Trimming the Fat: How to Save $$$ at Starbucks

We've all heard about how the "latte factor" eats away at our discretionary funds. Check out this article to discover new ways to reduce the cost of your Starbucks habit.

Outrageously Overpriced Products That We All Fall Victim To...

This article identifies 6 items that we've all purchased at one time or another. When you really think about the amount of money we waste on these inflated goods it's downright insane. But not to fear! The Urban Heiress is here with budget-friendly alternatives:


1. Movie theater concessions
Urban Heiress solution - Call it lowbrow if you want, but I see nothing wrong with stocking my tote/handbag with goodies from Trader Joes or Whole Foods or a baggie of light popcorn from home before hitting up the theater. And the best part is that my snacks are always healthier than the fatty/sugary options at the movies.

2. Greeting Cards
Urban Heiress solution - My mom turned me onto purchasing greeting cards at discount stores like Family Dollar, The Dollar Store & the $1 Store. You can find cards as cheap as 50 cents!

3. College textbooks
Urban Heiress solution - During my college years I learned VERY quickly to shop for "used" books since some books barely even get cracked open throughout the semester by many previous users. Other options are to shop online for used/new textbooks and don't forget to check student bulletin boards for great deals. Or really be scrappy and establish your own book swap between your classmates. Identify folks in your major since you're all taking the same required courses.

4. Bottled Water
Urban Heiress solution - Okay, I confess that I'm a bottled water snob. I have a fave brand that I don't deviate from, but one thing I've learned is to buy it in bulk and on sale! Stock up since you'll never have enough H2O.

5. Printer Ink
Urban Heiress solution - Go green as OFTEN as possible. With Droids, BlackBerrys, iPhones, etc. we can skip hitting the print button now. I use my CrackBerry for boarding passes, coupons & any other attachments to avoid burning up printer ink.

6. Brand-Name Fashions
Urban Heiress solution - Now this is MY area of expertise. Pick one: Designer resale stores, consignment boutiques, fashion discount retailers (Marshalls, Loehmann's, Nordstrom Rack), yard/garage sales, online shopping sites (RueLaLa, RenttheRunway, Gilt, HauteLook). You should NEVER pay full retail price....EVER!

Tips on How to Save at the Gym

Whether or not this is your cup of tea, it's important to stay physically fit for your overall health. If you're like me, hitting the gym is a BIG part of this. However, gym memberships can be quite pricey. Here are a few tips on how you can save a few $$$ so you can buy some cute workout gear:

*The Buddy system - Personal training gives you awesome results but can be super expensive. To save look for a fitness trainer who will let you & your BFF/work-out partner split training sessions, which means you also split the cost.

*Gym hoppin' - Give or take a few classes/equipment all gyms are basically the same. I'm going to preach swingin' until somebody finally gets it. Take advantage of free promotional offers of gyms in your area. If Gym A offers two-weeks free then hit-it-and-quit-it 14 days later. Then mosey over to Gym B and see if you can negotiate a free promo there (they would love the opp to steal you from Gym A). Then you can take time decide which gym is best for you.

*Run from a Commitment - Don't get locked into a drawn out contract. Negotiate with your gym of choice to get the best month-to-month rate (you can use your trial membership at a competing gym as leverage).

*Parks & Recreation - When was the last time you went by your local park's community center? Many offer fitness classes like yoga, dance, pilates for less than $10 or even FREE!

*Gold-diggin' - Step #9 of the 12-Step Urban Addiction Recovery Program is all about digging for gold, but not in the way you're prob thinking. This doesn't require finding an elderly sugardaddy on life support. It simply means to actively look for perks. Many gyms, yoga studios, etc. offer specials. For ex. my location yoga studio offers a $5 class on Thursdays versus $20 a pop any other class. So can you guess which class I attend? I'm sure you're wondering what I do the other 6 days. I have a steady rotation. On Mondays ANOTHER yoga studio offers a lunchtime special rate so on Mondays that's where I get my yogi fix. Swingin' at its best, but I spread the love around equally ;-)

*Buy in Bulk - It's the same Costco/Sam's Club strategy. When it comes to classes you can save $$$ by purchasing packages (weekly, monthly, yearly), but be very honest with yourself beforehand. There's no point in buying a one-month pass if you're only go to attend two classes.

Swingin' in Nashville: Restaurant Week Begins TODAY!

Greetings urbanistas & urbanistos! If you're in Nashville this week make sure to take advantage of Nashville Originals Restaurant Week. This week only you can enjoy a two, three or FOUR course meal at some of Nashville's finest eateries including Bound'ry, Cabana, Germantown Cafe, The Pineapple Room @ Cheekwood, F. Scott's & many, many more for only $20.10 or $30.10 per person. For a complete list and more info please CLICK HERE.

Swingin' is Step #7 of my 12-Step Urban Addiction Recovery Plan, which simply means throwing "brand loyalty" out of the window. We tend to be habitual creatures & this often gets us caught into a pattern of doing the same things & patronizing the same businesses for years (even if we're dissatisfied) b/c we're so afraid of change or shaking things up. The thought of trying a new restaurant, hair salon or even laundry detergent is unimaginable b/c we're so "loyal" to a brand/establishment that may be robbing us blind and possibly not even giving us the level of quality of service/goods we could get elsewhere for LESS MONEY! This is why I've adopted a mindset of "brand swingin." I'm all about getting the best bang for my buck. Sure I love my hair stylist, aesthetician, tailor, etc but they all know that I'm always looking for the best deal. As a result they work harder to make sure that I receive the best service b/c they don't want to lose my business. I'm not suggesting that you go to your next hair appt demanding that you leave looking like Beyonce or you're finding a new stylist! All I'm saying is don't ignore the freebie being offered at the salon next door if it's going to save you some cash. Then you can always go back to your regular stylist...hence the term "swingin." It's all biz...never personal :-)

Trimming the Fat: Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half

We could all learn a thing or two from the "coupon mom" Stephanie Nelson. Everytime I see her in action it blows my mind. I just watched her on the Today Show. After all of her cost-cutting magic, she paid all of a QUARTER for $100 worth of groceries!!! Lucky for us she's willing to share her secrets in her new book. Peep the vid below to see the coupon mom do her thang:

Trimming the Fat: $35 Brazilian Wax

During my recent trip to the ATL I almost wrecked my car when I spotted a sign that read "Brazilian Wax for $35." I know what you're thinking...At first thought I was a skeptic too. What kind of dodgy, shim-sham operation could this be? But I was in the "ritzy" part of town b.k.a. Buckhead & this waxing salon was located on Peachtree. Surely those two things should count for something? After 3 days of passing by I just couldn't resist anymore. Not to mention - my trimmed hedges were quickly growing into an out-of-control forest. OK...TMI...



Anywho, when I walked into the salon there was standing room only!!! Hot diggidy! I was on to something. Now I must point out that the salon isn't as posh as my beloved Bliss Spa or my absolute fave Pink Cheeks in L.A. BUT once you get past that you'll never turn back. No appointment is required & you get an AUTHENTIC Brazilian wax that will leave your bum softer than a baby's butt :-) And the best part.... all this for only cost $35! Maybe I've lived in a large metropolis for too long which is why I'm so excited to share this discovery. I'm used to coughing up at the very least $50 + (mandatory or you'll feel like a loser) tip for a wax job that these ATL waxing connoisseurs would laugh at. So next time you're in the "A" get waxed at Authentic Brazilian Wax by Andreia. They offer a list of waxing services aside from a bikini wax. And for you Atlanta urbanistas, a second locale is coming to Lawrenceville.

D.I.Y.D. (Do-It-Your-D*mn-Self) Holiday gift ideas

This holiday season we're all coming up with creative gift ideas that won't break the piggy bank. Step #10 in the Urban Heiress Plan for "urban addict" recovery is the simply D.I.Y.D. bka "Do It Your D*mn Self." The premise of this concept is to use your talents & resources instead of paying for overpriced goods/services. We often forget or overlook the many gifts we can give people that won't cost you much (if at all), but will be cherished for a lifetime. Here are a few ideas just in time for the holidays:

**Babysitting services - Who wouldn't want an offer for you to watch their rugrats FREE of charge? Priceless gift that won't cost you anything except your time.

**Cleaning services - Once again, who wouldn't want an offer for you to tidy up their home/office, mow their lawn or even wash their car? That's better than anything you can buy at Macy's.

**Make a CD mix/Write a song - Give your loved one the gift of music by creating a CD with your very own special mix of songs that you dedicate to him/her. Or go a step further & write/record a musical selection for them. Best Buy won't have this in stock!

**Cooking/baking - Gift your loved ones a home-cooked or bake them their fave dessert, confection, bread, etc. Their tummies will love you for life.

**Arts & Crafts - Use your talents to create a masterpiece for your loved one. Whether you knit, sew, painting, sculpt or some other skill, you can make a one-of-kind gift that your loved one will cherish for years to come.

Free and the City: Chicago Screening of "Black Dynamite"

Howdy! For all my Chicago urbanistas, check out this free screening of the film Black Dynamite which will be released in theaters everywhere this Friday. I saw the film at the Black Harvest Film Fest a couple of months ago & surprisingly enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would. The all-star cast will keep you laughing & staring at leading man Michael Jai White is an added bonus. To sign up for the screening CLICK HERE. Peep the movie trailer below:

5 Signs that You're Trying to Keep Up w/ the Hiltons (aka Living Beyond Your Means)

If we've learned anything from this economic crisis it's that a good majority of us have been overspending & not saving how we should. Research shows that in 2006 the U.S. savings average hit negative digits, which hadn't happened since the Great Depression! We all need a reality check. Yes urbanistas, it's true that we love fabulosity, but if we send ourselves to the poor house trying to achieve it then what's the point. Please take heed to the following signs of living beyond your means. If you fall prey to any of the following red flags consider this your friendly wake-up call:

Sign No. 1 - Your Credit Score is Below 600

Solutions:
* Pay down debt
* Satisfy any outstanding judgments
* Apply for and use fewer credit cards

Sign No. 2 - You are Saving Less Than 5%

Solution: Save 10% of each paycheck

Sign No. 3 - Your Credit Card Balances are Rising

Solution: Urban Heiress Commandment #3 --- USE CASH ONLY! If you never charge it then you'll never have a credit card bill for it. And if you don't have the cash to buy it then guess what...you can't afford. Pretty simple, right? But we all fall short of grace regarding this one (myself included).

Sign No. 4 - More Than 28% of Income Goes to Your House

Solution: MOVE!!! It might seem unfathomable at first BUT you'll thank yourself when you can sleep peacefully w/o worrying if your rent/mortgage check is going to bounce all over town.

Sign No. 5 - Your Bills are Spiraling Out of Control

Solution: Step #2 in the "Urban Addict Recovery Program" --- Trim the Fat! Eliminate ANYTHING that is not absolutely essential for you to live...e.g. Contrary to popular belief, cable TV is NOT a necessity for life! Read a book...it'll last you longer ;-)

I don't want you to end up like this guy:



SOURCE

Step #5: Tea Baggin'

Urbanistas it's time to focus on the next step in the 12-Step Urban Addiction Recovery Program...tea baggin'. No it's not what you're thinking. Tea baggin' is a sweet little trick one of my L.A. actress friends taught me. It's very simple actually. The secret - keep a tea bag with you at ALL times! Sound strange? Well believe it or not this little tea bag can have a big impact & here's how:

1. Whenever you get the munchies or that late-afternoon hunger attack, whip out your tea bag for an instant treat that you won't feel guilty about later. Tea can curb hunger cravings, which can help keep you slim & trim. Tea is the 2nd most popular drink worldwide & has almost no calories at all (that is as long as you don't load in tons of sugar, honey or whatever else people are trying to pass off as natural sweetener). All you need is hot water & your trusty tea bag. Try different teas until you find one that you like. The leaves already have natural flavoring so there's no need to add to perfection.

2. At any restaurant of your choice, request a glass of hot water & BAM!...whip out your tea bag to avoid spending $5-$20 on a watered down cocktail or sugary soda you know you don't need. Next time you dine out take a look at your bill to see just how much your Diet Coke cost you. You probably could get a six-pack or two for that one glass you sipped had with your meal.

3. If you partied like it was 1999 last night, but it was only a Tuesday, then a cup of tea will get you back to running in your heels in no time! Caffeine is a natural component in tea, which is perfectly healthy when used in moderation.

4. The most beneficial factor is that tea baggin' can improve your health. Specifically, if you opt for green tea bags then you'll have a source of good antioxidants which will enhance your overall health by boosting your immune system, protecting your heart, fighting cancer cells & keeping your mind sharp & focused for life's daily challenges.

For more about the multi-goodness of tea, please CLICK HERE. From now on you can boldly & proudly say that you are a TEA BAGGER!

Pounds Only!!!

Wow! Urbanistas...I leave the country for a week & everything falls apart! Ed McMahon...Farrah Fawcett AND MICHAEL JACKSON!!! It's all too much for words. We just need to pray, pray & pray some more. And we need to be grateful for each millisecond we get. One thing certain in life is physical death & it's crucial to treat EACH day as a precious gift.

With that said, I've made the most of my vacay in Europe. Yesterday I took a day trip to Paris. I'm happy to report that I'm surviving off of the same initial money I converted. I began running low Wed. so I got an additional $150 BUT I still have plenty cash left AND I haven't swiped my credit card once! It's possible. Cash only!!! Even on vacay.

I'll post pics & some travel tips once I get back to the U.S. Pray for me & I'll pray for you! xoxoxo

Step #4: Night at the Museum

Now for Step #4 of the 12-Step Urban Addict Recovery Program...How many times do you ask yourself: Where did all my $$$ go? Then as you review your account online you find yourself saying. “Oh I forgot about that dinner!” or “Oops! I forgot I bought those $100 concert tickets!”

Seriously take 5 mins to think about how much $$$ you spend on “entertainment.” In a large metropolis like NY, LA, Chicago or ATL it’s nothing to spend $100+ on a Friday night. Meanwhile each of these cities offers FREE events that will give you your weekly social fix. Take the time to find out what upcoming events the various arts centers in your city have to offer. Most (if not all) museums/galleries offer special events that include complimentary admission weekly and/or monthly. There’s plenty of FREE fun to be had. Click on your city to start partaking:

NEW YORK

LOS ANGELES

CHICAGO

If your city isn't listed simply do a Google search for "free days" in your area. If you need assistance, shoot me an email.

Hobby Hustlin': Kristena Witherspoon Designs

Greetings Urbanistas! This week is getting off to a hectic start, but no worries. Avoid the effects of Venus retrograde if you can!

Anyway, as part of Step #3 of The Urban Addict Recovery Process I will shine some limelight on talented urbanistas who are successfully utilizing their hobbies & gifts to achieve their goals.

First up is FAB indie fashion designer, Kristena Witherspoon & her Kristena Witherspoon Designs: "Candy for Your Arm." Her one-of-a-kind designs are some of the freshest, funkiest pieces I’ve seen in a while. Check out her interview below for tips on how to start hobby hustlin' as well as other helpful tips every urbanista needs to know. And don't forget to check out her UBER HAUTE fashion line BY CLICKING HERE:



U.H.: Tell us about your fashion line.

Cool..funky..colorful...functional..multicultural...Kristena Witherspoon Designs is a very unique line of one-of-a-kind and limited edition handbags and accessories. All of the items I create are consistently functional and have their own quirky style. I am inspired by sooo many things..... street fashion, subcultures, architecture, the Diaspora, indie films, and music. This is reflected in the many colors, prints, and textures of the items. My mission is to create new and fresh products that are not mass produced and allow you to stand out from the crowd!

U.H.: What inspired you to launch your fashion line? Did you feel that there was a void in the market?

I’ve been designing and sewing since 1999. I began with bags and would make them for friends and family. I realized that I could create a business out of it when people started requesting custom items and offering to pay.

After going to school for fashion and business, I realized the importance of creating a focus and finding my niche. I am inspired by so many things: street fashion, cultures, subcultures, music, and architecture. A lot of my inspiration comes from urban life and the Diaspora.

I love multiculturalism and want to infuse that into my work. I love the idea of blending various elements. I think that people appreciate that.

U.H.: What are your short-term & long-term goals for your line?


Omigosh! What a question! Handbags are just the beginning of Kristena, Inc! I currently do a lot of small bags….I’m going to expand the line to include more big bags and eventually incorporate more leather. I will also be adding a line of dresses this summer. I will be using traditional African prints in new modern ways and mixing them with other fabrics.. I personally know a lot of ppl that enjoy the prints but not the traditional silhouettes. I want to give it a new spin for them ☺

I’m also going to be adding new accessories this fall/winter: scarves, scoodies (combined scarf and hoodie), wrist cuffs, and leg warmers.

I also plan on opening a studio/boutique by summer 2010.

Kristena Witherspoon Designs will continue to be the more one of a kind/limited edition line that has pieces for work and going out.
However, over the next couple of years I plan on developing a different lifestyle street style brand…sort of a female version of Nigo’s BAPE line...this will be more casual..fun..uninhibited…funky

I’d also really like to do a mini line with Target..I LOVE their concept of working with designers and creating more affordable designer pieces for the mass market.
Sneakers! I love ‘em! I’d love to eventually partner with Nike or Puma to create a sleek sneaker that represents KWD to the fullest.

I could go on and on but these are a few of my goals.



U.H.: What's some advice you would give someone who wants to launch their own line?

I think that it’s important to have your own style. I used to be all over the place and my line wasn’t very cohesive or focused. That makes it very hard to brand you’re your business....consistency is key. So now, I always try to make sure that the pieces reflect my mission and what I want to achieve. Don’t necessarily make everything look the same..just be cohesive and have a distinct look.

U.H.: What's a tip on how to dress like a cutting edge fashionista on an urbanista budget?

Don’t copy…develop your own style. Don’t pay full price for anything!

In your opinion, what is the biggest fashion faux paux?
Clothes that are way too small…or too big, well fitting clothes make a big difference.

U.H.: Lastly, where can we find your fabulous creations?

I currently sell online (www.kristenawitherspoon.etsy.com) and at Kokorokoko Boutique in Chicago (1112 N. Ashland Ave.)

I’m always participating in different event around Chicago. Check my blog for updates (www.kristenawitherspoon.com)

I also do custom designs..so feel free to contact me about a design that you’re interested in

Thanks ☺

There you have it Urban Heiresses. Don't just shoot for the stars...shoot for beyond the stars!

Special thanks to Kristena Witherspoon. Don't forget to check out her unique designs via her website.

*If you are interested in having the limelight shone on your hobby hustlin' skills, please send an email to: info@blackheiress.com

Trimming the Fat - April Challenge

Ok so we took a semi-break the month of March as I was on vacay and couldn't FULLY commit to giving up anything. BUT yall were supposed to be trying Lady O's experiment. How many tried it??? I'd love to hear about your experience & what you learned.

Anywho "Trimming the Fat" is Step 2 of the 12-Step Urban Addict Recovery Program. So now that we've ushered in a new month it's time for a new challenge. This month's challenge is twofold. The main part focuses on giving up one aspect of "XXL Entertainment" - the movies! I know you're thinking that going to the movies doesn't cost THAT much (unless you go to the ArcLight or Grove in L.A.), but if you (like myself) hit up the theater almost every week each month it starts to add up! Think about the movie ticket, the must-have concessions which are RIDICULOUSLY priced (not to mention unhealthy) & if you live in a mega-metropolis you're probably also paying for parking.

I challenge you to give up the movie theater for the month of April. Hey you have nothing to lose from this little experiment. Maybe you discover that the movies doesn't have that much of an impact on your finances OR maybe you discover that you'll end up with an extra $100 of discretionary income. That's why it's called an experiment. And guess what? It's not awards season so there's no film coming out that you can't wait to see come May 1st! And like I said in my last post SATC won't be back for another year! So no excuses people!

Of course, there are some crafty strategies to still get your flick fix:

*Get your boo/some stupid guy to treat you to a movie.

*Find out about FREE movie screenings in your area. You know you always ignore those poor people standing outside the theater with their clipboards when they're begging you to come see a new movie FOR FREE!!!!!

*Make it a Netflix night! Netflix is one entity actually thriving right now. Since Jan. 1st they have enrolled 600k new subscribers! Even my mom (the most online illiterate person in Tennessee) signed up! Peeps are finally getting a clue. Too bad it took this recession-depression to wake them up. If you don't have a membership yet, you're really missing out. You can rent an unlimited number of DVDs for under $10 each month!

Now for the No, no's:

*Absolutely NO ordering On Demand! It's highway robbery. Don't do it!

*No buying DVDs. You shouldn't be spending unnecessary money anyway right now. The only exception is if YOU are in the movie. Then maybe you can make it a tax write off.

*No Red Boxing it. I didn't even know what that was til my recent trip down South. If you're gonna do all that then you should just sign up for Netflix.

The 2nd part of this challenge is this...I'm in disbelief regarding how little people know about current world affairs but they can tell you where Rihanna was last night! People get off the blogs (but not this one) - I mean the gossip sites, put down the tabloid rags & stop consuming all your free time with the make-believe world of TV & film. With this said I challenge you to watch a 24-hr news network/read a newspaper/listen to NPR for AT LEAST half an hour daily. I promise in that time-frame you will find out what has taken place in the world in the last 24 hours. Make it a priority to keep up with what's REALLY happening around you. It's lovely to be fab but it's critical to be ALERT.

Ok - I'm off my soapbox for now. So....

ON YOUR MARK! READY....SET....GO!!!!!!!

Fab from Head to Fingertips: How to Upgrade your Nail Fashion

Have you been wondering how celebs are getting all these funky graphics, designer logos, metallic bling & even the POTUS Barack Obama on their nails? I know I have b/c I need that in my life! Well I finally figured out the secret behind new trend (thanks urbanista Lisa!!!). It's a new technique taking the mani/pedi world by storm called MINX NAILS. Nails salons everywhere are quickly learning this innovative process which allows customers to put everything from your fave photo to bold patterns like houndstooth on their nails. FAB! Also, Minx is not a liquid and no hazardous chemicals are used in its application. Even better! To find a Minx specialist near you CLICK HERE. Just remember: LESS = MORE!



And for yall who are JUST beginning your 12-Step Urban Addiction Recovery you already know that there is no way I'm going to cosign on you spending $$$ on Minx, but don't pout b/c I have an alternative for you that will deliver the same "WOW" reaction. After you get a mani/pedi at one of these locations then you can jazz it up with the Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen! It comes in vibrant colors like hot pink, gold & many more. It's mistake proof so you can go crazy then fix any mistakes with a moist cotton swab w/o messing up your nail polish. This nifty tool retails for under 10 bucks & is available at your local drug store, Target or Wal-Mart!

Who Is Mr. Fico & How Does He Come Up with Your Credit Score?

What's the difference between credit score, credit rating & FICO score - nothing much really. Do you know what FICO stands for? It refers to the Fair Issac Corporation which is the company that first developed a scoring system related to an individual's credit history. (Just a lil something, something for the water cooler to make you look smart.)

Anywho as we know there are 3 major credit reporting agencies: TRANSUNION, EXPERIAN & EQUIFAX which each report their own credit score. Transunion computes the Empirica Score, Experian computes the Plus Score & Equifax computes the Beacon Score. From there lenders basically determine your "credit worthiness."

Now how are these scores calculated? They are broken down as follows:

35% = PAYMENT HISTORY - Paying your bills on time. The last 6 months have the most impact with your highest monthly bill carrying the most weight when your score is calculated.

30% = BALANCES CARRIED - Debt vs. Credit ratio. In other words the relationship between the actual dollar amount you owe (ie. credit cards, loans, lines of credit) to the amount of credit you still have available.

15% = CREDIT HISTORY - Looks at the big picture of how your behavior with credit. Paying on time helps with this, but do not, I REPEAT, do not make the mistake of paying off a debt & then closing the account. Why? This erases all of the credit history for that account which could decrease your score.

10% = MIX OF ACCOUNTS - Credit bureaus expect to see mortgage & auto loans and 3-5 credit cards per person, but beyond this any other revolving accounts tend to bring your score down.

10% = INQUIRIES - Each inquiry by lenders will take points off your credit score. But multiple inquiries for a mortgage or car within 45 days will only count as ONE inquiry. Inquiries regarding a job, your own personal review or a promotion (those annoying pre-approval offers you get in the mail) WILL NOT hurt your credit score.

There are also a few surefire ways to significantly hurt your score that you need to know about:

· Being 30 days late on a payment can damage your credit score by at least 50 or more points
· Being 60 or 90 days late, or a 30-day late payment on multiple accounts can drop your score by 100+ points
· Having credit card balances more than 40% of your credit limit affects your score by as much as 100 points
· If multiple credit cards are maxed out or approaching maximum balances, your credit score will be diminished by at least 80+ points

Any questions?

Step #3: Hobby Hustlin'

So now we're on Step 3 of my 12-Step Urban Addiction Recovery Program. Experts will tell you that one way to become a happier person is to get a hobby! Take a moment to think about what you do with your time (minus work). Now go a step further and write it down. What's on your list? Eating out? Watching TV? Shopping? Is there anything on the list that enhances your life or is helping you realize your lifelong dream??? If not, you need to get a good hobby ASAP! Some of you may not know where to start. Think about things that interest you. Do you like to write? Or maybe you like to dance?

Or maybe you already have something that you know you want to begin to master. Have you been telling yourself you want to learn another language. What's stopping you? Here's the answer: NOTHING! but yourself. There's no time like the present. All it takes is a little research to find out what resources are available in your area. You can take a class on absolutely anything these days: sewing, knitting, creative writing, dance, pottery, sculpture, singing, trapeze, cooking, hairstyling and on & on.

Now once you find a hobby you love you can then use your new passion to start your own biz & bring in extra cash. Forget about a part-time job, invest in yourself! That's the key to independent wealth. Any hobby can be turned into a marketable commodity. I personally LOVE fashion & creating. I always wanted to learn how to sew so last year I had a light-bulb moment to pursue my dream. It took me literally five mins on Google to find a fantastic sewing school. Now a year later I have expanded my growing fashion apparel line, HEIRESS APPAREL to include handmade, one-of-a-kind pieces. The talent was lying dormant within, but imagine if I had never tapped into it.

What is it that you have always had the desire to do? In future posts I will feature popular classes in various metropolises that might interest you. If you are looking for a specific topic email me at shelbyrenee@blackheiress.com & I'll find it for you! Or if you're already hobby hustlin' send me an email so we can feature your talent.

Oprah's "What Can You Live Without Experiment"

On today's Oprah, several different families took on Oprah's challenge of giving up bad habits of frivolous spending & wastefulness. Oprah asked each family to adhere to following rules just for one week:

1. No Internet or TV

2. No spending except for $25 for food

3. Limit or better yet eliminate driving. Walk or use public transportation.

4. No eating out!!! (Does this sound familiar??? This was our "Trimming the Fat" challenge for February.

5. Think about what you have that others don't & how you could change their situation in an instant. (i.e. one mom discovered that their were 10 disadvantaged families sharing ONE vacuum when she has FOUR!!!)

6. Box up everything in your closet that you haven't worn in 2 months. This includes shoes, accessories, etc. (My suggestion is after the week is up figure out what you haven't used in 6 months and get rid of it! EDIT, EDIT, EDIT!!!)

The story that stood out to me most was of Candice.



FROM OPRAH.COM "Candice is a widowed mom who lives in California with her sons, Derek and Darrien, in a seven-bedroom home. Their closets are full of clothes they don't wear, and Candice has $500 Jimmy Choo shoes she has never worn. She even refinanced their home so she could pay off her car…so she could purchase a new truck.

While Candice and her sons eat out almost every night, she still spends $400 a week on groceries. Much of that food ends up wasted, thrown away after it expires on the shelf or in the refrigerator."

During the experiment Candice becomes emotional when she is asked to pack up clothes & shoes she hasn't worn in months. Turns out it accounts for HALF of her closet. Candice has a light bulb moment that these inanimate things were connected to the loss of her husband. She still has unresolved emotions & feelings that instead of dealing with she just keeps buying new designer things. But buying all of these pretty, expensive things do nothing to help improve how Candice feels about herself.

In addition to trying Oprah's challenge outlined above for just one week if you're in debt and working on curing your urban addiction, one way to see what it's like to live with less is to take Suze Orman's three-step money pledge:

* Don't spend any money for a day.
* Don't use your credit card for a week.
* Don't eat out in restaurants for a month.

You'll notice that the elements of Oprah's challenge & Suze Orman's three-step money pledge coincide with our 12-Step Urban Addiction Recovery Program so your best bet if you haven't done so already is to join us on the 12-step journey. If you need baby steps then start with the pledge and/or Oprah challenge. For more info please visit Oprah's website.

Email me @ shelbyrenee@blackheiress.com & let us know how your experiment goes.

Trimming the Fat: The Nail Salon

Now we all know that there's nothing better than a good mani/pedi, but contrary to popular belief, you don't have to spend goo-gobs of $$$ to get the royal treatment. The next time you get the urge for some pampering, try going to a beauty school in your area. They offer the same quality services as overly-priced spas at a fraction of the cost. And to be completely honestly, I have discovered over the years that in many instances you end up getting BETTER service through a beauty school because these techs are trying to master their craft so they are more meticulous & thorough. Additionally, all services provided by student techs are monitored by a seasoned professional. You can't beat the price. Some schools offer spa packages for as little as $35!!!! CLICK HERE & HERE to find beauty schools in your area. If you have a beauty school you recommend in your area, please share the info with us. Send me an email & I'll feature the school in a separate post.

Trimming the Fat February Challenge - Just Say NO! To Take-out!

It’s really not as hard as you may think. Here are some alternatives that will help you meet this challenge:

1. Invite friends over for a home-cooked meal or better yet a potluck.

2. Make frequent trips to the grocery store BUT stick to your grocery list. I call this the squirrel or gathering method. If you pick-up 1-3 items a day then your cupboards will never be bare which means you won’t resort to excuse #1 for ordering takeout – “there’s nothing here to eat”. Try buying things when you have a coupon for them. You can print coupons for your store of choice off their website or check out THIS SITE.

3. Order groceries online. This way you don’t overspend OR buy those naughty foods. Research shows that people who buy groceries online spend 70% per year b/c they avoid impulse buying. The best part is that the food is delivered right to your home! No excuses there. Try PEAPOD.

4. Cook a lil extra in the evenings & take the leftovers as lunch - which leads to the next tip…

5. Take your lunch EVERYDAY & don’t leave home w/o some healthy snacks & a bottle of H2O. We keep everything in our purses from sewing kits to flip flops so why not keep a granola bar or dried fruit with you. And you won’t forget after one incident of hunger pains.

6. Research free food events in your area. Visit THIS WEBSITE to find about free food events in your area.

Sure these are all things you’ve probably heard b4 but here’s the million-dollar question…are you doing it???? What has kept you from making this a habit? One word – WILL. You must make up your mind to do it. You know this is the best thing to do, but until you make a decision and stick firmly by it then it won’t work. If I can do it then I KNOW you can!