Are big content creators going broke?

Are big content creators going broke?

I have been a content creator since 2012.  I have seen a lot of people come and go.  Doing YouTube or being on any other social media platform takes work.  It is definitely not easy that's for sure.   Some people automatically think that if you have big numbers you are making a lot of money.

I am a small YouTuber and I enjoy creating and making content for other people to enjoy.  There are a lot of big YouTubers who are struggling but they try to look like they are rich. They are afraid to show their real life because they are afraid of the backlash that they may face.  

Many of them move from place to place, and they come up with excuses to try to cover or justify why they move so much.   The truth is they are totally broke.  

Big content creators get a lot of perks.  They get to represent some great products and they even get a chance to travel to some beautiful places.  They get to receive beautiful clothes and products to review.  

But the dark side of this equation is the fact that you may be making a lot of money today but next month you may make a different amount of money.  This creator economy is not very stable.  Some creators don't even consider the fact that they have to pay taxes on the money and the perks that they receive.

It seems like tax time comes around so fast and if you are not prepared, you will feel like you are drowning.  You have to save all of your receipts and get your taxes prepared because if you do not you will owe a lot of money.   I think that a lot of content creators should get a regular job and do content creation on the side.  It definitely is not a free ride like some people assume that it is.  They could even start a business that isn't connected to their social media platforms. 

We live in a society that feels like they want everything right now.  Some of us refuse to save money.  Saving money towards your taxes and also having a rainy day fund is a good idea. 

 The ad revenue has been down and it is affecting so many people.  It affected me.  This made me realize that you cannot put all of your eggs in one basket.  I make sure that I pay my taxes and people who have a steady income have to make quarterly payments to their taxes. 

There are so many people very nervous this time of year because they haven't made any plans to save money toward their taxes.  They spend everything that they get.  Being a big content creator can be glamorous but you have to use it to your advantage to make your money grow. 

 I would also tell wealthy content creators to save money for their future because social media as we know it will not be the same twenty years from now.  There will be something bigger and better than we know right now. 

Big content creators are going broke because our expectations of them are so high.  They have to live up to an image that most of the time isn't even real.  This can lead to depression. 

 Taking investment courses would be the best course of action to protect your income and your future.   Being a big content creator can be a nice way to make an income but secure your future and make smarter choices and it will really pay off in the end. 

Why are you still struggling like a single mom when you are not?

Why are you still struggling like a single mom when you are not?

I have been watching women on social media for some time and noticed a sad trend. There are a lot of women who are in a marriage or a relationship, and when they have a crisis, the man is nowhere to be found.  The man is supposedly in the household but you have to ask family or strangers for help.  

I know that everyone falls on hard times sometimes but this is happening with every man you are with.  Some women are struggling to keep a roof over their heads and also with food for their kids.  It is really unfair to the women and the children.  Why do we put up with such nonsense?

Ladies, please be careful with the people who you allow into your life.  If he is just sitting around while you work, and he is eating up all of the food, and when your food gets low, he is gone; you don't need him. 

 Some of us are constantly becoming pregnant by these men, but they have nothing to offer you and your children. If you don't have someone who will add to your household and help you with expenses; you don't need them.

  Some of you are good mothers, and you are really trying hard to raise your children, but you are doing it alone when you don't have to.

 This is all I have to say on this matter.

Is your money not stretching enough this year?

Is your money not stretching enough this year?

Image courtesy of Pixabay

If your money isn't stretching very far this year, you are not alone.  I had to cut corners myself.  Food is high, and so is everything else.  It is getting harder and harder to make it, quite frankly.

I haven't really been able to have a night out lately because food and transportation are so expensive, and you know you have to give a tip. 

 I have been spending more time enjoying my family.  I am cooking more at home.  I have a Firestick, and it is such a blessing.  We enjoy watching movies and eating home-cooked meals together. 

It truly is bringing us closer together.  I am careful about not buying things that I really don't need right now.  In the last two years, I actually prepared myself for this time because I started buying products in bulk to prepare for the increase in prices.  I am still using these products today. 

Check and see if there are any ways that you can cut down on some of your expenses.  Sometimes, there are things that we are so used to spending extra money on that we don't realize that it costs a lot more this year. 

Maybe you have the heat up high when you are at work and nobody is at home.  You can put the heat down, and time it to come on when you are on your way home.  That way, you come home to a nice and warm house.   

Add more blankets to your bed to save money.  Try doing most of your shopping in one trip so you don't have to make unnecessary trips, and this will cut down on gas. 

Make a list of some of the products that you would be willing to buy that are generic and some of the products that you are willing to pay extra for. 

Take on an online side hustle or do Uber or Lyft.

Learn how to cut or maintain your own hair at home.  Hair clippers are very inexpensive compared to going to the Barber or hair salon.

Buy your snacks in bulk so you can avoid the vending machine at work.

I have been buying cheaper cuts of meat and preparing them in my crockpot.  This saves quite a bit of money.  Going to the butcher counter and finding out what meat is on sale will help you to save money.

Image courtesy of Pixabay

If you are paying a lot of fees at the gym, spend time running in the park or buy gym equipment on Facebook Marketplace for a good price.  This will save you so much money in the long run. 

Buy your clothes in the summer so you can get them for a cheaper price.

If you have children, find a cheaper phone service that they can use.  There are a lot of them out there, and they are always having promotions.  Sometimes, it depends on how many lines you need. 

Make a list of the things that you are willing to do without or cut down on this year.  You will be amazed about the amount of things that you cut down on that will free up a lot more money. 

Lunch and chat with me/ He is not your kids uncle/ relationship and cheating advice.

I have a series that I do on YouTube where I have lunch and I chat with you.  Today I am eating Blaze Pizza and I talk about why Men respect the wedding ring but Women do not.  Sometimes, people think that they should date whomever they want without any consequences.  

People get married because of love but also because it is a contract between you and that other person.  To prove that it is a contract, you have to get a divorce to end it. So it isn't something that you should enter into without much thought.  

When you are dating a Man who is married, it affects everyone in the family, not just the wife.

Nobody really thinks about the children and how this affects their self-esteem.  Please check this video out, and please let me know what you think about this subject.

 

What is the best thing that you did for yourself this year?

What is the best thing that you did for yourself this year?

It took me a while to fully invest in myself.  This year, I made it my business to invest in my peace of mind.  I spent more money investing in my brand.  Trying to promote yourself is not easy because blogging is really over saturated. 

 I took the time to research what my audience like and I also took some quiet time to just focus on the things that I love and to rest.   Social media can be taxing on your body and your mind. 

 You try to support a lot of people and next thing you know, your day is totally gone.  I had to start doing what I required for myself.  Supporting myself became a big priority.

Updating my equipment to be a better creator is a must for me.  As I get older I want some of my content to concentrate on women who are in my age group because we are often ignored. 

 My biggest viewers of my blog and my YouTube channel are women 25-45 which is very surprising to me.  I love that they like my content without judging me because of my age.

It took me a long time to grow on both platforms and I am still not that popular but I am seeing a lot of growth from last year till now.  I think it is because I have become even more authentic.  

The best thing that I did for myself this year was to embrace every part of me and to know that I deserve the best.  That means for me to embrace my flaws and all.

I am going to be more consistent on my platforms and to share more of my life.  I appreciate you all for being here and supporting my content.  It means so much to me.

Family estrangements and how to cope with them

Family estrangements and how to cope with them

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Estrangements are one of the subjects that no one wants to talk about.  Most of the time we sweep things under the rug and just hope that they will magically go away.  It is something that should be talked about because it happens to so many of us.

Sometimes people decide to stop talking to their good friends and family because a lot of things happened such as abuse, alienation, being mean and not hearing people, being judgmental and etc.

But sometimes it comes from people using this tactic to try to control their friends or family. People have the right to protect their sanity and their family but there is the narcissist who uses it to come into people's lives and then abruptly leave for no reason at all.  Then they will come back and do the same thing.

You often wonder what did I say, what happened.  You cannot remember what you did and you come to the conclusion that you haven't done anything.  Some people have an abusive personality and they want to abuse you and gaslight you in a way where you are constantly wondering what happened.

I am not a psychiatrist or a therapist but I refuse to put up with such nonsense from a friend or family.  Get counseling and also read some self-help books to heal from this emotional abuse because that is what it is.  Never allow someone to do this to you.  It is quite painful emotionally.

Life is too short. Keep people in your life who add to your life in a positive way. Sometimes people are not going to care about you and you have to be honest with yourself regarding this.  Do not let anyone use you as their whipping board.

Do you mirror your friends?

Do you mirror your friends?

Over my lifetime I have had friends that dressed the same, act the same, and dated the same kind of people. Some of these people were doing this because maybe they felt that they wouldn't fit in if they didn't.  I never really fit in, so I didn't care to dress the way they dress, or talk the way they talk, and I definitely, didn't want the same kind of boyfriends that they had.  

My friends who did this even shared some of the negative aspects of their friends' lives.  One person, in particular, had gotten pregnant as a teen because her friend did, and she wanted to be a teen mom just like her.  

The problem with this is the fact that the friend (the leader) had a very supportive mom who helped her throughout her pregnancy but the friend who mirrored her friend ended up without any support. 

Her mom was a single parent and she had four kids.  She didn't want her daughter to turn out like her.  She didn't have enough money to have another mouth to feed.  She had warned her daughter many times that she would end up homeless if she became pregnant or if she became incarcerated. 

She didn't realize that her daughter didn't love herself.  Her daughter was actually a very smart young lady, but she had fallen because of peer pressure and because she didn't feel good about herself.  

Her daughter ended up in a shelter for unwed mothers (that is what it was called at that time).  What seemed like a fate that you would not wish on your worst enemy ended up becoming a blessing in disguise.  

She had a lot of services at her fingertips.  She was able to get a trade and have parenting classes, and she started mirroring the positive people who were in her life. 

What started as a negative trait ended up saving her life.  She was able to get a great job, put her child in great schools, and worked on her self-esteem.  You see, that was the main reason why she ended up as a single mom. 

She started counseling to see how and why she felt very low about herself.  My friend totally changed her life around. The moral of this story is for you to surround yourself with people who are doing great things in their life and also learn to love yourself. 

 There was a time when I didn't love myself but I had to reach inside myself to find out about all the great things that I had to offer the world.  I also spent a lot of time alone and I began to love myself.  I started to educate myself quietly so I didn't have to deal with the negative opinions of others. 

I don't care what your life looks like at this time.  You may not have the same things that your friends have. You may live in the inner city and don't have much support.  Start researching different services in your local library and places like The Urban League to see whether they have free classes or groups for someone like you.

Try not to mirror anyone.  Be yourself and work on yourself.  You do not have to be in competition with other people.  You are great!  With a positive outlook, you are going to do great things in your life.

How do you come to terms with a failed relationship?

How do you come to terms with a failed relationship?

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Rarely do relationships start out on a bad footing, but if you can think back you can see little signs that you disregarded.  Like, he was very attentive to your appearance.  He told you that you were beautiful every chance that he got.

He took you around all of his friends, bragged about all of your accomplishments, and took you to beautiful restaurants every weekend.

Then one day you spoke to him, and he wouldn't even look you in the eye.  You told him that you wanted to go and see the latest movie and he growled at you and said "No."   You called your best friend, and you told her that he was acting differently in the relationship.  He was very distant.  She wanted to know the details and when all of this started.  You said, "it started a month ago."

The last straw was when you were going to your friend's wedding, and you told him that he had to go shopping to get a new suit. He flatly refused and said (I am not going).   In the end, he ended up going, but he acted like you didn't exist.    He told you that you looked fat and horrible in your new dress. Looked at every woman that he saw and complimented her on her outfit and hairdo.    You then asked yourself what did you do wrong.

Well, you weren't responsible for his actions but you disregarded your own feelings and your intuition.  This man lost respect for you, and he felt that he had a right to dismiss you and treat you any kind of way.

He went from complimenting you to disrespecting you.  It sounds like he felt that you were going to put up with it, and you did.

There were times that your friends told you that this person acted like he didn't want to be with you, and you made all sorts of excuses for him.  You said that he was very tired from work, and It cost too much for him to take you out.  You even convinced yourself that you had gained weight, and that is the reason he was no longer interested.

Everybody noticed that he wouldn't look at you when you were talking.  All the signs were there.  Many times we put up with this kind of treatment because it is a learned behavior from our parents.  You are beautiful and worthy, but you don't see yourself as being worthy and enough.  When a man is acting in this manner, it usually means that he found someone else, which means that you have to let him go.  He isn't going to change. 

I encourage you to get counseling and read some self-help and relationship books.  They are very helpful.  I highly recommend this one.  This is what I did to change my life from being a victim.  Love yourself, make yourself happy, and then the right person will come along. 

Learn how to love again

 

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Finding love after being single for a long time is really difficult.  Trying to date during the pandemic is very hard.  It was a time when you didn't feel comfortable meeting someone because you didn't know whether it was even safe because you didn't know whether they had the virus or not.  

A lot of people were very lonely at this time so they decided to meet people online and some didn't even meet in person.  After being single for so long the thought of dating again has crossed my mind.   I have been reading a lot of self-help books and looking at a lot of videos.  This was very helpful when I was out of an extremely abusive marriage over thirty years ago.  

These books taught me a lot about red flags that I should pay attention to. It helped me to not get hurt again.  I am preparing myself at this time for the possibility of getting back out there and trying again. 

There are also online dating apps that could be helpful just make sure that you remain anonymous and also do online research on a possible suitor. 

Love is possible but you have to really be emotionally ready for it. Try to deal with any baggage that you have from a prior relationship. Learning how to love again after a very long marriage or after your spouse has passed away can be so hard and draining but you can take the steps to learn how.  

Get involved online in community events.  Even Facebook groups can be helpful for you to meet new people.  Books on love can be helpful because there is no judgment there.  You can put anything that you have learned into practice right away.

A Good Relationship Is Canceled

We met at a cafe in Macon, Georgia.  He was very tall, and handsome, he was dressed nicely and he smelled so good. I was in the line and there were some flower pots and as I picked one up and started smelling them he said "hello, my name is George" and he said, "what is  your name?"  I told him that my name is Diane.  He asked me if I was married and I said no.  

George told me that he could tell that I was from somewhere else, and I proceeded to tell him that I was from Pennsylvania.  He said that he was originally from North Carolina. He then asked for my phone number and we had the best conversations. I told George that I was thinking about relocating to Georgia, and he was very excited that I would be living closer to his location.  

After one year, I moved to Georgia and our relationship really took off in the right direction.  George was kind and gentle. He was the kind of man that I always wanted.  Quiet and very easy going. We got married a year later and everything was perfect. 

 In 2011 we had our first child and then two years later, we had another. George did not want me to work outside of the home.  I told him that I would wait until the kids were in middle school and then I would return back to work. I had my own career so I really didn't want to let it go.

There was never any infidelity in our marriage until two years ago. I started to get the phone calls where someone would hang on the phone and no one would say anything. 

He started to not hold any long conversations with me. George was so distant it really started to worry me.  It seemed like I couldn't please him in no kind of way.  I notice that some of the bills were past due.  This never happened, so I thought that he could be using drugs. 

 It came out that it wasn't drugs, but it was another woman.  She actually worked at my kid's school about two blocks from my home.

This man that was perfect in every way had started to turn into a stranger.  I had to figure out what my exit plan was, and I looked into returning back to Pennsylvania or another state. 

I put a lot into my marriage and now I have to start all over again.  The moral of this story is never put your total trust and life into the hands of a person because people change. Being dependent on George was easy because he was a great provider until he started stepping out of our marriage.

George has three kids with this woman, and he is still a great father to our children. He seems so much happier now that we are no longer together.  He hasn't remarried yet but I think he will in the future. His girlfriend is very demanding and she doesn't fall for any of his bullcrap. He definitely has met his match.

I am now divorced and I have moved on.  I am also older, and I wish that I had left him earlier because when I think about it, there were very small red flags that I didn't pay attention to. He always said that he was going to his friend's house on Sunday.  Huh, the friend turned out to be his mistress.  Keep your eyes open ladies!

Sometimes a man may want out of your marriage or relationship but he will not tell you.  The ball is in your court to decide whether you want to continue to let him play you or are you going to be strong and choose you and your kids so you can move forward in your life.

* This is a short but true story. I changed the names of everyone involved and the locations to keep this person  and details anonymous.

Are You Ready To Date A Man With Six Kids By Six Different Women?

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Today I was having a conversation with someone and they asked me whether or not I would date a man with six kids by six different women.  Right away I said no but this may not apply to all people.

I am a mother of one, so I cannot even fathom that I could date anyone with three or more kids.  Six kids are a lot but there are some single moms or mothers who have lost a spouse and they have four or more kids themselves.  

They always wanted a big family but they have become a single mom not by choice but things that happened in their life that made them a single mom.

I started to think out of the box and realized that maybe this could work if this man is serious about spending his life with this woman, and they will raise all of their kids together.

If this man is supporting all of his children financially and emotionally, this could be a relationship that could actually work.

I would not suggest that a single woman without any children put herself in this situation because she would have to deal with multiple moms and this could be one, big, headache.

I advise all women to read self-help books and talk to experienced counselors to get a clearer perspective on relationships to avoid pitfalls and red flags in relationships.  

Most women should not put themselves in this kind of arrangement but should a mother who has multiple kids not have a chance for a relationship because she has a lot of kids.  No, but honestly, the chances are very low that a man will want to take on the challenge of living with or marrying a woman with a lot of kids.

I have seen and heard of cases where some men without children have done this, but it isn't a normal scenario.

Sometimes people find themselves at a time in their life when they will start to settle down, and they have made some mistakes in their life, but now they are changing for the better.  

In a scenario like this, counseling would really be advisable to see if each person is ready to undertake a relationship that could be stressful with so many kids in the picture.

But if they always wanted a big family, this could be a relationship that could work.

What Do You Want In Your Relationship? What Are You Looking For? The Definitive Guide

 

Sometimes we think about getting into a new relationship but do we really think about all of the things that we really want.

  We check out the reviews when buying a new product.  We check out reviews on a potential doctor but so many times we jump headfirst into a relationship without doing a checklist of all the things that we would like for our relationship to have.

I actually would recommend that you make a spreadsheet with the traits of your ideal mate.  

I have a lot of things that I like about men and that is tall men, men who are quiet, and men who have a good sense of humor which is a plus.  He must be a gentle giant and generous.  So I wouldn't mesh well with a man who is loud and self-centered.

I know that this is a little extreme but it is worth it.  You should know what you like to do for entertainment and some of the things that you would enjoy with your new relationship.

If you would like a man or woman to dress a certain way, including that on your spreadsheet.  If you like your person to be religious or not, then that would go on the list.

You will always have some surprises because nobody is perfect, but I had someone tell me that they hated when their boyfriend would wear white tees on his day off from work.

 I asked this person whether she checked out what he was wearing at the beginning of their relationship, and she said that he would show up at her house with a white tee, so I wondered why she was "surprised" that he was still doing this.

Honestly, he didn't have a problem, she did!

This seems like something that is trivial but it can cause silly arguments.  Some men do not like wigs or hair weaves, and if they feel this way, they should not date someone and expect them to change when the relationship gets more serious.

If you like a hard-working man or woman, then don't date anyone who is barely working even if you think that they are cute.

Seriously think about whether or not you could date someone with ongoing, chronic health conditions and be completely honest with yourself. If you are chronically ill, make sure that you disclose this with the other person so there are no surprises.  This is very important!

If someone tells you that they are not ready for a serious relationship and you are ready, then it is time to stop seeing this person if your goal is a long-term relationship or marriage.  This keeps you from wasting your precious time.

Be honest with yourself because life is short to live with regrets. Never think that you can fix someone because they may not feel like they are broken.

The Truth Behind Dating An Unmotivated Man

 The Truth Behind Dating An Unmotivated Man

Hello Ladies, today we are going to talk about what happens when you date an unmotivated man.

So, you went to your local corner store to buy some gum and some water, and as you approach the door someone says "hello, how are you doing today" you start to not speak but you think to yourself "he seems harmless."  You go into the store and you see him peeking through the window and he waves at you.

You pay for your items, and as you are leaving the store he says "you are so beautiful, can I have your number?" You know that you don't really want to entertain this man, but you give him your phone number. You drive about three blocks, and he is calling your phone.  You answer and you tell him that you are on your way to work, and you tell him that you will call or text him later.

When you come in from work you call him, and he is very kind and has the gift of gab.  You love his voice.  He tells you that he is an artist and is the "Jack of all trades."

You ask him about his job, and he says that he just got laid off because his job eliminated his position because of the pandemic.

He says that he is actively searching for work, but in the meanwhile, he sells his paintings.

You start to like this guy and the next month, he tells you that he is losing his apartment, and he has nowhere to go.  Before you know it, he is moving into your place.

You tell him that you are going to support him while he is looking for a job.  Fast forward to four months, he is eating your food playing video games all day, and doing a painting about twice a month.

You ask him "why aren't you looking for a job," he says "I don't have the right clothes and all of the jobs are too far for me to travel."
 You tell him that he can get a job online, and he then claims that he doesn't really know how to work a computer even though you know he can.

You start to notice that he has an excuse for everything.  You find evidence that he is on dating sites texting and meeting women while you are at work.  You confront him, and he swears that he is going to change.  Fast forward to a year, he is still playing video games, eating up all of your food, you just find out that you are pregnant, and you are still the breadwinner in this relationship.

The point I am getting at in this post is you knew when you went into that store that this man didn't have anything going on in his life, or he wouldn't have been just standing in front of the store.

You let him sweet talk you into letting him into your life.  You have this fantasy that you can fix this man and change him into the man that you want him to be.

Ladies, a whole man doesn't need any fixing, he will have a career, car, his own home or apartment and he will not need your assistance for anything.  

Some of these men are unmotivated because you ignored the red flags right away in the relationship. They were always there, but your need and thirst for companionship blinded your common sense.

This man isn't going to ever help you and you need to remove him from your home as soon as possible.  Now you are pregnant without any support and it is your own fault.

Distance yourself from any man who doesn't have his life together, and you will prevent yourself from having a lifetime of pain.

  

Life Wasn't Too Kind To Me

 

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Hello everyone, I guess you all are saying "Long time no see."  It has been quite a long time since you all have seen me on this blog.

I have been busy with a lot of projects, health issues, and also some good things that have happened in my life.  This morning, I was thinking about years ago when things weren't so great in my life.

There was a time when I was homeless due to domestic abuse when I was in my twenties.  I quickly removed myself from my abuser, but I found that my life was never going to be the same again. 

Coming from a middle-class background, I thought that I would never be homeless because although we weren't rich, we weren't poor either.  My mom always prepared us for hard times. 

After leaving my abuser, I had to search and search to find an apartment that I could afford.  The search was very difficult because my income was very low at that time.  

I was looked down upon because of my clothes and my financial status.  Some people would not give me a chance at a better life because of my overall look.

Even some family members treated me unfairly because of my situation.  God rescued me, and a lot of people whom I didn't expect to help, me started helping me. These people were people who weren't my own race.  I was amazed at how God worked in my life at that time.

I had to find my own way.  It took many years and a lot of ups and downs because many times my financial situation took a turn for the worse. I became very ill.  I looked for work but I didn't have the clothes, and sometimes I didn't have a babysitter to allow me to work the kind of jobs I needed to improve my situation.

I was stuck!  I always tried to improve myself by taking courses, reading self-help books, or investing a little money into trying to start a small business. 

Many days I woke up depressed.  I had a small child who was depending on me, and I had to try to snap out of it so I could raise her.

It took many years for me to change my life. It was hard as heck.  A few years before my dad passed, he told me "Do not tell anyone your plans, just do anything that you want to do and work on yourself because people are very negative and they will tell you that it won't work out," that was the best advice ever.

  I started a lot of projects and a few failed but many worked out.  I am still not a wealthy person, but I have peace of mind, income, and the ability to create more income and peace of mind.  

My father was so right!  That advice changed my life.  This year, I am going to really branch out and start some new projects that will bring in more money.  I stay away from the naysayers.  Working on myself is the best project that I have ever invested in. 

I have a YouTube channel called SashaMoniqueTalks if you are interested in learning more about me and my life. 

I do a lot of lifestyle content, product reviews, thrift hauls, etc.

A lot of people say that I don't look like what I have been through. God was my answer. He protected me and showed me how to survive.  I learned how to save money and shop at thrift stores so I could obtain a more pulled-together look.  I also shop on clearance racks at major department stores.

This post is not a sob story but it is my story of triumph.  It is intended to encourage anyone who may be going through the same situation.

Love Yourself!

 

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Love yourself!

Today is Valentine's Day, and you are feeling some kind of way because you do not have a date or you just experienced a breakup.  This day is not easy for people who are not in a relationship or just not happy, and they cannot wait until this day is over. 

Last week there were so many commercials showcasing the most fabulous rings, necklaces, and bracelets.  It is a common theme we always see this time of year.  We always seem to watch these commercials with envy, waiting and hoping for that special time when a man will give you that perfect piece of jewelry or gift.

When he will treat you to that fabulous dinner and spoil you, but have you thought about the fact that loving yourself brings great rewards?  I am not going to say that you don't need a man or a relationship but what about loving yourself despite that.  

You made it to another year intact after all the difficulties and struggles that you have experienced in 2020.  It was a nightmare that none of us could have predicted.  Are you going to continue putting your dreams and wants on hold because (he) decided that he didn't want to be in a relationship with you?  The fact that (he) was nowhere to be found when you needed him? The fact that he is a self-centered jerk!

I don't think so!  Put on that pretty dress, paint your nails, order yourself a wonderful dinner, and play the sexiest music to dance to.  Celebrate yourself! Life is short! 

Buy yourself some flowers and spoil yourself.  Enjoy this day to the fullest.  Create that fabulous life that you want. Live without any regrets. 

How to deal with dry skin and low vitamin D levels during the winter months.

 

How to deal with dry skin and low vitamin D levels during the winter months.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links which mean that I may receive a small commission if a purchase is made. 

When you live in the Northeast in the winter, there is a good chance that you will experience super dry skin.  I have dry skin and am also an Eczema sufferer which means that my skin really takes a beating during the winter months. 

 Constantly moisturizing my skin is a twice-daily routine, and I always have to keep moisturizers in my handbag, just in case. I have dealt with low vitamin D levels for many years because of the lack of sun.

There are some products that I have found to be very helpful in managing my dry skin and making my skin more healthy during the winter months. My doctor put me on a vitamin D regimen that I have to follow to keep my vitamin D levels up.

If you are experiencing this, make sure that you get as much of the sun as you can and buy some good-quality lotions and moisturizers.  Go and have your vitamin D levels tested to make sure that you are not deficient in vitamin D.   

Keep as much light on in your home and moisturize as soon as you get out of the shower.  That will be very helpful to your skin.

Below are some products that I use and they could really help you to combat the dryness.

Aveeno Cracked Skin Relief Moisturising 

Cica Balm With Triple

 Oat Complex, 11 Oz (312 G)

Provence Beauty 4-ounce  Vitamin E Oil

 Instant Body Moisturizer

Sebamed Liquid Face&Body Wash For 

Sensitive And Problematic Skin 

1000Ml/33.8 Oz

Organix South - TheraNeem Organix 

Shampoo Gentle Therape - 12 fl

               

What were your plans before the pandemic?

 

    What were your plans before the pandemic?

For all of us, the pandemic hit us like a Mack truck.  We had hopes of going on trips, opening a new business, or even getting married.  It has caused us to rethink everything that we had planned to do.  In my area, I had seen signs of new businesses that were slated to open, but they were never able to open.

I know a few people who were supposed to get married this year, and every one of them put things on hold. I suggested that maybe they should have a very small ceremony and then have the wedding of their dreams later on.  I wish I never said that because they looked at me like I had five heads.

What I am getting at in this post is the fact that we will have to learn how to live to the best of our ability with the hand that we have been dealt.   You can save up your money so when this pandemic is over, you will be able to take your dream trip. 

 If you really want to get married, you can get married right now.  It is not safe to have big weddings right now, and it will be a while before we will be able to. Be creative and step out of your comfort zone.   If you were not able to open that physical business, you can still open a different type of business online. The pandemic caused so many new online businesses to emerge.  

Some hair stores in my area were closed for a very long time, and I hope that they will consider adding an online store in addition to their physical stores.  This would allow the employees to still make money even though they cannot open their stores.

If you were living in a location where the rent is very high, maybe you can consider moving to an area that is known to be safe but has cheaper rent. I am even thinking about doing this.

Thank God that we live in a virtual world where we are not totally crippled by the pandemic.  Whatever plans that you have can be recreated at another date and time.  Stay safe and protect your loved ones, and when this thing is over, have the biggest celebration ever!  

At-Home Teeth Whitening. Does it work?

                        This post may contain affiliate links

Smile Brilliant Teeth Whitener
The first thing people will notice about you when you smile is your teeth. However, it may be very embarrassing if your teeth are not in good condition. What you need to know is that your teeth may become yellow after some time due to various reasons.

 Even if visiting your dentist to get your teeth whitened may seem to be the best idea, it may be a bit expensive and very inconvenient for those with a busy schedule.

If you are searching for a good product and the best solution to whiten your teeth, Smile Brilliant Teeth Whitener is one of the best products that will give you excellent results.  With this product, you will be able to whiten your teeth in the comfort of your home.

What is Smile Brilliant Teeth Whitener?
Smile Brilliant is among the most popular products that are used for teeth whitening. Unlike other products, this one is backed by scientific knowledge.

You will find this product in two packages which are the non-sensitive and sensitive packages. These packages allow you to choose a teeth-whitening gel according to sensitivity.
Ingredients
This product comprises the following;
Menthol
Carbamide peroxide
carbomer
Glycerin
EDTA

What is included in the package?
The package comprises custom-fitted teeth whitening trays that are handcrafted by dental lab technicians. It also includes the following;

Professional lab service- which receives your impressions. After this, they create a similar model of your teeth which comes in a custom-fitted tray. The finished custom-fitted whitening trays include 1 lower and 1 upper tray.

2 impression trays- These are combined with impression materials to create a mold
3 sets of impression materials- These ones enable you to make your own impressions.

Three-way postage between you and the lab.
Professional teeth whitening gel and a desensitizing gel.

How does it work?
All you need to do is add the professional teeth whitening gel to the trays. After this, you can now wear them and allow the gel to work.

 You should try it for about 45 days if you want to get excellent results. In case you do not get the expected results after 45 days, the company provides a full refund.

Pros
Pocket-friendly
FDA approved
Instructions are very clear to understand
The process is easy to follow
Made in the USA
Prompt customer service

Cons
Time-consuming

Conclusion
If you are searching for a reliable teeth-whitening kit, Smile Brilliant Teeth Whitener will be a great option. Apart from making your teeth white, it also removes stains between your teeth.

Why are you so sad around Christmas time? (Living with domestic violence)

                            

 Why are you so sad around Christmas time?

I can tell you that living in an abusive marriage or relationship gets worse during the holiday season.
There is so much tension in the air because you may have financial issues or it could be a time when your spouse could be drinking more than usual.  You will find that you can be blamed for just about anything.

Your abusive spouse will find fault with just about anything (the kids, your hair, or just you being around.)  If your spouse is cheating, he will find a way to start a fight or an argument so he will have an excuse to leave the home to be with his mistress.

You may think that you are hiding your pain but everyone will see that Christmas is a hard time for you. Keeping "the secret" somehow makes you feel that it is not as bad as it is.  What people will not tell you is, that being in an abusive marriage is shameful to the person who is dealing with it.

Many times you wonder why this person would pick you for this type of treatment, and you will also ask God why???????


Image of snowflake ornaments, courtesy of Pixabay

Many times, domestic abuse starts with something in your past.  A time when you have been slapped or told to shut up and berated by a parent or another adult.  You may have seen your parents get abused, and even though you knew this behavior was reprehensible, you allowed this pattern to show up in your life because it was something that you were used to.

If you are reading this post and you have severe sadness during Christmas and you have been abused; it is time to take action.  Find a way to save your life and your sanity.  It will not be easy, but let me tell you, it will be worth it.

I escaped over thirty years ago.  I still suffer from trauma from what I went through.  Christmas has never been easy for me, but I am here and I am blessed.  Spending precious moments with my family without arguing and being abused is a gift that I can never thank God enough for.

Free yourself!  Let this be the last year that you are scared of what this person will do to you.  Live, live, live!  Take back control of your life!  The best is yet to come!

When is this grown man going to get off his butt and get a job?

Image courtesy of Pixabay 

Hello everyone, I haven't been here for a while but I just wanted to touch on this subject.  For many years, I have witnessed so many ladies going out to work every day, but a lazy man has taken up residence and has fooled you into thinking that he cannot get a job or he has nowhere to go.

Did you ever think that he had somewhere to live before he started seeing you?  Why have you let this man come into your home around you and your children, and he won't work?  He has so many excuses such as; he doesn't have any transportation, nobody will hire him, he has a criminal record, or he cannot take the bus.

You get up every day whether you are tired or ill, and you work, and when you come back home, he is still in the same spot watching TV and eating your kid's cereal and all of the other food.  He cheats on you, and you give him spending money.  A grown man taking money from a woman is quite frankly, disgusting. 

This man is so-called "finding himself" while you do all the work to maintain a home.  Have you ever thought, "When is this grown man going to get off his butt and get a job?"  I am sure that you have, but why have you allowed this?  

You allow it because you feel that you can change him or you think that he will leave you.  You will actually gain more if you just let him go.  He hasn't brought anything to the table and he is blocking a good man from coming your way.


Image of man, courtesy of Pixabay

Ladies, a real man will not let you struggle and carry the load by yourself.  Everybody has a role in a relationship.  We do not have to continue to be a strong person in the relationship.  It is not healthy ladies. 

 You are running on empty without any support.  Learn to say no when these men first approach you about moving into your home.  If he is out to use you, he will disappear and you will be able to distinguish who the right person is for you.  Good luck to you ladies!  The best is yet to come!