Reflect and Elect!!!

The Democratic National Convention kicked off this week in Denver. Keynote speakers so far have included Michelle Obama, Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico, Hillary and Bill Clinton, and Vice Presidential Nominee Joe Biden. This convention is paramount to the Democratics’ success to get Barack Obama elected to the White House. So far, we have heard several feeble attacks on John McCain and the Republicans, but are we going to hear more substance? Well I know he tore the house DOWN on Thursday night!! Just his presence was so moving to 90,000 people who packed Invesco Stadium that it took almost a full 5 minutes before he could even start speaking. I now believe he has what it takes to attack the Republicans as forcefully as needed in order to win this election. I have always been an Obama supporter from day one, but I did wonder if he would ever really get that he had to reach everyone with more than abstract ideas and theories of how he would make this country better…well, he certainly spent his speech-writing time well, because he stated every intention he had for America if elected President. I know that I will be at the polls in November! I was also especially moved by his cute daughters joining his wife on stage Monday night, and his surprise appearance Wednesday night was a plus also.

Entertainment Blast

Jo Jo performing in Sydney and passes out on stage and nobody cares. http://www.livesteez.com/videos/watch/xsctPQz

Nelly said if I can't beat them (with Vokal) join them! He is looking good in that Sean John!!!

Dr. Dre's 20-Year-Old Son Found Dead

Young's mother told police that she attempted to rouse her son at 10:24 a.m. on Saturday, and when she couldn't, she called paramedics. They pronounced him dead at the scene. Young "had been out with friends" the previous night. An autopsy was performed Monday. No foul play is expected. Dr. Dre has four other children: sons Curtis, 26, Marcel, 17, and Truth, 11, and daughter Truly, 7.

Singer Ne-yo Announces He Is Gay. Essence Magazine newly famed singer/songwriter has came out of the closet and announced that he is gay. The multi-platinum recording artist sat down with Essence Magazine last week and announced the shocking news stating, "Yes, I am gay, and I have always been." After several internet rumors have been circulating around the internet. He also said, "You now this world we live in is full of judgement, resulting in one of the reasons why it took me so long to come out of the closet." Earlier this month, a man by the name of Derrick Johnson claimed that he had an intimate relationship with the singer during there teen years in high school. He also said that for months the singer and Def Jam has been trying to pay him to keep quiet over the ordeal. Worrying that it would destroy his image. Ne-yo responds saying, that the relationship did occur and he is no longer ashamed of saying that he was deeply in love. Reciting "That situation was what inspired me to write the song Unfaithful. But no one knew it was actually about myself, and our relationship." He told Essence that he doesn't care anymore, he was tired of living a lie and is ready to come clean. Quoting, "the music industry can either except me for who I am, or desert me."

PS PREFERRED SPOTS

FRIDAY
NFL Celebrity VIP Kickoff Party @ Prevue

SATURDAY
The Yellow & White Penthouse Affair @ Private Penthouse

SUNDAY

Dear Summer @ Zink Americana Restaurant

End of Summer @ HOM

P. S. WE THROW THE EVENTS SO YOU CAN BRING THE PARTY!!!!!!!!

Men lets keep it tight!

Did you know...
-that 1 in 29 Black men in the United States die as a result of homicide?
-that the death rate from Cancer among Black males is twice that of white males?
-that the death rate for Black men as a whole is higher than any other major group in the population?
-that the young Black male is the most frequent victim of violent crime?
-that the average Black man barely lives long enough to collect his social security?

Your doctor will recommend that you have a physical examination and certain screening tests periodically, depending on your age and health history. The following are the most common tests recommended for men.

In your 20s:
• You should have two physical exams in your 20s. During the first exam, ask to have your cholesterol checked. Other blood tests are not needed in healthy people.
• Go to the dentist every year for an exam and cleaning
• If you have vision problems, have an eye exam every two years
• Have your blood pressure checked every year
• Men should perform a monthly self-exam to check for testicular cancer, the most common cause of cancer in males between the ages of 15 and 34
• You should have a tetanus-diphtheria booster every 10 years.

In your 30s to 40s:
• Continue yearly visits to the dentist for cleaning
• Whether you’ve had vision problems or not, you should begin eye exams every two years. After the age of 45, start testing for glaucoma
• Continue keeping track of your blood pressure every year
• If your cholesterol remains normal, check it every five years
• Have a physical exam every one to five years
• Men should perform monthly testicular self-exams and women should perform monthly breast self-exams
• Around age 45, everyone should be screened for diabetes every three years, or earlier if you are at high risk.
• You should have a tetanus-diphtheria booster every 10 years.

In your 50s:
• Continue yearly dental and blood pressure checkups as well as vision testing every two years
• If you cholesterol remains normal, check it every five years
• Have a physical exam every one to five years
• After age 50 men should have a yearly rectal exam to check for colorectal cancer and prostate cancer
• Have a stool guaiac test done every year and flexible sigmoidoscopy every three to five years to check for colorectal cancer. Periodic colonoscopies may be needed for those at high risk for colon cancer.
• You should receive a flu vaccine every year after the age of 50
• You should have a tetanus-diphtheria booster every 10 years

• Men should perform a monthly testicular self-exam and women a monthly breast self-exam
• Continue to be screened for diabetes every three years

For 60s and above:
• Continue yearly dental and blood pressure checkups as well as vision testing every two years
• Have your hearing tested every year
• Check your cholesterol every three to five years, if it’s normal
• Begin yearly physical exams
• To check for cancer, every three to five years, everyone should have a sigmoidoscopy exam or every 10 years a colonoscopy
• Men should have a yearly rectal exam to check for colorectal cancer and prostate cancer
• Men should perform a monthly testicular self-exam
• Get a flu shot every year
• After 65, get a pneumonia vaccine (good for 5 to 10 years).
• Get a tetanus diphtheria booster every 10 years
• Continue to be screened for diabetes every three years.

Shiloh Church of God in Christ

Come out to family and friends this SUNDAY @ 3pm

Want to hear the word without the show!!!

Don't get me wrong you can praise the lord but you will get a word that you can use throughout the week.

This Sunday the 24th join us!!!!

Come as you are Dress code.

Temporary meeting location:

1204 Commercial Avenue
Charlotte NC 28206

For more information go to http://www.go2shiloh.com/

PS PREFERRED EVENTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

P. S. We bring the events so you can party!!!!!!!!!!!!

TIME TO GET READY FOR SCHOOL!!!

Time to Get Ready….


As we all know, it’s almost time to go back to school for the kids, big and little! We hope you had a chance to take advantage of the tax free weekend that just passed, and we also want you to take into consideration some tips that we have for you in order to ease that transition period. It takes a lot to go from sleeping late into the morning, having lazy afternoons and late TV-watching nights all the way to having basically a non-stop day from beginning to end. Read below for some ways to make this period an easier one this year…but remember, summer’s not over yet!! You still have time to enjoy the last few no-hassle weeks, so make the best of it!

1. Create Calendar Central.
Each school year floats on a sea of schedules. School functions. Lunch menus. Scout meetings and music lessons. What do you do when you're drowning in paper?
Printable Calendar
Nothing calms school year chaos like Calendar Central: a centralized site for all family calendars and schedules. You'll need a family event calendar to track after-school activities, school programs and volunteer work. Add specialized calendars and schedules, and you have it: a one-stop shop for family time management.
Form is less important than function. A paper calendar with large squares lets you enter information easily. Pre-printed white board calendars are easy to revise when necessary. Color-coding entries by family member helps keep busy lives straight. Planner users dedicate a planner section to serve as Calendar Central, while tech-savvy cybergrrrlz store the info in a personal digital assistant like Palm Pilot. Choose a calendar format that works for your family.
2. Ease the family into a school year schedule.
The first day of school is no time for a drastic adjustment of household sleep schedules. Instead, ease children back into a school year routine gradually.
During the last two weeks of summer, re-introduce a school year bedtime. Begin waking late sleepers earlier and earlier, closer to the hour they'll need to rise when school begins.
Don't neglect mealtimes! Younger children, in particular, need to adapt to new meal routines before the school day demands it of them. Plan meals and snacks to accustom little ones to rituals of the school day before the school year begins.
3. Gather your papers
School entry may require documentation from immunization records to report cards from the previous school year.
A little preparation can prevent frantic last-minute searches. Call your child's school before registration day to find out what paperwork will be required--then find it! You won't be sorry come registration day.
4. Spiff up household systems
A new school year quickens the tempo of family life. Sports activities, music lessons, church programs and volunteer commitments tap parental time and put new mileage on the mini-van.
Get organized! Spiff up your household systems to meet autumn's faster pace"
Take a stab at speed cleaning and whip through household chores in record time.
Cut time in the kitchen: create a menu plan and never again wonder "What's for dinner?"
Try a session of freezer cooking and stock the freezer with prepared meals for stress-free dinners on sports nights.

Thought of the day by Bishop T.D. Jakes….
A hater is someone that is jealous and envious and spends all their time trying to make you look small so they can look tall. They are very negative people. Nothing is ever good enough! When you make your mark, you will always attract some haters... That's why you have to be careful who you share your blessings and your dreams with because some folk can't handle seeing you blessed... It's dangerous to be like somebody else... If God wanted you to be like somebody else. He would have given you what He gave them. You don't know what people have gone through to get what they have... The problem I have with haters is that they see my glory, but they don't know my story... If the grass looks greener on the other side of the fence, you can rest assured that the water bill is higher there too. We've all got some haters among us.
Some people don't like it that you can: 1. Have a relationship with God 2. Light up a room when you walk in 3. Start your own business
You can handle your haters by: 1. Knowing who you are and who your true friends are (VERY IMPORTANT!!) 2. Having a purpose to your life 3. By remembering what you have is by divine prerogative and not human manipulation.
Purpose does not mean having a job. You can have a job and still be unfulfilled. A purpose is having a clear sense of what God has called you to be. Your purpose is not defined by what others think about you. Fulfill your dreams! You only have one life to live................when its your time to leave this earth, you want to be able to say,* I've lived my life and fulfilled my dreams, .........I'm ready to go HOME!
And on that note, don’t ever let anyone change your goals and dreams!

GET DOWN TO BUSINESS!!!!

Make a schedule and stick to it. Consistency is the key to success.
Most of us have full-time jobs in addition to our other business ventures. Always dedicate at least 2-3 hours a day to fulfilling your commitment to yourself. You are the only one who will secure your future.

Don’t be afraid or too proud to ask for advice. People often think that someone else who is already successful in their chosen arena is too busy or unwilling to talk. That’s not always the case. Pick as many brains as you can, just filter out what you can use and apply it.

If you have a significant other, have them help you come up with new ideas. They may overhear you talking and have positive ways to help that you hadn’t thought of, plus they bring a fresh perspective. You’d be surprised how many great ideas are thought of in the bedroom. J

Don’t let anyone discourage you from following your vision. You (and your partners) are the only ones who can clearly see where you want your business to go. Negativity breeds doubt. Stay confident!

Allow room for change. If your original idea doesn’t work, develop more and more so that you can try to always be prepared. Often you have to make last minute decisions that you have minimal time to think about. If you have a Plan B, C, and D, chances are that you won’t be under as much pressure as you could be.

Stay humble and remember the people who helped you along the way. Make sure you don’t discriminate against anyone. It really will come back to bite you later. KARMA!
Stay focused and NEVER QUIT! So many great ideas suffered because they were abandoned when it looked like failure was imminent. People tend to bail out when they think they aren’t doing as well as their goals have projected. Commit yourself to being in it for the long run. Nothing great is accomplished without hard work!

Don’t forget to join us this and every Thursday for “Diversity Thursdays” at GW Fins, on the corner of 9th St. and N. Tryon Street…as always, bring plenty of business cards, you never know who you might meet!!All vendors and event coordinators looking for ideas and help with planning, please contact our Event Management Team at professionalswagga@gmail.com. Also, anyone who is interested in advertising with us or creating a partnership through sponsoring, please email the above address. NO COVER!

YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS THIS EVENT!! PROM AFTER HIGH SCHOOL! DOIN IT GROWN AND SEXY!

STAY TUNED FOR A WEDNESDAY NIGHT LIKE NO OTHER!!!!!!!

Were Growing...and NEVER STOPPING!!!!

The name is self-explanatory…two visionary and entrepreneurial women came together to form a group which specializes in/handles event planning, real estate transactions, and party promotions. Our intentions are to bring you exclusive, diverse events that focus on the industry we feel is our specialty, and that is fashion. We also write this blog and enjoy the experience of being able to reach all kinds of people through our words. Through this avenue, we’re also in the select position to give you the latest entertainment news, as well as the hottest parties and events in the Southeast. We say what we feel and are proud to do so!

Our future is bright and our drive is unstoppable. We are confident young women who will not lose or be defeated. We know what we stand for; we are not, nor will ever be followers…that’s the essence of Professional Swagga. We will not conform to who you think we should be.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us over this past year, we have so much appreciation for that! We look forward to continue bringing you the hottest events and helping you make any special day a success!!

Don’t forget to join us this and every Thursday for “Diversity Thursdays” at GW Fins, on the corner of 9th St. and N. Tryon Street…as always, bring plenty of business cards, you never know who you might meet!!

All vendors and event coordinators looking for ideas and help with planning, please contact our Event Management Team at professionalswagga@gmail.com. Also, anyone who is interested in advertising with us or creating a partnership through sponsoring, please email the above address.

It’s Party Time!!

Wednesday, July 2
Wine Down Wednesdays @ Prevue in NODA, doors open at 6pm, free admission

Thursday, July 3
The Legendary Gil Scott-Heron @ The Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E. 36th Street, $20 in advance, $25 at the door.

Friday, July 4
Slick Rick LIVE @ Amos Southend, 1423 S. Tryon Street, doors open @ 9, arrive early for tickets.

Saturday, July 5
Bun B performing LIVE tribute to Pimp C @ Club Eclipse, doors open @ 10pm, ladies free until 11.

P.S…We don’t throw parties, we throw events so you can party!!!

Summer in the City!

If you are like any young family on a tight budget, taking an out-of-town vacation may be out of the question this summer. So what do you do with the kids when the heat is on and that phrase "We're bored" begins to ring in your ears? Summer in the city can be fun and surprisingly cheap if you are willing to be resourceful and creative. Here are some summertime fun activities and ideas for your backyard and beyond...

1. Think about buying a pool. Even a small pool will provide hours of entertainment for children. I don't think there is a kid out there that doesn't love to splash around in the water. Look for one on sale at department or hardware stores (sales often happen on weekends). My parents bought us a second hand above ground pool when we were kids and got more than their money's worth out of it. If a pool is out of the question, try the sprinkler. Toy and department stores carry interesting sprinkler heads too if you need to shake things up a bit.

2. Get a sandbox. This is another great purchase that can provide hours of fun. A sandbox is inexpensive and sand is dirt-cheap. Throw in a pail, shovel and a few plastic molds and you have hours of fun. My sister and I spent hours in our sandbox building elaborate sand cities inhabited by plastic farm animals.

3. Try bike riding. Kids love riding bikes. This is an excellent item to buy second hand through the classified ads, at a sports swap, or a garage sale. If your children are too young to ride their own bike, invest in a bike cart. Again these can be found at a reasonable price second hand. Bike carts are available as single or double child carriers. We bought the stroller conversion kit for our cart so we can use it as a stroller when need be.
Bike rides can be great adventures. Pick up a bike path map in your city (available at outdoor stores or through your Chamber of Commerce) and vary routes. Pack a picnic lunch and stop by a river. Pull over at a park to stretch your legs. Bike riding is great exercise and fun.

4. Check out your local library. There is so much going on at the library these days. Most offer free children's programs such as story time. Libraries have more than just books. There are CD's, videos, talking books, Internet use, and magazines. It's nice to have some good reading material for those lazy afternoons in a lawn chair.

5. Find out when free or discounted days are for indoor attractions. Rainy days can drive everyone crazy if you don't get out for part of the day. Places like the museum, planetarium, movie theater or science center often has discounted or free admission days. Keep a list of these handy so you know where to go when the weather isn't agreeable.

6. Check out community programs in your city. City communities offer day programs for a reasonable fee. If there is financial need, often these programs are subsidized or free. Your local YMCA is a good place to start. There are all sorts of day camps that feature crafts, sports, drama, art, or music. Our city offers free "Stay and Play" programs at community centers where children can play organized sports, games or do a craft.

7. Find out about special events in your city. Most cities will have summer festivals or special events that go throughout July and August. Check your local newspaper or Chamber of Commerce to find out the summer offerings. Street festivals celebrating different cultures are great learning experiences. If you have children who have never seen a play before, some cities have local drama troupes that do plays in the park. Check out outdoor concerts too.

8. Have a barbecue in your backyard or at your local park with family and friends. There's nothing better than getting together with good friends and family, barbecuing traditional summer foods like hotdogs and hamburgers on the grill. Kids love it and so do most adults. Play Frisbee or baseball after dinner or simply relax and watch the sunset. Is there anything better on a balmy summer evening?

P.S. Preferred Sponsors

"Arm Candy" is a new business that sells designer purses and baby bags. They are sold by Diamond Staton, who has a fabolous array of colors, sizes, and styles that are guaranteed to fit any budget! Please contact her at 704-449-7928 or diamond.staton@hotmail.com for more information. Some samples will be available at the networking event so make sure you check them out!

Diversity Thursdays!!!

You do not want to miss this FREE networking each and every Thursday. Change your surroundings and watch your business prosper!!!!

GW Fins

9th and Tryon

Free parking in the Odell building...

5pm until 10pm.................

P.S. We don't just throw parties, we throw events so you can party!!!!!!!!!

A Different World.....

Going green is a relatively new movement that encourages people to protect and preserve our environment. This includes recycling, being energy-efficient, buying organic products, and saving water during the summer months. All of these things help us become more aware that our resources are limited and it also encourages us to find out more about keeping our environment as safe as possible. Read below for some tips on how to “go green” this summer and maybe incorporate some of these practices into your daily lifestyle!

It can be tempting to water plants at the times they seem to need it most, when the sun is directly overhead in mid-morning or early afternoon. But because water evaporates during the day before it has been fully absorbed by plant roots, it's better to water in the evening just as the day cools down for the night. Long stretches of cooler temperatures give the water a chance to permeate the soil and make its way to the roots. Consequently, less water is wasted in evaporation. On the other hand, in very cool climates plants can develop fungal growth if they're damp overnight. Under these conditions, water early in the morning. The more water makes it to plant roots, the less you need to give them.


Along with Labor Day and the Fourth of July, more Americans get a hankering for cookouts and weenie roasts during the summer months of the year. And whether the menu consists of burgers, bratwursts, T-bones or pork butt, Memorial Day is a big day for meat. With the livestock sector responsible for 18 percent of the world's greenhouse gas emissions, more than the combined emissions of all forms of transportation, all those beef burgers add up to extra carbon in the atmosphere.


If you're among the millions of grilling enthusiasts firing up the barbie this summer, consider a meal with a lower eco-impact. Because beef production releases three times more greenhouse gases than the production of chicken or fish, you'll make a big dent in your Memorial Day emissions by skipping the burgers and grilling up more chicken, fish and veggies instead.

Gas prices hit an all-time high of $3.61 on May 1--and then kept climbing! One week into the month, the average price was up to $3.671 a gallon. That's 20 percent more than drivers were paying this time last year. Drivers in New York have been hit even harder, paying an average of $3.813 for a gallon of regular, and in California it's costing drivers $3.921 a gallon to fill the tank! As the cost of oil becomes more and more prohibitive, getting more mileage to the gallon is essential. For those of us who aren't positioned to rush out and buy a hybrid this week, here are a few tips that will help your vehicle run more efficiently.
Replace clogged air filters. A clogged air filter can cut a vehicles fuel efficiency by 10 percent.
Check the air pressure on your tires and inflate any that are lower than the pressure recommended in the owner's manual. AccuTire's Programmable Tire Gauge ($19.95; www.properautocare.com) remembers the proper air pressure for you so can avoid pulling out the manual every time you check. Properly inflated tires can increase fuel efficiency by 3.3 percent.
Slow down. For most vehicles, fuel efficiency begins to drop rapidly at 60 mph. Driving within the speed limit can improve fuel efficiency by up to 23 percent.
Take it easy. Slamming on the brakes and accelerating too quickly can reduce fuel efficiency up to 33 percent.
Get a tune-up. Routine maintenance can up fuel efficiency by 4 percent, while fixing more serious problems can improve efficiency up to 40 percent.
Fueleconomy.gov has even more fuel-saving tips, but the best way to save fuel is to simply avoid using it. If it's an option, consider walking or getting around by bike during these warmer months. Check out Shifting Gears: 12 Tips on Moving From the Fast Lane to the Bike Lane to help get you in gear.

We want to always be a part of making the world a better place for us and for those who come after us. It is our belief that people should always strive to be and do the best they can and to help others whenever possible. And have fun doing it!!!!

The ladies of Professional Swagga present to you “DIVERSITY THURSDAYS”, which is a networking/social event that strives to bring people of all ethnic, cultural, and economic backgrounds together in one place so we can all benefit…you never know who you might meet!
Please join us this Thursday, June 5th at GW Fins (Odell building at the corner of 9th and Tryon) at 7:00pm until 10:00pm. This diverse networking event is FREE!!!!!!

Drink specials available!!!!!!!

P.S. We don't throw parties, we throw events so you can party!!!!!!!