Ladies…don’t hit the snooze button on this.

Sometime earlier this year, I heard a quote that I believe every woman needs to hear: “In order to live the life of your dreams, WAKE UP !” Seems simple enough; or does it ? The sad reality is many women can’t find the “control button” that will take their lives from extra ordinary to extraordinary. The reason ? They’ve unknowingly (or worse, purposely) fallen asleep at the steering wheel of their lives and are living on “autopilot.” As we progress into 2009, I hope that women will awaken and regain control over their lives.

For many women, the toughest task will be the first ; simply knowing and believing that you are worth it. Many of us have allowed ourselves to become so run down under the weight of life’s disappointments that we no longer want to take a chance on living the life of our dreams. We’re afraid of being let down, yet again. We don’t want to be hurt or disappointed by putting everything we have into someone or something else, only to be hurt as we have been so many times before. Because of this, we stop taking a chance on life, on love, and on ourselves.

If you want to re-establish the joy, happiness, and power in your life, then you must first reclaim yourself, for yourself. You must own the undeniable fact that you, as an individual, have purpose, value, and meaning. Once you do that, you will better be able to understand why you have been blessed with the gifts, talents, and challenges that have been afforded to you.

Women must also understand that the quality of the relationships in our lives is a reflection of the quality of the relationship that we’re in with ourselves. When you know your worth, you expect others to treat you accordingly. If you think highly of yourself, you refuse to let others treat you in ways that devalue you. However, if you have a lower self-esteem, you are likely to allow people to mistreat you. Accepting less than the best of what life has to offer isn’t an option. My advice ? WAKE UP.

As women, we also must begin to not only make better choices, but also, to hold ourselves accountable for those decisions. The fact is; our lives are shaped by the choices we make. If you live your life believing you are simply “taking life as it comes” or, trying your best to “play the hand that you’ve been dealt,” you’re not living a dream…you’re living a nightmare. Wake up. YOU ARE IN CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE ! Understand it ! Own it ! Seize it !

Finally, women should regain an earnest appreciation for alone time. Too many of today’s women are afraid to be alone. We buy into society’s unspoken stigma that if we are single, then we are somehow less special, or important, than someone who is in a committed relationship. We also allow ourselves to become obsessed with the thought of if we aren’t constantly searching, meeting and dating someone, that we are somehow going to miss out on the person we are destined for. Isn’t that an oxymoron? Of course it is. Yet, we allow this cycle to continue.

As we progress into a new year, we must recognize that each moment, is one we cannot get back. And more importantly, each moment is directly connected to the next. Therefore, what we do now not only defines our present, but our future. The sooner that we recognize this, the sooner we will be able to harness the power that exists within us all.

by Spirit. Love, Sex and Relationship Expert
www.talk2spirit.com

Businesses establish their brand as a part of their business plan. It’s the foundation on which everything else is built: products, services, location, marketing and advertising.

People are also brands. Have you put time and energy into developing your very own personal brand ? Branding makes people remember who you are and what your do.

We know that branding is essential, even in industries where everything seems to be exactly alike: insurance, beauty, education, law, fast food, fashion, etc. For example, State Farm’s branding makes customer relate to having a good neighbor. Allstate Insurance Company uses celebrity endorsements to assure customers they will be covered if the accident is their customers’ fault. Both companies offer similar products and services. However, their brands are not the same. Take a look at Coca-Cola and Pepsi, the largest selling grocery brands. Although Coca-Cola was first on the market, the Pepsi brand brought about competition which raised consumer awareness of both brands. Branding helps to attract the market you’re interested in targeting.

When I hear the word branding, I immediately think “Kleenex.” Can you remember the last time you asked “ Can you hand me a Kleenex ? ” Kleenex is a brand name, but it is so commonly used, we hardly ever call it by its name, facial tissue. There could have been a box of Puffs sitting right there, and “Kleenex” was the word that first came to mind.

How can your brand be the first thing that comes to mind when they’re shuffling through emails trying to find the best candidate for a job ? Branding! It’s a powerful tool; a key component to establishing unique differences among competitors. Just think of how powerful your brand could be in an interview, meeting or social setting. It can help you meet the right people at the right time. Let’s get started on your makeover.

Write down key words or phrases that best describe your personality.

Next, list five problems that you solve in your occupation. (Don’t just say what you do. Describe how you help people.)

Know your strengths and areas for improvement. Ask friends to tell you what you do best. Also ask about your weaknesses. Don’t get upset, just remember this is a “Brand New Makeover”.

Brush up on your communication skills. Network, network, network ! (Remember, you are a walking advertisement)

Look the part ! You don’t have t spend thousands to look polished. Consult a professional stylist if needed.

Be able to describe your personal brand. Remember a brand is not just a look. “ It is everything that makes a person or business unique, competitive, likeable, fresh, credible and prosperous.”

What good is a brand that nobody knows about ? Do your homework and follow the seven steps that will allow you to shine like the star you were meant to be !

by C. Jeanine Fulton for www.personamarket.com

HIV & What you probably don’t know. Who’s at risk ?

Although safe sex messages are a regular part of our society & culture, HIV is still being contracted in epidemic proportions all over the world. In the US, nearly 1 million Americans are infected with HIV. While the virus can also be transmitted through injection equipment with an HIV positive person, the most common way that the virus is spread is through unprotected oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse with a person who is HIV+. While we are constantly reminded to practice safe sex, men are often left scratching their heads trying to figure out exactly what that means.

First, know there is no such thing as safe sex. There is only “Safer Sex, since all sexual activity comes with some degree of risk. In order to have the safest sex possible, be aware of common errors that men make that put them at risk for contracting HIV.

Secondly, commit the four bodily fluids that put you at greatest risk for contracting/transmitting the HIV virus to memory. They are, in order of greatest risk: blood, semen, vaginal fluid, and least commonly known, breast milk. Direct contact with these bodily fluids should be avoided. The easiest way to do this is by simply using a latex condom EVERY time you engage in a sexual act. While the use of condoms can dramatically reduce the risk of exposure to HIV, here are a few additional things every man should know…

Avoid condom slippage, breakage, and disintegration

Condom breakage and slippage is typically due to incorrect use rather than poor condom quality. You can avoid this mistake by steering clear of sexual aids that can weaken latex, causing condoms to break. In addition, condoms can be weakened by exposure to heat or sunlight or by age, or they can be torn by teeth or fingernails. Therefore, never keep condoms in your wallet or glove box and use caution when opening

condom packaging.

Doubling up doesn’t make you smarter

In fact, it puts you at greater risk of weakening your condom through friction. Instead, apply a few drops of water based lubricant to the inside and outside of your condom to decrease friction (and increase sensation), make sure you are using the proper sized condom, and never reuse a condom after your first climax.

Consider using HER condoms

While male condoms are easier to use, some people prefer female condoms when having vaginal intercourse. This is because they cover more of the woman’s vulva (the external female genitalia that includes the folds of skin (labia), clitoris, and the openings to the urethra and vagina), which may provide additional protection to both partners during sexual intercourse.

Don’t be a Serial Monogamist

It’s a pretty straightforward math – the more partners you (or your partners) have, the more likely it is that you will be exposed to an STD. Therefore, minimize the number of sexual partners that you have. “Serial monogamy,” or dating only one person at a time, but still dating a large number of people each year, is particularly dangerous. This is due to the fact that people who practice serial monogamy are often tempted to stop using safer sex precautions because they view themselves as being in an “exclusive” relationship with each new mate they have.

Love the skin you’re in

Skin that is irritated, inflamed, or blistered is easier to infect than healthy skin. Contracting other types of STDs may also be an indicator that you are not practicing the safest sex possible. Regular medical check-ups and good hygiene should be an important part of your lifestyle.

Good hygiene may be bad for your health

While making a good impression is almost always important, doing things like brushing your teeth, flossing your gums, and cutting your nails should be avoided before a date where sexual activity (including oral sex) is likely. This is because these types of activities can cause microscopic tears in your skin, allowing the HIV virus direct access to your blood stream.

Know where you live

If you live in a community with a high prevalence of STDs, you are more likely to be exposed to an STD any time you have sex. Therefore, do your homework by contacting your local health department, or visiting the website to learn more about your city/state’s rates of infection for diseases including Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV.

Recognize that age IS more than a number

Young people (15-25) and seniors (50+) are far more likely to be infected with STDs than other age groups. While young women are more biologically susceptible to STDs than older women, men and women from both age groups may be less likely to use condoms, more likely to engage in sexual risk taking, and more likely to have multiple partners. Extra care should be taken, no matter your age to always practice the safest sex possible. Next to abstinence, it is your safest bet to avoiding contracting, or transmitting HIV.

By Spirit  Love, Sex, and Relationship Expert
www.talk2spirit.com

Selecting a Health Insurance Plan to Compliment Your Lifestyle
The U.S. Census Bureau stated that 45.7 million Americans lacked health insurance in 2007. Consider for a moment the cost of not having health insurance. If you or someone you know has ever had a medical emergency then you understand the implication of not having any or adequate health insurance. Just one heart attack or car accident could cause you to deplete your savings and possibly file for bankruptcy. Illness and medical bills account for approximately half of the bankruptcies filed in the United States. Individuals without insurance are less likely to seek out preventative care and will often use emergency treatment as their primary medical treatment. This is not meant to scare you just to alert you that health insurance is an important part of your financial planning. Selecting the right medical plan for you and your family can be a daunting and timely process but consider the alternative.

There are four types of health plans available and they are:

Fee for Service

This plan allows an individual to go to any doctor or hospital for treatment, pay them directly and then receive a reimbursement of 80%. This is an example of 80/20 co-insurance. Plans pay for medical tests, prescriptions, doctors and hospitals, but may not cover some preventive care.

Health Maintenance Organization

A Health Maintenance Organization, HMO, is considered managed health care. For a monthly premium, the insured chooses a physician within the given network to provide their primary care and if they should need other services such seeing a dermatologist, who must also be part of the network, the primary care physician would provide the referral. Some HMO’s require a co-payment, while some don’t.

Preferred Provider Organization

A Preferred Provider Organization, PPO, gives the insured the freedom to see any physician they choose. If you see a doctor in the network you will pay a co-payment, usually between five and forty dollars. The cost of seeing a doctor outside of the network will increase the co-payment. Although the fee may be higher, some people prefer the right to choose their own physician.

Point of Service

A Point of Service, POS, is a combination between an HMO and a PPO. With a POS the insured has a primary care physician who can provide a referral for a specialist who may or may not be in the network. If your physician refers you to a specialist outside of the network, the insurance company will pay some or the entire bill. However, if the insured sees a specialist without a referral from their primary care physician, the insurance company may choose not to pay for the services.

Now that you know what your choices are you have to decide what’s most important to you. Is it the monthly premium? The choice of physicians? What is your medical history? Do you have a medical condition or anticipate having one in the future which would require a specialist? You also want to research what pre-existing conditions are covered in the plan you are considering. Depending on your answers you can narrow your selection. Kimberly Lankford, author of “The Insurance Maze: How You Can Save Money on Insurance and Still Get the Coverage You Need” (Kaplan Business, 2006), suggests researching your state’s insurance website.

Group Plans: Your group plan offered by your employer may be the most economical. If your employer does not offer health insurance or if you are self employed, investigate professional associations which allow members the opportunity to join a health plan. If you currently have a relationship with a physician check to see that they are listed in the health plan you are considering. If you must select a new physician, the American Medical Association is a great resource in which to check credentials. Also take into consideration the location and availability when choosing your doctor. Does the physician have more than one office? What are their hours?

Pre-existing Conditions: A pre-existing condition can include anything from a current pregnancy to a heart condition and all health plans do not treat them equally. Do not assume that your new health plan will cover your pre-existing condition although it may be covered after a certain length of time. If you were insured during the past twelve months or if you are joining a new group plan then The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act otherwise known as HIPPA, ensures that your pre-existing conditions will be covered.

Specialists: A specialist is a doctor who has received advanced training and education in a particular area such as cardiology, obstetrics, gynecology, or oncology. Are you currently or do you anticipate needing to see a specialist in the future? If so, what is the protocol for contacting the specialist? Will you need to go through your primary care physician? If you already have a specialist make sure that they are part of the health plan you are considering.

Prescriptions: This is a big one to consider. As people are living longer this is one area that we will need to consider when planning for retirement because as we age our use of prescription drugs will increase and you will need to plan accordingly. Coverage will vary from plan to plan. Do you take prescriptions on a regular basis? What’s the copayment? Can you get generic drugs which are often less expensive? If not, what how much will it cost you?

Preventive Services: Eastern medicine emphasizes preventive or holistic care rather than the Western philosophy which is treatment of symptoms. Preventive services can include Massage Therapy, Chiropractic Care, Yoga, Pilates, Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation or Mental Health Counseling. Does the plan you’re considering offer any of these?

Cost: After you have determined what you want and need in a health plan what will it cost you? What will your investment be before the insurance company will pay? You will want to know if you have to pay your deductible before you receive any services or can you pay after? Can you get medical attention as often as necessary without incurring any additional costs or is there is set yearly limit? Often people will use the terms co-payment and deductible interchangeably when they mean different things. A co-payment is a set fee the insured pays for services received. There may be separate co-payments for each service provide. For example, you may have a $15 co-payment for every doctor’s visit, $50 co-payment for each day in the hospital, and a $5 co-payment for each prescription. Co-insurance defines how medical costs will be shared between the insured and the insurance company. A deductible is a fixed dollar amount paid by the insured before the insurer makes payments for covered medical expenses. The insurance will decide what it deems to be reasonable and customary care.

There are many things to consider when comparing health insurance plans. Read all the materials especially the fine print! In the end, after your thorough research, your plan should reflect your needs and priorities.

What exactly does it mean to live below your means (LBYM)? Simply put, it is a concentrated effort to save and spend your money wisely. It means understanding the difference between needs and wants. Why would anyone want to lbym? Well unless you know when you are going to die then you should be planning for your future and with the advancement of medical technology your chances of living an entire century is a very real possibility. LBYM can allow you finance items such as college expenses, a new car, retirement and gifts to charitable organizations. LBYM is a concept that can apply to all income levels. Here are my suggestions for LBYM and creating the life you want.

Change your belief. I can give you the most detailed plan on saving money; however, if you have a poverty mentality then you will not appreciate what I am sharing with you. You have to change the way you think about money. Earning more is not the key, keeping as much of it as you can if what counts. Money is your friend, respect it!

Become financially literate. This may be a first for you but if you want to gain control of your finances you need learn the language of money. What does your financial statement say about you? If you don’t know then this is the time to learn. A financial statement looks at your income, expenses, assets and liabilities. Go to www.myfico.com and order your fico score. This three digit number will determine your ability to borrow money and the cost of borrowing money.

Have a written budget. Every month is unique to itself and needs its own written budget. Account for every penny before it is spent. This way you tell your money where to go instead of the other way. If you find you don’t have enough, take care of your shelter, food, utilities, and transportation first. Go a step further and write your annual and lifetime financial goals.

Cash is Queen. If you can’t afford to pay cash, then you cannot afford it. If you don’t have the immediate cash, then save for your purchase. I’ve noticed that layaway has made a comeback, just be cautious of hidden fees. If you must use your credit card then make sure you pay the full balance at the end of the month.

Don’t pay retail. I didn’t say you can’t buy your labels but who says you have to purchase at the beginning of every season? First check your inventory and decide what few key pieces you need then purchase them off season. You are the only person that knows.

Balance the books. Save all your receipts and file them accordingly. This way they are neatly prepared and ready for tax time. Pick a day and time that you can commit to recording all your expenditures. I recommend ever week not less monthly. Whenever you swipe your debit card make sure you record the transaction in your checkbook ledger…ever time.

Turn off the television. We are bombarded by millions of images everyday trying to convince us to buy this that or the other. Turn off the television and spend time doing something that will increase your income. Start the business you’ve been meaning to. Attend a personal finance seminar. Just do something proactive.

Eat in. Or at least don’t eat out as often as you currently do. If you do eat out do so during lunch as prices are often cheaper. Can’t cook? Learn! If you can read then you can follow a simple recipe. Pick a theme, organize a monthly pot luck with friends and enjoy the company.

Get Minty. Mint.com is a free online personal finance tool. I recently discovered this site and find it very easy to use. I love it because it does not ask for any personal information. No social security, bank accounts, or pin numbers. Set up takes less than ten minutes and you are able to see exactly where you are spending your hard earned money. Did I mention that it is free?

Stop competing. Who are you trying to impress? Your children? They don’t care, they just want your time and love. Your family and friends? They need a financial bailout too. They Joneses? Must I go on? At the end of the day, what does your financial statement say about you?

Never lease a car. Low down payments and low monthly fees sound very appealing but will keep you in the poor house. If you really want a new car then save for it and pay cash. It is very doable but requires you to be patient and intelligent about your purchase.

Make sure you’re covered. Don’t be cheap! The least expensive insurance is not necessarily the one you need to have. Make sure your policy covers everything you need. Compare costs and benefits.

Have an emergency fund. To be on the safe side I recommend eight to twelve months in a liquid account, meaning you can get to it in a hurry. All the money that you are saving in other areas can go into this account. So when an emergency does come up you won’t panic about how to handle it because you will have prepared for it.

Mind your business. You get up every day and work hard making someone else rich. Why not put at least half of that energy into building your own business? In case you haven’t noticed, there is no such thing as job security so figure out what you love to do and do it. Take a class, write a book, stop making excuses.

Stop faking it. Ladies and gentlemen, we are adults. Be honest with your family, friends, and most important, with yourself. If the gang is going out for dinner and drinks and you did not budget for it, then gracefully pass. If getting out of debt is important to you then make it a priority!

Get involved. When you feel like you are without that is not the time to feel sorry for yourself. Instead that is the time to give. Give of your time, talent, or money. When you give without the expectation of receiving that is when you will be blessed. You can take that to the bank!

by Golda Smith

“The poor and middle class work for money. The rich have money work for them.”

-Rich Dad, Poor Dad

When rock meets urban. Eccentric. Not so out of this world. 

Photography Nacho Juárez www.pinkorange.es
Styling Laia Gómez
Makeup & Hair Dani Moon for Givenchy & Schwarzkopf
Model David Perez for SS&M
Special thanks to La Boutique – Consell de Cent, Barcelona www.laboutiquebcn.com

LEFT
Hat GOORIN
Shirt H&M
T-Shirt DIOR HOMME
Belt ALESSANDRO DELL’ACQUA at La Boutique www.laboutiquebcn.com
Jeans NUDIE JEANS
Shoes VERSACE at La Boutique www.laboutiquebcn.com
RIGHT
Jacket LRG
Jeans LEVI’S

LEFT
Jacket GIVENCHY for La Boutique www.laboutiquebcn.com
Jeans REPLAY

RIGHT
Hat GOORIN
Jacket CAVALLI for La Boutique www.laboutiquebcn.com
Jewelery SWAROVSKI
Belt BURBERRY
Jeans DIESEL

LEFT
Sunglasses SPY OPTICS
Jacket VERSACE for La Boutique www.laboutiquebcn.com
T-Shirt DIOR HOMME
Jewelery SWAROVSKI
Leggings M+FG

RIGHT
Vintage T-Shirt at LE SWING
Shirt M+FG
Trousers PLEGUEZUELOS
Shoes VERSACE for La Boutique www.laboutiquebcn.com

Vogue, Editor-at-Large, André Leon Talley is now available in ringtone format. You can download ringtones of André Leon Talley giving career advice over at CityFile. I love the ring tones. I downloaded mines this morning.

Christian Lacroix Men’s clothes now available in the United States. Mr. Lacroix menswear is less flamboyant than his Women’s wear and very wearable for today’s trend seeking man. The collections silhouettes are slim cuts with peak lapels, and clean detailing, but with his signature prints with his jackets’ lining, which comes adorned with sixties-style psychedelic patterns and/or victorian drawings, which are also repeated in the collection. Despite the Christian Lacroix name and the quality, the lines price tag is very reasonable. US$1,000.

Christian Lacroix 36 E. 57th st, NYC 212-753-2569

Ask for my friend Hubert in sales.

LG‘s long-anticipated, 3G-capable watch phone, set for release this year—but just in Europe. With features like Voice commands, either with or without a Bluetooth headset; text-to-speech for reading text messages to you aloud; a music player, a built-in speaker, and stereo Bluetooth support. If you are in Europe, pickup one and send me a photo and small paragraph on why you like the watch. I will post via my Blog.

Season Spring Summer 2009
Photography by Peter Gehrke
Styled by Robert Rydberg
Model Mathias Lauridsen
These are some of my favorite looks from the H&M Spring Summer collection, the lookbook features Mathias Lauridsen in more than 20 outfits shot by photographer Robert Rydberg. Below you can view a video interview with various creative directors of the H&M Spring Summer collection, which also includes outtakes from the campaign above, both menswear & womenswear.