My Goals are ... mine

I would like to be a shining star in everything I do. I think everyone should have similar aspirations too. I believe I was born like this and I have continued the trend. What helps my self esteem? I am not sure.

So why would anyone aspire to be less? When we look at people just at a glance, we may feel that someone has low esteem and self worth. However, you do not know where their goals really lie. Some people do not aspire for greatness in their profession, but in their family life or in their community roles. Some people may aspire to be the sexiest person alive. Who are we to judge?

We would all want to think that everyone aspires to be perfect like many of us pretend to be. Many people just want to live and make it through the rough days. Of course, they may want the house on the hill but if all we can afford is the shack on the bottom - and it's safe enough - then we are living!

Everyone has to know their intimate thoughts. Get in tune with yourself and think about what you want in life. No one can dictate what you dream to be. A positive role model, a spouse, a good friend, a counsellor or a pastor may give you good advice but only you can chart your course to success.

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Supermarket Shopping Tips: Buy the Best Fruits from the Store

Fruits are essential in everyone's diet. Choose the best ones from the market to enjoy the fruits and to save money while grocery shopping.

Fruits provide many nutrients that people need from their daily consumption of food. As fruits are perishable, it is important to select the best ones when grocery shopping at the market. A careful eye must be given to tropical fruits such as bananas, mangoes, papayas. Fruits that are overripe or blemished can be used in recipes or juices but it always better to select the best first to save money.

What to Look for When Buying Fruits at the Grocery Store

Look for the best quality fruits at the supermarket to save money. Any small amount of wastage can be considered lost money. Find fruits that look fresh, are free of bruises and appear disease free. Ignore fruits that look, feel or smell overripe. Oranges should be round and firm without sunken spots. Also, apples should not have soft spots. Grapes on a bunch should all look fresh and firm. Feel free to ask a clerk if the fruits are fresh and when the market will restock its produce aisles.

buying Bananas from the Grocery Store

People who live in the Caribbean today purchase bananas for cooking and for ripening. The green bananas are cooked and used a starch with steamed fish or salted fish. These green bananas should be fully green with no hint of ripening. Bananas sold as ripe bananas will be much more yellow and full in appearance. Look for ripe bananas that are free of blemishes and bruises but are not overripe or too

soft. A soft or bruised banana is still edible but if several pieces have to be cut of before eating, there will be money going to waste unless the fruit is used for juicing or in banana bread.

Enjoy Mangoes From the Market

Mangoes are a celebrated fruit as there are festivals held in several places such as the British Virgin Islands, India, Miami and Antigua that highlight the mango. While mangoes are so tasty, when purchasing look for small holes, dark spots and bruises. Bruises mean that the mango fell during harvesting and a bruise will cause a soft spot. Dark spots could mean an anthracnose infection in the fruit tree. A fruit with any small holes should be avoided because this could be the presence of worms or the Mango Seed Weevil Larvae. In some cases, mangoes will not show the presence of any pests until ripening so be sure to carefully select mangoes that are slightly softer or more closer to fully ripening.

Buy the Right Papayas from the Supermarket

Papayas are another tropical fruit that are very nutritious and tasty. Similar to the bananas, Caribbean people boil the green papayas and eat the ripe ones fresh or they juice the fruit. Green papayas should be green without any coloring on the skin. Papayas bought for ripening at the market should have orange coloring showing that the fruit will soon ripe. To advance ripening, place in a dark cupboard or in a paper bag for a couple days. Greer also notes that with a ripe papaya, the "flesh will give slightly when fruit (is) pressed in palm of hand". Papayas are also susceptible to the anthracnose infection, so be sure to inspect the skin closely for any dark or sunken spots.

When purchasing fruits from the supermarket, look for the best quality. Avoid any obvious flaws in the fruit to save money. Find bananas, papayas, mangoes or other fruits that are free of bruises and blemishes so that your family enjoys the fruits bought at the supermarket.

Pertinent. Relevant. Consistent. Decent. Persistent. Confident. Different. Prominent. Heaven-Sent.

Pertinent. Relevant. Consistent. Decent. Persistent. Confident. Different. Prominent. Heaven-Sent.
These words are so important to me. They all do rhyme, but that adds flavor.

Pertinent & Relevant - For me, these words mean that I have a say in what's going on. I am read, listened to, and my opinion matters at least to a few.

Consistent - Consistency should be my M.O. I should not be all over the place but playing the field with my head on. If I change some movement, it has to be to make a statement or take a stand.

Decent speaks for itself. Everybody wants to be decent and expects to be treated with decency.

Confident - This is something that people struggle with. We have to find ways to harness confidence so that we can face the public and overcome hurdles.

Different - I always dare to be different. I guess that's why I studied Marketing because I think people need to come up with new ideas to promote themselves and their business.

Prominent - As with relevant and prominent, I seek to have a voice that is listened to. I hope to evoke positive change. I don't need to be rich, I want to survive, but I want the country to survive too.

Heaven-Sent - We are all heaven-sent. We are all here for some reason. Even if you feel someone is a thief, murderer, or rapist, they are God's children who have just fallen away from the flock and need prayer and guidance. Plus it's the title of my favorite Keisha Cole song!

These are just some words that I thought of last night and shared on Facebook. As I looked at my status, I decided to blog about it. It's early in the morning so I thought - why not start the day on a good start!

 
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A Woman in a Black Dress: What Does This Mean?

There are many occasions for a lady to wear a black dress, but the event dictates the style. Women wear black in mourning, at work and out in the evenings.

Fashion stylists always say that every woman needs a 'little black dress' in her closet. What does wearing a black dress mean and for what occasions do women wear black dresses? The black dress has become a staple in women's wardrobe and can used for funerals, the office and for evening functions. Black dresses can easily be accessorized and an addition of color can create a fresh look.

Black Dresses Can Signify Mourning

Black and other dark colors are accepted as colors for mourning. So women wear black, navy blue, grey or purple to funerals and memorial services. A typical black dress for a funeral will not be sleeveless or tube-topped, tight-fitting or short. It would be similar to any dress that can be worn to church with an appropriate length, minimal cleavage and well-fitting. However, for funerals, it is better to tone down on the sequins and embellishments. A lady can still have fun with accessories which should be black, white, gold, silver, tan or another mourning color such as purple or grey.

A Woman in a Black Dress Can Show Professionalism

A woman wearing a well-fitting black dress that is office appropriate is sure to make a good first impression in an interview. A black dress is also a good staple in the regular work wardrobe. Again, appropriate length and fit with 3/4 or long sleeves are key to keeping a black dress work appropriate. A sheath with short sleeves can be paired with a jacket for a complete work look. You can convert a skimpy black dress into office wear by adding a nice cardigan or blazer. Accessories can be a bit more playful as red shoes and jewelry go very well with a black dress giving the work look an added boost.

Source: http://www.shape.com/shop/alfani-alfani-velvet-burnout-a-line-dress-only-at-macys-black-16-p6e0694486b387f4ae5567c8ec694a809.html

A Black Dress is a Great Look for Evening Functions

The black dress really comes alive for evening functions because that is where the dress can be worn to be more fun and exciting. For a dinner date, prom or a night of dancing, a black dress can be strapless, sequined, short or with low cleavage - all within each lady's taste. Accessories and bits of color can be added if needed so that even the black dress worn at work can be upgraded to an evening look. A black dress is a great piece for any lady to have in her wardrobe.

A woman in a black dress who wears her outfit elegantly with the right accessories will always be admired. As stylists proclaim to the world that every woman needs her little black dress, ladies should wear their dresses proudly whether it is to a funeral, to work or for a night out with family and friends.

Foundation Garments: Choose the Bra that Fits Best

Foundation garments are key to making any outfit look neat and polished. Women should choose a bra that gives the best fit and look under clothing.

Many women have experienced problems with selecting bras that give the right fit. Sometimes, it is the size and other times it may be the color or the style. Women need to keep several factors in mind when choosing bras including size, style, color and fabric for overall comfort.

Find the Right Bra Size

Ladies should be aware of their correct bra size. Although bra sizes are supposed to be based on a universal sizing chart, sizes may vary based on each bra brand. On a visit to a bra or underwear store, ladies can be measured around the bust and under the bust line to determine the correct bra size. After the correct size is verified, it is much easier to find the best fit.

Select the Bra Style that Suits Best

After finding the correct size, a woman then must choose the most appropriate style that fits her bust line. Today, ladies can opt for push-up, strapless, racer-back or sport bras. However, women must be mindful that they must select bras that fit comfortably and can work with their clothing. While small busted ladies can easily wear a push-up bra, larger chested women will be better dressed with a full comfort-strapped bra.

Choose the Bra Color

Every woman should have at least one of each of the following color bras - black, white and nude or tan. All the other colors of the rainbow and print bras are allowed but should be worn under clothing where the colors are not visible. Despite the seasonal fashion trends, it is better to leave underwear unseen under clothing, especially at work.

Bras Come in Different Fabrics

Today, bras are available in cotton, spandex, lace and combinations of these fabrics. There are padded fabrics and also sheer bras which vary according to the fabric. Most styles and colors of bras are available in cotton for women who prefer cotton.

Special Bras for Women - Mastectomy, Breastfeeding, Backless

Bras are being offered in more versatile styles and shapes to allow women to breastfeed or wear the most scanty dress while keeping the bust line shapely. Low-back, backless and post mastectomy bras are some of the special bras that can be purchased from lingerie boutiques.

Take Care of Bras

Women should also look carefully at durability and care of undergarments. Purchase a lingerie bag to wash bras especially those with underwire or lace. Taking care of bras helps them to retain the shape, color and thus helps them to last longer.

Bras are essential foundation garments that make an outfit more complete. This undergarment comes in many shapes, colors and styles, but it is important for each woman to find the style that gives her comfort and the best look.

Read also: Foundation Garments: Panties That Pull It Together

Foundation Garments: Panties That Pull It Together

For women, undergarments form the foundation of an outfit. Panties should be comfortable yet offer the needed coverage while still having a sense of style.

When a woman selects her outfit for the day, she should consider her choice of foundation garments, especially her panties. Women should avoid bulges, panty lines and should also be mindful of the cut and color choice under clothing. While females should be mindful of any unsightly fashion faux pas, they should have fun with their underwear.

An Ill-fitting Panty Will Not Pull It Together

The type of undergarment that a woman wears should be left to the imagination of anyone seeing her. With jeans or loose dresses and skirts, panty lines will not be very visible. However, under slacks, a-line skirts or other closely fitted clothing, panty lines can be a nuisance. Having the right fit in the undergarment is important because if the elastic is too tight around the legs, it will print through clothing. It is the same if the panty is too loose because there will be unsightly bulges.

Can Any Panty Pull It Together?

There are many choices today for undergarments. There are the boy-shorts, low-risers, thongs, hiphuggers, v-strings, cheekies and briefs. Again, a good fit is important but for women who have problem areas with their shape, they should find the panty that suits their body type.

Panties We Know -Briefs, Thongs, Low-Risers & Boy Shorts

Many women may have at least one of the following in her lingerie bag - briefs, thongs, low-rise panty or a boy- short. These panties are comfortable and versatile for most women.

• Briefs: A well-fitting brief offers full coverage over the buttocks and tummy. If the tummy is a problem area, a brief with a control panel can help. Most briefs also cover the buttocks.
• Thongs: Thongs can be controversial yet these panties are very sexy. Thongs are necessary for light or close fitting materials such as spandex where a panty line cannot be excused. Some women prefer thongs as their regular underwear choice and with menstrual pads now designed for thongs, it is easier to make that choice.
• Low-rise Panties: Low-risers go well with low-rise jeans or other clothing that fall past the waist. Women who have large tummies are not encouraged to wear these panties because these offer no support.
• Boy Shorts: Boy shorts are neat and depending on the height of the rise can offer good coverage over the tummy. Women with cellulite on the buttocks should refrain from wearing this type of panty.

Panties are No Longer Just Black and White

Panties no longer come in a simple color palette of black, white and beige. Colors are much more fun and prints include stripes, polka dots, flowers and animal prints. Of course, any onlooker should not be able to see these fun colors and prints under clothing. Therefore, women should still keep a few black, white and beige panties in the underwear drawer. These neutral colors can have fun touches with lace or just with the style of the panty.

Women never want to feel limited with their choice of underwear. However, as with any foundation garment, fit is important. Wear panties that fit the body type and can work with any body flaws. Choose fun colors in the various styles of panties and always keep some black, white or tan undergarments in the underwear drawer.

See more about Foundation Garments at Foundation Garments: Choose theBra That Fits Best

1990s Reggae Music: Buju Banton's 'Til Shiloh Album

Buju Banton is a talented reggae and dancehall music artist. His 'Til Shiloh album was released in 1995 with "Murderer" and "Wanna Be Loved."

Buju Banton, born Mark Myrie in Jamaica, is a popular reggae artist who has released several powerful albums including Inna Heights, Voice of Jamaica and 'Til Shiloh. Banton, although extremely talented, is no stranger to controversy. However his musical abilities are still well respected and appreciated worldwide. The Grammy-nominated Banton first came on the reggae music scene in the early 1990s and was subsequently able to garner an international following.

Buju Banton is no Stranger to Controversy

Buju Banton sang "Boom Bye Bye" in 1992 with lyrical content that is described as anti-homosexual. This song cost Banton concert appearances in the United States and the United Kingdom. On January 8, 2010, Buju Banton was arrested in December for allegedly buying cocaine from an undercover officer. In September 2010, Banton's case was declared a mistrial and was then re-filed. Later in November 2010, Banton was released on bail in the same matter with a new case date for February 2011.

Buju Banton's Musical Legacy

After his debut in the 1990s, Banton subsequently released his first album Mr. Mention in 1992. Mr. Mention featured songs that eclipsed the dancehall era - "Batty Rider" and "Dickie". The follow-up album was Voice of Jamaica in 1993. Voice of Jamaica is appropriately titled because this album literally pushed Banton to international stardom. Songs off the album included "Willy Don't Be Silly" promoting HIV/AIDS prevention and "Deportees (Things Change)." The music video for the song "Make My Day" from the same album played on BET.

'Til Shiloh came in 1995 and Inna Heights was released in 1997.  Banton then released other popular albums like Unchained Spirit in 2000 and Rasta Got Soul in 2009. His most recent release is Before the Dawn in 2010. In addition to his personal albums, through his label, Gargamel Music Inc., Banton released the 100 Watt Riddim music video featuring Ghost, East Coast, Mr. Vegas, New Kidz, Assassin, Mitch and Mr. Lex. The songs of the riddim were released on the album Excalibur Sound 1: 100 Watt in 2006.

The Songs of'Til Shiloh

Buju Banton is definitely a solid lyricist and the 'Til Shiloh album shows his talent. "Murderer," "Untold Stories," and "Not An Easy Road" brought about Banton's socially conscious reggae side. His dancehall side came out in "Champion," "It's All Over" and "Complaint" featuring Garnett Silk, now deceased. "Champion" appears a second time remixed with a sample from "You Know How We Do It" which was written by Ice Cube, QDill, T.Life and D. Wansel. 'Til Shiloh also features love songs like "Wanna Be Loved" and "Only Man."

• "Murderer" To Face Judgment: "Murderer! Blood is on your shoulders / kill I today you cannot kill I tomorrow" start off "Murderer." This song speaks against violence and reminds persons who commit such acts that they will meet their judgment. Banton hits his theme hard in the third verse with the words "Drinking sulphur bitters won't be bitter like your end / only God can help you, no family or friend." Banton and Clement Dodd penned the lyrics and included biblical references such as Noah's children, Daniel and the first verse of Psalms 121.
• "Not An Easy Road" is an Inspiring Reggae Song: Banton wrote this song as a testament to perseverance and faith. His edgy lyrics include "Upon my face I've got to put on a smile / Make up my mind just to walk more miles." The chorus sings "It's not an easy road / many see the glamor an the glitter / and think it's a bed of rose."
• "Chuck It So" is a Serious Song: In "Chuck It So," Buju Banton reminds the 'bullies' and criminals to be mindful of the wicked actions. A steady dancehall beat with piercing lyrics chanted in Banton gruff voice make this song chilling. The hook is "How you a go on like bully so / on the border line you not going."
• 'Til Shiloh's Love Anthem is "Wanna Be Loved": Marcia Griffiths sings background vocals on Buju Banton's "Wanna Be Loved." In this song, Banton expresses his need for love. He sings "been searching for a long long time / for that oh so true love" and "show me you care, up front and boldly." Banton gets metaphorical with the lyrics and sings "I'm like waiting on some honey / but there aint no queen bee."

Buju Banton, a superbly talented Jamaican artist, has released almost one dozen reggae albums. One of his albums in which has a dancehall and reggae appeal is 'Til Shiloh. Songs like "Murderer" and "Champion" make this a great reggae and dancehall album.