Preview of December 2014 | January 2015 Chispa Magazine

Chispa!

magazine

03 DI AM ONDS FOR THE POOCH AND YOU

AHAPPYNEWYEAR:

+

LET'S FREEFALL

GISELLE BLONDET

CI NDY CRA WFORD, DI NA DWYER-OWENS A S UNCOV ERED BOSS, 10 YEA RS OF STA I RWELL TRI UM PH, A ND M ORE

SHE'S 50!

SO WHA T?

I N THI S I SSUE Editor's Letter 06 Your St rat egy Professional 08 Mompreneur 12 Windy Artist 14 SENIORita 18

28 32

Relat ionships Your End-Times Lifestyle 20 Conversat ions Lydia Mondavi 24 Cindy Crawford 28 Dina Dwyer-Owens 32

56

She's Got Chispa Elizabeth Patino 36 Tatiana Kamle 40 Cover St ory #StartingTheNewYear WithGiselleBlondet 56 A Bet t er You Fashion + Style | Here Comes The Bride 62 Fashion + Style | New Year State of Mind 78 Fashion + Style | Pure Breed Revolution 90 Health + Beauty | The Romina Files Last Minute Holiday Ideas 96 Smart + Homey| Home for the Holidays 100

Through The Lens Mark Seliger 102 Bookworm Renato Armijo 108 Must Haves 112 Mi Chispa 115

Chispa! magazine

Edit or-in-Chief Mavian Arocha-Rowe

Lif est yl e Direct or Romina Nabhen

Execut ive Edit or Mia Guerra

Managing Edit ors Paola Ramirez and Milo SenallĂŠ

Associat e Edit or Lucia Rodriguez

Creat ive Direct or Christian Ruben

Direct or of Sal es Scott Rowe

Writ ers Cena Block Carl Edwards Ginny Grimsley Daniel Henderson Robin Wilson

Phot ographers

Advisory Board Johnny Arocha Pam Black Mario Luis Judy Pearson

Anais Benoudiz Sebastian Boguszewicz Kelley Bozarth Viktor Hanacek Tomas Laurinavicius AJ Montpetit Jeff Sheldon Fre Sonneveld Julia Zakharova

Advisory Board Paola Ramirez Vivian Reina Maggie Sabatier-Smith Karen Shayne

For information on advertising and/ or subscriptions, call 404.717.5400 or email sales@chispamagazine.com.

Editorial questions, submissions, and/ or pitches, email editor@chispamagazine.com.

Vol. 1, Issue 3 Š Chispa Magazine. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use, without permission of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited. Photo credits are not given to improperly identified photos.

Chispa Magazine

EDITOR'S LETTER Bes t Way t o St ar t t he New Year ?

To k now wi t hout Hi s bi r t h on Chr i s t mas Day t her e i s no c r uc i f i x i on; and wi t h no c r uc i f i x i on. . . t her e i s no r es ur r ec t i on.

Did you know the worst circumstances bring out the best in us? So? what we perceive as the wrong circumstance can actually produce something right or righteous in us. Moses needed to tend sheep for 40 years to later lead the flock of Israel. Disciples needed to fish fish to later become fishermen of men. Jesus created masterpieces in wood before He made masterpiece in us.

What about you? What unforeseen news or update has you twisted inside yet with the possibility of impacting others with how you unravel your challenge? We aren?t promised a life of peace; instead, it is written that we will have trials, troubles, and tribulation. Yet in the One we come to believe in is peace and He has overcome the world. Searching for meaning, Rebekah Lyons, one of my favorite authors, stumbled on surrender, discovering that meaning follows surrender. And... she found freedom when she faced her greatest fear. Let's start 2015 with her piece of wisdom, ?For it is only when we freefall that we can truly fly.?

Mavian

Chispa Magazine

How to Teach K i ds Th e

V al ue of $ $ $ Th i s New Year

Father of the Year + Financial Veter an Offer s His 4-Pocket Appr oach

Chispa Magazine

Your Strategy| Professional 9

For most children in America, the holiday season is a wonderful time, with tasty treats, vacation from school, and plenty of toys and gifts that seem to magically appear.

Of course, parents know it?s not magic? those gifts cost money. Not having to worry about that part of it is a gift found only in childhood, but young children do need to learn to appreciate the value of a dollar, says C. Ernie Nivens, the 2005 Father of the Year for Charlotte, so designated by the American Diabetes Association. ?As a parent, grandparent, and veteran financial advisor, I can talk all day about what I can do for an individual?s specific needs, but so much of it comes down to the basics of how we?re raised,? says Nivens, a celebrated financial specialist since 1990. ?When children are ?spoiled?and never taught the value of money, parents have neglected to empower them with the ability to budget and prioritize resources.? Nivens, author of Baker?s Dozen: 13 Insights from Highly Successful Financial Advisors, says a percentage of money children earn or receive as gifts this holiday season should be put aside for at least one of four pockets.

Chispa Magazine

Pock et 1: Col l ege Sav i ngs College graduates in the Class of 2014 share a sad historical fact? they?re the most indebted class ever. The average graduate with student-loan debt has to pay back some $33,000, according to an analysis of government data published in Edvisors, a group of websites about planning and paying for college. ?Hopefully, we?ll have a better handle as a country on student debt in the future,? he says. ?Teaching children the importance of this pocket from a young age is important. They?ll understand the concept and need for establishing a budget for their future betterment.?

Pock et 2: Fun + Games Dream Pocket. Children need to know the entertainment they consume on a regular basis? including TV, movies, Internet and video games? isn?t free. Having them help pay for a video game or a summer trip is a direct and concrete way for a child to experience the necessity of giving up something in order to gain something they?d like to have. It also helps them become more discerning about requests for toys, games, and outings.

Pock et 3: God Pock et While the ability to save money is a virtue to a child?s future well-being, giving part of one?s savings to a higher purpose is a way of acting on their values. Giving donations to a church, charity or to buy a friend a treat teaches children that money isn?t the ultimate goal in life.

Pock et 4: Sav i ng f or th e Future Can a child always predict her money needs to the last dollar? Can adults? Of course not, and that?s why a pocket for general expenses is useful. It could be that a charitable effort takes off within the community, which could require travel. Or, she may accidentally break a window while playing catch with her friend. However the money may be needed for future use, it?s great to be able to supplement the other pockets with savings. C

Text by Ginny Grimsley Photo by Julia Zakharova Your Strategy| Professional 11

HOUSE OF CI NDY

This household name is the epitome of success by per sonal beauty. Cindy Cr awfor d?s image has conquer ed all for ms of media, and continues to r ule in the wor ld of skincar e.

Gracing over 600 magazine covers, Cindy Crawford is undoubtedly one of the world?s most recognizable models. She?s also an incredible successful entrepreneur, wife and mother of two.

Her winning combination of all-American beauty, brains, business savvy and sheer determination to push herself has enabled Crawford to parlay her modeling career into a flourishing business that spans the fashion, entertainment, home, fitness, and beauty industries, which includes Meaningful Beauty? her own skincare line which launched 10 years ago exactly.

The valedictorian of her DeKalb, Illinois high school class, Crawford was awarded a chemical engineering scholarship to attend the esteemed Northwestern University. But, chemistry, math and physics were put on hold in 1983 when Crawford competed in Elite Model Management?s ?Look of the Year? competition as one of the top finalists.

Chispa Magazine

Crawford then moved to New York City in 1986 and her modeling career took off? almost overnight, she went from the gorgeous ?girl-next-door,? to one of the most in-demand models of all time. Crawford catapulted to the top of the modeling world as she appeared as the cover girl for the most prestigious fashion and beauty publications and walked the runways of all leading designers in the business.

From 1989 to 1995, Crawford hosted MTV?s groundbreaking show, House of Style, making an indelible mark on the international pop culture index and solidifying her reputation for style, poise and prestige. Despite her beauty, she is truly down-to-earth and is trustworthy and approachable, making her an extreme valuable asset as a company?s spokesperson. Her name and face have been responsible for launching numerous brands, including the international introduction of her own signature fragrance and the repositioning of classics such as Revlon, Pepsi and Omega. In fact, her 1993 Pepsi commercial is still one of the most award winning of all time.

Due to enormous interest in her million-dollar face and beauty regimen, Crawford successfully released two best-selling how-to books? Cindy?s Crawford?s Basic Face and About Face. Her strong belief in the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle has lead to her partnership with 24 Hour Fitness and the creation of the Cindy Crawford/Shape Your Body Workout video, selling over two million copies worldwide.

Despite her fame and fortune, Crawford?s feet remain firmly planted on the ground. When she became a wife and mother in the late 90s, she turned her attention towards the pressing needs of a busy family life. Ever the multi-tasker, Crawford used her hands-on knowledge while serving as a strategic advisor for babystyle.com, a leading retailer of maternity and children?s clothing.

She continues to thrive and successfully capitalizes on her ability to both sell and help create projects.

With Meaningful Beauty, Crawford partnered with Europe?s renowned celebrity cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Jean-Louis Sebagh to offer women her secret to flawless skin. She later teamed up with Guthy-Renker, the preeminent leader in the direct response television world, to make Meaningful Beauty easily accessible to women across the globe. For the first time, Dr. Sebagh?s revolutionary formulas created to fight free radicals, help support the stimulation of collagen and rejuvenate youthful-looking skin have been put into bottles. ?These products are specialized formulas that help to protect and renew your skin,? states Crawford. ?They?re products that treat your skin in a meaningful way,? she adds.

The line consists of key products, which include the Skin Softening Cleanser; Pore Refining Toner; Décolleté and Neck Crème; Eye Crème; Maintenance 1 Day Moisture; Maintenance 2 Night Fluide; and their Facial Masque. As we are all aware, the most important and first task for any proper skin care is selecting an excellent cleanser.

Meaning Beauty?s Cleanse is a non-irritating formula that won?t strip the skin of essential oils. Its creamy, non-foaming texture sweeps away makeup

Conversations 29

"

The new Ultr a Lifting & Filling Tr eatment takes Meaningful Beauty to a whole new level.

"

Chispa Magazine

and impurities, and although it will take some getting used to, it will leave skin clean and glowing. ?I love the versatility of this cleanser. If I?m on a plane, or leaving the gym, I use it without water,? says Crawford. ?You might want to order an extra cleansing bottle? I keep one by the sink, and a second one in the shower so I?m never stuck with a bar of soap to wash my face,? she continues.

This November she launched a restorative facial serum, the all-new Ultra Lifting & Filling Treatment. Designed to visibly lift skin and improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles, this luxurious facial treatment combines powerful antioxidants with an exclusive orchid extract from the Emerald Coast of France. Hyaluronic Acid boosts hydration as Vitamin C and Meaningful Beauty's proprietary encapsulated Melon Extract visibly combats oxidative damage. Combined, the highly anticipated Ultra Lifting and Filling Treatment is the most advanced anti-aging product to date for the line. The dual-action anti-aging serum also acts as a non-invasive line filler to help temporarily smooth out the look of fine lines and wrinkles and supports natural, healthy collagen and elastin production to help restore the skin's youthful appearance, both instantly and over time. An added bonus, this treatment helps instantly blur imperfections with a soft-focus glow."The Ultra Lifting & Filling Treatment takes Meaningful Beauty to a whole new level," says Cindy Crawford. "It combines two advanced benefits: visible lifting and filling of fine lines and wrinkles for your entire face, something we haven't had in the line before. The results have been remarkable and we know that after one use, the Ultra Lifting and Filling

Treatment will become everyone's new favorite product."

Crawford?s personsal favorites include the Toner, which helps complete the cleansing process and prepares the skin for effective absorption of the moisturizer. As for the DÊcolletÊ and Neck Crème, Crawford claims that by using this silky formula the immediate result of smoother, more refined skin and a more even skin tone will be witnessed. ?The best product I have created is the Maintenance 2 Night Fluide,? she laughs. ?It?s my miracle-in-a-bottle,? she adds. Maintenance 2 is specifically formulated to treat the skin overnight.

Their 11 key ingredients help rejuvenate damaged skin to improve skin?s firmness and diminish the signs of aging.

?My mother told me that the face you have at age twenty-five is the face God gave you, but the face you have after fifty is the face you ear ned. I made these pr oducts for her , my sister s, and for ever y woman who wants to look her best and feel confident ever y day because of it,? states Cr awfor d. C

Text + Interview by Mia Guerra Photos by Meaningful Beauty

Conversations 31

El M undo El i zabeth w i th Pati no Chispa Magazine

Mi ami nat i ve, bor n t o Cuban par ent s who f r om a ver y young age i nst i l l ed t he f undament al

i mpor t ance of educat i on, i nt egr i t y, and wor k et hi c , El i zabet h X. Pat i no gr ew up i n t he Sout h Fl or i da communi t y of West chest er and i s a pr oud pr oduct of t he publ i c educat i on syst em.

After receiving her Associate In Arts from Miami-Dade Community College and earning her Bachelor of Business Administration from FIU, Patino continued her professional ambitions at St. Thomas University School of Law where she was awarded her Juris Doctor in 2002.

She joined Patino and Associates, P.A. a long-standing Coral Gables law firm in 2004, where she focused her legal practice in the area of substantial injury and wrongful death litigation. Over the years, she has placed the practice of worker?s compensation and real estate law under her belt.

Understanding the importance of giving back to the community, Patino is a Trustee of the Friends of 440 Scholarship Fund, an organization that provides educational scholarships for the children of injured workers. She supports Honey Shine, a not for profit organization focused on assisting young ladies who are enduring financial, educational, and personal challenges, and keeps an active membership in the Alumni Council for the St. Thomas Alumni Association, the Coral Gables Bar Association, the Miami-Dade Chapter of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers, the Cuban American Bar Association, Dade County Bar Association, and the Miami-Dade Justice Association.

New to Patino?s world, she is is the host of Nuestro Mundo, Con Elizabeth Patino, a weekly television program on Mira TV. Full of chispa and admiration, Patino enters thousands of homes every Sunday and examines events and topics

She's Got Chispa 37

that affect the world and the South Florida community. She interviews guests every week and now it?s our turn to reverse her role.

Q: You are a product of Miami?s publ ic school syst em wit h a st ainl ess-st eel -spoon upbringing, did t his hel p you or did t his int errupt your journey?

My upbringing without question helped me in my journey and I would not be the person I am today without it. While I was not raised with a ?silver spoon? I was surrounded by an abundance of love and encouragement. As a result of my upbringing, I learned that life?s challenges shape your character and help you appreciate your accomplishments that much more.

Q: Is t here a specif ic person or persons who hel ped pave your current wal k?

My parents instilled in me the value of education and hard work and my husband taught me to look fear in the eyes and proceed full speed ahead.

Q: Business person, at t orney, host t o Nuestro Mundo, which t it l e best describes El izabet h?

One sole title would be insufficient to describe me. I am a combination of all three. Each of these roles affects and enriches the others. It is like a wine blend, if you take one type of grape away it will not be the same wine.

Q: How does Nuestro Mundo dif f er f rom ot her news-st yl e programs?

Nuestro Mundo dives into the issues that impact our world. The show covers politics, health, education, social issues, religion, international issues, and everything in between. Our goal is to provide our audience with analysis of the issues with the assistance of firsthand experts. We engage our audience in the understanding of how the issues in Nuestro Mundo impact their lives.

Chispa Magazine

Q: Can you share Nuestro Mundo?s market ing st rat egy or perhaps t he episodes we shoul d st ay t uned f or? The show currently broadcasts every Sunday at 4:30 PM EST on Mira TV. We are increasing the program?s presence on social media and want our audience to know the topics we discuss are relevant to us all. From boating safety to Ebola we are covering all the hot topics and also highlight topics that remain important but perhaps are not getting the same media attention they once were. All of our shows are special in different ways. I recently interviewed a priest from Camaguey, Cuba. The original plan was to have him on the show for solely one segment but when I realized how fascinating his story was, we decided to keep him on for the entire program. That program will air on December 21st.

Q: Can you give us a gl impse on how you prepare f or your week f rom pract icing l aw t o running your own t el evision show?

I prepare for the show at home three-four times a week starting between 3 and 4 A.M. for approximately 5 hours and then I travel to the office to concentrate on my legal practice. During the weekends, I try to focus on my family/ social life as much as possible, but I must admit that I do dedicate a few hours to my business projects. I understand this sounds rather chaotic but it works and allows me to concentrate on both the show and my legal practice without too much overlap. I must also mention that I have a coach with a longstanding television background that helps me considerably and my husband is beyond supportive.

Q: How does your business pl ay out wit hin El izabet h?s personal l if e, and how do you prevent burn-out , how do you bal ance f amil y versus your social circl es?

Balancing my business and family life is one of my toughest challenges. I am blessed that my husband

and I share a passion for boating and anything ocean related. We try to get to the beach as often as our schedules allow. There is no better burn-out prevention for me than the ocean and the peace that I feel when I am near it.

Q: How does El izabet h dream during her sl eep? Do you carry your dreams ont o your business or l if e st rat egy? How many hours of sl eep do you give yoursel f ?

I dream in full color and some of my best strategies/ ideas have arisen during my sleep. Since I started with Nuestro Mundo, I can honestly say sleeping is a luxury. I average 4-5 hours of sleep during the week and try to make up for it on the weekends, if my husband and/ or our dog allows? which is often not the case.

Q: When you l ook at f ear in t he eyes, what do you say t o it ?

Bring it on! This is why my nickname is ?Chispita?.

Q: If Biography were t o cont act you regarding your l if e?s success? which st rat egy woul d you convey knowing your words woul d l ive a l egacy?

I would say that no matter what level of achievement you reach in your life, you should remain humble. You must never forget where you came from and always remember and appreciate those that have helped you along the way.

Q: Who do you l ike t o impact and what l ast ing impression do you want t hem t o al ways cherish? I would like my family and friends to cherish the understanding that? whether in a court of law or behind a camera? their unending support and love helped instill my desire to help others and the confidence to know that I can.

Q: Do you cl ing ont o a specif ic f ait h?

I have faith in God. I fundamentally believe there is a higher power steering me down my path and find

great comfort in knowing that I am not alone in my life?s journey.

Q: Say you woke up one morning and everyt hing you t reasured, except f or your f amil y, was gone? how woul d you move f orward?

I would be incredibly thankful and grateful to have my family and use them as my driving force to march forward.

Q: What woul d you address at an ent repreneurial woman?s conf erence; can you provide t hree mini-l essons?

This is a great question. My three tips would be: 1. Do not be afraid to assert yourself in situations where you feel you can add something to the project/ conversation. Too often women think that their ideas or opinions are not good enough. WRONG! Do not be afraid to let your voice be heard.

2. Do not let your fear of failure be a limiting factor. The worst thing to have to ask yourself is ?what if I would have? ? 3. Do not think that re-inventing yourself is a bad thing.

Re-invention can create incredible opportunities and provide a great sense of accomplishment.

Life is ever changing and at times re-positioning is the best strategy. Have you reached your l if e?s purpose?

Absolutely not. I feel I am just getting started and am excited about what my future holds. Stay tuned! C

Interview by Mavian Arocha-Rowe Photo by RR Photos & Video Production

She's Got Chispa 39

Fashion to Get Cul t ur ed.

Fashion to Get Educat ed.

Tatiana Kamle?s passion for fashion comes fr om an ear ly age when she accompanied her father to the textile industr y fair s in Colombia.

After studying business administr ation and mar keting in the United States for 15 year s, she began a car eer with CondÊ Nast?s Vogue. On a tr ip to La Guajir a in her home countr y, she fell in love with its people, its cultur e, and its ar t. Little did Kamle know this would give bir th to the Bohème Chic style that is r evolutionizing and captivating audiences wor ldwide.

Her designs r eflected in cotton yar ns by ancestor s known as the Wayuu indigenous community, ar e on the inter national stage for fashion and for humanitar ianism. Tatiana Kamle the woman and label ar e her e to stay. Both ar e opening oppor tunities for the Wayuu women and for the women ar ound the wor ld to under stand and value cultur e for its authenticity.

Chispa Magazine

Tat iana Kaml e She's Got Chispa 41

Q: Why f ashion and why cul t ural f ashion?

I believe in the fashion world, there is no such thing as present without past. Almost like the yin and yang. In my product the world can see a complete ancestral technique fused with new fashion concepts.

for their efforts, time, and knowledge. In order to visit them I have to travel two different planes and then drive to the middle of the dessert for four hours until one arrives to the rancherĂ­as where they live. I have an enormous respect for their work and culture.

Q: What came f irst ... f ashion or humanit arianism?

I must admit fashion came first. My passion for it took me straight to CondĂŠ Nast right after college, where I worked for eight years. But, having had the opportunity to meet these beautiful artisan women, has given me the will to move forward with this project. I find it very gratifying knowing that not only am I doing what I like, but I am also contributing to the preservation of these ancestral community and helping them improve their living conditions through the opportunity of work. Having said this, I have always had a special interest in helping others less favored, I have worked with foundations for the elderly too. Today many hear the word humanitarian and immediately it?s defined by many actions. To some it means more than 10 percent of profits, to others it means 5 percent, and for others it can define a life of service. I profoundly admire and respect the work that these Wayuu women do, which is why I have never intended or have paid less money

Q: Why t he Wayuu women?

I had already seen some of their work, but it was only after I decided to travel to la Guajira to meet them personally and learned about their heritage that I fell in love with them and their art. These women are hard workers who live in extreme poverty and in a very difficult environment where the sun is so strong and access to water is hard.

Chispa Magazine

Q: Wit hin t he worl d of f ashion, t he compet it ion is f ierce and many pref er t o pay f or a brand name versus qual it y... how can you describe your accessories t o a pot ent ial shopper/ f ashion ent husiast s?

My product is geared to every women in the world, any age, and any social status. A women who understands that elegance is a question of personality, not measured by the brand they wear is my customer. A curious women who travels and appreciates the unique pieces around the world with heritage behind them is my customer.

She's Got Chispa 43

#

Starti ngTh eNew Year Wi th Gi sel l eBl ondet

Chispa Magazine

Li vi ng i n Mi ami as t he mot her of t hr ee chi l dr en, Gi sel l e Bl ondet i s your t ypi cal mom who car es, l oves uncondi t i onal l y, and pr ovi des l aughi ng t her apy. As her pr of essi on, she i s an on- ai r per sonal i t y, host , act r ess, model , desi gner , aut hor , and yes soon- t o- be pr oducer .

Cover Story 57

Chispa Magazine

Born in New York to Puerto Rican parents, Giselle Blondet reached worldwide fame as one of Univision?s most popular on-air personalities. Very busy in 2014, the entrepreneur Blondet launched her jewelry and bedding collection, Gi by Giselle Blondet through Walmart. First in Puerto Rico and later reached the entire US this past fall.

In addition to her dramatic roles, Blondet has been at the helm of several programs, including talk shows, children?s?programs, and game shows. Outside of television, she has appeared in 17 theatrical productions such as Prelude to a Kiss, Barefoot in the Park, and La Verdadera Historia de Pedro Navaja. She also played the For seven years as the host to Univision?s hit beauty female lead in the feature film Virtually Yours, starring alongside Terrence Hill and Marvin reality competition Nuestra Belleza Latina, she helped guide young Hispanic women on their quest Hagler. to realize their dreams. And soon Blondest herself Blondet has been honored numerous times will unveil her own television production, making throughout her career, receiving in six separate her visions and ideas an actuality. occasions Puerto Rico?s Agüeybaná and Cemí awards in the categories of Best Novela Actress Prior to Nuestra Belleza Latina, Blondet served as and Best Actress, respectively. She received the co-host of Despierta América, which is the Spanish version of Good Morning America. For the past four Premios Inte Award as Best Television Host, as well as the Premio Ace Award as Best Television years, she has served as the co-host to Univision?s Host, and Best Actress. star-studded red carpet events for the Latin GRAMMY Awards and Premio Lo Nuestro Latin Music Awards. Blondet also participated in Historias Para Contar, a 60-minute program where she conducted exclusive interviews with popular celebrities from the Latin entertainment industry, including Juanes, Vicente Fernandez, and Thalia to name a few.

But her fame didn?t happen overnight and it surely wasn?t a coincidence. Hard work and perseverance were main factors in Blondet?s life. At the early age of 14 she began to work. ?My mother's hard work was extremely motivating,? she says. And rightfully so as she has played the lead, co-starred or guest-starred in more than 22 well-known Spanish-language dramas series. Blondet has also taken part in several miniseries, and in 2010, made her triumphal return to acting as part of the stellar cast of the third season of the highly acclaimed miniseries, Mujeres Asesinas.

Most recently, Blondet was among the Latin celebrities invited to the White House to speak with congressmen and was the host of the Hispanic Heritage Awards in Washington, D.C. And, she walked the catwalk as one of the celebrities in red for the Heart Truth Red Dress Collection.

Blondet, active in many charitable endeavors, serves on the committees of the American Red Cross and St. Jude?s Children?s Hospital. She also volunteers for the America Developing Smiles Organization and NAAR, an organization dedicated to helping autistic children and their families. She is also the godmother of the San Jorge Hospital in Puerto Rico.

To add to her list of accomplishments, Blondet has participated in many ad campaigns,

Cover Story 59

including Got Milk?, Dove, K-Mart, and Minute Maid.

And recently she has added the role of author onto her name. Blondet started with her inspirational autobiography entitled, Con Los Pies Sobre La Tierra, which instantly became a bestseller. Today she is closing 2014 and launching 2015 with the success of her second book, Tengo 50 ¿Y Qué? where she is making an impact in the book industry and has already reached No. 1 status on Amazon.

"It's a book with life stories, advices, observations and truths that I wrote with great love for the ?tonas,?a fun way to reference women between thirty and ninety,? explains Blondet.

her thoughts on love, kids, spirituality, menopause, sex, self-esteem, grief, how to obtain financial stability, and much more.

Among the most popular chapters there is a fun task list that Blondet recommends every woman do before they reach 50. For example, dance under the rain, take a selfie with their favorite star, enjoy a vacation alone, sleep under the stars, learn how to change a car tire, do something crazy for love, and scream at full force from a roller coaster.

?I am very big on keeping my personal life private, but I know that my situations and "For the first time I speak about many difficult experiences will help many women (and men) moments in my life, I share secrets that have helped with their own,? says Blondet. ?You'll laugh and me succeed, and how to reach 50 feeling happy, cry with my new book, but most importantly, productive, sexy, in peace, and more confident than you'll learn something new,? she promises. ever. After never discussing my age for many years, I decided to celebrate it big by writing this book,? she says with a smile. ?I want to lead a movement where women feel compelled to celebrate and not hide their age. The experience of all these years with the challenges that life brings us, is a wonderful treasure that can help us reinvent ourselves and to be happier every year. This book is a life manual with many tips, facts, and funny discoveries that have the power to change lives.?

Tak e 10 Wi th Bl ondet

With prologues from Colombian actress Sofia Vergara, Mexican host Alejandra Espinoza, and Peruvian journalist and host Pamela Silva Conde, How did Gisel l e t rul y cl aim her Blondet has already obtained excellent reviews and inspired hundreds of women with the honesty and chispa t o cont inue t rying and never give up?

Work and inspiring others is what keeps sense of humor that distinguishes her. inspiring me to keep going and work harder.

Tengo 50 ¿Y Qué? talks about the beauty tips that have kept Giselle Blondet looking young, as well as : Wit h t he many accompl ishment s you

No. 1:

No. 2

Chispa Magazine

have achieved which t it l e best describes Gisel l e?

Mother [to my three amazing kids].

No. 3 : What is your personal market ing st rat egy?

It's very important to me to stay real and in the moment. I have a wonderful team that helps me , but I also have wonderful fans which I try my hardest to constantly touch base with through my social networks.

No. 4 : How does your business pl ay out wit h your personal l if e, and how do you prevent burn-out ?

It's very important to dedicate time to myself. It doesn't matter how busy I am, I always make time to call my kids and family. I love working though so that keeps me going. When you do what you love and are inspiring others in the process, it's difficult to feel burnt out.

No. 5 : What t ype of impact do you have on your

always found a way to do what we love best: Lay on the bed watching movies together (she laughs); I don't think that will ever change. My kids and I are very close and I'm happy I'm able to maintain that kind of relationship with them.

No. 7 : Say you woke up one morning and everyt hing you t reasured, except f or your f amil y, was gone? how woul d you move f orward?

My family is what I treasure the most. With a strong family as the foundation you can always build everything else back up.

No. 8 : If you had t he ent ire f emal e popul at ion l ist ening t o you across al l seas, what t hree mini-l essons woul d you provide?

Stay positive, love and forgive others, and always give yourself the chance to dream.

No. 9 : Have you reached your l if e?s purpose?

I'm not sure. I do know that I still have so much more I want to do!

f amil y and what l ast ing impression do you want t hem t o al ways cherish? : What ?s next f or Gisel l e?s career?

I'm a very positive person and always look at the Right now I'm working on my own show, bright side in everything. My kids call me ?Mrs. Hallmark" because they say I always say things that continuing work on my bedding and jewelry line, and a couple of other projects. C sound like they could be in a greeting card. I think that's something my family appreciates and has put into practice in their own lives as well.

No. 10

No. 6 : Can you give us a gl impse on your rol e as Mom, when t he kids were younger versus your current rol e as Mom? When my kids were younger I was always working, which was very difficult, but no matter the age we

Interview by Mavian Arocha-Rowe

Cover Story 61

HERE COMES THE BRIDE

Chispa Magazine

" In designing the N OR M A ISH AK Bridal Collection, we love mixing French lace, beautiful beading, and knitting, which give the most elusive texture and dimension to our creations, says Creative Director Valerie M ouwad.

"

H appy is the man who finds a true friend, and far happier is he who finds that true friend in his wife. -Franz Schubert Chispa Magazine

Chispa Magazine

M UST HA V ES, ETC. STYLISH + SAVVY

Every Day Gl am La Cite Versatile Serving Pieces by Rosanna

Gl ass + Gol d Regal Gemstone Statement Cuff by Louise Et Cie Jewelry

Chispa Magazine

S N O S A E R E R O M T F I G TO

Print + Gif t 3D Printable Cloud Collection by Francis Bitonti K

M UST HA V ES, STYLISH + SAVVY ETC.

Gif t s From The Kids The ideal present for Grandpa, Grandma, Dad, Mum, Uncle, Aunt, and Teacher (male + female) from your loving child. These one-of-a-kind books by Pooter tells the story of the journey the child makes while deciding on a present. In the end, they decide to get them a pair of colorful socks instead. Each book is wrapped with a gift tag, and of course, comes with a gorgeous pair of socks.

Art sy Design, Art sy Home Swithy Wooden Sculpture by Two. Six Creative Design

MORE T O G REASONS I FT

Throw It On Top Cream Colored Linen Throw by LinenMe Must Haves 113

LI V E WI TH CHI SPA .

Mi Chispa 115