To the Class of 2010: YOU DID IT!

From your family here at Her Journey we want to wish the Class of 2010 a HAPPY GRADUATION! All your hard work has paid off and we are so glad to share in this milestone with you. Be reminded that Her Journey is here to support you in all your after-college concerns, curiosities and aspirations. Please check back with us every Monday for Motivational Mondays, check out our experts advice for the graduating class (click HERE and HERE), as well as some upcoming articles made specifically with you in mind!

Today we are highlighting a few extraordinary graduates who have studied all over the States (from ATL to California). These young women keep us inspired, and so we wanted to share their triumphs with you!

MS. KEILA DAVIS

School: Clark Atlanta University

Major: History

Journey to: Writer and College Professor (Future HJ team member!)

1 Thing She'll Miss Most about School:

"I will miss the people, the food, and overall carefree attitude of college life."

MS. KATHERINE A. KINARD

School: The College of New Jersey

Major: Mathematics (Get them numbers girl!)

Journey to: Entrepreneurship, Business Investor

1 Thing She'll Miss Most about School:

"I will greatly miss the fellowship I shared with members of TCNJ student organization, Gospel United Ministries, as well as my role as Choir Directress of the group."

MS. MARISSA FLAGGSchool: Iona College

Major: Criminal Justice

Journey to: Graduate school at Iona and playing her 5th year of Basketball

1 Thing She'll Miss Most about School: "I'll miss my Criminal Justice classes because I've decided to switch to Public Relations for Graduate School."

MS. OCHELLE ROSS

School: Polytechnic Institute of New York University

Major: Electrical and Computer Engineering

Journey to: Simulation Systems Engineer for GE Aviation

1 Thing She'll Miss Most About School:
"I'll miss the National Society of Black Engineers. I used it to urge the young African Americans in High School to go into STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) related careers."

MS. DEVEN BOUCHET


School:California State University, Northridge

Major: BA in Television Production

DR. SHALONDA WILLIAMS

School: University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy

Major: Doctorate of Pharmacy

Journey to: Clinical pharmacist
helping indigent populations in NYC

1 Thing She'll Miss Most About School: "My Friends."

DR. JENNIFER T. WHITLOCK

School: Southwest Baptist University

Major: Physical Therapy

Journey to: Certified Manual Therapist

1 Thing She'll Miss Most About School: "My classmates..they are truly some amazing people."

Thank you ladies for sharing your dreams and accomplishments with Her Journey. As you begin the next chapter of this journey don't forget to pamper yourself, spend time with your loved ones and give back to your communities-- which have all shaped you into the WOWomen you are today!

What encouraging words or tips do you have for 2010's graduating Class? Something you wish you had known when you graduated?

Plus Size Summer Fashion

Plus size women often have trouble combining the latest fashion + body type + affordability + findability. The quick fix solution could be to lose a few pounds but that is easier said than done. Until the scale reveals the lighter side of things, love your curves and all the thick goodness you have to offer…but health is important so please work on being healthy.

I love my curves but large retail and discount stores don’t love my size. This past week I was shopping at Filene’s Basement and though they do carry my size, nothing was flattering. I noticed over a size 16 the pickings are slim or certain cuts and fabrics don’t look as good. Where can I find the “good” stuff?

I was combing the web and decided plus size women need to know what looks good on their body first before they find the retailers that sell for their body type. Here are a few tips from a Smarter.com fashion blog:

1. Plus size women should look for cotton dresses that cinch under the chest because they accent the smaller part of the body. Steer clear of empire waist because they make plus size women look bigger.
2. Plus size women tend to wear Bermuda shorts which are knee-length because they cover the fullest part of the thigh but for shorter women this is a no-no because it can make a short woman look bigger. Depending on your size, you can wear shorts but they have to fit your height and must cover the fullest part of your thigh.
3. Become a fan of the scoop neck or v-neck t-shirts because they are more flattering on women with bigger bust. Also, avoid crew shirts because they make the chest look huge and must wear shirts with a relaxed fit on the arms.

Great tips and hopefully you can add to the plus size do’s & don’ts in the comment box. So now we know a few staples and must’s…where can we buy our summer wardrobe. Here is a list of sites to look at:

OneStopPlus.com (photo courtesy of the website) has a selection of amazing dresses like the one pictured on the left. I love fitted dresses because they make me look myself (especially with a good body shaper) and don't make me look blown out and out of proportion. This website is purely for plus size women 12W-44W.

This site offers more than just clothing but handbags, jewelry and accessories, bras, lingerie and much more. One can definitely find a shopping cart full of great looking dresses, tops, shorts, shoes and undergarment basics.

Full Figured Fashion Week voted Igigi.com the # 1 plus size fashion retailer. I have yet to purchase a dress from this site but I love most if not all the outfits and collections for plus size women. The dress pictured left ( photo courtesy of Igigi.com) is on my to buy list. This dress can be worn at a Sunday brunch, night out with the ladies or charity function. At $98.00, this dress is not pennies but is so fabulous, shows off a little curves, has summer appeal and is extremely classy.

I often look at this site and cannot wait to purchase my first dress...I am sure I will not be disappointed.


More sites listed blow. Look your best ladies!

Please add more sites in the comment box and do's & dont's for plus size fashion

Lane Bryant

Ashley Stewart

Fashion To Figure

Monif C

Sizes To Fit

Also, check out Full Figured Fashion Week in NYC coming up June 16-19th!

First photo with dress and mannequin courtesy of Fashiontofigure.com.

Feeling adventurous?

Feeling adventurous?

Why not add sky diving to your summer to do list? And thanks to Life booker you can take your life to a higher level for a lower price!

Photo source.

Class of 2010 - Tips on How you can Rock Your Mojo

Congratulations graduates!

You are about to embark on the next part of your journey and I wish you crazy, mad, miraculous moments of success. But we all know that this kind of state won't be around 100% of the time. However, successful people do have a sense of what it takes to be and stay that way.

Successful people are often thought to possess some kind of special energy that seems to sprinkle magic pixie dust on everything they touch and that others hope will rub off; many would say they’ve got mojo. The word mojo immediately conjures up images of personal magnetism and power. A word that used to be somewhat taboo is now valued for its potency and used everywhere from the big screen to the board room. There’s no doubt that in today’s economy most folks recognize that having an edge isn’t an option, it’s a necessity. Having more mojo can give you the edge you need.

Sounds pretty good huh? Well, Denise, how do I get more mojo?" I'm glad you asked. I love to talk about and help folks tap into their unique mojo flow. "Ultimately the desire to tap into our mojo flow is all about the deisre to experience MOre JOy!"

No matter the situation, be it job, relationship, career, or hobby we all tap into our mojo to maximum our success.

Here are 5 tips for rocking your unique mojo flow each and every day:

1. Do something every day that really makes you happy. Even if your job isn't one that you're in love with, be sure to do something that does make you happy. That'll take some of the edge off of whatever isn't really taking you to higher success heights.

2. Realize that success is an inside job. It exists inside your mind and your heart. Once you get these spaces in alignment you will catapult yourself to the necessary next level to achieve your dreams.

3. Remember to get what you really want, you're going to have to train yourself to think the way you need to think. This is how you become more of the professional and less of an amateur.

4. Practice active loving of the person who matters as much as everyone else... yourself. Don't be shy, tell yourself how much you love yourself and how proud you are of the work you're doing, the giving you're participating in. Be your own best cheerleader.

5. Stay Conscioius, Creative, Courageous and Confident. Many things are going to rise up and tug at your hopes dreams and desires, but you are in the lead. The creator gave you this position. Lead your life the way you want it to go. Don't let life lead you. You're going to need these 4 C's the rest of your natural born days. Get used to 'em!

I invite you to register for FREE daily Motivation & Mindet MOJO tiops at http://www.365daysofmotivation.com/

Let's Rock the MOJO all year long!

Practicing the 6th Agreement - Be You and Nothing Else

Today, I'll be continuing the series "The 10 Agreements for Living the Life you Truly Desire." I invite you to participate in the conversation as we explore the power of living a well lived life.

I came up with the "10 Agreements for Living the Life you Truly Desire" to help myself and other women identify those areas that would give us the direction we need to live our lives with fulfillment, purpose and joy.

•Agreement # 1: I agree to help others in their quest to live the life they truly desire.
•Agreement # 2: I agree to discover how to develop myself to the fullest extent.
•Agreement #3: I agree to remember that there is no perfection, only process.
•Agreement #4: I agree to take life serious enough to remember to laugh with the good times and some of the sad ones.
•Agreement #5: I agree to stop self judging behavior and replace it with self assessment. (to read all 5 previous agreements click here)
Agreement #6: I agree to share my gifts and talents with everyone I meet.

Have you ever knowingly turned down you wattage because you believed that would make others feel more comfortable? If you have or still do I'd really like you to stop. Being less than who you truly are is harmful to your spirit and the outcomes of your life.

I once heard a prominent preacher (okay it was T.D.Jakes) say that women ought to turn it down some. He went on to say that a man can't hardly walk in a room full of women anymore because they're doing so much. Buying houses, gettin jobs, etc. (you know regular life stuff). Anyway, the context of his conversation was not about being arrogant, it was about being a good helpmate to a man. I couldn't believe what he was suggesting - turn down your wattage so others can be present? My stepmother even once said that I might have better luck with getting a mate if I didn't tell my dates all of my accomplishments and interests (which are varied) right away. Hello people?! Pump the breaks and let's all read part of the great quote from Marianne Williamson:

"Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do."

In your quest to live the life you truly desire, share your gifts and talents with everyone you meet. On the one hand I am referring to your unique gifts, talents & capabilities; but on the other hand this means be you all the time. Don't hide yourself (gifts & talents) under a rock or play them down or act like you don't have any. You deserve to live a full, rich abundant life experience. Everyone does. You can't control how others respond to you, but you can control your reaction. Be you and nothing less.

Remember, time is short. Do your happy dance. Enjoy life!

A Lovers Getaway

Preface: I have yet to travel the world to my desire but I have had a few places on my mind to visit with my significant other! So this post is based on research and recommendations from others.

I am not a beach person because I hate basking in the sun. However, sometimes we have to stop and smell the roses…or in this case, the sand and intoxicating ocean water. Relationships need time and space to grow and we have to work and nurture our budding love. It is hard to do that when work and life schedules fill up our time. But while your life is crazy and spiraling out of control in a good or bad way…you and your significant other still need to get away from all the distractions and just focus on you.

What other way to do that but go somewhere secluded and cut off from the rest of the world. Here are two resorts on the island of Jamaica and Mexico you both can slip away to for a few days and have FUN.

El Dorado Maroma on the beaches of Mexicos Riveria Maya

• Grab your sunscreen and fantabulous shades and lounge on the beach, get some sun, a few cocktails, and much needed rest and relaxation.
• Dance the afternoon away with a few lessons in salsa, tango, merengue and more.
• Learn the art of massage and show each other the real meaning of relaxation.
• Enjoy a moonlight massage and candlelight dinners on the beach

Talk about ultimate relaxation and fun at the same time! Is this trip right for you and your partner? Check out the website for more information.

Royal Plantation in Ochos Rio, Jamaica
Imagine this: Luxury hotel sitting on bluff 25ft above the magical waters of Ochos Rio, Jamaica.

• Endless pampering while sipping on a hand delivered ice-cold cocktail
• Take in a few rounds of golf before hitting the luxurious spa!
• Enjoy complimentary cocktail parties, afternoon tea and hot chocolate!
• Lounge on the beach till the sun goes down
• Let the wind run through your hair while you windsurf and go sail boating
• Find out what a “In Each Others Hand” massage therapy session entails!
• Indulge in a champagne picnic or take an exotic tour of Jamaica.

So, when are you booking your next trip? I think I will book mine soon. If you know of any other great romantic resorts for couples, let us know!

Photos courtesy of http://www.100destinos.com/

WOWednesday: Mentor Teenage Moms

Another dose of WOWorthy news that is so worth sharing:

iVolunteer.org is currently featuring an opportunity to be a mentor to a teenage mother. Click for more information: Mentor Teenage Moms, Mondays

Image found here.

Travel deals!

Anyone planning a trip in the next few months should check out AirTran's sale (ending May 20, 2010). They are offering some great deals.

Photo credit.

Welcome to the Real World Class of 2010!

Picture it! You're sitting in the audience surrounded by your peers and you're listening to the keynote speaker ramble on about how this is the first step in the beginning of your life, blah, blah, blah. You've already stopped listening. You are just waiting for them to shut up so you can get the degree you've worked so hard for over the past four years, go partying, and most importantly collect your graduation presents.

After all the partying and celebration is done and you are back home, you're going to be wondering: "What the heck am I supposed to do now?"

Well, I have some information I want to bring to your attention that you may not have considered.

1.) Remember all those summer, winter, and spring vacations you had? They are over. When you get a job you'll have two weeks. No, to be exact, it'll be 10 business days (15 if you are lucky).

2.) Prepare for your friends from high school to be the same people or totally different. You may find that whether they have or have not changed, you have and you may start reconsidering whether you want to continue to be friends with them.

3.) You are going to have to earn your parents' respect as an adult. Right now, they may still think of you as a child who needs to be told what to do. Don't get angry, they are just stuck in the good ol' days. In some cases, they may never see you in any other way. Talk to them about what you're both expecting now that you have graduated.

4.) Decide what you want and be committed to getting it done.

5.) Don't let others opinions influence what you decide is good for you.

6.) Calculate your total debt, create a budget, pay it all off while simultaneously saving your money. Use budgeting software such as Mint.com.

7.) Take care of your health. You may have been taking your stellar health and physique for granted. Now is the time to keep working on exercising and eating healthier. Once you've lost your health you may never get it back.

8.) Manage your time. Don't try to get everything done for everyone else. Plan out your schedule, be okay with telling people no, and make time to take care and do things that are enjoyable for you.

9.) Don't just sit behind your computer all day and call that a job search. Go out to networking events, join professional organizations in your industry, and volunteer.

10.) Have fun! This is such an amazing and scary part of your life. But think about it, you have a blank canvas and you can paint whatever you want. What life are you going to create?

These are some of my tips on entering the real world. What tips do you have to share with the Class of 2010?

Photo found here.

Tica Travels: Keep it Movin' Part Dos

BOLT BUS vs MEGABUS...WHO WINS?

Our faithful follower, Christy, ignited this second battle between Bolt bus and Megabus on Part Uno of Keep it Movin'. Both companies are neck-to-neck in competition, so come get the STATS on each company and see which one fits your travel style and personality! With Memorial Day right around the corner, this information is timely!

Also, check out these tips for Surviving Budget Bus Travel, to prepare for your trip.

Decide who wins this epic battle by checking out my latest post on Centric TV here! Please feel free to leave a comment using your FB account on Centric, or come back here to show some love!

Happy Riding!

Working Moms Go Back To School Online Now

Working moms… get back to school online while ‘Project Working Mom 2010’ is giving you the opportunity to receive funding and other resources to help you further your education. If the call was not loud enough before, look at the economy and the rate of how many jobs are being eliminated completely. ‘Project Working Mom 2010’ is an education initiative to get working parents back into college programs online via a $5 dollar scholarship fund.

The initiative addresses three major problems working parents face:

• Time
• Money
• Confidence

Time: Most working parents, single or married, do not have the time to work, care for children and/or elderly parents, home life, and other factors that are time consuming. However, an online program (I completed my Masters degree online at Walden University) is a great way to further your educational goals. Imagine this: put the kids to bed, prepare tomorrow’s meal, lay out the clothes for the next day (or entire week if you are forward looking) and get online for 2-3 hours and learn.

Money: If you are not Bill Gates or Warrant Buffet, you do not have the money to go after whatever you want when you want it. Money makes the world go round and we all need it to survive. Fortunately, we need education to make survival possible. It does not matter if you want to work retail, in the food industry, fashion, media, medical, technology, etc., we need education to boost our earning power.

But college is not cheap and it keeps many from pursuing their dreams. ‘Project Mom’ gives you the opportunity to apply for a chance to receive a full-tuition scholarship to go back to school online.

Just a little sidebar, if you do not receive a scholarship through this initiative, ask your current employer if they offer tuition reimbursement for you to take courses in your field that will not only help you advance personally and professionally, but will help your company achieve their goals and that aligns with the mission. If they do not offer reimbursement, assess whether you can afford to attend online programs part or half-time.

Confidence- Simply put, if you want to be better and reach new heights you must actually do better. You can only achieve what you want if you truly believe in yourself and look to your future with a positive outlook. Easier said than done but you can do it and remember, life presents each one of us with many challenges and obstacles. At times it seems we will never jump the hurdles but at least believe and try. Have that same attitude towards education.

Receiving your degree is not the only thing that will boost your earning power. Experience will get you there as well…so expose yourself to the field you are studying. Put into practice what you are learning; so when you start applying for jobs in your chosen field, you have real experience and know-how to back up your degree.

I am not a mother but I see how hard it is for working parents to further their education. When opportunity comes knocking on your door, open up the door and let that opportunity in.



There are three entry periods between January 12,2010 and September 30, 2010. Read more online.

Desiree Frieson, 24, received her Master’s Degree in Marketing for Walden University Online in April 2009.

Rep Yo' City: ATL Shawty! Pt. 2

One could not ask for a greater time than living in Atlanta during the time when the south was taking over the music industry: Lil Jon was shouting "YAYEAH!" and "OKAY" from the mountaintops, and the Ying Yang Twins had us shaking it like a Salt Shaker. The music certainly runs through the veins of the city, and there is no doubt that it colored my experience. With a few favorites like "Snap Yo' Fingers," "Nuck if You Buck" and "Walk it Out" ATL definitely has an unmatchable energy.

It would be impossible to list all the songs that were soundtrack of my time in ATL or to sum up the nightlife in this post. However, I will share some of my fondest memories, which include:

-Club 112- Like most people, I had heard about Club 112 way before even going to ATL (mainly because of the group 112), but I was so surprised to find out how close it was to Emory. Having experienced it at that location and the newer location once it moved to Peachtree, I am glad that I can say I went to Club 112. I honestly don't know if it still open or if it has moved to a new location?

-Django- We certainly frequented this place during our senior year, and throroughly enjoyed it every single time. Plus I vividly remember a cute bartender that worked there.

-Sutra- This place holds some of our fond senior year memories.

-Luckie Lounge- I did not discover this place until my most recent visit back to ATL, but I continue to hear great things about it.

**The After-Party**
One just cannot discuss ATL nightlife without mentioning the Waffle House. This 24-hangout is the perfect end to any night out.

Image found here.

Practicing the 5th Agreement - Beware of Self Judgement

Today, I'll be continuing the series "The 10 Agreements for Living the Life you Truly Desire." I invite you to participate in the conversation as we explore the power of living a well lived life.

I came up with the "10 Agreements for Living the Life you Truly Desire" to help myself and other women identify those areas that would give us the direction we need to live our lives with fulfillment, purpose and joy.

Agreement # 1 is: I agree to help others in their quest to live the life they truly desire.

Agreement # 2: I agree to discover how to develop myself to the fullest extent.

Agreement #3: I agree to remember that there is no perfection, only process.

Agreement #4: I agree to take life serious enough to remember to laugh with the good times and some of the sad ones.

Agreement #5: I agree to stop self judging behavior and replace it with self assessment.

I have been a teacher and coach for over 20 years. During this time I've seen and learned a lot about what motivates people to pursue their dreams and to live the lives they truly desire. One thing I have consistently observed is the propensity for people to undermine their creativity and life possibility with self judgment.

Several years ago I coined a phrase that speaks directly to Agreement #5: "Self judgment is the death of creativity while self assessment opens you up to unlimited possibility." Whenever I share this quote with students and clients most of them nod their heads in silent agreement. They intuitively understand and have experienced the harm of self judgement. The heart of the quote strikes them with its truth and the light bulb of responsibility illuminates their minds.

Many of us have learned to judge ourselves (usually harshly) but not to make honest and conscientious assessments of ourselves. Judgments usually are experienced as negative chatter. False statements that tear you down and immobilize your creativity and ability to execute the steps to move you toward your goals. Assessment invites you to evaluate the effectiveness of your performance and determine what kinds of adjustments you need to make. Practicing and developing the skill of assessemnt will help you figure out what you need to do next to make your goals and your life a shared reality. I know it works, because it works for me.

Agreement #5 is probably the most critical agreement you'll need to implement to clear the way for you to live the life you truly desire. Please share your comments and successes below.

Remember, time is short. Do your happy dance. Enjoy life!

WOWednesday: Mommy Makeup

“Look Divine in half the time,” is the Mommy Makeup motto. Debra Rubin-Roberts, founder of Mommy Makeup, wanted to create makeup that would save time and money. After giving birth, she had an epiphany. “When I first became a mom I barely had time to brush my teeth, let alone put on makeup,” said Rubin-Roberts.

She is an award-winning makeup artist who made her stamp in the media world and retail industry. Her work has been featured in various publications including The Daily News, Avenue Magazine, and Manhattan Bride Magazine. Her extensive list of television work included, 60 Minutes, CBS Sunday Morning, E! Entertainment Network, and the Maury Povich Show. Her fifteen years of artistry afforded her the expertise to launch her own line. Throughout the years, she worked for Bobbi Brown, Prescriptives, Laura Mercier, Nars, Smashbox, and Estee Lauder.

If you have fallen into the mineral makeup crazed that has swept the nation, Mommy Makeup is for you. Her mineral powders have all the cocktail ingredients women with sensitive or hormonal skin are looking for. It is naturally oil-free, talc-free, and fragrance-free.

Mommy Makeup is not only a convenient cosmetic line, but it includes botanical based ingredients, it is allergy tested, hypo-allergenic, made in the USA and are cruelty free (no animal testing). After 2 and half years of development, Rubin-Roberts had condensed what she refers to as a 13 beauty product routine to six multi-taskers. These multi-taskers are packaged in a makeup kit encouraged to do a polished look in minutes.

One major point of differentiation that Mommy Makeup has over other lines is what Rubin-Roberts calls “Paint by Number." This is step by step instructions on a face chart with every kit. Every woman can now be their own makeup artist with a mistake proof application. Rubin-Roberts calculated that in about six minutes anyone can achieve an entire face application. All of these looks can also easily be transformed from day to night.

The names on the packaging tie the whole theme together such as Mommy’s Little Helper and Eye Triplets Shadow. The concealer, like other products works for more than one purpose. It is an under eye concealer, eye shadow base, and face cover up. Rubin-Roberts stresses the importance of concealer because, “It will help you look more awake and bright eyed.”

These products are also very innovative. Rubin-Roberts created the mommy lip gloss that in the handle is a hidden matching automatic lip liner. This retails for only $24 dollars. “And since kissing our kids brings all moms joy, I named these beautiful shades after my beautiful daughter (Daisy) and her playmates,” said Ruben-Roberts.

These products are found in several different states from New York, California, to Hawaii, and many more. Visit http://www.mommymakeup.com for more information.

Evelyn Perez has been writing for Lasplash.com for two years, where she focuses on fashion and beauty. Perez also works as a professional makeup artist. She invites all beauty junkies to join her website and request any makeup tutorial look they would like to learn.

Rep Yo' City: ATL Shawty!

Due to popular demand, we are revisiting Atlanta for a Rep Yo’ City series. (Check out the original Rep Yo City: ATL Shawty! in our last issue) On Travel Tuesdays throughout the month of May, we’ll be sharing a few of our favorite things about the ATL and we’re giving you a chance to share your fave things as well.

Spending four years in Atlanta at Emory University, I’ve grown to think of the ATL as a home away from home. As the place where I established some of my firsts tastes of independence of adulthood, Atlanta holds a special place in my heart.

I must admit that Atlanta is where I expanded my palette. Call it the life of a starving college student. Being hungry enough to try anything forced my taste buds to grow up. From my first time really appreciating fresh lettuce and tomato on a sandwich at Emory’s Dooley Den during my freshman year to my first almost addictive experience with calamari during my junior year. Here are a few of my favorite food memories from ATL:

• Maddy’s: A Ribs & Blue's Joint- Even though I didn't try Maddy's until my junior year, it might have been my first real experience with Southern BBQ, and it did not disappoint. With a hearty helping of chicken, ribs, baked beans, my first taste of Brunswick Stew, potato salad and the slice of white bread, which serves almost like an edible napkin, I was properly introduced to what Southern BBQ had to offer.
  
• Chick Fil-A- Chicken Biscuit (not to be confused with the McDonald's version, which is okay but just not the same)- the succulent chicken and the buttery goodness of the biscuit combined with a side of hash browns is the only thing that got me and my roommate out of bed and on to campus. If I had $5 to my name, two of them were devoted to my breakfast love. I have to admit that I was skeptical but it changed my life a little bit.
  
• Gladys Knight's Chicken and Waffles- The smothered chicken is more than a generous portion of crispy fried chicken smothered in a thick gravy that reminded with every bite that I was in the South (and loving it). Served with their macaroni and cheese that is so full of cheesy flavor that it could stand on its own.
  
• Mary Mac’s biscuits were enough to be a meal on their own. I remember them melting in my mouth and oh so warm, buttery and delightful. Something about those biscuits made me envision a granny somewhere.
  
• Fellini’s- The pizza that reminded me little bit of NY pizza from home. Also, the place that made me crave pizza and salad at a time when I didn't even eat salad. Perfect for a late night snack run, Fellini's pizza was definitely a crowd favorite.
  
• Popeye’s Fridays- A tradition that one of my friends shared with a few of us, every Friday for several weeks, we'd make our way to Popeye's for whatever our college budgets would allow. She always got a two piece and a biscuit, and I usually got red beans and rice and always got the strawberry Fanta.
• Krispy Kreme- The perfect treat on a late night drive. One of the greatest feelings is to drive by the Krispy Kreme on Ponce de Leon and see “hot” light on. Krispy Kreme donuts are always good, but when they are hot they are A-MA-ZING. They melt in your mouth almost like cotton candy but then the taste is finished with that sweet glaze.
  

I really want to hear about your favorite foods in the ATL. (So that I can make a list and try all of them next time I visit.)

Book Review: The smart cookies' Guide to Making More Dough

Student loans, credit cards, rent, bills, gas, new car, new apartment, 401k, all of these money issues can get a bit overwhelming, especially when you’re not prepared to take them head on. Luckily, a group of women, who refer to themselves as The smart cookies, have composed and shared The smart cookies’ Guide to Making More Dough to equip other women with the knowledge and the confidence to take control of their finances.

They start with the challenge of combating the taboo surrounding money. One cannot get to the root of the problem if it is not addressed directly. The smart cookies encourage the reader to have open and honest conversations about her finances with a select few who she truly trusts. What’s important here is choosing those you share a mutually trusting relationship with and those who will make as serious a commitment to their own finances as well as yours.

The recovery process starts with tracking every penny spent to see just where your money is going. Seeing the entire picture really puts everything into perspective. They also tackle the issue of getting to the root of why you spend money. Emotional spending, which most women can admit to being guilty of, is detrimental to financial well being.

In a friendly and encouraging tone, The smart cookies’ Guide empowers the reader to believe that eliminating her debt and taking steps further to improve her financial situation is very doable. They convey the message that it is not about giving things up and sacrificing everything you love to live a frugal life. It is, however, about making wiser choices, including shopping with sales and alternatives to outings. The “I rather” factor is rather intriguing. Friendly reminders like “I rather be in Paris in 90 days that have this cup of coffee today” help one accomplish long term goals as opposed to satisfying compulsive desires. What’s most beautiful about The smart cookies’ testimonials is their genuine support for each other’s progress.

In addition to helping the reader get control of her present finances they share ways to increase her finances by knowing her worth on her job and pursuing a career path that she love as well as investment strategies. In the book they also share a workbook for any reader to start her own money group to create a support team to reach all of her financial goals.

For Extra Credit (literally)

Other recommended readings include Glinda Bridgeforth’s Girl, Get Your Money Straight and Girl Make Your Money Grow, and Suze Orman’s Women and Money, which reinforce some of the same points but may also add some additional knowledge to your mental database.

MAY!

Here's our May to do list. Stay tuned!