Sistah's Blog

It's time to give youself a better gift for Christmas this year.  Don't you agree that the gift of financial wealth is better than the gift of debt?  Every year we tell ourselves that we will get our finances and credit in order. Yet, we start out on a good note excited about making a budget, tracking our spending, and creating a savings plan. However, there is one problem with this plan.  That problem is sometimes we don't stick with it for more than 3 or 6 months to truly reap the benefits or see the true results.  Sometimes we get distracted because we are not focused and our mindset about debt, money, or savings is not on the same page.  Instead, we make excuses that continue to put ourselves in the red or lack of financial plan instead of a wealth mentality mindset.   You can change your mind set about money, budgeting, retirement, savings, and debt by visiting Patrice Washington's website on Real Money Answers, " You Deserve Better Finances in 2016 "

Every year the holidays toward the end of the year can be overwhelming when you have lost loved ones.  How do you deal with feeling alone? How do you cope with missing loved ones that have gone home to heaven?  It's going to be important that you don't spend the holidays alone.  This is the time of the year that friends and family should be reaching out to one another to spend time together.  This will help eliminate the feeling of loneliness and being depressed and lost because someone close to you is no longer with you. Around this time of the year, it's important to help those who experience suicidal thoughts, and fall into a depressed state of mind.  The holidays can be hard if you are spending it alone. Surround yourself with positive friends and family that will aid in you smiling, laughing, and enjoying the holidays. Do you know someone who will be spending the holidays alone this year?  If so, reach out to him or her and invite them to spend the holidays with

Last night was truly a family night as we all sat back with our children to watch The Wiz Live on NBC. It had 11 million views last night which was great. Photo Source: Facebook.com/TheWizLive To see a new version and cast was amazing. The star studded cast with Queen Latifah as the Wiz, Mary J. Blige as evil witch of the west, Uzo Aduba as the good witch of the South was amazing.  Then introducing Shanice Williams as Dorothy was just beautiful. It was nice to see Stephanie Mills , David Alan Grier, Neo, and Common.  It was an amazing cast that did an outstanding job in their performance.  Let me say, Shanice Williams did an outstanding job and I am sure we will see more of this talented young lady.  The music was great and I like the variation of the storyline with a little humor for today's generation.  The best part about last night was the children today got to see and hear a show many of us 70's babies got to see when the original with Diana Ross and Mich

Last week, the show Being Mary Jane touched on a very sensitive matter that was perfect timing.  It's a topic that we sometimes dance around because we don't want to be a burden to family and friends.  Keeping quiet hurts inside and out.  It's time to start speaking out and talking to someone about how we feel on the inside.  The silence will kill you if kept bottled up inside while you continue to lie to yourself that you are okay.   It will eat at you day in and day out until you explode.  Coping does not help with your feelings of being rejected, lost, broken, and depressed state of mind,heart, and soul.    Have you been there?  You put on a facad that everything is okay, but you are lying to yourself, friends, and family.  This is when you have to stop telling yourself that you do not need to talk to anyone.  This is the time to look in the mirror and tell yourself that "You love you" and seek help that will get you out of the state of mind and dark place

I first saw the video titled assault of Spring Valley High on Facebook.  The video went viral across social media .  When I saw the video I was shocked to see the student slammed down to the floor while still in her desk, dragged across the floor, thrown across the floor, and then handcuff.  Let's not forget the head lock that the police officer put her in while handling her.  Why so much violence toward one child?  At the end of the day, she is still someones child.  Why was her parents not called?  Why did the teacher allow the RSO officer to use such brutal force on this child when it did not appear that she was a threat to him or others?  As a parent, it's heartening to see your child irregardless of their actions, handled in such a violent way and manner.  According to CNN, the school district is now conducting an investigation into the matter and the office is on administrative leave.  Now, here's my big question did the school district decide to do an investigatio

What it means to support black films? It means a lot to be able to support black films that are independent productions outside of the usual Hollywood productions.    These movies may not be produced by the large movie studio's in Hollywood, but by the small production company with the same vision and dream.  Indpendent films are seen on NetFlix, TVOne, BET, and many on DVD.  They have strong messages, great actors both men and women, showcasing talented of writers, singers, and graphics artists.  Many of  directors visions is to be able to entertain, bring a positive message, and reflect positive roles of black women and men.   Most importantly, the issues addressed are relatable in the black community.     Meanwhile, it's a great accomplishment for many indie films to be selected for Black Film Festivals.  It's an opportunity to share their work, their talents, and their story.  M y first film screening was attending that 5th annual Engelwood International Film F

When will the killings stop in Chicago?  How can communities take back their streets without stricter gun control?  We all know crime happens everywhere, but it has really gotten out of hand.  According to the Chicago Tribune and 2015 Chicago Murder DNA, track the number of deaths from 2012 to 2015 and it's nerve ending.  Look at these number of deaths as results to shootings: In 2012, there was 509 deaths In 2013, there was 422 deaths In 2014, there was 426 deaths In 2015, there have been 387 deaths as of October. Now, looking at those numbers you might say, ok that's normal.  No, it's not normal to have people killed and some of these numbers are innocent bystanders, passing by, sitting in their homes, or on their porch.  The year to date shootings in Chicago is 2,410 (Jan-Oct) while the total for 2014 was 2,587 for the entire year.  These numbers are mind blowing as of the last data compiled.  It's really sad that so many shootings are taking place.  A baby wa

One of my favorite new shows on NBC is Blind Spot and it's a production of Warner Bros..  It's a about a woman whose entire body is cover in tattos and her memory was erased.  Each tattoo on her body represents a clue for a crime and a piece of the puzzle into her life.  What would you do if someone erased your memory and put tattoo's all over your body and dropped you off in the middle of downtown in a bag?  You have no identity to inform anyone who you are or where you came from.  However, you have one name tattooed on your back to an FBI agent.  Since premier week September 21st, I have been locked in and tuned into this show.  Each week has been intense and pulls you into the story hoping that Jane Doe discovers who she is while working closely with agent Weller and his team.  The cast line up is unique and talented.  The cast includes Sullivan Stapleton, Jaimie Alexander, Marianne-Jean-Baptiste, Rob Brown, Audrey Espraza, Ukweli Roach, and Ashley Johnson.  There

Welcome to October.  It's a great month and the leaves will be changing colors soon and the weather getting cooler.  Are you ready?  The biggest holidays of the year are just around the corner.  Photo Source:  Pinterest What's happening in the month of October?  It's Breast Cancer awareness month so please make sure you take a loved one sister, mother, friend, cousin, or aunt to get her mammogram.  Early detection is key and it can save your life.  Let's save a life with early detection.  #BreastCancerAwareness Photo Source: Pinterest  It's the last quarter of 2015 and there is still a lot to do for the last three months of the year.  This is the time that we ask our selves a couple questions about our blog platform. What has our audience enjoyed reading thus far in 2015? What will make us stand out from all the other blogs? How can we make our blog platform better in 2016 for our audience? For the month of September, our top blog a

This is premier week and I am loving the new show on Fox called The Minority Report staring Megan Good.  She plays a metro police detective Lara Vega.  She is a cop racing to stop the worst crimes in 2065 before they happen with a man who is haunted by the future.  Wow, talk about futuristic show.  The future looks amazing.  Meanwhile, it's nice to see her back on television.  This is a good role for Megan Good and the story line for this series will keep you intrigued and coming back on Monday nights on Fox.   Her cast mates are Stark Sands as Dash is haunted by the future cops. Her co-workers  Wilmer Valderrama as Will Blake, Li Jun LI as Akeela work deligently to solve the murders.  While the twins siblings of Dash played by Nick Zano as Arthurnd, and Laura Regan as Agatha.  This is a great cast line up that I am looking forward to watch during this Fall season.  It's a great show that kicked off Monday nights and if you missed it make sure you check out the encore on

Her Stolen Pride , the true story about civil rights activist Mamie King Chalmers written by her eldest daughter Lasuria K. Allman.  She would spend 26 years fighting for her mother's stolen identity, stolen pride, stolen experiences, and rightful place in history. Lasuria would not stop with the first book, but she would continue to tell her mother's story in Her Stolen Pride II and Pride Restored.    Book cover: Her Stolen Tribe I know of you are wondering, who is Mamie King Chalmers?  She is the young woman in all the pictures from the Civil Rights Movement on the front lines.  Mamie King Chalmers was hosed by the Birmingham Fire department and attacked by dogs as you can see in the many pictures caputred by the photographer.  We all have seen these pictures during black history month, in civil rights documentaries, and even in magazines, and TV specials. The photographer Charles Moore sold these famous photos to Time Magazine. Photographer Charles Moore/Time Mag

On Sunday, we went to see the #1 movie at the box office, The Perfect Guy starting Saana Lathan, Michael Ealy, and Morris Chestnut.  It was a stunning performance by Saana Lathan and Michael Ealy.  To see her in a take charge, stand your ground, and fight was awesome.  Now, Michael Ealy played the perfect guy who was smart, fine, and psychotic is the word I will use for his role.  It was nice to see him play this type a role because he usually plays the good guy.  What can I say about Morris Chestnut?  He always shines and in his role he stood up to Carter Duncan.  This was a love story with a twist of suspense and drama.  It will keep you on your edge of your seat and even had us jumping a few times.  Carter was charming, he paid attention to detail, and he even past the girlfriends test. He was too good to be true.   The IT (computer expert) make you want to think twice about dating a guy who is extremely good with computers.   Dave was a laid back brother who sometime

Well, its official the kids are back in school.   It’s a new school year for your babies going into kindergarten, junior high school, and high school.   For some students it will be an adjustment and it will even be an adjustment for parents; especially for parents with little ones going into kindergarten.   They may cry and for some they may not and leave the parents with tears that their little one is a big girl or big boy as they wave good bye.   The first day of school is so special and such a memorable day.   I remember the first day my daughter went to Kindergarten.   I was nervous about her riding the school bus and getting lost that I had to be there on the first day.   I think most employers expect new parents with little ones going to school for the first time to take the day off.   It’s an emotional day for us parents when our baby goes off to school for the first time.   Has the teacher had to reassure you that your son or daughter was in good hands before you would le

Today was a perfect day to go see War Room , on Labor Day.   The movie was directed by Alex Kendrick.   This movie was powerful in so many ways and it touched my heart to see how your elders can teach another married woman how to find God, love God, and most important teach her how to pray.   We as women take on so many roles that sometimes we allow life to overtake our prayer life and time with God.   There were so many things that I loved about this movie especially Miss Clara played by Karen Abercrombie.   She portrayed this role perfectly that it reminded me of good friend.   Miss Clara’s advice to married women and her powerful prayer at the end made me want to go home and clean out a closet to make it my “ War Room ”.   Photo Credits Source: Tri-Star Pictures/Facebook Group War Room This is not just a movie for black families or black couples; it’s a movie for all believers , all races, and non-believers.   Not to give too much away from those who have not seen the #1

Welcome to September!  Wow, did the summer just fly bye?  It was an amazing summer.  I hope you all enjoyed your kids, vacations, and much more. The kids have gone back to school and college students have started their new ventures toward a college education.  If you have high school senior or college senior  like I do, then you are extremely excited.  This school year is a year of great accomplishments and a lot of time and energy invested into our kids.  Meanwhile, the premier season is upon us and the count own has begun in 17 days before premier week of our favorite shows.  We will be tuned into our favorite shows and it's characters.  Television has gotten good and if you are like me, then you are deciding how much TV you will watch.  What are you excited to watch? I am excited about the following shows.  Fox's Empire 2nd season with Tarij P. Henson and Terrence Howard - what a great cast line up for the fall.  Wednesday nights could not get any better. Phot

This morning live on television news reporter Allison Parker and camera man Adam Ward was shot and killed. Accordingly to NBC news, the gunman was recently fired from the TV station in Virginia. The gunman then shot himself where he later died at the hospital. This was a complete shock for many watching the news this morning. Because you would not expect someone to walk into a TV station while on air and open fire. It's truly sad that people get so angry at their employers or job circumstances that they contemplate, decide, and plan to kill innocent people instead of getting help with their problems or anger issues. It's disturbing that one cannot go to work, to  school, to theater, or to a mall and feel safe. What is going on in the minds of those who decide to take innocent lives? Are the gun control laws strict enough? Is it that easy to get a gun and walk into a place of employment?  What actions can employers take to make their employees feel safe? Are ther

Welcome to Small business tip Wednesday's.  When building your dream business or turning your passion into a business, you want resources with information that will help you avoid making costly mistakes,invested time wisely, make profits, and build connections to grow your business.  I read an article by Evan Carmichael called "Richard Branson's 10 Rules to Entrepreneur Success",  that includes a video of Branson discussing his rules for entrepreneurship.   I discovered he is dsylexic and yet he is a billionaire.  I love helpful tips and resources for the aspiring small business owners like myself and new entrepreneurs.  It's a great way to pay it forward with useful, resourceful, and beneficial information that will help not just small business owners but the dreamer too. Branson's 10 rules for Success: Keep it Simple-don't make your product or service complicated. Give it a Try- stop debating on when you will start a business, just do it.

Why are black lives being taken?  This summer has seen tragedy with women and men in 2015.  There are so many questions to ask the authorities in power need who need to give answers to the people of various ethnic communities  who feel like they are being racially profiled.   photo credits source: Pinterest  Most of the questions are Why, how, and what. What went wrong for a person go from simple traffic violation and being  unarmed that would results in a mysterious death that is hidden or covered up? Today, it was announced on ABC News that police officer Brad Miller who killed Christian Taylor, was fired. The case is still under investigation in Arlington, Texas. Even though he was fired, all eyes are watching this case to see if justice will prevail or if he will just suffer a termination of employment.   http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/arlington-police-officer-who-killed-christian-taylor-fired-n408131 The bottom line is Miller was fired for making a poor judgement that resulte

It's time for a new look and time to go in a better direction.  Blogging and building your audience is always about brining news that will inform, entertain, but most importantly be of good use to your audience.  Which is why, we are taking on a new look and re-branding a new direction that will allow us to build our platform and reach a bigger audience. It's been a year as Sistah's Place2 Blog Corner and now it's time to change her name to broaden and expand the audience as Sistah's Chronicles.  We are adding articles that will discuss  what's going on in the world news, local commuities, relationship tips, relationshp rebuttals on some of our favorite relationship experts like Stephan Speaks, Paul Brunson, and Tony Gaskins just to name a few.  We will also be sharing articles that will be informative to the community for the aspiring business entreprueners, aspiring actors/actress, and young people.  The goal is to not just be entertaining but informative,

Welcome to Sistah's Place2 Blog Corner now new name Sistah's Chronicles.  Thank you for your continued support as we re-invent and re-brand our Blog to bring you real stories of inspiration, current events, relationships, and empowerment for men and women.  Over the next couple of weeks, you will see a transformation with our blog.  We want to inform, inspire, empower, and bring awareness on topics that affect the community.  We have gotten emails and comments about loving the relationship series as we will continue to talk about real issues that affect relationships from abusive to toxic, to healthy and happy relationships.  We also will continue to the Small Business feature on this blog in hopes to inspire a dreamer to step out on faith and launch their own business.  Writing inspirational messages and empowerment messages are to empower, inspire, and entertain the audience on various topics. Below are few topics that we will continue unless we hear otherwise from our

Why Place limits on your gifts and talents?  Have you ever asked yourself why do you do this?  There is a quote that that sparked this topic and I could not help but ask the question to everyone about placing limits on our gifts, talents, and our lives.  "Don't limit yourself. Many people limit themselves to what they think they can do.  You can go as far as your mind lets you.  What you beleive, remember you can achieve." by Mary Kay Ash Sometimes we place limits on ourselves without knowing the consequences.  I say this because their are so many dreamers walking around not using or sharing their gifts or talents.  Some are afraid because they fear the cost it will take to make their dreams a reality.  What about the benefits you will reap for investing in your dreams?  One has to believe in his or her dream before anyone else can.  How many times have you heard this?  Sometimes we don't think we can do what we believe because our thoughts talks us right out of o

As we get older sometimes we sit and reflect about our life, our dreams, our journey, and where we are now and where we want to go.  The month of July has been a month of reflection for me.  I have made up my mind that my life will have more than sweet memories and great accomplishments in my career and my business.  I want to see more and do more. With that being said, I come up with a bucket travel list. Meanwhile, I am looking back over places I have visited and where I would like to visit.  You only get one life so why not see the world.  What places have you dreamed of visiting?  I always said, I want to see the world and write about places I have been and people I meet along the journey.  Being a mom that list became limited until now. Yes, the joy of having a college student enabled me to start thinking more about me and my dreams.  Don't get me wrong I still think of my daughter who plans to travel the world.  When you become a mom at 21 years of age, your prioritie

The question that I have for everyone is why are adults encouraging bullying? Yesterday someone posted a video on Facebook with an 8 year old girl brutally beating a 5 year old little girl. The adults edged on the 8 year old girl who was bigger than the 5 year old. This video was very disturbing not because I am a parent, but that grown adults edge this child to beat on this baby! She was so little that it brought tears to my eyes and the adults  standing around watching this fight take place need more than to be ashamed, but arrested because to me this was a crime.  A 5 year old is what in kindergarten and an 8 year is what 2nd or 3rd grade?  My heart goes out to the parents of the little 5 year old. I pray that the video get the attention of the authorities and charges are brought against every adult in that backyard. People don't understand the affects that bullying has on a child and this little girl is only 5. I am sure she is traumatized. This is not right at all. As for the

It's been a year since the launching of Sistah's Place2 Blog Corner.  Happy 1 year anniversary and thank you all for checking in every day around the world to read some amazing articles.  This blog has undergone some re-branding and restructuring that has seen tremendous growth.   The nice part about this journey is the evolving of the writing and topics that have taken place along this journey.  Viewed around the world ranked in order: United States #1  Germany  #2 France  #3 Ukraine  #4 United Kingdom #5 Russia  #6 Switzerland #7 India #8 Poland #9 Greece #10  Since the inception of  Sistah's Place2 Blog Corner, we had a guest writer postings and touched basis on current news on police misconduct, domestic abuse, self awareness, and self-love.  Below are 12 out of the 89 posted since July 7, 2014.  Like an eagle, we are flying high the sky is the limit.  Photo Source: Pinterest Some favorites articles of mine: Should A woman ask a man Ou

Are you a dreamer? Do you envision yourself doing something that you always dreamed to do but never seem to find the time? You find yourself conflicted with   how to get started and how to go about making your vision real?  Well today, I watched a interview on you tube by Oprah Winfrey talking with Steve Harvey about his vision board. To my surprise, I never would have thought men did a vision boards.  Steve told Oprah that you have to keep your goals in front of you.  So how can you get started? Create a vision board with the things you want to do and put a plan of action into place to execute that plan.  Check out his interview on you tube, it will inspire you to start your vision board today.   http://youtu.be/pJNed-owcP8 There are many tutorials on you tube that can give you sample ideals  and motivation on how to get started. Put your vision in front of you and make realistic goals to make each item on your vision board come true.  Put your vision board where you can see it and re

Today is my birthday and I am feeling blessed and loved! I have reached a beautiful milestone in my life where this last year I tapped into not just my passion, but I awakened my purpose. For the last year, I have been and I still am on this journey to discovering me and my gifts, my talent, and my passion that has lead me into my purpose. Some people never discover their purpose or even who they are, but I feel blessed at the gorgeous age of 45. I have found me and she will never be lost again. I thank God for the trials that have lead me to where I am now.  I am grateful for the tests and they have prepared me for what's ahead. I am still learning and growing. I accept that I am not perfect and I forgive myself for all of my mistakes that I have made from my past to my present.  I am honored  and loved that God has never left my side even when I abandoned him.  I thankful for my days and nights that God has held me even when their was no one else present to understand my tears, m

Welcome to our anniversary month. Wow, I have not written a blog article in a couple weeks.  It's been a great year with many new beginnings to great opportunities that allowed me to discover my own light and shine.  Tapping into your hidden gifts and talents will bless  you to spread your wings and soar like an eagle. photo source: Pinterest famous quotes It's been busy launching my new showcase called Maya's Showcase Blog. Maya's Showcase is a collaboration with 7 women talking about education, beauty  & you,  Black Wall Street, inner wealth, love & relationships, women in Film & television, fit over 40,  deep thought, and inspiration.  Visit the website at www.mayashowcase.com.  SISTAH'S Place Entertainment is building a bigger platform in publishing, film, theater, and television. Shining the light on small business owned by minority entrepreneurs, and broadening the author showcase to include Jr. authors starting in July. Then adding to the entertai