Top 10 Most Read Post of 2012

While we’re grateful for a brand new year and all the wonderful things that God has in store for us individually and collectively. However 2012 was a very good year for BOND Inc. Our readers were really checking us out this year. Want to know the top 10 post of 2012? Go ahead and knock yourself out.

Am I My Sister’s Keeper  –Guest Blogger Stephania Vereen

Best Hopeless Romantic Love Story Contest- Meet the Belvin Family

Best Hopeless Romantic Love Story Contest- Meet the Metcalfe Family

January 2013 BOND Gathering- “The Law of Attraction”

Grief and Forgiveness For the Daddies Little Girl That Never Was –Guest Blogger Stephania Vereen

Want to Join the BOND Sisterhood-BOND Member Benefits Explained

Best Hopeless Romantic Love Story Contest-Meet the Hughes Family

Great Template on How to Apply Eyeshadow

Product Review: Knot on My Watch

We Are Just So Sad!!! We Can’t Seem To Sit Still

The Best Hopeless Romantic Contest 2013

Do You Have the

Best Hopeless Romantic Love Story?

Here at BOND Inc, we are suckers for Black Love and don’t mind letting our readers know it. For the second year in a row, BOND Inc is seeking couples from across the globe that want to share their personal love story. Since last year’s contest was such an amazing success, we wanted to make this loving gesture a BOND Inc tradition. If you didn’t have the opportunity to review last year’s winning couple here’s an opportunity to read such a beautiful story of love, triumph and commitment. Click here to read about The Metcalfe Family.

Do you have an amazing story of how you met your soul mate? Or maybe you have an unbelievable story of how your once rocky relationship was able to withstand the test of time and now your love is on top? If so, enter your story in 2013 "The Best Hopeless Romantic Love Story".

Tell us what makes your love story "The Best Hopeless Romantic Love Story” in 400 words or less and you'll be entered for a chance to win a romantic dinner for two! Your story will be featured during the month of February where voters and viewers will pick their favorite story.

Essays will be based on the quality of writing style, originality, creativity, sincerity, emotional content and humor. The essay with the most votes will win the grand prize of a Romantic Dinner for two! Will you and your boo be our lucky winning couple?

If you are interested in participating, CLICK HERE for a 2013 entry form or you may email us at iambondinc@gmail.com for more details and entry forms. Your entry form must be submitted to us no later than Tuesday, January 15^th 2013 to be considered. Please Note: There will be no exceptions for lateness or not submitting all the required items.

Also be sure to come back to cast your vote for "The Best Hopeless Romantic Love Story" between Friday, February 1st - Friday, February 8th! The story that garnishes the most votes will be announced on that special day of LOVE, Valentine’s Day Thursday, February 14^th 2013.

Procedures:

1. Click to review Entry Form Part I                 
2. Click to fill out and submit  Entry Form Part II
3. Email a jpeg photo of you and your significant other to iambondinc@gmail.com. Please include your name in the subject line of the email.

"He Can Get It!!! Really Can He, That Easy?"

I often hear the phrase “He can get it” but really can it be that easy? Now I understand women use it when they are referring to a very attractive guy in jest but do you really mean it? I’ve never been much of a fan of that saying. It just rubs me the wrong way. What are you really giving away?  I hear some women use it as if they’re giving away old Halloween candy or too small or outdated clothes to the Goodwill. Is that really how you view yourself?

Are you really willing to give it up just because a brother looks easy on the eyes?

Please don’t get me wrong, I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t love gazing upon one of God’s most beautiful creations, Man. Especially when he’s been blessed with good looking features. I too can truly appreciate a nice looking man with the best of them. And if the truth would be told there have even been a few occasions where I’ve caught myself wondering off in la la land thinking how beautiful our black ashy babies would be living in our house with the white picketed fence. But I quickly jump back into reality and catch myself before my mind begins to take me somewhere it has no business going.

The saying rubs me the wrong way because in my humble opinion it cheapens who we are as women. It cheapens our existence. It cheapens not only the person spewing the venom but it cheapens all of us because one woman represents each and every last one of us. That horrid phrase even cheapens our daughters, our granddaughters, our nieces and other young women that are to come after us.  I think some of our ancestors are looking down at us hiding their heads in shame at some of the phrases we’ve adopted. I’m sure there are plenty of them that are rolling in their graves in fury at all the blood, sweat and tears they spent fighting and even dying for respect from others only for us to turn around and boldly and proudly disrespect our  selves.   

Although the saying is often spoken amongst girlfriends in gesture, we still put out into the atmosphere. Our words have so much power that once it’s released from our mouths, those very words work their way into full manifestation. I’m often left scratching my head and yet baffled at the same time when I hear women throwing out that saying so loosely but in the same vein will raise a fist and demand a man’s respect. Really, are you serious and is it even possible?

I haven’t heard too many other races use that term so much as the black community has. It’s no wonder that the statics of teenaged pregnancy, unwed homes, less likely to marry, single mothers, HIV and AIDS amongst the African American community are through the roof.

However just as soon as you give it away you have the nerve to sit crying, feeling disrespected, confused, used and wondering why he didn’t stay. Not only did he not stay, he didn’t call, didn’t send a text, a telegram, a letter, an email, or even a pigeon. He didn’t do a thing.  He didn’t take you out for nice hot meal; he didn’t even pay you a compliment. That brother left with the quickness, never to return again and if he does it’s only to return to the very “thing” he was first introduced to and that’s what you so easily gave away.  

I caution us to be careful about the words we speak. If we want the respect of a man, we have to be willing to respect ourselves, our bodies, our precious jewels and even respect what proceeds out of our mouths. Stop being so willing to give it away. We’re priceless. It should no longer be so easy for him to just “get it” but rather “Naw brother you’ve got to earn it”. Why he may ask and your answer will be because you said so.

What do you think of the saying "He can get It"? Please share your thoughts.

And the Winner Is.....

The results are in — we have our winners for the        

Best Hopeless Romantic Love Story Contest. We ended up with 3 great love stories however there could only be one winner. It was great to see so many people stopping by to show their love and support for each of the couples.

With 188 votes, the contest winners for the

Best Hopeless Romantic Love Story Contest goes to…

The Metcalfe Family!

Congratulations Metcalfe Family! What an honor and a privilege it was to read how an awesome God can shower his love and mercies on a family when he reigns as Lord over their love and marriage. This lovely family is due to receive a free romantic dinner for two to a restaurant of their choice. In addition, they will receive a romantic gift basket compliments of Malexa Bath & Body Essentials filled with massage oils, candles, bath salts and chocolate. (Valued at $75)

And special thanks to the Belvin Family (98 votes) and Hughes Family (36 votes) for being so willing to share their stories with the world.  I hope you all had as much fun writing your stories as we did reading them. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out all of the comments from your well wishers.

BOND Inc has more contests coming your way so be sure to check back often. Better yet just go ahead and sign up to our email listing so you can always be in the know of all the great and exciting news and information we offer.

Signed

True Hopeless Romantics

Click here to read the 3 contestant's love stories.

Chill and Just Be and other BOND Inc News You Can Use

Chill and Just Be

I hope everyone is having a wonderful day. I just wanted to share the importance of listening to your body. Most of you know that BOND Inc went full blast last year with a number of big initiatives and events. There is a lot of work that goes into planning every detail of an organization. Ensuring that things are in place, responding to emails, attending meetings, drafting letters, setting up, breaking down, crossing I’s and dotting T’s, following up and the list grows and before you know it you are swamped and overwhelmed with things to do, places to go and people to see. I didn’t mention working a full-time job on top of that. So you can just imagine what’s next. I hit a brick wall…HARD and I would venture to say that maybe even left a small dent in it!!!

If not done in moderation overtime your body will turn against you. My body didn’t care that I had a laundry list of things to get done. My body could care less about meetings I had to tend to. All my  body knew is that it’s been in overdrive for some time and it warned me that if I didn’t slow down, it was going to shut down on me  and I’d  be out for the count. I say all this to say that we need to tend to ourselves more than we have in the past. You can’t be good to others if you’re in bad shape. It’s ok to say no, not this time. It’s completely okay to say to your boss I need to take some time off. That’s what earning vacation time is for. It’s ok to just sit still and just be. Go for a walk, take a much needed vacation, turn off your cell phone, or spend the day in bed just resting. Your to do list will be there when you get back.  Listen to your bodies, take care of you and be well. Until Next Time

Happy Valentine’s Day All

BOND Inc would like to wish each and every one of you a Happy Valentine’s Day. Enjoy the ones near and dear to you. Please make it a good one.

Did You Cast Your Vote?

 “The Best Hopeless Romantic Love contestant’s stories are up.  Read stories from three beautiful couples whose love stood the test of time and now their love is on top. After reading each story cast your vote on your favorite couple. Also please be so kind to send them well wishes. (Click here for stories and voting details.)  

I Am Woman Hear Me Roar- April BOND Gathering

For centuries women of color have rose to every occasion thrown her way. Day in and day out she plays the role of mother and often times father, daughter, sister, superwoman, cook, maid, breadwinner, caregiver and history maker.  She runs big time corporations by day and is the head woman in charge of a household by night. Click here to read more.

Be sure to reserve your seat(s) because seats tend to fill up quickly. As always our BOND Gatherings are always FREE and for women over the age of 21.  Location details will be available soon. Stay tuned.

BOND Inc Membership Form Is Now Online?

There are many added benefits of being a BOND Girl. (Click here to find out more)   As a BOND Girl you gain access to exclusive offers, you get reduced and often times free entrance to many of BOND Inc’s sponsored events.  More importantly, you will be a part of a major sisterhood of women who are doing amazing things personally and professionally. Our doors are always open, so if you’re interested in becoming an active member (click here) to submit a membership application.

BOND Girl Meet and Greet is in the Works

We are planning a BOND Girl Meet and Greet for the month of April. If you’re interested in learning more about BOND Inc and want to be a part of this amazing network be sure to email us at iambondinc@gmail.com for all of the details.  At this Meet and Greet you will have the opportunity to ask questions, come onboard as a member, and witness the induction ceremony of our newest BOND Girls. This is also a great opportunity to network with women from all across the DMV. This won’t be your typical Meet & Greet so prepare to as always have a grand time.

You Are Now in the Spotlight

BOND Inc spotlights women of color who are doing amazing things in and around the community. BOND Inc provides our readers with a spotlight each and every Monday. If you know of any women who are doing amazing things, send your inquires to iambondinc@gmail.com  to receive the information. (Click here to read our most recent Spotlight) We will resume our feature Spotlights in March. Stay tuned.

Seeking A Few Good Men

BOND Inc is seeking a few good men. We will be dedicating an entire month to our beautiful black men. It’s time we sang praises to men of color who are doing positive things. We will be featuring men that are taking care of business at home, on the job and/or in the community etc.  If you know of any good men that deserve to be recognized, inbox us at iambondinc@gmail.com for nomination form. We are adding the final touches to our nomination form. Be one of the first to receive yours.

Natural & All

Natural & All is a page dedicated to providing information for women in the areas of health, beauty and fashion. Be sure to check back often www.iambondinc.blogspot.com. If you’d like to share your natural hair journey, provide a product review or share you’re most recent fashion finds email us so we can share it with the world. (Read our most recent entry)

Seeking Contributing Writers

We’re always posting articles, poems, stories, events etc from others so if you or anyone you know is interested please contact us at iambondinc@gmail.com (Click here)

Recent Articles

I Am Woman Hear Me Roar-April Gathering

BOND Inc Membership Form is Now Online

Best Hopeless Romantic Contestant-Meet the Hughes Family

Best Hopeless Romantic Contestant-Meet the Belvin Family

Best Hopeless Romantic Contestant-Meet the Metcalfe Family

Malexa Bath and Body Essentials

Natural and All Feature-Priscilla

Future Initiatives
-Upcoming partnerships with several organizations

-BOND Inc Member Intake/Interest Meeting- April (More details coming soon)

-Conference for middle/high school girls (2012)

-Natural Hair- Meet & Greet-Date/Location yet to be determined

Best Hopeless Romantic Love Story Contestant- Meet the Hughes Family

Hughes Family

It was a warm September night in 2004 when Layéida and Danny met as new recruits in a local music group.  They quickly developed a friendship.  And, on November 7, 2004, Lay and Danny had their first date while out with a group of friends.  Since then, they have been inseparable!

It was easy for them to recognize they were soul mates based on the lessons learned from their previous attempts at finding love.  Unlike in their past relationships, they shared a kindred connectedness as if they had known each other forever!  This was unlike any feeling they had experienced with anyone else. And with this in mind, Danny surprised Lay with a proposal on Christmas Day of 2006.  On August 16^th, 2008, they professed their eternal love for one another through the exchanging of vows. 

Since 2008, they have endured many things, including the passing of Danny’s mother;  losing their first child together; the loss of 13 other family members; both of them being laid off from their jobs; and most recently, the tragic loss of Danny’s 11 year old son in a car accident.  These recent years have been filled with many sleepless nights and tearful days.  Yet, the couple has learned the value of having faith and never losing hope! For, despite the many troubles they’ve experienced, Danny and Lay are driven by their desire to see one another happy; which has been the key to maintaining their successful relationship.

Today, over seven years after meeting on that warm September evening, this couple continues to exude a deep love for one another and serve as true symbols of strength.  If there were one word to describe their love it would be:  Absolute! And, if asked, they would advise others who face obstacles in their relationship to trust God.  But, equally as important, be sure to trust in one another.  Never allow life’s pressures to cause division in your relationship.  [Here’s a hint to help with that:  Maintain a regular date night!  Cherish those times and don’t EVER talk about the bills! They will quickly mess up a date!] … Lay and Danny are great examples that love truly does conquer all! And, clearly, as a result of the challenges they have endured and the trials they’ve both conquered; these two have learned to CELEBRATE the victory they share together as husband and wife!  

Also read the Belvin Family & Metcalfe Family Love Story.

Click here to cast your vote on your Best Hopeless Romantic Love Story Contestant!

Best Hopeless Romantic Love Story Contestant- Meet the Belvin Family

Belvin Family

 KL and Tiffany met at York College in 1995. Tiffany was cheerleader and KL was the assistant coach of the women’s basketball team. KL boasted to his friends that Tiffany was his “diamond in the rough” and he would have her one day. KL actually asked Tiffany on their first date why did she look so poor. Tiffany explained to him that she owned a house at 19 years old and she rather pay her mortgage than spend money on frivolous things.  After their first date, which also revealed KL was married, Tiffany thought KL was attractive, but also obnoxious and arrogant. She did not plan to give him anymore of her energy.  Tiffany left York College shortly after to work full time.

Five years later KL stopped at the grocery store near his house after coming home from the gym. Tiffany had just left the Chinese restaurant and was about to walk home. KL yelled out to her “Why are you looking so mean?” KL didn’t realize it was Tiffany. He was just used to trying to get the attention of any pretty full-figured woman he saw. Tiffany rolled her eyes and kept walking not even glancing in his direction. KL said, “Hey, I know you.” Now, Tiffany was even more annoyed as this person couldn’t find any better lines to get her attention. She turned and found herself looking at KL.

KL drove Tiffany home which was only five blocks away from where he was now living with his grandmother and mother. The first thing Tiffany asked him, “Are you still married?” KL was honest and explained his divorce was pending. They talked for about an hour outside of Tiffany’s house. KL wrote down his number and email address and told her that he did not want her to feel obligated to give her number. He said he knew she would wait three days like the average woman to call him. So he would wait for her call. When Tiffany went into the house she immediately signed into her email account. She sent KL her number with a message that read, “I am not your average woman.”

KL and Tiffany have been together a total of twelve years and married almost five. They have overcome infidelity, baby-mama-drama, and a whole host of other things that would be detrimental to a relationship to have what they consider “the perfect marriage”. They co-founded Bravin Publishing where they have published KL’s memoir “From Gigolo to Jesus”  which depicts many of the obstacles they have overcome. KL and Tiffany co-host Black Love Radio an online show addressing issues affecting relationships. They also conduct seminars on “Making Marriage Cool Again”.

What was one lesson learned in the process of finding your significant other?

One lesson learned was to never be closed-minded to opportunities. If someone would have told me KL would one day be my husband and make me one of the happiest women in the world I would not have believed it.

Give one lesson learned in maintaining your relationship?

We’ve learned the most important lesson in maintaining our relationship is communication. What you say and how you say it is important to how your partner receives it. You should never say anything to your partner in anger. You should never say anything to them that you would be sorry and want to take back later.

Also read the Hughes Family & Metcalfe Family Love Story.

Click here to cast your vote on your Best Hopeless Romantic Love Story Contestant!

Best Hopeless Romantic Love Story Contestant- Meet the Metcalfe Family

Metcalfe Family

It was December 1984 at William A. Wirt High School our Senior year.  I, Valena Barron was this “around the way girl” and my soulmate Sam Metcalfe, was this quiet “churchboy”.  Right before Winter Break, Sam nervously asked me to the Senior Prom (five months early). This was hilarious to me, and I jokingly accepted, knowing I would let him down easy over the break. I told my mom what happened, and she told me that because I accepted his invitation, he was going to be my date no matter what!! I was traumatized!!!

In February 1985, I wanted to see what goodies he would offer at the “hotel” prom night (since all dates were going there). One day, I convinced him to skip school and one thing led to another. You can imagine our shock, when we found out I was expecting. Oh NO!! What are we going to do? To my surprise, this scared churchboy suggested an abortion! Out of the Question!

At graduation in June 1985, I proudly walked across the stage four months pregnant. Sam went away to college and our son was born in October 1985. Shortly thereafter, Sam decided to join the Army to take care of his responsibility and we got married in June 1986. The Saga Begins! Sam served thirteen years in the military which were some of our most difficult times in our marriage.  In 1987 while stationed in Hawaii, we received the most dreadful news, our oldest son lost his hearing (deaf), Sam stayed deployed, and I had to raise our three sons alone. I started seeking the Lord for help, and in 1992 I became a Christian.

This decision was a Life Changer. My husband also rededicated his life to Christ in 1996, and we took God’s word to heart, “be fruitful and multiply”, which we did! God blessed us with 5 boys and 5 girls (Sam 26, Stefaun 24, Sean 23, SyLena 19, SyMone 14, SyVanna 11, Sydney 10, Spencer 8, SyErra 5, and Silas 2). Last year we celebrated our 25 Year Anniversary and had a Renewal Ceremony, with our precious 10 children as the Wedding Party.

Our relationship and Faith in God is the key to our successful marriage, and although we experienced some rocking periods, with God’s help we’re Still Standing On Solid Ground!!

Use one word to describe your love?

Solid

What was one lesson learned in the process of finding your significant other?

You know the saying-opposites do attract? I guess that pretty much explain our story. While neither one of us was looking for a significant other at that time, and being raised differently. This allowed us to bring our unique abilities together and grow as one. 

Give one lesson learned in maintaining your relationship: Our relationship is maintained because we recognized that with God all things are possible, we can not do this by ourselves, and since situations or circumstances will arise, we continue to seek God for the answers.

What is one piece of advice you would give others regarding love and relationships?

The best advice we can give is to understand that you each have a voice.  As a woman, I can never expect to think like a man, and as a man, Sam can never expect to think like a woman. Communication has been the key to continue to build our Love and Relationship.

Also read the Belvin Family & Hughes Family Love Story.

Click here to cast your vote on your Best Hopeless Romantic Love Story Contestant!

"The Best Hopeless Romantic Love Story" Contest

Do You Have the Best

Hopeless Romantic Love Story?

Here at BOND Inc, we are suckers for Black Love and don' t mind letting our readers know it. We are seeking couples that want to share their personal love story. Do you have an amazing story of how you met your soul mate? Or maybe you have an unbelievable story of how your once rocky relationship was able to withstand the test of time and now your love is on top? If so, enter your story in "The Best Hopeless Romantic Love Story".

Tell us what makes your love story "The Best Hopeless Romantic Love Story” in 400 words or less and you'll be entered for a chance to win a romantic dinner for two! Your story will be featured during the month of February where voters will pick their favorite story.

Essays will be based on the quality of writing style, originality, creativity, sincerity, emotional content and humor. The essay with the most votes will win the grand prize of a romantic dinner for two! Will you be our lucky winner?

Make sure you come back to cast your vote for "The Best Hopeless Romantic Love Story" Friday, February 10th - Friday, February 17th!  The winner with "The Best Hopeless Romantic Love Story" contest will be announced Tuesday, February 21st .

If interested, email us at iambondinc@gmail.com for more details and entry forms. Your entry form must be submitted no later than January 25^th to be considered.