Wishing Everyone a Fabulously Sassy Holiday Season!!!
Happy Holidays from Boutique Mix!!!!!!!
Holiday Picture
Boutique Mix Accessories by MiMi
Santa, please send me the following -
1. World Peace
2. A boyfriend for Jennifer Anniston
3. Spare time to write about Date #4
Picture source
Knowledge is half the battle!!!
She is wearing her Ribbon. Where is yours?
Wear your Ribbon this Month in support of your fight against Aids!!!
Please be SAFE!!!!!
She is wearing her ribbon
Stay and celebrate with me.......
Thanks to EVERYONE who voted!!! With 24 votes in, 50 percent of you say you have tried online dating!!! Uncork the wine, savor the chocolate and lets heal........ umm, laugh together :-):-)
Stay tuned for the next poll!!!
Read the Essence Magazine article below.
You know the routine: First, you chomp down on your mom’s signature apple pie; then sip a few cocktails at the holiday office party. And don't forget, the hours spent cooking when you should be pumping iron at the gym. “It’s definitely a difficult time of year. You’re trying to squeeze into cute dresses, but there’s cookies and egg nog everywhere,” says wellness guru A.J. Johnson, whose celebrity clients include Beyoncé, Michelle Williams, Kelly Rowland, Gabrielle Union, Boris Kodjoe and Nicole Ari Parker. “Still, it’s not a time to make excuses. You should plan instead of panic.” Here, Johnson shares her best secrets for having a happy holiday without it all going to your waist.
#1 Do Some Prep Work
“Commit to making a plan. The better the plan, the healthier the holiday,” says Johnson who has a ‘no excuses’ philosophy when it comes to wellness. Need to do holiday shopping during your normal workout time? Figure out when you’ll make it up or carry your goods instead of pushing them around in a cart so shopping becomes a workout. If you know that you’re going to indulge a bit at an office potluck, cut a few calories from other meals to make up for it.
#2 Fix Yourself A Plate—At Home
“If you’re going to a holiday dinner someplace else, eat a little something before you go so you’re not starving and likely to overeat when you get there,” advises Johnson. This is also a great way to make sure you’re eating healthy because you can pick the ingredients of your own dishes at home, even when we’re talking about desserts.. “When you’re making holiday cakes and pies, I’d rather people use honey, molasses, brown sugar, or even fresh fruit juice” suggests Johnson. “Natural sugar will burn off faster than chemically processed sugars.”
#3 Go Ahead, Have a Taste!
“A taste isn’t bad. You can have a taste of mac-and-cheese, but it shouldn’t become a side. It should be a tasty treat,” explains Johnson. So if the sweet potatoes or mac-and-cheese are making your mouth water, give in. But after your spoonful of banana pudding or forkful of pumpkin pie, put that utensil down and catch up with the cousin you haven’t seen in a year, or sit down and play a game with your nephew. By paying attention to portions, you’ll get to have your cake and eat it too without suffering the consequences.
#4 Avoid Eater’s Remorse
“Instead of saying, ‘I shouldn’t have eaten that,’ say ‘I want it, I’m going to eat it, and I’ll have work to do later for it,’” advises Johnson. “If I say I can’t pass up that red velvet cake, I know that means I have to do an extra 30 minutes on the treadmill or do an extra lap at the mall." So indulge, but have a plan of attack when it comes to blasting those extra calories that you’ve consumed.
#5 Shift The Focus Away From Food
“We make the excuse that Thanksgiving is about the dinner,” says Johnson, “but Thanksgiving can be about organizing the family touch-football game, group twister or everyone taking a walk together.” Try introducing new traditions to your holiday get-togethers that get your family moving—and burning calories. That way you all benefit in the end.
Check out CyberMonday!!!
Most of us have heard of Black Friday, but I polled 11 people today who haven't heard of Cyber Monday. Cyber Monday is the Monday after Thanksgiving and is considered the 12th biggest online shopping day of the year.
CLICK HERE for the biggest Cyber Monday deal page for this year!!!
Happy Clicking!!!!
Featured Shopping Deals include -
Target
JC Penny
Lands' End
Sears
Overstock.com
Circuit City
Pro Flowers
Wallmart
Bloomingdales
Sony
Dell
Gap
Old Navy
Guess
and hundreds more. Don't forget to read Sassy's online shopping tips before you start click shopping!!!
If you watch this show and haven't seen today's episode yet, stop reading now. I don't want to ruin it for you!!!
It's 9.16 and Cooper is finally online. He's reading online profiles now.......... Apparently some chick called "canyouhandleme?" caught his eye. The interesting thing is that I've seen several guys on match.com with that screenname too. You look at their pictures and all you're thinking is "seriously, dude, i don't want to get near you-----forget handling you--------yuck!!" Oh, enough about me - back to Cooper. Well, its not my fault. The Cooper scene lasted half a second. I'm assuming he'll get actual face time at some point during this hour. If the show is centered on his return to online dating, I'm not sitting here wasting my time breathlessly hanging on just waiting for some random hookup during the last 30 seconds as a prelude to next week's episode. I'll be at work next week. Don't freaggin tease me tonight. Still on commercial interlude............
Oh wait, they're back and Cooper's on his date. They didn't show it but one of the other residents just mentioned it in passing. Why didn't they show us that part? Oooooooooo Dreamboat Tim Daly is on the show too. He looks really awesome for a dude in his 50s (hence the dreamboat tag). Oh Cooper's now at the bar. Might be an awkward run-in with some chick he actually knows. The date turned out to be some gal he apparently knows..........she bolted on him. I guess he wasn't too impressive the last time they met............ha!!! Apparently there's a typhoid fever outbreak at some church and in other show news, a teenage girl had a baby. Still no Cooper.
Back from commercial interlude. No Cooper, but I'm loving this show. Amy Brenneman from Judging Amy and Taye Diggs are also on the show, and so is Dr Addison from Grey's Anatomy (i regret to say I've never seen an episode of GA). There are other fine actors and actresses but I don't have time to list them all. I think there might be a "thing" between Daly's character and Dr. Addison. Nothing related to online dating though. Still no Cooper and now another commercial interlude. I do admit that I'm loving the show so far. I'm slightly less irritated about the internet dating angle though. It's only 9.38 so I'm still hopeful. And if you're thinking I'm obsessed with this internet dating thing, you're so wrong. I just enjoy the entertainment aspect of it.
That reminds me. There are several residents on match.com and other dating sites too. Back from the interlude and the teenager's baby is getting prime facetime. Cooper is finally on. I didn't get his last exchange, but it had something to do with "canyouhandleme." And then there's some guy with a foot fetish who ended up in the hospital because he stuck a pair of shoes up his *&^. Yep, his (*&. I won't even go there. He had a date with Addison.....OMG, he put Addison's shoes in "his trunk." Apparently its a place where you shove things you steal from others in an anatomical kind of way-his ^&%. Sweet Mercy!!! Pass me the smelling salts!!!
Still no Cooper and his online date. But everything else about the show is great!! The nun in the church died from Typhoid fever. Commercial Interlude. Back on now. Oh wait, now I'm confused............I guess cuz I don't watch the show, but it appears that "canyouhandleme"-the chick who bolted -- is actually one of Cooper's colleagues.............That explains it!!!! LOL!!!
Oh, here's the biggie - The nun got the Typhoid fever from the Priest........................ and no, its not what you're thinking - even though he snuck into the convent every night to see her-----------------TO cook!!!! I know, I know. You're dissappointed..................what were you expecting?
Awwwwwwwwwww............... the teenager and her mom came to get the baby. Show's over now. Oh wait, Cooper just invited "canyouhandleme?" out for a drink........................ Last shot of the show now and guess what??? Cooper appears to be handling "it" quite fine and they didn't even go get that drink :-)!!!!!!
Happy Thanksgiving to ALL!!! Enjoy the holidays!!!
Top Tips: Online shopping safety - By Gerri Willis, CNN
The online shopping season is expected to bring in almost $39 billion in sales this year. And online shopping is a great way to keep your spending in line. But when you let your fingers do the walking, you'll want to take some precautions.
1. Look for a lock
You are particularly vulnerable to identity thieves when you're sending out your credit card information. To make sure your Web site is safe, look for a picture of a closed lock in the browser window. If you see a broken lock or key that means security isn't operating at that time according to the American Bar Association.
When the Web page asks for your credit card information, the web address should begin with "https" instead of "http." Other sites will have a pop up box that indicates you are entering a secure area.
2. Know your privacy
Ever wonder why you get spam from marketers you never did business with? It's because sellers on the web are allowed to collect your name, address, information on what Web site pages you visit, which products you buy, and where you ship them.
The seller can also share the information with other companies or sell it to them. Result: more spam. It's a good idea to check the seller's privacy policy. This will tell you what info the seller is collecting, how it will be used - and most importantly, how you can opt out of having this info distributed. Check for the privacy policy under "legal terms" or "terms and conditions."
3. Use the card
You'll be better off using a credit card rather than a debit card if you're making purchases online. A lot of cards have a "zero liability limit" meaning that you won't be held responsible if there's a fraudulent charge to your card. Federal law also limits the amount you would owe to $50.
Some cards even let you create an online ID for one-time purchases. Bank of America's ShopSafe card lets you create a temporary number when you make an online purchase. This number links to your real credit card - and keeps your real card safe. Discover card also lets you shop online with secure online account numbers. Call your credit card issuer and find out if it offers a protection like that.
4. Be wary of e-mails
You may receive an e-mail that looks like its from the company. It may ask you for your personal information in order to "verify" accounts or "clear up" errors that have occurred.
Remember, legitimate businesses do not ask for social security numbers or bank account numbers. You shouldn't respond to these e-mails and don't click on the links they contain.
If you want to check with the company, type the address of the Web site into your own computer or call the company about any questions. You should also consider changing your password every 3 to 4 months to make sure it hasn't fallen into the wrong hands.
Black Friday shopping guide - Marshall Loeb, MarketWatch
NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Waking up early, pounding a cup of coffee and sprinting to the nearest mall has become a post-Thanksgiving tradition for many Americans bargain hunters. Not only does so-called Black Friday usher in the holiday shopping season, it also brings with it some of the best sales of the year.
But to get the most for your money, you would do well to heed the advice of The Motley Fool's "Pro-shopper" Dayana Yochim before hitting the stores:
Shop the night before. If you're looking for the cheapest prices on the "hottest" items, you may want to start your shopping online the night before. Why? A number of retail outlets post their Black Friday sales prices online on Thursday night, Yochim says. Snagging "must-have" items online in advance of the sales rush means you'll get the best price without having to worry about the store running out of the product you're after.
Search for coupon codes. If you're shopping online, be sure to take advantage of coupon codes. "If you're not, you're leaving money on the table," says Yochim. New to the world of coupon codes? Don't worry, it's easy. Just plug the name of the product you're looking for into your search engine along with the words "coupon code." If there is a coupon available, a link should appear, providing you with a discount code to plug in when you order online. You can also find deals on Web sites, such as Currentcodes.com, Couponcabin.com and Dealcoupon.com.
Research store return policies. A number of retailers are changing their return policies just for the holiday season, says Yochim, which means if you're not careful you could get stuck with some hefty fees for returns and exchanges. Stores' return policies are generally posted on their Web sites. You can also ask a clerk to help decode the fine print on the back of your receipt. But beware: many holiday employees are temporary and may not be clear on store policy.
Order must-have items early. If snagging the best deal is less important than making sure that you get your hands on this season's hottest toys, it's important to get a head-start on your shopping. Last year, retailers vastly overestimated the demand for a number of products and were forced to sell merchandise at bargain basement prices. To ensure this doesn't happen again, many stores are only stocking the bare minimum this holiday season, so supplies could run low, Yochim warns.
Beware of "sales." Just because something is on "sale," doesn't mean it's a good deal. So before you buy, do some retail recon. Go online and compare prices. "The more Web sites you visit to get an apples-to-apples comparison, the easier it will be to recognize a real deal," Yochim says. When you're ready to buy make sure you know exactly what's included in the purchase price or you may find yourself shelling out more for expensive "add-ons." Hint: If you're shopping in stores, bring hard-to-beat online offers to your local retailer and see if it will match the price.
Watch out for "warranties." Many salespeople make commissions off warranties, so if you're in the market for consumer electronics or appliances be prepared to get the hard sell. Yochim advises steering clear of warranties unless you're buying a product that hasn't been on the market long enough to have established reliability ratings. If you do opt for a warranty, you shouldn't be paying more than 20% of the product's purchase price, according to Consumer Reports.
Sweat the big stuff. If you don't have time to methodically search out the best deals for everything on your list, Yochim recommends concentrating your energy on big-ticket items, such as televisions and computers, where you can net the most significant savings.
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Pictures: Intro, Plan Ahead, Do not wrap Gifts, Heed the Carry-on Rules, Every Diva Needs Fabulous Luggage, Fabulous Pocketbook, Check in online if your airline allows it, Lines, Please arrive early, 1. Bangles, 2. Bangles, 3 Bangles, 4. Jewel Cuff Bracelet, 5. Hoop Earrings, 6. Quilted Cuff Bracelet, 7. Heart & Dove Necklace, 8. Wing Pendant Necklace, 9. Envelope Clutch, 10. Jeweled Clutch
70%How Addicted to Blogging Are You?
“Civilization is a process… whose purpose is to combine single human individuals, and after that families, then races, peoples, and nations, into one great unity, the unity of mankind.” —Sigmund Freud
“Unity, not uniformity, must be our aim. We attain unity only through variety. Differences must be integrated, not annihilated…” —M.P. Follett
“I’m a human being before I am a race, a religion, and an occupation.” —Kris Parker, a.k.a. KRS-ONE
“Mankind will endure when the world appreciates the logic of diversity.” —Indira Gandhi
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I love Liv Tyler. I love her gorgeous lips (she's not Angelina Jolie or anything, but her dad is Steve Tyler). I even watched her in Jersey Girl with Ben Affleck (you thought it was Ben and Jen, didn't you? Nope, it was Liv). This outfit she is wearing is the complete opposite of the one Mary-Kate has on, but that doesn't make it any better. Trust me, you are not your grandmother. Burn this............and the shoes. Burn them. I'd rather send the message from Mary-Kate's dress than this one..........!!!
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Ok, should I even justify this one with an explanation about why you shouldn't wear either one of these outfits? I reiterate that I love the Olsen twins, especially after watching those reruns earlier today. They used to be so adorable. On occasion, Ashley is usually fab, notwithstanding a few flubs, here and there. Unless you are going to a costume ball with your date or a Halloween party, just don't wear this. Please. Halloween is far gone now so that takes care of that party. As for the costume ball, ask me for some recommendations when the time comes. You don't want to scare the heck out of your date looking like one of these. Plus, unless you're slightly into dominatrix you don't want to go there!!!
4. 
Honestly, I don't even know where to start. I"m thinking about it, but there are no words for this crap. Seriously. Don't get me wrong. I love lil Kim. I have put my lighters up on occasion -actually, on multiple occasions. I rooted for her when she went to prison. I was happy for her when she got out. I kinda lost track of her progress after she started to resemble Michael Jackson's second cousin (post thriller Michael - probably the "you know who's bad" Michael). If you go out to your date dressed like this, don't be surprised if he calls you Trixie and asks to see that "dollar bill" tattoo on your inner thigh. Don't say I didn't warn you. You know what bothers me (among several bothers) - the fact that she has that "i know i look hot" smirk on that contraption that used to be her face. That said, girl, "put your lighters up"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
5. 
Say it with me - WTF?????? Yes. WTF??? As you can see, there is nothing about this picture you want to repeat. No words can capture the "DON'T DO THIS" caption. So, just don't!!!! You know, this is exactly the reason why Dave (yes Dave) is going to leave Posh for me. She's too posh to wear the dress so she'll just attach it to her neck. I can't wait to be that fabulous. But again, that's a great Halloween outfit. And honestly, I don't know how you can can even justify that. Sporty looks like she's 13 years late for a job interview on wall street and the other three look like they're headed to the prom. Don't!!!!
NOW - Here are the Five fabulous outfits that will make you fab, and your date, grateful!!!!
1. 
I"m definitely a jean girl. They are fabulous with heels and sexy tops, and they never go out of style!!!
2. 
A dress that skims your figure and flatters your shape is always in style!!!
3. 
A nice pair of tailored pants and fabulous top make the perfect outfit. You still look sexy and classy, and you can come straight from work without rushing home to change!!!!!
4. 
If you're all about the glamor because you're heading to your date's holiday party, then congrats for making the "holiday party date cut," and try one of these fab outfits!!!!
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If you're tied up at work and can only spare time for a "lunch time-only coffee break date," then stay fab in these career-date outfits!!!!
Of course, don't forget to accessorize. A fabulous outfit is never complete without fab accessories. Be confident and be yourself. Be careful. Remember, all you know about this dude is whatever "information" you read on his online dating profile and any other lies, ooops, i meant, self-serving statements he's given you during one of your marathon phone call sessions.
It's just a date!!!! Have fun and be fabulous!!!
If none of these outfits in this post appeal to you, then look in your closet and wear what flatters you, or head over to your BFF's closet and borrow her "i'm too fabulous for his **it" outfit. If none of that works, check out Victoria's Secret, Nordstrom, Macy's, Frederick's of Hollywood, Kitson, or any of your favorite stores or boutiques.
And you can always hit Forever 21 (my very fabulous and stylish girlfriend buys the most fashionable, chic outfits and accessories from this fab store) for "wallet-friendly" variations of those fabulously expensive outfits you've seen in US Magazine or Life & Style Weekly!!!!
