The Promise of Prosperity

For as far back as I can recall, black-eyed peas and collard greens have been an essential part of every New Year's celebration.

Some eat them on New Year's Eve.

Others, New Year's Day.

I do both.

And I know that I am not alone.

It is a tradition.

A southern tradition with tentacles that reach every corner.

Eating collards and black-eyed peas on the first day of the year invites a prosperous year ahead.

The "greens" represent dollar bills.

The swelling of the cooking peas symbolizes prosperity.

In full disclosure, I will honor the tradition welcoming 2012.

I will take shortcuts...with the help of Goya and Wegman's, but I will honor the tradition.

Happy New Year.

I wish you good health, the love and support of family, good friends, dollar bills and prosperity.

The Lipstick Index

Those who know me are aware of the correlation I continually draw between the economy and the use of lipstick.

In an economic downturn, lipstick becomes an affordable indulgence and luxury that many women rely on, not only to look good, but to empower and alleviate, if only temporarily, economic pressure and despair.

Turns out lipstick is just the beginning. Nails and hair are also a part of the equation!

Halfway around the world, in Spain, the Lipstick Effect is in full effect- Click this link for the full article, "The Salon index as Spain's Economic Indicator"