Neiman Marcus Atlanta rolled out the pink carpet and had the champagne flowing for its Spring and Summer Trend Presentation at Lenox Square Mall. The presentation hosted by Atlanta Fashion Blogger Trina Smalls of The Baby Shopaholic featuring Neiman Marcus’ resident stylist Mr. David Ferguson. Neiman Marcus Atlanta is one of five stores that has its on personal stylist. What a treat to learn and have access to the very best!
Did you know Neiman Marcus is not only for the rich and famous but for everyday working girls like you and me?
Click here to read all about “The Spring and Summer Trends of 2012 According to Neiman Marcus”.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Kudos to The Baby Shopaholic on a Fabulous Event!
“There’s POWER in the Dress, Purse, and Stiletto.” ~PGRDresses ®.
©2012 Pretty Girls Rock Dresses, LLC All Rights Reserved.
Like this:
Flying By The Seat of Your Pants
by Noreen Sumpter, Personal Life Coach
You have a fear of something? What do you do? What is your Trump card? By Trump card, I mean the way you behave when your back is up against the wall and forced to take action. Do you pretend and charge into denial? Do you hide out, avoid communication and ignore calls? Do you shut down emotionally? Do you become defensive and get into fights? Do you strut around and tell everyone in your loudest voice and assert that you are fine? Or do you just say“I got this!” when you don’t have anything? The best one yet is that you’re okay and that you do not need any support.
pic: www.thefreshxpress.com
Then something out of the ordinary happens – you lose a job, a relationship and or your money. Flying by the seat of your pants does not allow you to make real commitments. This lack of commitment has you living in a place of fear. This fear leaves you feeling isolated from yourself, and your feelings. It also disconnects you from people who can help you. A side note about feelings; feelings are fleeting. They come and go like clouds.
Pic: www.emotions.vuodatus.net
Your “Trump Card” is the way you have chosen to operate over time. You are not aware that it is destroying the things that are important to you. Trump Cards can destroy your relationships. People tell me that they are not loveable and cannot be loved. Furthermore they are not committed to anything or anyone. There are methods and strategies that connect the way people love. For example how long you have known someone or where you met. Normally there is just a limited belief about love which only makes sense to them. Commitments cannot grow and relationships can not form if there is a lack of love. These people are like drifter’s on the planet not experiencing life’s wonderment, and they wonder why life is not going the way they want it to. They become upset, and people who love and support them find themselves working hard to support these people without reciprocation. Their actions are not personal. It is just difficult to love and care for these types of people.
Pic: www.madamenoire.com
It is a fixed way of being and one cannot fully experience anything that life has to offer. Commitments become hard to accomplish. Fear of failure is paralyzing when you are called to action. Your fear causes internal conversations that appear constantly. Thus you win at the game of being unlovable. As a result you attract people who feel unlovable and this creates a repeated cycle. Additionally, this cycle leaves you with a feeling of not being present to what is possible in life.
Fear as is common to everyone…. False Evidence Appearing Real.
· What is your trump card? Your way of being that comes up for you when confronted or experiencing fear?
· Do you have commitments that you fear?
· Do you find yourself making commitments and avoiding them?
· What are the limiting beliefs that are always stopping you in your life?
· Are you flying by the seat of your pants with no plans?
· Do you really know what possible for you in your life?
· Do you have a fixed way which causes you to be fearful and you would like to shift it?
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 ®.
©2012 Pretty Girls Rock Dresses, LLC All Rights Reserved.
Team Pretty wants to thank all the teachers motivating and inspiring our children and young people. If you have a teacher who has impacted your life be sure to reach out to them.
I want to publicly thank some of my favorite teachers:
Mr. Morley who sparked my interest in politics and inspired me to major in Political Science at Clark Atlanta University.
Dr. Johnnie Wilson who helped me make it through college. His wisdom and inspiration continues to motivate me daily. The very best storyteller!
Dr. Clem who served as a mentor for me during college and as my first real boss. She kept us in line!
Mr. Cedric Young and Mr. James Camp who would not let me drop out of the band when I found the dance moves too difficult. 
The late Ms. Crystal Harris who saw my leadership potential when I was just a shy girl wishing to fade into the background.
As you can see my life has been impacted by some GREAT TEACHERS! Let’s support our educators and demand that our children continue to get the best education. Teachers ROCK!
“There’s POWER in the Dress, Purse, and Stiletto.” ~PGRDresses ®.
©2012 Pretty Girls Rock Dresses, LLC All Rights Reserved.
Life, Love, Soul Movie Review
By Summerleigh Poole
The movie Life, Love, Soul which is directed by CAU Alumni Noel Calloway, features a supporting cast with notable actors such as Terri J. Vaughn, Egypt Sherrod, Tami Roman, Chad Coleman and Jamie Hector. The movie is a drama which focuses on the rites of passage of a 17 year old African American male which is played by new and upcoming actor Robbie Tate-Brickle.
Pic: www.blackfilm.com
The main character Roosevelt (Robbie Tate-Brickle) faces overwhelming obstacles and challenges after dealing with a traumatic loss. Calloway does a respectable job reeling the audience into Roosevelt’s close knit family, by creating scenes which allows the viewer to gain a better understanding of a single mother’s struggle to keep her boys focused. The scenes included a family dinner where the family discussed the events of the day, a lesson about responsibility and a mom (Tami Roman) encouraging her son to accomplish his goal of finishing his book. The aforementioned scenes showcase a sense of unity which purges the stereotypical theory of a single African American mother, who is unable to create and maintain a stable and productive household.
Picture courtesy Noel Calloway Films. All rights reserved. Life, Love, Soul
Through tragedy Roosevelt encounters transitions which involve facing unresolved issues with his estranged father and as a result revealed emotional baggage which is not often addressed in the African American community. Although there was assistance for Roosevelt’s rite of passage the movie demonstrates the main character’s struggle to balance a new life while trying to grasp an understanding of the old. Despite the scenes which exhibited anguish and contention, the movie was able to capture the true essence of overcoming obstacles, learning from mistakes and ultimately reaching the final goal.
Picture courtesy Noel Calloway Films. All rights reserved. Life, Love, Soul
The set design in the movie exhibited the emotions of the characters. The viewers were introduced in the beginning of the movie to a set which displayed bright lights, neutral colored walls, and a modern sleek design of furniture which represented innocence, peace and a sense of protection. As the movie transitioned and showcased scenes of angst and hindrance, the set design expressed muted lighting and drab furniture along with a sense of claustrophobia; which reeled the viewer into the drastic changes throughout the movie. Overall the set design allowed the viewer to conceptualize the whirl wind of emotions that greatly affected Roosevelt’s actions and decision making.
Picture courtesy Noel Calloway Films. All rights reserved. Life, Love, Soul
In parallel to the set design actors such as Egypt Sherrod, Terri J. Vaughn, Jaime Hector and Chad Coleman were able to capture the audience with their intensity, empathy, and realistic approach in regards to the main character’s search for understanding as well as his journey into becoming a man. Although conflict arose throughout the movie the characters portrayal of self growth and self realization was evident by the end of the film.
Picture courtesy Noel Calloway Films. All rights reserved. Life, Love, Soul
Life, Love, Soul is greatly recommended to wide variety of audiences who are able to identify with the struggle of loss and the gain of accomplishment. The film focuses on key scenarios that can occur in everyday life. In addition there are specific scenes from the film which grasps the audience’s attention and leaves the audience with a sense of optimism and clarity. Lastly, Life, Love, Soul is a film that will lead its audience with a great deal to discuss and a substantial amount of hope.
Team Pretty’s Editor in Chief: Summerleigh Poole
Check out Life, Love, Soul Trailer.
“There’s POWER in the Dress, Purse, and Stiletto.” ~PGRDresses ®.
©2012 Pretty Girls Rock Dresses, LLC All Rights Reserved.
Sunday Dinner..It’s not like it use to be!
I confess that I love to eat a hot home cooked meal but, I don’t always enjoy preparing it. This past Sunday I had no intentions of cooking but, to my surprise my Beau and his little angel stopped over, and guess what they were hungry.
So, being unprepared I thought to myself, what in the heck am I going to cook? My thoughts must have shown on my face because, my Beau took one look at my face and then asked, “Is there a PAPA JOHNS near hear that delivers”? Pizza on a Sunday? I couldn’t go out like that, not when I had a chance to showcase my cooking skills and win some cool points with my Beau.
To my surprise, I had a pack of stir fry veggies just waiting to be cooked in the freezer. I also had a pack of boneless skinless chicken breast (already thawed) in the fridge. The last main ingredient would be the rice. Thank God for Uncle Ben’s Brown Rice!
Pic: Bossip
I started by greasing my large Wok (you can also use a large non-stick skillet) with virgin olive oil. (Don’t use too much oil, since the frozen veggies will add moisture to the pan). Next , I added the stir fry veggies to the Wok and cooked for about 7 minutes on low heat.
I chopped up the chicken breast into medium sized slices and then chunks. Add onion seasoning, low sodium salt and pepper.
I also found that I had several different sauces at my disposal which made easy to come up with a sauce for the chicken. I combined a low fat honey mustard sauce with a splash or two of bbq sauce to my seasoned chicken. ( You can skip the bbq sauce if you want to save on some calories).
Next, I added the chicken breast to the pan of veggies and cooked over low heat for about 10 minutes. (Turn once, cook on each side for about five minutes)
While, the chicken and veggies cooked, I boiled my brown rice in a separate pot , which took about 10 minutes. All together this meal can be made in under 30 minutes. It’s healthy , delicious and filling.
My lesson this past Sunday was that Sunday dinner doesn’t have to be fried chicken with biscuits and gravy as long as it’s filling and delicious.
Happy Healthy Eating!!
Pic Courtesy of: Inspiration Corner
Pleasant LucasFavoredForLife Founder of Inspiration Corner.
“There’s POWER in the Dress, Purse, and Stiletto.” ~PGRDresses ®.
©2012 Pretty Girls Rock Dresses, LLC All Rights Reserved.
Hello world this is your girl MissNYT reporting another hot week of your entertainment news.
Sexy singer Usher and ex wife Tameka Raymond were in court this week for the continuation of his child custody case. While the couple was in court trying to settle their feud they had brewing for years now the judge in the case urged them to hash out a temporary custody agreement in private mediation. The judge must have taking into consideration all the drama Tameka was causing when she claimed that Usher was doing drugs. Additionally Usher cut her Neiman Marcus credit card. It seems like Tameka is trying to make Usher’s life miserable. I bet now he wished he would have listened to his mama when she told him not to marry that man!
I know most of you did not know that Lady Gaga had a man……well that relationship is over now! His name is Taylor Kinney and he is an actor that plays on the Vampire Diaries. Gaga busy schedule of being the world biggest artist was the reason for their split. I have to be honest…..I would have never thought Lady Gaga could snag a normal type of man especially after she wore a dress made out of meat!
Finally a big congrats goes out to Jessica Simpson for giving birth to her beautiful baby girl this week! Maxwell Drew Johnson was born May 1 and weighed in at 9 months 13 days 21 minutes!
There you have it another exciting week in Hollywood but Always remember to leave the gossiping to me. -MissNYT
When it comes to styling, we tend think about choosing the right clothing for our frame, proportions and skin tone. Equally important, we need to consider the right bra to fit and flatter our natural shape. What underpants will give you the smoothest lines possible? What shape wear will optimize your silhouette?
Pic: rockermomrambles.wordpress.com
Bras: the right fit and silhouette – The right bra is another very big deal in your bag of tricks since your overall presentation is only as successful as the smooth line your create underneath your clothes. Even if you know (or think you know) your correct size, it doesn’t mean you have necessarily found the right fit.
Get properly measured at a lingerie store. My favorite lingerie store in the Atlanta area is Intimacy at Phipps Plaza. Finding great fit in a bra is like finding great fit in a pair of jeans. Statistics show that up to 80% of women wear the wrong size bra. The constructions from manufacturers can vary as widely as the breasts meant to fill them. Here are some tips to look for when shopping for the “right” bra:
1. When you try on a bra: Lean forward and place your breasts in to the cups, push them from the side to the center of the cup and hook the back. Adjust the straps so that your breasts are centered and the line looks natural.
2. Put the bra back if:
a. Your breasts spill over the sides: Increase your band and/or cup size.
b. The cups wrinkle or pucker, try a different style or smaller cup. Also try a demi cup rather than a fuller-cut cup for a better fit and natural-looking shape.
c. The bra rides up the back: The band is probably too large. Any band should cross the center of your back and stay there is fit securely. Try a smaller band size.
d. It gaps at the top of the cup or the underwire is not flush with your rib cage.
e. Your two breasts are pushed together into on sausage-shaped breast. Don’t wear your sport bra under your clothing if you want your sleek look. Try an underwire for more definition.
A good Bra can make or break your look.
Pic: bestofbothworldsaz.com
Here’s a checklist for essential bra types that every girl needs in her lingerie drawer:
1. Your everyday bra: a smooth cup, no seams, no details: For small and fuller breasts alike, especially when wearing something telling like a T-shirt or thin sweater. It creates a smooth, molded look. They don’t increase size but they create a rounder-looking bust line.
Pic: www.outblush.com
2. Convertible bra: Again, smooth molded or slightly padded cup and an underwire construction will serve you well. This is the bra that covers your options in strapless, halters, and on-shoulder tops and dresses.
Pic: www.theclothingchronicles.com
3. Bra-top camisole: In your skin tone and/or in black. Choose a lightweight mesh underwire of elastic at the bottom sewn in for shape. This is the piece that disappears under silk and sheer shirts and gives your torso a smooth line in lightweight knits.
Pic: www.solutions.com
Perfect panties – Make it a priority to find your perfect fit panty. Your pants should fit and smooth you out completely with no lines whatsoever, and be bulge proof where your cheeks meet your legs.
Pic: www.myfashionbeautytips.com
Thongs: From a fashion perspective, we have been in a thong craved place for years now, as thongs and G-strings are promoted as the cure-all for all panty-line woes. While they do eliminate lines, they can accentuate other problems. If you have visible cellulite on your booty, please don’t wear a thong under a clingy jersey knit clothing. The Cottage cheese look is not attractive.
Pic: www.polyvore.com
Thong alternatives:
Ø Jockey – Hipsters, briefs an bikinis that live up to the no panty line promise on the label. They don’t move and they are ultra light. Other than my sexy lacy panties, I only wear jockey. I love, love them!
Ø Chantelle – stretch boy-leg pants
Ø Victoria’s Secret - No show hip hugger briefs and Body byVictoria low rise boy shorts, hipster, and high-cut brieft
Ø Gap body – sheer hipster
Ø Lane Bryant – Cacique briefs
Tips for washing your silky silks:
- Wash your pretty duds in a lingerie bag or by hand in cold water and air dry.
- Never put an underwire bra in the dryer.
- Love and take care of your undergarments.
Next week: More on Underneath It All…. Hosiery and Shape-wear.
Picture Courtesy of: The Fashion Sista, Inc.
Written: Pamela D. Jones, The Fashion Sista, Inc. www.thefashionsista.com. Excerpts from: The Pocket Stylist by:KendallFarr
“There’s POWER in the Dress, Purse, and Stiletto.” ~PGRDresses ®.
© 2012 Pretty Girls Rock Dresses, LLC All Rights Reserved.
Is Social Media Ruining Your Relationship?
Image: Bing.com
It might be ruining mine. Between the posts to write, the posts to answer for various sites; it is A LOT of work. But, for me, it is just that; WORK. I wake up and immediately check my Facebook and Twitter.
Do you have SOCIALITIS?
I am probably a biased source because I did not and do not currently have any personal social media accounts. The appeal of re-connecting with the boy who pulled my hair in the second grade is lost on me. I do THRIVE on what social media does for my business. Every single activity I participate in on FB or Twitter; from liking a post, leaving a comment or a simple retweet is an advertisement for my business.
Pic: creativeagentsolutions.com
I do recognize the dark side, no humor intended, in social media. Your man/woman has access to private and sometimes explicit groups on Facebook, where they can be completely “cyber single”. There is limitless access to inappropriate situations and interactions.
How far is too far? A flirtatious tweet, a visit to an “adult group”, or cyber relations; none of these things are ok for me. But, how would I know that my mate was partaking in these activities if I wasn’t stalking his page? Each relationship has its own boundaries. As for me and my house, I’ll give you enough rope to hang yourself. If you look for dirt, you end up in the mud. I’m not searching your friends, combing through pictures, or playing inspector timeline. I trust until given a reason not to.
Pic: blog.thoughtpick.com
I would be leery of my mate’s excessive involvement in social media. Social media will be just as harmful as the two people in the relationship allow it to be. In a situation involving inappropriate behavior on social media, I don’t think it’s the social media to blame. A man or woman who is a cheater will find a way to cheat regardless. If they’re not cheating online, they’ll cheat at work, at church, with the neighbor, etc. People are who they are. I think blaming social media is unfair. If you respect your relationship, then no level of temptation should cause you to stray. So, my advice for any relationship suffering from problems with this issue is to examine the root of the problem. I guarantee there is a deeper problem, i.e. boredom, lack of communication, sexual dissatisfaction, etc.
Now if we want to talk about iPhone apps ruining a relationship, count me in. My name is Janine and I’m an addict!Until next time,
Pretty Sexy by Janine
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.®
© 2012 Pretty Girls Rock Dresses, LLC All Rights Reserved.
We are so excited to introduce Chantilly Elijah Eggerson as our newest life coach vlogger. She will be adding inspirational/life coaching pieces each week. Chantilly works with business women and women entrepreneurs who struggle with low self-esteem. She works with women who desire to have an unstoppable life and career. She encourages her clients to put themselves first. She promotes 100 % self honesty with her clients. She motivates her clients to take responsibility, and control, of their lives. These skills help her clients see their worth, face their fears, and eliminates excuses head on. She is helping her clients transform their lives.
We are ecstatic about having Chantilly join our pretty blogger’s roll. Inspiring and Empowering women is our goal! Be sure to check Chantilly out!
Pic: www.beautifulunstoppableme.com
Check out her website: www.beautifulunstoppableme.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/chantilly.elijah, Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/inspiredLradio
“There’s POWER in the Dress, Purse, and Stiletto.” ~PGRDresses ®.
©2012 Pretty Girls Rock Dresses, LLC All Rights Reserved.
Cable alternatives: Hulu and Crackle
One can be Pretty Frugal and Have Cable TV too
In the fight to become frugal, finding ways to cut back can begin to be hard when you think about the things you do daily. While it can be easier to find a coupon to cut down on groceries, it is not as easy for people to cut out cable TV. With the thousands that tune into reality TV every week or new shows such as “Scandal making that big of a sacrifice is almost unheard of. But what if there was an alternative that still allowed you to see your favorite shows and movies, but half or no cost? Check out Hulu and Crackle and let’s see if the curse of the high cable bills can be broken.
What is Crackle?
Crackle owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment is a website where you can watch free TV shows and full-length movies.
How Does Crackle Work?
In order to view shows, you must register with the site for FREE, pick a show or movie that you want to watch and hit play. It’s just that simple. If you have Tivo, Roku, a Sony Blu-Ray Player or something like them, you can also stream videos to your TV. Chilling at the park and need a TV fix? Download the free app to your cell phone.
How is this FREE?
Crackle is after a frugal’s heart by opting out of charging a membership fee by running a few commercials during the shows. This allows for them to keep the site going and keeping money from leaving your pocket.
What are the requirements?
The minimum system requirements include the following:
- Internet 7 (or above) or FireFox 3
- Adobe Flash Player 10.0.22 (or above)
- Microsoft Windows XP SP2 (or higher)/Microsoft Windows Vista/Macintosh OS X
- Cookies and JavaScript must be enabled
What’s on Crackle?
Crackle offers you videos and numerous shows (both new and old) for you to enjoy. They offer full-length movies from Columbia, Tri Star, Sony Picture Classics and Screen Gems.
Additional notes on Crackle:
- You can subscribe to your favorite shows, and Crackle will add new episodes to your account as they become available
- Add new shows and movies to your account as you come across them, and you will always have something to view when you log into your account.
What is Hulu?:
Hulu is a website that allows you to watch your favorite TV shows, sports events and movies online for FREE.
How Does Hulu Work?
To use Hulu, you just need to log on to hulu.com; choose a show or movie that you’d like to watch; hit play; and the video will load in Flash Player. You do not have to download anything and you keep your money in your pocket.
What are the minimum requirements?
The minimum requirements include the following:
- Internet Explorer 7, FireFox 2.0, Safari 3.0, Chrome
- Javascript and cookies must be enabled
- Adobe 10.0.22
- Microsoft Windows XP SP2, Macintosh OS X 10.4 or Linux
- A high-speed Internet connection
What’s on Hulu?
Hulu’s has a huge selection where you will find the latest episodes of your TV’s top shows, as well as great classics from your childhood memories. You can also find a good amount of full-length movies to watch as well.
Additional notes for Hulu:
- Follow your favorite programs and Hulu will notify you each time a new episode is uploaded.
- Find shows that you may want to watch at a later date and add them to your account for future viewing pleasure.
How to save money with both Hulu and Crackle:
As you can see, not having cable is very well possible and can save us a lot of money in the long run. Using these cable alternatives can allow you to do the following:
- Get rid of cable and watch your favorite cable shows online or stream them to your TV
- Watch movies on the web instead of renting or paying for a movie subscription
- Watch missed episodes of your favorite shows and never pay for a DVR subscription again
While I know this will be very hard (I still have some convincing to do with my husband) it can be the difference between dreaming of a summer vacation and actually enjoying a summer vacation.
Until next time, be blessed and spend LESS!
~Pretty Frugal
Tyrese Jones is a higher education professional, wife and mommy that loves looking and feeling good for less. She is an Atlanta Frugal Fashion writer and self-proclaimed frugal lifestyle advocate. Connect with Tyrese below:
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 ®.
©2012 Pretty Girls Rock Dresses, LLC All Rights Reserved
