march 2008o

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“…more than a magazine, it’s a movement”

april 2008

B.da and the winner of the “Name the Newsletter” contest, Red-G Phillips.

8/14/2019 March 2008O


“Humble before God…BOLD before man”

This is the essence of…

To the world we show ourselves as strong, secure,

unmovable, successful and all-around FABULOUS

individuals. When people see us, our star is shining

bright – we juggle it all and never miss a beat.

But at the end of the day, when no one is looking, when

our worldly armor comes off and we stand naked, with

nothing but the weight of the world on our shoulders,

we look to our Father, our comfort, our strength forguidance, assurance, and supply.

We are God’s children.

Through Christ, we are family.

In love, we are sisters.

We bond through fellowship.

My prayer is that StarChild will speak to every part of us.

May you continue to read, be enlightened and be blessed.

“B.da”

8/14/2019 March 2008O


BEAUTY IS MY NAME? BEAUTY IS MY NAME? BEAUTY IS MY NAME? BEAUTY IS MY NAME? BEAUTY IS MY NAME? BEAUTY IS MY NAME? BEAUTY IS MY NAME? BEAUTY IS MY NAME?

I was having a conversation with a male friend of mine theother day and in the middle of our convo, a "well endowed"video chick came on tv. His attention went from what wewere talking about to the hips and hair that was strewnacross my tv screen. On and on and on he went about howbeautiful this individual was... and granted, she wasattractive. Everything about her was a 10 (no homo).

However, as a female who often comes across similarcompliments, I am flattered by their sentiments, but alsoslightly offended. My response is oftentimes, “…thanks, I'lltell my mom you said so" because I feel that she had moreof a role in my genetics than I could ever have.

Granted, I'm no punk when it comes to rocking the MAC

lipglass, 2857 signature mascara, 4 inch stilettos and skinnyleg jeans... but there is so much more to me than what isperceived by my outward appearance. I feel that calling awoman beautiful may be an understatement once you get toknow how great and wonderful that person is.

Don’t get me wrong... flattery is NOT theenemy. If I'm looking good, you

acknowledging that is not a bad thing.

I'm just saying, there is more to me thanmeets the eye. **wink**

- The Sassy Diva

8/14/2019 March 2008O


Like the old saying, "Today is the first day of the rest of your life," it's

never a bad time to start moving your career in a better direction.

Below are a few tips from Monster.com writer Dan Miller that can

help you make the most of your current employment:

Pay Attention in ClassTreat every workday like a school day. Be sure you learn something and use it to

make yourself more productive. It doesn't have to relate to your skills set. It may beas simple as understanding how to work with specific peers or emotional

intelligence. Take mental notes. Don't sleepwalk through the day.

Understand Company Goals

Make sure you understand how your job contributes to your company's businessobjectives. Are you in a revenue-generating role? A brand-awareness role? Is yourmission to delight the customer? Knowing how your job fits into the big picture willgive you inspiration and a sense of accomplishment -- and will help you understand

your job's impact.

Be EthicalBring integrity to your job. Whether you're running the company or cleaning itsbathrooms, be honest in all you do. Don't call in sick just to get a day off -- that'sstealing. Put in an honest day's work. Be accountable. If you're working remotely,

be sure you are. Do what you say you're going to do. Honesty and reliability mean alot to your manager.

Stretch Your RoleOccasionally think how you can go above and beyond. Are there projects outside

your defined role you could help with? Be proactive; ask to join. Come up with yourown ideas, and work with your manager to implement them. If you're a hamster, step

off the wheel and poke your head out of the cage. Stretch a little. This won't gounnoticed.

Manage UpMake sure you and your manager are in firm agreement on what you're doing. Be

proactive and get on his calendar to ensure you're meeting or exceedingexpectations. Don't assume he's paying close attention. There are bad managers. If

there's a disconnect between what you're doing and what your manager wants, you'repartly to blame. Don't wait until review time.

CAREER ADVICE: 101

8/14/2019 March 2008O


P • h • o • t • o • g • r • a • p • h • [email protected]

www.myspace.com/paparazza_diva

219.381.1285

Family…all because

two people fell in love

8/14/2019 March 2008O


cut & pasted

The GOOD LIFE For Real…

Kanye West Launches Travel Website

Grammy-award-winning performer Kanye West is extending his brand by launching atravel company,Kanye Travel Ventures. His aim is to offer quality low airfares, hotels andrental cars without service or membership fees.

KTV is "geared to serve the business and leisure travel demands of Kanye's world-widefan base“, Mr. West said in a statement. Consumers can expect the KTV travel

experience to be reflective of Kanye's style and approach to living. Travel packages willbe available that include tickets to his concerts and concert merchandise.

To experience the good life, Kanye-style, visit www.KanyeTravel.com.

For the ladies in love with the thugs…don’t knock his

hustle, put him on to a more legal game:

Medical marijuana is a thriving industry that continues to

gain ground as researchers prove its effectiveness in

treating everything from Alzheimer's to arthritis. It should

come as no surprise then that training people to grow and

dispense it would be the next logical step.

Enter Oaksterdam University; a trade school in Oakland,

California that aims to put the “high” back in higher

education. Oaksterdam trains people for jobs in

California's thriving — and state-sanctioned — medical

marijuana industry.

Unsurprisingly, spots sell out quickly for the two-day

weekend course. For a mere $200 (plus textbook fee),

students learn how to grow pot, use cannabis in cooking

and choose the best strains to treat different ailments.

Students also get a crash course in the legalities of a

business that's still against federal law, despite being

sanctioned for medical use by a dozen states.

If the feds don't shut them down, pot clubs offer a lucrative

career track. Trained “budtenders” make over $50,000 a

year while top managers command upward of $100,000.

For more information, go to oaksterdamuniversity.com.

8/14/2019 March 2008O


www.internetbumperstickers.com

8/14/2019 March 2008O


On an All About MeNote…

“What is a B.da and

where did you comeup with that? Also,

how the heck do you

pronounce it…?”– A (precious) and inquiring mind

B.da (pronounced BEE-duh) is my spiritual nickname. It is derived

from the nickname Bee-Dee-Bee (yes, like Martin called Pam☺).

I’ve heard people say that, once you are saved, the Holy Spirit speaks

to you with a voice that sounds like your conscious. Well, my creative

conscious wound up calling me Bee-Dee-Bee, sounding like, “Come

on Bee-Dee-Bee, don’t even sweat that. What’s the Word say? Touch

not my anointed, right. God GOT you in this. Chillax!”

Over time it went from Bee-Dee-Bee down to just B.da. No longer

thinking it weird, I began to embrace it and playing around with it, I

realized that it could also be slang for “B” the. So I started to use it as

a way to demonstrate how limitless my being is. I’m “B” the mother,

“B” the friend, “B” the poet, “B” the Christian, “B” the writer, “B” the

singer…

In Exodus 3:14, God informs Moses that He is “I AM THAT I AM.”B.da is my way of proclaiming to the world that I’m the B that is! It is

my name of encouragement, my name of edification and my name of

correction. It is the name that He who loves me most has blessed me

with, and I wear it with boldness as a testimony unto God.

(Questions from readers that only I can answer)

8/14/2019 March 2008O


I’m the wind beneath my mommy’s wings!

MOTHER’S DAY SPECIAL!MOTHER’S DAY SPECIAL!(Starting at $35)

Unsure of what to get for the woman who has everything?

How about a personalized photo creation made from a

favorite picture. Simply e-mail your photo to

[email protected] and let us create a timeless

piece, sure to bring smiles for years to come.

For more information call Brandee @ 219.381.1285

ORIGINAL PHOTO

8/14/2019 March 2008O


The Threshing Floor The Threshing Floor The Threshing Floor The Threshing Floor Comfortable Comfortable Comfortable Comfortable

Or yet seemingly so Or yet seemingly so Or yet seemingly so Or yet seemingly so

I mind my own business I mind my own business I mind my own business I mind my own business And forget about God And forget about God And forget about God And forget about God

Pseudo Pseudo Pseudo Pseudo- -- -sunlight becomes my Son sunlight becomes my Son sunlight becomes my Son sunlight becomes my Son And I bask in the things And I bask in the things And I bask in the things And I bask in the things Which seek to damage my soul Which seek to damage my soul Which seek to damage my soul Which seek to damage my soul Knowing I don Knowing I don Knowing I don Knowing I don’ ’’ ’t belong here t belong here t belong here t belong here

And so out of place And so out of place And so out of place And so out of place I put on a good show I put on a good show I put on a good show I put on a good show

Paste a smile upon my face Paste a smile upon my face Paste a smile upon my face Paste a smile upon my face

I go through the motions I go through the motions I go through the motions I go through the motions And righteously so And righteously so And righteously so And righteously so What would the devil say? What would the devil say? What would the devil say? What would the devil say?

An angel wants to know An angel wants to know An angel wants to know An angel wants to know

My flesh goes about My flesh goes about My flesh goes about My flesh goes about Trying to gratify itself Trying to gratify itself Trying to gratify itself Trying to gratify itself

Ratify itself Ratify itself Ratify itself Ratify itself To the chagrin of the souls health To the chagrin of the souls health To the chagrin of the souls health To the chagrin of the souls health

Pleasure seeker Pleasure seeker Pleasure seeker Pleasure seeker Flesh be weaker Flesh be weaker Flesh be weaker Flesh be weaker

We fall down We fall down We fall down We fall down

Yet don Yet don Yet don Yet don’ ’’ ’t want to get up t want to get up t want to get up t want to get up Stuck Stuck Stuck Stuck

In a place where its lie upon lie In a place where its lie upon lie In a place where its lie upon lie In a place where its lie upon lie Now I want out Now I want out Now I want out Now I want out

Yet my flesh refuses to die Yet my flesh refuses to die Yet my flesh refuses to die Yet my flesh refuses to die

Conflicted, restricted Conflicted, restricted Conflicted, restricted Conflicted, restricted And rightfully so And rightfully so And rightfully so And rightfully so

Tell me, what would an angel do? Tell me, what would an angel do? Tell me, what would an angel do? Tell me, what would an angel do? The devil wants to know The devil wants to know The devil wants to know The devil wants to know

Out of no where I am taken Out of no where I am taken Out of no where I am taken Out of no where I am taken

From my imagined comfort zone From my imagined comfort zone From my imagined comfort zone From my imagined comfort zone Completely alienated Completely alienated Completely alienated Completely alienated

Feeling all alone Feeling all alone Feeling all alone Feeling all alone I can feel the hand of God at work I can feel the hand of God at work I can feel the hand of God at work I can feel the hand of God at work

Yet I refuse to yield Yet I refuse to yield Yet I refuse to yield Yet I refuse to yield

Doesn Doesn Doesn Doesn’ ’’ ’t matter, He t matter, He t matter, He t matter, He’ ’’ ’s almighty s almighty s almighty s almighty Those nasty layers he begins to peel Those nasty layers he begins to peel Those nasty layers he begins to peel Those nasty layers he begins to peel

I see myself for who I am I see myself for who I am I see myself for who I am I see myself for who I am And am appalled at what I see And am appalled at what I see And am appalled at what I see And am appalled at what I see

My soul cries out for intervention My soul cries out for intervention My soul cries out for intervention My soul cries out for intervention My spirit longs to be set free My spirit longs to be set free My spirit longs to be set free My spirit longs to be set free

Set upon the threshing floor Set upon the threshing floor Set upon the threshing floor Set upon the threshing floor The Word divides my flesh from soul The Word divides my flesh from soul The Word divides my flesh from soul The Word divides my flesh from soul

Oh how painful is this process Oh how painful is this process Oh how painful is this process Oh how painful is this process Torn apart to be made whole Torn apart to be made whole Torn apart to be made whole Torn apart to be made whole

Paradigms shift Paradigms shift Paradigms shift Paradigms shift

And reality hits me in the face And reality hits me in the face And reality hits me in the face And reality hits me in the face

I II I’ ’’ ’m at a place m at a place m at a place m at a place Where I have to be real Where I have to be real Where I have to be real Where I have to be real

No more hiding No more hiding No more hiding No more hiding

Nor merely abiding Nor merely abiding Nor merely abiding Nor merely abiding It is no longer about how I feel It is no longer about how I feel It is no longer about how I feel It is no longer about how I feel

I have a choice I have a choice I have a choice I have a choice

Retardation or growth Retardation or growth Retardation or growth Retardation or growth I can be comfortable or outstanding I can be comfortable or outstanding I can be comfortable or outstanding I can be comfortable or outstanding

But I can But I can But I can But I can’ ’’ ’t be both t be both t be both t be both

My actions will indicate which one I choose My actions will indicate which one I choose My actions will indicate which one I choose My actions will indicate which one I choose Sin or salvation Sin or salvation Sin or salvation Sin or salvation – –– – which way will I go? which way will I go? which way will I go? which way will I go?

I want nothing more than I want nothing more than I want nothing more than I want nothing more than

to be pleasing in His sight to be pleasing in His sight to be pleasing in His sight to be pleasing in His sight

What would an angel do? What would an angel do? What would an angel do? What would an angel do? This angel wants to know This angel wants to know This angel wants to know This angel wants to know

-B.da

8/14/2019 March 2008O


(Because unreliable cell phoneweb access is never a good look….)

One of the most annoying things about having ‘net access through your cell phone is not being able to access all of thecontent that you need in a fully-functioning format. Ladies of the new millennium need optimized cell phone web access.

Be it for at-the-ready online banking, checking our e-bay auction item, or checking out the new cutie who sent you a

myspace friend request.

With Opera Mini 4 (downloadable to your cell phone) you can take your full web experience and digital lifestyle with you —

SECURELY - everywhere you go.

The program loads your requested web pages at over twice the speed of other mobile browsers on the market. And

because Opera Mini 4 compresses the data before sending it to your phone, your content is delivered faster and costs less

to receive.

Opera Mini 4 has other cool features. It gives you a virtual mouse, so you can easily scroll in any direction, similar to how an

iPHONE scrolls. Move the mouse cursor towards what you want, and then it quickly snaps your view to the link or content.Want to view the Web on a wider screen? Just hit * # and flip your phone to the side to enjoy browsing in Landscape mode.

To get started with Opera Mini, just go to www.operamini.com on your cell phone and the server auto-detects your device

and gives you the right download link. (Note: If you get a message that says “your phone model could not be detected”

scroll down and click on the “Try the new opera mini 4” link).

Installation is very quick. If you happen to try it out, hit me up and let me know what you think about the program.

ARE YOU H.A.P.P.Y.?ARE YOU H.A.P.P.Y.?ARE YOU H.A.P.P.Y.?ARE YOU H.A.P.P.Y.?

HotCUMmodity

Adult

Pleasure

Parties

Year-Round

U N L E

A S H

Y O U R I N N

E R B E I N G

!

Call Niyoki @ 773Call Niyoki @ 773--858858--33833383

[email protected] ([email protected] (e--mail)mail)

www.HouseofTrueBlue.comwww.HouseofTrueBlue.com

Tamecika Travalta Independent Beauty Consultant

4699 NW 46th Avenue

Ocala, FL 34482

734.730.4049 Cell Phone

[email protected]

www.marykay.com/tamecika_travalta

8/14/2019 March 2008O


Reader Question of the Month

Here’s a hypothetical yet interesting question for you all to

ponder:

Please send your responses to our new e-mail address:

[email protected]

If the government proposeda law to make it mandatory

for all newborns to be DNAtested before the child leftthe hospital, would you be“for” or “against” the law?

And why?

8/14/2019 March 2008O


Need advice? Do you have a question you’d like to run past a network of savvy and experienced ladies? Would

you like to hear what men have to say about something that’s been bugging you about your guy? Our on-site/on-

demand cadre of men-folk are willing to discuss anything… so are our readers. Send your questions to

[email protected] and we will work on getting an answer for you…

Last month, a “CURIOUS” readerwondered what our reaction would be

if we found out our son or daughterwas gay. SEVERAL of our readersoffered their insights and personalstories.

We ran all responses past “CURIOUS”and here is the response that hitclosest to home for our dear reader:

Dear Curious,

My job as a parent is to love my children unconditionally. That

means that no matter what, I'll love and support them

regardless. We don't always have to agree with what your child

does in life. We also shouldn't put "conditions" on

"unconditional" love . I feel really sad for the parents out there

that shun their sons and daughters just because they live adifferent lifestyle outside of the "norm". You are only missing out

on precious time to spend with them while they're here on

earth. It's bad enough that they may encounter ignorant stares, or

rough treatment by others on the street. So why put them through

even more unnecessary pain?

I say LOVE and EMBRACE your children. Be there and support

them. Life isn't promised for any of us tomorrow. Enjoy eachother now!!!

Mocha Li'

8/14/2019 March 2008O


We are potent individuals

Created by God

Filled with a destiny

That must manifest

We will not be satisfied

Until we have…

What we want…

How we want it…

Sounds like we expect a lot, huh?

But we also give a lot

Women, mothers, friends, girlfriends, wivesAll are we

Or have been at some time

But the time is now

For us to BE

Unhindered

And uninhibited

For we are potent individuals

Created by God

Filled with a destiny

That will manifest

-B.da

Potent \’pō-tənt\ (adjective)

1. Having or wielding force, authority, or influence : powerful2. Achieving or bringing about a particular result : effective

8/14/2019 March 2008O


Recipe of the Month

StarChild Tortellini Alfredo

- Pour water into a saucepan and bring to a rapid boil; add tortellini,

vegetable medley, 1 tsp. minced garlic and 1 tsp of kosher salt and let

cook for approximately 10 minutes or until tortellini and vegetablesare tender.

- In a pre-heated saute or frying pan mix chicken, 1 tsp of garlic, 2 tsp

of olive oil, 2 tsp of lemon juice, 1 tsp of kosher salt, chopped onions

and peppers and a pinch of cilantro. Season mixture with lemon

pepper seasoning and 1 tsp of ground pepper. Stir and let cook until

chicken is slightly browned.

- Strain the tortellini and vegetable mixture to get rid of excess water.

Add the mixture and the alfredo sauce to the pan containing the

chicken. Stir and then cover, letting it simmer over low heat for

approximately 10 minutes.

- Serve and enjoy!☺

16 oz spinach and cheese tortellini16 oz spinach and cheese tortellini

2 ½ cups cooked grilled chicken breast strips2 ½ cups cooked grilled chicken breast strips

16 oz (or two jars) of creamy alfredo sauce16 oz (or two jars) of creamy alfredo sauce

1 lb. bag of frozen vegetable medley1 lb. bag of frozen vegetable medley

2 tsp minced garlic2 tsp minced garlic

2 tsp virgin olive oil2 tsp virgin olive oil

2 tsp lemon juice2 tsp lemon juice

½ cup chopped onions½ cup chopped onions

½ cup chopped green pepper½ cup chopped green pepper

1 pinch of cilantro1 pinch of cilantro

2 tsp kosher salt2 tsp kosher salt

lemon pepper seasoning lemon pepper seasoning

1 tsp ground pepper1 tsp ground pepper

4 cups of water4 cups of water

(Feeds 4)

*I recommend Ragu’s cheesy alfredo sauce

8/14/2019 March 2008O


PICS FROM THE OFFICIALPICS FROM THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH PARTYLAUNCH PARTY

The Ladies McClendon

came all the way from

Flint to kick it with us!

Love you all. *MUAH*

Tee Tee Leslie, you

were a LIFESAVER!

Love ya!

Elena Luv

representin’

with her

StarChild tee!

YOU LADIES ROCK! Thanks for coming out!

saaang B.da…

8/14/2019 March 2008O


Thanks Patricia! ☺

…best deejay this side of Heaven!

thanks for coming out!

(thumbs up)

she’s

comcastic!

Get it Chelle!

8/14/2019 March 2008O


Sing it, spit it or say it… it’s about being heard

The The The The The The The The

Ultimate Playlist Ultimate Playlist Ultimate Playlist Ultimate Playlist Ultimate Playlist Ultimate Playlist Ultimate Playlist Ultimate Playlist

B a b y

I ’ m A S t a

r – P r i

n c e

Rock Star

– R. Kelly f/ Ludacris and Kid Rock

L i k e A S t a r – C o r r i n e B a i l e y R a e

W i s h i n g o n a S t a r – J a y Z

Shoot Down the Stars – Gym Class Heroes

Superstar – Luther Vandross

H o o d

S t a r

– O m a

r i o n a

n d B o w W

o w

Stars - Kindred

Go to www.myspace.com/bda_starchild to listen to our Ultimate Playlist

…and add us as a friend while you’re there!

10 songs we love because it has “star”

in the title. ☺

P a r t y L i k

e a R o c k S t a

r ( r e m i x )

– S h o p B o y

s f / L i l ’

W a y n e, J i

m

J o n e s a

n d C h a m i l l i o

n a i r e

C o - s t

a r – D

a y 2 6

8/14/2019 March 2008O


Thanks so much for the newsletter. I

enjoyed it so much. I'm so happy that

someone is actually stepping out and

following their dreams.

This is exactly how business are formed.

Keep it up! -Tammy

I really like this. If you don't mind I will send this to a

couple of my friends to see what they think. If they want to be added

to your distro list I'll send you their email address. I look forward

to sharing and commenting on the page as well. You go Girl! Love you! - Leah

Your Newsletter is soooooooo cool!!!! I read it each month knowing that something in it will

inspire me to embrace my "womanhood". Keep

up the good work and keep us girls bonded the

way you have, so far. You are DOING what alot

of us have only been able to talk about. - Angie

Go head girl, you are very talented and blessed. Great job keep up the great

work.... sign me up!!! - Seneice

I got the newsletter yesterday. I love

the name. It is wonderful. I liked the

newsletter also. Keep up the good

work. Oh, and your picture on the front was sooo cute. -Toshia

Nice job with mycondo

advertisement. -

JP

I had such a nice time at the launch party/poetry event last week. I'm

loving what your doing with the

newsletter. Its so nice to see women

doing positive things these days!

-Krystle

Love your newsletters!!! Keep it up Blossom . -Cresia

I LOVE your newsletter, girl…seeing my

name made me feel good! :-) Can't wait to

see the female survey coming out, woohoo!!

-Walida

I got your newsletter.. luv'd it!!!!! My mom wants you to put her on the

mailing list also...she said she is tooo happy for you that you are doing

sooo many positive things with yourself :) She luv'd the newsletter

also...she told me that you work downtown and have a very busy job...it

amazes me that you do that, take care of Pélen, and have the energy to

run the newsletter as well! I'm proud of you also:) - LaTreacha

PHENOMONAL WORK, BRANDEE!!!

I ENJOYED IT FROM STATISTICAL TO

POLITICAL AND ALL THAT WAS IN

BETWEEN! I FEEL YOU:

DON'T MAKE ME CALL YOU TO THE MIC

ON THE 20th. HA, HA!! ONE LOVE... GOD'S

LOVE!! CONTINUED SUCCESS &

BLESSINGS, ELENA-LUV

"...I got a passion stirring up that’s innate

It fuels my ambition to know God for myself

And waters my mustard seed faith..."

““thethe ‘‘unnamedunnamed’’

newsletter wasnewsletter was

remarkable asremarkable as

usualusual”” -- StephanieStephanie

8/14/2019 March 2008O


PublisherBrandee Cartwright-Jones (B.da)

[email protected]

Vice President/Director of InnovationAngel Campbell

Senior Editor-in-Chief

Erica M. Robinson

Regional Distribution ManagerDanyalle Lee

The newsletter reaches more than 200 readers nationwide and the mailing list keeps growing! For advertising opportunities, contact

Brandee Cartwright-Jones at 219.381.1285 or

[email protected]

See you next month….

Sayonara Sayonara Sayonara Sayonara…………not not not not to be confused with cyanide,to be confused with cyanide,to be confused with cyanide,to be confused with cyanide,

which is, of course, goodbye in any language.which is, of course, goodbye in any language.which is, of course, goodbye in any language.which is, of course, goodbye in any language.

Special thanks for this issue go out to Walida, Red-G, Mocha Li (you did it again, homey!),C.Blake (my technology advisor), Shiree, Elena-Luv (a constant encouragement), Robee and

Solea, DJ Lowe Ki, Tamecika, “Tee Tee Leslie” and Pélen.

march 2008o

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