African American Art Calendars

Don't forget to purchase your

2012 African American Calendars

while supplies last. 

All calendars and planners on sale through December 31st.

Shop Within Your Budget

I know some may have completed their Christmas shopping, but if you are like me... and you still have a lot to do with little left in the pocketbook, check out this article by Melissa George. She provides helpful and practical tips for staying within your budget. If you have completed your shopping, just tuck this article away for next year or try to apply these same 10 tips toward birthday gifts next year. ~Melvina

Season’s Greetings on a Shoestring Budget?

by Melissa L. George

...Just in time for the holiday shopping kick-off!

The economy continues to struggle, you do the best you can to hold on to your job, your home and your sanity when here comes the biggest spending season of the year. The last thing you need to feel obligated in any way to join the spending frenzy, but if you start now and plan realistically, you can participate in the joy of giving without the sorrow of a light wallet. Here are 10 Tips Stretch your holiday spending dollars:

1. What’s your ceiling: Establish your maximum budget for all shopping and be realistic. If you haven’t saved all year, don’t start flossing now. You know what you need to keep the lights on and what’s left over for discretionary spending.  Click here for more tips on shopping with a budget.

Visit Melissa George's website at Melissa L George and Associates for more important financial tips.

MARY MARY’S CHRISTMAS TOUR” CANCELLED -- DOCTOR'S ORDERS

TOUR CANCELLED AS ERICA CAMPBELL’S DUE DATE NEARS--Mary Mary’s Erica and Tina Campbell, have regretfully cancelled their “Have A Mary Mary Christmas Tour” as Erica’s February due date draws near.

The singer has been advised by doctors that she cannot continue working at her current pace without risk of potential premature delivery. Also cancelled is their New Year’s Eve show.

Erica Campbell admitted, “This was a very hard decision for me. I'm accustomed to pushing myself beyond my doctor recommendations during my pregnancies, but after having seen my sister, Tina, deal with a premature birth as a direct result of an exhaustive pace, I recognize how real this is. Although my passion told me to push on as usual in these past months, my wisdom, as of my last week's doctor's visit, told me to take care of myself and my new baby-to-be. Just know that I have the greatest passion for whom I sing about and a great love and respect for whom I sing to, so I'll be back to what I live for as soon as I take care of mommy business.” .
 
Visit Mary Mary's Facebook page and leave your well wishes.

Shop Inspirational Expressions at Langston University Tomorrow!

Shop at Langston University - OKC

Tomorrow, December 3, 2011 

All items marked down.

Free to public.

Christmas Day vs. Santa Clause Day

Do you have trouble with the decision of what type of Christmas card you will send out every year? Will it be one that reflects that Santa Man? Or will it be one that reflects the true meaning of Christmas-- the celebration of the birth of our Savior? Believe it or not, many of today's Christmas cards have a little bit of both. Although I prefer Christmas cards that include artistic images of the manger, the Shepherds in the field , Joseph, Mary, and Jesus; I have found a couple of combinations I can well... somewhat live with.



You will not find very many people who dislike the story of Santa Clause. Who can be against a jovial fictional character who encourages others to give. Gifts from hot-wheel cars and barbies to a family cruise will place a smile on many faces again this year. No, I don't have a problem with Santa. I just wish we could celebrate "Happy Holidays or Santa Clause Day" on a different day than Christmas Day. I mean how is it we should want to celebrate a Holy day with a fictional character?

I think Happy Holidays should be right after Thanksgiving Day and before the Holy celebration of Christmas. How about December 12th? That sounds great. That way Santa can have his day where we exchange gifts and whatever... and Christmas Day can truly be the celebration of a Holy day with Bible reading and reflecting on why Jesus was born.  Instead of exchanging gifts, why not exchange an "I love you" to your neighbor, "God loves you" to a stranger, and the biggest one of all... "I forgive you" to the one that has hurt you. Unless it's a long distance call these little exchanges are free.


What do you think?

Melvina