Let the Makeovers BEGIN!!

It's time. Time for us to take a long, hard look at ourselves. Evaluate. Decide now what it is you will change about you. Then, tell me. And I will do whatever I can to help you achieve your goals. NVidel's last post featured a photo shoot with 6RobinsPhotography. I had the pleasure of helping to makeover a group of exciting teens.

Take a look at what the team pulled together!

Holiday Shopping...

...And no, I don't mean shopping for the holidays. I'm referring to shopping during holiday sales. Word of caution: BE CAREFUL!! Here are my top 5 tips for braving retailers during a Labor Day, Memorial Day, Valentine's Day, President's Day, Sunny Day, etc. Sales:

5. Write a list of what items you are looking for.

4. Shop with (and on) purpose.
Decide if you are shopping for a specific event or with someone else in mind. Whatever you decide, stick to the plan!

3. Use the buddy system.
If you have a friend who enjoys the sport as much as you do, ask if they would accompany you. They may be helpful in supporting your mission to stay on target - and it's always fun to have a companion come along for the ride. If you end up trailblazing solo, use your mobile phone hands free device, and have at it! :-)

2. Do the math on your own first.
Some of us may not be math whizzes - and that's ok. This isn't an exam, so pull out that calculator. Have an idea of what your savings will be before your turn in the checkout line. There's nothing worse that disappointing sticker-shock...but nothing better than discovering that you are saving more than what was marked on your potentially new item. If you like those types of surprises and want to rely on a retail associate and cashier, you can disregard this.

1. Start at the sales racks and work your way out.
This is an oldie but goodie, and has not failed me yet. We usually find the sale items in the back of the store. That is by design. Instead of falling for that strategy, head to the rear where the larger discounts are located. After factoring in the compound "total store discount" of 30-75% (on some items), you'll be more pleased than you thought!

No matter what you do for this holiday - Memorial Day - please take a moment to remember those whom have paid the ultimate sacrifice to ensure that we are able to live freely as bloggers, readers, and citizens.

n.videl

Finding Hosiery to 'Control-Top' the Dollar

If  you have read my personal blog, you may have come across the post about my quest to find high-quality and fashionable pantyhose (for women of color - namely me) that didn't break the bank, Hanes Solutions - Transparent Sheer. I have been comparing every other brand since finding this brand, and have yet to find one that can top both it's cost and quality. I have only been able to find it in Target stores, who may be an exclusive retailer of the brand. When initially finding Transparent Sheer last year, I enjoyed paying a little over $5 per pair. However, while shopping for more this weekend, I noticed that the price has gone up...WAY up; now ranging $7 - $8! I'm sure this is due to the sales success of  a higher-end brand with a cuter name. Unfortunately, For 'whatever reason' I am not able to easily find them online (side eye), as I am with other Hanes hosiery (except through ebay) - double side eye. So, my search to find reasonably-priced, quality hosiery for women of color continues...stay tuned.

The back-story: An excerpt from Considering All Things: