NeoSoul Lifestyle Experience

Change Is Coming to The NeoSoul Lifestyle!

2011-07-01T19:08:00.000-07:00

Those of y'all who have gotten to know me a bit realize that I am all about creating newness in your life....thereby the create of The NeoSoul Lifestyle. I often read books, blogs, magazines, and ear hustle to learn about people and their navigation through life. And, there is a lot of advice out there....yet sometimes I wonder "Is the author really living the words?" So that is why I like to share my experiences with you. I want folks to see my twist and turns to as I apply my theories and evolve.

So what have I been up to lately? An unexpected gentleman has put a sparkle in my eyes. I'm taking things slow and enjoying the simple pleasures of getting to know each other. I've been inspired by my friend Najeema (you can find her on Twitter @OriginalNajeema and check out her blog http://hellinahandbag.me/ ) to begin biking to work! I never thought that I would be one of those folks! Yet, I tried it and I'm enjoying it. I still have a few kinks to work out in my system, but more about that in another blog post. Leticia, my friend and business partner of Organic Fusion, has really exploded on her blog journey and has motivated to reignite my flame. You can check her @ChasingSoul on Twitter and her blog (http://www.chasingsoul.com/) . My friend Tamara has also enlightened me on taking the leap into entrepreneurship. She and I both did our "9 to 5" as HR profressionals, yet created and lived social media alter egos. So when life gave her the opportunity to live her passion...she did and created Ms. Rasberry Consulting LLC . You can also catch her on Twitter @MsRasberryInc .

In the spirit of newness, I will be making some changes to the blog in July. I won't spoil the surprise...but a few include a new site and a lot more coverage of my favorite creative expressions (music, food, & travel...the essence of MY NeoSoul Lifestyle) and a refresh of the lifestyle experiments.

I'm looking forward to creating new experiences to connect with you! Stay tuned....

...Livin' NeoSoul Style

June Experiment

2011-06-01T16:22:00.000-07:00

Wow! It's June....we are in the mid-point of the year. How are things going? Is your life the way (or heading in the direction) you envisioned it? Has unexepected joy or obstacles come into your life? Has your life perspective changed? Do you remember your vision?

This month I thought we would take a different approach to our lifestyle experiment and reset and/or affirm the process of changing our lifestyles. So, you know that it is my hope that each of you would create your own NeoSoul Lifestyle, and I thought that his quick writing exercise may help you design it. I'll share mine with you...

1. Create An Introductory Statement Describing Why You Are Creating A NeoSoul Lifestyle

"Creating my NeoSoul Lifestyle is the process of transitioning my lifestyle built primarily on obligations, social/familial pressures, mediocrity, monotony. Yes I have a good life", I've acheived successes and overcome obstacles. Yet, I am seeking holistic fulfillment, particularly through creative expression."

2. Use The Experiment Elements To Plan Your Change Process

"In order to create my NeoSoul Lifestyle I will need to DETOXIFY my life of accepting disorderliness (specifically paperwork), and procrastination. These two things impact several areas of my life and by focusing on eliminating them I'll re-purpose the energy that is being used on resolving the problems caused by accepting disorder and procrastination in my life."

I will RESTORE a mindset of discipline without ridgidity. I will put this mindset into action into two (2) specific areas in my life...health and wealth. Focus in these areas will be continuous by creating FLOW through simple practical actions:

Bicycling to work 3xs per week
Decreasing dining out
Updating Quicken weekly

I believe that my spirit will be relieved by this process and I will be more capable of creating positive KARMA in a more impactful way. I enjoy random acts of kindness, but I would like to channel some value into a more developed initiative.

So there it is...this is the place that I am in. What about you? What do you need to detox? Restore? What actions should you take to create a positive flow in your life? How can you be of more value to other by creating Karma?

The challenge this month...pause and write your NeoSoul Lifestyle mantra. Let me know if you need more ideas. And if you feel comfortable, please share your thoughts!

Music - Shout Out To My Hometown!

2011-05-17T17:48:00.000-07:00

I love songs that shout out my hometown...MOTOWN! Something about hearing your city in the lyrics just makes you want to crank the volume up! Or is it just me? What is your favorite "Hometown" song?

Here are two (2) of my favorites!

"Hello Detroit" ~ Sammy Davis Jr.

"Detroit Girl" ~ Raphael Saadiq

My Life Rhythm ~ "Feeling Old?"

2011-05-14T10:05:00.000-07:00

Today I went back to my yoga practice. Let me just say, there is nothing like the practice of yoga to bring you back to the reality of the condition of your body. No makeup, no spanx, no stilettos...none of the things I use to enhance my look & body image. With yoga its just me, my body, breath, and mind. And as the class started I began to feel old, not because of my age because there were plenty of people older than me in the class. I felt old because movements that I previously did without thinking were almost impossible.

Now in yoga practice, you are to breathe and honor your body while opening it up to more possibilities. In doing so, your mind becomes clear and for me I experience inner honesty. In that moment, the truth could not be ignored...I had allowed by body to age beyond its natural years. Inconsistent sleep, diet, exercise, and stress levels had brought me to this point.

Thankfully, I still honored myself for coming to class and committed to continue and do my best. And as I flowed, my body released and responded to my thoughts. I was able to do more poses and found myself smiling sometimes in between breaths.

After class I walked home and thought...."What is old? Had I created a lifestyle that would prematurely age me?" I reflected on how much of a change my transition from the DC suburbs to Toronto urban lifestyle. It was a bit of a shock. I wanted the change, and I simply thought it would be easier. But it wasn't...a smaller living space, walking everywhere, public transportation, eco-living and more. I felt old trying to find my rhythm in my new world.

Yes...I had let a few elements of my life get a bit rusty. So I am in a place of evolution. Thankful for aging because it means that I have the gift of life. Now, I'm reviving a youthful spirit and focused on creating my NeoSoul Lifestyle. A lifestyle of experiencing the things I love more fully...family, friends, travel, music, & food! And having the physical, mental, and emotional strength and stamina to experience it all!

Have you ever felt like your lifestyle is aging you?

Let's take a message from the lyrics of Rod Stewart....

~Living NeoSoul Style

The Power of a Morning Experience

2011-05-09T09:42:00.000-07:00

Now that the May lifestyle experiment is over (just in case you missed it, May Experiment ) , I always try to challenge myself to sustain some elements of the experiment. For the rest of this month, I'm going to focus on creating a morning experience. Let me be clear...I AM NOT A MORNING PERSON. In the past I had convinced myself that my mornings didn't need to be revamped because I always "made things happen". Yet, I am now more understanding of the importance of starting your day off right. I began to admire the people that seemed to get more done by noon than I did by 6pm. I became even more motivated to change when I read the book "The Power of Less" which also affirmed a lifestyle of quality morning time. (take a peek at this blog post from the author Leo Babauta 10 Benefits of Rising Early... ) Having a positive morning experience creates momentum for the day, and prepares you for the things that may no go so well (both expected, and especially unexpected).

When my lifestyle is off balance my morning kinda looks like this...

Wake up late
Shower
Panic over having "nothing to wear"
No breakfast
Look for my keys
Get almost to my car and realize I forgot something
Go back in my place, find the forgotten item, and sigh at the mess I created while rushing
Get in the car and tell myself "I've got to do better"
Grab a caffeine fix and snack out of the vending machine at work
Spend the rest of the day trying to get myself back on track

When I think about creating my morning experience (especially during the work week) there are several things that I'd like it to include:

Music
Healthy Breakfast
Meditation
Exercise
Prepared Wardrobe (accessories included)

It sounds so simple, but for me it has been a struggle. Yet, I am committed to this change because I believe that it will completely refresh my NeoSoul Lifestyle. I've already done a few things to get things moving in the positve direction! I bought a closet valet to put my wardrobe on, created a morning playlist, and got a healthy cookbook for breakfast ideas. Also, I'm still working on going to bed by 10:30pm so that I can wake up to have time to pray and exercise.

So my goal is a wake up time range of 5:30am-6am, and be out the door by 8:15am. That's almost 2.5-3 hours daily! 15 hours during the work week! Time to invest in my well being.

Have I motivated you to create your own NeoSoul Lifestyle Morning? I hope so! And please...don't be limited by my morning experience. Create your own to enhance YOUR life.... surely there are plenty of other things to consider....

Listen to motivational audio books
Yoga
Get some fresh air and take a walk or run
Too tired for sex at the end of the day, why not start the day with it!
Tickle your senses with an aromatherapy shower

Do you have a quality morning experience? Please share your insights!

May Experiment

2011-05-01T11:06:00.000-07:00

It's May! Can you believe it?! We are almost at the midpoint of 2011! What plans did you have for this year? Are you on course and ready to turn things up a bit? Have you gotten off track? Didn't have any plans? Whatever phase you are in, I hope that this month's experiment will spark some clarity in your mind by bringing some newness into your lifestyle.

Let's begin creating YOUR NeoSoul Lifestyle! You'll find that while designing the experiment this month I've continued to mix old and new exercises to help you sustain the practices your previously developed and explore new ones too! Here's our May experiment...

DETOXIFICATION - In this component of the experiment we practice behaviors to cleanse our life. I always like to have a water element as a part of this process!

Make a glass of water your FIRST drink of the day and drink a glass with every meal
Select one (1) day to ONLY drink water
Turn off your computer, tv, and phone OFF one (1) hour before you go to bed
Select one (1) day to not watch tv

RESTORATION - Now that we have cleansed a bit, we now have room to restore something in our lives. And yes...I'm still keeping sleep as a part of the experiment :) We will also take some time this month to take invest in ourselves and things that are still able to be utilized, yet we have neglected to take care of so that they can operate at their full potential.

Get 7-8 hours of sleep each night
Make appointments for any medical exams that are overdue
Is there someTHING in your home not working in its purpose because it simply needs repair? All things in your possession should be performing their purpose or purged! So identify one (1) object and get it fixed!

FLOW - This is the part that most folks like to jump to because we sometimes just want to move forward. I must re-affirm how important it is to ensure that you commit to all elements of the experiment. I don't want your FLOW to be interrupted by the entaglements of things that needed to be DETOXED, and we need the RESTORED things to give our FLOW power! Get it?

Create a breakfast time experience....this means NO drive-thru fast food, NO eating at your desk, NO eating in front of the TV! Instead try new options like a new restaurant you've heard about, surprise your child at school, make a date with a special someone, find a place to listen to your favorite tunes or read a LEISURE book. For some, actually having breakfast will be new in itself!
Create a morning ritual. I encourage you to create something that will not only make your mornings more efficient and less stressful...but also more enjoyable

KARMA- As we live in this world and take better care of ourselves we are able to give to others. Simple and plain. NUFF SAID!!!

Give a compliment to a stranger (I can't tell you how many times this simple act has brightened my day!)
Ask for forgiveness. Do you owe someone an apology? Start the healing process. Be cautioned that you can't force someone to forgive you, that is their decision. Yet you can start your healing by acknowleding your mistake and speaking the words in sincerity

So there it is....seven (7) days to invest in your life (5/1-5/7). Simple, practical, and meaningful. I'll be sharing my story (I call it my "Life Rhythm"...I LOVE music), so you can know that I'm walking this past with you and not just putting words into the universe.

I hope you'll share your some of your experience too!
You have lots of options:

Leave comments on the blog
Tweet me @NeoSoulCEO & use hashtag #NeoSoulXp
Join the NeoSoul Lifestyle Experience Facebook Fanpage

~ Living NeoSoul Style

Project Playlist - Traffic Jams!

2011-04-25T05:04:00.000-07:00

Whether it is by car, cab, bus, or train…when we have somewhere to go we just want to get there with no delay! There are so many things we could choose to do on our daily commutes like actually enjoy a beverage instead of just gulping it down, have a light-hearted conversation, read a leisure book, write in a journal, or meditate. Yet most of us don’t even attempt to make our commutes more enjoyable. Efficient maybe, but enjoyable? Probably not.

Have you ever taken a moment to really look at the faces of the people around you during your daily commute? So many scowling faces, looks of boredom, and random acts of anger too!

How much time do you spend on your roundtrip daily commute? 30 minutes? An hour? Wouldn’t it be worth it to make the time more pleasant?

As for me, I drive to work. From time to time I’ve seen a few fellow drivers on the road having their own private concert in the car oblivious to the nearby onlookers who maybe snickering or looking at them like they are crazy. Secretly I’ve longed to be that person, and I think the right playlist may be just what I need to make it happen.

So, let’s create the ultimate Traffic Jams Playlist that will get us all grooving as we get to where we have to go! If you see my jamming in my car…HONK!

Here’s a song that I think should make the playlist….”whatcha know about this”?

~Living NeoSoul Style

Project Playlist ~ Morning Inspiration

2011-04-17T08:47:00.000-07:00

I finally bought my iPod Touch, and to quote Conya Doss "I'll never be the same" (Blu Transition album). Some people are movie or TV buffs, I like them too...but there is nothing like music. In my lifestyle, music keeps me in a rhythmic flow whereas movie and TV have a tendency to draw me in and decrease my productivity. Not music! My days are better when I wake up to it instead of listening to a depressing news story. Traffic is less stressful, work isn't as dull, housecleaning isn't such torture. And less not forget how music enhances a romantic evening, a spades game, and cookout!

I'm so excited to get my playlists started! So, I'm starting Project Playlist! Each week I'll be creating a new playlist and invite you to share music with me that should be added to the playlist. To start things off, the first playlist is called Morning Insipration. This playlist is designed to get my morning off to a state of feeling blessed, calm, hopeful, and thankful for a new day.

When I thought of this song, I immediately thought of Fred Hammond's "Blessed". This song is iconic! Can't wait to see what your suggestions are!

~Living NeoSoul Style

My Life Rhythm: A Fresh Start

2011-04-10T17:09:00.000-07:00

Ahhh....SPRING! The season of re-birth! During this transitional season many of us do Spring cleaning in our homes, restart abandoned New Years resolutions to lose weight to get ready for summer wardrobes, and become more active with more hours of daylight finally awakening from the hibernation of Winter.

I love this time of year. It reminds me to create or re-ignite self care rituals in my life. I have proclaimed this year as my breakthrough...focusing on health, wealth, and happiness. To be more specific, I have decided to really work on the things to stop making repititive mistakes in my life. Some big, some small....either way as the grown folks say "I know better, so I should do better!"

I am a visionary. I THINK BIG! Yet, I realized that I need to bring things back to basics to experience my breakthrough. So, I'm keeping it simple...working one step at a time.

HEALTH Goal: Lower cholesterol, prevent diabetes, and lose weight

Schedule doctor appointments for all annual exams AND FOLLOW UP ON THEIR INSTRUCTIONS
Exercise 4-5 times a week

WEALTH Goal: Create a plan to maximize finances

Organize all financial documents
Use Quicken to plan financial portfolio

HAPPINESS Goal - Create Experiences!

Use Groupon to try new things
Take a week long destination vacation

Even while writing I am tempted to make this plan bigger, but I am going to resist. As I look at my goals again, I am assured that when I achieve them I will be very proud of myself...and the success will be a catalyst for the bigger pieces of my life vision.

~Living NeoSoul Style

April Reflections - Days 5-7

2011-04-08T19:50:00.000-07:00

So during the last few days of the lifestyle experiment pretty much went like this...

Wake up
Sneeze
Cough
Take meds
Drink tea, water, or gingerale
Repeat

In between that cycle I sent a few emails, answered a couple calls, and picked up all of my used kleenex of the floor! Yuck! Needless to say, my experiment didn't go as planned. Yet I can say that during a few clear moments I was able to reflect on what was really important to me. I thought about how many healthy days I haven't maximized to my potential. I can't get that time back....thankfully I BELIEVE that the best is yet to come.

Today, the day after the experiment I felt great! Still have a few symptoms...but I'm getting my groove back. Oh and that reminds me....perhaps I had another Aha moment! I slept A LOT during my battle with the flu and I was amazed at how refreshed I felt now that I've almost fully recovered. I think a part of me just needed to shut down for a little while too, my body was responding the stress I put it under. I realized that I often wait until I'm absolutely burnt out or things have gotten so chaotic before I take a break, and that's not healthy....its escapism. And so I also decided to plan a vacation. I haven't taken a full week long destination vacation in years! I'm so excited to plan my adventure!

Next, I will still work on the elements of the experiment, and of course along the way I'll be creating my NeoSoul Lifestyle!

April Reflections - Day 4

2011-04-04T19:03:00.000-07:00

I am completely overcome by the flu! My sleep lacks quality as the symptoms and thoughts of what I should be doing run through my head. I've heard the saying before "you health is your wealth"...ain't that the truth. This time has refreshed my memory that I should do what I can when I can...nobody knows what tomorrow will bring, right?! I know I certainly didn't anticipate being sick. Yes indeed, we need to make the most of what we have in life.

~ Living NeoSoul Style

April Reflections - Day 3

2011-04-03T15:24:00.000-07:00

Sunday...the day of rest and now REFLECTION too. I've been off track with the flu, mostly sleeping and drinking gingerale :( While being sick inside I watched a few movie (of course in between naps) and frankly a few of them made me sad. I realized the importance of creating the right environment for myself...as it can seriously affect my mood. I'll be taking some more time to review my NeoSoul Lifestyle vision tonight. Honestly, it makes me a little nervous....this is going to take some work! These simple changes are tough! Yet, its worth it to go through this process to create the life I envision.

April Reflections - Day 2

2011-04-02T07:51:00.000-07:00

Its the weekend! I usually take this time to "get things back in order" because during the work my primary focus is work (I plan to change that too). I'm particularly looking forward to the FLOW component of the experiment!

To keep our energy flowing...here's a little inspirational clip from Will Smith:

NeoSoul Lifestyle Experience: April Experiment - Day 1 Reflections

2011-04-01T16:59:00.000-07:00

NeoSoul Lifestyle Experience: April Experiment - Day 1 Reflections: "So today we begin our lifestyle experiment! Looking forward to share my reflections with you and I hope you'll do the same. Many of you know..."

April Experiment - Day 1 Reflections

2011-04-01T07:20:00.000-07:00

So today we begin our lifestyle experiment! Looking forward to share my reflections with you and I hope you'll do the same. Many of you know that the evolution of my NeoSoul Lifestyle is about creative expression through travel, food, and MUSIC! Here's a little something to get you motivated....one of my favorites!

April Experiment

2011-03-30T18:15:00.000-07:00

As a quick refresher, the monthly experiments are designed to empower you to take simple and practical steps to create your own NeoSoul Lifestyle...a life that honors your soul. Every month the experiment takes place the 1st through the 7th. It is my hope that by starting these exercises it will trigger you to SUSTAIN many of the practices throughout the month and beyond!

So, let's begin! Here's our April experiment...

DETOXIFICATION - In this component of the experiment we practice behaviors to cleanse our life. I always like to have a water element as a part of this process!

Make a glass of water your FIRST drink of the day and drink a glass with every meal
Turn off your computer, tv, and phone OFF one (1) hour before you go to bed

RESTORATION - Now that we have cleansed a bit, we now have room to restore something in our lives. And yes...I'm still keeping sleep as a part of the experiment :)

Get 7-8 hours of sleep each night
Reflect on a positive habit/hobby that you have let go of and think of a way to bring it back in your life then DO IT!

FLOW - So we've detoxed the negative and restored the positive! Next is to create some new energy into your NeoSoul Lifestyle.

Yes you guessed it...keeping one of the previous exercises. Reflect on how your year is going so far. Are you on the path you visioned for yourself? Have you forgotten the plan? Does it need to be remixed? Does thinking about planning your life for the rest of the year give you a headache? Try planning the Spring season! Or just this month!
Create a lunch time experience....this means NO drive-thru fast food, NO eating at your desk, NO eating in front of the TV! Instead try new options like a new restaurant you've heard about, surprise your child at school, make a date with a special someone, find a place to listen to your favorite tunes or read a LEISURE book.

KARMA- As we live in this world and take better care of ourselves we are able to give to others. Simple and plain.

Give a compliment to a stranger (I can't tell you how many times this simple act has brightened my day!)
Send a "Thinking of You" package to someone that you haven't connected with (not including Facebook or Twitter) in a while. Send a card, a small "favorite" of theirs (candy, flower, CD, or gift card) and then set up a Skype session to get back in touch LIVE...you may want to send them a webcam as a gift if he/she doesn't have one :) ***You may want to do this exercise less than everyday...just make sure it is sincere and meaningful***

So, I hope you are ready and motivated! You can do this, and frankly...YOU DESERVE IT! The optimal experience of the experiment is to do each of the lifestyle element exercises DAILY April 1-7. But as Rev. Run says "Do your best, and forget the rest!"

And as always...I would love for this to be an interactive experience, so share your thoughts along the way!

You can also chat with me via Twitter @NeoLifeCEO and use the #NeoSoulXp hashtag!

~Living NeoSoul Style

Music: Anthony David

2011-03-19T12:30:00.000-07:00

To put it simply..."I love me some Anthony David!" His soulful and slightly raspy voice simultaneously soothes and stimulates your mind and spirit as you listen to his music. I can't remember how I got introduced to his music, but its been on heavy rotation ever since I found out about him. I haven't seen him perform live YET, but I regularly check his tour schedule on his website (Anthony David) because if he doesn't come to Toronto...I WILL be planning a trip around one of his performance dates!

Until recently my favorite song was "Stop Playin'" from the Acey Duecy album. By the way if you haven't gotten the album yet, get it! My new favorite is 4EverMore from his soon to be released (3/22) album "As above, So below" And I absolutely love the video (but I must admit I am so jealous of Algebra Blesset who plays Anthony's wife and is featured on the song along with Phonte)! Look closely and you'll see cameo appearances from India.Arie and Eric Roberson too.

Let me know what you think!

....Livin' NeoSoul Style

Music - Zo!

2011-03-16T14:18:00.000-07:00

I love a song that makes me smile, think of a special memory, and dance a Detroit-style 2 step! I'm feeling this groove...what do y'all think?

Music: Conya Doss

2011-03-16T10:16:00.000-07:00

You can't live the NeoSoul Lifestyle without incorporating music into almost every aspect of it! Check out this new video from Conya Doss, the song is "WiFi" from her 5th album Blu Transition. So, are we feeling it y'all? I'm loving the social media spin in the lyrics!

NeoSoul Lifestyle Experiment - Plan (March)

2011-02-28T21:33:00.000-08:00

Meant to get this out earlier...but let's just say flight turbulence and a screaming child were just two elements of a night full of surprises!

So, let's begin! Here's our experiment...

Detoxification - This is one of my favorites! Drink 1/2 of your body weight in ounces. Let's purify our bodies!

Restoration - Get 7-8 hours of sleep

Flow - 30 minutes of quiet time, a nap doesn't count! You must be awake to experience the time! Meditate, listen to soothing music, journal, and/or pray.

Karma - Give a compliment to a stranger

Now remember....the goal is to do each of the lifestyle elements EACH DAY of the experiment (March 1st - 7th). Seems simple right? Give it your best, and share your thoughts along the way!

NeoSoul Lifestyle Experiment (Finally...It's Back!)

2011-02-27T18:20:00.000-08:00

Its been a long time since I hosted my monthly NeoSoul Lifestyle Experiment...and I realize that its what I miss about blogging the most! The NeoSoul Lifestyle is about evolving and experiencing your life in a new way. As for me, the catalyst for my lifesytle evolution is creative expression. To experience life through my music, travel, art, & food.

If you are new to the monthly NeoSoul Lifestyle Experiment, here's a quick refresher:

The first seven days of the month we take some time to "recover" our lives through simple, yet practical actions, within four key elements; Detoxification, Restoration, Flow, and Karma. As a new twist for 2011, I'll be simplifying each element to 1-2 actions and then we'll layer new actions each month. I'm hoping this will help folks to fully engage in the experiment.

So, more about the four lifestyle elements...
DETOXIFICATION - Defined as a process by which the body/mind/spirit is allowed to free itself. The goal of detoxification is to release and/or neutralize toxins so that the body can heal itself after some type of dependency. Within this element we will remove things from our lifestyle that are inhibiting us from evolving.

RESTORATION - Defined as an act of restoring to an improved condition; a reconstruction of an original form. In contrast to detoxification, we will restore things in our lives that enable us to live the lifestyles we envision.

FLOW - Defined as the ability to move or run smoothly with unbroken continuity, as in the manner characteristic of a fluid; To proceed steadily and easily; To arise. Now THIS is truly the essence of The NeoSoul Lifestyle! What more needs to be said?

Karma - Known as a "deed" or "act" and more broadly names the universal principle of cause and effect, action and reaction, that governs all life. We will utilize this element knowing that we live together in this world interdependently. So, after we detox, restore, and live in our flow...we then time to add positive synergy in our communities.

Monday evening I will be annonucing the plan for the March experiment. I hope you'll join me and share your insights. It is a wonderful opportunity for us to support one another. I am really looking forward to this as I have been on the go, go, GO! I need some time to recover and refresh. I also thought that this would be a great time for people to review their New Years resolutions...have they fizzled? Or are some of you already dreaming of Spring? The season of rebirth, maybe the NeoSoul Lifestyle
Experiment will give you a bit of a head start?!

Oh, one more thing....you can also share your comments about the experiments on Twitter using this hashtag => #NeoSoulXp

Here's to a great March, and the evolution of our NeoSoul Lifestyles!

Hair Salons...Queendoms or Temples of Doom?

2011-02-21T05:33:00.000-08:00

Like most women I look forward to a fresh hairdo! Yet I must say...lately, I haven't found a salon that has given me that "DIVA" feeling. And to be quite honest, it annoys me! Now, to be fair...I can admit that I am VERY sensitive about my hair. I experienced unexplained hairline loss and have been quite traumatized by the ordeal. So when I go to a hair salon, I am anticipating indulging in a fulfilling experience that will soothe my anxiety. Is that too much to ask?

Yet, it seems that there is always SOMETHING lacking in each new salon I try! I have yet to find a salon that has ALL the things I am looking for. For example...a welcoming greeting, the offering of a beverage and light snack, excellent customer services, healthy hair practices, knowledge of new products and trends, versatile styling techniques, cleanliness, beautiful decor, appointment reminders, online booking, social media/website utilization.

It is so disheartening! And...is it just me? Or do other women feel that we (particularly women of color) are being taken advantage of? Overbooking, leaving us under the dryer long than necessary to kill time, over-pricing for mediocore services, and EXTENSIVE WAITING!!! Yet, we continue to go back for more!! Where is the incentive for many of these hair salons to upgrade their business practices?

Now that I have relocated, I dread the experience of trying to find a new hair salon! So I have already decided to supplement my hair salon visits with more at-home care treatments. So I will be watching YouTube tutorials to brush up on my skills! Hmmm...and it will likely help out my budget too.

Yet still, as woman living "The Neo-Soul Lifestyle" can't do EVERYTHING herself! I can't go cold turkey on salon visits! So I would love for you all to share information about the hair salons you love in your city! Let's support those that are doing their best! And we'll have great resource list for those of us who travel quite a bit!

Let's groove while on this hair journey!

A Global Citizen

2011-02-18T16:20:00.000-08:00

Let me start by saying, it feels so good to blog again! Quite a bit has happened in my life, and to sum it up nicely...I've moved to Toronto for a 1 year assignment! I'm looking forward to sharing the experience with you.

At first, I didn't allow myself to get too excited. For a little while I thought, "It's Canada, you've been there before (although its been years, the last time I visited you didn't need a passport) how different could it be from the U.S.?

Then I quickly realized that I need to FULLY experience this opportunity and be open to the possibilites of meeting new people with different values, new cuisines, and music. It is indeed a different country...it is not like moving to a different county.

So there it is...I have become a global citizen. Did I ever think think I would be presented with this type of opportunity?! Actually, yes I did! It's funny...when I created my Twitter profile (@NeoLifeCEO) I wrote "Motown Roots, Global Living"...I am so thankful to be living the manifestation of those words.

If you have any places, people, and/or "beware" tips that you'd like to share with me....I'd love to hear them!

Five Steps to Creating Your Budget and Sticking With It

2010-11-08T09:00:00.000-08:00

You know what you earn, what you spend and what your financial priorities are -- now put them together to create a budget and I'll explain how.

Finally! NOW we'll do a budget. Budgeting isn't hard, but I wanted to establish a foundation for why you're doing a budget and how to do it. Wax on, wax off Daniel-san.

Remember, we defined a budget as "the amount of money that is available for, required for, or assigned to a particular purpose." A budget is how you plan to use the money you have earned and/or that is available to you to live your life. Without a plan, you will either wind up in debt or spend that money on things that really don't make your life easier or more enjoyable.

A budget is not a list of things you aren't allowed to spend your money on. Its point is to help you set priorities. So a budget helps you figure out what to spend money on. A budget need not be complicated. Heck, it doesn't even need to be called a budget! Call it your spending plan, your spending allowances, your fiscal plan, whatever makes you feel more comfortable starting it and sticking with it.

Five Steps to Create a Budget
1. On a piece of paper (preferably use a spreadsheet program or an online service such as Mint.com), write down your NET income per month. What's Net income? Your gross, or total, income minus taxes.

2. List your savings goals -- how much money do you need to save each month to save 10% for tithing, or to build a $1,000 emergency fund or to save three months of living expenses? List each thing you plan to save for and how much each month you need to put away.

3. Add up your monthly savings goals and subtract the total from your net income.

4. Now, list all your fixed expenses -- these include rent, mortgage, utilities, debt repayment (remember, if you have debt, especially high interest debt, your number one financial priority is to pay it off), loans, car insurance, public transportation, etc. Add up your fixed expenses and subtract that total from the amount you got in Step 3 (DON'T start again with your net income).

5. If there is a positive number left after Step 5, CONGRATULATIONS! This is your spending money for whatever you need and want. If there is a negative number after Step 5, then you've got some problems (and a clearer picture of why you might be going into debt or running short each month).

If you have a negative number after Step 5:
Look at your biggest expenditures and see what can be cut. Perhaps your savings goals or your debt repayment plans are too aggressive for your current situation. Maybe you're paying a lot more in rent than you can afford. Maybe your cell phone bill can be reduced. Look to cut fixed expenses first, because that's where you'll save the most money. If you can't, then you need more income. If, for some reason, that's not possible, then you may have to eliminate your savings goals until you pay off debt (not to keep paying for a lifestyle that's above your means).

If you must cut your savings goals until you can pay down debt, still contribute to your 401k if your employer is offering a match. Also, try to save $1,000 in a mini-emergency fund to protect you in the event of unforeseen expenses.

If you have a positive number after Step 5:
This is where you lay out your spending priorities and use your spending record (see! yet another reason you kept it!) to determine just how much you spend on those things. Start subtracting those monthly expenses from the remaining amount. When you hit zero, that's it, no more money.

Are you already rubbing your temples and saying "Debt Hater, I ain't doing all of that!" Well, tsk tsk. I think this is much easier than trying to keep your head above water while you go broke! But, still, there is a quick and dirty way to do this too, but you still have to do some math. I happen to like Ramit Sethi's Conscious Spending Plan allotments in his best-selling book "I Will Teach You To Be Rich." Basically, you take your net income and divvy it up this way:

Fixed expenses (including debt repayment): 50% - 60% of net income(60% if you own a home)
Investments (401k, 501c3, IRA): 10%
Savings (vacations, gifts, holidays, home downpayment, wedding, unexpected expenses): 5% - 10%
Spending Money (whatever you want!): 20% to 35%

Take your net income and see what these percentages add up to. If it turns out that your fixed expenses are 70% of your income and your spending money is 30%, then you see where you have a problem! You've left nothing for savings and investments. Start chopping down your fixed expenses and cool down the spending until you get your proportions on track.

Me personally, if you're in debt or have expensive purchases (like a car or home) you want to make, you should bump savings to 15% and lower spending money to 15%. Remember, it's about priorities AND time.

Any questions? Please leave them in the comments, I'd be happy to answer any that I can.

Debt Hater is a personal finance blogger who paid off nearly $16,000 in credit card debt (not including a car loan!) in four years, just like she planned. You can visit her blog at www.debthatersblog.com.

Do We Budget Now? Set Some Goals First

2010-10-22T09:00:00.000-07:00

Budgets are hard to follow.

Or so says popular belief, but I disagree.

Budgets are not hard to follow if you have a good reason for following them. I know how much I struggled to stay on budget when I was doing it just for the sake of doing it. I was much better when I had a goal.

I will be honest, I am not the goals super woman. I can mercurial (look that up, it's a good word) about my finances -- intensely interested one week, then not at all the next. So, it takes me a while to set real goals that motivate me to save or stick to my budget.

Last week, I asked you to think about your priorities and come up with a financial mission statement. Your financial mission statement should help you make decisions about your money -- everything you do should be in step with your mission.

So, before you start with the budget, what would you like to accomplish?

If you're a debt hater like me and reading these posts, you probably want to pay off your consumer debt! Good! Of course! But, uh, how exactly do you do that? If you knew, you probably wouldn't be reading this.

You need to figure out EXACTLY how much you owe, to whom and what the interest rates are and add it all up. Now, how soon do you want to pay it off? Tomorrow? Yeah, nice try. Start with a debt repayment calculator (there are many online, just Google it).

A good calculator will take into account how much you owe and the interest rates, then show you how long it will take to pay off if you only pay the minimums. You should be able to change the variables. Say, you want to pay it off in six months, the calculator should tell you how much money you'd have to pay monthly to accomplish that. Or if you knew you could afford to pay a certain dollar amount monthly, the calculator will tell you how long it will take to erase the debt paying that amount.

An example: Let's say you have $10,000 in credit card debt at 12%. You are 28 and want to pay it off before you turn 30. You punch your numbers into the calculator and, just like that, you have a goal! If you pay $470 a month on your consumer debt, you'll pay it off in less than two years!

What makes a good financial goal?
A good goal, any goal, should be S.M.A.R.T.:
Specific: I want to completely pay off my consumer debt before my 30th birthday in 2012.
Measurable: I know I'll be done when I pay all $10,000.
Achievable: I can afford to pay off my debt if I manage my money properly.
Realistic: I have steady income and enough money available for bills, savings and spending money.
Timely: I can definitely do it in two years if I always pay $470 a month or more.

The same thing works for saving to buy something. What do you want and why? When do you want to buy it? How much money will you have to put aside each week or month to make that happen? Do you actually have that money available each week or month? What changes could you make to have that money available?

When you know what you're trying to accomplish, you plan your budget around it (which is why I still haven't gotten to the nuts and bolts of a budget). It'll keep you honest and make it easier to track your progress -- as you get closer to your goals, you're more motivated to stick with it (trust me! Watching my debt fall and my savings rise, as slowly as it happened, helped me suck it up when I just wanted to blow a wad a cash. I had a REASON to be good!).

Now, once you sit down and create a budget, you may realize that some of your goals are not realistic. That's ok! When you know what you're working with, you can fix them so that they are.

Each little bit, builds on the last. Next, week, I promise, we'll build your budget -- the budget that's going to lead you through 2010 and into 2011 with a clear financial picture and plan!

DH

Debt Hater is a personal finance blogger who paid off nearly $16,000 in credit card debt (not including a car loan!) in four years, just like she planned. You can visit her blog at www.debthatersblog.com.

Habits....Let's Try This Again!

2010-10-20T18:18:00.000-07:00

The power of social media....one of my Twitter friends called me out my abrupt end of updates on the 30-day challenge, AFTER DAY 2! Good grief! Yes, I've been busy but I need to stick to a plan. So here I go again....send positive vibes y'all!

This time, I will include the tasks for seven (7) days and will post comments on my progress....

Day 1 Habit - Make A To Do List
What you write down gets done. Start with a blank piece of paper and write your to do's for the next seven days. Be sure the list is inclusive (work, family, home, and YOU)!

Day 2 Habit - Pick The Three Most Important Items On Your List
Choose and mark the most important three tasks on your to do list today. Be sure to puth them in rank order of importance. Now go cross those three things off your list! No procrastinating....GO!

Day 3 Habit - Cross Something Off Your List
Let's lighten the load. Cross off any non-critical item from your to do list. Be ruthless! If you aren't, those items will just take up mind-space with a nagging "hey, what about me?" and distract you from what REALLY needs to get done.

Day 4 Habit - Set Deadlines For Your To Do List
Prevent to do list procrastination! Assign deadlines to the things on your list. Set times by which you must make phone calls, arrive places, or submit things. For more general to do's, make a note as to whether or not the task must be done the same day.

Day 5 Habit - Pick A Problem Room & Identify The Pinch Point
The pinch point is the one thing that prevents everything from running smoothly when it's not in order. So, if the laundry room is your problem area, look for the source of the problem (one big pile, no detergent, etc) and tend to that first. Once you eliminate the pinch point, you'll be amazed how quickly everything falls into place.

Day 6 Habit - Fix The Pinch Point
See it. Fix it! If the pinch point in your laundry room is clothing buildup because you're out of detergent, then keep your soap out where you can see it. Visual reminders help keep your necessary tasks top of mind, so they'll be fixed faster.

Day 7 Habit - Set Up A Mail Center
Mail's here! To keep things organized, set up a mail center in the foyer or hallway right by your mailbox. First, get rid of all that junk mail by setting a stylish recycling bin beside your mail center. In the hallway or by your mailbox, try a wooden mail depot with different compartments for each family member, plus a separate compartment for magazines and catalogs.

Day 2: Change & The Power of Habits

2010-10-11T10:56:00.000-07:00

Day 1 Recap:
I did it! I created a week of To Do's. I decided to use my Google calendar, because it has a task element as well. The tough part was trying to remember all of the things I needed to do.....thus the reason for WRITING a list huh?! Then as the To Do's began to roll through my mind, I couldn't get them to stop and had to remind myself....what needs to get done THIS WEEK. But, nevertheless....I DID IT! Whew!

Habit Former - Day 2: Pick The Three Most Important Items On Your List
Description: Choose and mark the most important three tasks on your to do list today. Be sure to put them in rank order of importance. Now go do what you need to do to cross those three things off your list! No procrastinating...GO!

Change and The Power of Habits

2010-10-10T14:00:00.000-07:00

I tend to think BIG, and give little thought to the details of life. Yet I know that taking care of the small things will allow the BIG things to manifest and flourish. Now keep in mind, I said "I know"....not that "I do" take care of the details.

As I think about this.....I wonder how much time and money have I lost due to my resistance to the little mundane (yet necessary) things in life. How much stress have I caused myself and others by forgetting? Being late? How many opportunities have I missed?

At different times I have tried to re-invent myself into a person that is all about the details. You know the type....the person that has a list for EVERYTHING, doesn't take a step without a detailed plan, ALWAYS on time & prepared w/extra to share....essentially the "Type A" personality.

I would have a little success, but it was not sustainable as a part of my lifestyle. For me, trying to create this "Type A" persona was too much of a change....it simply is not who I am. For a while, I allowed myself to believe that I was destined to be a person that would need to be comfortable with a quiet simmer of chaos in life while doing the BIG things.

Now I realize that the simmer of the little things left undone, can come to a intensifying boil. So, I am choosing to live differently. There are so many wonderful things on the horizon and I will not allow the little things to diminish or detroy them. I am inspired by the Autumn season....it is the season of change and transformation. This is the time to do things in a new way. I am also motivated by my aspiration to want to close 2010 on a strong & positive flow to create momentum for 2011.

So I am filled with inspiration and motivation, and then thought...."Yikes! Now I have to create a detailed plan TO DO IT!" I knew I would need a jumpstart to get me on the right track. So I purchased these cards called Habit Formers (http://www.organize.com/habit-former-trade-buttoned-up-reg.html). The purpose of these cards are to provide you with a specific tasks to do each day for thirty (30) days. Then at the end of the thirty you should be off to a good start of a more organized life!

So, I'm going to do it! Join me if you like!

Habit Former - Day 1: Make A To Do List For The Week
Description: What you write down gets done. Start with a blank piece of paper and write your to do's for the next seven (7) days. Be sure the list is inclusive (work,family/home...and don't forget you personally!)

Whew, I already have some anxiety just thinking of everything that I need to do. Sigh, but I guess the key here is not to get overwhelmed by EVERYTHING that needs to be done. I simply need to determine what needs to be done this week. Ok, I CAN DO THIS! Send positive vibes my way!

Before You Create A "Budget," Set Your Financial Priorities

2010-09-17T10:45:00.000-07:00

Why do you want to more money? Why do you want to be debt free?

You spent some time tracking your spending, then going over the data you compiled to get more insight into what it is you're doing with your money.

"Ok," you're thinking,"now you're going to tell me to make a budget."

Nice thinking, but it's premature.

What is a budget?
Strictly speaking, a budget is "the amount of money that is available for, required for, or assigned to a particular purpose."

With that definition in mind, I'd say a budget is how you plan to use the money you have earned and/or that is available to you to live your life. Without a plan, you will either wind up in debt or spend that money on things that really don't make your life easier or more enjoyable.

That's why I don't think the next thing you need to do is a budget. The next you need to do is figure out what your priorities are.

Your Spending Record Indicates Your Financial Priorities
What do you want out of life in general and day-to-day? What do you spend your money on?

Experiences matter to me. I like to go to nice restaurants. I like to try cooking gourmet meals or desserts. I like to visit my family and close friends often. I like to take big trips whenever I can. I like going to the movies. I also like the comforts of home -- TV, movies, stocked fridge, cushy couch, comfy bed, big thirsty bath towels. I also like trying new things: canoeing, rafting, surfing, trampoline, pole dancing, something novel, something fun.

I also like to give to worthy causes, which I still consider an experience -- I'm just granting a good experience to someone else.

If you look at my monthly reports, you'll see I am always spending a lot on food, clothing and travel. I also "tithe," so I give money away.

I try to spend most of my money on the things that matter to me and AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE on the things I don't care about!

Being Debt Free Is Your Top Priority
If you're in debt, then getting out of debt should be your singular priority. It's going to be hard to spend your money on the things that matter to you with debt weighing you down and costing you money without providing you with ANY benefits whatsoever.

It may turn out that what you spent your money on is NOT what you prioritize. Then it's good that you went through the spending record exercise, because now you KNOW that and can now do something about it.

Discover What Matters: Your Financial Mission Statement
So what should you do now?

Write down what matters to you. Come back to it in a day or so and read it aloud. You're trying to drill down to the true essence of what matters to you. Once you get that, write it down again and formulate your financial mission statement:

I want to be out of debt so that I can______________.

OR

I want to be rich so that I can _______________.

Fill in the blank.

Mine is: I want to be debt-free and build wealth so that I can live a life full of worthwhile experiences and know that I helped others do the same.

My saving, investing and spending should reflect what matters to me.

Don't try to sound all noble in your mission statement. Be HONEST!

Maybe your statement is:
I want to be rich so that wherever I go, I am the baddest dressed chick on the scene, ALWAYS!

Fine! It doesn't mean that paying bills or taking care of the kids are not important. It just means that once you take care of your responsibilities, it's all about your wardrobe. Whatever does it for you baby.

Think about your priorities. Then we'll put your money to work for you.

DH

Debt Hater is a personal finance blogger who paid off nearly $16,000 in credit card debt (not including a car loan!) in four years, just like she planned. You can visit her blog at www.debthatersblog.com.

10 Things My Parents Taught Me...(and they still hold true today)

2010-09-14T19:22:00.001-07:00

As I keep refining my life, I often find myself trying to create new ways of doing things. Yet lately I am finding that so many of the things my parents taught me can help me create my lifestyle remix. Here's 10 of my favorites!
1. Make your bed before leaving the house
2. Pick out your clothes the night before
3. Change your sheets when you wake up on Saturday
4. Turn off the extra lights in the house
5. Listen to good music
6. Pack your lunch
7. Don't ever say "I can't"
8. Always save some of your paycheck
9. Don't be lazy, take care of business
10. Take care of what you have, before you ask for something else

Hmmm...so simple, yet so powerful. So thankful for my parents...their love and wisdom is the essence of my lifestyle remix!

Reconnect with the life lessons you were taught back in the day...I'd love to hear about them!

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Life Is Happening!

2010-09-12T19:07:00.000-07:00

Today was different...its difficult to describe. I woke up from my cozy bed without an alarm clock. I put on my clothes and smiled at my reflection in the mirror. I was on time....NO, I WAS EARLY for a brunch appointment. I enjoyed and savored my meal. I was inspired by the business brainstorming conversation, and surprised by my passion as I discussed my vision. I took time to stroll the National Harbor. I blushed & said thank you to compliments of my presence. I explored shops and chatted with owners. I bumped into a friend and we made plans to get together. My ATM card that I lost was returned to me. I got a call confirming the reinstatement of my drycleaning delivery service. It was a day filled with simple pleasures.

I felt alive....different! I am changing my life!

Where Is Your Money Going?

2010-09-10T08:21:00.000-07:00

You've tracked your spending for a week. Were you surprised by where your money was going? Random spending isn't the only place where we lose money. This week, we'll look at other places you may be bleeding money including account mistakes, overdraft fees, finance charges and impulse buying.

You kept all your receipts or wrote down what you spent, on what and when. You created a spreadsheet to help you add it up.

How do you feel?

You may have felt like it was a pointless exercise (no it wasn't, as I'll explain) or that you didn't learn anything new about your spending patterns or you were blown away by where your money goes in just a week.

Why are you doing this? Chances are, you've never done it before. You may be struggling with debt, or struggling to save for the things that you want or simply struggling to pay for anything at all. Maybe you aren't struggling with any of those things, but you're often hit with expensive surprises at the end of the month -- Not quite enough left in checking to cover the rent next week? Suddenly missing $100 that you don't remember spending, but it sure isn't in your account? Getting an e-mail about your account being overdrawn?

You track your spending to look for the obvious holes. Once you see the obvious holes, you can get better at spotting the less obvious ones, which we'll talk about in this post. The longer you track your spending, the more accurate a picture you have of your overall finances. The more accurate your picture, the better planning you can do for your finances. The better your financial plan, the LESS you'll have to do the tedious work of tracking every penny. If your plan is tight, there won't be any surprises! That's why this is not a pointless exercise.

But you also must walk before you can run.

Here are five places to look to save money that you may not normally look:

1. Bank and credit card statements. Banks are not infallible. Banks make mistakes with YOUR money. Check your statements and make sure you weren't charged any erroneous fees or that someone else hasn't gotten a hold of your information and is shopping on your dime. If you have a questions or suspicions, CALL YOUR BANK. You might be the one mistaken, but it's better to get it straight than to assume everything is fine. The same goes for any other bills including your cell phone, utilities, etc.

2. Monthly fees vs. annual costs. Why do you think car dealers ask you "How much are you looking to pay a month?" when you are looking to buy or lease?
The CORRECT question is "How much do you want to pay for this car and how long do you want to pay on it?"
Why do they ask the first question and not the second one?
Because by getting you to think only about the monthly fee for that car, they can get you to pay way more for it than it may be worth.
It's the same with any other monthly fee -- a low fee may seem like a bargain, but multiply by 12 and see how much money you may be losing on something in a year.

Look at your bills and bank statements and see what things you're charged for each month (besides your rent or mortgage). Multiply that monthly charge by 12 -- that's what it costs you each year. Do you really want to spend that much on whatever it is each year? Could you possibly spend less on that same service?

3. Your cell phone. Of course you need it, but could you potentially spend less on it each month? Are you using all those minutes? If not, can you roll them over? If not, can you get fewer minutes for a lower price? Are you paying per text message and frequently go over the limit?
Many cellular providers' websites allow you to "analyze" your bill. You punch in your information and then it lets you know if you're actually using everything you're paying for. If you aren't, you may want to cut back on your services or options and save some cash.

4. Your friends and family. Are you the one always covering somebody, helping a sistah out, bailing out a brother, or footing someone else's bills? Maybe it's just $20 here and there, but how often do here and there call you asking for money?

5. Your vices. Cigarettes. Alcohol. Ice cream, and lots of it. These are all things that may be hurting more than your wallet! Have you lost $100 and gained 10 pounds this month and don't quite know how? Look here. Your indulgence in these things may also be costing you indirectly -- does your company benefits plan charge additional fees if you're a smoker, drinker, or significantly overweight?

Right now, I'm not asking you to start or stop doing anything. I'm just asking you to take notice of these things that you probably never spend time thinking about.

Once you recognize your patterns, you can do something about them -- channeling that same brain power to help you instead of hurt you.

Spend this week checking on where you money goes and seeing if there are places where you can stop the bleeding. Once you identify those areas, close them up!

DH

Debt Hater is a personal finance blogger who paid off nearly $16,000 in credit card debt (not including a car loan!) in four years, just like she planned. You can visit her blog at www.debthatersblog.com.

The Dating Experiment

2010-09-05T07:57:00.000-07:00

Those of you who really know me, know that I love to do things in an alternative or creative way. Earlier this summer I was inspired by a piece in Essence magazine where the relationships editor participated in a summer dating challenge....did y'all read that? Well, anyway....she created a circle of trusted friends (including her MOM!) to put her on blind dates! Check out essenceonline.com

I thought it was an interesting approach to the dating game, and wondered if I could incorporate it into my NeoSoul Lifestyle. And, guess what?! I did!

So here's how I remixed it for me.....

I invited a circle of women to my home for brunch to interview me about my dating life and what I hope to experience from this experiment! I selected women that I KNOW have a true appreciation for love, marriage, and relationships.....most importantly THEY KEEP IT REAL! You can follow them on Twitter at:
@ChasingSoul
@PolishedImage
@OriginalNajeema
And if you're not already...follow me @NeoSoulAlterEgo !

These ladies will also help me to spruce up my online dating profiles too...I think they are in for a shock to really see what the single life is all about these days!

After our brainstorming session, these ladies...which I will now refer to as "The Counsel" will set me up on blind dates in September. And of course...I'll be blogging and tweeting along the way!

Oh....and keep an eye on my friend Rosetta @happyblackwoman or www.happyblackwoman.com because she is doing an Extreme Online Dating Experiment!

So send me positive vibes y'all! The NeoSoul Lifestyle remix is in full effect!

Track Your Spending for A Week, Then A Month, Then A Quarter

2010-08-27T07:34:00.000-07:00

Tracking your spending is the first step to understanding where your money goes. You can't make substantial changes to your financial life until you understand what your financial life looks like right now.

What's stopping you from getting out of debt? From saving for a home, college education, retirement or a fantastic vacation?

Many people are waiting for a windfall:

"As soon as I hit the Lotto, I am going to take care of everything!"

"When I get my bonus, I am going to take care of everything!"

"When I get a higher paying job, I am going to save like I should!"

"When my great aunt kicks the bucket, she'll leave me everything and then I can get it together!"

Ok, maybe you're not waiting for a relative to die, but you're probably waiting for more money. If you had more money, then you could pay down debt or save or do both.

You have more money than you think.

You've heard and read about the "latte factor," how you're 4x-a-day Starbucks habit is robbing you of hundreds of dollars a year. Well, how about your "vending machine factor," or your "overpriced auto insurance factor," or your "club hopping factor?" What small things are you dropping money on over and over that you never notice until it's time to pay a bill?

One of the first steps to getting a true picture of your fiscal health is determining just what you spend your hard-earned money on.

To do this right, you have to do it the hard way -- keep all your receipts and write every expenditure down.

"WHY?!" You may be shrieking. "I don't have the time or patience to keep track of all those little pieces of paper. What's the benefit?" The benefit is that you may discover hundreds of dollars you are losing each month and don't even realize it.

For One Week, keep the receipts for every purchase you make. If you don't get a receipt, immediately write down what you bought, the date and how much it cost (I use an app on my smart phone called Cashbox). If you use debit or credit cards, write it down anyway. Use the statements to double-check your notes.

At the end of the week, open a spreadsheet (yes, that little green X thing on your computer -- it's called Excel). In Column A, type in the dates you made your purchases. In Column B, type where you went shopping. Column C, type in what you bought (groceries, cosmetics, bank fee is sufficient; don't catalog every item). Finally, in Column D, type in how much it cost.

When you're done, add up Column D. Take the sum of Column D and multiple it by 4.

That new number shows you what you spend each month, not including your bills or your debt. Just on stuff.

Now, subtract this number from your monthly take-home pay. If this number is negative, you're going into debt every month.

You may be thinking, "I just had an off week." Maybe you did. Now that you know you have the discipline to do this for one week, do it again for two. Then do it for a month. Do it for a quarter (that's three months).

Look for patterns. Is latte listed 80 times? Did you go to the grocery store repeatedly? Did you stick a lot of change into a vending machine?

This will give you a more accurate picture of what you do monthly. It will help you plan for your money.

In the coming posts I will explain how to take that information to begin transforming your financial situation. One step at a time to financial freedom!

And The Winner Is......

2010-08-09T20:02:00.000-07:00

Thank you all for making the the first NeoSoul Lifestyle Experiment a success! I appreciated your insights and learned alot.....and there's one more business item to take care of!

The winner of the $25 SpaFinder gift certificate is.....KIM!

NeoSoul Experiment - Day 7

2010-08-07T14:01:00.000-07:00

Today is the last day of the experiment! I can't believe it! As I tried to incorporate each of the components at times it seemed that the days were moving so slowly! Yet each day I grew more motivated, and now I can't believe the experiment has come to a close!

NeoSoul Experiment - Day 6

2010-08-06T09:26:00.000-07:00

Two more days to go......I'm already starting to think about which practices I want to keep working on for the rest of the month!

NeoSoul Experiment - Day 5

2010-08-06T09:24:00.000-07:00

Is there one practice in the experiment that you haven't done yet! I encourage you to focus on that practice and plan to do it!

NeoSoul Experiment - Day 4 Reflection

2010-08-03T20:13:00.000-07:00

What is your favorite practice of The NeoSoul Lifestyle Experiment? How do you FEEL about the process so far? Is the experience what you thought it would be?

NeoSoul Experiment - Day 3 Reflection

2010-08-03T20:01:00.000-07:00

Are you starting to catch a rhythm? Are you finding it difficult to stay on track? Did you think it would be easier?

As for me........
I am realizing that I an experiencing quite a bit of stress, and that creating self-care rituals is critical to my well being. Today was a roller coaster ride. I had an important meeting at work and gave it 100%! It was a success, yet I was drained the rest of the day and found it difficult to stay focused.

I wondered why I was feeling lackluster, then I realized that I had only gotten a little sleep the night before, minimal water, and no time for meditation. Yikes!

Creating my NeoSoul Lifestyle, is serious y'all.....so glad this experience is enlightening me. I realize that the evolution will truly be a journey.

NeoSoul Experiment - Day 2 Reflection

2010-08-02T17:00:00.000-07:00

How are things going in Day 2? Did you focus on the same practices? Did you try new ones? Are you finding the experience difficult? easy? uncomfortable? What are your intentions for Day 3? Share your comments!

NeoSoul Experiment - Day 1 Reflection

2010-08-02T16:37:00.000-07:00

Take a moment to reflect on yesterday (8/1), the FIRST day of The NeoSoul Lifestyle Experiment! Did you jump right in on the practices? Did you pick a few to focus on? Did you forget? Share your comments!

As for me......I didn't hit it on all cyclinders yesterday.

Restoration:
I was attending a concert last night and as usual I was rushing to get dressed! (Unfortunately you have to try on half of your closet to see what fits when you've put on more than a few pounds! But I digress.....) So, I didn't make my bed for my return later in the evening. Once I did get home, I talked to a friend on the phone until I drifted off to sleep for about six hours. But I didn't fall alseep on the sofa!

Detoxification:
I got in less than 1/2 of my water intake. I took out the extra shoes, work folders, and bags in my car. I also cleaned my bathroom and gave it a few spa-like touches!

Flow:
I felt very relaxed most of the day....yet my quiet time wasn't planned so I thought about a lot of things, yet need still need to write down specific goals.

Karma:
I intentionally sent my friend a thank you text for inviting me to a concert. After the concert, I complimented both the artist and promoter on their show.

August NeoSoul Lifestyle Experiment Begins TODAY!

2010-08-01T08:02:00.000-07:00

And so it begins.....I am so happy to facilitate the 1st Monthly NeoSoul Lifestyle Experiment!

I received a few requests to extend the RSVP, so TODAY is the last day that you can RSVP to participate and be entered in a raffle for a SpaFinder gift certificate. It is as easy as 1-2-3....
1. Email me at neosoulalterego@gmail.com to RSVP
2. Subscribe to the blog
3. Comment on the blog at least twice during the experiment

The seven (7) days of the monthly experiments are designed to immerse you in DAILY practices that will allow you to experience small changes that can lead to sustainable lifestyle. I will be striving to incorporate each action DAILY, and will provide you w/updates on my progress! I invite you to share your comments as well! Invite a friend to engage with you too!

So, here we go y'all......the evolution has begun!

RESTORATION:
Sleep a minimum of 7-8 hours each night
-Refrain from falling asleep on the sofa
-Prepare your bed for sleep (favorite sheets, pillows)
-Refrain from any source of technology (tv, computer, phone) 1 hour before bed

DETOXIFICATION:
-Drink water (1/2 of your body weight in ounces)
Declutter, Clean, & Organize
-Vehicle
-Wallet/Work Bag/Purse
-Bedroom

FLOW:
-30 minutes of quiet time (meditate, listen to relaxing music, write/refresh goals for the remainder of 2010)

KARMA:
-Give a compliment to a stranger
-Give an anonymous gift to a friend
-Give a handwritten thank you note to a colleague

NeoSoul Lifestyle Experiment - Karma

2010-07-31T18:57:00.000-07:00

......And here it is, the last and final component of The NeoSoul Lifestyle Experiment is KARMA.

The NeoSoul Lifestyle is about YOU and the creation of a evolving, sustainable, and fulfilling life! AND, as you become your better self we believe that you should re-create your experience for others to share in their own way. Why? We live our lives in this world linked by interdependency. The well-being of others, enhances our own well-being. As we grow we should cultivate a fertile soil, for others to flourish within.

So, the KARMA component we will practice creating good KARMA:
-Give a compliment to a stranger
-Give an anonymous gift to a friend
-Give a handwritten thank you note to a colleague

NeoSoul Lifestyle Experiment - Flow

2010-07-31T17:25:00.000-07:00

We've learn about the RESTORTATION and DETOXIFICATION components of The NeoSoul Lifestyle Experiment.....and next, is FLOW.

Flow is defined as to move or run smoothly with unbroken continuity, as in the manner characteristic of a fluid; To proceed steadily and easily; To arise. Now THIS is truly the essence of The NeoSoul Lifestyle!

During The NeoSoul Lifestyle Experiment, we will create FLOW in our lives by purposely planning and acting on what we will do to create our NeoSoul Lifestyle. The first action will be:
-30 minutes of quiet time (meditate, listen to relaxing music, write/refresh goals for the remainder of 2010)

This action is SO IMPORTANT, that it stands on its own! Have you ever reflected and found yourself to be disappointed because you haven't started or made little progress on your plans for the year? And then, decided to "let things go" and just start next year....I know I have! Development in the FLOW component is designed to help us build momentum as we close out 2010 and prepare for a fruitful 2011 and beyond!

NeoSoul Lifestyle Experiment - Detoxification

2010-07-31T16:03:00.000-07:00

So....you've learned about the RESTORATION component of the experiment, and the chance to win a SpaFinder gift card! Tonight, I'd like to share some insights about DETOXIFICATION.

DETOXIFICATION is defined by the encylopedia of mental disorders(wait a minute...relax, I'm NOT saying that we have mental disorders y'all. Stay with me!) as a process by which the body/mind/spirit is allowed to free itself. The goal of detoxification is to release and/or neutralize toxins so that the body can heal itself after some type of dependency.

The purpose of DETOXIFICATION in The NeoSoul Lifestyle Experiment will be to release ourselves of things such as bad habits, grudges, relationships, that keeps us from living our best lives.

In the essence of being practical, the first things that comes to my mind when I feel like I need to decompress & detox is water (maybe because I'm an Aquarius).....but essentially, water is a symbol of cleansing and purity. So one of the steps in the DETOXIFICATION component will be:
-Drinking water (1/2 of your body weight in ounces)

.....And, the other action steps in the DETOXIFICATION component of the experiment represent cleansing our space so that we can live our lives better within them. So, we will also declutter, organize, and clean the following from top to bottom!:
-Vehicle
-Wallet/Work Bag/Purse
-Bedroom

Simple enough right? Hmmmm....so why haven't we done or sustained these spaces? Well, we'll learn more about that as we go through The NeoSoul Lifestyle Experiment!

I would like the experiments to create an interactive community! Change is hard enough.....but sharing togther promotes inspiration, learning, and accountability.....all of which increase the probability of sustainability!

So, if you're ready to join in....take the next steps!
1. Email me at neosoulalterego@gmail.com to RSVP
2. Subscribe to the blog
3. Comment on the blog at least twice during the experiment

Those of you who take those steps, will be automatically entered into a raffle to win a $25 SpaFinder gift card!

Here's to the beginning of your NeoSoul Lifestyle Evolution!

NeoSoul Lifestyle Experiment - Restoration

2010-07-27T20:12:00.000-07:00

As promised....you are receiving a preview of each of the components of the NeoSoul Lifestyle Experiment as we prepare for it to begin August 1-7. Just to refresh your memory the NeoSoul Lifestyle Experiement will incorporate each of the following components during each of the seven (7) days:
-Restoration
-Detoxification
-Life Flow
-Karma

Tonight, I want to give you some more insight about what the RESTORATION component will look like during our NeoSoul Lifestyle Experiment. RESTORATION is defined as an act of restoring to an improved condition; a reconstruction of an original form. (I must admit the words alone send a tingle up my spine!)

As we move about our daily lives we often "just keep going" until we're completely exhausted or burnt out. Often we wait until an official vacation before we attempt to restore our minds, bodies, and soul....and some of us actually don't even relax on vacation! Worse, many of us don't use our vacation....and the absolute worst is that many folks only find rest in a hospital after their bodies or minds has subcumb to an ailment.

The RESTORATION component of the NeoSoul Lifestyle Experiment is designed to develop simple and practical steps to restore our sense of calm, peace, and rest....releasing stress, anxiety, & insomnia.....so as a first step we will focus on restoring sleep!

RESTORATION:
-Sleep a minimum of 7-8 hours each night
-Refrain from falling asleep on the sofa
-Prepare your bed for sleep (favorite sheets, pillows)
-Refrain from any source of technology (tv, computer, phone) 1 hour before bed

Simple steps right......hmmmm, we'll we shall see! Lately I have noticed a growing trend of the "They Sleep, We Grind" philosphy among folks "trying to make it happen". Now I am all for committing to your responsibilities, but I don't agree w/the trend of de-valuing sleep.

What are your sleeping habits now? Do you feel refreshed each morning? On a scale from 1-10 how much do you value sleep? Do you feel guilty when you rest? Share your comments!

And remember........

During the next few days of this week leading up to the experiment, I will share more details about each component and how it relates to the NeoSoul Lifestyle!

I would like the experiements to create an interactive community! Change is hard enough.....but sharing togther promotes inspiration, learning, and accountability.....all of which increase the probability of sustainability!

So, if you're ready to join in....take the next steps!
1. Email me at neosoulalterego@gmail.com to RSVP
2. Subscribe to the blog
3. Comment on the blog at least twice during the experiment

Those of you who take those steps, will be automatically entered into a raffle to win a $25 SpaFinder gift card!

Here's to the beginning of your NeoSoul Lifestyle Evolution!

The 1st Monthly NeoSoul Lifestyle Experiment!

2010-07-26T19:11:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to officially launch the 1st Monthly NeoSoul Lifestyle Experiment with you!

The experiments will take place the 1st-7th of each month...why not the first Monday of each month you ask? Well, I purposely want to change our mindset that we always have to start changes in our life on a Monday....we can start changes in our lives any day! Also, it is my hope that the experiments will also motivate you to SUSTAIN the changes that you've started at the beginning of the month!

Each month the experiments will include the following components:
-Restoration
-Detoxification
-Life Flow
-Karma

And sometimes a few surprises, or components by your request!

During the next few days of this week leading up to the experiment, I will share more details about each component and how it relates to the NeoSoul Lifestyle!

I would like the experiements to create an interactive community! Change is hard enough.....but sharing togther promotes inspiration, learning, and accountability.....all of which increase the probability of sustainability!

So, if you're ready to join in....take the next steps!
1. Email me at neosoulalterego@gmail.com to RSVP
2. Subscribe to the blog
3. Comment on the blog at least twice during the experiment

Those of you who take those steps, will be automatically entered into a raffle to win a $25 SpaFinder gift card!

Here's to the beginning of your NeoSoul Lifestyle Evolution!

The Little Things...

2010-07-25T11:09:00.000-07:00

As I continue on my path of creating a NeoSoul Lifestyle, I'm becoming more aware of how even the smallest changes positively impact my life. I thought I would share a few that I 've done recently....

1. Added color coded rings to my keys = No more fumbling at the door!
2. Keep a packed gym bag in the car = Now I'm always ready for a workout!
3. No wearing of shoes in my house = Less dirt so, less sweeping and vacumming!
4. Less TV = Time for leisure reading, a nap, or CEO of Me to-do list!

The best things about these small changes are their simplicity, ease of sustainability, and the immediate sense of gratification that I am evolving into my NeoSoul Lifestyle.

I often find that so many folks (including me) look for the BIG change with all the right intentions, yet become frustrated, fatigued, and get off track very quickly in the process (i.e. New Year's Resolutions).

The NeoSoul Lifestyle encourages you to make gradual changes to increase the probability of sustainability in your life....and then we sprinkle in a few radical changes too just to give a little spice to your life!

What little changes have you made lately? How did they change the way you live?

Or, if your stuck in a rut....what little changes have you considered making? Why did you select those changes? Share your thoughts! We'd love to hear them!

Still think you'll need a little push.....well, you are invited to engage in The NeoSoulLifestyle 1st Monthly Experiment August 1-7! Subscribe to the blog for more details coming soon!

2010-07-15T19:59:00.001-07:00

1st time trying my mobile blogging skills! If this works, it about to go down y'all! The NeoSoul Lifestyle on-the-go!!!!

What is NeoSoul Alter Ego about?

2010-06-21T21:30:00.000-07:00

As I continue on my journey as social media butterfly, I often meet folks and get the question "So, what is NeoSoul Alter Ego all about?" What I can tell you is that I BELIEVE that each of us has a NeoSoul Alter Ego. But let me tell you a little bit about how I become "aware" of mine.....

In general I am a reflective person, I take in what I experience in life and allow my mind to flow freely to inter-lace with my imagination, emotions, and logic. Yet there came a time when I wasn't satisfied solely with the reflective process. I was able to visualize the life I wanted, but wasn't CREATING it! I was performing to the roles, positions and/or siuations that my life required....instead of experiencing life through MY WHOLE SELF.

Somehow on my life journey, I had allowed myself to have an ON/OFF button for my public self and my FREE SELF (aka NeoSoul Alter Ego). It was like I was juggling the personalities of Murphy Brown (workaholic), Jill Scott (expressive spirit), and Joan Clayton (status quo lonely sista girl)! And I just could not live that way anymore.......My spirit was unsettled, and it was causing me physical pain, emotional numbness, and a overwhelming anxiety of the possible manifestation of my worst fear....A LIFE OF MEDIOCRITY!

I committed to myself that I would live the life I visualized (had even put it on a vision board!) and that I would no longer marginalize the true essence of myself in any area of my life. All of those personalities (and more) were a part of me, some good & bad...yet together they made me eccentric and unique! And I LOVE that! Whereas jumping in and out of the personalities "as my schedule permitted" was just like a person dancing totally off beat to the rhythm of my life.

So initially, my blog was a creative expression to share my experiences as I learned to allow my NeoSoul Alter Ego to emerge. Then as I began to share and meet with folks I found that there were others who also found their lives to be in some sort of a paralysis state, and wanted to engage and change.....and so my NeoSoul Alter Ego became an interactive experience called The NeoSoul Lifestyle! As a part of this lifestyle experiment, I invite folks to participate in things such as:

-Monthly Lifestyle Experiments
-1st Time Challenges
-Quick Change Pick-Me-Ups

As an evolving community,The NeoSoul Lifestyle empowers folks to individually and/or collectively:
-Seek soulful reflections
-Create a plan of change
-Enjoy the process of becoming
-Share the experiences

So are you thinking....."Is she some sort of new-age guru?" I hope not, because that isn't me at all. I am simply a person that wants to live life in a new and more fulfilling way.

So there it is.....a little insight into the NeoSoul Alter Ego!

It's June - New Year's Resolution Check In!

2010-06-08T19:42:00.000-07:00

As I was relaxing during an aromatherapy experience, I smiled to myself as I thought about a few of the NeoSoul Lifestyle changes that I had made in the past few days....and then it hit me! It's June! I'm already halfway into the year! Yikes! How much progress had I made towards my resolutions...in fact, what the heck were they? Oh, Lawd! I started to feel a wave of anxiety.....so I re-centered myself and calmed my mind, and breathed deeply.

Now, as I write...I'm trying to recall just exactly what my resolutions were. Well, that's Mistake #1, I didn't write them down! So, now that I've acknowledged that mistake, I will change to manifest a different result.

So my resolutions for this year are:
-Have daily morning prayer
-Lose 30 pounds
-Use quicken weekly to manage my finances
-Become a blogger
-Have more fun

Hmmm....I LOVE MY RESOLUTIONS! They are simple and sustainable! If....I mean, WHEN I commit to them I know they will guide me into the next phase of my NeoSoul Lifestyle Remix!

So far, I've made a little progress with each of them....but its time to stop trying and START DOING. (De'ja Vu - This week I've read so many tweets, and had a discussion about the difference between trying & doing. Clearly my mind was being prepared for this very moment!) The small steps that I have made toward my resolutions so far have brought me some moments of happiness. Yet, now that I have re-dedicated myself to my resolutions....I am filled with hope and excitement about how this COMMITMENT WILL CHANGE MY LIFE!

I also know that I will experience some inner turmoil as well, as I will need to overcome and completely conquer my biggest adversary.....myself. I will need to renew my spirit daily, especially during challenging times. One thing I am certain of, I am no longer willing to live in mediocrity in the present or to sacrifice my future!

2010 - The first year of a new decade of my life! I know my best days are ahead of me. All that I have lost will be restored + an abundance more!

Tell me.....what were your 2010 resolutions? Have you done a mid-year check-in? What's next for you?

You Never Know From Where A Kind Word Will Come

2010-06-04T20:50:00.000-07:00

Today, I was a little moody. Yes, I was feeling better....finally healing from a horrible string of colds/flu. I was feeling a little blah and figured that I would go and get my hair done as a pick-me-up! Ladies...I'm not the only one who does this, right?!

Anyway, the thing is that I have an insecurity about my hair. About five years ago I started to notice some hair loss. IT FREAKED ME OUT! At first, my stylist said, "Don't worry, it'll grow back"....I listened, but my hair didn't! So, I made the big decision to stop relaxing my hair....and went au natural! The transition wasn't as hard as I thought it would be, the most difficult part was getting my family used to it. But I digress.......

So I went into the hair salon today, looking a hot mess! And I was panic stricken! I was absolutely certain that I was noticing more hair loss! This was something I just did not want to face. I started to feel the tears in my eyes.....pure drama!

Thank goodness my hair stylist is kind. She reminded me that I needed to follow up w/a doctor to get to the root of the issue. And thank goodness one of the best in the country (Dr. Monte Harris) is right here in the DMV. So I made the appointment...yet still had to face the present state.....this hair thing was affecting my swagger! My psyche just could not take that!

So my stylist and I agreed to cut my hair some to even it out, and keep the styling simple with a twist out style. I was so relieved to be taking the right steps, but.....when I saw my finished hairdo, my heart sank. I didn't have the fresh out the salon glow that I was hoping for. This time, a few tears rolled down my face. I didn't want to make a scene in the salon, so I quickly pulled myself together and got out of there! Once I got in my car, all I could do was sit there! I felt betrayed by my hair. I felt like my beauty was being taken away from me one hair follicle at a time. I was horrified at the thought of one day being bald, or trapped into wearing weaves ALL THE TIME!

Suddenly, the makeup artist from the salon walks outside and begins to approach me because her car was parked next to mine. I forced a smile and said hello, and she began to strike up a conversation with me. And then she said it....I didn't know you were here today! I was so busy upstairs. I see you got your hair twisted...IT LOOKS REALLY PRETTY. In my mind I thought, WHAT?! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! But my momma's home training kicked in and I squeaked out a small "thank you". We chatted a bit more, and then she left. I sat in silence for a few moments, and then I wondered....was she an angel sent from God? No, seriously....only God knew the inner torment I was putting myself through. So, I believe he sent that young lady to speak sincere kind words to me.

And I was truly grateful to receive them.

Too Much or Too Little

2010-06-03T21:07:00.000-07:00

As I continue to evolve the visualization of my NeoSoul Lifestyle, I often find myself in place of living too much or too little. I thought that to create my life of passion and energy, I would simply need to change my actions. No sense over analyzing things, right?! It's true, I will have to change my actions....but now I'm beginning to see that it is more important to change my thoughts and be more in tune with my intuition and spirit. It is my spirit that will guide me....but in order to be led by my spirit I will need to nurture it. Prayer, meditation, quiet, holy readings......I must be honest, of these things I have done NONE on a consistent basis.

And then there is my temple....here lately I have been plagued with colds, low energy, headaches, and insomnia. Sleep, water, healthy food, exercise......this is what my temple needs. Yet again, of these things I have done NONE on a consistent basis.

The NeoSoul Lifestyle changes I've done lately like meeting Twitter friends, socializing at happy hours, getting back in touch with old friends.....are all wonderful experiences....and I'm glad I did them! And I look forward to more!

In reflection, I realize that I did not have the mental or physical stamina to fully live or sustain my NeoSoul Lifestyle, because I had neglected my spirit and temple. So as I take a deep breath......pause.....I speak these words "I will love myself and nurture my soul and spirit everyday. These spiritual and private experiences will be life changing, and will enable me to share my light with others."

Do you feel me?

The BIG Update!

2010-05-10T17:42:00.000-07:00

Yikes! I can't believe that I have gone this long without a post! I've gotten so immersed into the world of Twitter and 4Square that I feel so connected to folks and haven't made time to blog. Still, that's no excuse....I mean really! You can only say so much in 140 characters right?!......unless of course you use TwitLonger! LOL!

So now, I'm feeling the urge to get back into my blogging groove. I've been inspired by some of the interesting folks I've been meeting. So much has been happening....and there's more to come!

First step, is for me to figure out mobile blogging. I'm living my Neo-Soul Life with a new energy, spending less time at home (thank goodness)...and need to be able to blog on the fly!

Then more pictures, video.....there I go getting ahead of myself. I need to keep it simple!

Stay tuned...and spread love y'all!

Spread Love Y'all!

2010-02-20T13:40:00.000-08:00

This year I keep hearing myself say (or write), "Spread Love Y'all"....and I really feel passionate about it. I've been reflecting on how I've been living and I realized that I had been taking love for granted.....love of God, family, friends, and the simple pleasures of life! I was too focused on not yet having "THE LOVE" of my life. When you live like that, it dulls your spirit. Colors don't seem as bright, music doesn't move you in the same way, food doesn't taste as good. Well, you feel me, right?!

Then I experienced an awakening as I approached the close of 2009, the new year of 2010, and my birthday....and it was simply this. I have a lot of love to give, and I want to express it, live it, and share my life fully and boldly with the world! Why hold it in while waiting for "THE LOVE"? That's just not natural, in fact it felt like I was suffocating. Can you imagine that?

As I experienced this awakening, I then began to look at people in a different way. I saw the dull (and sometimes broken) spirits within them, and I felt their pain. Even if they didn't realize they were experiencing it, I knew...and it saddened me.

My heart spoke to my mind, and I knew I wanted to help others while remixing my own life. So I thought, "What should I do? ". Well I'm no social worker, so I had to keep it simple.....'cause hey I'm new to this Living & Loving thang too!

So here's what I've decided....I will practice random acts of kindness. No sense re-creating the wheel right?! It works! And I've already gotten started, just doing simple things like:

-Smiling (such a small thing, with so much power!)
-Giving away compliments (its free!)
-Greeting strangers with "Hello!", "Good Morning!", or "Have a Good Night!"

Its amazing how good these small things make me feel, and I truly enjoy each day more! And, you wouldn't believe some of the reactions I've gotten! Some people respond with the same cheerfulness, BUT others seem totally shocked, and the most funny are the ones who look at me confused...truly there are some folks out there experiencing love malnutrition! So, I'll continue to drop some healthy doses of dietary love supplements!

So, future posts on this page will highlight my random acts of kindness or those that I receive from folks. I hope you'll be be inspired to join me on this journey! Who knows, maybe the chain impact our kindness will reach one another! C'mon...Spread Love Y'all (and your comments too!)

Real Quick - Twitter Updates! :-)

2010-02-12T19:10:00.000-08:00

Ok, really quick....learning a little more about enhancing my blog experience for both you and me! Added my twitter updates so y'all can see my thoughts in between posts. The linkages between tweets & posts should be interesting! And, (insert deep breath)...I'll be adding twitpics too!!! I'm ready for full exposure (ok I do need a little privacy) in written word, camera snapshots, and video clips! Ready to live and share in living color!

My Neo-Soul Life Remix is in FULL EFFECT y'all!

Let's Catch Up

2010-02-09T15:59:00.000-08:00

Ok so we need to catch up y'all......so here's a few things I did in January to put my LIFE REMIX IN FULL EFFECT!

Well, I finally made it to spoken word at Busboys & Poets... and WOW there are really some talented poets out there! What makes them think of that stuff! It was also nice that the host was a cutie (giggle), I flexed my flirting muscles a bit (goodness knows they are out of shape!) I will be going back again!

I also met up w/a friend for brunch at a new spot (Ulah in DC), good food & good conversation. Nuff said.

I cleaned out my closet, doesn't sound exciting right? Well, it was a part of my cleansing and detox. Removing things in my life before I add more into it! I was sick and tired of looking in the closet and seeing all those different sizes and "frumpy" clothes that I was hanging on to "until I lose weight"! What's the point? To be perfectly honest, its depressing.

After I decided to clean the closet, I ran across an idea about a swap party. I figured why not spread the love and make it fun. So, I invited a few friends over to clean out their closets and we could swap items and take the rest to a charitiable organization. I thought it would be fun....social, "free shopping," food, music.....well, I think I was a little ambitious. Folks said it was a good idea but only two were able to make it....and we had a great time! I'm learning that being social is not as easy as it looks.

Oooooo, here's the really juicy stuff(that I'm quite proud of I must say)! I went to speed dating for the first time! I was a little nervous, but surprisingly at ease too. I sauntered in with a smile and just relaxed. You have to sign up in advance because ususally these events sell out for wome quickly, and then marketed w/the tag "more men needed" the week prior to the event (unbelieveable!). It was a whirlwind dating experience, and everyone looks great by candlelight. I did my research before I arrived...and good thing. I came away some great tips and conversation starters. It was fun, and I did get a few follow up interests from about 4 gentlemen. No love connections and I think two of the gentlemen were friends and were trading discussion about their conversations with me. So no dates..but got my feet wet.

So it made me think, maybe I should diversify my dating portfolio...speed dating, online dating, friend match ups, and I'm even thinking of giving a matchmaking service a try.

Started personal training too....oh my goodness! Me and epsom salt baths became best friends. I can't say that I am on my "A" game with the fitness & nutrition routine yet but progress is in motion.

Speaking of nutrition...I've been cooking more too and skipping the fast food drive thru window. I must admit the kitchen skills still need work! They make it look so easy on Food Network!

So, when I look back....I made some strides in January. What I'm really learning is that my Neo-Soul Life takes energy! So as Diddy says "Can't stop, won't stop"!

One last thing.....I really think I need to name my Neo-Soul Alter Ego. I think that will really bring her to life! What do y'all think?

Its My Birthday! Where did the time go?

2010-02-06T18:10:00.000-08:00

Hey Yall! Its been a minute since the last time I blogged (shame on me), and my how time flies! So, what brought me back to blogging today? Its my birthday and I'm snowed in! I'm usually reflective on my birthday, and being snowed stopped me from frantically chasing my oh so powerful "to do" list!

So, today my reflection taught me to not allow my priorities to become "optional" when up against the flurries of so-called "obligations". My beloved blog, how could I have allowed its seedling garden to be choked by the weeds of my ho hum routine? Am I intimidated by the responsibility of my own journey, and the gift of sharing it with others? It is overwhelming, alarmingly full exposure, freeing, and frightening....BUT I LOVE IT! So I will continue, and to my surprise when I returned two followers where there to greet me!

Oh the power of bad habits and routine! So I summon the spirit of my Neo-Soul Alter Ego with all her ferocity, strength, and vigor to truly breathe new life into my LIFESTYLE.

Next post....I'll get yall caught up on what's been happening!

Feelin' Better Y'all

2010-01-08T22:52:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note....obviously I haven't fallen asleep yet, but I drank some tension tamer tea, and then went on YouTube to listen to a couple of my favorite artists....Ms. Beyonce (of course) and Anthony David.

Ahhhhhh.....music is healing. I'll have to remember that!

Feelin' better y'all.

I'm Feelin' "Some Kinda Way"!

2010-01-08T21:15:00.000-08:00

Brace yourselves...I imgagine that this won't be my happiest post ever. I've got the blues. I skipped my workout Thursday, and worked late instead (and I still didn't make much of a dent in my To Do List). Then I fell asleep on the sofa with the TV on, a big NO, NO for me! Woke up groggy, sore, and behind schedule on Friday. Next, I proceeded to do the following:
-Didn't drink any water all day
-Snacked on potato chips
-Had nachos for lunch
-Worked late again, and the To Do List still grows (sigh)
-Bought junk food from CVS
-Got a combo meal from Micky D's

While all this went on Friday, twice I was confronted with a quote that essentially says "Excellence is not an act, its a habit". Surely I was meant to marinate on this. Habits are hard to break, they are very powerful. As I reflect on my poor choices (particularly seeing it in writing), I realize that one bad decision can easily and quickly lead to another. I'm also beginning to believe these bad habits can wear on my emotions too. I was feeling....blah. Started to think about being lonely, overweight, and plain, and boring. On another note, I think I'm PMSing too! I think I will research some herbal remedies.

So as my emotions began to build inside me and I felt a tear begin to form, I asked myself "What should I do now"? So I wrote, and I feel a little better. Thank goodness!

Next, I will go to sleep in my bed. Then I will wake up, eat breakfast, and then go workout at boot camp (shout out to my workout buddy Leticia)! After that, I'm not sure but I hope to feel even better! I believe I will......

A New Year

2010-01-01T18:22:00.000-08:00

So its a New Year, and I'm LOVING IT! I feel energized and very hopeful. I don't have resolutions, even better...I have goals with an action plan (a working draft, but I'm WORKIN' it). Of course, my alter ego (wow, she really needs a name) will not allow herself to feel restricted by a plan.....so spontaniety will be a key element all year long!

So what have I done so far......
1. Meet a new friend for dinner
2. Went to an open mic poetry @ Busboys & Poets
3. Started working on my $ plan
4. Emptied my voicemail box (lots of friends were happy about that)
5. Been sleeping in my bed instead of on the sofa
6. Planned a swap party with friends

A few misses.....
1. Still haven't taken down the x-mas decor & tree
2. Stalled on re-organizing my home office
3. I still go to sleep pretty late
4. Need to get more regular on my blogs & catch up on my Blogging for Dummies reading

More to come y'all!

Let's Talk Hair Exposure - Video

2009-12-21T17:01:00.000-08:00

Hi friends! Well, I was hoping that I would surprise you with my first video (that I produced, directed & starred in LOL!)...but I was the one in for the surprise. I can't seem to get it uploaded to the blog. The video is a little rough, but I'd still like to share it with you and get your thoughts! So, I'm trying an alternate route. Click or paste the link below in your URL to see my youtube video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9pmL5Rdb1s

A New Day...(insert deep breath)!

2009-12-20T15:07:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I must admit that I have repeatedly re-read my first post and was tickled to have my 1st comment too! (LOL-I'm such a newbie). Still, each time I read my post the sincerity of it pricked at my heart. Then I would feel a sense of relief...at least I was ready to deal with whatever "this" is.

So what was I was expecting to happen next? A magically glamorous and worldly life as soon a my feet touched the floor this morning? No, I'm a pretty logical gal...but it has hit home that fully experiencing my Neo-Soul Alter Ego begins with me. Yikes!

Today I didn't have anything exciting planned. It was so easy to stay in "because of the snow"...even though it didn't snow at all today! And while I sat on the sofa...it happened. My Neo-Soul Alter Ego whispered and said to me "Let's go out today. Take your laptop to Busboys & Poets, you know you've been wanting to go for brunch...why follow them on Facebook if you're never gonna go?" I thought, hmmm...I should go, BUT (that's right the BIG BUT) its cold, I need to do some cleaning, need to get some work done, gotta cook....blah, blah, blah!

That's when I realized that this metamorphosis will be an eye-opening and sometimes uncomfortable journey. I didn't realize just how much of a stronghold my "ho-hum" life had over me. Luckily my Neo-Soul Alter Ego was being gentle with me, but I have a feeling that won't always be the case (she can be feisty!).

So, today was a reality check. Yes...I have to work, do laundry, cook, and clean...but I'll do what I gotta do so I CAN DO WHAT WE ( me & my Neo-Soul Alter Ego) WANT TO DO!

So what will be my first steps?.....ok, here it is mini-list of Neo-Soul changes for tomorrow:

Go to bed at a decent time tonight (10:30pm is respectable right?) and sleep in my bed
Exercise for at least 15 minutes in the morning
Pray & Meditate
Funk out my new hairdo (got it pressed & pin curled on Friday, don't know what to expect!)

Its a start....ahhhhh, I think I sense my Neo-Soul Alter Ego smiling with approval! I don't want to let her down! Send positive thoughts my way...if you're out there!

What is a Neo-Soul Alter Ego?

2009-12-19T17:22:00.000-08:00

So this is it, the point of no return in writing for all to see, anyone who's interested that is! (shout out to Blogging for Dummies!).....and THANK GOODNESS! It is time to truly experience the life of my Neo-Soul Alter Ego. Still not feeling me yet? Ok, here it is....I'm Angenella, an educated, single, working woman living a "ho-hum" life. Ugh! I've done pretty much what was "expected of me" and it has resulted in a life that goes something like this:

Wake up (after pressing snooze several times)
Shower
Do what I can w/my hair (no make up) & put on what fits
Skip breakfast
Go to work
50/50 chance of a healthy lunch
Stay late at work
Pick up dinner (again 50/50 chance of healthy)
Go home
Check Facebook
Put on something with an elastic waistband
Fall asleep on the sofa with the TV on

Ok, so EVERYDAY isn't like that exactly. I have some "interesting" moments from time to time. But, unfortunately that was a true reflection of most days...especially Monday-Friday. Now don't get me wrong, I'm grateful for my life. I know there are people with much bigger problems like unemployment, loss of a loved one, life-threatening diseases, and etc. So in comparison, my life is pretty good....BUT I AM NOT WILLING TO SETTLE FOR "PRETTY GOOD" ANYMORE! I just can't take it! And why should I when my Neo-Soul Alter Ego is crying out to be set free!

Now I know that alter egoes are quite trendy these days, thanks to the likes of Sasha Fierce (love her) and Derek Blanks (google him). Some folks treat their alter ego like its someone who is brought to life on demand like a light switch. Well, my Neo-Soul Alter Ego (yet to be named) will not be satisfied with such a limited existence. She insists on experiencing every part of my life in some way, big or small, and from this day forward...I welcome her.

So allow me to introduce "Her", my Neo-Soul Alter Ego. She is vibrant, energetic, flirtacious, radiant, magnetic, authentic, blissfully in love with herself, and full of love to give. She experiences the world through her favorite things like food, fashion, arts/culture, travel, music, and oh I almost forgot.....men (giggle).

And so it begins...the co-existence of Angenella & hmmmm....what shall I call "Her"? Ok, so I haven't figured this all out yet (its new to me too)...but stay with me, I'll figure it out.