BACK TO SCHOOL, LUNCH!

"There is no such thing as

Free Lunch"

Unknown

Everyone know what time of year it is??  Back to school time!!!  All that will be taking place for the next few weeks are school supplies, school wardrobe, and lets not forget What will the kids be eating??

According to the NYC Office of School Food and Nutrition the prices of school lunch will be changing.  It wont be changing for the better either.  Starting September 30, 2013 the everyday price for school lunch will be $1.75 up from $1.50.  Great news for parents who qualify to receive free lunch for your children which is down from the 25 cents that had to be charged.

What are the qualifications??

Total Family Size	Annually	Monthly	Twice per Month	Every 2 Weeks	Weekly
1	$21,257	$1,772	$886	$818	$409
2	$28,694	$2,392	$1,196	$1,104	$552
3	$36,131	$3,011	$1,506	$1,390	$695
4	$43,568	$3,631	$1,816	$1,676	$838
5	$51,005	$4,251	$2,126	$1,962	$981
6	$58,442	$4,871	$2,436	$2,248	$1,124
7	$65,879	$5,490	$2,745	$2,534	$1,267
8	$73,316	$6,110	$3,055	$2,820	$1,410
Each Addtl Person	$7,437	$620	$310	$287	$144

How are the prices determined??

	Breakfast Prices		Lunch Prices
Category	Full	Reduced	Full	Reduced
Meal Prices	$0.00	$0.00	$1.50	$0.25
Milk Prices	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25

As you can see listed in the chart above your children will eat breakfast at no cost no matter how much you income is.  However you will have to pay for the cost of milk if you don't qualify for any assistance. 

HEALTHY SNACKS

TO PACK!

Regardless if your child gets free lunch or not you can also pack a little snack for them as well.  The teacher of course will allow certain snacks so you want to make sure they're healthy versus full of sugar. 

Here are a few options:

STRING CHEESE

APPLE SAUCE

YOPLAIT GOGURT

APPLE SLICES

FRUIT SNACKS

NUTELLA

MakeUp Moday

Back 2 School Make Up Tips!

 



  When returning back to school for most girls we want to look our best- or at least better then last year. That means from head to toe a whole new you. A more exciting, fun and popular persona is the overall style most are going for. For that senior girl coming into high school for the last year or that collage beauty making her stride as she moves closer toward her degree, your focal point is the face and it MUST be on point! With that said 1stClassLadies are going to give you tips and tricks for not over doing the makeup and keeping the face fresh!
 

 
Your skin comes first. Before you worry about your shadows, glosses, and other beauty products you need to take care of your skin first. High school and collage student no all to well about acne, scars, blackheads and other irritabilities that the face can produce. Make sure to invest in a daily cleaner along with a mask you can use twice out the week. You want to make sure that you keep the skin as clean as possible. Not doing so can cause oil build up which helps cause pimples and such. Also be mindful of what you eat and drink as that also plays a part in skin care. Make sure to keep the face moisturized as the season changes from summer to fall and you want to keep it protected.
 
Your going to learn at school not work at the circus. Yes school is a place of education for you to learn and make something of yourself. Just because it is a place of serious business does not mean you can't look your best. There is no reason you can't apply a bit of makeup to the face creating a clean and soft look to enhance your beauty. This doesn't mean you need to show up looking  like a clown. The last thing you want to do is go OVER the top. Leave the deep contour, blue eye shadow and extra red lipstick for the night life. Settle for a more toned down look that states you want to look your best and do you best at the same time. Fill in your brows if that's your thing and substitute the your favorite color eye shadows out for either a neutral  color or just some eyeliner.
 

 No lashes for school but a good mascara will do. Apply a generous amount to both your bottom and top lashes so this way it gives the illusion that you have on falsies without the time and energy it takes to apply them. Trade out the lipstick for a nice soft lip gloss and remember to moisturize your lips  before apply a gloss so that the gloss doesn't give you the white line and make your lips dry once it fades ( regardless to what you hear ALL glosses at some point fade.) Instead of a foundation try utilizing tinted BB cream. It gives the face the same flawless glowing look that foundation does just not as heavy. If you want to add a little color to the face a soft pink or peach to the face is ok to apply with a light hand. You DO NOT want to apply it heavy for school. Concealer is good to apply but only to the places that need to be covered. There is no need to highlight but if you want to wake up the eyes a bit, be mindful of how much is applied and how bright your highlight is.

Whatever you decide this school year make sure to look & do your best!! 1stClassLadies have a few videos below to help with some looks for the upcoming school year.

 

 

 

 

ALL WHITE EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!

"NOTHING LIKE THAT

ALL WHITE"

-TRINA

Have you ever heard the saying "No white after Labor Day"??  Well if so or not that time is approaching so its time to get your last wears in!  Like the color black, white will always be classy!  It represents purity and immaculacy.  Who said that the bride is the only person that can flaunt in white??  Want to stand out from the rest of the crowd??  Pop up in that all white, you will always stand out among the crowd!!

BCBG DRESS MULTI STRAP 

FRENCH CONNECTION MONTANA DRESS

BCBG HALTER DRESS

AQUA PONTE DRESS

FRENCH CONNECTION FEATHER RUTH



GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI PEEP TOE PLATFORM PUMPS

 

FASHION LIGHTS REPORT

(BROUGHT TO YOU BY ELLE)

LADIES......WE ALL HAVE A SOFT SPOT FOR A FANCY SHOE.  THAT MAY BE THE SAME SOFT SPOT WE HAVE FOR ACCESSORIZING WITH THOSE HOT PAIR OF SHADES OR EVEN JEWLERY.  WELL WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE TWO DO A COLLABORATION???  WE KNOW.....



CARRERA x JIMMY CHOO



CARRERA BY JIMMY CHOO HAPPENS!!!!!

YES IT IS HAPPENING.  THE VERY POPULAR SHOE BRAND JIMMY CHOO HAS TEAMED UP WITH THE TRENDY EYE WEAR BRAND CARRERA TO BRING YOU A LINE OF SUNGLASSES THAT WILL BE GLITTERED UP, LEOPARD PRINT, AND GOLD PLATTED!!

NO WORD YET ON WHEN YOU CAN GET YOUR HANDS ON A PAIR BUT DEFINITELY BE ON THE LOOK OUT!!!!!

ANGELAIAM ANGELA SIMMONS

"Never give up on your dreams, push, and

be your biggest supporter"

-Angela Simmons

Wednesday July 31, 2013 was a big day for Fashion Designer/ Philanthropist Angela Simmons.  We all see her on the BET network hosting the hit show 106th and Park but there is so much more Angela Simmons has set her talents upon.  

Well,  Angela along side friend Alisha Crutchfield (fashion director for the Miss Universe Organization and styling consultation for celebrities among other remarkable work)  have founded their own brand and website by the name "ANGELAIAM" which promises to promote fashion, beauty, wellness, and empowerment.  

   

What big day was this for Angela Simmons might you ask??

This day was in celebration of  her E-Commerce site launch for ANGELIAM!  You can expect to purchase new items as well as vintage!  Up and coming fashion designers and also her own new hair extension line called "ANGELAIAMHAIR".  Her launch party was held in style at the 5th Ave Henri Bendel here in New York City.  Not only did she give her supporters the evening to join in with shopping and performances, but also the company of a few guest celebrity friends!

ANGELA SIMMONS

Angela Simmons took to the red carpet with much style and grace!  We're talking head to toe flawless.  Her ensemble consisted of a flirty off white pleated skirt with a long sleeve silk top.  She nailed this look with the KILLER Giuseppe Zanotti knee high, pointy toes boots that were to die for!  As she spoke about the process to developing her site she states:

Angela Simmons: "To finally get it out there and to see how the people like it is most important"

I had the great pleasure of speaking with Angela about her recent Girl Talk Take Over event with the Boys & Girls Club of Newark.  Angela hosted a fun yet educating day for promising young girls using fashion, health & fitness, and performances from her brother Diggy Simmons and co host Bow Wow.  With such inspiring events we had to ask this question:

APAC: "What advice would you give to young ladies?"

Angela Simmons: "When it comes to career things never give up on your dreams, definitely push and to be your biggest supporter its really important.  Its definitely about yourself and having confidence within yourself to get things done."

   

AMANDA SEALES

Vh1's Amanda, who wore very trendy patterns on the red carpet from H&M and Zara accenting with abstract accessories to compliment, won us over with her charismatic persona and smile.  Have just finished season 3 of Smirnoff's Master of the Mix and Death of the Diva she has newly written and is performing her own audience interactive show being performed at The Stand NYC called "Its Complicated"!

Being that her new project is hilarical answers to serious questions about love we figured we'd ask her this:

APAC: "What is the best relationship advice you can give?" 

Amanda Seales: "Don't chase anyone your not ready to catch"

STALLEY

This Ohio native rapper is known to catch your attention with his smooth yet real lyrics.  While he is currently signed to Rick Ross label MMG he has put forth many of singles (including "Lincoln Way Nights" and "Swangin", mix tapes, and is due to release his debut album to be announced this year!!!  He hit the red carpet with great energy wearing a t shirt by the company WTAPS, RRL denim jeans, and the perfect New York footwear Nike!!!  As he was being asked from another reporter; "What look are you going for tonight?"  I offered my own synopsis in stating "The New York look" !

HANNAH BRONFMAN

The first to hit the red carpet for the evening was DJ Hanna Bronfman.  She caught my eyes wearing one of our "Fashion Lights Report" features Kesh x American Apparel!  Not only is she a DJ but she is also a restaurateur, entrepreneur and featured in a documentary that showed at the Tribeca Film Festival called "This is my Reality" according to other sources.  Be sure to look out for her success to come!

RAQI THUNDA

We all know Raqi Thunda for being a cast member on VH1's Love and Hip Hop NY!  No matter what has occurred on the show she has since built more of a fan base and showcasing her DJ skills at some major events!  I will say to any and everyone, that Raqi was definitely a pleasure to meet and interview.  She represents all women that are in a profession that is male dominant but manages to remain at the top of her game.  Not to say that there isn't female DJ's around or that aren't main stream but here in NY there isn't any on the major radio stations.  Having the chance to meet her gave me an opportunity to ask her the one question I've had in my mind:

APAC: "I love that you are a female DJ , I feel like in that industry there is not a lot of women.  What advice would you give to any inspiring female DJ's?

Raqi Thunda: Just go for what you know, you have to be super strong.  Don't let these boys tear you down.  There's going to be a lot of guys out there to ask you about your technical skills.  Just make sure you let them know that yes you have all the skills and you do it in 8 inch heels and a thong, HELLO!!" 

Raqi walked the red carpet wearing Gucci and Valentino and to accent her ensemble, a very classic vintage pair of sunglasses.  We wish her nothing but success in the future!

  

 ARIANE DAVIS

Ariane Davis is famous for being a cast member on VH1's  Love and Hip Hop ATL.  When Ariane Davis emerged on the red carpet she rocked the most chic ensemble and looked FAB doing so!  As she stated "I'm wearing the basics".  Nicely tailored top, shorts from a boutique located in Mississippi and Zara footwear. 

 In person she has the most welcoming personality and professional stature.  Through her show we've seen her aspirations to become a singer.  Of course we had to ask:

APAC: "What advice would you give to aspiring singers?"

Ariane Davis: "Keep going, no matter what. Don't let anything stop you, please keep going, follow your dreams, chase them, run after them.  If the door closes, let another one open, another one will fly open."

As she is currently filming now for the next season of VH1's Love and Hip Hop ATL be sure to follow her come up!!!

TAHIRY

Known for her role on VH1's Love and Hip Hop 3 is urban model Tahiry Jose.  She has graced the cover of King magazine and has graced the pages of XXL, VIBE, Complex, and many others.  She took to the red carpet in a angelic dress by ASOS, stylish pink low pointy toed heels by Sergio Rossi, and to top it off a classic YSL clutch!!

ALSO IN ATTENDANCE.......

MODEL SHAUN ROSS

MODEL AND FORMER AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL CONTESTANT

KEENYAH HILL

ATLANTIC RECORDING ARTIST

LAURIANA MAE

R&B SINGER MELANIE FIONA

BE SURE TO VISIT ANGELA SIMMONS NEW SITE

http://angelaiam.com/

Summer Time Fun Time

 

 

 

We as parents dread that month that creeps up on us faster then we hope. We can't help that it comes around- JUNE! Though it brings great beach weather, traveling adventures and summer time fun for some families, those who have to work have to find things to keep their family occupied. 1stClassLadies are MOTHERS FIRST and know all too well how important it is to keep our little ones busy because if you don't the television and video games will become their best friend and we don't need that. Here are a few ideas to think about when trying to make this summer not only fun for them but convenient and safe for you.

To send to camp or not to send to camp; that is the question. Camp is a lot of parents first choice when it comes to keeping their mini ones busy for the summer. Its filled with activities, meals, safe staff and a friendly environment where children are usually surrounded by other children they know. The problem for most is camp is expensive. 85% of the people 1stClassLadies spoke with stated that camp is not an affordable option for them. So what do you do when you would like your child to have a camp option and not struggle to get it? For starters do your research! There are always free or low income camps available. Camps that go according to what you make and will not try to take you for everything you are worth. Start your search early. Do not wait until May to decide now is the time to plan your child's summer. Beginning of Spring seems to be when the summer plan should begin as that is when summer camp posting start to become available. You can also sign up to get alerts for when things become open to apply without missing out. If the more expensive camps is something you really want to invest in look into camps that offer payment plans so you do not have to provide all the money at once. If it is a camp that does not have that option start setting aside funds a little at a time to save up so it doesn't seem as though your pockets are really suffering.

Create their own camp. You can place your child in different activities for the summer which will keep them busy just like a camp but a different more independent setting. For example, on two days out the week provide two sports/activities for them to do and then  on another two other days provide two different sports/activities. Let one of the days be for them to do something of their own choice so they feel like they have some say in what their summer will be like. Just like camp there are free or  affordable options available in all communities. From swim lessons to basketball, ranging from your youngest child to your oldest. There is something for everyone girl or boy- no one is left behind.  Make sure to find family time within those other two days. Though our job is what pays the bills you HAVE to make time for the ones in it. The last thing you want is for them to drift too far away to the point that you have no idea what is going on in their life.
 

Summer time doesn't stop the educational flow. Within all that fun make sure that they find time to keep the brain wheels running. Set time aside for education especially the younger ones as their mind does not retain information as well as older children if it is not reiterated to them on a constant basis. School work doesn't have to be boring and does not have drag. You can spice it up by utilizing flash cards and make it a matching game for either one on one or a family game. With the newer technology we are fortunate to have today, there are computer and game systems that offer educational activities for the young. Setting a schedule rather then just springing work on them helps them to keep balance and not be upset when it is time to get down to school business. They know what time of the day or which days they have to refresh their minds so it comes as no shock when you tell them pull out their books. Within refreshing what they already know, include things they will learn in the upcoming school year so that they are a bit more ahead of the game and know what to expect when working into the classroom come September. A child is only as prepared as a parent makes them. Though it is the teacher's job to teach, it is your job as the parent to make sure what they learn is heard, understood and retained.

 

A little relaxation never hurt. You want to keep you babies busy and out of trouble but there is nothing wrong with letting them relax a bit. It is ok to allow them to have a lazy day. One day every now in again to just sit around and do nothing hurts anyone if anything it helps. Just like you through all the working, errands and running around you need a moment and so do they.

 

Safety measures is a must. No matter what you decide to allow them to get into this summer , make sure they are safe and so is there environment. Provide sun block if heading into the sun as the younger the child, the worse the sun is for them. Also provide them with shades and a hat to keep them away from high UV rays. For younger children that are going to be away from you on outing with camps or groups provide them with information if they God forbid get separated from the group. They should know their full name, a contact number and even their address. Children that are too young to retain that information should have it in their bags or on their persons. Older children probably have a phone and should without a doubt KNOW the basic information. When out with family make sure wherever you go there is a meet up spot if separated, set rules into play (i.e. no running by the pool, if you are allowing them to stay home don't let anyone in, etc.) and make sure to have fun!