Why you shouldn't go cheap with clothing

You want to look good but you're on a budget. Many people (myself included) at some point and time make the mistake of buying cheap clothes when all they have to do is go a bit higher in price. 

Why go higher in price?

Before I explain that, let me explain why you should try to avoid buying clothes from cheap stores like Walmart (sorry Walmart but we have an image to maintain). People judge you by your looks. I myself am not immune to this phenomenon. I am learning more and more everyday about the importance of aesthetics.

When purchasing poorly-made clothes made from cheap materials, people put themselves into boxes (they're cheap, they have poor taste, etc.). Unfortunately, people DO judge books by their covers, so to the best of our ability, we must avoid purchasing clothes from "big box stores".

I am in no way implying that everyone is afforded the luxury of buying expensive clothes. I understand the need to "do what you have to do". At the end of the day, you have to go with what your pockets can afford. I have purchased clothes from stores like Walmart in the past and I understand that we sometimes have to settle. BUT..humor me for a minute and let me explain why sometimes cheaper isn't always better.

If I purchase a pair of ten-dollar pants from Walmart that only lasts me three months, am I really saving? What if I purchased a better pair of pants at sixty-dollars that lasts me three years or more? In the long run, I am saving a whole lot more by purchasing something of higher quality as opposed to constantly having to buy more pants. As for other clothes..rinse and repeat. Try this model with all facets in life and more often than not, you will see that the more expensive choice is sometimes the best.

Ask yourself these questions; Is it better to have a wardrobe full of cheap pieces that will only last for a small amount of time OR; is it better to have a smaller wardrobe with high-quality pieces?

You may be thinking "I have more variety with more pieces.". The reality is, you do not. This is an illusion because you can obtain the same variety with a few items that are of better quality without sacrificing your image.

Well, let's get on to the Mix N' Match. Let me give you some examples of higher quality items where you can pair the items to create a more impressive look without having to buy as much.

Wardrobe idea:

These are the items pictured:

Women's Cindy Jean in Stanton

Lock and Love Women's Kimono Boxy Tee

Luxury Divas Sensational Black Wide Brim Diva Style Floppy Hat

Rebecca Minkoff Women's Alex Boot

Silvancé - Women's Pendant Necklaces 925 Sterling Silver Genuine Blue Sapphire,.925 

Sterling Silver Classic Thin Hammered Finish Open End Womens Cuff Bangle Bracelet .

This is a great ensemble and it is versatile. You can pair these items with different shirts, pants, hats, etc.

These ideas will help you style it up a bit more without looking cheap. I mixed up some higher and lower-priced items to give you an example. It also shows how you can mix higher-priced with lower-priced items if budget is a serious issue for you. While they are slightly more expensive then what you might find at stores like Walmart and Burlington, they won't break the bank and you'll still look fab!

Stay posted for more fashion tips and ensemble ideas. Be sure to join our email list and subscribe!

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SPOILER ALERT: This article may include some reveals about the new hit show 'Empire'!

Normally it takes a lot to impress me when it comes to shows. I have very specific taste. I'm pretty much over the reality show thing (except for a few choice shows like 'Braxton Family Values'). However, the new hit series 'Empire' was recently brought to my attention.

Despite my reservations and preconceived notions regarding the show, I decided to dip my foot in. I am so glad that I did..and why shouldn't I? 'Empire' boasts an awesome star-filled cast including Taraji P. Henson and Terrance Howard. Both actors are exquisite in their acting roles and one must know who does Taraji P. Henson's wardrobe..it is simply FABULOUS!

The gist of Empire is as follows:

The CEO of the record label Empire (Terrance Howard) is looking to pass the torch to one of his sons. This is because he is dying of ALS which he (SPOILER ALERT) only recently revealed to his family. The person who is names heir to the throne of Empire takes it all! It is for this reason that he pits his three sons (two are artists of Empire and one is an executive).

The stress of trying to prove themselves worthy causes turmoil within the label as well as the family. Taraji P. Henson ('Cookie'), was recently let out of prison after 17 years stirred up the drama since it was she who helped Empire get off the ground. Part of the reason why she was incarcerated was because of a bad drug deal which was Terrance Howard (Lucious Lyon's) fault. 'Cookie' (aptly nicknamed 'The Cookie Monster'), feels that she is owed her due not only for doing a bid for Lucious, but for her integral role in the success of Empire.

There is so much going on with regard to the show. While I will not divulge all pertinent information about the show (where's the fun in that?), I will tell you that you must give this show a try. Grab your favorite bottle of wine (don't forget your sexy glasses and charms) and a box of Godiva (for the gents, a nice Shiraz).

Don't be the only one left in the dark. Empire is a must-see. You will not be disappointed. Have you seen the show? What do you think?

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We're Back!

Hi all,

I am sorry that I have been away for a while. I just had a little baby so I have been very busy. I am in the process of changing writers as well. Smackpress will be fully operational shortly. However, I will still be posting in the meantime.

Want to know how to blog? Check out my tutorial on starting a blog at:

Click here to start a blog within minutes!

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Hi everyone,

My latest Kindle Ebook has been released and is now on sale at (click the picture):




Teach your child their ABC's while the vibrant illustrations keep their attention. Your little one will love this book and want you to read it with them every night!

This Ebook is available on Amazon for only $1.99.

Don't have a Kindle? Download it FREE for all of your devices at:

FREE Kindle Reader

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Samsung to Donate $3M to Charities Chosen By Ellen

Recently Twitter blew up thanks to selfie taken at the Oscars.  The selfie was seen all over the world, and it was retweeted 3million times. Ellen DeGeneres the host of the 86^th Academy Awards took an opportunity and gathered the film industry’s biggest stars for a selfie that broke Twitter- and that helped to clarify which social media platform won the night.

Whether it was planned or not, Twitter was a constant presence throughout the entire Academy Awards. Degeneres promised she would be tweeting throughout the night.  Her tweets were retweeted between 26,000 to 170,000 times, which makes sense since there were about 1 billion people watching their televisions during the show. According to Twitter there were more than 14.7 million Oscar telecast-related tweets during the live show.

Ellen definitely knows how to work the system. Degeneres was constantly pulling out her Samsung Galaxy Note 3 during the Oscar telecast to take selfies. Some people cried out product placement foul, but I choose to think otherwise.

Today on her post-Oscar live episode of “The Ellen Degeneres Show”, Ellen shared that Samsung was, in fact, donating $3 million to charity since they’d gotten so much exposure at the Oscars. Ellen is going to divide up the money between St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and Humane Society of the United States.

So folks, I guess the message is, a lot of retweets can equal to a lot of donated money. Stay classy Ellen.

By Marla Fong

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Guardians of the Galaxy teaser

Marvel’s first teaser for Guardians of the Galaxy’ on YouTube

Guardians of the Galaxy is Marvel’s next franchise to make the jump to film, and now you can check out the movie teaser on YouTube. The 15- second spot doesn’t reveal much, but you can get a feeling for the new film’s look and feel. This film is based on the cult comic book and continues to explore the Marvel Universe in a different way. For all you Vin Diesel fans out there, you will get to see him play a mystical tree. The movie also stars Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, and Bradley Cooper voicing a genetically engineered raccoon.  This movie does not look as intense as the other Marvel movies we’ve seen, but it is due to hit theaters on August 1^st.  It looks to me as if Guardians of the Galaxy will have a bit of drama, humor, and action in it.

The movie takes place in the far reaches of space, an American pilot named Peter Quill (Pratt) finds himself the object of a manhunt after stealing an orb coveted by the villainous Ronan. In order to escape Ronan, Quill is forced into a truce with a group of misfits including Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Rocket, Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista), and Groot.  Later, once Quill discovers the true power of the Orb, he will have to have to battle his enemies-with the state of the galaxy’s fate in the balance.

The first trailer will be in the theaters Friday and premieres on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live on Tuesday night (11:35ET/PT), with a special intro by Chris Pratt.

http://youtu.be/hbFPyMOHcHQ- Teaser

-by Marla Fong

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Social Media Can Help Teens

Unnecessary moral panic starts at every turn these days and it takes nothing more than a random article or a flash of an edited out of context video clip on the 5 o'clock news to get viewers quickly jumping on the band wagon in a frantic frenzy to control the unknown. Frankly, its surprising how much can be exaggerated at every turn with little to no proof. The game of telephone between humans often called fatalists feed never ending cycles of madness that seem to increase as technology (and our lifestyle) changes to provide us with easier access to resources unavailable to the past generation.

The most prevalent target of these moral panics? Why, the "anti-social youth of america" and their "technological addiction" of course!
With the current 9% unemployment rate (worst than the great depression with 6%) and over 50% of young adults unable to afford college or get adequate student loan money. Families everywhere are having to deal with new problematical situations like "boomerang kids" and even their own bankruptcy as a result of a failed economy. Yet the older generation expect teenagers to put their value in the same level of education when they see a homeless man on the cold streets holding a sign that says "I have a doctorates degree, will work for food and shelter".

Those from under privileged or from low income and struggling families express a far greater concern for strong social connections, as not only a means for future survival in an uncertain world, but as a coping mechanism during the emotional turmoil that such a life inevitably presents.

This is not to say that all have turned a blind eye to the obvious plight of today's youth. But unfortunately too many are quick to create an easy scapegoat out of this generation's "obsession" with daily expression and communication, for every unrelated issue that they can stretch towards it.

Opposing popular belief, recent studies in publications like CNN and LA Times have shown social media and its constant IM's and "instagrams" to have had a positive influence rather than a negative. It has created up and coming adults who are actually better at socializing in person and have healthier mindset offline than those who do not tweet and text. The activities thought to create hermits and basement dwellers who shirk reality, instead transferred over into more extensive face to face conversational skills, helping teens connect and relate while grasping their own individuality, sense of self, and security in relationships.

The concern of privacy protection is becoming less of an issue as customized safety settings and privacy locks become more secure and commonly used, allowing only friends to view pages and posts.

Even aside from cyber bullies, let us not forget how many suicides have been prevented with increased human connection online. Researchers at Brigham Young University found that teens and adults normally afraid to come out with their depression, suicidal tendencies, and thoughts of self harm were able to reach out for help on facebook or twitter, receiving positive life saving responses of care and empathy in return. Simple posts asking users to "tag a friend you love" or "pass on to someone to you can't live without" give hope to those who would otherwise feel isolated.

As history has shown in its repetitive cycle, advances in human knowledge and ability have and will always be met with fear by those who do not understand it. At one time woman who practiced herbal medicine were burned at the stake for being witches, and scientists were imprisoned for having the audacity to believe the earth could orbit around the sun or be anything other than flat.

Today our world continues to face consequences of persecution for those who dare to go forward with a new way of thinking and living. But history repeats. And we always end up looking back, amazed at the ridiculous things we worried about in the past.


By Angelina Paige

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Super Bowl XLVIII

So Who Watched Super Bowl XLVIII?

According to Nielsen, the game averaged 111.5 million viewers, a record for a U.S. television program, according to Fox, which broadcasted the game.

More than 79,000 spectators were set to fill the $.1.7 billion MetLife Stadium, the regular-season home of the New York Jets and New York Giants, for the National Football League title game.

The game did lack some suspense, and at the point where Denver was down 36-0, a lot of viewers stopped watching the game completely.

Denver accounted for only the tenth-best market in the United States, a statistic that could indicate that Broncos fans turned off the game as the score grew insanely lopsided, according to the Nielson overnight ratings.

The Super Bowl half time show, featuring Bruno Mars and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, attracted about 115.3 million viewers, Fox said, topping last year’s game.

Even though my team wasn’t playing in the Super Bowl, I still decided to watch the game, and cheer on the Denver Broncos. I have always been a big fan of the Manning brothers, so I had to cheer on big brother Peyton. The game did not start off too well for Denver, which gave me a weird feeling in the pit of my stomach. In my head I thought, “Oh no, they might not be able to get over this.” And, yes they didn’t.

The Seattle Seahawks dominated and owned the game. From the first quarter, to the last, it was Seattle all day. The game became painful to watch, as you us as viewers kept watching the Broncos being overpowered by the strong defense of Seattle.  Peyton Manning was not able to do anything until the 3rd quarter, and by then, it was a bit too late to make a comeback.  Manning did have 34 completions, but the two interceptions hurt him and his team’s chances to change their fate. Unfortunately, the Broncos were murdered out there on the field, with their flaws out there for the whole world to see. Denver just never seemed to get their mojo going.  Even before the game was over, you were already feeling bad for the Denver Broncos.

By Marla Fong

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Interview with Andrew Jacobs, star of 'Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones'

Since 2007 the Paranormal Activity movies have had a four year long stretch that has been wildly successful in gaining a huge fan base with its thrilling "found footage style" horror film series. Starring in the newest continuation "Paranormal Activity- The Marked Ones" is Andrew Jacobs playing the role of the main character Jesse, a recent graduate living at home with a tight-knit family in inner city Los Angeles. 

"I don't think it was (aimed) just at Los Angeles," Jacobs commented when asked about the films demographic  "I think it was supposed to just be about two friends and having it start off with that romantic comedy feel....you know with getting girls and parties. It was supposed to show the pattern of events between two friends. With the story line you could be anywhere around the world, in India even, wherever. And with that kind of close relationships between people that's how it would play out."

As a fan of the series and a ghost geek myself I couldn't help but ask if anything supernatural actually did happen on set. Though he confirmed that nothing had, Jacobs did describe to me some of creepy locations used for filming having a certain "energy" surrounding them, including one actually owned by a "witch".

Social networks have blown up with viewer commentary since the release of "The Marked Ones", and some fans expressed a confusion over why certain questions from the previous films were not answered or given a sense of closure. But the young actor had a more positive insight on the subject. The Marked ones was in fact not a "sequel" per say.

"There's definitely gonna be more (movies)." said Jacobs, "I'm pretty sure they're coming out with a fifth one on October 24th or 25th.... Unfortunately the 4th one wasn't the greatest and was causing paranormal fans to lose hope. So with "The Marked Ones" it just gives it a whole different direction to go in and even a possible series. It really opens up a lot of doors."

With even more suspense now built upon a story shrouded in so much shadow and constantly adding mystery, we can only hope that things are going to get much more intense with what lies in store.

In reaching out to his fans at the end of our interview. Jacobs opened up on a personal level, mentioning his own life struggles in  being adopted, dealing with gang violence, and trying to rise above to get a chance at a better life. Jacobs encourages other aspiring talents to keep the faith and persevere.

"I had to work through a lot...... So if I was to tell them anything, it would be to just live your dream and do something you love through it (all)."

For more information on Andrew Jacobs and Paranormal Activity- the Marked Ones, you can follow him on facebook and twitter @imandrewjacobs.

By Angelina Paige

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Sherlock Lives!

Sherlock Lives, no folks, he is not dead. We have waited two years to find out whether Sherlock was dead or alive. The loyal Sherlock fans had to wait two years, and two years is a long time. I don’t think anyone should have to wait that long for a TV show, especially a show like Sherlock which left us with quite the cliffhanger.  Nevertheless, Sherlock has risen from the dead, and has made it back just in time to stop a terrorist attack.

The season premiere picks up two years after Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch) faked his own death, leaving his dear friend Watson to believe he was really gone for good. Holmes’ brother Mycroft urges Sherlock to head back to London because a terror attack is about to take place in London.  The title of the new 90-minute episode is “The Empty Hearse.” A lot has happened since Sherlock supposedly leapt from a building to his death. For John Watson (Martin Freeman), he has settled into his job, grown a mustache, and is engaged to be married.

In this 90-minute episode the characters play a lot of catch up. We learn how Sherlock’s supposed death have affected everyone. We also find out some have moved on a great deal in two years, while others not so much.  The dialogue between Holmes and Watson remains brilliant as always, and their bro-mance is ever more prevalent at the series goes on.  The minute the two of them enter the screen in the beginning restaurant scene just proves how much the pair has missed each other. Watson swatting at Sherlock over and over, and hitting him was just hilarious.  Sherlock continues to play it cool throughout the episode, and pretends that he has not missed his friend much at all. But, us as viewers know the truth.

The Empty Hearse left more questions yet to be answered. For example, how did the person on the subway car disappear? Who drugged Watson, and why? We watch, as John Watson almost becomes part of a bonfire. Was the terrorist attack really stopped? Is there more to the story?  This episode was mainly an introduction to the characters, and more of a season opener than a stand-alone episode. We can only assume that there is much more to come.

by Marla Fong

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The Uninvited Wedding Guest

When I was fourteen years old, I picked up the hobby of photography and began putting my profession portfolio together in hopes to start a career later on. I was quickly able to bring attention to my art and gain clients. In the summer of 2008, one of my cousins asked if I would be the photographer at her wedding. The ceremony would be held at the old Silent Movie Theatre on Fairfax Avenue in Hollywood. Growing up in Los Angeles, I hadn't thought to look up the history of the place, as I assumed it to be just another novelty of the movie tourism appeal. Little did I know that I was walking into a location well known to still be the home of two of the previous owners, and possibly others. 

Opened in 1945 by the first owner, John Hampton, he lived in the attached upper floor apartment with his wife before death. In bringing back to life the black and white films he treasured so dearly, he paid the ultimate price with his life, from the deadly toxins used in his at home bathtub experiments, necessary for their restoration. He was diagnosed with cancer in 1970 and later died in 1990. Lawrence Austin was quick to take over but didn't last long as he was shot and killed during a show in 1997. 

As somewhat of a recent horror tale, sightings of full body apparitions have been spotted by a few (including the new owner Charlie Lustman), but it may take a few more years before it becomes as famous as some other attractions in the downtown area. I didn't expect much when I walked under the Vine covered outside announcement board, but as soon as I entered the lobby, I felt as though I had walked into a dark pit of a sadness. Even with the lights turned on, the room could not be illuminated. It was as if the eyes of movie stars past were silently observing me from their places in frames on the walls. I had begun to take pictures from the moment I had arrived, but each one was coming out blurred and distorted, no matter the settings on my camera.

Going up the winding staircase, my cousin was using the apartment quarters as a bridal dressing room. All of the bride’s maids fluttered around her in a mad rush to put on her dress and make up. It was not the usual air of happiness that inhabited a room of woman before a wedding. The room was still filled with the old fashion love seats, clothing, and paraphernalia of the previous owners. A full length antique mirror on the far side of the room seemed to be a emitting a cold air from it. I continued to snap pictures while trying desperate not to look, as a sense of dread overwhelmed me. Against my efforts, it was impossible not to notice the woman in the mirror, blonde hair in a neat bun, and a long pink gown. Her expressionless face just stared. I quickly rushed downstairs and told no one of the situation not wanting to risk ruining the wedding.

The rest of the ceremony went as planned, though all the pictures came out with strange orbs and colorful wisps of light behind the guests. I have found no written account of who the woman in the mirror may have been. But if you’re ever in Hollywood around Halloween, maybe you should visit. It is said to be the spirits’ favorite night.

By Angelina Paige

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The Weeping Woman

Los Angeles, California, the heart of several of America's most chilling legends and ghost stories. Among the most popular, the Latin folk lore of "La Llorona", literally translated in English as "The Weeping Woman". Legend has it she was once a beautiful woman named Maria who was quite fond of her own beauty and believed that as a result she could have any man she chose. Maria found a handsome "Ranchero" (or Rancher) named Marcos whom she married (though the names differ depending on culture groups). Their two children, she later blamed unfairly for her husband’s infidelity. 

Some say it was in a fit of rage and despair that she drowned her babies in a nearby river, while others say she was not sane and did so only to spite Marcos. Though she took her own life in immediate regret, it was too late. Maria was not allowed in at the gates of heaven when she could not say where her lost children were. And so she was cursed to walk the earth in a state of limbo until she could find their souls.

For hundreds of years, numerous variations of her sad tale have been told, but her famous cry of "mis hijos" (translated; my children) gave her the frightening Spanish nickname of La Llorona. Although several Los Angelinos claim to have witnessed her haunting Echo Park Lake as far back as the 1960's, the sightings stretch far and wide across the states and beyond. 

It has retained an air of mystery to the legends origin, as she has been known to linger around any body of water she can find. 

Perhaps she cannot remember where she performed the murders, or her children passed on peacefully without their mother as punishment for her wretched deeds. If you grew up in LA, you were very likely told this story by one of your older relatives as a warning to stay inside at night, unless you wanted La Llorona to find you and take you by mistake for one of her own.

One witness, told me about a well-remembered story of his father, Francisco Segura, and the terrifying run in he experienced with her ghost in Michoacan Mexico near La Angostura in the 1930's. Being told that that La Llorona would always come out at 11pm, Segura and some friends attempted to prove their bravery by finding her only to be chased away by the "floating woman screaming and crying, for her kids, with fire in her mouth". 

This added detail was not unheard of in Mexico, as another known traveler of the 1930s had once said he too had seen a woman of similar description while in the woods. Asking if she was alright, he and his horse were scared half to death when she turned around, revealing her identity and breathing out fire.

As legend grows and curious minds search deeper for a meaning, people very commonly reference back to the Aztecs in Tenochtitlan, saying that La Llorona was based off a story of their goddess who wanted to warn her children of wars and destruction to come. 

For the skeptics, the story is just that. Simply a result of years and years of Hispanic culture, weaving together a tapestry of their own imagination, creating a way to make life a little more interesting as we all do once in a while. 

But the sightings of the wailing phantom grow every year, as do those brave souls willing to face the terrors of the night waters, and see if La Llorona can make them scream.

by Angelina Paige

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Coming soon..

We are gearing up for an exciting new year. Stay tuned for a new look and new vibe for Smackpress. Be sure to follow us on Twitter @SmackPress to stay updated!

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Main Street Station Casino

I went to check out the Main Street station casino this past weekend. My husband and I had passed it so many times that we finally decided to go in. As soon as we entered I have to admit that despite my preconceived notions I was impressed by the fact that it did not look like a generic casino. It had tons of culture and wonderful artifacts. It almost felt like I was in a museum with slot machines in it. We spend the first few minutes looking around and getting background information on the casino from the brochures. The casino procured various antiques from across the country in order to create a really authentic-looking building. It is reminiscent of a train station/museum overall..and then there's the casino.

After checking the place out, we decided to go to the pub and brewery for a bite to eat. When we entered the restaurant, we noticed the really cool decor and the fact that you could see the brewery section from the tables. The giant copper kegs also added to the decor, theme, and overall feel of the place. Our server was very nice and the environment was pretty relaxed like a sports bar. I ordered the Western Bacon Burger and my husband ordered the chili dog. The burger was absolutely amazing. The chili dog left a bit to be desired flavor-wise. However, the quality of the food overall was great. There was a different assortment of beers that we had for only $6 for the sampler. The restaurant was really good and the prices were fantastic! We will make a point to stop at this pub/restaurant every time we go to Main Street Station for sure!

I cannot speak on the comps at Main Street Station just yet but I can speak on the payout of the machines. I think the payouts are amongst the best I have seen downtown, even better than the El Cortez in my opinion. The staff was friendly overall and to be honest I did not expect such a nice place in the downtown area. It was well-lit and very charming. Needless to say, I will be back. The casino is attached to the California casino which I will be reviewing shortly. If you are in the mood for good food and a good time, you will want to stop in to Main Street Station.

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Divine Calling

     Do you ever get the nudge to do something spectacular or phenomenal? Maybe a whisper hits your ears to jump into another aspect of work or energy flows right through you causing shivers. It is most likely your divine calling or intuition telling you to do something else in life other than what you are doing now.

     At times it is difficult to ascertain what it is that the universe wants us to do. Follow your heart and your career choice. There are many out there to choose from. The metaphysical or paranormal worlds can be very complicated and there are so many that say they have all the right answers; but these answers really lie within all of us, and not one person has them.

     This Divine Calling is something not all of us listen to, and it is a whisper not all can hear. There are small mumbles during our lives that call out to us, even during our younger years, and it is up to us to listen. Not all voices are divine! Some are irrational and cannot guide us anywhere but downward. That type of spiraling is not divine, or metaphysical; it is misguided.

     Many people have mistaken Divine Calling from an inner voice that tells them about regrets or other off-topic issues, those utters can be detrimental to one's nature or person. The glorious calling comes from deep within and only talks of love and compassion. In order to find this calling, seek the guidance of a professional spiritual counselor or other trusted guru. It is the only way to know you are walking a true spiritual path.

Psychic Candy O'Donnell

http://psychicparanormal.blogspot.com/

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Boyz II Men at the Mirage Casino in Las Vegas

Recently, I went to the Boyz II Men concert at the Mirage on the Las Vegas strip. For any one who is contemplating whether or not they should see this show I will put your fears to rest..SEE IT! Growing up with their music as well as En Vogue, Whitney Houston, and other great R&B artists, you come to appreciate "good" music and it brings a strong sense of nostalgia when you listen to it.

When I arrived at The Mirage casino and walked toward the theater, there were attendants there to direct me to where I needed to go according to my ticket. They told me about the concession stand where I could purchase snacks and drinks if I chose to. I thought it was pretty cool. Despite the fact that that the theater looked so formal it really was not. The dress code was semi-casual although I saw a few people dressed down from that. The theater was great because no matter where you sat, you had a great view of the show and there was plenty of seating for all. You did ot have to stand during the concert which was great.

At the beginning of the show, Boyz II Men thanked the audience for being there and seemed very appreciative. I was especially moved by their genuine spirits. They did not just perform, they told stories and jokes throughout which gave the show a unique character and added to the overall experience. I have been to many shows but I do not recall any that were so interactive and engaging.

From the beginning until the end of the show, I was on the edge of my seat listening for Boyz II Men's famous harmonies and comparing them to how they used to sound. While they are not 100 percent of what they used to be vocally (which is to be expected), they are pretty darn close! There was a time or two where the artists could not get their sound levels right because of the creaming crowd. However, once they got the crowd to calm down a bit, everything was okay.

If I had to pick one disappointment with regard to the Boyz II Men concert, it would be the fact that the "Meet and Greet" was $75. Although it is not a high price I was under the impression that it was included. I was so looking forward to "chewing the fat" with them and congratulating them on their continued success.

Overall, I has a wonderful time. There were a few small surprises which I will not mention. Just know that the Boyz II Men show has something for everyone. They truly paid homage to artists that have preceded them which diversified their performance dramatically and mixed the old with the new.

I have always been and forever will be a Boyz II Men fan til' 'The End of the Road'.

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Different Perspectives

Whenever you step into a room and observe two people talking, what are the first words that come to mind? "What are they discussing or are they talking about you?" The perspective that needs to be viewed first is, there are two people communicating ideas and thoughts. That is a good thing.
    
View the two being in a different light for once. When we can see things differently then the mind opens up and understands a larger world view. See things from a child's eye. Does it differ from yours? Of course it does veer off onto a new path where new ideas form every second. Be the child for once or perhaps the elderly person that has seen many perspectives during their lifetime.

Different perspectives can accomplish much in this ever changing world. There are many people with closed minds nowadays that cannot see anything past their nose. Finding out that there are other views on the same subject can be challenging to your world view, but keep an open mind and observe rather than judge. When judgment comes into the situation, scattering of minds take place.

Whenever I work with people of various backgrounds, I keep my aura and mind open as a child would with any new adventure. This newness can be quite enthralling and interesting. Always ask the correct questions when working with anyone energetically or socially. And try not to judge their attire, their personality or anything else. We do not know what they've been through.

 "View the mountain from a different perspective" This can make all the difference in the world to someone new to your community. I close my eyes and let go of whatever opinion is within and see the person for who they really are, and not what I am viewing.

The guru's mind is always open to interpretation and he/she never stays in one thought for long. They wish to experience many either at the same time or at differing times. Be open to other's roles and interests, that is what higher energies are all about. They honor those holding space in the lower vibrations, and discuss what can be achieved, they never use force. It does not work. Only with love does anything conversation go anywhere. If the person is not ready to move forward from their situation allow them to live in it and walk away. It is their perspective, not yours.

~Psychic Candy O'Donnell

http://psychicparanormal.blogspot.com/

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Meditating anyway you feel like it!

     To meditate is bliss, or so they say. Ii can be if done to your energy's specs. Meditation does not mean that you need to be sitting for hours on end without speaking, it can be a walking meditation in nature or in the woods or even by the ocean. You do not have to sit in order to discover your inner bliss.

     I find meditation so useful and relaxing no matter where I am, as long as no distractions are around to pull me away. Calming the inner mind is soothing and allows one to acknowledge how much they really needed to meditate and find that center within.

     Music also helps in this meditation process. A good zen music puts one right at home for furthering their inner peace. I have found some terrific music that I use before beginning to ground as I prepare to read others using my psychic skills. It really helps to loosen wayward thoughts and of course, the monkey mind that is always racing around telling us to do chores and other things besides meditate.

     Animals can be great meditation friends. They will lay there and match your inner calm if nothing is going on around them. It is so nice to sit or walk with an animal that is totally relaxed and wanting nothing more than to be with you.

     Find a good place to plant yourself and begin by breathing in deep and releasing your breath slowly. Imagine with each exhale the stress of the day is leaving. Each inhale can be calming and uplifting as you breath in. I find this to be full of peace and love whenever I am meditating, even if it is only for a few minutes.

     Keep breathing deep as you go through your day. It helps to release stress, anxiety, blocks, and negative emotions you really do not want to hang onto.

~PsychicMedium Candy O'Donnell

http://psychicparanormal.blogspot.com/

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What makes a good psychic reading?

    When you find a psychic the first thing you should ask for is to see their testimonials and always ask a friend for a referral. Referrals are best when searching for someone reputable and honest. There are too many phony psychics out there wanting to pick your pockets dry.

     A good psychic never asks too many questions. Many will ask for your name, where you reside (state or country) or your birth date, and if they ask numerous other questions that is called fishing. When a psychic fishes, they are not really interested in helping you find the answers, they are wanting to know more about you and your situation so they can play upon your vulnerabilities. This is not a good psychic.

     Always ask around for someone that understands your issue. You would never go to a medium to ask about love. Mediums speak with spirits or the deceased. Some have other gifts as well and can assist with finances, animal communication, or if you are moving any time soon. Ensure that you are getting what you paid for. This is a service and they are here to service and offer the best advice with honor and integrity and you if believe you have not received their un-divine attention don't be afraid to say so.

     Phone readings are terrific and I've had the best readings in this manner. Readings by e-mail are also accurate as long as the psychic can "get-in-touch" with you energy and read it accurately. I have experienced both and love to feel special whenever I receive a reading. Make sure that you always thank the psychic for their time and their energy and leave a testimonial if you believe the reading answered your questions. Sometimes a psychic only skims over the answers and that is okay too, only if you are truly satisfied with what you heard.

    Remember to check references and always ask what energies the psychic can read before proceeding with any reading!

~PsychicMedium Candy O'Donnell

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The El Cortez Hotel and Casino

When most people think about Vegas, they think about the Vegas Strip. However, there is a lot to be said for many of the off-strip casinos. One of my personal favorites is the El Cortez Hotel and Casino. This is located in the downtown area of Las Vegas on Fremont Street. This is a small, old-school casino without a lot of the flash that you would normally see on the Las Vegas strip.

This casino is mostly frequented by "locals". It is super dark, super smoky, and super dated but somehow I still go there a lot. It has more of a down-home feel. You do not have to get all snazzy to walk into the place and you don't have to spend $30 just to get a good burger (Cafe Cortez actually has a $5 burger and beer special). One particularly off-putting thing is that some of the patrons (and I use this word loosely) wander in from the streets every now and then. They have no reason to be there and it is clear that they use the casino as a refuge from the heat or just a place to "be". Last week I walked into the restroom and it smelled really horrible as if someone was living in one of the stalls and had never washed. If that seems harsh, please do not misunderstand. I have been going to the El Cortez for months and I have never smelled the bathroom like that. Although you do not want to alienate people you must know that this is a business and certain things that go on at the El Cortez are bad for business.

Although the decor is dated and it has a mostly older crowd, it has some cool comps that would blow the Vegas Strip out of the water! Your player's card is upgraded pretty quickly and you get lots of stuff like 2-for-1's or $10 off per person at Cafe Cortez or even $25 off per person at their famous Flame Steakhouse! Just try getting comps like that at casinos on the Vegas strip without spending 10-30x as much as you would here.

El Cortez has several dining options including the Subway (if you are on a super budget) Cafe Cortez (if you are on a budget), and Flame Steakhouse (if you are NOT on a budget, want great food and atmosphere without the hustle and bustle of the Vegas Strip, and are willing to spend a bit more. The average entree here is about $25 pp).

The El Cortez has some really old broken-down slots that should probably be put out of their misery. However, they also have lots of modern games as well. They are equipped with the standard table games including Pai Gow poker, Black Jack, Craps, Roulette, and more! One of my favorite things to do there is play Roulette. Where else can you play Roulette for a .25 buy-in? Yes, I said 25 cents! On certain days, you can get hot dogs and beer for $1 each and there are really cool tournaments that do not require a buy-in.

For you serious betters out there, they also have sports betting and Keno. There is truly something for everyone at the El Cortez and if you are willing to venture off of the Vegas Strip for a while and check out this casino and the trendy downtown area you might be surprised!

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