SAVE SAVE SAVE AND SAVE SOME DAMN MORE!

This picture speaks volumes for millions now and even louder for me. I was recently laid off from my job and even with one of my best friends losing his job not but 8 months ago it didn't send off a blaring alarm in my head or wallet to save more and buckle down. Today while standing in line to apply for unemployment and foodstamps I found myself mentally kicking my own ass for not preparing for such a time. I've always heard before "Plan for the worst and hope for the best!" but I guess I thought my life was just fine until Tuesday February 24th at 8:33 AM when I was delivered the lethal blow of lay off. I always like to think very highly of myself but I have to tell you that standing amongst what society deems as the 'low income' and welfare receipients today was a truly humbling experience. If you don't learn anything from my message learn this, "Tomorrow is NOT promised to be as grand as you think today is so SAVE FOR THAT RAINY DAY cause it will come."

Minique~

My new office is at the Library

My new office is at the library. Yesterday morning I awoke as usual, got dressed in my fashionable navy blue pin striped suit with matching pearl accessories and I was off to work. I arrived at approximately 8:33 and only had a brief moment to clock in and set my purse down when my supervisor stepped into my cube and almost whispered "Can I see you in my office when you have a sec?" I already knew what what going on when I walked down the hallway. I braced myself for the inevitable and sat down next to the Regional Vice President and across from my supervisor. There was an envelope on her desk with my name on it and she started to read off a paper. Her first words were "Unfortunately due to the nature of the economy....." I think I went deaf for a brief moment afterwards and all I heard next was ""We are going to have to lay you off." I looked up from my clasped hands at her and she looked like she was trying to muster up her most empathetic facial expression but it felt ingenuine all the same to me. After I read over the terms of my separation notice and my severance package I retrieved my hard copies, blotted my eyes from a few tears and headed to my desk to retrieve my belongings. I opted for them to mail me most of my things since it was now nearing 9 AM and I didn't want to be faced with anyone in the hallway duirng my departure. Although after heading straight to the library afterwards and signing myself into one of the private study rooms so that I could collect my thoughts and start applying for my new future I can't help but feel somewhat relieved. I didn't like my job at all but I can't say that I hated it. I moreso tolerated it for the 2.5 years I worked in that cube. I like to think highly of myself and I needed to be doing something more challenging and creative. Times are definitely hard out here and I'm a homeowner. You'd think that would be a good thing but in the midst of being unemployed you have to learn to live off of your savings, whatever that may be, and your Uncle Sam check just to keep your home. I was a bit disheartened when I went online last night to watch a video about homeowners fighting the banks and it started with a woman who lost her 40K a year accounting position and is now living in the dark without utilities just to pay her mortgage. This is only day one for me and I am here at my new office, the library, because I figure if I got up and spent 8 plus hours doing a job I didn't like I could atleast spend half the time planning for my new future.

~Minique

What Is In YOUR Bag??!@$%!???...

My bag is "out of control!!" lol. I mean literally, it must weigh at least 7 pounds, and Im just being nice. After lugging it all the way to work this morning, and knocking into numerous things and people with it, Ive finally decided to actually take a look and see what 7 pounds of importance looks like, cause clearly I cant live without this stuff!

Now off the top I know I have my essentials, my comb and brush, my umbrella and hat, since I actually did my hair this morning and decided just to throw the hat in the bag since I hear there's a chance of rain later, and the ever important cell phone (with charger of course). There's my makeup bag which i TRY to keep to a minimal, checkbook, iPod...my friends iPod, wallet, sunglasses (even though there is not a stitch of sun in the sky...actually, as I glance out the window I see snow flurries), gloves, 2 hand sanitizers, and my bag of candy!:) I have 2 bottles of nail polish, cause you never know when you may chip a nail and need to reapply with a top coat, oh and with that my little handy mini manicure set, you know, mini file, cutters and so forth. I see my camera...for emergency pictures. I see a not so travel size bottle of Victoria's Secret Coconut Sugar body lotion, and body spray. There's a spare set of earrings, Tweezerman eye brow tweezers (the best tweezers ever!), keys, dental floss, and the ever important Excedrin. Ive got 2 notepads, an appointment/calendar book, and the book ive been carrying around since Christmas that Im fake reading, "Who Moved My Cheese?", which I do hear is very good. Finally there's a headband, 2 packs of tissue which I can never find, thats why Im always adding yet another, and last but not least, my taxes!, that Ive been carrying around since January 31!!!!

...yes yes....all things I can't seem to live without! Alright, maybe one hand sanitizer is good enough!, lol

~J. Genese

Crocheted Slouch Hats

I must say that I have recently taken a liking to the crocheted slouch hats (worn by Beyonce in the above picture) I first spotted last year adorning the heads of young college women around Atlanta. I also like the cute ballet shoes I've seen worn with these hats as well. It reminds me of a BoHo chic look. I also love how B and J have been 'dressing alike' in similar color schemes. So cute!

How the OTHER WOMAN Will Get to Celebrate Valentines Day...

So this year Valentine's Day falls on a Saturday, and immediately I knew what some men were thinking...uh oh!...how am I going to pull this off!!, lol...

If you have more than one sweetheart, how do you decide, or "squeeze in" everyone so that they're all given a "Happy" Valentines Day? I asked a male friend of mine, a serial dater and playboy at heart, some of his tricks and secrets, so that we can know what to look for and what to expect if our Valentines try to play us for a fool this year ladies!

One of the main and most reliable excuses will be the classic, "I have to work". This excuse gives him the chance to either have to see you early in the day, and then "work" at night, ie, "work" on his other sweetie, or vice versa. Either way, if you've notice that your sweetie suddenly has to work this weekend, when he's never worked a weekend before.....beware!

Another excuse was the good ol "we're in a recession". This might be used so that he can share the wealth this weekend since he will be spending a good amount of money trying to keep everyone happy. And of course, if there have been any sudden arguments or disagreements leading to fights and slight "break ups", thats his way of freeing up some time during the weekend, since your mad at him he wont have to bother....or he'll come around maybe Saturday night, to "make up", after he's taken out his other sweetie....dont fall for it!!

If you dont hear from him too much on Friday, and he say's he's just trying to build up anticipation for Saturday...that just means he's taking the "other Valentine" out on Friday, so that she wont be interrupting on Saturday. I thought of that one on my own;)

All in all, I do wish everyone a delightful Valentines Day, and hopefully you wont have to be weary of any suspicious behavior this weekend. But im giving you the "heads up", for just in case;)

Happy Valentines Day!....xoxo...

~J.Genese

Liquid Leggings

Look SUPER SEXY with a pair of what I like to call "liquid leggings' because with the right curvaceous shape you can look like they're painted on! "My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard!" lol These leggings have been seen in the streets on women of all sizes and shapes and I must say they look fly with a sexy stiletto or even a high boot. You are sure to find these at your local mall or women's boutique! I found these at American apparel online for $42 bucks but I know there are less expensive pairs at stores like Charlotte Russe and Level XI etc.

~Minique

I GOT MY LOUI BAG

What is up for grabs: Louis Vuitton Keepall 45, Louis Vuitton Pegase 50, Louis Vuitton Poche Toilette 10 and a Louis Vuitton Evasion Tote, total worth almost $5,000!!

When: Tuesday February 3rd 2009, 9 am PST through Tuesday March 3rd 2009 at 11:59 pm PST.

How to enter: Click here and head over to Who What Wear to register.

You’ll need to grab the promotional code from here and enter it when you register.
Promotional Code: Malletier

You will have a couple ways to increase your chances of winning! While registering over at Who What Wear, enter your friends email addresses and you will receive extra entries. And keep coming back to Purse Blog throughout the month and look for an entry about the giveaway and receiving an extra entry from us (hint: pay extra close attention during the middle of the giveaway)!

Have fun, stay tuned and GOOD LUCK!

I Heart Sanaa Lathan!

If you didn't know by now I HEART Sanaa Lathan. Here she is posing at the NAACP awards last night. I think she is just radiant in these pictures and I love how she looks natural & elegant. I've been a fan of her acting since way back when lol even in the days of Disappearing Acts. I secretly think we are twins too!

Go ahead wit yo bad self girl!

Minique~

Gloves Galore!

Gloves are all the rave these days from the long kit fingerless gloves to the snazzy fishnet gloves shown in the pictures. I love the Cinid Lauper or Madonna look these gloves can add to your modern outfit and the greatest thing is they are not expensive at all. You can rock them with a cute dress to spice up your club look or even a racy 3/4 length leather jacket in the spring. Either way this look is hot, sexy & stylish!

Visit http://www.mydivascloset.com/ to find these and more.

~Minique

Zen Chic

I love this picture from HGTV's website on sexy & stylish headboard designs. I am absolutely infatuated with Interior Design and you can tell by my home's interior. I have a small business named 'Chameleon Decor' in Atlanta where I do freelance interior design. I think my style most often gravitates towards what I like to call Zen Chic and this picture captures all the elements I love with this style of design starting with the Asian accents, both bold and earth tones, clean lines and the pops of the color green from the subtle stripe on the wall to the green candles sitting on the shelves. Visit HGTV.com for more inspiration or tips & tricks.

~Minique

"He's Just Not That N2 You"...

"If He's NOT Calling or Texting You", i.e, NOT giving you the time and attention that you deserve and that you're devoting to him...

"If He's NOT Sleeping with You", i.e, NOT showing you the kind of affection that you're showing him...

And "If He's NOT Marrying You", i.e, NOT willing to show you any level of commitment...then quite frankly, "He's Just NOT That Into You"...

One of the most popular Sex in the City episodes has gone from page to stage, as "He's Just Not That Into You" hit box offices this past weekend, and has had women, and some men, selling out shows on even a Tuesday night. I had to venture to two movie theaters before I was able to purchase tickets in the nick of time for the almost sold out 7:30pm showing last night. A long time Sex in the City fan, and having already read the book, I had an idea of what to expect from the movie and what lessons they would be trying to teach throughout the next 2 hours and 9 minutes. So as me and a girlfriend of mine literally grabbed the last two seats in the theater, and as I checked to see whether or not he had texted me back yet before silencing my phone, I was good to go.

The movie, in a nutshell, explored dating practices and relationship standards that many woman can certainly relate to or surely know of. Now while I wont give the movie away, as my counterpart would kill me when she reads this since she has yet to see the movie, I will say that more or less its like a slap in the face...a wake up call so to say. We all know good and well what it means when a guy says he's going to call, and a week later your still looking at your phone, checking for a dial tone and making sure you dont have any missed calls! No he didnt lose your number or had an accident or sudden death in the family....he's NOT calling, never had any intentions....he's just not that into you! And as you watch the movie and kind of sympathize with the main character as she embarks on her somewhat pathetic search for romance, you may silently say to yourself, "awww, she's so niave...why doesnt she get it?" The answer is the same reason why we just dont get it ourselves sometimes...

Whether its being played out on the big screen, or from a page out of our own dating lives, at some point we all can relate, and know the signs of when he's really just not into you. Sometimes we just dont want to, or are not ready to face it, or may be in denial...and we're all entitled to our moments of weakness...

But just as "GiGi" realized that he wasnt going to call, and as I casually checked and noticed that he still didnt text me back, we have to stop making excuses for them...for ourselves...and start taking these "signs" just for exactly what they are. Sometimes he may just not be into you, and sometimes that can be quite alright...cause its surely his loss, NOT yours!

~J. Genese

Baby Boutique 4 Valentines Day!...

Last year the theme of my bedroom wall calendar was handbags, of course, and this year its babies! Anne Geddes is one of the most respected and successful photographers in the world. Her award winning photographs of babies are "visual representations of her deeply held belief that we must protect, nuture, and love all children".

Now you can give her signature pictures to someone you love, as a cute accessory!

~J.Genese

http://www.annegeddes.com/

I LOVE YOU

Ah yes Valentines will soon be here and you can already feel the "Love in the Air." I love this time of year although I am not currently in a fulfilling relationship I can still appreciate all the gestures and signs of love I see from the heart shaped candies, people displaying public signs of affection, red roses, romance movies in the theaters and most importantly hearing the words "I LOVE YOU." Saying these three words of affection to someone for the first time can be quite intimidating for some; however local Atlantan photographer Heidi Geldhauser just made it easier. She has cleaverly come up with a way to anomously leave sweet messages to brighten someone's day. You can leave one on the windshield of someone you secretly admire, give one to the cute waitress at the coffee shop, or just leave one in a public spot for anyone to cherish and pass along. In this time of love let's spread the romance. Stop by Heidi's website at iloveyoucards.org and order your FREE pack of 25 love notes.

Minique~

Victoria Beckham-Love her style!

Giorgio Armani Unveils Victoria Beckham Undie Ads

Here's a peek at the campaign, shot by Mert & Marcus.

Rhianna vs Beyoncé

"Which one doesn't belong?" lol

So you've all noticed the racy apparel that adorns Ms. Rhiana as she's become quite a fashion icon; however Beyoncé has been on the scene for quite some time and has always been known for her good looks, curvaous body and unbeweaveable tresses not her fashion sense. So just why is it now has she all of a sudden become a futuristic fashionista? I'll tell you why it's because Ms. Rhi Rhi is giving her a run for her money in both the fashion deparment as well as record sales. I love Rhiana's style, voice and alternative songs especially the "Disturbia" song and I have an appreciation for Beyoncé's vocal range as well; however I'm so over the frenzy about her looks, she's overrated if you ask me. Strip down all the 'fixing's' and see what you get without all the layers..... I personally admire the more natural beauty of women like Sanaa Lathan, Nia Long and Alicia Keys.

Minique~

Missed Connections....How Romantic!

So I was at riding in the car today with a few co-workers on our way to a cute cafe for lunch when we stopped at a light on Cobb Pkwy and I looked over and fell in love/lust lol I mean this guy was gorgeous! He looked mixed between Asian and Black and his skin was radiant as the sunlight hit his profile. Before you know it I was staring at him and mouthed the words "Damn he's fine" while he was looking right back at me. I should have asked my girlfriend to pull over but I let it be. Then lo and behold I found myself at work on craigslist posting an ad on the "missed connections' link lol I must be crazy as I was told by my 2 ché buddy but who know's he could of been thinking the same sentiment "maybe she's single' cause I was obviously interested by the way I was almost drooling as we pulled away ;0( lol I just think these types of love stories are so romantic as I'm a hopeless romantic at heart lol

Signing off missed connection Minique~ lol

LOVE IS IN THE AIR...

Love is a BEAUTIFUL thing...

~JGenese.

HARLEM HEIGHTS

Oooh la la...a new series coming to BET about my wonderful city and fascinating neighborhood, Harlem...check it out...

~JGenese

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"People from all walks of life flock to New York City. But the historic neighborhood of Harlem seems to attract the best and brightest of Black America. Some of the country's grandest young tastemakers now call the legendary neighborhood home, and this beautiful and eclectic bunch are determined to take the biggest bite they can out of the Big Apple. They work hard and play harder, living life to the fullest while acknowledging the past and confidently claiming the future. The glamorous lives of this new crop of the young Black elite are captured in BET’s newest reality series. HARLEM HEIGHTS provides a window into the fascinating world of New York's young, Black and fabulous. Set against the backdrop of the increasingly-gentrified neighborhood of Harlem, the series features a diverse cast of eight young adults who share common goals as they make the post-college leap into adulthood, finding love and success in the big city on their own terms."

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http://www.bet.com/OnTV/BETShows/harlemheights/default.htm

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Tune in for the premiere of HARLEM HEIGHTS on Monday, March 2 at 10 p.m. (ET/PT) on your local BET station.

I wanna be a PIN UP Girl!

I wanna be a PIN UP Girl (on the weekends)! I just love their style especially that Katy Perry. I love those flower and bow headbands she wears with the extra short bangs and her shiny black hair is radiant! I watched her interview last night on the grammy award interview show and it gave me a greater appreciation for her music. That 'Jesus' tattoo rocks!

Minique~

P.S. "I'm so jealous"

I chose this picture for two reasons, she looks fab and RED is the color of envy. Have you ever been out and about and came across a woman that made you say to yourself "I'm so jealous!" whether it's because she has great hair, gorgeous looks, sexy shoes or a fab handbag? Well I see beautiful women in my city everyday. I love living in Atlanta because there are tons of beautiful men and women here which makes for great people watching. I sat in one of the popular malls, Lenox Mall, last weekend to take it all in and I was so inspired. I saw someone dressed in an almost harajuku girl look, lots with those black liquid leggings of course, long sweaters and my favorite seems to be how the young Asian women dress. I love their style!
On the other hand don't you love it when you have your own "Make You LOOK" moment on the days when you look and feel fabulous and catch someone's admiring eyes on you. Doesn't that just make you feel awesome?!

Minique~

Shoe Whore Indeed...but Bag Fanatic at Heart!

While I do love and can appreciate a nice sexy shoe indeed, I must say that I am definitely more of a bag whore:) I dont know...its like when a man see's a woman with a nice backside walk by and they lose all senses and have to stop and stare...thats the way I feel when I see a nice bag walk by!, lol...well, get carried by I should say. I fell in love yesterday morning on the train as I oogled this woman's LouisVuitton Damier Canvas Neverfull GM tote bag all the way till it walked off the train, and out of my life:(, lol...I just had to look it up as soon as i got to work! It was like the prettiest tote bag I had ever seen, and as I am currently in search of the perfect tote, it just appealed to all my fashion senses.

But my first love and absolute favorite hand bag will always be the classic "Speedy" or "Boston" shape...otherwise known as the "bowling bag". Im just all around in love with this style of hand bag, its the perfect shape and size, not too small and just big enough.

Now while ill always be a Gucci girl at heart, I am starting to venture onto other brands, and during my perusal of eluxury.com the other day, I spotted a gem...its a Marc by Marc Jacobs swifty handbag! Its so cute, perfect size, perfect shape....and the perfect price!!...I think im in love again!:)....

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Louis Vuitton Damier Canvas Neverfull GM

http://www.louisvuitton.com/web/flash/index.jsp;jsessionid=ZGJCAXYFTLVSOCRBXUXFAHYKEG4RAUPU?buy=1&langue=en_US&direct1=home_entry_us

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Marc by Marc Jacobs

http://www.eluxury.com/

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J.Genese~

I'm a Shoe Whore!

I just can't help myself, I'm a Shoe Whore! I love love love love shoes. I think I fell in love with shoes back in highschool as I attended an all girls Catholic highschool where we wore uniforms and the only way to distinguish yourself as a unique fashionista was through your accessories, mainly shoes. I came across this cute pair by Gianni Bini and have been eyeing them for some time. Can you believe they are only a measly $27 bucks now? I've got to have them! They would look so cute with a pencil skirt work suit or some textured leggings on the weekend. You can never go wrong with a pair like these in your arsenal. Check out more shoes by Gianni Bini at your nearest Dillards. Happy hunting!

Minique~

Diva

Beyoncé - New Music - More Music Videos

-JGenese

The New Accessory For Your Legs

Some women call them stockings. Younger girls may call them tights. Whatever your preference may be, just make sure you get your legs in a pair. With bold colors, exciting patterns, and unique designs, they are the new “IT” item of the season.
The gray, black, and blue tights that school girls grew up wearing, have been revamped with stylish flair and womanly sophistication. Versatile enough to be paired with everything from sweater dresses to shorts, the new stocking is a must have. Ranging in various styles, from bargain prices to high end, these glamorized stockings can take your day outfit out for a night on the town, or transform a summer favorite into a fall classic.
Show off those legs with these fashion stockings in your favorite ankle bootie or even a peep toe pump…the options are endless, and now so is your wardrobe.

~J. Genese

http://www.stockingirl.com/

The Depth of Color

The Depth of Color in Gabriel Moreno's artwork is absolutely breath taking. His work is so captivating and makes me wish I could have a piece for my personal collection. I've always been a fan of photograhy and the arts in general and this guy takes the cake for me. Check out his artwork and profile at the site below:

http://www.gabrielmoreno.com/

You've been Spoofed!

Ok so I heard about this on the radio the other day and could not contain my laughter. People are so decietful these days that you have to use extreme measures in pursuit of the truth.

Read an excerpt from the website below:

"I caught my boyfriend talking to another girl!! I found a number he was texting so i used the spoof card and called his phone number and put that number as the caller id when he anwserd and i did not say anything he was like hello rachel i can't hear you. It was good to have this card so things like this don't happen to people!!"

The product is called the spoof card. It virtually allows you to call a number from your phone using an alias number so that your contact doesn't know its you. You can even use a voice disguiser as well! Many people have already adopted the craze and I'm sure 99.9% of them are women trying to catch their men in the act. Visit their website at www.spoofcard.com and check it out for yourself. You may never know, you may actually need one lol

Whats New in YOUR City?

So after some "after work" drinks, I decided what the heck, and to take my friend up on an offer for dinner. Seeing as how i dont get out that much, any place i go to is always a new experience for me, as was the case with UPTOWN, a lounge on the upper east side in NYC. I liked the atmosphere and the vibe was cool, as it provided a loungy, bar like feel, with club appeal. The patrons varied from the "after-workers" to the "getting ready for the clubbers". You can dine at the bar or opt for cozy booth-like seating. They have special signature UPTOWN martinis, of which I had 2, and they were quite delish. For dinner I had a chicken with pasta dish, which couldve been better but still was satisfying. Overall, I would recommend the trendy UPTOWN Lounge for a girls night out or for some after work specials...it was pretty cool indeed...

http://www.uptownloungenyc.com


Then fueled up with the energy from the UPTOWN Lounge, I felt the night was young, and so was I! So I decided to give one of my girlfriends a visit at the club she was working at for the night, and this Friday happened to be Club Aura. I must say...a lot has changed since our days of "Speeed", lol, and as I sat at the door as she worked and took the party-goers $20, $30, and even $40!...prices I surely dont recall ever paying then or now, one thing was made apparent...I sure wasnt young anymore!

http://www.auranyc.com

~J. Genese