Saturday, October 31, 2009
Erykah Badu - Ye Yo
Ye-Yo means Mother. I remember singing this song to my 11 yr old when she was baby.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Home Buyers Toolkit: Getting Started
The process of buying a home can be overwhelming. I feel your pain, I’m there too. But there are several resources available. Let’s do this together, step by step, week by week. Follow me as I go through a 16-week Home Buyer Seminar sponsored by the Bedford Central Community Development Corp. in Brooklyn, New York. For free courses in your area check check with your local real estate agency or churches, as well as banks and state and county government agencies. Each week, I’ll blog on the series which will cover how to prepare for a home purchase, how to repair and build your credit, how to budget for your home purchase, the prequalification and approval process, and property maintenance expenses to expect. And if you’re a first-time home buyer, be sure to check out the 2009 Black Enterprise Homeownership Contest for a chance to win $10,000 toward the down payment on your first home.
There are a lot of unsold homes out there, and many of us are eager to jump in. The first-time home buyer’s tax credit combined with lower mortgage rates makes it easy to get blindsided from the reality of what it takes to maintain a home, which is much more work than obtaining it.
“Consider your needs versus your wants,” says this week’s presenter, Leon T. Gelzer, Sr., a real estate professional for Joseph Felix Realty. “This is an opportunity to get in and stay in.”
In order to stay in your home you need to be honest about how much home you can afford. According to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) many homeowners are already at the financial edge—43% spend more than they earn a year, 52% live paycheck to paycheck, and 42% of homeowners do not have 3 months reserves to live on.
You can check out Yahoo! Real Estate’s How Much House Can I Afford Calculator to estimate the maximum home price for which you may qualify based on your income, credit rating, current monthly expenses, down payment and the interest rate. Although this is useful it is best to visit a lender to find out for sure as they do no take in consideration future rental income and monthly debt.
Once you’ve determined how much home you can afford, consider the upfront and ongoing cost. Upfront costs include the down payment, closing cost, move in cost, and reserves.
Down payment: This is generally 20% of the home sale price. Buyers putting down less than 20% are normally required to take out private mortgage insurance (PMI). This is paid by a borrower (you) to protect the lender in case of default on the loan. But there are resources available to those who can’t come up with the 20%. Look into FHA loans. These loans are backed by the Federal Housing Administration and guarantee payment in case of default by the owner.
Closing Cost: The typical closing cost is between 4%-6% of the mortgage amount.
Move-in Cost: This cost can vary. Gelzer recommends that you hire professionals to help you move because you can get a deduction off your taxes.
Mortgage Reserves: As a general rule of thumb you should have at least 6 months worth of mortgage reserves to allow for emergencies and unexpected vacancies.
Utilities, maintenance, and repairs are all part of your ongoing costs.
So, now you know what you can afford and other cost to consider, but how do banks grade mortgage applicants? Banks look for the 4 C’s of Credit—Capital, Capacity, Credit, and Collateral. Gelzer explains each:
Capital: The banks want to see that you have had the full down payment in your savings for the past two months before they can approve your loan.
Capacity: The banks want you to verify that you have been employed for the last two years by reviewing your current pay stubs and tax returns to ensure you can manage and repay the mortgage loan.
Credit History: The banks will run your credit report to see your creditworthiness to ensure that you are in good standing with your creditors and verify your monthly debt.
Collateral: When your capital, capacity, and credit history is reviewed and you find a home and apply for a mortgage loan, the bank orders an appraisal to ensure that the property that you are purchasing is worth the amount of money that they are lending you.
We’ll pause here for now. The goal is to digest this wealth of information in bite-sized chunks. Check back next week where we’ll go through the process of qualifying for a mortgage.
For updates follow me at www.twitter.com/LaToyaReports.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Wild vs. Farm Raised Salmon
There are so many wonderful things about salmon that it’s hard to know where to start.
It’s a fish which even people who don’t like fish (e.g., my husband) can enjoy. It’s firm enough to grill, can be cooked in many different ways, and doesn’t dry out as easily as many other fish. It comes fresh, frozen, smoked, and canned. Wild salmon can be eaten without fear of excess contaminants or mercury, and it has a very high nutrient profile, including the highly-prized omega-3 fatty acids.
It’s a fish which even people who don’t like fish (e.g., my husband) can enjoy. It’s firm enough to grill, can be cooked in many different ways, and doesn’t dry out as easily as many other fish. It comes fresh, frozen, smoked, and canned. Wild salmon can be eaten without fear of excess contaminants or mercury, and it has a very high nutrient profile, including the highly-prized omega-3 fatty acids.
What’s not to like?
Salmon NutritionSalmon is a highly nutritious food. Of course, it is high in protein, and the “good fats." But did you know that a 4 oz serving of wild salmon provides a full day’s requirement of vitamin D? It is one of the few foods that can make that claim. That same piece of fish contains over half of the necessary B12, niacin, and selenium, and is an excellent source of B6 and magnesium. Canned salmon also contains large amounts of calcium (due to the bones of the fish).
Health Benefits of SalmonPeople who eat fish seem to be protected from a host of conditions. Some of this is probably due to the omega-3 fats, but there may be other benefits apart from this. The science isn’t clear yet as to all the reasons why eating fish (particularly fatty fish such as salmon) seems to be so darned good for us. Omega-3 fats seem to primarily work through reducing inflammation in our bodies. Inflammation is turning out to be at the base of many health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, some types of cancers and arthritis. Omega-3’s also help prevent the blood clots which cause many strokes.
Salmon NutritionSalmon is a highly nutritious food. Of course, it is high in protein, and the “good fats." But did you know that a 4 oz serving of wild salmon provides a full day’s requirement of vitamin D? It is one of the few foods that can make that claim. That same piece of fish contains over half of the necessary B12, niacin, and selenium, and is an excellent source of B6 and magnesium. Canned salmon also contains large amounts of calcium (due to the bones of the fish).
Health Benefits of SalmonPeople who eat fish seem to be protected from a host of conditions. Some of this is probably due to the omega-3 fats, but there may be other benefits apart from this. The science isn’t clear yet as to all the reasons why eating fish (particularly fatty fish such as salmon) seems to be so darned good for us. Omega-3 fats seem to primarily work through reducing inflammation in our bodies. Inflammation is turning out to be at the base of many health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, some types of cancers and arthritis. Omega-3’s also help prevent the blood clots which cause many strokes.
An exciting, fairly recent development is the realization that omega-3 fats have potential to help slow cognitive problems such as Alzheimer’s disease and age-related cognitive decline. Also, people who have sufficient levels of omega-3’s (especially as compared to omega-6 fats) seem to have less depression and suicide risk, as well as less aggression -- in one study, giving prison inmates this type of fat (plus vitamins) reduced aggressive behavior by a third in a mere two weeks. From the World’s Healthiest Foods: More information and research references about The Benefits of Salmon and Omega-3 Fatty Acids.
Farmed vs. Wild SalmonThere is somewhat of a controversy about eating wild vs. farmed salmon. The issues fall into three main categories: Contamination: Most of the salmon available for human consumption today is farmed, but several independent studies have found concentrations of PCBs and other contaminants at levels of up to 10 times higher in farmed salmon. In Europe, there have even been situations where farmed fished tested at high levels of heavy metals such as lead and cadmium. These contaminants seem to be getting to the fish through the feed, which become concentrated in the oil of the salmon.
Farmed salmon in the U.S. are regulated through the USDA and FDA, which allows much higher levels of these contaminants than are allowed than with wild salmon, which is regulated by the EPA. A common argument about this is that the EPA has reviewed the scientific literature and made new recommendations much more recently than the FDA. FDA regulations have not been updated since 1984, when people in the U.S. were eating much less salmon and other fish. More information about contaminants in farmed salmon. Omega-3’s: Farmed fish is fattier -- much as farm animals are “fattened up," the same is true of salmon. This means that there are higher levels of omega-3 fats. But there are caveats regarding this:
Because of the contaminants, it is often recommended that farmed salmon be cooked in ways that reduce the fat content.
New feeds are being developed with less fish meal in them and more plant foods. In general, the more plant-based ingredients, the lower the level of omega-3 fats in the salmon. (Note that in the ocean, salmon are carnivores: they eat no plants at all.)
Even today, the percentage of omega-3 fats is lower in farmed salmon, apparently because of the soybean, wheat, etc., in the meal fed to them.Environmental Issues: Farmed fish produce a bunch of environmental problems. Read about them at the Seafood Watch site. But there’s good news. Both wild and farmed salmon have low levels of mercury. Also, salmon is not being over-fished – especially salmon from Alaska is in good shape. More about this from Seafood WatchAdditional Note: Most canned salmon is wild.Page Two: Salmon Selection, Cooking, and Recipes
Happy Birthday...
Happy Birthday my son!!
I lit this candle for my son this morning...I carried him 9 months..He was full term but due to a chromosome disordered he passed the day he was born. He Blessed us in so many ways.. He lived for almost 2 hours but his lungs were not strong enough for him to breathe on his own. We still talk about the little boy who loved the voice of his father. My husband always made him move around in my tummy by calling his name! His own Mama couldn't get him to to do that!! LOL...I can smile now because I know God took him home to a better place. Trisonomy 22 was the diagnosis. For further info visit these websites on chromosome disorders.
Enjoy the pearly gates and streets of gold our precious son, Stafford. We love you forever and always!!
My October Babies had a birthday party!
I've been MIA lately...trying to plan this party was time consuming. The party was a BLAST! It was awesome, the birthday girls (my daughters) and those attendance had rave reviews for this place. Sweet & Sassy http://www.sweetandsassy.com/ is the perfect place to have a spa day and/or birthday party. We will definetly be back! 5 stars *****!!
Monday, October 26, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
COVERGIRL presents::: Ignite Your Persona!
If you can sang or if you are a lyricist this is the competition for you! The Queen is looking for some awesome talent to open up for her upcoming tour dates. If that isn't enough you could be featured in a COVERGIRL ad!! No purchase necessary.. Deadline 11/07/09.. Don't miss this great oppurtunity!! Doesn't Queen La look great! Curvy girls UNITE!!
Click link for more details:::: http://www.covergirl.com/persona/whats-your-persona.jsp
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Happy Birthday to MEEEEEEEEEEEE!
33 years ago today at 1:15pm in Witchita KS, a 7lb 6oz bouncing baby girl was born to Mr. & Mrs. S, she is I. I am Blessed to celebrate another year of love, life and laughter! Happy Birthday to ME!!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
Friday, October 9, 2009
My daughter is entered in the Gap Casting Call...PLEASE VOTE!
Roystani Is Entered in the Gap Casting Call!!!!Gap is holding a nationwide contest to find the next faces of babyGap and GapKids, and Roystani is entered into the contest. Check out Roystani 's entry here:
http://family.go.com/gapcastingcall/entries/mswilliams07/999305953/
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Jennifer Hudson and her brand new baby boy, David Jr.
I've never experienced ANYTHING as magical as being a mother! Congrats to Jennifer Hudson! He's beautiful!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
TREND ALERT:::: Houndstooth
My lappies BFF, my laptop bag....
My trusty laptop bag! I love it...WALLY WORLD $14.88
Yours truley, in a houndstooth scarf. I took this pic last year. I ordered this from Ebay and it was shipped from Jerusalem but now you can buy these anywhere!
Me in one of my favorite hats, purchased from Torrid.
Houndstooth scarf and hat purchased from Torrid.
Condoleeza Rice in Houndstooth
Houndstooth exterior in the Kia Soul..
NAILS!
Ladylike houndstooth is making a comeback this fall. The pulled-together black and white check was used on everything from tights to totes at McQueen, sculpted into rosettes at Moschino, and magnified on to body con dresses and skirts at Preen. Not since Christian Dior's New Look has the tailored tweed seemed so fresh.
Me in one of my favorite hats, purchased from Torrid.
Houndstooth scarf and hat purchased from Torrid.
Condoleeza Rice in Houndstooth
Houndstooth exterior in the Kia Soul..
NAILS!
Ladylike houndstooth is making a comeback this fall. The pulled-together black and white check was used on everything from tights to totes at McQueen, sculpted into rosettes at Moschino, and magnified on to body con dresses and skirts at Preen. Not since Christian Dior's New Look has the tailored tweed seemed so fresh.
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