Living Within Your Means

 

There is nothing wrong with wanting the finer things in life, but if you have to break your back to keep up with the Joneses then it’s not worth it. In today’s economy, we need to budget our money even more than before. A simple way to start your budget is to add up all your expenses (Bills, food, gas, children expenses) then reference back to your monthly income, the difference between the two is your extra money. I suggest saving a portion, and then using the rest for things you want. Even with your extra money there’s always opportunity to save or get more for your money, by using coupons or shopping during store sales. If you subtract your expenses from your income and come out negative then it’s time to think about necessity and amenity. By necessity I mean things like rent and gas & electric bill. By amenity I mean things such as internet and cable bills. If your bills are more than your income then you should seriously think about getting rid of some of your amenities until you can afford them. It may seem extreme to not have internet or cable, but look at it this way… Would you rather have internet or debt? I’m not saying you can’t buy the things you want; I’m saying you should save up for it instead of buying it when you know your rent is due. So STARLETS before you kick out the money think about if it’s for something you need or want…

“Never spend your money before you have earned it.”

Below are links to a printable budgeting worksheet and sites that have printable coupons, online discounts for stores you may shop at.

Budget Worksheet
Groupon
Retail Me Not
Living Social

Desserts is “Stressed” Spelled Backwards

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Don’t like your size? Well do something about it! In today’s society, there are many women adopting a workout routine. Do what works for you whether it’s walking around the track, zumba, or at the gym. You are your worst critic, so chances are you already are beautiful as is. But for those who want to improve and tone your body, start by eating healthy snacks instead of cookies, candy, and chocolates. (Tip: If you do want to indulge in chocolate, dark chocolate is better for you). You don’t have to totally stop eating these delicious sweets just use moderation. Snacks such as popcorn, carrots, yogurts, and fruit will benefit your body and health. You don’t need to do a crash diet, just eat healthier food, eat smaller portions, healthy snacks, drink more water, and adopt a 20 minute workout routine. Don’t stress yourself over your weight! STARLETS remember that all shapes and sizes are beautiful.

"A lot of people get impatient with the pace of change."

Below are a Food Pyramid just to remind you of the servings of food you need to consume and a link where you can get your own personalized eating plan.

Personalized Eating Plan

Michelle Obama~ A STAR!

Why don’t women support Michelle Obama? It seems like society and the media only wants to focus on the cost of her wardrobe! I’m not saying you have to worship her but she is a very good role model. She is a prime example of a STARLET graduating to a STAR!

Did you know?

Michelle Obama studied sociology and African-American studies at Princeton University. After graduating from Harvard Law School in 1988, she joined the Chicago law firm Sidley & Austin, where she later met the man who became the love of her life. She accomplished all of this before meeting President Obama! Michelle launched the “Let’s Move” Campaign, to bring awareness to childhood obesity.(Check out the video of Michelle dancing at the end of this post) Yes Michelle Obama is the first-lady but she still is doing her own thing! Michelle has one of the hardest jobs in America balancing her own obligations, being the first lady, and taking care of her two girls. She is educated, down-to-earth, and inspiring. She has my vote! So, STARLETS take her accomplishments as a powerful woman and be inspired to reach your own destiny.

“The great thing in this world is not so much where you stand, as in what direction you are moving.”

You Are Beautiful!

          
   

What comes to mind when you see these women?  What do all these women have in common besides being celebrities?

Well not only are they all successful STARS but they are all beautiful.  All these women have different shades of color and sizes yet beautiful in their own ways. This variety of women show that you don't just have to be a size 00 any more, or light skin. EMBRACE YOUR  BODY & COLOR! Every girl is beautiful in their way and yes it is true that “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” Every female child should be told there beautiful by their father (especially), mother, and family from the minute their born until they begin to exude their own confidence. If no one has ever told you, you are beautiful, I’ll tell you! YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL! It is so important for fathers to tell their daughters that they are beautiful because women who lack that nurturing from their father tend to attract the wrong men. They fall into the cycle of low-self esteem and the statistic of abused women. You do not need a man to validate if you’re pretty, you should already know you are. All these celebrity women were once STARLETS just like you. They too have struggled before, and sometimes took the wrong path but God guided them to the right path. Being a STARLET may sometimes be hard, awkward, and stressful but if you follow God’s light you too will graduate to a STAR.

 “Character contributes to beauty. It fortifies a woman as her youth fades. A mode of conduct, a standard of courage, discipline, fortitude, and integrity can do a great deal to make a woman beautiful.”