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Elizabeth
egbeasley@marykay.com
253) 678-3056
Visit my Web site at http://www.marykay.com/egbeasley

Follow Greensboro News and Record staff writer Robert C. Lopez as he spends $50 over an entire weekend.

By Darnita L. Howard

I love window shopping, especially for the items I long to have in my rich life. One day I went to a high end jewelry store and saw a ring that was thousands of dollars. My friend inquired about sales. Know what the rep said, “We don’t have sales here.” I wasn’t surprised at that response, but I was surprised to learn of the layaway option available.

For ten months, I could pay on the ring of my dreams. And with steady income flowing in, that’s a low price that I could afford. That beautiful, lovely, absolutely exquisite $5000 sapphire ring with encrusted diamonds could be mine. I wouldn’t have to wait to win the lottery to attain such a luxurious item.

Hooray for me! And hooray for you if you do your research. So, instead of going to the popular jewelry store that offers sales and discounts just about every week...the one that displays the infamous lab-created gems, save your dollars for the real deal. It will all be worth it.

Name: Nancy Hyer
Location: Gainesville, FL
Occupation: Designer/Artist
Email: nanhyer@cox.net
Website address: www.stageworksredesign.com


DD: Why are you fabulous?

NH: I wouldn’t call myself fabulous, but I guess the best thing about me is that I am always striving to develop greater emotional understanding of others. I have learned that everyone lives with the same hopes, fears and dreams. And that demonstrating loving kindness and compassion toward others is the only way to experience true peace and happiness on this earth.

……and I can do lots of handywoman things, like fix the plumbing or wire a lamp J

DD: Who is your style icon?

NH: Audrey Hepburn’s style was fabulous. It was a captivating combination of glamour and sophistication. Simple, yet classic.

DD: What is your dream vacation destination?

NH: Probably Bali is at the top of my list. I love the way the homes are open to nature, like living in a tree house. Balmy breezes, lots of sunshine and gracious people, what could be better?

DD: Who is your role model and why?

NH: Although role models are typically someone older and wiser, I have to say my daughter, Ryann, is mine. While she is obviously not older, she is much wiser in so many ways. I am constantly amazed by her grace, confidence and caring nature.

DD: What is one thing you can not live without?

NH: My morning espresso….aahhh.

DD: What’s next on your agenda?

NH: Being a creative sort, I am never quite sure what will be next. I get bored quickly and change my mind often. Right now I would like to spend more time painting and creating works of art. Also, traveling with my children, now that they are adults, would be great fun.

I ventured to Ivy House with my mom! The fried green tomatoes were tempting but I opted for the crispy chicken. It came with corn bread, macaroni and cheese, green beans, a roll, and a salad. The sweet tea that accompanied it was delicious. My mom ordered the fried shrimp. Talk about tasty. It reminded me what I miss most about home (FL). If you are ever in North Central Florida swing by Ivy House and tell them Angie (my mom) sent you. check it out at ivyhousefl.com

By Tamara N. Boynton

Many schools and non-profit organizations use auctions or silent auctions as fundraisers. I have found that some don’t raise as much money as they could because they rely on their standard crowd. They don’t reach out to the general population. They may think the cost of advertising to reach the population won’t net a significant return. And they may be right. That’s why I want to encourage you to seek these types of opportunities out!

Last year, I attended a Student Art Auction at Jamestown Middle School in Jamestown, NC. I walked away with 4 pieces of art and a gift certificate for a 25 minute massage for less than $45. We had fun, met new people, and helped out a great cause. I would have spent more, but decided I needed to set some limits for myself.

Bennett College Alumnae chapters sponsor a breakfast that usually offers a spread to rival any major buffet, plus entertainment or a well known speaker, and a silent auction. These events support scholarships for the students who may have financial challenges.

I also attended an auction to support the local Boys and Girls Club. The funniest part was a guy bid $650 for a balloon ride and weekend in Asheville, NC. Apparently he thought he was bidding on a once in a lifetime fishing trip.

These are just a few things I have experienced over the last year--I can’t wait to see what is up for grabs this year. I encourage you to look for organizations that you want to support in your area. See what fundraisers they are offering. If a silent auction is in the lineup, you can’t go wrong in this win-win situation.

By Tamara N. Boynton

Cut down on vacation expenses by going with your partner on business trips. There are several advantages to this tactic.

1. The company has already picked up the tab for one adult: air fare, rental car, transfers, lodging, and good companies add a per diem for food and incidental expenses.
2. Hopefully, the person attending the conference will have their own hotel room. That way you won’t have to pay for a room at all unless you come early or leave later than the scheduled conference.
3. Often conferences have prepared for the entire family in their itinerary. For a small fee, you can eat and participate in the extra activities planned for attendees.
4. If you want some time just for the family go a few days before or plan to stay a few days after the business trip.

I have heard of families spending extra time at the beach and other lavish destinations. I have traveled to Orlando, FL, San Diego, CA and St. Louis, MO at the expense of the company I worked for. Others have traveled to Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and even Austria. I am sure these are just the tip of the iceberg.

Take advantage of these professional development opportunities and spend a little quality time with your loved ones for half the price of a regular vacation.

By: Darnita L. Howard

There’s a great show on public broadcasting entitled “Biz Kids.” This educational program is all about being financially responsible, being ethical, and about starting your own business. I love this show. It tells me more than I could learn in a book. With there real life testimonies, witty skits, these children and adolescents explain the tools needed to be successful in business and finance.

One particular episode was about savings and investments. There were children that had diversified funds. I wish I was that informed when I was their age. The students on the show discussed interest, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and long-term savings.

The key point is to start early. I’m just starting to learn about compound interest and paying myself first. It was really easy for the children to save. Each student had multiple piggy banks or containers to stash there money. Each bank was labeled for various purposes (i.e. give for charity, long-term savings, expenses, education, and so forth). At the end of the month, they would take their money and transfer it to their bank accounts.

All I can say is “WOW!” One young lady said “Protect your finances. Protect your dream.” How profound yet so simple.

By Tamara N. Boynton

Although for me cable is not a necessity, when the government and FCC decided to force people to get cable or a digital converter box, I thought hey...why not. Even though, there are way more important things for congress to concern itself with, I don’t like fuzzy television any more than the next person. I believe it was a little overkill with the scrolling message across television shows, full 60 second commercials, and even billboards lamenting that February 17, 2009 you would need to have cable or a digital converter box to look at the regular broadcast shows. They were even nice enough to allow you two coupons worth $40 each to offset the cost of transitioning from analog to digital.

But they didn’t tell you a couple of things.

1) The converter boxes actually cost anywhere from $50 to $100.
2) You don’t actually need the converter box. You can utilize your VCR, DVD player, or video game console to receive the digital television service.

For more information visit: www.dtvanswers.com