hospital in my area and  I do feel that it looks unprofessional.

When you change your hair color or get tattoo's in area's that are exposed, please think about, whether this will keep you from getting a job in the future, this is very important.

This young lady has natural hair and maybe she can put it in a bun or make it look appropriate for her job and when she is out of work on the weekends she can style those thick tresses any way that she likes.

HOW TO STOP BEING A PRODUCT HOARDER

HOW TO STOP BEING A PRODUCT HOARDER



Over a few years I have been hoarding different makeup products, personal care items, hair products, and etc.
All these items started to take up a lot of room in my home, so I decided that it is time to put a stop to this.
So this past month I have made it my business to use up these products and if I have to replace something, I will buy just one instead of several.



These are my tips to stop being a Product Hoarder:

1. I will learn to use up most of my products before replacing it.
2. I will make a habit of using 4 nail polishes a week and not buy anymore.
3. Once a month I will take inventory of my products so I can truly find out what I need to replace.
4. I will take out 1 or 2 makeup foundations and use until empty
5. Products that I have never opened, I will collect those and put in a bag for Goodwill or another Charity to donate.
6. I will stay out of the makeup aisle to avoid buying eye shadow because I am addicted to eye shadow.
7. I will toss out expired products that have gotten to old to use.
8. I will find other uses for products that I own.
9. I will shop once per year for new products if I start running out.
10. I will use my old perfumes for room spray

                                                  SASHAMONIQUETALKS

Are We Wasting Money On Monthly Subscription Boxes?

As a Blogger and Vlogger on Youtube, i get the opportunity to see the ladies show their monthly subscription boxes.  Some show some wonderful things that they are proud to get in the mail and a few of the ladies told me that it feels like you are getting a special present every month.

I am a lover of ordering online and getting special things for myself but i have not tried the monthly subscription boxes because i have seen that a few of the items in the boxes are not quality products or they sometimes come in very small sizes.

I feel that the companies are using these subscription boxes to just send you a small product to entice you to buy the bigger size product.

This concept can be wasteful in my opinion because you can take the same amount of money and just buy and try different brands each month and you don't get any surprises.

I am very wary of a company charging my credit card each month for items that they think i will like.
This also applies to the companies that send you shoes or a handbag every month. I feel that it is like subliminal messages telling us what we should like or buy.

There are some women who are very happy with these boxes but for me, a person who like to be mindful of my spending, it could be a trap because it is just an added bill that can be avoided.

If you have found a company that you are very happy with, leave your comment below.

Is Sewing A lost Art?

                                                 Is Sewing A Lost Art?

I was sitting and looking in the corner of my room at my trusted old Singer sewing machine that was given to me on my 16th birthday.  I was so happy to get this machine and I swore that I was going to make all the latest fashions but what I didn't know is that it takes great skill to become a seamstress.

I made some clothes but I was never good enough to create my whole entire wardrobe.  I consider sewing a great skill to have because if you learn how to do it, you will never forget how.

You must have a lot of patience because sometimes you can put a few seams together and if the fit is not right, you have to rip the seams apart and start all over.

There are not many school's teaching sewing anymore and I think that this is just horrible.

Sewing has become a lost art because a lot of stores are selling clothing with lower prices and the very last time I went into a fabric store, they were selling the fabrics and notions for higher prices. This made me feel that it wasn't even worth the time to sit for a few hours or a couple of days to put a dress together.

With a lot of people buying their clothes at the thrift store and the prices are so low, you just don't see a reason to sew but many times I have purchased clothing that I thought fit me correctly and when I got home, it didn't.

To get these items altered, would cost a pretty penny. This is a good reason to dust off my trusted sewing machine and learn the skill of tailoring.

I am getting the desire again to try sewing and really stick with it this time.  You would not believe, the sewing machine that I got at sixteen years old, still works perfectly.

I would love to see Grandmothers, Mothers and Aunts take out the sewing machine and teach younger girls and boys the skill of sewing and the pleasure you feel when you create your first outfit.

Sewing doesn't have to be a lost art, we must ask our schools to bring back Home Economics and also Machine Shop, this way our children will be well rounded and they may learn to love sewing.


What learning how to sew can do for you:

• Teach you how to make beautiful, quality clothing.
• Make clothing that is unique.
• Chase depression away.
• Instill self pride.
• Give you skills that you can use for a career.
• Alter clothing for you or others.
• Create clothing that fit your size or shape perfectly.

Please leave a comment and let me know your thoughts on this subject and I would also like to know the first thing you created when you first started sewing.

HOW TO STAND IN YOUR TRUTH INSTEAD OF TRYING TO FIT IN.

I have always been a person who dance to my own beat.  I am a little bit of bohemian but not to the extreme.  It is hard sometimes to find a perfect medium in Social Media because we are living in the age of  "Do what everyone else is doing".   I have a problem with this because it isn't in my nature to go with the flow.  I like expressing myself in my own unique way.

In Social Media, we all do things that are similar but some of us are determined to show the world our uniqueness of what we bring and offer to the world. 

There are other people like me, but, I would like to see more.   Sometimes we are cast to the side because we may not be  (What's In) at the moment.  How to stand in your truth and not be a carbon copy of someone else?   My answer to this question is, just be yourself and what is for you will be for you and if it doesn't work, then it may be time to do something else.

God made us all unique and it is time to make it off your own merit and not off the backs of others. 

Are you recognized more when you copy? Yes, you are, but, is it worth it in the long run. No!

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF SENSITIVE SKIN

I was born with Eczema and I can remember my Mom and Dad staying up late at night trying to find a remedy that would relieve me of my itching, irritated and broken skin.  At that time the Doctor did not give a diagnosis because I was so young and it was all over my feet.

Through the years, Eczema traveled throughout my body and I had so many breakouts and had to get numerous injections to help calm my skin.

I suffered greatly and I was diagnosed with Eczema and Psoriasis.  I no longer have irritation on my feet but I break out from time to time on my hands.

Trying different things was the norm in my life until I went to a Dermatologist  about ten years ago and she told me that I was bathing too much.  She said," stop bathing and your skin will clear up".  I told her that I don't believe in just washing my body at the sink so she then told me to just use clear water and no soap.  I honestly thought that this sounded trifling but I decided to try it.

I bathed myself or showered with soap in the morning but at night I started to bathe without soap and my skin really started to clear.  I do not have as many breakouts that I used to have.  Breaking out on my arms used to be the norm but I do not have any breakouts on my arms at all and my skin is very clear now.

It is best not to use a lot of new skin care products on your skin because you may experience a breakout.  Use products that do not break you out and stick with them.

Fall Is Almost Here.

I am so excited about the fall coming.  I am looking forward to the cool nights and the good smells such as; cinnamon, baked cookies, and cedar.  This is a good time to run to the stores to see what will be in fashion and to also go through your clothing from last year to see what you can salvage.

September is a good time to go to some of these outside fairs without sweating in the hot sun and to get the house in order to get ready for cooler weather.  I want to incorporate some pretty teals, grays, and bright reds into my wardrobe.

Cooking and baking is something that I love and will be doing with family during this month and I will be hitting those cookbooks to see the new dishes that I will be creating.   I would love to hear what you will be looking forward to for the fall and you can leave your comments below.

                                                        SashaMoniqueTalks
                                         

Buy Your Shampoo From The Dollar Store To Save Money.

I grew up in a big family and with girls in the family, you will always find yourself running out of personal products, especially shampoo.  We didn't have dollar stores at that time but since we do now, we can save so much money on shampoo.

I am starting to see more name brand shampoo's at my local dollar store and that is so great.  If you have a big family, you can go to the dollar store and buy five bottles of shampoo and you will have enough for everyone without running out.

Below, I am showing you all the brands that I have purchased and I love.  Some of these items can be found at your local Dollar Tree or Family Dollar stores.

GOOD CITIES TO LIVE IN AND ENJOY YOUR SOCIAL LIFE

1. New York City.  I live in the Tri State area, so I have a lot of opportunities to enjoy the sights and the sounds of the city.   This City is so full of life and it is very easy to meet new friends.  You can walk the street and sometimes you will bump into very famous people who are out and about. 

There is an energy in New York that I just cannot fully explain but anyone who have been there know exactly what I mean.  It is absolutely captivating!

There is always something to do 24 hours a day and the Restaurants are great.

Good Restaurants to go to in New York are:

* Javelina
* Bowery Meat Company
* 15 East
* Frankie & Johnnie's Steakhouse


2. Miami:  I have heard so much about Miami and the nice, hot, sunny days.  There are so many beautiful people there and so much beautiful music, beaches and a terrific nightlife.  I have never been to Miami but I will go one day.  Miami has world famous clubs.  There are a lot of Roof  Top Bars.  The culture is bursting with so much energy and once you stay there, you may never want to return home.

Good Hotels to stay in are:

*Four Seasons Hotel Miami
*Viceroy Hotel
*InterContinental Miami
*Epic Hotel


3. Philadelphia Pennsylvania: 
I have only been to Pennsylvania about 3 times in my life and it was really a great experience and I would love to go back.

Philadelphia have a nightlife that is great for everyone.  If you like listening to live music and mingling with a lot of good people, then, this place is for you.  I am a jazz lover and I heard that Philadelphia has the best talent in the world.  A lot of Restaurants stay open until 1am, so that is definitely a plus.
There are some Restaurants that I have been told, will serve you up some good food.

*10 Arts Bistro & Lounge
*1225  Raw Sushi and Sake Lounge
*Forcella
*Ela


4. Chicago:  I have never been to Chicago but I have talked to people who have lived there and they told me that it is a place that you can meet a lot of like minded people and it is so much to do in this wonderful City.    If you are a person who like Cruises, you can go on the Chicago Dinner Cruise and cruise around this beautiful City.  There is an abundance of Dance, Jazz and Comedy Clubs in Chicago.

Here I list some of the best Restaurants in Chicago.

* Bavettes
* Les Nomades
* RoSal's
* Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab

THIS IS THE MONTH THAT I STARTED THIS BLOG.

                                                  SASHAMONIQUETALKS


Hello Ladies and Gentlemen.  This is the month that I started this Blog.  I was not sure what I was going to talk about and I wasn't really sure of the steps that it takes to start a Blog.   I have many varied interest and I know that my passion regarding saving money and of course shopping would be a great way to share my skills and my talents.

I love fashion, so this was a good opportunity  to show you all the steps that I use, to shop and save money.  This Blog has afforded  me the pleasure of talking to people from all over the world and   also learn from other seasoned Bloggers.

This Blog is a great form of self expression for me and I am enjoying the journey.  My Blog started off about  saving money but it is turning into even more subjects that I am interested in. 

Thank you all for supporting this Blog and I just want you to know that there is so much more in store.  I will be touching on other subjects that I would like to share with you all and I am a believer that we can all learn from each other.

The direction that this Blog is taking is so exciting because this is something that I wanted to do so long and the fact that I have completed one year gives me a lot of promise for the future. So, please stay tuned!

Etsy Is The Place To Find One Of a Kind Items.

 

 

I was watching Youtube video's two weeks ago and I saw a lady talking about jewelry that she purchased from Etsy. She showed a beautiful ring that her fiancé had designed for her and it was soooooo beautiful.  I started going on Etsy and I saw so many beautiful clothing items that were homemade  and they were unusual, but, pretty.

 

There was a nice selection of handbags and other items that I liked so much.  I slid on over to the jewelry section and I looked at their diamond and gold rings and I was in awe of such beautiful rings that they carry on their site.

Etsy specializes in vintage items that are at least 20 years old or more and you will never see yourself coming and going in these items. 

 

They also carry crafting supplies to help you with your stellar creations.  A lot of their Diamond Rings carry a nice carat weight for a lot less money because some of them are used. So, if you are in the market for a Diamond and you don't want to break the bank; please head over to Etsy and purchase a nice gift for yourself.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How To Implement Changes In Your Spending Habits

                                                        SashaMoniqueTalks

In fall 2014 I promised myself that I would start early and prepare myself for summer 2015 by searching the clearance racks in department stores and discount stores such as; Rainbow Shops and some of the other discount stores in my area.

I was surprised about the nice skirts, dresses, shoes, and tops I was able to find and I was purchasing them for $5.00 or less.  When I got home I would put all these items in a big bag in my closet.  It was fun doing this because I got excited seeing that big bag of clothes grow.  I didn't want to shop for any clothing for the summer or if I would buy anything it would be very little.

I had no idea that I would be able to do this because as I have said a lot of time " I have a shopping addiction".  Even though I spend very little for my purchases, I still love to shop.

The end of the spring I took out my summer clothes and that big bag of summer things that I purchased throughout the winter and I had a lot of nice clothes.

Putting myself on a clothes spending diet really started to work out for me because I learned how to use what I had along with my winter shopping and I was creating even more great clothing combinations.

I went shopping with my sister a few times and I did buy about four things total. and these items could be used for the fall and winter so I saw it as a good opportunity to get ready for the next season.

Usually, I would hit the thrift stores all summer but I didn't this year and I found that I wasn't bogged down by clothes.  I never realized that this would turn into a social experiment for myself but it did.  I felt so happy and I had a lot of things to wear but I wasn't wasting money.  I saved money and I was also able to buy some luxury items.

In September I will start to shop again for the spring and summer and buy just a few winter things.  I have really learned a great lesson and that is; I really didn't need as much stuff as I was buying and once you have a wardrobe, you don't have to replace that wardrobe every year if you buy items that will not go out of style.

My experiment taught me to be thankful for what I already have.

GOLDEN YELLOW. YOU CAN SHINE!

 

 

I am so in love with these outfits. I love how it is paired with the olive green. It makes the yellow really pop.  I see how you could possibly use clothing that you already own, to create this look.

 

You can also step out of the box and pair the olive green with another bright color and it will still work.  The art to styling is to see an item and see all the possibilities presented and you can use one or two of other bright colors to put a new spin on this.