CEO Magazine April 2015 Issue

CEO MAGAZINE

A pr il 20 15 Iss ue

Supporting Women Who Do It All

F re e

www.ceosofrva.com

N O I T I D E CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF YOUR LIFE

Turn Your Passion

The Battle Of

Into income! The Brownies

Check Out Our

Featured DIYers

Nadira Chase

Natalie Munford

Michelle Raerty

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hoe

SHOP LOCAL 2

SHORT PUMP DOWNTOWN CARYTOWN

MIDLOTHIAN LAKESIDE PATTERSON

CEO MAGAZINE

MAGAZINE

Contents April 2015 Page 4 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 12 Page 13

CEO Around Town CEO Hears You CEO Home & Design : Not Your Parent’s Library!

CEO Dish: The Brownie Bake Off Behind the Scenes / DIY: Home Canned Goods CEO Feature: Ideas to Income CEO Know it All’s #onmyway 3

C.U.T.E Boutique Winter was the time for boots, leg warmers, fluffy scarves, and cuddling cardigans. Now that we are springing into the spring season, it is time to update your wardrobe. If you are searching for your next fix of shop-therapy, Cute Unique Trendy Essentials or C.U.T.E Boutique is the place around town. This designer and lux consignment shop, located in Downtown Richmond, is where you can bring

your girlfriends to indulge in the fabulous life of fashion.

C.U.T.E sets the mood to shop when you see the blend of bright pink accented with black and white pin stripes flowing from the ceiling down to the floor which is filled with your favorite statement pieces. After a day of turmoil at work, home, or business, come in and reward yourself by grabbing that Chanel handbag, eye-catching sheer

top and pair of shoes to complement. Most items are available in sizes 2-12. Go to Cute Unique Trendy Essentials Boutique to create your next looks: 518 A W. Grace Street, Richmond, VA 23220.

Shop online at: www.cutegirlsrock.com Author: Nina B.

CEO MAGAZINE

Chief Executive Of your Life Publishers

Sharon & Robert Oliver

sharon@ceosofrva.com

Editor-At-Large

Diane Osborne

diane@ceosofrva.com

Content Editor

Chaya Braxton

chaya@ceosofrva.com

Copy Editor

Ashley Hewlett

ashley@ceosofrva.com

Photo Director Project Manager

Jadien R. Jones

jadien@ceosofrva.com

Business Developnent Manager

Philnina Braden

philnina@ceosofrva.com

Staff Writer

Jennifer Drummond

jennifer@ceosofrva.com

Advertising and Sales Manager

Robert Oliver

advertise@ceosofrva.com

Aarion Jones

aarion@ceosofrva.com

Advertising and Sales Representative

Eric Mohta

eric@ceosofrva.com

Business Support

Daryn Carmichael

daryn@ceosofrva.com

Operations Administrator

Natalie Munford

nataliem@ceosofrva.com

Advertising and Sales Representative

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Questions and Feedback: 1518 Willow Lawn Drive Suite 300 Richmond, VA 23230 804.277.4409 info@ceosofrva.com

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Disclaimer Front cover photo credit : Platinum Photography by Lorenzo. CEO Magazine is published by CEO Magazine, LLC. For information on reprints and e-prints, please contact CEO Magazine’s Corporate Office at 804-277-4409 or email your request to info@ceosofrva.com All correspondences should be addressed to 1518 Willow Lawn Dr, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23230. The CEO Magazine trademark and logo are owned in the United States and in the rest of the world by CEO Magazine LLC. CEO Magazine is a free publication, available at Martin’s supermarkets and various locations in the Metropolitan Richmond area. For a complete list of CEO Magazine’s distribution locations, visit www.ceosofrva.com

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A Le�e� from Sharon and Bobby

Are you afraid to try something new?

Are you afraid to pick up a hammer or paint your own walls? Ladies, it is time to renew your mind and trust your instincts. It’s time to get a tool belt.

Yes, we said a tool belt. Robert and I have saved thousands of dollars by doing our own projects. We started with painting our walls and laying tile and then moved on to larger projects over the years. Our biggest achievements are taking a barn and turning it into a great guest house and recently renovating a house for our parents. I know you might be thinking, “They renovated a house!?”

In being truthful, we must admit that some of our earlier DIY projects didn’t go as planned or should we say, “DIY gone bad!”

There were projects that didn’t have the desired look that we were going for. We had a table that could not support as much as a glass of water, there was a TV that fell off the wall, and Robert still has a few scars (for memory purposes) from doing projects.

However, we have developed a love for DIY and each project gave us more laughs and more experience. We can honestly say there is nothing like planning a project, going to the store to rent or buy equipment 6

(yes, you can rent equipment), and anticipating the end result. I know it looks so glamorous on the TV shows, but it is hard work. However, the feeling you have afterwards is indescribable.

We encourage you to find a partner to team up with and try your hand at a DIY project. Before you know it, you will be the next DIY Star! In this issue, we are highlighting women who have turned their DIY projects into successful businesses. It is our hope that you will be inspired to at least paint a wall! Remember, you are the Chief Executor of Your Life, so get moving!

Please share with us your DIY stories and pictures on our Facebook page or by email at Sharon@ceosofrva.com Robert and I would love to see them!

From the DIYers, Sharon and Booby Oliver, Publishers

Our renovation circa 2010

CEO

HEARS YOU

I really enjoyed browsing the website and skimming through the January issue. Estelle Archer - so adorable and inspiring, and what a well-written touching article!

I also love the fact that in the day and age where everything is digital, your company is creating an actual printed magazine that people can touch and feed (and read). And the fact it’s about female leaders & entrepreneurs hustling and doing their things in RVA, I love it. Congratulations.

SEO, CO2Fit

CEO MAGAZINE

Not Your Parent’s Library!

By Diane Williams

Danny Smith, stylist and owner, is the creative force behind Innovative Designs LLC. This month Danny is showing us how to create our very own library within our home.

Showcased in the beautiful pictures, Danny chose an understated grey sofa, black and white accessories, and used golden yellow accents to create a rich feeling while bringing this room alive. As your eyes leave the sofa, you are immediately drawn to the oversized picture of the Eiffel Tower, which transports you straight to Paris.

4. Use pops of color to create a modern and unique look Danny definitely showed us that libraries are no longer boring rooms filled with paper and wood; instead, they can be a cozy nook combined with comfort, personality and style.

Contact Danny Smith at dsmith0923@gmail.com for a design consultation.

The focal point of this room is definitely the showcase. Danny not only added some of the homeowner’s favorite books, but he used the homeowner’s personal items including trophies, personal framed pictures, and other mementos to bring the showcase alive. It instantly becomes a great conversation piece for anyone visiting the home. Danny’s final piece, a reading lamp, is the perfect addition to provide the right amount of lighting to keep that cozy feel while enjoying a book and sipping your favorite beverage.

I gathered a few design tips from Danny’s creation: 1. Your library should be your sanctuary 2. A library should include the items that you love and showcase your memories 3. Keep it cozy by using soft lighting 7

The Brownie Bake-Off Sweet Temptations VS. CEO Magazine

By Chaya Braxton

CEO Dish presents the knockdown, drag-out brownie bake-off between Teresa Rogers, owner of Sweet Temptations, and CEO Magazine Publisher, Sharon Oliver.

gone in the first 15 minutes of my arrival.” The secret to Teresa’s recipe is that she uses premium ingredients: espresso beans, Madagascar vanilla and lime essence, to name a few.

Sweet Temptations is a Richmond-based dessert business that sells thousands of brownies in a varied assortment: fudge ‘n sea salt, cream cheese, blondie and even espresso. They also carry mini key lime cakes and other treats.

Today Teresa works three 12-hour shifts so she is able to bake 4 out of 7 days of the week. Sweet Temptations has been awarded the “Virginia’s Finest” distinction that promotes Virginia’s top quality products. Recently Sweet Temptations provided samples to the Virginia General Assembly, and they loved them!

Rogers is not a novice in the kitchen and has been baking for over 15 years.

She started by bringing in treats for her coworkers at Virginia Commonwealth University Health System where she has been a full- time registered nurse since 1981.

“Doctors would stop giving their reports to grab some of my brownies because they knew the whole pan would be 8

The bake-off took place in the kitchen of interior designer, Danny Smith.

Share with us on Facebook who you think will be the WINNER of this challenge.

For more information about Sweet Temptations, visit their website: www.sweettemptationsbyteresa.com

CEO MAGAZINE

Behind the Scenes

Can Up for Lazy Dinner Nights

By Letizia Braxton

We all have those days when we just aren’t into putting a ton of effort into cooking dinner. The one thing about my lazy meal days that is special is that I have my home canned goods ready to eat at a moment’s notice.

Thanks to canning, I was once again able to pull from my pantry a healthy, preservative-free and very affordable meal option.

For instance last summer I canned up to 20 lbs of green beans from the farmers’ market and a jar of them were my side meal one night. I can’t stress the satisfaction it brings to know that because of canning I’m able to feed my family something that I know is healthy. They came straight from the farm… to my canning jar…to the table.

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During the growing season, we stock up on all of our favorite fruits and veggies and can or dehydrate up a storm. During the fall and winter months, we can our soups, sauces, stocks, condiments and meats. Virtually anything that you can buy pre-processed from a store shelf, you can make at home without all of the mystery ingredients. I highly recommend to those who are new to canning, follow the Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving, Ball Blue Book Guide to Preserving and the USDA Complete Guide to Home

Canning guidelines as they are tested tried and true recipes/procedures.

There are so many positive aspects to canning: • The canning jars are reusable indefinitely, which is conducive to a green lifestyle.

• You can also take going green a step further with your home canning by purchasing Tattler Reusable Canning Lids. They cost a bit more upfront, but once you’ve used them a few times, they’ve already paid for themselves.

• You cut down on preservatives.

• You’re saving a ton of money making your food from scratch because you’re not spending it on overpriced and over-processed junk food.

• By putting your health first, you’re getting sick less, missing less work and not having to pay for the cost of those extra doctor’s visits.

• By living a healthier lifestyle, you can even try negotiating a lower rate on your life insurance.

I know I’m winning the battle against unhealthy eating in my family when my kids are devouring my canned goods/dehydrated foods and requesting me to make more, despite fast food restaurants. I’m asked all of the time: “How do you have time to cook/ bake/can from scratch, hold down a fulltime job and still take care of your family?”

It’s simple, really. I find a little time to can up and dehydrate something to put on the pantry shelf because I’m ultimately investing in their health, future and teaching them an extremely valuable life skill along the way.

To learn more about the process of canning food, visit the CEO Dish section of our blog at: www.ceosofrva.com 9

From Idea to Income: Richmond Women Turn Passions into Profitable Businesses

By Chaya Braxton

With the boom of social media over the past 10 years, the DIY industry remains a fierce competitor to the professional or expert. You can turn to most home television networks—HGTV and the Food Network to name a couple—and watch as someone renovates a house for the first time, tries a really complicated recipe at home or even

assembles intricate home décor. It should come as no surprise, how some women in Richmond, VA have been able to turn their creative do it yourself passions into profit.

Michelle Rafferty, 33, was a cashier at her local grocery store in Orlando, Florida before making the decision to quit her job to start Love and Vintage, her furniture refurbishing business. Her longtime friend and coach, Lily Wong, challenged her to take the leap and make it her full-time career.

“It all started about 5 years ago with a vintage card table with chairs that my dad 10

During her first year of business, Rafferty grossed over $16,000 and since opening Love and Vintage, she has experienced challenges keeping pieces in her show room; her work is in high demand. After relocating to Richmond from living in San Francisco for a few years, Rafferty still takes orders from the West Coast and reports having to charge as much as $150.00 for shipping. The average price per order is about $450.00.

tage, mid-century pieces. The humble clerk turned entrepreneur juxtaposes the loud, vibrant statement furniture that she creates for her clients. Michelle’s creative process is detailed and intricate which allows her to create signature pieces for each client.

was putting out for sale at his yard sale. I was helping set up and noticed the table and chairs for the first time. I fell in love with the style of it! I saw past the yucky green paint and vinyl seats and pictured it in a more current style. My dad told me that I could have it and I was so excited to begin the makeover! I picked out the perfect shade of grey paint and a pretty fabric to reupholster the chairs.”

Michelle restores any and everything: desks, armoires, tables, dressers, etc. Her pieces range in color from a deep cobalt blue to bright magenta. She uses estate sales and online websites to acquire her vin-

“Right before I started my business, I attended a few classes for a name brand chalk paint and wax to learn the techniques for using the particular brand. I liked how easy it was to use the products and that it didn’t require much prep work on the furniture (no sanding or priming). Then I discovered a few women through social media who had a style similar to mine. They were us-

CEO MAGAZINE ing a high quality latex paint and top coat (not wax). I tried it for myself and now that is what I prefer to use. It’s more work since I sand, prime and paint, but it gives me the finish that I like best.” In the next 2 years, Michelle plans on buying a bigger home that will include a larger studio space where she can continue to restore furniture. Until then, her creations continue to be sold with very little shelf life.

Natural Hair and Body Care Manufacturer, Nadira Chase, 40, is implementing a 2 year business strategy to expand. It is rare that entrepreneurs have the problem of turning down business, but soon this won’t be a problem for Nadira who expects to handle the demand for her product within 24 months after the reopening of her new factory. She is the owner of natural beauty and skin care line, Adiva Naturals Inc., and with her staff, produces her own products out of a lab located in Plant Zero in the Manchester section of Richmond. “I outgrew this lab. I have been turning stores and vendors down because I can’t produce fast enough.”

Chase is on the hunt for a manufacturer who can take over the production process for the next 24 months while she oversees the construction of a larger plant. The decision to expand came after being in business for 13 years. Nadira realized early on if she could have control over the manufacturing and distribution, she would be able to maximize her earnings. “My first year I made close to $19,000 and that was part-time.”

Adiva Naturals Inc. began in 2004 when Nadira began researching home remedies to treat her psoriasis. Her first product was a blend of goldenseal root and what she

Shirley shied away from being photographed because she doesn’t think there is anything exceptional about what she is doing in Richmond today. We disagree. The Moore family has sustained and expanded an enterprise for over 30 years.

thought was cocoa butter. After closer investigation she realized that the butter she used was not authentic at all. Nadira set out to use raw materials and oils that were 100% pure. So far she has been able to create shampoos, conditioners, body polishers and scrubs using ingredients like jojoba oil, shea butter and brown sugar for example.

Nadira works beauty and hair trade shows, festivals and boutique sessions at award shows where she has acquired celebrity clients. Her customer base, expanding over 20,000, has been acquired solely through word of mouth. Nadira has been able to sell her products to a built-in customer base originating from her previous business.

As the former co-owner of Tropical Soul Lounge and Restaurant on 2nd Street, Nadira’s customers gravitated toward her Adiva products on display and saw up close and personal the results. Standing at nearly 6 feet, with long flowing dreadlocks and blemish-free skin, you could hardly tell Nadira struggled with a skin disorder in the past.

Her product names like the “Crocodile Killer” and the “Coconut Shell Scoop” are Adiva Naturals Inc. trademarks that distinguish the business from other product lines.

Today Adiva Naturals Inc. easily earns over six figures in profit.

There are times when women start their businesses by luck, and other times out of a need. Shirley Moore, 60, is the owner of Bangles and Beads in Carytown. She started selling her jewelry at the flea market after the 1981 recession. Moore didn’t expect her business to grow as quickly as it did but saw the opportunity as a way to help take care of her family.

Bangles and Beads shop has become a Carytown favorite. Today Shirley has partnered with her daughter who runs the shop during the day, while she is there most afternoons to evenings. Moore’s husband added a second floor to the bead shop where

Inventor of Body Armor by Natalie Nashae, Natalie Munford, 29, is at the beginning of her entrepreneurial journey but is excited for people to accessorize their outfits with her creations. Body Armor are body chains made of copper, gold-filled and stainless steel chains, some sterling silver, multi colored beads and wire. Natalie uses pliers, jump rings and clasps to create pieces that cover the entire body. Everything is made to order, so she must have your measurements.

“I decided to start making them one day after I went shopping for a similar product and realized how much they cost in the store.”

Natalie understands the importance of accessorizing and wants to offer her clients options that are stylish and affordable.

Natalie is in the works of planning the official launch of Body Armor and is currently working on a website. Keep an eye out for Body Armor to add that special touch to your next outfit.

Launching a business seems daunting, but the same passion that fuels basic DIY projects around the house can be used to a secure a spot in the marketplace and generate a little revenue, or in the case of some female business owners in Richmond, VA… a lot of revenue.

he and their other daughter run Xtra’s Cafe, an eclectic eatery with a savory brunch menu.

For more information about these entrepreneurs, you can visit the CEO Features section online: www.ceosofrva.com 11

CEO Know-It-Alls What You Are Worth!

When was the last time you looked at your “worthiness”? Did you know that your “worthiness” is based on a three digit number called a credit score ranging from 300 to 850? An average credit score is 620 which is considered acceptable credit in the eyes of lenders. If an individual’s credit is below 620, a lender may question if the borrower can pay his/her obligations and view the person as unstable or unreliable. However, this is not always the case.

Most people have great credit until they experience an unforeseen circumstance, such as the loss of a job, a major health crisis, or a divorce that sets them back, causing them to get behind on their payments.

One young lady had an 800 credit score but unfortunately her fiancée lost his job which caused them to live on their credit cards.

This quickly snowballed and soon they were unable to keep up with paying their credit card debt. They did not have enough money for everyday living expenses and in the end, the couple decided that one of them would file for bankruptcy to help rebuild the credit of the other person. This was a smart strategy which allowed them to qualify for a house and car sooner than if they both were working on their credit at the same time.

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As you can see, many people struggle with meeting their obligations at some point in their lives. Due to life circumstances, things just happen. There is hope, so don’t fret.

First, pull your credit. If you don’t know what your credit score is, you can pull it for free at www.creditkarma.com. After viewing your credit report, get busy disputing incorrect items and making arrangements to pay off outstanding debts. If you are feeling overwhelmed after reviewing it or need assistance, please check out my website.

Cliff Coward Business Owner & Credit Advisor Richmond, VA www.ownyourcredit.com www.myfes.net/ccoward

Location is Every Single Thing

Finding the perfect location for any business is essential to creating the right feel and energy necessary to make for a welcoming place where guests can sit and enjoy tea, coffee, or a glass of wine and good conversation. My goal was to make the space feel like you were sitting in your own living room. To put it plainly, I wanted people to walk in and feel right at home.

To achieve that, I had to do three things: First, find a nice residential community with retail space, second, find a space with an old world quality and lastly bring in décor that complemented the space like an array of antique furnishings that created a cozy atmosphere.

Mesha Mott Owner The Ecletic Cottage Richmond, VA www.eclecticcottagerva.com 804.658.2454

Of Wolves and Sheep Never purchase finance services from or do business with someone whose financial

incentives are entirely opposed to your interests. It’s impossible to predict the short term (short term as in monthly or yearly) performance of the market. Anyone who tells you otherwise is lying.

Evaluate your business and financial relationships. Search for that ever elusive “winwin” scenario. Seek out partners, friends, advisors, business associates, etc. who win when you win. There are many people out there who believe that money and business are essentially zero sum games, and that’s often true, but it doesn’t have to be, with a little vigilance and critical thinking of your own.

Curtis Maples Electrical Engineer & Avid Investor Cincinnati, Ohio

CEO MAGAZINE

There is Nothing Wrong with Therapy Many entrepreneurs who struggle with environmental stressors shy away from therapy. However, therapy can be a major asset to increasing business owners’ overall mental health. Many health care plans cover mental health services. Individuals who do not have insurance may access a sliding fee scale based on income to obtain services.

Ebony Speakes-Hall Clinical Social Worker Bellbrook, Ohio

Aye, Aye Captain!: Steering Your Business Venture When starting a business, think of yourself as the captain and your business as the ship. As captain, always choose and keep the destination in mind. Next, carefully consider how each decision will affect the entire course and destination.

You can’t do everything yourself, so get professional help as part of your crew.

Remember the final destination starts with your thoughts.

Lily Wong Life Coach, Author, & Speaker Lily Wong Coaching, LLC www.lilywongcoaching.com www.lilywongcoaching.blogspot.com lilywongcoaching@gmail.com 804.869.7072

#onmyway

My “Interfriendtion”

By Chaya Braxton

The last time we saw each other I told you that I was ready to come out from hiding.

Well, I did a little more than that. I invited two friends over to my house so that I could confess to them about my clutter.

I realized that in order to be focused on my weight loss journey, my environment needed to be intact. Well my friends, they showed up with their other sister.

At one point, I was sitting on the couch, and all three women towered over me, half compassionate and half demanding that we implement an action plan to make things normal again. The leader of the group, who had a legal pad and pen in her hand, charged up the steps and began to survey my place. The other two followed behind her. I stayed downstairs and played it cool, but the entire time I was yelling on the inside: “Get Out of My House!” I am so glad they stayed--I almost cancelled twice.

The turnaround was fast. The cleaning guy came over the next day and put Molly Maid to shame. Painters came the next month and my walls were coated with shades of mink and gulfstream blue--it’s prettier than it sounds. I bought

To the Very Needy: • Just ask if you need help. We all know you need it. So give in. Why not be embarrassed and then feel better later?

Unless there is a high price to be paid in exchange for assistance, take the help because even Batman had Robin.

• When you get the help, use it. There is nothing more wasteful than hearing the truth and not accepting it, preventing you from change.

• Ask for help before you become the center of the gossip circuit among your friends and family. (I am the Poster Girl.) People resort to bashing when they lack understanding or insight about your situation.

To the Overzealous Helper: • Don’t be angry with the person you are helping because they are not changing fast enough.

• After you return from being angry or impatient with her/him, identify an area of opportunity for you to grow (which is a sugary sweet way of saying, “Get over yourself!”)

• Don’t help for too long; it is important that we learn how to find our own way.

a new sofa for the first time in 7 years, hired a carpet cleaner and convinced my cousin and her boyfriend to start an organization business so I could be their first client—indefinitely. I don’t feel bad about getting help. I am not so strong, or so smart or such a super mom that I can’t pay someone to take out my garbage, ask a question for clarity or leave my daughter overnight with her Grandma. I learned a few things from this experience:

The biggest myth on any journey is that you have to do things all alone, with little to no help from anyone. Remember that riddle? If a tree falls and no one is in the forest to hear it, does it make a sound?

Well, the problem with that puzzle is that there is never anyone gone from the forest. There is always someone watching, listening and waiting to help.

Contact Chaya: Chaya@ceosofrva.com 13

HOMEMADE Facial

by Terrica Woolridge

I have battled with acne for just about 20 years. In search of a cure, I have recently found relief when using natural remedies. I combined and varied the oil cleansing method, along with the honey cleansing method, for best results. The oil and honey cleansing methods refer to cleaning your face with oil and/ or honey as opposed to water for the purpose of retaining moisture.

Here is my current regimen, which is good for acne and anti-aging.

Cleanse: • Dampen the face with cool water.

• Apply a quarter-sized amount of the oil mixture to hands and gently massage into the face and neck.

• Apply a dollop of natural honey with a drop of water for gentle exfoliation (Optional).

• Pat dry with a paper towel.

Tone: Apply a dime-sized amount of raw apple cider vinegar and rose water mixture to the face and neck and allow to air dry. (You can purchase rose water (with glycerin is optional) from your local health food store or specialty market.)

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Moisturize: Apply refrigerated coconut milk to face and neck, as you would a lotion, and allow to air dry.

This 3-step process is quick and easy, and can be done in the shower or at the sink. I achieve the best results when following this regimen day and night. I also achieve the best results when using cool to cold water, versus hot water. The hot water opens my pores too much, leaving my skin looking irritated. Also, remember to refrigerate your coconut milk after removing it from the can to preserve its freshness. The coolness will also aid in closing your pores -- it works like magic.

Health, Life, and Hope, Terrica 14

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CEO MAGAZINE

CEO RELATIONSHIPS THE SMART PHONE RULE in Relationships

by Jadien R. Jones

One of the toughest challenges in any relationship is communicating effectively. We are now in the age of smartphones and tablets, which give us access to social media, work and more. Have you noticed that when we first get up, some of us check our social media statuses before we even get out of the bed? Technology has become so convenient in our lives that we now incorporate our smart phone use into our daily routines–even dating.

Our phones are a huge distraction when we are dating. Every social media notification, text or call that we receive takes us away from the situation or person on whom we should be concentrating. Is it really important to respond to a Facebook post during dinner? Must we Instagram every meal that we eat? Is it necessary to FaceTime or Tango our friends in the middle of our date? Here are a couple of steps to ensure we are

giving the other party our full attention.

Simply turn your phone off or place it in “Do Not Disturb” mode

As a business owner and someone in management, I receive a call on average, every 5 minutes. At times I may need to turn off my phone for a few minutes or an hour to guarantee no disruptions during my personal quality time. For those of us who need to be reached in case of emergency, most smart phones come with a “do not disturb” feature that will only allow calls from a few select people.

Communicate via phone as opposed to text

When texting, you can’t really gauge the emotions of the person sending the text and often when sending a text, individuals read too much into it. Sometimes hearing a person’s voice is much more appreciated than reading a text.

Smartphones make it much easier to

communicate today, but let’s not rely on them to sustain communication in our relationships.

A tip from a man’s perspective: Women, men want to hear the sexiness in your voice and we love being the center of your attention! Make a pledge that you both will honor the relationship or friendship by designating certain intimate moments (dinner and/or 10 minute

alone time) as a NO CELL PHONE zone.

You will be surprised what you learn from each other and how you bring the sexy back when your only distraction is each other.

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