The Power to Prosper by Michelle Singletary

By Miss Rikki

In The Power to Prosper: 21 Days to Financial Freedom, Michelle Singletary, a nationally syndicated columnist for the Washington Post, proposes that you go on a 21 day financial fast.  During this fast you can only use cash - no credit cards – and you can only buy things necessary to survive.  WOW! 

With Michelle’s guidance during this three-week financial fast, you’ll discover how to: * Break your spending habit * Handle money with your significant other or your spouse * Break your bondage to debt with the Debt Dash Plan * Make smart investments * Be prepared for any contingency with a Life Happens Fund * Stop worrying about money and find the priceless power of financial peace. – From the back cover

And SistaGirlz, she does all this from a Christian point of view.  While what she proposes is a hard pill to swallow, it’s probably a much needed dose of some good sense.  Heck, I can’t even keep actual cash on my person because I spend it mindlessly.  If you’re anything like me you will be making plans to get this book home and start on your personal journey to financial freedom!

Girl, Get Your Credit Straight by Glinda Bridgforth

By Miss Rikki

“Did you know…that the price you pay for car insurance can be based (partially) on your credit score?  Or that paying off large balances in full every month with low credit limits can work against your credit score?…I’m going to share with you the information that savvy financial advisors know, including what the banks, financial institutions, creditors, and credit card-companies don’t want you to know.”

In Girl, Get Your Credit Straight: A Sister’s Guide to Ditching Your Debt, author Glinda Bridgforth gives us SistaGirlz the information we need to get our credit house in order.  She discusses the emotional and cultural factors linked to debt and credit, provides excersises to assess where we are and how we’ve grown, explains how to read and interpret your credit score and report, and so much more.

SistaGirlz, this is a definite must read for any of us who are not living in our ideal financial situation – that pretty much covers us all right!    I read and own her first book in the Girl series called Girl, Get Your Money Straight and loved it.  The second book Girl, Make Your Money Grow is another good one to read as well.  In all of her books, Bridgforth does a great job of giving sisterly advice in a language that is easy to understand.  So SistaGirlz, head out to your local library or bookstore and pick up all three, read them from cover to cover, and let me know how your outlook on finances has changed for the better!

Heaven Right Here by Lutishia Lovely

By Miss Rikki

 

When Stacy Gray meets friends for lunch, the last thing she expects to be served is legal paper suing her for custody of her son, Darius Jr.  As far as Stacy’s concerned, Darius Sr. has lost his chance at fatherhood.  But when an unexpected crisis stricks, and an obsessed fan threatens more than Darius’s music career, the battling parents may have to grow up.

Cy and Hope Taylor are struggling to concieve, so when Hope sees her former nemesis, Millicent, talking on television about life as a wife and new mother, jealousy rears its ugly head.  Them Cy rekindles his friendship with Millicent and needless to say, Hope is definitely more peeved than pleased.  As baby mama drama shakes up the saints, everyone better pray for mercy.

SistaGirlz, this book was definitely entertaining.  Much of the book, as you can tell from the title, is centered around the Christian faith, but not in a way that someone outside the faith would find obnoxious and overbearing.  Though there were some very predictable moments in the story line, it did a good job of telling the various stories surrounding each of the major and minor characters.  Its 337 pages are light and easy reading and like I said it is thoroughly entertaining.  So, if you want to delve into someone else’s mess for a while, I suggest you pick up this book.

What Mother Never Told Me by Donna Hill

One of my favorite writers of all time is Donna Hill. I have had the pleasure of meeting an interviewing her, and her vibe is as real and genuine as those of her characters.  Ms. Hill is back with a story of secrets, discoveries and dealing with the truth. Parris McKay is the lead character that has her world rocked  by news of her mother actually alive. All of her life Parris was told her mother was dead, but now she knows the truth.

( Author Donna Hill)

On a quest to find her mother she ends up finding true friends and valuable lessons about life.  Read it! Don’t forget to check out the author at www.donnahill.com

Nappily in Bloom by Trisha R. Thomas

Trisha R.Thomsas is back in the Nappily Series! On this journey, you’ll follow Airic (love the spelling of that name), and his wife, Televangelist Trevelle Doval into the drama that begins with a DOMESTIC VIOLENCE claim! Venus and Jake try to suspend visitation rights of Airic, and it’s a battle! The book keeps you on the edge of your seat with the twists and turns and BLACKMAIL! Whhhoo!

This is the 5th Book in the Nappily Series! Hurry up and read it, because author Trisha R.Thomas has been busy! The sixth book, UnNappily in Love hits book stores May 25th. I’m just trying to get you ready.

By the way, I wonder what ever happened to Halle Berry bringing the first book in the series “Nappily Ever After”, to the big screen.  She bought the rights to the book a few years ago, but I haven’t heard anything about it since. Hmmm. Maybe now that she’s single again, Halle will find the time to show a great love story on the screen.  *Fingers Crossed*

Don’t forget, UnNappily in Love will be at your local bookseller May 25,2010!

Superwomen & Goddesses: Workin’ Your Power & Magic, Book One

By Leandra Williams

We often go in search of what it is we need.  But sometimes what we need finds us in unexpected ways. This was the case with me not too long ago when I came across an article featuring Akua Auset discussing her book SUPERWOMEN & GODDESSES: Workin’ Your Power & Magic, Book One. As soon as I finished the article, I began sleuthing: who is she, where is she, how do I get this book?

I discovered she was based in Chicago and, since I was heading that way, considered buying the book directly from her. She was extremely gracious and willing to meet me for an exchange. Her aura was bright and her energy calm and inviting. As I walked back to my friend’s apartment after our meeting, I read the inscription, “To Leandra: Remember, God is where you stand so create paradise where you are.” The words delighted me, bringing a smile to my face. My desire to read the book instantly become a need, so right then and there, I poured into the book–as I walked.

Framed in Ancient African wisdom, the most important message in SUPERWOMEN & GODDESSES is that we have value, and that we can and should find it.  This Eurocentric capitalist patriarchal society manipulates us all into believing we are less than we are to coerce our participation.  In this system women are the biggest losers, but women of African descent, especially, are denied a full understanding of our identity and value.  

SUPERWOMEN & GODDESSES initiates a reflection on your own life and your personal assessment of your value.  When asked “who are you?” and told the answer wasn’t in names, cultures, character traits or roles, I wondered what the trick was.  There was no trick; the answer highlighted how out of touch we are with our true nature.  I asked myself, “do you truly believe yourself to be a superwoman and a goddess?”  It’s easy to say ‘yes’, but in the quiet of your heart lies the truth.  For me, I knew I had some work to do.

To echo Akua’s message, I simply say, “you have value.”  You are important and necessary in ways you don’t even know.  Be courageous, explore your heart and self-assess: what is your value and where does it come from?  The battle with self-esteem is usually fought alone, silently, so we marvel when someone in which we see greatness doesn’t see it in themselves; we fail to remember that we all wear the mask.  Keeping that guard up all the time becomes so habitual that many times we lose sight of the truth, yet can’t disconnect from its discomfort.  Don’t be fooled: inner peace cannot be denied acknowledgement.

Should you already be walking in your divine queendom, fully aware of your superwoman and goddess power, consider this a reminder to do your part to educate another woman of her power.

I highly reccommend reading SUPERWOMEN & GODDESSES.  It was like having a conversation with a loving older sister.  I could be honest in the trust that my heart would be seen.  We all want love, care, and attention; that desire can motivate some unusual behavior.  Love, understanding and forgiveness start from within, with the self, and are key to transformation.  Anything is possible and we have the power to inspire life in everything we touch.  By the definitions Akua shares, SistaGirlz we are superwomen and goddesses.  The question is do you know?

 

“From my understanding people get better when they start to understand that they’re valuable. And they not valuable because they got a whole lot of money or ’cause somebody, think they sexy but they valuable cause they been created by God and God makes you valuable. And whether or not you, recognize that value is one thing.”
- Mos Def, “Fear Not of Men”

Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months by Melinda Emerson

It’s been a tough haul for millions of SistaGirlz in this economy. Companies are laying off employees left and right, and bills are still due! Maybe it’s time to consider taking your skills some place where they will be valued: you own business. Maybe you’ve been thinking about going into business for yourself, but you were overwhelmed by the process. Well, your prayers have been answered! SistaGirl Melinda Emerson has put together a step by step guide to help you become a C.E.O.

Ms. Emerson started her own production company, Quintessence Media  in 1999 and has since received many accolades, including being named one of the Top 30 Leaders of the Future, by Ebony Magazine. She has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, NBC, and she hosts her own show on Twitter every week called #Small Biz Chat.   Life as the “Small Biz Lady” has taught Ms. Emerson thing or two about running a company. First, and possibly one of the most important lessons is” Owning a business is not a get-rich-quick scheme; there are no fast-food solutions.”

In her book, Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months, Melinda gives steps and guidelines for each month:

Month 1: Develop a Life Plan

Month 3: Set a One-Year Budget

Month 5: Visualize Your Business

Month 9: Build Your Marketing Strategy

Month 11: Launch Your Business

So, what are you waiting for! Find your niche and Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months! We need more female entrepreneurs! Who knows, maybe we’ll be featuring you on the site soon!

Pick Up the Book and get more info on Melinda Emerson at:

http://twitter.com/smallbizlady

website: www.melindaemerson.com

blog:www.succeedasyourownboss.com

email:melinda [at] melindaemerson [dot] com

book:www.BecomeYourOwnBossBook.com

Success Never Smelled So Sweet by Lisa Price

By Miss Rikki

In the spirit of inspiration we are featuring Success Never Smelled So Sweet: How I Followed My Nose and Found My Passion by Lisa Price. Here is a SistaGirl, who took and idea and made it into a national sensation. She talks about Carol’s Daughter from the beginning to the -then- present, her life’s twists and turns at that time, and there are even a few recipes and rituals for relaxation, empowerment, and well, like the title of one of the chapters – Jus Cos. So get the book, take a seat, and read about her journey to success. Who knows it may inspire you, or shall I say empower you, to do something with that great idea you have floatin’ around in your head.

The Mocha Manual to turning your passion into profit by Kimberly Seals-Allers

By Miss Rikki

So you read “Side Hustle: Get Ya Money Up!” and you’re wondering exactly how to turn your great idea into some cash dollars, right.  Well, SistaGirlz I have the perfect book for you: Kimberly Seals-Allers’ Mocha Manual to turning your passion into profit.

Seals-Allers Mocha Manual Brand is targeted at Black women and especially Black mothers.  Her first book The Mocha Manual’s Guide to a Fabulous Pregnancy really targets the African American mom to be, whether you are single or married.  It gives great information on what to expect out of your pregnancy, how to deal with your husband or “baby daddy,” as well as ways to keep you sexy and sassy as your belly grows to enormous proportions.  FYI, SistaGirlz it was given to me by a good friend of mine, who had a 1 year old at the time, to read while I was pregnant.  I thoroughly enjoyed it.  It is a must read for all pregnant Black women out there.

The second book, The Mocha Manual to turning your passion into profit, really gives the reader some great advice on how to market and brand yourself, what stumbling blocks to look out for, and showcases successful Black women entrepreneurs.  It also provides a list of great resources in the appendix of the book.  You can even supplement your reading with her brand new website that has tips for moms to be, mompreneurs, money management, etc.  FYI, I also read this book because, well, I do have a side hustle or two.  Plus, I enjoyed the first book’s writing style and the fact that it was specifically written for me.  I found such good information in it.  It has almost become a reference book for me.  I go back and re-read sections just to make sure I’m keeping my head on straight or to get extra encouragement.

It really helps to get all the information you can, so for any SistaGirlz seriously considering going into business for yourselves pick it up today and tell me what you think!

We Want To Feature YOUR Book!

Why isn’t your book in my stack of faves? Are you an author? Do you have or know of a book that needs to be featured in our Author Spotlight at SistaGirlz.com? Please let me know! Please be sure to submit your Quality book to our editorial department! No materials will be sent back, so please don’t send your only copy! LOL! Happy Reading for us and Happy Featuring for you!

Send book Submissions to:

Deja Vu- WWPR

32 6th Ave, 3rd Fl

New York, NY 10013

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