Saturday, July 23, 2011

Top 5 Tips to Build Wealth and Success

Warren Buffett is worth $45 billion. That wealth isn't only a factor of savvy investing and good business — the "Oracle of Omaha" is also known as a penny pincher. Buffett still lives in the same Omaha, Neb., home he bought in 1958 for $31,500.
Follow his frugal formula, and you too may wind up with a lot more money than you ever dreamed.
This week Financially Fit covers five tips to build wealth and success.
1. Live Below Your Means.
Being wealthy isn't just a product of your salary or investment prowess; it's learning how to save.
"We can make a lot of money, you can make a little bit of money, but the second you spend all the money is when people get into trouble. Saving is the key to preserving your wealth," says Ed Butowsky, managing partner of Chapwood Capital Investment Management, a firm that manages money for wealthy individuals.
As many Americans realized during the booming real estate market, just because you think you can afford something doesn't mean you should buy it. Keeping an eye on your bottom line will pay dividends over the long term.
2. Bounce Back From Defeat
With nearly 15 million workers unemployed right now in the U.S., it's easy to get discouraged. Don't! Most successful and wealthy people have overcome obstacles and failure along the way. Steve Jobs was ousted from Apple when he was 30. Today, he's a billionaire and a legend. Plus, after getting fired, he created another billion-dollar media company, Pixar.
"Bouncing back from defeat is something all great achievers have. They have this undying belief good things will happen and will continue to happen," says Butowsky.
Take Michael Jordan. "His airness" was cut from his high school basketball team. Motivated by the rejection, Jordan became a star the next season. The rest is history.
3. Self-Promote
Regardless of the profession, the rich and successful tend to have a strong sense of self-worth — key to skillfully navigating an upward career path. Mark Hurd, who was ousted as CEO of Hewlett-Packard in August, couldn't be kept down for long. Using his business skills and connections, in September, Hurd was named president of Oracle. (Hurd and Oracle founder Larry Ellison are known to be close friends.)
4. Have Street Smarts
Bernie Madoff lived the high life for decades, scamming unsuspecting clients, with a money-making formula that proved too good to be true. Only afterward did we learn that with a little due diligence, most clients could have easily uncovered the fraud.
But it's not only the swindlers and the con men you have to watch out for. Many times, friends and family take advantage of the rich. Whether it's a handout or an investment idea, Butowsky advises his high net worth clients that in most cases, it's wisest to just say "no." The best way to do that: have someone else do it for you.
"You need to really set up a wall between you and your family," he advises. "If you don't want to give them (family or friends) money ... saying no is probably a good idea."
5. Buy Cheap
The rich can afford to splurge, but that doesn't mean they do.
John Paulson, a billionaire hedge fund manager, bought his Hamptons "dream house at a bargain basement price," according to Greg Zuckerman, author of the Paulson-based book, "The Greatest Trade Ever." The story has it that Paulson eyed the home while it was in foreclosure. Finally, on a rain-soaked day, he purchased the home on the Southampton town hall steps. He was the only bidder.
On New York City's Upper East Side, Michael's— The Consignment Shop for Women— has been a bargain-hunting destination for more than 60 years. "We have a good percentage of women who can afford to shop on Madison Avenue but really like the idea of saving that money," says proprietor Tammy Gates.
From Chanel to Gucci and Louis Vuitton, the store specializes in high-end designer merchandise for a reasonable price. Speaking of her clientele, Gates says, "they're wealthy for a reason. They recognize that bargains keep people wealthy. Paying top dollar when you don't have to doesn't make sense."
Written by: Peter Gorenstein and Farnoosh Torabi 

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Mara Hoffman Swim 2012


Posted by Erica 
Not surprisingly, Mara Hoffman has wooed us once more with another covetable collection of swimwear and beachy frocks. Although we must wait until next year to get our hands on the tribal-printed pieces, the easy to replicate double-braids, spotted on the runway, will hold us over just fine. (So we think.) You can do it yourself by parting your hair down the middle, creating a french braid on each side until they hit the base of the neck, and then switching to two fishtail braids. It’s an impressive and romantic do – perfect for summer!

DIY Death Roll iPhone Case

Posted by: Armen Atoyan

DIY Death Roll iPhone Case photo 1
Bleach Black had an amazingly cool iPhone 4 case they call the Death Roll, which I believe they are going to mass produce and start selling. However, in the mean time this is a very easy, simple, and inexpensive DIY project.
Well will only need a few things. First you will need an 

Eigertec Silicone Case Cover Skin for iPhone4, $6.95 on Amazon or any case you prefer, but it must be silicon so you can make holes in it.

DIY Death Roll iPhone Case photo 2
Second you will need spikes. These come in array of shapes and sizes, so choose the one you like best. The best place, and most affordable, to get spikes is Studs and Spikes.
DIY Death Roll iPhone Case photo 3
DIY Death Roll iPhone Case photo 4DIY Death Roll iPhone Case photo 5
Next you will poke holes into the case about 4-5 rows across and 7-8 rows down. It's probably a good idea to place the studs on the case first to see what type of spacing you will need for the holes. After you have spaced out and punched the holes (with a nail or something) you will screw in the studs. And presto! A custom DIY Death Roll iphone case :)
DIY Death Roll iPhone Case photo 6
Would you rock the Death Roll iPhone case?
PS: You can also do this with older models of iPhone and Blackberries. Just get a silicone case for that model and you're good. 

Monday, July 18, 2011

Photos from Miami Swim

MIAMI SWIM is coming to an end. Today is the last day of the show. Here are some photos from the weekend and video of some of my fav designers. Next year I plan to debut my line here. Wish me luck!








MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK SWIM VIDEOS









Things I Love on Fashiolista!!!


Disclaimer:_____________________I do not own any rights to any images on HoneyBEE Billi unless stated so. Most images are derived from google image search and the sites it leads me to. Seek permission for images that belong to me before use.