WANTED WEDNESDAYS

"decisions,

      decisions"

Youve reached adult hood and it's now time to leave the nest.  You start out with a shared apartment with a roomate or two which is an experience in itself but you remind yourself this is just to get started.  You land that ideal job with just the rught salary for you to be able to afford living on your own.  Here comes your decision point.   On one shoulder youve got one conscious in your ear saying rent an appt.  You cant afford to own your own.  On the other shoulder youve got your other conscious saying "rent", why not just own!!!!  Dont pay a monthly fee thats leads up to nothing.

Where everyones financials are on variable levels and a lot seem to beg to differ about how smart it is to look for a home to own versus renting where your paying monthly.  A large group of people feel in this economy it is a financial waste to rent and instead look to being able to call your home yours.  We'd like to take a look at the costs that HOME OWNERS pay versus RENTERS where the decision to rent is actually the smartest choice.

1. Closing costs and real estate fees. You will never get the full market value of your home when you sell. In addition to having to pay for the privilege of a mortgage through closing costs and legal fees, both realtors also expect a commission. While that commission can vary, you can generally count on paying 6% total — meaning a $200,000 home sale would generate a $12,000 commission total for the realtors. Right there, you’ve saved yourself a great deal of money by renting.

2. Mortgage interest. The amount you will pay depends entirely on your interest rate and the length of your amortization. If you’re lucky enough to get a low rate, have at least a 20% down payment saved, and you only plan on having a 15-year mortgage, as we did, this cost is relatively negligible when you compare it to the benefits of owning a home. But if you’re unable to qualify for a good interest rate, don’t have much saved, and plan on paying for 30 years because you cant refinance into a shorter loan period, that interest could really bite you. If you are hoping to buy a home eventually, it does make sense to wait until you are able to qualify for the best possible rates and have a sizable down payment in the bank. 

3. Property taxes. No matter how long you live in your home, or how quickly you pay off your mortgage, you will always have to pay property taxes assessed on the value of your home. As your home’s value changes, your property tax will also change. Property taxes are an important way to pay for such local needs as schools and local government. But these taxes can be very high depending on where you live. Let your landlord pay the property taxes while you are saving your dollars.

4. Maintenance. One of the things I miss most about rental living is care-free maintenance. Back in my rental days, I could give a quick ring to the building manager if there was a problem, and have someone deal with any issue within less than 24 hours. Now, when the water heater implodes, or the drains stop draining, or the refrigerator decides it would prefer to keep food at room temperature, my husband and I are the ones on the hook for fixing or replacing things. If you don’t have money set aside for dealing with repair and maintenance issues, these kinds of surprises can take a big bite out of your monthly budget.

5. Homeowner’s insurance. Everyone should carry insurance on their property. But renters get a financial break here, as well. Since renter’s insurance only covers the property you own within your rental unit — and you are not responsible for insuring the structure of the building in which you live, like a homeowner would be — you pay a great deal less in insurance premiums than do your home owning neighbors.



                                                ~apartments~

      

Bushwick

INFO HERE

                                                                           Bronx

INFO HERE

Harlem

INFO HERE

West 39th St

INFO HERE

                                                                 ~employment~

                                

                                                          Motor Vehicle Operator

APPLY HERE

Direct Supp Asst Trainee

APPLY HERE

Entry Level Maintenance

APPLY HERE

Custodial Asst (John Jay College)

APPLY HERE: Look for Position Title

Painter (NYC Tech)

APPLY HERE: Look for Position Title

Mail Message Services Worker (Hunter College)

APPLY HERE: Look for Position Title

Laborer A (Medgar Evers College)

APPLY HERE: Look for Position Title

PayRoll Specialist-JetBlue (Forest Hills, NY)

APPLY HERE

Center Customer Service Rep FEDEX

APPLY HERE

City Park Worker (Parks & Recreation Dept)

APPLY HERE

PlayGround Associate (Parks & Recreation Dept)

APPLY HERE

Computer Aide (NYC Taxi & Limousine)

APPLY HERE

Tasteful Tuesday

I want all around good quality when I go somewhere to eat not just for my food- J. Davis

Brother Jimmy's 

Sometimes you want to be able to throw on comfortable attire, grab a few good friends and have a good night out on the town. What better way to do that then with food! What kind of food you ask? Some North Carolina style BBQ and there is no place like the famous Brother Jimmy's. 1stClassLadies had the privilege to experience the newest of the chains locations on Union Square and are very pleased to put our supporters on about this must go to spot this Tasteful Tuesday.

Its All About The Look. We know the saying "Don't judge a book by it's cover" but when it comes to where you have to eat, we are sorry but the book needs to be and look like an A+. Brother Jimmy's is not only gets an A+ in cleanliness but an excellent grade in all around decor. With a combination of dim lighting, wooden furniture and wall to wall televisions you definitely feel as if your right at home amongst the company you prefer. Enjoy good music while you wait or you eat your food. From the likes of Carrie Underwood to that of Jay Z. Both old school favorites like "Poison" to newer releases such as "Talk That Talk." Everyone is sure to party and have a good time.

Now That's Customer Service. When your spending your money let's face it you want to have nothing but the best service and quality of whatever it is your paying for. In this case it would be the food and service of the waitress. 1stClassLadies was lucky enough to receive top notch service from waitress Susie! Not only was she very attentive to the needs of her tables but she really wanted to make sure we were satisfied. Unable to help us right away (as the place was packed to max capacity) someone stepped in to help us right away starting us with beverages until she was ready. Can you say team work?!?!? Not it's their job and they have to do it but it's their job and they enjoy doing it. We weren't sure at one point if we wanted a certain item on the menu and before making us order it, not like it and still pay for it we were offered a small taste to try. We were never rushed to order, eat or leave once paying. Never giving an attitude and always greeted with a smile no matter how many questions. That's the kind of service one should want!

The Main Event. Then there was the moment we had all been waiting for- food and drinks! Was the place just pretty and the food pretty awful? ABSOLUTELY NOT! The food was GREAT! The ribs Northern style cooked, blacken catfish and country style steak served with garvey was just right and the sides were just as amazing. Whether it is the green beans well cooked or mash potatoes well seasoned- all delicious! Drinks? They had drinks so big they couldn't even be finish. Like 'Swamp Water" which is a cocktail drink served in a fish bowl with a bunch of straws and an alligator (fake of course) to complete the look.


Yes But How Much Was It? Let's face facts - we all know prices matter. No one really wants to spend an arm, leg and a thigh on a meal. So give Brother Jimmy's another check on the pros list for having excellent prices. 1stClassladies reviewed the dinner menu and wasn't able to find anything not even a meal for over $25! And this just was affordable eating but drinking as well. Most places you go to even the sodas are over priced but not at Brother Jimmy's. Our table tab was not even $90 and that food and beverages for three including one fish bowl drink. Talk about a steal!

So if your looking for good laughs with close friends, wonderful customer service, great food and drinks along side entertainment then make your way to Brother Jimmy's. They have three locations:


1485 2nd Avenue New York, N.Y.
(212) 288-0999


428 Amsterdam Avenue #1 New York, N.Y.
(212) 501-7515


116 East 16th Street New York, N.Y.
(212) 673-6465

That's My Kind Of Reciepe

Ingredients

1 boneless pork shoulder (about 4 to 41/2 pounds)

4 tablespoons kosher salt

1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper

1 1/2 cups light brown sugar

1/4 cup paprika

2 to 3 sprigs thyme, leaves only

4 cloves garlic

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

Scant 1 tablespoon cayenne

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Directions

Place the pork, fat side up, in a roasting pan fitted with a rack insert. Place the salt, pepper, brown sugar, paprika, thyme leaves, garlic, vinegar, and cayenne in a food processor and pulse until well combined. Add extra-virgin olive oil until you have a nice paste. Rub all over the pork, being sure to get into the nooks so the salt can penetrate the meat and pull out the moisture - this will help form a crust on the outside when cooked. Cover the pork with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or up to overnight.

Allow the meat to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
Roast the pork for 3 1/2 hours, uncovered, until the outside is crispy-brown (it should look like mahogany). Let the meat rest on a cutting board for 10 minutes before slicing.
While the pork is cooking, prepare the slaw. Combine the mustard, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, vinegar and sugar. Mix well and add finely sliced savoy cabbage, purple cabbage, green onions and carrots. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, cover with plastic wrap and set aside in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
To serve, cut the brioche buns in half and pile up some sliced pork. Top with a large spoonful of coleslaw and place the top half of the bun on top. Garnish with parsley.

MAKEUP MONDAY

“The most beautiful makeup of a woman is passion. But cosmetics are easier to buy.”
                                                                                                                     ― Yves Saint-Laurent

What kind of Bloggers would we be if we didn't give you the whole package of the latest make-up trends for Spring 2012?? Yes, we covered the wardrobe aspect with our tribal FASHION FRIDAY POST. Now lets get to the FACE.. because darlings the outfit is nothing, if your face doesn't look FIERCE!!! Straight off the run ways from fashion week, the talk of the town has been on two looks. Can you guess?? Well let us put you on!! The first is the defined... the other is rebellious!!  It's all about duality this Spring. From that natural glow... to the rebellious eye 1stClassLadies has got you covered. So pay attention DIVAS, class is in session!

Liquid Luminizor $26

Radiant Skin: It's all about looking refreshed with this look my dolls, there is no need to pile up the concealer or foundation. How can you get "gleaming gold" tones like a beach goddess otherwise. Moisturize your skin first (if oily a gel), ( if dry a creme). Next apply a primer to help the highlighter glide on freely. Mix a  liquid luminizor with your foundation and apply on your entire face.     

                                 

                                                  

Using a orange based bronzer is all that is needed to make a slightly sun tanned statement! For my ladies looking for that inner glow, a bronzer with gold bases is more your speed.  Focus on highlighting those gorgeous cheekbones. And slightly on your t- zone. Creating a sun-kissed look that won't have you a step away from looking like you had a fight with tanning spray. Lastly add MAC's Fix + solution to finish as well as add radiance to your look

MaC Fix + $10

Rimmel Bronzer in Sun Dance

               

Loreal High Intensity Pigments

The Unexpected Pop of Color: There is a softer way to add some much needed pizazz to those peepers of yours. Of course you know that spring is all about pastels, but with so many different arrays of color. We encourage you to experiment .. now don't confuse experiment with flat out going of the wall! We all have different tonality to our skin; so choose what works best for you. Soft Lilacs, Yellows, Greens, Pinks, or Blues that give you a whimsical look.

                                                                          

Viva Glam Gaga1 $14.50

The Undressed Lip: If your a big fan of wearing a nude lip, you will love this for sure. Whether matte or glossed for that extra shine. Staying in true hue in the softest of pinks and nude tans; the undressed lip is to create the same barely there affect. Not to strip the lip completely of color!!                      

                   

                                

              

The Rebellious Eye: Not afraid to walk " The Tight Line"? Good, neither are we!! This look is very defined and chic. Stopping many you encounter, with pure astonishment of sleek radiance. Using a skin-tone based primer on your lids, followed by slightly filing in your brows with a brow pencil or brush. Gently  lining your lids as well as upper lid line to create BOLD...BLACK..PERFECTION!!!!            

Loreal Voluminous Smoldering Eyeliner

EXTRA..EXTRA..READ ALL ABOUT IT!! THE SMOKEY EYE HAS GONE ROUGE!!!.. This look is for my "RoCk ReBLe$", sometimes you have to downplay perfection and go "Balls To The Wall". And it's so easy to do.. Take a shadow pencil or creme and fill in the entire lid. Layer product for desired color. Then diffuse with a smudge brush  outward. Then line your top&bottom lid.. build shape as you go along. Apply two coats of  mascara and Voilà.

SOULFUL SUNDAYS

“Success is getting what you want, happiness is wanting what you get”  

W.P. Kinsella 

Everyone wants to be SUCCESSFUL at any and everything they seek out to do.  Some goals come with more work, time, efforts, pain, sweat, and tears.  Some come with Happily Ever After endings and some dont.The quote above couldnt express it better; A person knows when theyve succeeded when their goals has been reached however not always reaching your goal  or getting to where you ser out to be brings happiness.  The Happily Ever After is Succeeding and being Happy with it's results.



                                                      ~fashion~

When: Today Sun, Feb 26th 4:00 p.m.
What: My Pink Lush Jewlery Party
Where: NAIL LOUNGE
                4752 Broadway
                New York, NY
Come out and support the My Pink Lush Jewlery line.  They have a huge selection of every girls dream jewlery.  From the huge square bangles to the infamous bold colored door knockers!!!

                                            ~concerts~

When: Today 7:30 p.m.
Who: Joe Budden
Where: IRVING PLAZA
                17 Irving Place
                New York, NY

When: Sun March 4th 7:30 p.m.
Who: Young Jeezy
Where: IRVING PLAZA
                17 Irving Place
                New York, NY

When: Thurs March 1st 8:00 p.m.
Who: Trey Songz with Big Sean
Where: MADISON SQUARE GARDEN
                7th Ave & 32nd St
                New York, NY

When: Tues Feb 28th 7:00 p.m.
Who: Estelle
Where: IRVING PLAZA
                17 Irving Place
                New York, NY

When: Wednesday Feb 29th 8:00 p.m.
Who: Tyga
Where: NOKIA THEATRE
                1515 Broadway
                New York, NY

When: Wednesday Feb 29th 7:30 p.m.
Who: Jim Jones
Where: BLENDER THEATRE
                127 East 23rd St
                New York, NY

Scandoulous Saturday

To our beautiful and handsome readers who we do this for...Due to creative calamity there is no post from your favorite trio. However, we are cooking up something to have you on the edge of your seats for next week! So stay tuned.. It definitely will be a jaw dropper! 

FASHION FRIDAYS

"style is knowing who you are

what you wanna say

and not giving a damn"

Orson Welles

Having emerged on the scene from 2011's runway shows we have the Tribal Print.  It's exactly as Vogue Magazine describes "Forget your mother's reminder to not mix and match patterns."  This trend is a definite example of looks can be deceiving because when worn they make for perfect fashion sense. 


The Tribal Print consists of any article of clothing that bears a pattern influenced of African tribal prints.  Some designers have stuck to an exact african pattern and some have actually created their own version of print using abstract shapes and bright colors and sometimes using a classic black & white!  Such designers include LAMB, Missoni, SUNO, and plenty more.  

           1STCLASSLADIES TOP PICKS

TEA CUP DRESS BY SPOILED NYC168-

(ALSO SEEN IN THE ELLE VARNER FEAT JCOLE VIDEO FOR "I ONLY WANNA GIVE IT TO YOU")

AQUA DRESS 88-

ABS BY ALLEN SCHWARTZ DRESS 245-

KEDS 45-

CYNTHIA VINCENT WEDGES 195-



                                         
KEITH HARING DANCING EARRING 68-

RASTA TRIANGLE EARRING 46-

Thoughts For Thursday

Action expresses priorities- Mahatma Gandhi

Let's spend That  Money Right!

She opens the envelope and See's four digits - one coma and three zero's. Did they just hit the lottery? No- it's tax seasons! Now she is pondering what to do with all this cash. Should she buy those hot shoes in the store window? An outfit for a night on the town? Hair done, nails done, everything did?!?! Though that all sounds nice there are some other things that should be important and some people seem to forget or let it slipped to the back of their minds- Like the fact that the gas is about to be turned off! 1stClassLadies love all our readers and with love we MUST be honest and real- it's time to check the few that forget to prioritize not just their funds but the things in their life that should come first. Understand we are NOT here to judge but we wouldn't be true to our supporters if we didn't keep it 100! 

Can You Pay Your Bills? Now it's nice to go on trips and things, shopping and buttering oneself up however, if the thing that keep you functioning are just NOT functioning then that should be handled first. Lights, gas, rent, car note/insurance, medical expenses, etc. They all need to e taking care of before splurging on the glitz and glamors. Let's be real, you can't be walking around looking fresh in a brand new pair of red bottoms with your lights off! How are you suppose to see them pretty things?? Or you think you cruising in your hot car on an empty tank of gas- yea your going to look real live stuck on that intersection. Then there is those love to travel on trips but haven't paid their rent. Hope that tan you got while you was out there helps you get a home when you come back and your evicted! Just take care of the important bills first. The things that keep your everyday life going and in order.

Remember the kids. Now we all know the kids are the reason half of us get back what we even get back in taxes. Make sure you don't forget them! 1stclassLadies are not saying go out and spend it all on their wardrobe, toys, etc. We are just saying there is no reason why mom and dad are in tip top stylish shape and the kiddies look like last season. They are a reflection of you so if you step out fresh you all do!! Or put money aside to pay off their bills. Child Care expenses, extra curriculum activity, or even start saving for their summer agenda. Now you'll have one less bill to worry about later.

Saving never hurt. Some people don't have bills  to catch up on or children to tend to. There is that majority that can just relax and enjoy the refund- good for you! Buy yourself something nice but don't forget to save. You never know when an emergency may hit and you need fund asap. Make sure to put a bit up for times like  that so there is never a worry. Maybe you can start saving to buy yourself something lavishing for later like a car or a new place to live. You never know! 

1stClassLadies believe that these are money rules that should be followed not just for refund season but all year long even with a simple 9-5 paycheck. It is even more important that these rules are followed if your a parent. Teaching your children money management early will help them to be responsible adults later on in life. The high fashion life is great if you can afford it, do not live outside your means. Treat yourself every now and again as you deserve it just know your limit. Prioritize! Take care of the must have's first and wants second.

WANTED WEDNESDAYS

"when you play, play hard;

when you work, dont play at all"

Theodore Roosevelt

Everyone's job and or career is different however one thing that remains common is having rules to abide by. Until you reach the point of success where you are your own boss you will have someone overseeing you. In an economy where its difficult to pick and/ or choice a position, even with the right education and credentials, if landing that one you want to make sure there is a couple of things you want to maintain in order to keep that position!!

TIME & ATTENDANCE

One thing employers look for in a great worker is their time & attendance. So you want to make sure that you keep up your punctuality. Even if adjusting to your schedule calls for you to show up earlier than others. Its like we always say in the words of a famous movie "If your on time your late, if your early your on time."

NO CELL PHONE!!

We know technology has advanced so much that soon we will be able to snap a finger and dinner's ready without having to touch a single pot not to mentions flying cars. No matter where these high tech devices take us one thing that isnt appropriate at any position is TALKING, TEXTING, TWEETING, FACEBOOKING, INSTAGRAMMING, etc during work hours!!! In most places of employment in calls for a memo, some sort of disceplinary action, even termination!!!

DOCUMENTATION

Just as much as paper work is important to the tasks of the job is just as important as documentation is of importance to you. When starting at a new company you will be given plenty of paperwork to explain your salary, benefits if any, job title, etc. You want to keep such paper work in a filing bin in case ever needing to reference back in the future. Paystubs are given sometimes on hand and other printable through web. Keep all paystubs and W2's in a filing bin as well. In particular jobs we reccommend to even save your doctors excuse slips. You never know when a memo might hit your mailbox for an unscheduled leave from six months ago that you cant even recall. You'll always be prepared!!

MEETING ALL DEADLINES

You will have assignments when working. Make sure that you stay true to that task at hand. Put your full attention and dedication into completing the mission. This hard worker ethic will always wow your boss.

~apartments~

Bushwick

INFO HERE

Bronx

INFO HERE

Harlem

INFO HERE

West 39th St

INFO HERE

~employment~

Motor Vehicle Operator

APPLY HERE

Direct Supp Asst Trainee

APPLY HERE

Entry Level Maintenance

APPLY HERE

Custodial Asst (John Jay College)

APPLY HERE: Look for Position Title

Painter (NYC Tech)

APPLY HERE: Look for Position Title

Mail Message Services Worker (Hunter College)

APPLY HERE: Look for Position Title

Laborer A (Medgar Evers College)

APPLY HERE: Look for Position Title

PayRoll Specialist-JetBlue (Forest Hills, NY)

APPLY HERE

Center Customer Service Rep FEDEX

APPLY HERE

City Park Worker (Parks & Recreation Dept)

APPLY HERE

PlayGround Associate (Parks & Recreation Dept)

APPLY HERE

Computer Aide (NYC Taxi & Limousine)

APPLY HERE