Uber vs. Lyft — by Unknown on

Smartphones have lifted us from the darkness and into the light. With our smartphone and a few handy (and FREE) apps, we can do almost anything from ordering food to shoes. Now there apps where we can order a car to come pick us up and drop us off—whenever and wherever. These car service apps are not just convenient and a lot of times cheaper to riders, but also opens up a whole new world of jobs for people with a license and a car.

Among a few of these companies that offer car service apps, two rivals have come out on top: Uber and Lyft. The two companies are similar in their own respects: they offer a free app, similar rates, and allow drivers to turn their car into money a money making machine.

There are a few drawbacks to having a total stranger come pick you up in their car, but always hold the same caution you would if you were to take a taxi, car service, or public transportation! The media has also shed some light on these companies and what they are about. I know I've seen some less favorable articles about Uber, however Uber and Lyft identify themselves as only an outlet for independent drivers to make money. Unfortunately they are not 100% accountable for driver’s or passenger’s behavior or what could potentially happen to the car, driver, or passenger. Also these services are not legal in certain states and countries, so be sure to check that out too!

In the following paragraphs, I want to talk about each company from a rider’s and driver’s perspective. Which one should you choose? Let this post be a guide!

Also both services offer great savings! Use the exclusive coupon codes I’ve provided at the end for which ever company you choose!

Uber

• Uber was founded in 2009 as a limousine service. It wasn't until Lyft started gaining major popularity that Uber decided to bring in amateur drivers.
• Drivers must pay Uber from 20%-25% of their earnings and another 20% to the car's owner (if the driver opts out of using their car).
• Drivers do have to pay for gas, maintenance, and washes for their car. Uber kind of leaves you high and dry.
• However, a lot of drivers have made some pretty good money--even after paying for their car's expenses, but of course this all depends on location.

• There has been a lot of talk about Uber's drivers assaulting their passengers. Although Uber claims these are isolated cases (and you should still also be cautious even when using a taxi service) they are taking steps to decrease this in the future. Step one: If you hated your Uber driver, you can use your app to give them a bad rating, and a bad rating equals termination.
•  Uber offers a service called uberPOOL, which is like carpooling...but with strangers. It sounds totally terrifying but does save you and your stranger friend $$$.
• If you want to be an Uber driver, but you’re still in the dark and haven’t yet gotten and smartphone, no worries! Uber has you covered and will send you one with the app preloaded.
• Same with a car, if you don’t have one you are not totally ineligible for becoming an Uber driver, you can borrow a company provided one. However a percentage will have to go to the owner of the car.
• Uber is also a lot more widely available throughout the world.

Lyft

• Lyft was only founded two years ago (such a baby!) and is based out of San Francisco, CA. Their most notable feature is their pink mustache logo. They offer a more relaxed vibe (you can totally tell by their website).
• Lyft offers limited insurance to their drivers, however it doesn't offer collision insurance. Insurance on your car will also very by your state and policy.
• Lyft will let you keep your tips!
• Lyft unfortunately won’t provide you with a smart phone or a car. The car you have must meet Lyft’s safety standards (found on their website).

• Lyft also has a requirement for drivers: they must fist-bump their passengers as they get into the car. Sounds kind of corny, but I feel like it would make my day.
• Customers also remarked that Lyft has pretty friendly drivers. However if you absolutely hate your experience, you can put it in your app and you will be guaranteed not to be matched with that driver again.
• People have remarked that Lyft is a lot cheaper than Uber. Experiences people have posted on Yelp and my own friends’ experiences.
• Lyft offers awesome new deals for first time customers like $10 off or a free first ride, depending on when you sign up.
• Again always, always, always be cautious when getting into any kind of car or taxi service!

From my research, I have found that Uber and Lyft are definitely a lot cheaper and convenient than taxis or public transportation. Their rates and fares are obviously based on how far you intend to travel and where you are located. I think both these companies are great ideas, however they are really new. New companies like these are heard to pinpoint when it comes to legal standards. The app industry is still pretty new, even though it feels like it’s been around forever. So once again, use caution not only as a passenger using these services, but a driver who wants to make money off of these services. Make your car more of an asset than an expense! And definitely always go for a cheaper transportation experience.

Uber coupon code:

https://get.uber.com/invite/sheilaj19

Lyft coupon code:

https://www.lyft.com/invited/SHEILA470610

Enjoy the ride! J

Sources: http://www.quora.com/Ride-Sharing-Company-Comparisons/Which-is-better-and-why-Lyft-Uber-SideCar
https://www.uber.com/about
https://www.lyft.com/

Images: http://cdn1.techbargains.us.com/icache/2014/03/22/13955164141257.jpeg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/22/Lyft_Pink_Mustache.jpg
http://allthingsd.com/files/2013/08/uber-logo.jpg
http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/uber-columbus.jpg

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RIHANNA'S NEW SINGLE: FOUR FIVE SECONDS — by Unknown on

RIHANNA, KANYE WEST, PAUL MCCARTNEY FOURFIVESECONDS
(Click above for video )

I'm not sure about you guys but this song is almost like a reliever to me. You're just hopping to get through the week without going crazy, you want people to stop taking your kindness for weakness,

you're just over it and can't take it no more.

I'm honestly in love with the single. If i recall Rihanna nor did Kanye West used profanity. And for both of these two artist to be wildly insane  I give major props. More so to Kanye, because Rihanna can always go without.
Hence, this song is perfectly done. It explains us all at our difficult times. 

This is my song for the week... ( So far my favorite of the new year ) 

Enjoy

Lyrics :

[Verse 1: Rihanna]
I think I've had enough, I might get a little drunk
I say what's on my mind, I might do a little time
Cause all of my kindness, is taken for weakness

[Hook: Rihanna]
Now I'm FourFiveSeconds from wildin'
And we got three more days 'til Friday
I'm just tryna make it back home by Monday, mornin'
I swear I wish somebody would tell me
Ooh thats all I want

[Kanye West]
Woke up an optimist, sun was shining I'm positive
Then I heard you was talkin' trash
Hold me back I'm bout' to spaz

[Hook]
Now I'm FourFiveSeconds from wildin'
And we got three more days 'til Friday
I'm just tryna make it back home by Monday, mornin'
I swear I wish somebody would tell me
Ooh thats all I want

[Bridge]
And I know that you're up tonight
Thinkin' how could I be so selfish
But you called bout a thousand times wondering where I been
Now I know that your up tonight
Thinkin' how could I be so reckless
But I just can't apologize, I hope you can understand

[Kanye West]
If I go to jail tonight, promise you'll pay my bail
See they want to buy my pride, but that just ain't up for sale
See all of my kindness, is taken for weakness

[Hook]
Now I'm FourFiveSeconds from wildin'
And we got three more days 'til Friday
I'm just tryna make it back home by Monday, mornin'
I swear I wish somebody would tell me
Ooh thats all I want

Now I'm FourFiveSeconds from wildin'
And we got three more days 'til Friday
I'm just tryna make it back home by Monday, mornin'
I swear I wish somebody would tell me
Ooh thats all I want

Source:http://www.directlyrics.com/rihanna-fourfiveseconds-lyrics.html

Bianca

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Styling With Sheila J "Spring Love Part 1" — by Unknown on

Even though it's still winter, lets warm things up with a 3 part Spring Love Outfit Of The Day Post. Spring is around the corner and I love my bright colors, skirts and heels. It's the best part of the weather getting warmer. 

What is your favorite part of the weather getting warmer?

With it being winter, everyone is always complaining that its too cold. And I do not blame anyone for right now I am going through some major blogger issues because I find it very hard to shoot what I want to shoot for my Out Of The Day Posts. I want to be able to shoot outside but I am limited in what I can do because of the fact that it is so cold. 

I just want it to be Spring Already!

 I hope you guys enjoy this three part blog post!

Make up @cakefacecammy 

Hair @hairanointing 

Photographer @andrewfennell 

Outfit 

Skirt from KasNewYork.com sold at Revolve Clothing

Top from Macys.com 

Shoes from Payless.com

Get this look for $7+ on Lookastic: White Patchwork Long Sleeve Blouse, Hot Pink Mini Skirt, and White Elastic Heeled Sandals

Bankruptcy or Debt Consolidation — by Unknown on

2 weeks ago I got the scare of my life. My mom called me telling me I have a tax lien on me and that I owe $3,073 to New York State. She said if you don't pay it you'll end going to jail. I was so scared and petrified that I didn't know what to do. None the less it was for a business and i have never owned a business before. So I called New York State hoping to get answers as to what was going on. I called they fixed what they needed to fix.

However, since this experience was so terrible for me, and panicked so much. I really thought I may have to file for bankruptcy. Bankruptcy is everyone's last death wish, because granted it takes away all of the debt that you can't pay off. when you really think about what it's doing to your like damn do I really needed to do this. 

So I had to sit and think what could be done being a freelance model and the fact that I just got fired from my part time job as a server what was I gonna do. The debt collectors are not going to stop calling me something needs to be done. 

After thinking and remembering reading this book that I read called  America's Cheapest Family Which talked about this company that helps you get out of debt. Money management International, I admit I was a little worrisome about it. I thought that it couldn't hurt though. What a debt management program is, is a debt consolidation program. Which I believe is after thinking about it is better than filing for bankruptcy.

I decided to write a blog about bankruptcy VS. Debt consolidation, because this experience taught me to just learn and think before you do and to manage your money granted I should preach to the choir but this is still something that's on my mind. 

I want to get out debt and this is gonna be my year to do so.

The consequences of not having good credit and being in debt are: 

• High interest rates on your credit cards and loans
• Credit and loan applications may not be approved
• Difficulty getting approved for an apartment
• Security deposits on utilities
• You can't get a cell phone contract
•  You might get denied for employment
• Higher insurance premiums
• Calls from debt collectors
• Difficulty purchasing a car

Figuring out the best option to get out of debt is probably the best way to go, so after doing some research her's some information that maybe of use to you from

 http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/debt-consolidation-v-bankruptcy.html

No one ever wants to make the wrong decision make the one by learning your options. 

Debt Consolidation

Proponents of debt consolidation often promote this strategy as a simple way to save money and protect your credit rating. When you consolidate your debts, you reorganize multiple debt payments into one payment. You can choose to consolidate debt through a secured loan or an unsecured loan. (To learn more about the types of debt consolidation, visit Nolo’s Debt Consolidation topic area.)

Pros of Debt Consolidation

Here are some of the advantages of using debt consolidation to better manage your debt.

Protect your reputation and credit rating. Unlike bankruptcy, debt consolidation is not a matter of public record. Anyone who looks hard enough will find out about your bankruptcy. Bankruptcy records are viewable through an electronic subscription service called PACER or at any federal bankruptcy courthouse. Although a debt consolidation loan may show up on your credit report, it does not typically lower a credit score like a bankruptcy filing does.

Maintain your access to credit. Unless prohibited by the debt consolidation agreement, you can keep your credit cards. This may be helpful should an emergency arise. However, if you already owe a significant amount of money or are in default, you may not be able to use your credit cards or be approved for additional credit. Also, continued credit card use may defeat the purpose of debt consolidation.

Simplify your debt management. When you consolidate your debt, you no longer have to keep up with multiple payments, at different interest rates, to various creditors. Instead, you make one convenient payment.

Lower interest rate and monthly payment. If you consolidate your debts, you may be able to obtain a more manageable monthly payment, with a lower interest rate. As a result, you will have more cash available each month to meet your high priority needs.

Cons of Debt Consolidation

Although there are some advantages to debt consolidation, it’s not an option to take lightly. You could end up costing you money in hidden fees and tax liability. And more important – you could lose property.

You could lose your property. If you use property such as your home or vehicle as collateral for the debt consolidation loan, you could lose that property if you default on the loan payments.

Also, if a lender gives you a debt consolidation loan, there may be a cross-collateralization clause that allows that lender to take other property it has financed if you default on the debt consolidation loan. For example, let’s say that you have a car loan through your credit union and then the credit union gives you a debt consolidation loan. Under the cross-collateralization clause, if you default on the debt consolidation loan, the credit union could repossess your car – even if the car payments are current. (Learn more about cross-collateralization.)

Beware of hidden costs. Although lower interest rates and monthly payments are appealing, a debt consolidation loan could end up costing you more money. Often, debt consolidation loans help you achieve a lower monthly payment and interest rate in exchange for extending the repayment period. If you stay in debt longer, you may end up paying more over the long term.

Negative tax consequences. Depending on your financial condition, any money you save from debt relief services such as debt consolidation may be considered income by the IRS, which means you pay taxes on it. Credit card companies and other creditors may report settled debt to the IRS, which the IRS considers income.

Bankruptcy

Through bankruptcy, you may eliminate or restructure certain debts while under the protection of the federal bankruptcy court. The most common types of bankruptcy cases that individuals and small businesses file are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy case allows you to eliminate many types of debt. A Chapter 13 bankruptcy case allows you to restructure your debts through a supervised repayment plan. (To learn more about the differences between these types of bankruptcy, see our Bankruptcy topic area.)

Pros of Filing for Bankruptcy

Here are some of the advantages of using bankruptcy to deal with your debt problem.

Protection from creditors. When you file for bankruptcy, you get the protection of the automatic stay. The automatic stay prohibits most creditors and collectors from engaging in collection activity against you. The automatic stay has the power to stop harassing phone calls, lawsuits, garnishments, repossessions, and foreclosures. (To learn more about the automatic stay, see our Bankruptcy’s Automatic Stay topic area.)

You get a fresh start. Through a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case, you may eliminate most unsecured debt such as medical bills and credit cards. You may also surrender real estate or vehicles that you have financed if you don’t want to keep those debts. (To learn more about which debts can be discharged, read Which Debts Are Discharged in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?)

Through a Chapter 13 bankruptcy case, you repay a portion of your unsecured debts through the court-supervised repayment plan. And depending on your situation, you may be able to pay for your vehicle at a reduced rate. You can also save your home from foreclosure and vehicle from repossession.

Cons of Filing for Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy has its drawbacks as well. Here are a few:

Negative impact on credit rating. A bankruptcy filing lowers your credit score. Depending on the type of bankruptcy case you file, the filing may stay on your credit report for seven to ten years. However, if you already owe a significant amount of money, you may already have a poor credit rating, especially if you are in default. Once you receive your bankruptcy discharge, you will have a clean slate. Some creditors even actively solicit recent bankruptcy debtors because they know that there are time limits on filing for bankruptcy again.

You may have to make some sacrifices. You may have to make some sacrifices in order to qualify for bankruptcy, such as surrendering nonessential or luxury possessions. Also, if you file a Chapter 13 bankruptcy case, you will be on a strict budget for three to five years and you can’t obtain credit during that time without the court’s permission.

Privacy and reputation. Your employer may learn about your bankruptcy case if you permit it to pull your credit report, or if your Chapter 13 plan payments are made through payroll deductions. (To learn whether your employer can fire you because of your bankruptcy, see Post-Bankruptcy Discrimination: Is It Legal?)

Bankruptcy records are available at the federal bankruptcy courthouse where they are filed and through the federal court system’s subscription-only PACER service. However, as a practical matter, your family and friends are unlikely to find out you’ve filed bankruptcy unless you owe them money.

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Model Savings Featuring Kennie Dubb — by Unknown on

I recently worked with an artists and decided to do an interview with him for model savings. 
Here's what he had to say. 

Where do you get your inspiration from most?

How do you get into music? How does One get into music or How did I get into music? well i got into music because of my parents love for it, more so my pops who was heavy with hiphop. We're west indie carribean folks so its in our culture, so music was always an influence. How Does One get into music? If that was the question? Id say by genuinely being a student and a lover of it. Dont subject to just one thing bring it all in and sift for what you like. If wanting to be a musician youre going to have to start from the ground up. From the creative aspect to the business unless its just for passion and expression which is dope too.

What would you classify your music genre as? Ive always had trouble with this one, Primarily its HipHop/Rap but A large percent of my music especially my music visuals, border line alternative hiphop based off the outter hiphop elements we incorperate. I am A hiphop artist with multifacets. 

What is the most difficult thing for you as an artist that you feel like you have to face? Creating That Machine. Its the only way youll really succeed in the business. Its all about indepedence. I handle almost everything on my own at at times it can be overwhelming and/or challenging finding the right key connections thatll put you on that next level...That higher platform. Its all about a solid team, and for me over the yrs ive taken steps forward in situations that have also set me back but theres a positive to every negative and ive learned so much that im built for the challenge due to the fact of having to handle my own business.

What are some of the projects that you are currently working on or have worked on in the past? Currently gearing up to release UNSUNG HERO2 the follow up to 2013's UNSUNG HERO summer release. We released the first Visual "NO PROMISES" which landed on MTV.com and HOT97's DJ Enuff's Website as well. At the Top of the new year we will release the follow up visual "TAKE MY TIME WITH HER" starring Sheila J, both filmed by Creative Visual Art Director Jaison BlackRose. Couple live shows and a new single with Singer Sean Taylor also on the way.

What are some of your GREATEST accomplishments? In life Id say having been Fully Present in my Daughters life all her life. Fatherhood is something you cant take forgranted. Musically Id say my consistency is impecable, My work ethic which as allowed me to perform every month for the past 2 yrs, did a 6month college tour twice, Touched the SOB's stage in NYC twice, ive managed to connect with some really talented diamonds in the rough over time and it has really gave me a position to be a motivator and a leader.

How was it working with Sheila J? Working With Sheila Was Awesome, her profressionalism is what id highlight because thats one of the most important things I look for and also produce. Working with her and my brother who filmed us, was a cool experience because she brought the right energy to the visual to support the song "TAKE MY TIME WITH HER" from one hard worker to the next I just wanted to provide a cross opportunity for both of us to expose our talents.

Twitter/Instagram :: @KDtheOasis Facebook :: Kennie Dubb YOUTUBE: KennieDubbMusic Soundcloud: KennieDubbMusic Reverbnation : KennieDubbMusic MTV.COM: http://www.mtv.com/artists/kennie-dubb/ Interviews,Videos,Show Dates + more:  www.KennieDubb.co

Kennie, Please tell us at ModelSavings.com a little bit about yourself.
Hailing from the North East section of The Bronx. Performing all over the NYC underground scene. Dropping amazingly creative Visuals and currently on his 2nd season of the official 6month in/out state Dean's List College Tour (www.DeansListTour.com) with current mixtape "UNSUNG HERO" Released and "UNSUNG HERO2" on the way. KD continues to show case why he's in his own lane headed toward indie success.

I draw Most, of My inspiration from a culmination of personal experiences over time as well as the desire to succeed and accomplishing opportunites. I also enjoy seeing others win in there passion, seeing them thrive makes me want to in my craft.

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Thursday Favorite Thing Blog Hop — by Unknown on

This week for Thursday Favorite Thing I wanted to share a  Music Video that  I was recently in, I really enjoyed being apart of it.  I had so much fun as well and worked with a talented artists.  So this is my thank you for letting me be in the video!

Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop

The Thursday Favorite Things Blog hop is where you can link your favorite post of the week, or write a post about your favorite things and share it with old and new followers. This hop is hosted and posted on 4 different blogs! Please follow all of your hostesses. Your link will appear on the blogs of Katherines Corner, Over 50 Feeling 40, Model Savings and Vintage Mama. Four times the opportunity to make new bloggy friends, to share your wonderful blog and discover others too.

RULES • Please DO NOT link and run.......please visit a few of the wonderful blogs that are sharing here today. • Please link to your post and not to your blog home page. • Please remember to post no more than 3 links to your blog. • Remember to Follow Your hostesses- Katherines Corner, Over 50 Feeling 40 , Model Savings and Vintage Mama • Please leave comments when you visit, let them know you are visiting from the Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop ♥ • No adult content blogs. • No links directly to your shops or websites selling things/services please! (sorry they will be removed)

♥ Optional- Linkback on your post and/or Grab the hop button code from the button page at Katherines Corner. Yes you can link giveaways (they are everyone's favorite thing). Please add your giveaways to Katherines Giveaways Page too! Adding your link to this blog hop gives Katherines Corner permission to share your posts and pictures via social media, pinterest and as Make It Monday feature on Katherines Corner
.♥ Lets HOP♥

An InLinkz Link-up

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Styling With Sheila J "Urban Love" — by Unknown on

When I met you I didn't think anything of it. Barely even looked at you. Now I am here and your all I think about. This urban love what right and wrong. I speak into existence and you know me better than I know myself. His eyes are like passage ways to his soul only problem is soul is tainted by all the wrong that's been done. Not used to someone caring the way I do because truth is no one else never did it right. Baby put your pride a side let me show you how real this urban love is cause I'll do for you as you do for me. I treat you as my king deserves to be treated just as long as my king does right by me. I couldn't have found better words to express this feeling without not saying to much. This urban love got me up all night, wanting to spend the rest of my life with you. You breathe into my ear and whisper my name, my world changes because your slowly becoming my world. Sleep baby sleep but don't sleep our love away this love is strong doesn't matter if it hasn't been long. I know  it seems as if I am trying to be a poet but I am just expressing myself in a way that I am not really used to. trust!  I trust like no other which is why I am giving you my heart but babe please don't break it I wouldn't know what to do. Maybe it's just me but this urban love feels real and I don't want it to end. You just want the doctors prescribed Your my sick love addiction, the needle, the pills and the gun to my black and white love story.

Make Up  @delinaMedhin 
Photographer  @andrewfennell
Dress from  @trixxiGirl http://www.trixxiclothing.com/ Post Sponsor Ad:

Get this look for $54+ on Lookastic: Pink Silk Casual Dress, Brown Embellished Suede Boots, and Blue Jacket