Girls with Pearls: In Honor of First Lady Michelle Obama

Today as we watch the first African-American become President of the United States, women across America are paying tribute to Michelle Obama by wearing pearls on this historic day. "Girls with Pearls" started the campaign to salute the incoming first lady. So tell your sister friends to wearing their pearls today in celebration.

Wear them to work, school, the Inauguration, the balls, in front of the TV, or home gatherings. What a wonderful keepsake for us all to have-pearls in recognition of Inaugural Day.

Good luck and Many blessings to President Barack Obama and First lady Michelle Obama!

Missed 24? We Got You!

Jamie Foxx isn't the only one that is unpredictable. You gotta check out this season of 24! It's FINALLY back and better than ever. Ladies, don't we just LOVE Jack Bauer. He is one Working Don. Can you image being on the job 24 hours straight? Pop some popcorn and enjoy. It's going to be a wild ride.

24 - 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Jill Scott Confirms Pregnancy

Congrats to Jill Scott and her fiancee Jon Roberts, they are expecting! She confirmed her pregnancy to the press at the Television Critics Association conference in Los Angeles on Friday.

Promoting her new HBO series The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, based on the popular novels by Alexander McCall Smith, Scott said she discovered that she was pregnant just before leaving for Botswana where she filmed the show. “The first trimester I spent in Botswana,” said the star, who is due April 25. “That was one of the biggest challenges of my life. First trimester! You’re sick every morning. It was seven hours time difference, the heat, the bugs, the 14 hour days.” Still, the actress, who is engaged to drummer Lil’ John Roberts, says she’s glad she went through with the plans to film. “My doctors gave me a clean bill of health and said you can do this, so I did it.”

Look for Jill to get in the studio and record an album called "Brown Baby Lullabies". It will go from concept album to the real thing. She has talked about recording it in the past but she didn't want to record it until she was pregnant. Now, she has the green light, or shall we say, pink or blue light. Jill and Jon's little bundle of joy is due in April. Best wishes from the Working Divas Staff.

(source: Contact Music)

3 Keys To Greater Fulfillment In 2009

Anne Naylor has written these great steps to get in gear. It's a New Year. Another opportunity to make your dreams a reality. Read on and enjoy Working Divas.

1. VALUE YOURSELF "Our intention creates our reality." ~Wayne Dyer
What if you were to fully know your value and express it into the world through your work, your relationships with others and your presence of well-being? You could transform your world - not necessarily the world as a whole, but the world immediately around you - of your family, work colleagues and friends. I would like to suggest that appreciating your value is an important key to finding greater fulfillment. Appreciate has the sense both of gratitude and of increase. What you appreciate grows in value for you. Think of a garden you enjoy cultivating, giving your time, care and attention to produce flowers, maybe fruit or vegetables. It gives back to you. As you appreciate yourself, your value grows. As your value grows, you have more to give. As you give more, you may receive more. It is a virtuous cycle that spirals upwards.

HOW?
A simple and yet powerful exercise I have used in partnership, and in corporate training, is that of acknowledgment (of tasks accomplished) and appreciation (for qualities expressed). Acknowledging and appreciating others is a great exercise for developing intimacy in a close relationship, and strength in a team. At the end of a day, experiment by acknowledging and appreciating yourself. It could look something like this:
I acknowledge myself for... ... taking the kids to school... going to the gym... giving constructive feedback to my assistant. I appreciate myself for...... being patient, kind, thoughtful, fun, a good listener.

2. ENJOY YOURSELF
"Never underestimate the ability of the Divine powers that be to work out what is coming from clear intention." ~John Morton
The intention that works for me is written in my heart of hearts. It is not a sentimental thing but something solid that resonates within me. It is not an idea, a belief, a passing wish or a vain hope. It has the deep quality of knowing. Clear intention in me is profound, unshakable. The energy of intention fuels the aspirations I envisage. A clear workable intention has a quality of joy with it.
We each have a recognizable Personal Motivational Trend, defined as that which we are good at, enjoy doing and gives us the experience of success. If you are at a career turning point, knowing your Personal Motivational Trend will guide towards your next best choice of vocation. Your Personal Motivational Trend stays with you through your lifetime, although it may be experienced through many different avenues of expression.

HOW?
Reflect for a moment.....
What do you most enjoy doing - at work or otherwise? What are your natural skills, talents and gifts - things that come easily to you?Recall a moment of fulfillment in your life so far - notice what was special about that experience for you; feel, see, hear anything about it, as if it were happening right now. Be aware of the joy within you.

3. CELEBRATE YOURSELF
"I'm delirious with joy. It proves that if you confront the universe with good intentions in your heart, it will reflect that and reward your intent. Usually. It just doesn't always do it in the way you expect." ~J. Michael Straczynski
Why celebrate? Because you are worth it, as the advertisement goes In every person I have ever met, when I have looked beyond the smokescreen of disappointment, hurt feelings, frustration, self-doubt, I have never failed to find the precious gift of life, which is also the gift of loving, that sustains them. You, your life, is a precious gift.

HOW?
Start with giving yourself your most precious gift - the gift of your time. You might like to review this post. (Insert link to How To Celebrate A Lily Day article) Give yourself a Lily Day, Afternoon or even an Hour; time to breathe and just be yourself; no commitments, no pressures; time to listen to, and follow your heart, as you are inspired. Celebrate the love that you are.
Be prepared - life may find a way of delivering some wonderful surprises for you! (source: The Huffington Post)

Serena William poses for H Magazine

Serena Williams leaves the tennis racket at home to get her model on. You go girl! Inspiration to get in the gym.

Check out the video of the shoot below.

Keyshia Cole is on Fire

Keyshia Cole graces the cover of Jet magazine looking fabulous! She talks about her family, her music and how the entertainment industry hasn't change her one bit. OK, except her bank account. Keyshia we love the new CD. It's Working Diva approved! You can relax, work out, dance or chill with you boo listening to it. Ladies you need "A Different Me" on your IPod.

Jennifer Hudson, Will Smith and Beyonce Score Image Award Noms

Jennifer Hudson, Beyonce and Will Smith are just a few of the A-List stars to be nominated for The 40th NAACP Image Awards. See who else made the cut!

Along with Will for 'Seven Pounds,' Don Cheadle ('Traitor'), Derek Luke ('Miracle at St. Anna'), Alfre Woodard ('Tyler Perry's The Family That Preys'), Queen Latifah and Dakota Fanning ('The Secret Life of Bees') are among the stars to receive acting noms for the Motion Picture category. 'Cadillac Records,' 'Miracle at St. Anna,' 'The Secret Life of Bees,' 'Seven Pounds' and 'Tyler Perry's The Family That Preys' are all nominated for Outstanding Motion Picture.

On the TV drama side, "Grey's Anatomy," "House," "Lincoln Heights," "The Unit" and "The Wire" will compete against each other. "30 Rock," "Everybody Hates Chris," "The Game," "Tyler Perry's House of Payne" and "Ugly Betty" will vie for Outstanding Comedy Series, with America Ferrera, Donald Faison, Chandra Wilson, Dennis Haysbert, Blair Underwood and Omar Epps nominated for their respective shows.

Beyonce is nominated for Outstanding Female Recording Artist alongside Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson, Mariah Carey and Rihanna, while Chris Brown, Common, Jamie Foxx, John Legend and Will.i.am are up for Outstanding Male Artist.

Previous NAACP Image Award recipients Halle Berry and filmmaker Tyler Perry will host The 40th NAACP Image Awards at L.A.'s Shrine Auditorium, coinciding with the NAACP's 100th anniversary. It airs live on February 12 at 8 p.m. on FOX.

For more information and a complete list of nominations go to naacpimageawards.net. (source: Entertainment Tonight)

6 Steps To Being Less Overwhelmed In 2009

The hustle of life/work balance can be taxing. Take a new direction this year and put your life in check. Life Coach Jason Mannino has put together 6 Steps to make your 2009 less overwhelming. Print them, Share them, Live them.

1. Stop!
Often times we become impatient. We want to go from planting the seed of a new dream to having the dream a reality. As a result, I know, personally, if I am not careful I will rush into action without taking the time to engage the steps outlined below. If this is true for you too, stop!

2. Breathe
As I continued looking in the mirror I began intentionally focusing on my breath, which allowed me to start to relax and focus on the present moment. Focused breathing reminded me that I am in partnership with a Grand Organizing Designer (GOD) that has never let me down before. I was feeling inspired. The root of the word inspiration is inspire. Inspire also means to take air into the lungs. Therefore, consider that when you are breathing you are inspiring yourself, which will support you in any new endeavor. Also, when your attention is on the present moment you can't be overwhelmed. Parts of the definition of overwhelm states, "to overcome in mind." The reason you can be "overcome in mind," is because you allow yourself to get entrenched in thoughts about everything other than the
present moment.

3. Self-Trust
I experience impatience with gestation as a lack of trust. I have found in my personal work and work with others that this is an extension of a lack of self-trust. Many of the endeavors I am currently engaged in for the New Year are things that I have never done before. With this in mind I am gentle with myself in the knowledge that there is a normal fear of the unknown present. However, I also engage in self-support by releasing self-judgment. For instance, I have had a judgment present about whether or not I am capable of success, particularly with something I have never done before. I release the judgment and know that I have achieved at least a modicum of success in everything I have set out to do. As a result, I am able to make the choice to trust myself and keep moving forward.

4. State your intention and clarify your goal.
After relaxing a bit I took a mental inventory of my intentions and goals. Before starting any project it is best to state your intention and clarify your goal. Every action taken after stating the intention and clarifying your goal is taken with a vision of your overall purpose. I reminded myself that past, clearly stated intentions have helped bring success with more velocity.

5. Map it
After stating your intention and clarifying your goal, map all of your milestones and actions. Include your resources and team in your map. Mapping will also bring velocity and vision to every action you take. You will experience much more ease in your work with a project map. In my case my maps have been created. Sometimes you have to remember to include in your calendar a weekly review of all of your plans and track to your goals. This was the lesson for me. My attention has been pulled by the holidays and so had not made time recently to review my maps.

6. Visualize
When you have stated your intention, clarified your goal, and mapped it, spend a few minutes visualizing. Visualizing your goals as if you have already reached them helps move you into co-creation. Co-creation is the symbiotic relationship that results when you move into partnership with spirit. It will also raise your vibration to the level needed to attract your success.

The experience of being overwhelmed mostly comes from a fear of the unknown, lack of self-trust, and not being fully present. Today I reminded myself of what Mark Twain eloquently said. He said that courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is the willingness to experience fear, resist it, and keep moving forward. When you clarify goals and map your project you can move forward with a vision of where you are headed. I feel strongly that deliberate action also helps to cure fear. My wish for you is that you gently engage these steps to manage any overwhelm that comes your way, choose courage, and take action to turn your dreams into reality in 2009. (Source: The Huffington Post)

Queen latifah hosts People's Choice Awards

Queen Latifah will host the 35th Annual People’s Choice Awards tomorrow night at 9pm on CBS. Plus she has just signed on for another year as a spokesperson for Jenny Craig. So far the Queen has lost 20 pounds. You go girl! Now that's some inspiration to get in the gym ladies!

Karen Vaughn with the cast of the movie Notorious

I got a chance to see the exclusive first viewing of the movie "Notorious" during the I Rock the Mic Conference last month. During the movie I laughed because B.I.G. was such a comedian. I danced because my entire radio career unfolded before my eyes through the music of the soundtrack. And I cried knowing the emotion I felt on the day Biggie died. The movie is amazing from the production, storyline, and cinematography. This film isn't hype...it's the real thing. Thanks to Ms. Voletta Wallace, the cast and crew for a wonderful body of work. Once "Notorious" hits theaters on January 16th the world will truly see a mother's love and legacy of the late B.I.G.
Above me with Jamal Woolard/B.I.G. in Notorious. See more of the cast below: Derrick Luke, Naturi Naughton and producer Wayne Barrow.

Downsized...Now What? 7

Well, the holidays are over. It's been a nice three week break. Christmas was joyous and the New Year was definitely a celebrated new beginning! I haven't had time off like this since I was a kid. What a blessing. With the first Monday of the New Year in full swing...it's time to hustle.

With more lay offs projected for early 2009 I am hopeful and faith filled that I will succeed in spite of my circumstance. I've been receiving your emails of encouragement and motivation. They have assisted me during this time of transition. In my heart lies a burning desire to succeed. I'll be back on the radio full-time before you know it. We have to move through life as if failure isn't an option. When you lose your job don't look at yourself as if you did something wrong or you have failed. This is just another situation that will bring you closer to your purpose. Maybe you are being called to start that business you have talked about for years. Perhaps you need to spend more time with family. Take time now to determine what is important to you in your life RIGHT NOW. Write them down and soon you will realize what is in your spirit and the steps you need to take towards your happiness. Start today...Make it happen.

Obama lands in DC

President-Elect Barack Obama landed in DC Sunday evening, joining Michelle and the girls at the Hay Adams Hotel the day after they arrived.

Fantasia in the studio with Raphel Saadiq

Babygirl Fantasia is back in the studio after a three year break. Fantasia has a wonderful spirit and a killer voice. Let's hope the third time is the charm for this American Idol. For her as-yet-untitled album, Fantasia will team up with Raphel Saadiq. Speaking of Raphel we love his new single, "Love that Girl". The old school vibe is hot! Saadiq has confirmed his work with the "When I See You" singer. Calling their project together "soulful but really strong," Saadiq says "a little bit of Aretha (Franklin) mixed up with a little bit of Labelle". (source)

Wanted: Cell Phones for Soldiers

Think re-gifting isn't cool? Well, a soldier would thank you graciously for an old cell phone of yours. Having the chance to chat with family back at home would be priceless. If you received that iPhone you wanted for Christmas or if you have a draw of old cell phones, donate them to a soldier today. Cell Phones for Soldiers was founded by teenagers Robbie and Brittany Bergquist from Norwell, Mass., with $21 of their own money. Since then, their registered 501c3 non-profit organization has raised almost $2 million in donations and distributed more than 500,000 prepaid calling cards to soldiers serving overseas. Log on to http://www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com/ for more information.

Organize your Home

It's the first Saturday of the New Year. The perfect day to get centered and organized for all the richness 2009 will bring. From your overloaded closet, cluttered home office, and a garage so packed you need to be on an episode of HGTV's Mission Organization...Take control and DETOX your home. Every Working Diva needs a clean slate. Check out these tips from on how to get organized in 2009. (read on) (read more)

Don't overwhelm yourself. Do a different room everyday. If it is to taxing, have a "Get Organized Party" and ask a few friends to help you out. By next weekend you will be relaxing in your cozy space where you can start creating your 2009 master plan clutter free!

And as always, share your tips with us. Leave your comments. Reach one, teach one.

The Karen Vaughn Book Club: January 2009 Selection

“The JOY of Appreciative Living”
by Jacqueline Kelm

KV Book Club Gathering
TBA

It's time to SHINE in 2009! Top your New Year's Resolution and goal list with, "HAPPINESS". We all want to live happier joyful lives in 2009. 2008 was a great year of CHANGE in my life. From the first African-American being elected President to my husband and I both losing our jobs. I know we are not the only ones living in the balance. So to encourage positive thinking for all of us, our book of the month, The Joy of Appreciative Living is the perfect asset for the new beginnings we will emark on in 2009. Author Jacqueline Kelm has created at 28-day blueprint to greater happiness broken down in three steps. Think about how much your life will be changed by the end of January. So, let's begin reading and uncover our JOYOUS LIFE!

Happy New Year!!!

You are POWERFUL, BEAUTIFUL, JOYFUL, and RICH with LIFE!

This year is destined to be your greatest year.

May your 2009 be everything you can image to the point where you have so much happiness it runs over like a magnificent fireworks show. You are full of infinite possibilities. With this day begin your extended weekend New Year celebration. Everyday do something that brings you joy and happiness. Like reading a book, going to a gathering, giving yourself a mani/pedi, or just catch up with friends. Share your joy with your family, boo, sister friends and loved ones.

We look forward to bring you the best in lifestyle, entertainment and self-love in the New Year. Shine in 2009!!!

-Working Divas Staff