Transformation Thursday: Eat. Pray. Live. Love.

2010 Recap. Best of Share EMF's World

Turning 25
http://shareemfworld.blogspot.com/2010/07/twenty-fine-and-fabulous.html

Stripped Naked Challenge
http://shareemfworld.blogspot.com/2010/01/challenge-stripped-naked.html

Doing the Hitting
http://shareemfworld.blogspot.com/2010/02/are-you-willing-to-do-hitting.html

Mixing Mondays:

Hair Frustrations/Decisions -
http://shareemfworld.blogspot.com/2010/01/transformation-thursdays-hair.html#more

Loc Journey
http://shareemfworld.blogspot.com/2010/02/mixing-monday-hair-updatesloc-journey.html

Locs be gone
http://shareemfworld.blogspot.com/2010/08/mixing-monday-locs-be-gone.html

Tasty Tuesdays:

Jumpin Jumpin Jambalaya
http://shareemfworld.blogspot.com/2010/06/tasty-tuesday-jumpin-jumpin-jambalaya.html

Cutting Calories
http://shareemfworld.blogspot.com/2010/06/tasty-tuesday-cutting-calories.html

Smoothies
http://shareemfworld.blogspot.com/2010/09/tasty-tuesday-smoothies.html

Entrepreneurship Wednesdays:

10 Learnings from Corporate America
http://shareemfworld.blogspot.com/2010/02/entreprenuership-wednesday-10-things.html

1 Year Working for Big Oil
http://shareemfworld.blogspot.com/2010/06/entrepreneurship-wednesday-1-year-big.html

Is a MBA right for me?
http://shareemfworld.blogspot.com/2010/12/entrepreneurship-wednesday-is-mba-right.html

Transformation Thursdays:

Under Construction
http://shareemfworld.blogspot.com/2009/11/emf-book-review-pb-wilson-your-knight.html

I choose me
http://shareemfworld.blogspot.com/2010/03/transformation-thursdays-i-choose-me.html

Second Chances
http://shareemfworld.blogspot.com/2010/06/transformation-thursdays-second-chances.html

Dating Yellows
http://shareemfworld.blogspot.com/2010/12/transformation-thursday-dating-yellows.html

Bust that Flow Fridays:

The Fact Is...I need you
http://shareemfworld.blogspot.com/2010/04/bust-that-flow-friday-fact-isi-need-you.html

I am not my hair.
http://shareemfworld.blogspot.com/2010/01/bust-that-flow-fridays-i-am-not-my-hair.html

2 Year Nappiversary
http://shareemfworld.blogspot.com/2010/04/bust-that-flow-friday-do-you-know-what.html

2011 Eat. Pray. Live. Love.

I plan to do exactly that.
Travel to Europe.
Purchase my first home.
Get a 700 on the GMAT.
Start a ministry at my church.
Run a few 5Ks.
Start my business.
Become a social entrepeneur and a better ME!

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Entrepreneurship Wednesday: US Top MBA Programs

Check out the links below to see how your future school ranks.

 

Columbia is #5, NYU #9 :)

 

http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2010/pf/college/1012/gallery.mba_rankings_business_school.fortune/index.html

 

http://money.cnn.com/2010/11/17/pf/jobs/reinventing_management_leadership.fortune/index.htm

 

Keep the Faith!

 

Until next time,
~E

 

Tasty Tuesday: Splenda Blueberry Muffins

Ingredients
2 cups of Whole Wheat Flour
2 teaspoons of Baking Powder
3/4 teaspoon of Salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) Butter
1 cup Splenda (Regular sugar supplement)
1/4 cup Honey
2 Large Eggs
1 teaspoon of Vanilla Extract
1 cup of Milk (1%)
8 oz of Blueberries (Fresh or Frozen)

Directions
Preheat oven to 400F.  Mix all dry ingredients flour, baking powder, salt in small mixing bowl.  Belt wet ingredients butter, splenda, honey and add eggs individually.  Alternate dry ingredients and milk in mixing into the wet ingredients. Add in vanilla extract and fold in blueberries.

Enjoy!

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Mixing Monday: Braid outs!

Follow my blog with bloglovin

I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and gearing up for a Happy New Year.  Just wanted to highlight some of my most recent braid outs courtesy of Oyin Handmades Whipped Pudding.

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,

~E

Transformation Thursday: Dating Yellows

These aren't the dating blues, but the dating yellows.  The sun shines bright, deep in the heart of Texas and its that season to begin pairing off.  Yes, the winter season, the time when people retreat to indoor activities if you know what I mean.  I'm not young, sad, or blue (cue Lysette).  I am just yellow (cue India Arie).  I'm like a rose who is in full blossom and ready to be picked, smelled, and put in a vase on display.  


I started 2010 with the goal of dating more and putting myself out there to meeting people.  I did the asking out.   I approached each dating experience with the mentality that I gained a new friend.  Dating became very fun.  Although, I did have to remove some people from my life, I am still very positive about dating.  I'm not sad or blue, I'm mellow yellow.  I am in a great place.  When I turned 25, as I blew out the candles I wished for love, to fall and to be.  I think love has found me.  I am in love with me.  I also am in love with someone.  When its right its right.  You just know you belong with that person.  I am waiting patiently for the situation to unfold.  But, for now I'm yellow, still dating, still living life the way I never experienced it before, finding, giving and receiving love.


Keep the Faith!


Until next time,
~E

Entrepreneurship Wednesday: Top 25 MBA Programs

Wondering what are the Top 25 MBA Programs in the US of A?  Take a look.

Please note that Duke, Columbia, and NYU are in the top 10.  My top 3 schools. YES!!!  Hmmmm makes me ready to take this next step and get back in school.

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Tasty Tuesday: Baked Chicken

Delicious baked chicken breasts with a herb, lemon, and garlic marinade. This marinade can also be used for grilled or broiled chicken. Use your own combination of herbs.

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Yield: Serves 4 to 6

Ingredients:

• 4 to 6 chicken breast halves, bone-in
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup minced green onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary, or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill
• 1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/8 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper, to taste
• grated zest of one lemon

Preparation:Wash chicken; transfer to a large resealable plastic food storage bag. Combine marinade ingredients and pour over chicken. Turn bag to coat chicken pieces well. Refrigerate and marinate for 2 to 4 hours, turning occasionally.

Remove chicken from marinade and drain well; put the reserved marinade in a saucepan. Arrange chicken on a rack in a foil lined baking dish or roaster. Bake at 400° for 35 minutes. Meanwhile, bring the marinade to a boil; continue boiling over medium heat for 5 minutes. Turn and brush with the marinade and bake for about 20 to 30 minutes longer, basting several times before the chicken is done. Chicken should be browned and juices will run clear when pierced with a fork.

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Mixing Monday: Trader Joe's Tea Tree Tingle Conditioner

I deep conditioned my hair this past week with Trader Joe's Tea Tree Tingle Conditioner.  I absolutely love this stuff.  As always I add something to the conditioner, so I added Castor Oil to my hair before adding the conditioner to get an extra deep treatment.  My hair came out very soft and well defined.  I then refreshed my curls with Oyin Handmade's Frank Juice and braided my hair in about 12 braids with Oyin Handmade's Whipped Pudding.  My hair was well defined and smelled fresh.  Trader Joes Tea Tree Tingle Conditioner is a keeper and I will in corporate it in my winter regimen.

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Bust that Flow Friday: A Beautiful Surprise!

You are a Beautiful Surprise!

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Transformation Thursday: Straight Talk: No Chaser

I went in Walmart to purchase a card and gift bag and walked by New York Times best-seller Steve Harvey's new book Straight Talk No Chaser.  Curious as I was since I read his first book, Act like a Lady, Think like a Man, which gave him the accolades, I wanted to know if he was giving it to us women straight no chaser.  I quickly grabbed the book and purchased it to see if Steve Harvey hit the mark on being "real".  To not give the bookaway and to not make this post over 250 words, Harvey highlights many of the issues women had with his first book and re-examines them by relating them to his two failed marriages and current marriage to wife Marjorie.  He breaks down the male psyche by giving us examples of what men think of while at certain times in their lives.  For example, a male in his twenties is looking to go to college, learn a trade, pursue a masters degree, and so on.  Only when men get to be around twenty seven or twenty eight they start thinking about being financially stable and looking to fulfill their career goals.  He used the analogy men in their twenties financial clock is like a women in her twenties biological clock.  I interviewed a few men in their twenties to see if this held true they are money chasers.  From my conclusions, those who are graduated and making a mark in their careers do indeed want to be financially stable before entering into a committed relationship.  So, now the question comes to mind.  Do women wait for those men to get themselves together?  Or, do we seek other companionship until those men get their money right?  All in all Steve Harvey gave it to us Straight Talk No Chaser and you will see another side of Harvey, the father and husband, but will enjoy reading his witty, funny satires about his personal life.


Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

--

Erica M. Freeman, E.I.T.

National Society of Black Engineers
2010-2011 Houston Alumni Extension Chapter- Vice Chairperson
www.nsbe-hae.org
vicechair@nsbe-hae.org
freemanem@gmail.com

www.ericamfreeman.com

Entrepreneurship Wednesday: Newtorking Outside of Your Comfort Zone

Networking and connecting people is a powerful tool. I recently read Never Eat Alone  by Keith Ferrazzi. He is the networking guru, and says he can develop a connection with everyone in the world. I know there are only a few degrees of separation from everyone in the world, so this task maybe possible. He made me realize what I love to do which is talking and learning about people. One thing I seldom do is network outside my comfort zone, meaning approaching people who are not black. Outside of work, my networking is for social purposes to expand my knowledge of other industries, companies, and jobs as well as to meet new people develop new friendships. At work, my networking is only to break through the glass ceiling. I know that knowing the right people in the right places will help me achieve my ultimate career goals. Its very intimidating to go up to the Plant Manager and start a conversation about random things hoping they have interest in what you are discussing. I feel weird and definitely not confident in my abilities to articulate words and put together my thoughts. Ferrazzi suggests that we get bold, master small talk, and getting involved in groups that you're passionate about will bring you into contact with people who genuinely care about you and the goals that you have. I need to learn to network more outside of my comfort zone, get bold, master small talk, and genuinely care about people's interest.

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,

~E

Tasty Tuesday: Easy Fudge Christmas DIY Gifts

Easy Chocolate Chip Fudge:

2 c. (12 oz. pkg.) Hershey's semi-sweet chocolate chips or mini chips

1-1/3 c. (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk in can

1/2 c. chopped nuts (optional)

1 tsp. vanilla

Combine sweetened condensed milk and chips in glass mixing bowl. Microwave on High (full power) about 1 to 1-1/2 minutes, until mixture is smooth when stirred. Add chopped nuts, if desired, and vanilla. Spread in greased 8-inch square pan. Cover; chill until firm. Cut into squares.

Variations:Peanut Butter Chip Fudge: Substitute 2 cups (12 ounce package)

Reese's peanut butter chips for chocolate chips; proceed according to instructions given for Easy Chocolate Chip Fudge. Chill.

Double Decker Fudge: Prepare Peanut Butter Chip Fudge as directed. Spread in greased 9-inch square pan. Prepare Easy Chocolate Chip Fudge; spread over top of peanut butter chip layer. Chill.

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,

~E

 

 

 

Mixing Monday: Christmas List

Here are a few of the things on my Christmast Wish List.

For HAIR!

Trader Joes Spa Nourishing Conditioner $2.99 USD

Already purchased!

Trader Joes Tea Tree Tingle Conditioner $3.99 USD

Already Purchased!

Portable Huetiful Steamer $124.90 USD

For ME!

Marc Jacobs Daisy Perfume $60

Tan Sperry TopSiders $59.99 USD

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,

~E



Bust that Flow Friday: Have you Ever

Have you ever loved somebody so bad it makes you cry?  Music explains all to well how I'm feeling as does this song.

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Transformation Thursday: Power of Forgiveness

If you are an avid social networker like myself, all the rage these last few days has been a number game.  The number game is where you message someone a number and they respond in their Status Update on Facebook or Tweet on Twitter the number and their honest opinion about you. 

Pause.
In 2005, I did something that most people do at 20 (well at any age of immaturity), I cheated.  Yes, I dated someone who was taking a break from his 4 year relationship.   During their break, we spent every minute together.  He went from friend to someone I was dating very fast.  In our 3 month rendezvous; he took me out on dates, I cooked for him, we watched movies, and even slept in each other's beds (nothing happened we just kissed).  We even purchased elaborate Christmas gifts for each other.  It was an emotional love affair.  He was still very much in love with his girlfriend he was taking a break from, but was confused about his feelings for me.  Being the mature person I was at 20 I told him to go back with his girlfriend. He was never going to leave his girlfriend for me.  He took my advice and went back to her.

Fast Forward.
In 2008, he proposed to said girlfriend.  We had lost touch, he cut me off. I started dating and ended up in a relationship with someone else.  Our friendship never was the same.  In 2009, he married his long time girlfriend and I was NOT invited to the wedding.  We share mutual friends.  So, when everyone asked why I wasn't invited to the wedding?  He immaturely says because of what happened between us in 2005. I was hurt because I assumed we could be adults about the situation especially 4 years later. I left it as it was and forgave him for being dramatic about a meaningless situation.  We remained Facebook friends and kept in contact through mutual friends.

Play.
I get inboxed a number by him to play the number game.  He says that he apologizes for being immature in the last few years. He had wrote me a letter, but never mailed it and hopes I could forgive him.  I message him back thanking him for his apology.  I also state "that forgiveness is powerful and that you learn, grow, and when you can forgive thats powerful." He messages back and says "thank you for understanding."  I post in my status that "What can I say? 2005 was fun we shared some great times.  I still have a movie of yours lol. I'm happy we haven't lost touch and put the past behind us. I appreciate your honesty and accept your apology.  Wish you nothing but the best!".

No matter when someone says or if they ever say sorry or apologize; the power of forgiveness is priceless.  If I didn't forgive him a long time ago I would not have been able to accept his apology for not inviting me to his wedding.  I also would be taking baggage into future relationships.  I know my Boaz doesn't want me to be bogged down with a simple apology.  Brush it off, forgive now!  Don't wait until its too late and someone is gone.  Apologize and forgive!

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Entrepreneurship Wednesday: Is an MBA right for me?

I had to ask myself this question again, after not being accepted into the 2012 Class of the Management Leadership for Tomorrow MBA Preparation Program. Am I ready for a career change only 1.5 years into my career? This is the reason I assume I wasn’t accepted into the program. I will find out for sure in a few weeks. But, is an MBA right for me? Am I willing to make a complete career change so early in my career? Do I need to wait two years and come back to reapply to the MBA prep program? These are all questions that I have to answer, but also below are some suggestions on why an MBA should be right for you.
Make the most of your investment
An MBA can transform your career—and your life. However, business school is a big investment. So, before deciding to apply to an MBA program, you should:

■Understand why you want an MBA
■Know what you want to get out of the program
■Identify some specific short- and long-term goals

In fact, these details are essential for the application and interview process. Admissions officers want to know “your story” and why you’re a good fit for their school. This can be just as important as your GMAT scores, undergraduate grades and recommendations.
Unlock new opportunities
The MBA environment gives you real-world skills that apply far beyond the workplace. You learn how to lead a group, improve your public speaking, solve problems and work within teams. Plus, you’re exposed to faculty, peers and alumni from a variety of industries—all ready to help and support you.

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,

~E

Tasty Tuesday: Puppy Chow DIY Christmas Gift

Puppy Chow is another favorite DIY Christmas Gift.  Enjoy!

9 cups Rice Chex®, Corn Chex® or Chocolate Chex® cereal (or combination)

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Substitution
Peanut butter and chocolate are a favorite flavor combo, but peanut butter lovers can substitute peanut butter chips for the chocolate chips to intensify that flavor.

1. Into large bowl, measure cereal; set aside.

2. In 1-quart microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter uncovered on High 1 minute; stir. Microwave about 30 seconds longer or until mixture can be stirred smooth. Stir in vanilla. Pour mixture over cereal, stirring until evenly coated. Pour into 2-gallon resealable food-storage plastic bag.

3. Add powdered sugar. Seal bag; shake until well coated. Spread on waxed paper to cool. Store in airtight container in refrigerator.


1 Serving: Calories 210 (Calories from Fat 80); Total Fat 9g (Saturated Fat 4g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 5mg; Sodium 170mg; Total Carbohydrate 29g (Dietary Fiber 1g, Sugars 16g); Protein 3g % Daily Value*: Vitamin A 6%; Vitamin C 6%; Calcium 6%; Iron 25% Exchanges: 1 Starch; 1 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Vegetable; 1 1/2 Fat Carbohydrate Choices: 2 MyPyramid Servings: 1 tsp Fats & Oils

*% Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Mixing Monday: Coloring Natural Hair

I am interested in coloring my natural hair.  I have been natural for almost 3 years (in April 2011) and have not used any chemicals to color my hair.  I have used natural coloring treatments like Henna, but it only lasts a few weeks then begins to fade.  I'm considering trying a different brand of Henna I picked up from the Whole Foods store called Light Mountain Natural - Hair Color & Conditioner and its (Rhianna) RED.



The Ingredients in this is Lawsonia inermis leaf powder, its another natural conditioning treatement similar to Henna.  Its ammonia & peroxide free!  I'm kinda excited to do this treatment, and will post the results.  I wanted to give Henna or natural coloring another try before I moved to another option.  The other option is to have my natural hair rinsed with a Red chemical by a professional.  I'm not sure who and when I will get this done, but I'm ready for a change. 

Quick Color Mix:

Light Mountain Natuarl Hair Color & Conditioner

Water (according to directions)

5 tbsp Castor Oil

3 tbsp Vegetable Glycerin

10 drops of Fragrance (I'm using Sweet Orange Oil from Whole Foods)

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Bust that Flow Friday: Giants Die!

Giants DIE!  The bigger they are the HARDER they FALL!  Some inspiration for my somewhat busy and stressful week.  GOD is always in control and he will never put more on you than you can handle.



Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Transformation Thursday: A Crutch?

Have you ever heard skeptics say that the Christian faith is nothing more than a crutch—that the only reason people claim to trust Jesus is that they are weaklings who have to make up “religion” to get by?

Apparently those skeptics haven’t heard about the doctor in one Far Eastern country who spent 2 ½ years in jail being “reeducated” because he professed faith in Christ. Then, after his release, he was arrested again—this time for his efforts at his church.

And perhaps those skeptics haven’t heard about Paul. After trusting Christ, he was arrested, flogged, mocked, and shipwrecked (2 Cor. 11:16-29).

These believers were not looking for a crutch. No, they had something deep and essential in their hearts. They had a personal relationship with God—a relationship born of faith in the work of Jesus on the cross. As a result, they became children of the King—eager to sacrifice everything for the privilege of proclaiming Him. They were not limping along looking for something to hold them up.

A crutch? Hardly. Faith in Christ is not about safety and caution. It’s about believing Jesus and trusting Him no matter what. It’s about taking up a daily cross (Luke 9:23) and living for the Savior.

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Entrepreneurship Wednesday: 4 Credit Reporting Myths

I have decided to revisit my goals to own a home.  My current lease is up on my apartment in June 2011, so I plan to begin house hunting in January 2011.  First thing is to check your credit to make sure there aren't any fraudulent charges, cards closed, and to ensure you are achieving a certain score.

Your credit report and score can hold the key to your financial future. One mistake could possibly prevent you from getting a loan or an apartment. It’s important to understand what’s in your report and how it affects you. Here are some common myths about credit reporting.

Myth: You can pay someone to make bad things on your report “go away.”

Reality: Services like this are more than likely a scam. According to the Federal Trade Commission, their attorneys say that they have never seen a legitimate credit repair company making claims to remove bankruptcies, erase bad debt, or create a new credit identity. Any company that claims they can do this is lying to you. The FTC says you can spot one of these scams by looking out for some of these red flags:

• The company wants you to pay for credit repair services before they provide any services. Under the Credit Repair Organizations Act, credit repair companies cannot require you to pay until they have completed the services they promised.
• The company doesn’t tell you your rights and what you can do yourself for free.
• The company suggests that you try to invent a “new” credit identity—and then a new credit report—by applying for an Employer Identification Number to use instead of your Social Security number.

Myth: Employers can see your credit score.

Reality: Employers don’t have access to your credit score, only your report. If you’ve given written permission for an employer to do a background check, the package they receive will include information about your financial history. Employers receive a modified version of your credit report (known as an employment report) from the three major credit reporting agencies, which doesn’t include your score. If you find out that you didn’t get a job because of information in your credit report, the employer is obligated to show you the report and tell you how to get your own copy. Your report is free of charge if you make a request within 60 days of getting a rejection notice from an employer.  

For the rest of this article visit Black Enterprise.

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E