Love Notes - Friday 12/31/10

On this last day of 2010, we are wishing you a safe and happy New Year's Eve and all the best in 2011.  We're looking forward to a year full of possibilities! Remember to leave a comment here, if you want to be entered in the giveaway.  In your comment, let us know your facebook and/or twitter name so we can find you.  We'll announce the winners on Monday.  Take these quick reminders into the new year with you! ...

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Affirmations for Starting Over

The new year is upon us, and this is the season where many people make lists of "resolutions" or things they will change in the new year. The problem with these resolutions is that few people actually keep them. After a few weeks or months, they fall completely off-course, abandoning the changes they resolved to make. You'll find that we don't address the idea of "New Year's resolutions", as we do not embrace this idea in its entirety. We are of the belief that, while the new year provides a beautiful metaphorical starting point for changes and new beginnings, the day to start taking right actions toward the change you want to see in your life is always today--THIS day, moment or hour. Waiting for a specific box on the calendar, or tick of the clock to move toward our...

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Wrapping up 2010 with Giveaways!

"There are two ways of spreading light; To be the candle or the mirror that reflects it."~Edith Wharton As the year winds down, we hope that we have helped you in some small way to escape from negative thinking, embrace your individuality, and believe in your authentic worth and purpose.  Giveaway #1: Available as a magnet or mousepad We aspire to be a source of comfort and rejuvenation when your spirit needs a boost.  You can use our search feature to browse the archives for posts on everything from sadness and depression to visualization and goals.  In the coming year, we look forward to more growth and interaction...

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Friday Love Note - Happy Holidays

As we enter this season of love and giving, we would like to take a moment to express our love and gratitude for all our readers. Whether you subscribe and read regularly, stop by occasionally, follow us on twitter or fan us on Facebook, connecting with all of you has been a beautiful experience and we are extremely grateful! We hope that you take pause from all the hustle and bustle of this season to fully recognize and enjoy the important people in your life. The holiday season is about giving—but not always those gifts that can be purchased; it is more important to give of ourselves. The gifts of time, love and affection will last much longer...

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Pretty Things: Sustainable Jewelry

Monique Pean has turned the jewelry industry on its ear with her socially and environmentally conscious pieces. The 2009 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund winner garnered the nod with her non-traditional baubles, including a bridal collection, made completely of recycled and sustainable materials. She routinely partners with organizations that draw attention to global issues, like Charity: Water (which seeks to aid in bringing clean water to impoverished nations), draws inspiration for her collections from the issues these organizations seek to draw attention to, as well as donates portions of her proceeds to their causes. Buffalo Horn Earrings...

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The Spirit of Money - Part 3

The wise who are trained and disciplined Shine out like beacon lights They earn money just like a bee gathers honey without harming the flowers And they let it grow as an ant hill slowly gains in heights With wealth wisely gained They use it for the benefit of all. ~Digha Nikaya Two weeks ago, we began this series with a reality check intended to help us discover and acknowledge our financial patterns. Last week, we talked about some practical ways to change those patterns and replace old habits with new ones. This week, we want to share a vision with you. Financial freedom is not just about personal security and wealth. When we see...

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Love Notes - Friday 12/17/10

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What Role Will You Play Today?

In this PLPT guest post, Professor/Pastor Lawrence Ware helps us to evaluate the difference between being ourselves versus playing out the roles we identify with.  Photo credit We live in a time of role-play. We are all labeled as something: black, white, smart, stylish, mom, dad, employee, Christian, Muslim. We all have a role—and we play our roles well. We identify with our roles. In fact, we feel empty without them. We take tests to figure out ‘what’ we are. Are we introverts? Extroverts? Visual learners? Type A personalities? Simply read the Facebook updates of your friends to see the role they have adopted for the day. We love...

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The Spirit of Money - Part 2

“If you want to feel rich, just count the things you have that money can't buy.” ~author unknown Last week, we asked ourselves some revealing questions our financial habits.  For some of us, the reality we uncovered was not pretty.  If you didn't read last week's post about the spirit of money in our lives, you can do so here.   The objective last week was to acknowledge your habits and patterns. You can't begin to change anything without first having an understanding of what you are doing that isn't working.  Think of this journey very literally as a trip: if you are using a GPS for directions, you must ...

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Love Notes - Friday 12/10/2010

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Happy Black Girl Day!

In celebration of Happy Black Girl Day, let's take a moment to be thankful for the women who came before us and paved the way for us to be outspoken, independent, creative--and whatever we darn well please! Debbie Allen Debbie Allen, in her own words, is an artist.  She's a dancer, actress, producer, playwright, choreographer, director, composer and author.  She is a creator and a visionary.  I admire her for her talent, her longevity and her contributions to the arts over the years. I'm inspired by her determination to stay true to her passions through racism, failed relationships, and failed projects.  She says that her...

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The Spirit of Money - Part 1

"Do not value money for any more nor any less than its worth; it is a good servant but a bad master." ~ unknown author Do you sabotage yourself financially by overspending, undersaving and not living within your means?   Do you feel stuck in a job that limits your ability to express yourself and stifles your freedom because you simply need the money to pay your bills?   Do you pursue money to keep up with the Jones' and maintain a certain appearance of status and wealth?   Do you want to support an aging or struggling family member or give back to your community, but find yourself unable because of your financial limitations?...

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Love Notes - Friday 12/3/2010

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Not Buying It

**As you can see, PLPT is undergoing a makeover!  Bear with us as we continue to post while we're under construction.** Photo credit I don't subscribe to the notion that there are "no good black men out there". I know that there are, because I know good black men personally, and I see them in my day-to-day life. I know that there are, because I was raised by a good black man, because my black male friends are good black men, because my girlfriends are being loved by good black men and because I have dated good black men. I think some women get tripped up because they confuse "perfection" with goodness; or because they confuse material...

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