“Learning to Stay is a book of self-discovery, change, growth and transitions. It’s intended to restore your mind and relationships to wholeness, thus creating harmony and peace within your soul… Through personal development and mentorship, I’ve discovered ways to change my limiting beliefs that manifested through undesirable behaviors. .. My passion is to prove that anyone, no matter who you are, can change and be a whole person.” -- Excerpted from the Introduction (pgs. 1-3)Over the past couple of years, I’ve literally been inundated with books offering dating advice to the African-American community. I suppose this cottage industry of love gurus has sprung up in response to a need for more stable relationships, evidenced by the fact that over 80% of black kids are currently being raised in single parent households. Some of the authors have been credentialed therapists, others simply self-appointed survivors of the battle-of-the-sexes now ready to recount how they found fulfillment in a lurid tell-all.
It seems unbelievable that we have only about a month of summer vacation left! Where has the time gone? If you have kids, you may already be dreaming of the day when they are back in school, rather than being home and complaining about boredom. If all of the scheduled summer camps are over and you are nearly out of ideas for keeping your young ones out of trouble and mentally stimulated, check out all of the wonderful, free offerings at your local library.
Have you been looking for a new idea for girls’ night out? If so, then look no further than the Minneapolis W Hotel. For only $20, you and your girls can receive a Martini and Manicure. I see you rolling your eyes and saying, “Can $20 really give me a girls’ night to remember at a swanky downtown hotel?” I too was a little skeptical, so of course I had to test it out. The girls and I went last Thursday and we had a great time! For several hours, we did just what girls of every age love to do-eat and drink, laugh and talk too much, share and solve each other’s minor personal challenges, and admire and encourage each other to be our personal best. If that sounds like your kind of night, then read this quickly because like all good deals, this fun and cheap offer is available for a limited time only!
Right now, I am sitting in the reception area at Aveda Institute Minneapolis. My ten-year-old daughter, Arianna, is having her hair washed, blow-dried, and flat-ironed. No, I haven’t abandoned the straightening comb(s); they are all stored safely under my kitchen sink (exactly where my mama used to keep hers). It’s just that sometimes this mama needs a break from doing all that hair, and at only $15 for the service-the price is right (you know that it’s always about getting that deal and I figure this was a good one). 
Do you know Bruce Henry? Well you should-in the musical, sense, that is. I was just introduced to his talent about six months ago. He is this wonderfully versatile jazz singer who my husband and I --along with good friends-- had the pleasure of seeing a few Saturdays past at the Dakota Club. I wish you could have been there, too! It felt less like a performance and more like a party, where one of your dear friends just happened to be a world-class vocalist. There was so much excitement, anticipation, and love in the air as Henry had us singing, clapping and dancing in our seats right along with him. It was my idea of a perfect (and healthy) ending to a long and busy week; unwinding in the presence of soul-stirring live music, good food, and good friends. 
It was late Monday morning and I was walking my husband outside to his car; he was headed to the airport for a business trip in St. Louis. I looked around the side of my house and noticed that someone had apparently left the outside water spigot on-all night. “I’m gonna get those kids!” I thought. I told my husband that we should go down to the basement to make sure no water had trickled in. 
Have you been driving through your community admiring your neighbors’ veggie gardens and flower beds? Do you feel a twinge of jealousy because you would like a garden of your own, but don’t know where to begin? Are you coveting your neighbor’s cucumber plants?? That was my story last year. From my kitchen, I could see my neighbor’s rather large vegetable garden, and I wanted one, too. The problem was I was unsure about the best placement of the garden-out of the way of my kids and their balls, in enough sun, and in a location that didn’t make the back yard look tacky. Instead of allowing all those questions to overwhelm me this season, I came up with a suitable solution: I created a garden on my deck and you can, too. It’s not too late, really! In fact, this is the perfect time to perk up your porch, patio, or deck with flowers or vegetable plants. Especially in these tough economic times, you could save big by growing your own food. I have recently seen prices slashed by up to 50%. So grab your work gloves, some dirt, and let’s create something tasty and beautiful!
