Honoring National Grandparents' Day...

"Grandma's hands clapped in church on Sunday morning.
Grandma's hands picked me up each time I fell."


In a tribute to his beloved granny, Bill Withers penned this popular song many moons ago. Yet, the lyrics are still relevant today and resonate for so many of us.
Can I get an amen?
Who can deny the special place grandparents hold in our hearts even as "grown folks," or forget the lasting imprint they have had on our lives and in our cherished memories? 

It is for this reason, that we at Ina Mae Greene Foundation invite you to join us as we honor and recognize National Grandparents' Day.

Originally established in 1978, by a proclamation established by President Jimmy Carter, this special day each September, gives us an opportunity to say thanks for their contributions to our families, churches and communities.

If you are blessed to have yours still in the "land of the living" here are a few suggestions of activities and gestures to extend tomorrow.

• Make up a cute coupon that entitles them to "one free day of house cleaning or errand running" next week.
• Rent their favorite movie and watch it with them. Bring popcorn, candy, ice cream, or their favorite treat.
• Prepare a home-cooked meal.
• Treat them to a day at the Spa, or a professional massage.
• Call them on the phone and listen to what they've been up to. Convey your love.
• Send them a card and flowers.
• Attend a church service with them.
• Give them a few bucks to shop and browse at the local thrift store.
• Write them a personalized poem.

The possibilities are endless. Just like their love.

And if your grandparents are "on the other side" remember them in prayer and reflection.

Wishing you and yours a "grand" Grandparents' Day!


Image: Freedigitalphotos.net

Yes, that is right! Our website has finally gone live! WWW.FORMYSISTERSCOSMETICS.COM Although our official launch date is October 27, you can place your orders on line for your favorite For My Sisters Cosmetics products! We are still working on the site so please be patient, but most of you who have tried our brand, have been asking about getting more of your favorite lip sticks and lip glosses again.  You will see them online waiting for you! Ordering is simple and fast. Just fill your cart, when you are ready to check out, click the cart button at the top of the page, it is that simple! As you all know the sale from these products will go to help support the Ina Mae Greene Foundation and domestic abuse victims’ services, i.e., women's shelters, victims outreach services and other important help and assistance that victims of domestic violence will need to take their lives back after abuse. Our lip sticks and lip gloss products are made from natural ingredients like Vitamin E and coconut oil! Our shadows are mineral based and healthy, with nothing that will harm you or the environment! BECAUSE THE ROAD TO SAFETY SHOULD NOT BE A DEAD-END! Click on the pictures below and explore now!
Luscious Lip Gloss	Velvety Lip/Eye Liner
Rainbow of Colors Eye Shadow	Moisture Wear Lip Stick
We offer an array of beautiful colors that will complement every skin tone; yes we have something for everyone! So try us out, and go to our blog to leave a comment, www.inamaegreene.blogspot.com - we would love to know what you think!
Thank you for your support!

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Discover the Joys of Journaling...

Most women can recall capturing their school-girl crushes and adolescent woes between the pages of a pretty diary growing up.
Some with pastel colors, pretty patterns, and lock and key.

It was the one place we could be “heard” and not feel judged.
But just because we’ve outgrown our teenage turmoil and awkward stages, doesn’t mean that we should “close the book” to keeping a journal.

In fact, writing in a journal can be therapeutic and beneficial, no matter what your age or stage.

Here’s why:

• It’s a way to think on paper, purge feelings, and pent up anger.
• It helps to enhance creativity, (poetry, essays, books).
• It helps us to chronicle our past and learn from former mistakes.
• It allows us to measure our growth and set goals for the future.
• It helps us to capture those “Kodak” moments worth remembering in the future.
• Depending upon what we pen between the pages, it can even be left for our kids and grand kids to know more about us, when we “transition” on.

 
Now that we know "why," here are some examples of “what” types of diaries to consider:

A BLESSINGS JOURNAL-can be used everyday to record things that we are thankful for. Did you get a raise? Leave a bad relationship safely? Find a new place? These are worth noting here.
A TRAVEL JOURNAL--is a great way to write about interesting places you’ve traveled, the culture, and “hot spots” to visit in the future. You can even take photos and place them in your journal to enhance the experience, and provide visuals.
A CREATIVITY JOURNAL---
many writers will attest that some of their best writing evolved originally from journal entries. Go with the flow.
A DAILY JOURNAL----These are typically used to record the good, the bad, and the ugly of daily living. Use it everyday, or just when the mood hits you. There’s no right or wrong approach here. If you include a lot of personal details, be sure to keep it in a safe place, under lock and key.

　
　
Consider picking up a pretty diary that reflects your personality at your local stationery store, or local Dollar Store. With the holidays and the new school year approaching soon, no doubt there will be much to write and reflect on!

How about you?
Do you still keep a diary? Do you find it helps you to deal with the pressures of life?

Image: Freedigitalphotos.net

National Friendship Day--How to help a friend affected by Domestic Violence

August 4th marks National Friendship Day.
A day to honor and celebrate those whom we cherish.
Those who are like our "extended family."
Who can deny their importance?
Even the Bible makes mention of friendship in various chapters and verses.
So today's post will provide tips to help those who may be impacted by Domestic Violence.
This is being provided for informational purposes, and is not to be substituted for professional, legal, or medical advice.

But, it just may save a life...

 It‘s a grey area for many people. On one hand, you want to respect other's privacy and observe boundaries. But, on the other hand, you care about their welfare. You also recognize that silence can sometimes be costly; particularly when it comes to violence, infidelity, or dealing with someone who is mentally unstable.

The TV news and headline stories serve as constant reminders.

 Still… countless questions surface, like… Should I speak up or look away? When is it okay to betray a confidence? Do I speak up after the first incident or multiple times?

Who do I tell? Why me? How will my relationship with the injured party be affected?

Will speaking up put me in potential danger too?
All valid questions…

And the truth is, the answers vary, depending upon the parties involved, the nature and frequency of the situation, and other contributing factors.

 HERE ARE SOME GENERAL GUIDELINES TO GOVERN YOUR ACTIONS:
1. Be there to listen to those who need to be heard. Always strive to be supportive, without passing judgment, when possible.

2. If there is concrete evidence of physical violence, always tell someone. Tell a relative, or make an anonymous call to your local police station. You may just save a life.

3. Pray. Sometimes when there are no other apparent answers, prayer can make a difference.

4. Suggest that your loved one seek professional help, such as a victim’s outreach service, or a church leader. Assure them that there are always options available.

5. Plant a seed. Maybe a friend or loved one may not be receptive to hearing your advice now, but sharing it may provide future help.

Remember--“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
Note: This is an excerpt from "BLOOD RELATIVES" by Darlene Greene. Order your copy today at Amazon.com.
Thoughts?

Image: Freedigitalphotos.net

Summer Reading Recommendations---Know more, Grow more...

Are you “unlucky in love?”

Looking for Mr. Right? Seeking self-help to become more self-realized? Or perhaps simply striving to expand your knowledge base and make better decisions regarding your quality of life?

It’s “summer time and the living is easy.”
And there’s no better time to relieve stress, mellow out, and escape through the pages of a good book.

Take some much-deserved “down time.” Kick back, relax, and be prepared to be enlightened and transformed with these recommended reads!  

By the way... a good cup of java or herbal tea is not required, but enhances the experience.

Here's what's worth a book look:
　

ACT LIKE A LADY, THINK LIKE A MAN---By Steve Harvey

When most folks first learned that the famous “king of comedy” and talk show host had penned a book on dating and relationships, no dout many thought that this in itself was pretty hilarious! After all, what type of credentials would lend to a comedian's credibility in this arena? But Harvey proved his haters wrong. Here he dispenses sage advice that instructs women that if they want to be treated better to stop “lowering the bar”. He also lets us know that “every man has a plan” with regards to dating and mating. Overall, the book is definitely worth the price of admission. Pick it up!

 

 HE’S JUST NOT THAT INTO YOU---By Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo

This popular relationship guide serves as a reality check for many women. It decodes the double talk of “Mars” inhabitants and helps women see their actions with greater clarity. More than likely, you’ll find a few of the guys you’ve dated amidst the many scenarios! Hello?

 

BLOOD RELATIVES---By Darlene Greene

 Knowledge is power. And if you haven't had an opportunity to pick up this compelling read, you should. Readers will find important information that is life changing and empowering. Discover what "the buzz is about". Copies available on line through Inamaegreene.org, or through Amazon.com.

LIFE'S SPICES--By Vicki Ward 

Life's Spices takes the work of women of color around the world, and shares their collective wisdom through a popular anthology series. Stories reflect a wide array of experiences and circumstances. You'll laugh, cry, and relate to over 200 pages of personal essays, poems, and even recipes. 

 

DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF FOR WOMEN--By Kristine Carlson
Stress less. Live a more balanced life, that is rooted in having the right priorities, and setting boundaries. Chapters include: Create memories for your children; fancy your femininity; stress busters, and more. Makes a great gift copy for a friend in distress as well.

 

 

Your turn. What's on your bookshelf this summer?

　

　

Heal Your Body, Mind & Spirit...

“Health is the greatest wealth.”----Ralph Waldo Emerson

Many of us spend countless hours caring for other people.
We tend to the needs of our kids, our families, our church communities, and even “bad” bosses.
We stretch ourselves like African Rubber.
Adding to the mix is the everyday stress of having to do more with fewer resources.
The sum total of this life equation? Burnout. Illness. Fatigue.
And even periodic feelings of being overwhelmed and under-appreciated. True?

It doesn’t have to be this way. Balance is the key.
A wise man once said, “You can’t give from an empty cup.”

With this in mind, here’s how to “fill your cup,” replenish your spirit, and lead a more balanced existence.

　
BODY

• Get the proper amount of rest. Though needs vary, experts recommend 7-8 hours nightly.
• Eat a well-balanced diet, with proper portion control. Did you know that African-Americans suffer disproportionately with obesity? Be mindful of your food choices and act accordingly.
• Treat yourself to a body massage. July 18^th actually marks “Everybody deserves a massage week.” Consult your local listings for a qualified service provider in your area. You deserve it!
• Summer heat can deplete. Keep your body flushed and functioning right with 8 glasses of water, and avoid excessive sun.
• Treat your body like a temple. Set boundaries. Never accept abuse in the "name of love."

MIND

• Keep positive thoughts. The Good Book tells us: “As a man thinketh, so it is.”
• Learn to forgive. Forget the past. Grudges block blessings and waste energy. Devote your thoughts to self-improvement, spiritual principles, or expanding your knowledge base.
• Get lost in the pages of a good book. If time is short, consider books on tape. These “audio versions” can be enjoyed in your car on your daily commute.

SPIRIT

• Avoid toxic people, and folks that keep gossip and strife going. Stop the madness!
• Treat yourself to things that give you pleasure. Don’t wait to be pampered by someone else--- be your own best friend. Make it a part of your weekly “things to do.” Treat yourself to a movie, a medi-pedi, a bubble bath with candles, chocolate, and the company of those who cherish you, accept you, and value you for who you are.
• Listen to some good music. Studies show that it has therapeutic properties.
• Have dreams and goals. What's on your "Bucket List"? Would you like to start your own business?  To get your body back in bikini-shape? Go back to school? Go for it! Dreams keep our hearts young and our souls inspired. Just make sure to keep them a little realistic for optimal success. :-)

Thoughts? How do you live a well-balanced, "full" life? Which one of these tips are among your favorites?



Image: Freedigitalphotos.net

 

 

Ina Mae Greene Foundation Domestic Violence Awareness PSA

 

 

 

 

 

Information and awareness is one of our most important tools in this fight to end violence against women and girls in our country. Please do not be to embarrassed to save your life or the life of your child.

You are not alone, there is an average of 5,000,000 women in this country abused every year.

It is time that we take control of our lives and our future. Stop domestic abuse!
The choice is yours.

For more information about the Ina Mae Greene Foundation, or to look for resources in your city visit our website-www.inamaegreene.org.

.....because the road to safety should not be a dead-end!