In honor of the most fabulous day of the week we decided to have a little fun and feature one of our cool artist friends. Check out my caricatures by Pretty Dapper Slim Jim Longfoot:

Slim Jim Longfoot is a really cool graphic artist. Think comic books. Think abstract. Think lots of fun. Check out Project Impact for more details on his work.

Looking at his caricatures I feel like SUPER PREEEEEEEETY. Look up in the sky. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? NAW, GIRL THAT’S SUPER PRETTY! That’s her name! Taking each girl and inspiring them to embrace their inner and outer pretty. Like Flowers in bloom; dresses will be all over the world PRETTY soon!

Remember there’s POWER in the Dress, Purse, and Stiletto!

 In addition to being a super cool graphic artist, Slim is the author of two highly acclaimed novels. Be sure to check them both out: Getting Some Pookie and the hot sequel Hotter than Fire, wetter than water (HTFWTW). Both novels are available for purchase on Amazon.com. Can we say winning? Do you have a thing for urban erotica? If the answer is YES, be sure to support our Pretty Dapper Fella who’s doing great things. Remember you saw him here FIRST!

I absolutely love my caricatures. They are so much fun. Slim Jim Longfoot is good, affordable and quick. I had my caricatures back in less than 24 hours. He does amazing work and has a great eye for detail. Do you want a super hero caricature? Do you want to bless a love one with a caricature?

If the answer is yes you can email Slim at: norv1408@gmail.com.

You can reach out to him on his fan page: Project Impact.

He gave me his number but I think that’s just too much information to disclose online. If you want to CALL him email me and I will connect you.

Slim keep up the GREAT works. Team Pretty is one of your biggest fans!

“There’s POWER in the Dress, Purse, and Stiletto.” ~PGRDresses ™.

Do men create jealousy?  Are most women innately calm creatures until men come along and create doubt? 

There is nothing like the amazing serenity that a single woman feels, due to the fact that a single woman does not need to inquire a man’s whereabouts and as a result a man does not need to justify his comings and goings. Additionally, there is no need for the midday or evening attitude spike because of something that “he” did. 

So, I have a few scenarios that cause alarm and ultimately the green monster:

1. The man leaves the room to take a telephone call.
2. Late nights.
3. Cell phone powered off.  (This is my personal favorite.  Just turn the volume off.  Then the phone is still ringing; whereas with it powered off it almost announces you are doing something you have no business doing.)
4. Change in patterns of any kind.  Change up something as simple as your gym schedule and a woman will notice.

I do recognize that all women are different.  The first type of woman takes the “out of sight out of mind” approach, meaning that they don’t go looking for anything to be jealous or insecure about.  This is the woman who will expect the man to take care of home and keep all of the nonsense outside of the home.

The second type of woman is the perpetual pessimists.  These are women who expect that all men will follow the same habits and pattern.  Usually these women have had one or several unpleasant experiences and they anticipate that all men will continue to do the same things.  I think this case breeds and even attracts the issues.  I believe we put our energy into the universe.  If you are constantly attracting the no-good cheating man, it might be YOU.  Keep making the same mistakes and at some point YOU become the common denominator.  So, don’t bother looking through his phone, checking his email, Facebook, and etc.  You look for dirt, you step in mud.

The third type is the kind that gets blindsided, or so she thinks.  I don’t think we are ever completely blindsided.  Your instincts are usually right.  If you feel something is off, it probably is. 

Ultimately, I think the woman has control over her own security in a relationship.  One can argue that men make us jealous, but no one can make you do anything.  If you are in an unhealthy situation, get out of it.  A very wise person has repeatedly told me that “jealousy is wasted emotion”.  You can allow your man to turn you into a super sleuth, an email hacker, Facebook stalker, etc.  In the end, I think it’s pointless.

Pretty Sexy Janine is owner of Toy Closet NYC. Janine has an amazing online store and blog. Be sure to check her out!

“There’s POWER in the Dress, Purse, and Stiletto.” ~PGRDresses ™.

by: Noreen Sumpter, Personal Life Coach

It is time for me and others to reflect on the African-American people that came before me who look like me and whose shoulders I attempt to stand on.  These are women and men who have suffered all manner of injustices in the name of survival and life. These woman and men wanted to experience the same privileges that people of non-African descendants experienced every day in the early makings of America.  The Africans sole purpose was to work like oxen, break their backs and provide for a master that cared little or nothing if they lived or died.  We must come to the realization that Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, and Sojourner Truth as well as many others fought for us. 

I have had the honor of speaking to the older people in my neighborhood about their lives.  They enlighten me of the injustices they experienced and the small things I take for granted.  The injustices include having to ride at the back of a bus, not being able to eat at lunch counters, and not be able to spend the night at a hotel to rest while traveling.  I know this to be true, but my mind cannot fathom it.  It occurs like a dream that was made up by a outlandish person.  When you listen to the older people speak about their era, how they felt and how they were segregated against. One can only imagine. 

Against all odds African-Americans have fought, died and transformed America and the outcome still remains that we are the most educated and influential people on the planet.  When I think of Black History Month, though I am not an African-American, I feel a sense of pride well up in my heart.  I pay homage and give thanks for the contributions of music, art, medicine, education. I also understand that if it were not for the strength and fortitude of the African-American man and woman, I do not think I as an immigrant from the United Kingdom would be able to live as freely as I do in the United States.  I do not think that I would have been allowed to have the education and the experiences I have received since coming to the states.

In a few days, I will be putting my application for Citizenship in the mail and I too will become a proud African-American Citizen of these here United States.  I will be proud to own a Passport that African-Americans have fought and died for.

Happy Black History Month. 

  Noreen Sumpter, Personal Life Coach: works with High Achievers who feel trapped in their private life and helps them build up their personal confidence and self-esteem. By helping you clear mental clutter and dissolve limiting beliefs, you can take deliberate steps, own your voice, speak your truth and have the freedom to Live Life Your Way.

    “Live Life Your Way”    www.NoreenSumpterCoach.com   www.BeYourselfAlready.com

Call 718-834-9450 or e-mail Noreen@NoreenSumpterCoach.com

Subscribe to my weekly Newsletter, join me on Facebook and Twitter

“There’s POWER in the Dress, Purse, and Stiletto.” ~PGRDresses ™.

 If you follow the blog you will remember the Casting Call held by ABC’s The Revolution. We were ecstatic about being approached to help get the word out about the show. Team Pretty is all about helping people.

 The Revolution is ABC Daytime’s new one-hour daily talk show from Times Square Studios that will revolutionize the lives of viewers from the inside out. The show features a stellar “dream team” of experts that will help complete transformations in all areas of life including body, health, style, mind and environment.  

 As a girl of adventure; I decided to check out the casting call with PGRDress Rep-Star Advisor Geneva. This was my first cast call and I had no idea what to expect. Questions like “Would they make me stand on a scale” and “Would I have to announce my weight?” ran rapidly through my mind. THE HORROR!!!

 Saturday morning I woke up early and got my hair done. I remembered to apply a couple of coats of mascara and Geneva insisted I try her favorite lip balm from Bath & Body Works. We then met up at the Georgian Terrace and signed in.

There were all kinds of women waiting in line. We instantly made friends with the ladies waiting in the room with us; TEAM PRETTY is the life of the party everywhere. We joked with women throughout the line where the hot topics of fashion and beauty were amongst us. One young lady traveled from Pensacola Florida while another lady drove down from Greenville North Carolina. We all had one thing in common: nervous about the interview process and intrigued about being a reality TV star.

 We finally made it to the interview table. In groups of six the interviewer (a really cute girl with fly earrings named Amy) asked us a series of questions. We each took turns answering questions. As I sat and listened to each woman discuss why they wanted the makeover, I realized how much courage and grace we as women can muster.

 In my group:

1. There was a mother who was having to re-enter the job market after being downsized from a job she held for over 30 years.
2. There was a young mother wishing to get back down to her military size so she could get back into the Air Force.
3. There was a woman who wanted to be a better example to her children.
4. There was a lady who has always given to others and she wanted to put herself first.
5. There was a woman who experienced lots of tragedy within the past year and she wanted a fresh start.
6.  Then there’s me; the girl who EMPOWERS everybody to go the extra mile. I motivate everyone to pursue their dreams. I am THE GREAT SUPPORTER. But I do very little to hype myself up. I give so much to others that there is very little left for me…

 ABC’s THE REVOLUTION is a show about empowering women to be the best. As we wrapped up, I was so glad that I took some time out of my busy schedule to do something new and fun. I got a chance to see women embrace courage in the face of the unknown. I made a new friend shout out to Amanda out of Pensacola Florida. Last but not least I got a chance to think about what I need to do to become the best DEA WIN.

Stay tuned to THE REVOLUTION to see what happens with the lucky girls who are chosen for this wonderful makeover!

 The following are some quotes from TEAM PRETTY:

 Thank you so much for the opportunity at yesterday’s casting call. While I was not chosen it was my very first casting and I really enjoyed the experience. ~Holley Taylor

 Ever thought about what a personal Revolution could do for your life? First step is to talk about your pain, seek ways to cope, listen to your heart, and pray. Second step is to do something to create CHANGE. I’m working on getting through it and I will be successful! ~Geneva Bernoudy

After seeing women from all walks of life who struggle to lose weight just like me, I’m  reminded that I am not alone! We as women can come together and conquer the world ONE MEAL, ONE SMALL GROUP at a time. ~ Gospel Artist Diana Walker-Woods

“There’s POWER in the Dress, Purse, and Stiletto.” ~PGRDresses ™.

 Love is an ocean, a natural mystery.  Engaged by day,

lonely by night.  Researched by no method or theory by many.

In the morning the waves comfort me, at noon the gulls

lull me, the crashes are my shoulders upon shore rocks. 

It settles my soul.  My tide feelings imprint my heart but never

stay, drifting with the pull.  A natural mystery full of characters

and usually one main antagonist.  At the bottom lies many

jewels, treasures never found similar to these emotions.  However,

I stay afloat never dreaming of new land.  This has already been

discovered.  I paint an abstract picture guided by

the abyss.  Love is an ocean, my waters runs deep.  I listen

to the ocean, as my surroundings weep.  This sand castle

is my refuge, a temporary haven soon to be washed away.

I run for miles alongside the ocean, my ocean, a natural mystery.

                                     -E.R. Morris

Pretty MEETS Dapper!

My friend: Pretty Dapper Poet Eric Morris will share beautiful poetry with us starting today. Stay tuned!

Thanks for sharing with Team Pretty Eric!

“There’s POWER in the Dress, Purse, and Stiletto.” ~PGRDresses ™.

So you have decided that you may want to give the frugal life a try, but don’t know where to start?   Many share this same struggle, which keeps them from even getting started.  Many people would debate that the answer to living a good life is dependent upon the amount of money you make.  Reality is that the more money a person has, the more they will spend. 

It is quite possible to live a full life with the money you already have, but doing this will require discipline and dedication.  The Dollar and Cents Diva is going to get you started on the right track to living LARGE on a small budget with these few tips below.

1.)    Set a cash budget:   I know some of you have already looked at the screen with the Scooby-Doo face (errrrrr???)!  Who really carries cash anymore, right?  A simple swipe of the card and you’re done, but so is your bank account.  Setting a cash budget can prevent you from overspending and force you to stick to the budget you have set.

 2.)    Do It Yourself (DIY):  “Why pay someone when you can do it yourself?”  While very true, this is a very hard concept to come by for most starting out in the frugal life.  The time you put into “doing it yourself” someone else could have done it for you and ten times faster.  But at what cost?  From changing your oil to trying a recipe for your favorite Chinese food dish, DIY can be a life saver on the pocket.

 3.)    Coupons:  If you are a fan of the show “Extreme Couponing” you already know the amount of savings associated with using coupons.  While clipping coupons can be a bit tedious, the reward will be in your pocket-book every month.  Some of your favorite grocery stores such as “Kroger” have even gone a step further by allowing you to add coupons to your savings card.  Check out my coupon center and start saving today!

4.)    Group Errands:  One easy way to reduce your gas bill is by grouping all of your errands together and only driving when necessary.  Or why not make it a group affair? Coordinate your schedules with your neighbor or close friend and make a day of it.  Check out my successful group grocery trip and savings here.

5.)    Freebies:  Admittedly, I thought this one was a little too good to be true until I received my first of many freebies in the mail last week.  From potty training DVD to a pack of Welch’s fruit snacks, freebies are a great way to try new products while saving your money.  Click freebies and start getting some goodies in the mailbox.

While it can be tough to break old habits, seeing the reward of more money in your pocket will make it much easier as time goes by.  Trying to do it all at once or going “cold turkey” will prove to be overwhelming and frustrating, which can lead to failure.  Take baby steps and realize that trial and error is a good thing because everything will not work for everybody.   Using the above list as a guide, develop a plan that works with your lifestyle and start slowly with implementing them.

 The Dollar and Cents Diva

 http://thedollarandcentsdiva.blogspot.com/

Email: thedollarandcentsdiva@gmail.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dollarandcentsdiva

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/dncdiva

“There’s POWER in the Dress, Purse, and Stiletto.” ~PGRDresses ™.

1 Corinthians 13:1-13

 ¹ If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.

² If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.

³ If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

 ⁴ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

 ⁸ Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. ⁹ For we know in part and we prophesy in part, ¹⁰ but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears.

¹¹ When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man/woman, I put the ways of childhood behind me.

¹²For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.  ¹³ And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Tis the season for LOVE. Wishing you all a great day!

“There’s POWER in the Dress, Purse, and Stiletto.” ~PGRDresses ™.

Her music is apart of the soundtrack of my life. Whenever I feel sad I go to the Preacher’s Wife Soundtrack. Whitney + The Georgia Mass Choir is an instant pick me up. When I think about a certain dude I hear “I’M YOUR BABY TONIGHT”. I had hoped to become accomplished enough to afford her to sing at my wedding “I Believe in You and Me”.

This morning while driving into the office I listened with the rest of Atlanta as the radio stations played tributes to her life and music. One station played the “Greatest Love of All“. I actually listened to the words. I leave you with these parting thoughts:

Because the greatest love of all
Is happening to me
I found the greatest love of all
Inside of me
The greatest love of all
Is easy to achieve
Learning to love yourself
It is the greatest love of all

Wow, her music is so touching. Her life was full of music and love. Even in her death her music reasonates with us all. As we approach Valentine’s Day, I feel like I should reinterate the concept of SELF LOVE. You are your greatest LOVE. So many people have a sense of sadness this time of the year. No matter who remembers Valentine’s Day and who forgets remember you are your greatest LOVE.

Thank you Whitney for sharing your voice and love for music with the world. As I celebrate your life and pray for your family; I will remember the lessons you taught through your music. I AM MY GREATEST LOVER!

“There’s POWER in the Dress, Purse, and Stiletto.” ~PGRDresses ™.

Are you trying to lose 50-100 lbs of weight?

Could you use some PROFESSIONAL HELP?

Does the idea of being on a NATIONAL TV SHOW APPEAL TO YOU?

If you answer yes to any of the above please come out to The Revolution’s Atlanta Casting CALL!  A PRETTY AWESOME OPPORTUNITY to see your goals/dreams realized!

Interested please email us at: prettygirlsrockdresses@gmail.com. Ms. Mayfield is giving out VIP passes to members of TEAM PRETTY! How awesome is that?  So email us back. Leave next Saturday, 2/18/12 open and baby you might become a HEALTHY REALITY TV STAR . Can we say WINNING?

“There’s POWER in the Dress, Purse, and Stiletto.” ~PGRDresses ™.

How is the kept woman any different from a gigolo or prostitute?  A prostitute is a woman who engages in sex for payment.  A gigolo is a man, typically young, that is paid by older women for sex.  How does either of these definitions differ from that of the kept woman?  Or can the kept woman’s role be viewed as a job?

For our purposes, this kept woman is not a baby mama, who is receiving child support and or alimony.  The kept woman simply has a lifestyle that’s supported and financed by one or many men.  With the absence of children to support and care for, what duties must the kept woman perform for her keeper?  Sex seems the most logical and only exchange.  So, again, how is this not prostitution?  Is it different to be paid for sex when you are not actively soliciting on the corner?

There are women whose lives are financed by wealthy men.  Trips, cars, jewelry, etc. all for being on call when the Big Poppas of the world come around.  Some would say it’s a fair trade for the lack of relationship structure, lonely nights, objectification, etc.  But, how many of us would trade working every day to be supported arm candy for a wealthy man?

One could argue, it would depend what you are looking for in a relationship.  If financial support is payment for being an accessory, who are we to judge?  One could argue the kept woman is being paid for her duties.  In this case, this would be payment for services rendered, which is the same as a job?  In this time of high unemployment, why drain the system?  Don’t file for unemployment.  Don’t wring your hands in desperation.  Simply re-up on that gym membership.  Work on the physical and become a kept woman.  The new career for the new millennium.

~Pretty Sexy

Pretty Sexy Janine is owner of Toy Closet NYC. Janine has an amazing online store and blog. Be sure to check her out!

“There’s POWER in the Dress, Purse, and Stiletto.” ~PGRDresses ™.