A very important note. 7:31 PM

If you live with someone else, regardless of what they are (family, significant other, friend) you aren't just responsible for making sure your finances are in check. Checking with the other person(s) every once in awhile may seem like checking on a child, but sitting down and being completely open about your finances and being on the same page prevents being blind-sided.

Communication is extremely important. 

Well then! 5:15 PM

Aloha!

It seems that you guys loved Guest Blogger Michael Felder's post on the Dallas music scene, Triple D or Bust!

I could talk to him about music all day, because he's really smart and passionate about it, so it was genuinely an honor for him to be a guest blogger. Hopefully, he comes back!

Which brings me to the point of this post. I want to know what YOU want/like.
In the comments section, I'd love to know your suggestions on reviews, featured artists/products/blogs (coming much sooner than you think), or anything you'd like to know.

I'm very excited to hear what you have to say!

Until next time, Aloha!
- The Proper Place

P.S: The Proper Place has a bunch of stuff coming up, stay tuned. You might be pleasantly surprised.

Saving what? Money?! 7:45 PM

I love money, but I hate budgeting. I always thought it was boring and tedious, but, my mother taught me why I need to do so and how to do it without ripping my hair out, and so began my love for lists.

I'll make a list out of anything. I love them, so budgeting is really easy for me, but I lose things, often, so I can't write it down on a piece of paper. I have a lot of help with budgeting and when I tell people about the things I use, I'm super surprised that they haven't heard of them before.

Anyways, once every few months, I sit down and reassess my budget (a little sooner if I find myself constantly running out of money).

one. Have a checking AND a savings account.

You'd be surprised how many people don't have one or both (even though I can understand their reasons for not having one). Especially people my age or students. I always tell them to do a lot of research before they pick their banks. A lot of banks have student programs, which have lower (or no) fees and usually bundle a checking and savings account. 

two.  Make sure you write down your non-variable costs.

Rent, Phone Bill, anything you pay for every month that won't change. I always add gas into this category, because running out of gas on the side of the road is a no no. Write down what the bill is, when it's due, how much it is and how often you pay it. This also goes for "credits" or money you receive. 

three.  PAY YOURSELF!

This is so important. Whenever you get paid, put some money aside in your savings, that way, if you have something you're saving up for, or just want a little cushion, it's there.

four. Online banking is a must (for me at least).

Most, if not all banks have online banking for free AND mobile apps for smart phones (if you're like me and need your info/balances at the tip of a finger). Also, if you're like me, I never go anywhere without my phone and it is a lifesaver, because I can access everything I need. There's an app called Pageonce (available for Android OS, iOS or simply online) that allows you to have access to all your accounts/bills in one place, pay from the app, mark your calendar when things are due, alerts you when each bill has been paid (direct debits) and also password protected so no one can just look into your information. I love it. It makes things so much easier.

five. Only use your checking account for bills.

I know a lot of people don't like to do autopay/direct debit from their online accounts because of the way banks process payments and fear of fees (which is completely understandable). A very smart man once told me that using your checking account ONLY for bills is the best way to avoid fees from the bank. Which, goes along with writing down your non-variable costs. Any other money, can be placed in your savings and just transferred to the checking if needed. 

six. Build your wealth.

Besides just building up your savings with regular deposits of whatever amount you can afford, you should definitely look into broadening your financial horizon. There's no bad time to start saving and planning for your future, but it's really great to start looking into investments (stocks, mutual funds, annuities) that might be right for you. 

seven. Ask for help.

When I started trying to save, I was lost. I thought I could do it by myself, just google some stuff and that would be it, I was wrong. I know several people who deal with money on a daily basis (in several senses) and when I got serious about saving, I asked around about the best ways to start saving. Companies that help you build your financial portfolio, companies who handle annuities and which mutual funds were best. Asking for help is the best and most important step, or else it may see, like you're drowning. 

Triple D or Bust 5:12 PM

Things are shaking up in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, and we’re not just talking earthquakes.   Beneath the veil of the all-screwed South lies an underground of creative and driven individuals who are ready to take the world on with their cities on their backs. Wade beyond the dance raps and you’ll find a scene that’s next to blow. One of the first criticisms that Dallas might get from naysayers is that there aren’t any lyricists. I raise you one –topic.

-topic is a cerebral rapper/experimental producer/cereal connoisseur with a sound like no other. He and his crew, #TeamFromNowhere, have quickly become notorious for fun raps that never take themselves too seriously, except for when they do…and when they do, you’d better sharpen up.  
So after you’ve had your brain melted, you’re going to want something to break your face as well, correct? Let me introduce you to the Gang.   

This is Brain Gang. A 7-member moshpit-rocking crew of rappers and producers with music that’s sure to get you hyped up, and maybe punched in the face. High energy and swagged-out lyrics are the name of the game for this crew, but you shouldn’t be surprised to find some more conscious raps, either.   

     

Although their own music is quickly gaining popularity, production from Brain Gang Blue, the self-proclaimed leader of the crew, has even found its way to some of Kendrick Lamar and Ab-Soul’s past projects.  

   Last, but certainly not least, we have A.Dd+. 

Making the media rounds is nothing to this Dallas duo. Members Paris Pershun and Slim Gravy, along with DJ Sober and producer PICNICTYME, have been at the forefront of the Dallas underground since their last release, When Pigs Fly. Paris & Slim have been called the next OutKast, and though they might not completely agree with that sentiment, the feel and the intensity that they bring to a stage together is definitely reminiscent of 3 Stacks & Big Boi.   

 

These promising young groups are out to show the world what they have to offer. With ingenuity, no budgets and dedication, their time is now. This is Dallas, Texas, and we’re not playing around.   

If you like what you hear, be sure to tune into Live from the Underground every Friday at 6, only at deepellumonair.com. 

Michael Felder is the director of Communications for ETCbyus. He can be reached on Twitter, at twitter.com/misterfelder or twitter.com/ETCbyus. For more information on artists like these, please visit etcby.us.twitter.com/ETCbyus

Things to Come :) 1:38 AM

Aloha!

I know I was supposed to do an OOTW post last week, but I haven't worn anything that I actually put any effort into. I mostly bummed around last week (womp womp).

Also, I'm changing the OOTW series to something that encompasses something new every week, not just an outfit. So, until I can find out a catchy name for it, I'm just going to post about it. You'll know which is grouped soon, promise.

BUT

that's not what this is about.

Very soon, I will have the pleasure of having a guest blogger, and they'll be talking about my favorite subject (at least one of them), so I wanted to let you know to be on the lookout for it. Also, if you could please comment and let us know how you like it, it would be greatly appreciated. If things go well, who knows what could happen!

Until then my dears, I hope all has been well and I can't wait to show you what the future has in store for us.

Until next time, Aloha!
- The Proper Place

A Review: Not My Mama's Meals & Classy Ladies. 6:00 PM

If you’re anything like me, you probably get bored with food really easily, or you know what you like and don’t really care to vary from that. Which is why I enjoy watching Food Network. I’m always on the prowl for new recipes and twists on old ones. One of my old favorite shows was Paula Deen’s show (even though she looked like she was staring into your soul) but I never really wanted to make anything she made because it was so full of artery-clogging butter and a boatload of calories. 

Now, I knew her son had a cooking show on Food Network, but it never really caught my attention really, but, the other night, I was browsing through the channels and I see this show on Cooking Channel Called "Not My Mama's Meals" and lo and behold, it's Bobby and Paula Deen, making some really good looking food, that won't send you into cardiac arrest. He made his take on Vanilla Milkshakes, Caramel Popcorn and her "famous" Krispy Kreme burger. 

He was lively and the food he made looked absolutely delicious and healthy. I'm always looking for new recipes or ways to flip something I'm used to into something better/different.

Things like burgers, nachos, red velvet cupcakes and buffalo wings. 

He makes me want to cook everything (but my disdain for cleaning stops that).

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Now, on the flipside,  I love liquor. For Christmas, I tried my hardest to make boozy desserts (but we just ended up drinking it). 

When I stumbled upon "Not My Mama's Meals" on Cooking Channel, I watched another show called "Unique Sweets" and these two women were super hilarious and I loved the way they dressed and interacted, and I wanted to see their show. Did a little googling and found out that they have a web show called "Classy Ladies w/ Alie & Georgia". They go and take a class or learn something, then make a cocktail inspired by their class/adventure of the day. 

A lot of their cocktails are a little weird, but they're fun to watch and make you want to try new stuff (plus, how bad could a pizza cocktail be?) 

I definitely suggest checking out Cooking Channel if you have it, if not, check out their website here. It's a totally different feel from Food Network, although there are some familiar faces and shows. No matter what you're looking for (or not looking for), they have a show that'll fit your personality and food needs.

Happy New Years (a few days late)! 8:34 PM

Aloha! I hope everyone had a lovely and safe New Years :) I know it's late, but you can still wish people a Happy New Year for like a week after the year actually starts (something my teacher once told me). Couple of "updates" for you guys.

This is my first post of the new year and my goal is to post at least once a week. I have a couple of big things coming up, so I'll have some stuff to tell you about. I'll also be posting recipes, reviews on diy stuff I stumble upon, NEW MUSIC and other things I love and hope you will too.

Christmas Eve '12
"wreath" braid.

First update, I got my hair done! Which is great, because I usually just put on a beanie and call it a day. A very good friend of mine did my hair in kinky twists. I haven't done much with it besides put it in a ponytail for everyday styles, but during my vacation, I did style it one day and I was very proud of it. I did two braids on the side of my head, then braided the rest into one very large braid.

Also, last year, I tried (and kinda failed) to update my wardrobe. I tried to get everything at once and couldn't keep track of it, but if at first you don't succeed, try again!!  So, during my trip to Dallas, I slowly started to grow my wardrobe with a few pieces. Unfortunately, I didn't get to wear them for their intended purpose, but they're nice to have, just in case. This also goes into my next "update". I've decided that I'm going to "dress up" at least once a week, regardless of what I have to do. For now, I don't do much but work, but that will no longer be my excuse. Yesterday was my first day. 

It's still a little icy and cold outside, so I wanted to wear some warm colors, and with the help of Chocolate Laced's color schemes/palettes, I got to put together an outfit and wear my favorite pair of shoes to work!

(please excuse my pictures, I'm working on getting an actual camera)

The jacket has a beautiful flower/laced inset starting at the shoulders and goes all the way down. I also did my hair and wore it up (which is an improvement from the loose ponytail I usually rock). I don't have a full body picture of myself, to show the shoes, but 

So, my first outfit of the week is definitely this one. Hopefully, in the future, I'll be able to decide on how I'm going to present everything.

Well, I'll end this with: I hope you join me for the adventures I find myself in and the development of something amazing, because that's what I'm declaring this to be.

Until next time, Aloha.
- The Proper Place