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February 2021 Volume 2 • Issue 3
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! e n No O
NO ONE CAN DO IT ALONE. There are two reasons to attend a Little Black Book event. If you’re DOWN there is someone in the room that is there to build you up. If you are UP, rest assured there is someone in the room who needs to be lifted up by you. That’s the power of “collective energy.”
We all exude a personal energy from inside our bodies. Our feelings determine our energy and then we share this energy around our space and into the collective energy grid. The collective grid is everything we see, smell, touch, hear and feel. It's the shared consciousness of creation from which all of us contribute to. Collective energy can give off positive or negative vibes. A good example would be the feeling you get when you walk into a room where two people had just finished fighting with one another. You’ve heard the phrase, “you could cut the tension with a knife.” The energy is real. You can feel it. On the opposite side of the spectrum, you can also feel the warm, fuzzy feeling you get if you enter a room filled with children playing with puppies. It simply makes your heart smile. As a group, we are filled with positive collective energy. That’s the reason we walk away from LBB events feeling like we can take on the world. Because, we can! We can find a way through our personal weaknesses by connecting with people who are doing what we aspire to do.
*Kimberly Rupert
Leverage
COLLECTIVE ENERGY TO ACCOMPLISH ANYTHING
Intention IS EVERYTHING
Clearly define and know your goal. Be specific about the end result. Stay focused on the end result you have defined. Don’t be distracted by temporary anything. Remember the main intention.
Content Management TimeHelperz Kimberly@TimeHelperz.com
Release EXPECTATIONS OF HOW AND SIMPLY DO
Being connected to collective energy allows us to rise above the current minute and enjoy the full experience.
Remember WHAT YOUR
Visualize THE ENERGY
ENERGY IS DOING FOR OTHERS. THEY NEED YOU, TOO
OF YOUR GOAL CIRCLING THE GLOBE
What you want to accomplish is also desired by millions of other people around the world. The energy of your goal is alive and moving right now. To make the energy easier to “see,” visualize it as something beautiful and inspiring to you.
Move
WITH THE FORCE OF THAT GLOBAL ENERGY AND SEE YOURSELF AS PART OF IT
Now see yourself as part of that energy you just visualized. Consciously put yourself in the movement and flow of that greater global force. Be it and feel it on your skin.
BECOME MAGAZINE STAFF
LBB Founder and CEO
Jeanne Strickland
LBB Creative Director; Graphics, Layout BOOM! Impact Graphics 314.605.7193
There are people looking to you for your strengths, too. Remember that you are a source of inspiration for others. Your determination to stick with your end goal benefits others even if you can’t see it. Value the energy you’re putting towards a goal as much as you value others’ energy to help you. I’m confident you have your own story about how you have been lifted, or you have been the source of inspiration for another. Don’t do it alone. Collective energy is REAL! And, together, we have it. ¤
Samantha Shawhan Content Editor Edit for Content Info@EditforContent.com
*If you are a member of LBB and interested in being a contributing writer or advertising in LBB Become Magazine, please contact Kimberly Rupert at the email address above.
Any reproduction of LBB Become Magazine or its contents requires publisher's written consent. LBB Become Magazine aims to ensure that information is accurate and correct at all times but cannot accept responsibility for mistakes. LBB Become Magazine reserves the right to refuse submitted content and/or advertisements and assumes no responsibility for submitted materials. Unsolicited material must include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Little Black Book | Become Magazine | February 2021
WELCOME new members
(WENTZVILLE CONTINUED)
Ashley Harmon
MID ST LOUIS COUNTY
9 TO 5
Laura Fenton
Tiffany Wright
Chillax Tap & Co
LPL Financial
Gill Family Properties
COTTLEVILLE
Sarah Hayek
Misha Gutzler
The Red Beauty Salon
TROY
Anna's Hair Accents
G&P Concrete
Guild Mortgage
FYSIQ, LLC
Angela Meier
AIM for Health LLC (Juice Plus affiliate)
Anna Kuhns
Ann Langston
Jessica Deadmond
GREATER ST CHARLES Mary Agan
Goosehead Insurance - Mary Agan
Heather Cushing
Danielle Lindsay
WENTZVILLE
Carla Brakensiek
A Perfect Pair
Becky Noto
Catala Facial Retreat & Boutique
Natural Impact Kickboxing & Fitness
Right at Home in Home Care & Assistance
Laura Bushman Interiors LLC
Edward Jones
Assisted Living at the Meadowlands
FlightSafety International
Reflections cleaning service
Deason Contracting & Installations
Kelly Gano Amy Horn
Marcia Rodriguez
Liv Younger Wellness LLC
Laura Bushman Kristina Cross Nan Deason
Sandy Grassmuck Grassmuck Realty, LLC
Hannah Wardenburg Christina Zielinski
Swoon Worthy Photography & Design
WEST COUNTY Cheryl Parrish
The Rose & Hook LLC
Linda Styer, Ellbee's General Store • Heather Kemper, The Child Center Adrienne Mennemeyer, Olive Tree Market Place • Adrienne Wallace, The Simplicity Strategist Shannon Hagerty, Your Beauty Ball • Jackie Ginther, doTERRA Essential Oils Samantha Travis, Providence Bank • Dani O'Loughlin, Lularoe Lydia Crespo, Cozy Shop, Argaman & Defiance Tara Peterson, Wild Horse Creek Living Neighborhood Magazine
February 2021
EVENTS
Dates & Times are subject to change. • For more information, please visit, WomenofLBB.com/CalendarEvents.html 2/1 Members Only Meeting: Wentzville, 9:00 AM 2/1 Making Pizzas-Lindsay Castello (Moms on the Move), 4:30 pm 2/2 Ladies Who Lunch: The 5 Pillars of Health for Maximum Productivity with Kelli Risse, 11:15 am 2/3 Coffee & Connections Mid-County: Working Together with Maria Granados, 9:00 am 2/4 Coffee & Connections: Encore Group (In-person & Zoom), 2:00 pm 2/9 Coffee & Connections West County: The Three F-Words Holding You Back From Scaling Your Business with April Porter, 9:00 am 2/9 Coffee & Connections Madison County: No One Can Do It Alone, 9:00 am 2/10 Coffee & Connections Troy: You Cannot Do It Alone, 8:30 am 2/10 Coffee & Connections Cottleville: M.E.N.T.O.R.I.N.G., 9:00 am 2/12 Coffee & Connections: No One Can Do It Alone!, 8:00 am 2/12 Coffee & Connections St. Charles: The Transformation of LBB, 9:00 am 2/15 Coffee & Connections Wentzville: Mastering The Art Of Delegation, 9:00 am
2/15 Self Development Book Club facilitated by Angie (Members Only), 6:30 pm 2/16 Ladies Who Lunch: What’s Evolving Without A Team?!?! with Precious Smith, 11:15 am 2/16 Leisure Book Club facilitated by Joan (Members Only), 6:30 pm 2/17 Members Only Meeting: Mid St Louis County, 10:00 am 2/19 New Member Orientation Sponsored by Cottage Care St Charles, 9:00 am 2/23 Members Only Meeting: West County Chapter, 11:00 am 2/23 TED Talk Online Meeting facilitated by Michelle, 6:30 pm 2/24 Members Only Meeting: Troy Chapter, 8:30 am 2/24 Members Only Meeting: Cottleville Chapter, 11:00 am 2/24 Leisure Online Book Club facilitated by Sam (Members Only), 6:30 pm 2/25 Members Only Meeting: 9 to 5 Chapter, 6:00 pm 2/26 Members Only Meeting: Greater St Charles Chapter, 2:00 pm 2/27 LBB For the RUN of It (Members Only), 8:00 am
Little Black Book | Become Magazine | February 2021
SELF DEVELOPMENT • Badass Habits: Cultivate the Awareness, Boundaries, and Daily Upgrades You Need to Make Them Stick, by Jen Sincero
Badass Habits is a eureka-sparking, easy-to-digest look at how our habits make us who we are, from the measly moments that happen in private to the resolutions we loudly broadcast (and, erm, often don't keep) on social media. Habit busting and building goes way beyond becoming a dedicated flosser or never showing up late again—our habits reveal our unmet desires, the gaps in our boundaries, our level of selfawareness, and our unconscious beliefs and fears. Badass Habits features Jen's trademark hilarious voice and offers a much-needed fresh take on the conventional wisdom and science that shape the optimism (or pessimism?) around the age-old topic of habits. The book includes enlightening interviews with people who've successfully strengthened their discipline backbones, new perspective on how to train our brains to become our best selves, and offers a simple, 21 day, step-by-step guide for ditching habits that don't serve us and developing the habits we deem most important. Habits shouldn't be impossible to reset—and with healthy boundaries, knowledge of—and permission to go after—our desires, and an easy to implement plan of action, we can make any new goal a joyful habit.
BOOK
club
LEISURE • The Guest List, by Lucy Foley
“I loved this book. It gave me the same waves of happiness I get from curling up with a classic Christie... The alternating points of view keep you guessing, and guessing wrong.” - Alex Michaelides, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Silent Patient "Evok[es] the great Agatha Christie classics…Pay close attention to seemingly throwaway details about the characters’ pasts. They are all clues.” - New York Times Book Review A wedding celebration turns dark and deadly in this deliciously wicked and atmospheric thriller reminiscent of Agatha Christie. -The New York Times bestselling author of The Hunting Party
UpcomingBOOKS
SELF DEVELOPMENT • The 12 Week Year by Brian Moran
LEISURE
• Buy Yourself the Fucking Lilies
Little Black Book | Become Magazine | February 2021
by Tara Schuette
START THE YEAR STRONG! 2020 was a year for the history books; from the Global Pandemic, the economic crises, to the wild Presidential election, we will be talking about 2020 for the rest of our lives. Many people have written last year off.. How many times did you hear, I am so done with this year! Probably too many to count. We still have the same 1,440 minutes in a day, every day until the end of the year, every year. So, well over 525,600 minutes in every year! Let us not waste those minutes. Many things have changed last year with quarantine restrictions, wearing masks, social distancing, and businesses closing that many have felt isolated or even alone in our personal lives. But, we have learned to adjust and adapt and still get things accomplished: having groceries delivered, working from home, and spending time with friends outside at the park. Can't forget about those drive-by parades, driveway parties, and spending time with family on Zoom video calls; we have been resilient and creative in these challenging times. So, in thinking about the days of 2020 with all of the "baggage" that year brought us, here are some thoughts beginning on a high note for 2021 and feeling accomplished. RESET YOUR BRAIN Come up with a new mantra for 2021. Write it big on your mirror and recite it each day to welcome 2021. Something you could say is: "I'm thriving
in 2021", "I am stronger than the pandemic," or "I am crushing my goals in 2021". Whatever it is that is personal to you and will pump you up each morning, you decide. Take that momentum from reciting your Mantra with you into the new year. It will help you plan a new Mantra, theme, or vision for what you want your 2021 to be. DO A REVERSE VISION BOARD Creating vision boards has become a very popular and creative task at the beginning of a year, mainly because they work. When you picture what you want, it helps you be more successful at reaching that goal. Why not look at your goals or vision board and copy it down onto a new board of what you did accomplish in 2020. Add a few goals that are reachable in the first few months of 2021. Short-term vision boards can work, too! BE GRATEFUL AND SHOW APPRECIATION When we help others in either big or small ways, we all know that we end up boosting our endorphins and end up in a better, more positive state of mind. Now is the perfect time of year to show appreciation to our friends, customers, and bosses. A handwritten note goes such a long way in telling someone what they mean to you; or thanking a customer for sticking with you through 2020. ¤
Julie Swaney
Limelight Events Julie@MeetatLimelight.com MeetatLimelight.com
Little Black Book | Become Magazine | February 2021
5 TIPS
FOR HOMEBUYERS WHO WANT TO MAKE A COMPETITIVE OFFER Today’s real estate market has high buyer interest and low housing inventory. With so many buyers competing for a limited number of homes, it’s more important than ever to know the ins and outs of making a confident and competitive offer. Here are five keys to success for this important stage in the homebuying process. 1. Listen to Your Real Estate Agent A recent article from Freddie Mac offers guidance on making an offer on a home in today’s market. Right off the bat, it points out how emotional this can be for buyers and why trusted professionals can help you stay focused on the most important things: “Remember to let your homebuying team guide you on your journey, not your emotions. Their support and expertise will keep you from compromising on your musthaves and future financial stability.” Your real estate professional should be your primary source for answers to the questions you have when you’re ready to make an offer. 2. Understand Your Finances Having a complete understanding of your budget and how much house you can afford is essential. The best way to know this is to reach out to your lender to get pre-approved for a loan early in the homebuying process. Only 44% of today’s prospective homebuyers are planning to apply for pre-approval, so be sure to take this step so you stand out from the crowd. It shows sellers you’re a serious, qualified buyer and can give you a competitive edge if you enter a bidding war. 3. Be Ready to Move Quickly According to the Realtors Confidence Index, published monthly by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the average property being sold today is receiving more than three offers and is only on the market for a few weeks. These are both results of today’s competitive market, showing how important it is to stay agile and vigilant in your search. As soon as you find the right home for your needs, be prepared to work with your agent to submit an offer as quickly as possible. 4. Make a Fair Offer It’s only natural to want the best deal you can get on a home. However, Freddie Mac also warns that submitting an offer that’s too low can lead sellers to doubt how serious you are as a buyer. Don’t submit an offer that will be tossed out as soon as it’s received. The expertise your
agent brings to this part of the process will help you stay competitive: “Your agent will work with you to make an informed offer based on the market value of the home, the condition of the home and recent home sale prices in the area.” 5. Be a Flexible Negotiator After submitting an offer, the seller may accept it, reject it, or counter it with their own changes. In a competitive market, it’s important to stay nimble throughout the negotiation process. Your position can be strengthened with an offer that includes flexible move-in dates, a higher price, or minimal contingencies (conditions you set that the seller must meet for the purchase to be finalized). There are, however, certain contingencies you don’t want to forego. Freddie Mac explains: “Resist the temptation to waive the inspection contingency, especially in a hot market or if the home is being sold ‘as-is’, which means the seller won’t pay for repairs. Without an inspection contingency, you could be stuck with a contract on a house you can’t afford to fix.” Bottom Line Today’s competitive market makes it more important than ever to make a strong offer on a home, and a trusted expert can help you rise to the top along the way. ¤
Lisa Webb
eXp Realty, LLC lisa.webb05@gmail.com https://lisawebb.exprealty.com/ Article origianally published: Keeping Current Matter.
Little Black Book | Become Magazine | February 2021
3
UPDATE
Look up! What does your light fixture look like? Is it dating your home? Do you have fluorescent lighting? Find a three-light vanity light for the bath or five-light pendant for the kitchen and dining area will have your guests looking up.
FIVE of the BEST IN-ONE-DAY RENOVATIONS
4
REVAMP
Pulls for kitchen cabinets, bath vanities, and dressers will revamp a room. Why not find a pull that matches your style in a small hall bath. Hardware can steal the show, so go bold in the kitchen with black or bronze against a white cabinet.
UNDER $100
5
DECLUT TER
We all want to save time and money. Try these simple, but effective ideas in the next month to make a big impact on your most important asset.
HIGH IMPACT 2
1
REPLACE What about your rusty, stainless
steel robe hooks, towel bars, or toilet paper holder? In one amorning, your bathroom will get a facelift, and is an incredibly affordable option.
The last suggestion is completely free, and you might even make money too. Declutter, clean up, and organize! I always like to see my house from the eyes of someone coming in the first time. Will they see my dirty slides by the front door? Will they see the fifteen bottles of lotion my daughter has? Find ways to make the space you have now, even better with less stuff. You can even try to sell things you want to get rid of online or at a resale shop. ¤
PAINT
Paint, paint, and paint some more! Do you see handprints all down the walls of your hallway or staircase? For around a hundred dollars, you can freshen up any room with a coat or two. A fresh coat of white on interior doors and trim will brighten up any room.
Anna Alt
LSL Finishes AnnaLSLFinishe@gmail.com LSLFinishes.com
Little Black Book | Become Magazine | February 2021
ALL ABOUT
Matcha! Congratulations! You made it through all the holidays and the first month of 2021. How’s your energy level? If you’re anything like me, you’re probably still recovering from the hustle of it all. I’m thankful for my daily cup of matcha. Have you heard of matcha? Seems everyone is drinking matcha, but many people don’t really know what it is. Matcha is green tea. Green tea comes from the harvested leaves of the plant Camellia sinensis. The difference between loose leaf green tea and matcha is the way it is harvested and the way it is consumed. As the Camellia sinensis plant grows, it gets covered and shaded from direct sunlight approximately four weeks prior to harvest. This shading causes the plant to produce more chlorophyll, creating a richer green color due to the amino acid content. At the time of harvest, the stems and veins of the leaf are gently removed, and the tea leaf is then ground into a fine powder. This powder is then consumed, whereas loose-leaf is steeped and then removed from the liquid. With matcha powder, you’re consuming the whole leaf. This gives you the full effect of all the nutrients and antioxidants. Matcha is a superfood unknown to many! I would love to connect with you and teach you more about loose leaf tea and matcha.
BENEFITS OF MATCHA
____________________________________________________________ Loaded with antioxidants that fight free radicals. The Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity (ORAC) scale measures the potency of an antioxidant. (Goji berries measure 253 per gram and matcha measures at 1573 units per gram). Offers a longer more sustained energy level without spiking the adrenals or insulin levels.
$
Boosts metabolism. A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found matcha increases thermogenesis (the body’s natural way of burning calories) from 8% to 35%. Boosts brain function; matcha contains high levels of an amino acid called L-Theanine. L-Theanine stimulates the alpha wave activity of the brain. This is the area of concentration, memory, and learning. Though they come from the same plant, matcha is more concentrated than green tea; one cup of matcha is equivalent to three cups of green tea. You can use matcha in a variety of ways by mixing it in with your smoothies, oatmeal, mug cakes, and so much more. Yes, I said mug cake! ¤ Bo Hayth
Ind. Senior Group Director Sipology by Steeped Tea Bo@SteepedJoy.com SteepedJoy.com
Little Black Book | Become Magazine | February 2021
Becoming THE BEST Yourself VERSION OF
Are you excited about the new year, or do you get frustrated when it comes to setting new goals? What would happen if you could become the absolute best version of yourself? What if there were some simple mindset hacks that you could use right now to help you achieve that? As we are starting the new year and are setting new goals in our health, relationships, and finances, the words we choose and thoughts we think are key to our success. Here are some tips to get you started on the right track.
BE AWARE OF YOUR THOUGHTS
An aware and attentive state of mind can help you to understand in which direction your thoughts are going. When you pay attention to the kind of thoughts going on in your mind, you can identify when any contrary idea instantly appears. This awareness will assist you in making a conscious effort to divert your mind towards abundance mentality. For example, when you wake up in the morning, do you think about what you “have” to do for the day or what you “get” to do. Keeping your thoughts with a positive focus in mind can make all the difference.
SHOW GRATITUDE TOWARD OTHERS Being grateful is the most effective and resultdriven action that you can do to create happiness and abundance. Be thankful to others for every little thing and always remain grateful in life. Many studies back the favorable impact of gratitude on health and well-being as well. It helps you to overcome fears and provides happiness. ASK YOURSELF EMPOWERING QUESTIONS When we ask ourselves why something has happened, it triggers a victim-like mentality. Instead, ask yourself empowering questions. This will activate your brain to look for solutions rather than focusing on the problem. Example: Why am I not losing weight is a victim like statement or question. Instead, ask yourself; how can I best support my health goals right now? Or, what can I do today, to move me towards my goal?
FOCUS ON ABUNDANCE You attract what you focus on. If you focus on the negative things around you, the brain will stop noticing the good things happening in your life. Therefore, focus on what you want, rather than what you don’t want. For example, instead of focusing your attention on the negative such as, "I am fat,” instead think about what you can do today to support your health goals. Focus on the abundance and gratitude that you have the ability to make your health a priority. THE POWER OF WORDS The words you speak about yourself becomes your reality. If you want to be successful in your goals, speak to yourself with love and kindness. Our words matter. When we are intentional about our words, it activates the neurons in our brains to look for the things that we proclaim. We literally become the words we speak. Here’s to a happy, healthy, and an abundant year! ¤
Kimberly Lebbin
Kimberly Lebbing, LLC Kim@KimberlyLebbing.comKimberly Lebbing.com
Little Black Book | Become Magazine | February 2021
Mom...
GET IN THE PICTURE
One of the benefits of these crazy times has been the reflection on the importance of family. The family has become more critical than ever. You may be spending more time together than usual; you have to take extra precautions just to see your family. Whatever the case is with your family, I hope that you, as a mom, can understand why you need to step out from behind the camera and be in the picture with your family. As women, we tend to be the most critical of ourselves. We immediately look at how we look in a photo. (I know I did that with my wedding photos!) I want to help you see why you DO need to be IN pictures with your kids and family!! 1. You may look at yourself and think that you aren't ready for pictures, that you would like to lose a few more pounds, or your makeup isn't perfect. Your kids look at you and see how beautiful you are. They see no faults. They see the woman who puts band-aids on their boo-boos, makes their lunches just the way they like, and tucks them into bed at night. You see your own faults, but in your children's eyes, you are perfect the way you are. 2. You want to capture the changes in your children and family as they grow. The same should be true of your growth as a woman. Motherhood changes
you in a way that nothing else can. For better or for worse, we need to celebrate and capture that evolution. 3. When your children look at photos of a vacation, you don't want them to wonder where mom was! (And this will be the only time I say, please PRINT those images so your child can have something to hold onto and relive those memories!) If you are always taking the photos, you won't be a part of the memory experienced when looking at pictures. Take selfies or hand off the camera! 4. You want to teach your daughter that she is beautiful, right? This lesson begins by showing her that you see yourself as beautiful, and you don't have to "look" perfect in every picture.
ings of love that are conveyed in an image of you interacting with your children are memories that will immediately take your child back to childhood. 6. Way Way in the future...you want generations to come to know what a fabulous, greatgreat-grandmother they had. You want them to know from more than just a killer headshot and stories of how awesome you were in business. You want them to feel that in the interactions you had with your family in photos. You are beautiful just the way you are, no matter how many flaws you might see in yourself. So if those "flaws" you feel are keeping you from being in pictures with your family, please stop hiding! Show your family how amazing you are!! ¤
5. One day, you want your children to remember you as the loving mom you are. The feelKim Lorenz
Creative Visions Photography Kim@CreativeVisionsPhotos.com CreativeVisionsPhotos.com
Little Black Book | Become Magazine | February 2021
Have your retirement plans changed because of COVID-19? If so, you have plenty of company. Nearly 40% of those planning to retire say the pandemic has disrupted their intentions, according to the Edward Jones/Age Wave Four Pillars of the New Retirement study. Can you still retire early? Even without a crisis, it’s not a bad idea to review your important life goals from time to time.
ARE YOU STILL PLANNING TO RETIRE EARLY? HERE ARE FACTORS TO CONSIDER YOUR RETIREMENT LIFESTYLE
Your ability to retire early depends somewhat on what lifestyle you’re anticipating during your retirement years. If you think you’ll be traveling extensively or pursuing expensive activities, you might not be able to afford to retire as early as someone with more modest ambitions. Of course, there’s no “right” or “wrong” way of living in retirement – we all have our own dreams and preferences. But be aware that different lifestyles do carry different price tags – and have different effects on when you can retire.
SOURCES OF RETIREMENT INCOME
Obviously, a key factor in knowing whether you can retire early is the amount of retirement income you can rely on. You’ll have to assess all your sources: Social Security, pensions, and your investment portfolio, including your 401(k) and IRA. The amounts you receive from these sources will depend on a variety of factors.
For Social Security, the longer you wait until collecting, the larger your monthly payments (although they will “top out” when you reach 70, excluding cost-of-living adjustments). In regard to your investments and retirement accounts, you’ll need to establish a withdrawal rate that’s appropriate for the length of time you expect to be retired. So, by adjusting these variables – taking Social Security earlier or later, taking more or less money from your retirement accounts – you can help determine if the retirement date you had in mind is viable.
YOUR FEELINGS ABOUT WORK
Your goals are not static – they can change in response to any number of reasons, both external and personal. When you first decided you wanted to retire early, you might have been motivated by, among other things, a weariness of your current job. But has that changed over time? Have you found new challenges that interest you at work? Or, if you were forced by the pandemic to work remotely, did you actually enjoy the arrangement and want to continue it? After all, many employers have found their workers can be just as productive working at home, so, even when we get past COVID-19, we might see a shift in the geography of the workplace. If your feelings about work have changed, leading you to think you could work longer than originally planned, you’d likely gain some financial advantages. You’d make more money, but you’d also keep building your 401(k) and IRA, and you could even possibly delay taking Social Security. The pandemic may lead to a reevaluation of many financial goals – and taking early retirement might be one of them. By thinking carefully about your situation and your options, you can come up with a course of action that’s right for you. ¤
Heather Aehle
Edward Jones heather.aehle@edwardjones.com www.edwardjones.com/heather-aehle
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC
Little Black Book | Become Magazine | February 2021
LADIES WHO
Lunch
Join Us! Register at WomenofLBB.com/calendarevents.html
PRECIOUS
Smith
FEBRUARY 16, 2021 • 11:15
The Christy of O'Fallon | 9000 Veterans Memorial Pkwy, O'Fallon, MO 63366
WHAT’S EVOLVING WITHOUT A TEAM?!?!
Past and recent experiences have equipped me to be an influential team member. Ability to work independently with close attention to detail as well as demonstrate effective problem-solving strategies. Evolving, strong, and growing leader, who is disciplined, motivated, and a person of integrity. Past and recent experiences have equipped me to be an influential team member. Ability to work independently with close attention to detail as well as demonstrate effective problem-solving strategies.
DELETRA MARCH 3, 2021 • 11:15
Hudson
Edgewild | 550 Chesterfield Center, Chesterfield, MO 63017
TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR MONEY IN 2021
Deletra Hudson, MBA, also known as “The Financial Educator”, is the owner of Deletra Hudson, LLC, a financial coaching and consulting firm in St. Louis, Missouri. She is a bestselling and award-winning author and national speaker who possesses over 25 years of financial experience. Her years of experience include working with corporations, municipalities, non-profit agencies, small businesses, churches and professionals. Deletra is the founder of the Financial Wellness Institute of America (FWIA), an online financial academy created to help increase financial knowledge for small business owners, professionals and youth through seminars, courses, books, educational systems, and workshops. Deletra is most passionate about her work as a youth financial literacy advocate. She is on a mission to fill the financial education gap left by our nation’s education system. In 2016, she published her debut children’s book, Money Doesn’t Grow on Trees. In 2018, she published her second children’s book, AJ Discovers the $2 Bill, under her new publishing company, Money Matter$ Publishing and became a best-selling author for her adult inspirational women empowerment book collaboration titled #BossMoms. Deletra Hudson believes educating youth, empowers families, and transforms communities. She is on a mission to transform communities around the world by making women more money wise through her Money Boss Wealth Club – Women of Wealth (W.O.W) Empowerment Initiatives. She is also a wife and a mother of three children, whom she affectionately refers to as her “Legacy Keepers”. For more information on how you can connect with Deletra Hudson to engage her services or invite her to speak to your organization, visit her website at www.deletrahudson.com, send her an email at deleta@deletrahudson.com. Follow her on all social media @Deletra Hudson.
JEN MARCH 16, 2021
Wade
The Christy of O'Fallon | 9000 Veterans Memorial Pkwy, O'Fallon, MO 63366
DIVERSITY IN TODAY’S CLIMATE
Jennifer is a thirty-year Army Veteran followed by service with Missouri’s department of economic development, veterans’ program. She has over fifteen years human resources experience and holds a Masters’ degree in Human Resources and Organizational Development with a complimenting Bachelors in Sociology. She has completed training in leadership, training development and facilitated learning. As the Founder and CEO of Jen Wade Consulting, she provides online and local consultation to organizations experiencing high turnover, performance concerns, employee engagement or breakdown in communication. Jennifer helps maneuver culture awareness, growth, diversity, and inclusive leadership.
Thank You Ladies! FIV
• FI V E Y
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R EA
• FIV E Y
E Y E A R • FI V
E
Angie Harness
Angie Harness Real Estate Consulting powered by Keller Williams Realty Chesterfield
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One Financial Group
EA
Amy Jacezko
BB
AR
EA
YEAR • FI V E
YE
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E FIV
USA Mortgage
Stephanie Hopkins
Cabi
The Connection Exchange
Kristy Flood
Red Key Realty Leaders
Shanna Palans
The Rack House Kitchen Wine Whiskey
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Debbie Thompson
Carter Holdings LLC, Powered by Whittier Realty Group
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Sara Chinnock
Sara's Boxes and Boards
One of the strengths of Little Black Book is the continued support and contributions of our members! Little Black Book | Become Magazine | February 2021
Terri Kunselman Terri’s Travel by Design
Valarie Fleahmann
WOMAN OF THE YEAR 2020 Valarie is the Corporate and National Sales Specialist for Cool Touch Graphics. She is the current President of LBB’s Greater St Charles Chapter, growing the membership of that chapter to 70 members. She has served in the lead position as the Team Lead for the BrrrBASH Silent Auction Committee for 3 years, completely overhauling the system. This year, she will take the lead as LBB’s Director of GIVE initiatives, responsible for overseeing the continued relationships with the Toys for Tots Foundation and Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Member tributes to Valarie include • Val exemplifies love. She loves her community. She loves the women of LBB. She loves reaching out and empowering others to be the best version of themselves that they can be. She is always willing to go above and beyond to see someone else excel and grow. • Valarie has such a warm, caring and inclusive personality. She remembers little details about you, making you feel important. She’s always concerned about others and how she can help and give back. I would always be willing to help and serve any cause that she is involved with. • Valarie reflects all five pillars of Little Black Book. She has landed where she is in life because of her strong CONNECTions, whether it be networking and meeting new people, or socializing with her many friends. She never fails to PROMOTE who she is and what she does, and does so with confidence, while also supporting her fellow LBB members and coworkers. Since working closely with Valarie, she has SHAREd great ideas and advice with me about sales, and overall business skills, which she also passes along to all of her peers. The pillar that stands out the most when I think of Valarie is GIVE. Valarie is a very thoughtful, caring, empathetic, and giving woman. She gives her time, money, energy, and so much more to LBB and all of the charities that she supports. Valarie has BECOME the woman she is because of every road that she has gone down throughout her life, with one of them being Little Black Book. I nominate Valarie for Woman of the Year 2020! • She exemplifies the pillars of LBB, especially the “GIVE”. Not only is she dedicated to raising funds for the LBB Charities, she gives so much of herself in so many ways. She opens her home to members whenever it is needed—as a meeting place, for social gatherings, as a warehouse. • Valarie makes a real effort to “Connect” with members as well as visitors. And if there are occasions where there is negativity or disparity (as women will exhibit some times) she’s the one who will gently change the course of conversation to something positive. She has made me and so many others feel connected to the LBB organization.
Katie Malloy
THE EICHELBERGER AWARD OF EXCELLENCE & WOMAN OF THE YEAR FINALIST
Katie Malloy is the owner of Elite Heating and Cooling. She has served as the President of LBB’s Wentzville Chapter since 2018. The Wentzville Chapter has seen tremendous growth in 2020 meeting their annual goal by the end of the third quarter. She has invested in LBB as the Presenting Sponsor of LBB’s annual Fire and Ice event, and she is one of the major sponsors of this year's BrrrBASH. Member tributes to Katie include: • She leads women by example in her job and by her leadership skills in LBB. She is always building people up and she thinks of others before herself. • Katie goes out of her way to support the community with charitable giving, while encouraging others to give as well. Over and over again I see Katie strive to encourage and lift up all who need it. While immensely successful in her own right, she champions for the success of each and every lady. • Katie is ready to build up every person she meets. She has a way of engaging people and making sure that everyone is comfortable and welcomed. She knows how to include everyone into a group and find their strengths. • This girl always has a smile on her face and gives 110% to everything she does. She is selfless and the first one to volunteer to do anything to help our LBB sisterhood. Katie always puts others needs above her own. She is the first to get behind the underdog, be their cheerleader and pick them up when they are feeling down. Katie not only works full-time, she serves as President of the Wentzville Chapter and she and Tim do so much for LBB, Fire and Ice and BrrrBASH. • Katie is calm yet focused and a great leader. She values the efforts of the women in her chapter and encourages involvement without the guilt. She has stepped up in giving her time and sponsorship to worthy causes that elevate the LBB mission.
Miranda Malone
WOMAN OF THE YEAR FINALIST
Miranda Malone has made her mark on the organization in 2020. Over the course of the year she has served as a volunteer on the LBB Monster Mash 5K event committee, and has helped to execute the GIVE initiatives of the Wentzville Chapter. She has overcome enormous challenges and has gracefully navigated the illness of her mother, while continuing to be a source of inspiration and empowerment to those around her. We are excited for her to make her debut as a member of the LBB: Wentzville Leadership team in 2021. Member tributes to Miranda include • Miranda is an inspiration daily. She faces adversity frequently and takes it head on with her head high and has the best attitude! I feel fortunate to have her in my life and on my team!! • Miranda continuously pours into others. She is the first to volunteer to help on a committee and she fiercely supports the women in this organization. Over the last 2 years I have watched her grow and develop, constantly striving to grow and improve. Of all the ways she gives back, she deserves to be compensated in return. • Miranda is a shining example of the Become pillar. Watching her bloom and grow from who she was when she first joined to who she is now. Miranda is the first to step up to help anyone in need. She is very giving and has the biggest heart! • Miranda has always been a woman who strives for more. I remember when I first joined, she always really stood out to me with her passion for helping the community. Her growth this year as a leader hasn’t gone unnoticed and I really look up to her in our chapter. I think she is a perfect example of everything LBB stands for. • Miranda exemplifies every pillar of little black book. This woman constantly gives to hercommunity, to her family, to her friends, everyone she comes in contact with if she finds a way to help. Miranda will jump at the chance to do whatever is needed to push any project forward. She is kind, fun, caring, and an extremely hard worker. I can’t think of anyone more deserving then Miranda!
Jeanne Strickland
THE PILLAR AWARD (aka The Founder's Award)
Much like the selection of LBB’s Wingmen, the LBB Pillar Award is awarded to a woman, selected wholly by me (Angel) and is also known as The Founder’s Award. This year’s recipient joins former honorees Kimberly Rupert, Anna Alt, and Alysia Kerkove as women who have touched my heart, and have been significant in my growth and the growth of the women around them. It is important for me to appreciate that one woman who has truly gone above and beyond to benefit the other women of LBB and the organization as a whole. Without this woman, the experience of ALL of us would not be the same. This woman is universally adored by everyone who knows her. She inspires me to be a better business owner, a better mother, and to remember my sense of humor in all situations. Oftentimes this talented woman is overlooked. Her easy-going, gracious demeanor paves the way for her to get passed over, pushed aside, even categorized as ditzy. I’ve seen it happen to her over and over, again. Yet, there she is time after time, after time. Standing in support. Contributing on every level. Quietly content to play her part on the team without the recognition she deserves. Well, today, I’m here to shout about her greatness to everyone. Her contributions to the organization are invaluable. She is a founding member and has never lost faith in the potential success of LBB, even when I had. She is a creative, critical thinker and brings her own ideas to the table, and is not easily persuaded if she disagrees her talented eye for art touches every aspect of the organization, and the organization’s continued growth stems from many of her ideas and insights She is so beloved, that she has been nominated by her peers to be the LBB woman of the year every single year the organization has offered this award. She and I have shared success, failure, heartbreak, and joy. We have laughed until we cried, and cried until we laughed. She lights up every room she enters. She lives and breaths LBB. She’s the strongest woman I know, and I aspire to be as kind, considerate, thoughtful, generous, loyal, and steadfast as her. She is the sister I never had, but always wanted. And, I’m here to tell her that she is the most important woman in my life. The Pillar Award goes to Jeanne Strickland.
Rhonda Travers
THE CONNECT AWARD
The CONNECT award is given to the woman who has proven that she is confident and connects with herself and with other likeminded women on a personal and professional level. She creates new contacts and makes referrals and recommendations within the LBB organization. This year’s recipient has taken a vision for creating a sub community within the organization that would allow members to participate in a social run/walk group which provides LBB Members another opportunity to connect with others, share best practices, inspire one another, and be empowered to achieve a fitness goal.She sits on the 2021 Programming Committee and has already taken the lead in connecting the organization with impactful presenters. The CONNECT Award goes to Rhonda Travers.
Joan Williams THE PROMOTE AWARD The PROMOTE award is given to the woman who promotes others businesses to friends and clients to build a strong network. She promotes her business within Little Black Book and promotes the great work LBB is doing for women in our community. This year’s recipient has stepped forward to do all of this and more. For years, she has collaborated with the women in her industry to raise the tides of all ships. As a co-facilitator of the LBB Book Club, she was instrumental in breaking off to create an iteration of that community focused on Leisure books. She has invested in her own self development, enrolling in workshops and teaching herself the ins and outs of video editing and production, which has been used by LBB throughout the 2nd half of 2020 to promote the organization to its newest members. When the decision was made to take the 2020 BrrrBASH Gala virtual, this woman was in the forefront of executing the most successful event to date. As we look forward to 2021, she will again take the lead in promoting the organization by creating a new community of women ready to give more to the women coming behind them through LBB’s “Encore” Initiative. The Promote Award goes to Joan Williams.
Samara Mitchell THE SHARE AWARD The SHARE award is given to the woman who shares encouragement and inspiration, best practices and success stories. She shares her time, her talent and her treasure. This year’s recipient has spent her time organizing and launching a vision held by Michelle Perry, one of the organization’s founding members, for growth into the corporate market. As the pandemic hit our region, our honoree identified the immediate need to share LBB’s mission and vision with an entire community of corporate professionals who found themselves adapting to a virtual home work environment while taking on the task of educating children. LBB’s 9 to 5 Chapter is the most rapidly growing and far reaching chapter. Her assimilation into LBB’s Executive Leadership was swift and seamless. Her willingness to share best practices with her peers is inspiring. The Share Award goes to Samara Mitchell.
Naomi Miller THE GIVE AWARD The GIVE award is given to the woman who goes above and beyond to give back through community service and charity. The simplest of conversations between herself and her daughter’s friends sparked a fire that created a blaze. After learning that there were an astonishing number of young women who did not have access to personal hygiene products, she took it upon herself to meet with school district officials to determine what could be done. Leveraging the power of LBB, The Troy Area Chamber of Commerce, and local media, she was able to gather and donate over 2,000 personal care items to the Buddy Bags program spearheaded by the Troy R3 School District. This woman truly has a heart for giving. The Give Award goes to Naomi Miller
Julie Swaney THE BECOME AWARD The BECOME award is given to the women who actively works on becoming the best version of herself by engaging in self development through education, voluteerism, charitable service to community, and philanthropy; while simultaneously excelling professionally and managing a healthy family dynamic. This year’s recipient created an aggressive vision board for 2020’s successes in January and was forced to close her business in March to comply with Covid restrictions. During this trying time, she found the strength to engage in the self development she would not ordinarily have had the time for. She had a vision of stepping up her cooking, so she joined the Tastefully Simple team and started spending more time in her kitchen. Through the turmoil she was able to become so focused that she moved her original location and opened a second location. Her confident ability to professionally speak and creatively perform in front of an audience is noticeable. She truly has become the best version of herself. The Become Award goes to Julie Swaney.
Sherry Ruyle THE F.O.R.K. AWARD The Woman of the Year Committee felt it only appropriate to implement a FORK award to honor the significance that the FORK has had, and will continue to have, on the organization. The acronym FORK stands for Fierce Outstanding Remarkable Kind (also Kick-Ass). Team player • Big ideas • Carries herself with dignity and class • Strong faith in God Puts her family first • First class service of her clients - Mexico • Thrown into leadership with little guidance or parameters • Inserts herself in to the community Sits as community member on Cottleville Fire Outreach Board Our recipient has spent hours collaborating to create systems and best practices and will move into a larger, regional role in 2022. The F.O.R.K. Award goes to Sherry Ruyle
Society WINE & WORKSHOP WITH LETHIA OWENS We were honored to have Lethia Owens present at our January Wine and Workshop! She is known for her unparalleled ability to help businesses and professionals brand their brilliance. She is a best-selling author, Tech CEO, branding expert and market domination strategist who is ranked #8 among the top 30 brand gurus in the world. From high school dropout to PhD student and serialpreneur, Lethia knows what it takes to be a game changer. January 07, 2021 • Limelight Events Venues, St Peters • Photos courtesy of Joan Williams C
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LADIES WHO LUNCH WITH MARY LAMIE
Mary Lamie of Bi-State Development inspired everyone as she spoke about how she crushed her goal and accompished her dreams! January 19, 2021 • The Christy of O'Fallon • Photos courtesy of Joan Williams B
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A. Mary Lamie B. Briana Scharf, Katie Malloy, Miranda Malone C. Mary Enderle, Sherry Ruyle, Debbie Thompson D. LBB Ladies listening to Mary Lamie E. Katie Malloy, LWL Sponsor F. Mary Lamie G. Joan Williams, launching LBB: Encore Group
Society The Annual LBB Woman of the Year Awards Brunch celebrates the women of LBB who have been nominated as Woman of the Year and those that arenrecognized with awards for their support and accomplishments with the organization. One lucky member of Little Black Book will be selected as "Woman of the Year" and awarded a $500 Grant to invest in her business. The Woman of the Year Brunch is a celebration of the LBB Woman of the Year finalists, their accomplishments, and the accomplishments of the organization. January 24, 2021 • The Lodge at Quail Ridge • Photos courtesy of Joan Williams
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A. Justine Robinson B. Angel Magasano & Rhonda Travers C. Angel Magasano & Joan Williams D. Angel Magasano & Samara Mitchell E. Angel Magasano & Naomi Miller F. Angel Magasano & Julie Swaney G. Angel Magasano & Sherry Ruyle H. Katie Malloy & Angel Magasano I. Jeanne Strickland & Angel Magasano J. Woman of the Year Finalists; Katie Malloy, Miranda Malone, & Valarie Fleahman K. Angel Magasano & Valarie Fleahman L. Angel Magasano, Elizabeth Wade, Carla Klaskin, Jeanne Strickland, Mindy Pruett, Veronica Schwab & Angie Harness M. Valarie Fleahman, Cynthia Fitzgerald, Rhonda Travers & Mary Enderle N. Eric Schwab, Valarie Fleahman & Veronica Schwab O. Alysia Kerkove P. Veronica Schwab, Jenna Whitmore & Heather Cushing
Chocolate
mmmm...Martini
Ingredients
1 1⁄2 ounces Godiva original chocolate liqueur 1 1⁄2 ounces Creme de Cacao 1⁄2 ounce vanilla vodka 2 1⁄2 ounces half-and-half chocolate syrup, for garnish accent
Directions
Mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake. Pour into a chilled cocktail glass that is accented with chocolate syrup.
Cheers Jeanne Strickland BOOM! Impact Graphics Call or Text 314.605.7193 This delicious recipe is from Food.com