Couture Living Magazine by Couture Living Magazine

Volume 2, Issue 3 | May/June 2012 | www.couturelivingmagazine.com

Gifts From a Goddess: Keondra Atwater

Young & Gifted: Girls...Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Get Our Emotions Together!

Discover the Content

Volume 2 Issue 3 May/June 2012

Features Founders’s Thoughts 4 Let’s Talk

Be Encouraged 7 Divne Living 9Get Empowered 15 The Viewpoint 15 Young & Gifted

Lifestyle Design

18 The Beauty Bar 20 Fashion Fit 22Scene in Fashion 28 Palate Teaser 29 Mature Money 30 Health First, Self First 31 Socially Living 11 Front Cover: Gifts From a Goddess Keondra Atwater

Cover Credits:

Photographer, Andrea Smith, Studio 57 Photography. Hair/Make Up, Keondra Atwater, Gifts From a Goddess. Wartdrobe/Stylisng, DaNisha Greene, Yours In Fashion

Special Thanks:

Nicole Danielle, NDP Anthony Scott, Flash Time Studios

24 Back Cover: The Male Perspective: Entrepreneurial Soul Robert “Rob” Davis

Founder and Editorial Director Joi McCreary joimccreary@couturelivingmagazine.com Creative Production Editor Shaletta Fuqua

Managing Copy Editor Janice Howard

Senior Executive Assistant TaMeca Joshua

sfuqua@couturelivingmagazine.com

jhoward@couturelivingmagazine.com

tjoshua@couturelivingmagazine.com

Acqusitions Specialist Anjanette Brown

Spiritual Director Pastor Patsy Martin

Empowerment Initiative Director RoShanda Johnson

abrown@couturelivingmagazine.com

Youth Advancement Director Tiffany Lockridge

tlockridge@couturelivingmagazine.com

Finance Director Lisa Gilliard

lgilliard@couturelivingmagazine.com

pmartin@couturelivingmagazine.com

rjohnson@couturelivingmagazine.com

Creative Beauty Director Keondra Atwater

Fashion Image Director Danisha Greene

dgreene@couturelivingmagazine.com

katwater@couturelivingmagazine.com

Domestic Director

Travel & Entertainment Director

Crystal Puckett cpuckett@couturelivingmagazine.com

Marketing & Media Department General Information info@couturelivingmagazine.com Advertising ads@couturelivingmagazine.com Press & Media media@couturelivingmagazine.com Submissions & Nominations submissions@couturelivingmagazine.com Contributor Information contribute@couturelivingmagazine.com

Nichole Williamson nwilliamson@couturelivingmagazine.com

Creative Production Department Photographer Andrea Smith Studio 57 Photography www.studio57photos.com Hair/Make up Artist Ms. Keondra Renee 317-427-3482 mskeondraatwater@gmail.com Wardrobe Stylist Danisha Greene Yours In Fashion www.yoursinfashion.com

Let’s Talk Let’s Get Personal It’s time to get a little personal! The school year is almost up and summer is almost here. During the summer break there is a little more flexibility with our time. Many of us mothers and career women bog ourselves down with everyone else’s agenda yet we neglect ourselves. I have done this on many occasions. We try to do the quick and easy things that keep us looking great, but sometimes we lose on quality for the sake of time. Well, now is the perfect time to get personal and allow you a little “Me Time”. No more excuses. We pencil in everything else; it’s time to have what I was once told to call “A Matilda Day.” The “Matilda Day” is simply a day for you to spend time to regroup, wind down, and enjoy the simple things that bring you pleasure. Here’s where we get personal. Use this time to go to your personal fashion or hair stylist, your personal manicurist, your personal massage therapist, or your personal esthetician. I have found that having personal services make more of a difference than commercial businesses which are more about profit and lack in service. Don’t use the excuse that you cannot afford it… many think just because an individual is freelance in their industry the pricing is much more expensive. In many cases, you can find reasonably priced individuals who love what they do. Look into your local area; I am sure there are many people in the personal service industry waiting for you to give them a call! Try finding yourself someone who will take the time and give you the quality and attention you deserve. As always I leave you with this…

Always Remember. .......... “Beauty has no boundaries, Self-Love has no limits and Fashion is forever! Be the Best of the best, the greatest of the greats, be confident and build a legacy of which you will be proud!”

Divinely Determined, Joi McCreary Founder, Publisher, & Editorial Director

Live your life couture with

Pastor Patsy and Minister Odis Martin Invite YOU to come worship! 1005 W. 27th St. Indianapolis, IN 46208 Service Time: 9 a.m. every Sunday.

Word of Life is a non-denominational place of worship, “Where the healing presence of God’s love flows freely.”

www.wordoflifeindy.org

MOVING

Divine Living

Author Pastor Patsy Martin, Spiritual Director

FORWARD

One of my favorite scripture lessons in the Bible comes from Philippians 3:12-14, where we get the encouragement to press toward the mark or goal set before us in Christ. I like how the Message version of the Bible explains verses 12-14. It reads, “I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running and I’m not turning back”.

Moving forward takes effort and determination. It requires not looking back. Constantly looking back at, and having the wrong view of the past can be one of the greatest hindrances to forward progress, both in ministry and in life. When we meditate on past hurtful relationships, it will hinder your current or future relationships. Don’t bring old baggage into a new relationship. Rehashing old conflicts causes bitterness, the wound reopens. A wound that is constantly reopened will never heal and will lead to spiritual infection i.e., hatred and depression. Move forward by letting go. The enemy wants you to focus on past defeats and failures in order to keep you looking backward.

Move forward. Remember, only those who never attempt anything are free from failing. We all fail at one time or another; however, failure is an event not a person. Keep it in the right position…behind you. If failure is kept in the right sense, it will serve as a launching pad for success. My friends, yesterday is gone, all that is left is today and tomorrow. What are you doing today to get to the next level? On the other hand, past successes can be used to encourage new opportunities and give you Fresh vision! Thinking about the past is not bad as long as you don’t stay there. Reach and press forward into what God has chosen for you to do. Let nothing stop you from pursuing your divine purpose. Family and friends are waiting and watching to see how you will overcome. Show them. I like that song by Kirk Franklin titled, “Smile”, because today is a new day. The Apostle Paul admonishes us to forget those things that are behind us and press forward. Your future is bright and it is in front of you!

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Get Empowered Author: RoShanda Johnson

Keep Your Eyes on the Prize We are almost half way into this New Year. Looking from where we started we have definitely made some strides, but its time to take a leap. As women we rise, we fall, we cry, we have set backs, but we always manage to get back up, dust the dirt off, and keep moving. After setting realistic goals for myself, I realized I don’t give myself enough credit. So, with that I began to ask the women around me about their everyday “routine”. It was pretty much the same for all, wake up, get everybody in the house ready for school or work, feed the kids, get ourselves ready for work, work a full day, come home take care of everyone and everything, and lay down at the end of the night wondering where has my day gone? As children we had all of these hopes and dreams to be doctors, lawyers, or movie stars. Why did that change? When did it change? In the last article we learned how to embrace the art of change. Just because circumstances change doesn’t mean your dream has to. Write your vision and make it plain. Work the vision and watch God do the rest! Get the family involved. Sit everyone down and say, “Hey! This is what I want to do. How can you as my family help me achieve this goal?” Use your gifts and talents. Make them work for you. Put the work in now and in the end you can actually enjoy the fruits of your labor. Anytime you fail to see the long-term opportunity, you will sacrifice it for a right now pleasure.

Open your eyes and

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Gifts From a Goddess: Keondra Atwater Author: CLM Editorial Team

went to live with my grandmother when I was five years old. She was the strongest woman I knew. She taught me to be independent, strong, and genuine. At that time, I remember my mother getting me a curl because my grandmother was not good at hairstyling. It was then I began experimenting with my own hair. From there I just remember loving all things that had to do with the subject. When I was in fourth grade we had to do a project for black history month and I chose Madam C.J. Walker. I built a makeshift salon using my Barbie as Madam C.J. Walker. I ended up winning an award for most creative project. Over the years I elevated my skills by experimenting with my hair styles on friends and family. When I was fourteen I went to live with my father. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s when my focus was more on education and prepping for college. I come from a family who is big on education. A family who thought being a hairstylist was fine as a hobby, but not a good career path. Upon graduation I was accepted to IUPUI. I stayed for about two months because I was not truly happy. From there I worked odd jobs while still doing hair as a side job, but never considering it as a career because it was instilled in me that it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t.

Photography: Andrea Smith, Studio 57 Photography.

When I was twenty-two I gave birth to my son and about a week later lost my grandmother to breast cancer. It was an extremely difficult time for me, but it was then I realized how important truly living for you is. I re-enrolled in school pursing my degree in business management. I figured I would get my degree in business and work towards owning my own salon. In 2010, I was laid off from my job of four years, so I decided I would do everything that working a full time job wouldn’t allow. I enrolled in beauty school full-time. Three months after I began, I lost my father. He passed away unexpectedly leaving me distraught. I began to second guess my decision. I thought maybe this was God’s way of telling me that beauty school wasn’t for me. Two months later, with the support of family and friends I reenrolled in beauty school. It was at this time I learned that beauty school was not just about hairstyling. I wanted to understand the science of hair. I began to study trichology and from there I became a self-proclaimed natural hairstylist. In the midst of getting an in-depth understanding of hair and with the help of a close friend, I discovered my passion for make-up.

Through self-education, I began perfecting my skills as a MUA or Make-up Artist and from there gave birth to my hair and make-up artistry Gifts from a Goddess. I chose Gifts because I am skilled in both hair and make-up and Goddess because it is the actual meaning of my name. Through all of my ups and downs, the one thing that remained constant was my love for all things beauty. No matter how hard I tried to stray away from it, I would always find my way back to it or it back to me. I completed cosmetology school at the beginning of the year and have been going full speed ever since. I’ve done a ton of local shows, photo shoots, and many other events. I am truly blessed. I contribute my success to walking totally by faith and staying abreast of the industry trends. My experience in the industry has been great. In the beginning I watched from the sideline as I was a shampoo girl for quite some time. My hairstylist at the time was an active participant in the Studio 54 hair show every year. I remember helping to prep, being backstage, and just being in love with that life. My mentor is Sean Taylor. She is a woman I have known for only a short time, but who is extremely positive and uplifting. She believes in spreading knowledge with the purpose e of empowering. I chose my career because it truly makes me happy. I love everything beauty and the moment I stepped out on faith was the moment I found happiness.

Photography: Andrea Smith, Studio 57 Photography. MUA: Keondra Atwater, Gifts From a Goddess. Styling: DaNisha Green, Yours In Fashion

“...I discovered my passion...”

The Viewpoint Crystal’s Corner Author: Crystal Puckett,

If there is one thing I have learned

in this parenting journey, it is that my children do not always come first. I did not always feel this way, and at times, I continue to remind myself of that. My faith allowed me to see and understand this concept. When I internalized it and applied into our lives, it helped to enrich my walk with God, my marriage, and my parenting.

Now whom you ask could come before my children? Well, that’s simple…God. Second to him would be my husband, and finally my children. When applied properly all falls into place perfectly. Let us start with this analogy. When boarding an airplane what is one of the first things you hear prior to take off? You hear the attendant instruct everyone that in case of an emergency you must first put your mask on before helping anyone else. With that being said, for me it is the premise for how my household functions. We must help our marriage before helping our children or anyone else. Keep in mind as well this is more on an emotional level. Of course, if one of our children needs shoes and my husband needs shoes as well, my husband and I will get our children’s shoes before our own.

Children watch and take in all we do, even our interactions with each other. My children watch my husband and I work, cook, and tend to their siblings. They are always eager for us to show and teach them more. We see and understand that we are molding them into the mothers and father they will become in the future. The children also see that mommy and daddy take time out of the day to spend time together without them.

Our positive interactions also allow our children to see and understand how men should treat women and vice versa. Showing our affection and taking time for one another allows the children to see they are in a safe and secure environment. By that I mean, they aren’t worried about whether mommy is mad at daddy or trying to decipher why their parents are arguing, but instead, they can focus on their school work, friends, and all of the other positive aspects in their lives wh ich in turn helps boost their confidence.

Maintaining Order We have explained this to them as “mommy and daddy time”, whether it is watching a movie or sitting to discuss our day. They know during that time they are not allowed to interrupt us. There have been times in which the days have gotten chaotic and I’ve been consumed with work upstairs and my husband is working downstairs and the kids have come to us and told us to get off of our laptops and spend time together. Children want and need to see healthy interactions among peers, family, and more importantly… their parents. Our children see us love and respect one another and nurture our relationship.

We love and respect each other and seek to make each other and our family happy. I often say to my children that love is an action word. I show them how important my husband is and the love that we have trickles down and overflows to our children These interactions allow our children to see what a healthy, spiritually grounded marriage entails. More importantly, our marital interactions show the kids selflessness. They understand and accept they are not the “focus” in the household, but rather they are an intricate and magnificent piece in our family.

A Tribute to our Mothers You’re the first to rise and the last to sleep You cook, clean, work, go to school and make sure all necessities we meet Sacrifice, is an understatement of what you do So selfless, giving, yet honorable…that’s you It’s the simple things that get overlooked But you keep smiling and going never to be shook From the soccer games, dance classes, and after school plays From the doctor and dental appointments and those sick days I always find comfort in your arms, it soothes Even when I am growing, figuring out who I am, even with my bad moods. You simply smile, put your hand on your hip Tell me mother knows best, it’s for your own good as your tea you sip When things go wrong you’re the first to help me with the lesson When things are right you give the highest praise. By giving all you have to ensure that I become the best I can be Mother, I thank you for unconditionally loving me

Happy Mother’s Day

Author: CLM Editorial Team

Young & Gifted Author: Tiffany Jones- Lockridge

Girls…let’s get our emotions together! Being human is an emotional experience. We all have our moments of happiness, sadness, anger, depression, anxiety, and a host of other feelings. How do we deal with those emotions? Why are some feelings harder to handle than others? Like emotions, everyone has some sort of relationship with other people. Unless you are a castaway on an island, you interact with people every day. Relationships with parents, friends, and significant others (like a boyfriend or girlfriend) can be rewarding and also frustrating.

For the past five years, social media has been a huge part of emotional stress for teens. Social sites such as; Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace, have created positive and negative stressors. Apart from the social benefits, social networking sites can be used to document school research, promote artistic talents, and experiment with other forms of content creation. They provide a way to interact with others who share the same interests and to get constructive feedback on ongoing projects. Along with these benefits come some risks. Most social networking sites are open to all, especially MySpace, which means you could be exposed to harassment, bullying, or sexual advances. Cyber-bullying and harassment are now more common than ever. This tends to happen mostly to older girls and teens of either gender that have a strong online presence. It may take several forms:    

Publicizing private instant messages, text messages, or e-mails. Posting threatening messages. Posting photos that will cause embarrassment to others. Spreading rumors.

It’s important that as a teen we treat others the way we would like to be treated. Avoid causing hurtful information to be posted on social websites. If you are being bullied or harassed, make sure to block the individual and report them to the website administrator immediately. *Bullying is never ok

The Beauty Bar Author: Keondra Atwater

Primping For Prom

For an upper classman, prom is one of the most important events of the school year. First, time and effort is put into finding the right style of dress; however, the second most important part of the overall look is hair, with make-up running a close third. For prom season 2012 the name of the game is “less is more”, while young ladies are focusing on vibrant colors and flashier dress styles they are taking a more subtle approach to hair and make-up. Here you will find some trendy hair styles and makeup looks along with some do’s and don’ts to complete your look

Photography: Anthony Scott, Flash Time Studios MUA: Keondra Atwater, Gifts From a Goddess.

Dos and Don’ts Do – Stick to what you know… Changing your hair drastically for prom may not be such a good idea. Stay away from drastic haircuts, colors, or even hairstyles. Don’t – Overdo it. Big hair, big make-up, big dress equals big mistake. If your dress is elaborate, stick to soft hair and make-up. Do – Have a clear understanding of what you want to look like on your big day… do your research. Don’t – Wait until the last minute. Proper planning ensures you can look the way you want 18 with no discrepancies.

Fashion Fit Pay it Forward: Fashion For Cause With the focus ever on fashion throughout the years, many fashionistas have shown that stereotypical selfabsorbed and superficial fashion lovers do have hearts made of gold or sequins and colorful prints. Either way, it’s always amazing to see designers, boutique owners, wardrobe stylists, hair stylists, makeup artists, photographers, and models rally fashion goers to raise not only awareness and in-kind sponsorship, but money for worthy causes. Various fashion week organizations partner with charitable organizations to, of course, raise awareness and money for their respective causes.

There are many national campaigns that put fashion focus on worthy causes such as AIDs, breast cancer, and heart disease like the infamous “The Heart Truth’s Red Dress Collection” for example. There are also arrays of worthy causes which are not limited to heath or incurable diseases. One such program is Dress for Success which helps underprivileged and rehabilitated women receive help with clothing for interviews and new jobs at no cost along with training and preparation for employment. WINK (Women Increasing Networking Knowledge) hosted their 6th Annual Fashion Show where a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the DFSI (Dress for Success, Indianapolis). In the Indianapolis scene there are tons of local causes where industry professionals donate their time and services, some more so during the back to school, Christmas, and prom seasons. Examples are Cutz for Kids and Curls for Girls, Midwest Fashion Week partners with Down Syndrome Indiana, and The National Kidney Foundation.

Photography : Nicole Danielle, NDP

Fashion Fit

Author: Yours In Fashion DaNisha Greene

Christ is My Big C and Simply Pink Fashion Show are two separate organizations that are raising awareness and money to assist cancer patients and survivors who have incurred financial difficulties due to their diagnosis or treatment. Bags to Riches Gala, Taste of Africa Fashion Show, CARA Charities, Indy 500 Fashion Show, and several others are some of the many fashion driven initiatives to raise awareness for worthy causes. As I have traveled and continue to further my career in the fashion industry, I have come across many young girls, but none who affected me like a young lady who has overcome tremendous obstacles in such a short life span of 19 years. From being taken away from her mother at the age of one, to going in and out of several foster homes, to not knowing most of her nine siblings, to recently being homeless, and reconnecting with her drug addicted mother via Facebook. I really connected with her struggle, as well as her spirit of perseverance and hope she continues to have as she finishes high school and pursues college with a smile. I wondered if she was going to prom and if she would like me to ask my industry friends and colleagues to help make this Cinderella story come true. There are tons of national campaigns and giveaways during the prom season locally and nationally.

Since I was only helping one special young lady who, didn’t know at the time she more than deserved it, she would get the works from the tickets, to dinner, dress, shoes, hair, makeup, mani and pedi, pictures, and even an after prom “Fab Bag” filled with fashionable items that any teenager would love. She didn’t realize telling her story would have such a huge effect on me that day as well as others who may have been in similar situations. After seeking out boutiques, designers, hair stylists and makeup artists, photographers, as well as transportation services we’ve received a great response. I would be remiss not to thank those who have helped make her special day come true. Special Thank You to Bella Divine Boutique, Gifts From a Goddess, Studio 57 Photography, Roqstars Boutique, Bgals Couture, Nubian Naturals, So Anxious Clothing, Fly Misses Hand Bags, Impeccable Styles, Electic Styles, Runway Diva, Nicole Danielle Photography, Catou, Kidz Korner Too, Fiafi Line, In My Sistas Ear, Lu Cosmetics, Fly Misses Jewels and Customs and Footwear, Nail Couture by Byanna, Charismatic Creations, Couture Living Magazine, Couture Candy, and of course YoursInFashion.com.

Scene in Fashion

Author: Yours In Fashion DaNisha Greene

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel like shopping? Would you like to reinvent your look? Do you have a closet full of clothes but nothing to wear? Yours In Fashion Consultant DaNisha Greene Wardrobe Stylist and Fashion Consultant will teach you to re-shop your closet. Fashion Shows, Photo Shoots, Fashion Editorials, Music Videos, Production & More.

Yours In Fashion Consultant DaNisha Greene is ready to style for you. Email: danishagreene@yoursinfashion.comor go to www.YoursInFashion.comto view & book.

Entrepreneurial Soul: Robert “Rob” Davis CEO, RD Distributions, LLC

“God, His grace has always been upon me.”

alking with Sales Distributor and CEO, Mr. Rob Davis, was simply an honor. To hear his life’s journey and how he has such a passion to help and inspire others to be somebody was amazing. His love for his family, basketball, and singing brought such joy to him as he shared a little about himself with Couture Living. “God, His grace has always been upon me. Growing up I always talked to my elders about life. My mother would tell me to do my best and to be strong. My grandmother (Allie D. Trotter) would tell me to go to church. She was my mentor. She would make sure I had confidence to do anything I put my mind to, to work for what I needed, like cutting grass, shoveling snow, washing windows, and more. Popsi, my grandfather, would tell me to work hard and good things would come, like houses, cars, savings and more. The old man, my father, showed me how to make money and we used to spend a lot of time fishing. They and anyone who is respectful to their peers as well as their elders and self are my idols. If you never lose respect you’ll never lose self. They all gave me a lot of insight on life. In the process of growing I apply most of what I was taught through my years.

In high school I was in choir, that’s where I was discovered as a freshman. Choir was one of the required classes. My oldest brother and I, who were always playing love ballads, had to sing a part of a song individually because someone was singing in the wrong note. When it got to me, he was impressed with my voice. After that song, I was the man! (laughs). I sang in the junior and senior play. I really love singing. There were times throughout my high school years where I was asked to sing in various areas such as in the locker room, gym, the cafeteria, and wherever else they wanted me to sing. During that time it was extremely fun for me, especially when it came to singing. It seemed as if everyone was waiting on me to sing because they knew my part was a challenge for others to sing. After high school I sang in three different bands. Two years later I signed with a record label and then I started to see some of the dark side of the music business. It was totally against my morals and values in life so I came back home. I now sing at weddings, birthday parties, and for fun with my kids. I’ve always loved kids. It’s always been on my heart to help them. I got my first chance in 1992 with a program called Partners in Education.

Photography: Andrea Smith, Studio 57 Photography.

I also volunteered for Girls and Boys Club, Dollar for Doer’s, and continue to speak to youth. I remember when I first picked up a basketball in the 7th grade, Ray Ball, my coach was very fundamental. He taught us everything there was to know about the game. We won the championship my 8th grade year. I was so happy and I wanted other kids to feel what I felt. That’s why I decided to coach. I coached for 17 years at IPS School 65 in Indianapolis, Indiana. It was a great experience. I still get kids from the first year of my coaching who approach me and thank me for teaching them the game of basketball and life. While coaching, I was also selling perfume and cologne in beauty salons and barber shops. One day I ran into someone who had his own beauty supply business. We ended up meeting and talking later that evening. That’s how I got my start in selling hair products, and here I am 16 years later with my own business.” Rob shared with us that selling hair products was more than a business; it was a ministry that allowed him to encourage, inspire, and sometimes simply bless others in this industry.

As, I continue to figure out my purpose in life whether it is working with young men and women or being an inspiration to someone with little hope in life, I get closer to the Lord while working on creative ideas for the hair product industry. I advise others to trust in the Lord with all their heart and with doing so he will provide you with your every need in life; however, we must remember that we are going to make some mistakes throughout our journey in life. I also make sure I head in the right direction by continuing to pray everyday for God to give me strength while I am going through the challenging moments. My favorite quotes that are positive and keep me uplifted are Keep hope alive, Love and happiness, and Stay in prayer.â&#x20AC;?

ADVERTISE WITH US...... The Magazine where you can “Be One of Kind, by Design!” www.couturelivingmagazine.com

Palate Teasers

Great Seasonal Greens Submitted on behalf of Chef Anthony Stewart, Executive Chef Pritikin Longevity Center & Spa (www.pritikin.com)

Puree Green Pea Soup

2 quarts clear vegetable stock 2 onions chopped 1 head fennel chopped 3 tbsp. chopped garlic 1 # potato peeled and chopped 4 # green peas (frozen ok) ½ tsp. Baking soda or baking powder 3 tbsp. Pritikin shake it table blend 3 tbsp. No salt added mustard 2-tbsp. Chopped fresh thyme leaves 2 tbsp. Chopped fresh basil 1 tbsp. chopped fresh dill 1 tsp. Wasabi powder Preparation 1. In a stockpot sauté onion, garlic and fennel. Add vegetable stock and potato and cook until soft and potato begin to break apart. 2. Add thyme, mustard and shake-it blends and cook for another 5 minutes. 3. Turn the flame off and add baking soda, when it begin to foam add green peas, wasabi powder and remaining ingredients. Let sit for 5 minutes. 4. Blend and serve.

Spinach Mashed Potatoes

5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes (If unavailable, any potato variety will work.) 2 cups frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained ¼ cup diced onion (optional) 2 cups nonfat milk ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg ½ cup fat-free sour cream

Boil potatoes in water until soft (about 25 minutes). Sauté spinach and onion in nonstick skillet until hot. Add milk and nutmeg, and bring to a boil. Remove from heat. In a large mixing bowl, mash potatoes with a wire whip. Add spinach mixture and sour cream. Whisk until potatoes are fluffy. Serve immediately.

Edamame & Broccoli Dip

1 pound shelled and cooked Edamame (soy) beans, often available in frozen food sections 1 pound over-cooked (softened) broccoli florets 3 tablespoons chopped Vidalia onion 1 tablespoon chopped garlic ¼ cup fat-free sour cream 3 tablespoons fat-free plain yogurt 3 tablespoons freshly chopped basil ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 4 tablespoons lemon Juice 1. In a food processor, puree the Edamame beans, broccoli, onion, and garlic for 2 minutes. 2. Transfer to mixing bowl. Add sour cream, yogurt, basil, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. 3. Add lemon juice to taste. 4. Serve with vegetable sticks, such as carrots, celery, and jicama, or with whole-wheat low-sodium chips. 5. Add the chicken to the bowl with the peas; toss to combine. Serve sprinkled with cashews

Mature Money Author Lisa Gilliard, M.B.A., M.A.

Understanding Homeowner’s Insurance Premiums Did your homeowner’s insurance premium recently increase? If so, you are one of many homeowners whose home insurance premium rose by at least 19%. Here are a few tips that will help to answer why this has occurred and what can be done to fix the problem. Several variables can impact the initial price of your insurance premium such as: the age of the home, deductible, credit score, bill payment, and claim history. In addition, there are a number of reasons to explain why insurance premiums might rise. Most often, it is due to a recent claim that has been filed. According to Allstate’s website, “[e]very policyholder’s situation is unique, so the answer to this depends on the circumstances of your claim. If your claim causes you to lose a discount - such as the Allstate Claim Free Discount - then your premium will increase. But, there are other discounts, such as Allstate Auto and Home Discount that your claim probably wouldn’t affect. You may also see a premium increase due to a claim surcharge or if you’ve had one or more property claims.” Although this is true, it is not always the case. In some instances, increases are not a direct result of your actions. In some states, such as Arkansas, insurance hikes followed an unprecedented number of natural disasters, including tornadoes. If you have fallen victim to an increase in premium here are some options. You may be able to maintain or even reduce your premium by: • Reviewing your insurance coverage’s and making sure that they meet your current needs • Adjusting your deductible and/or limits (Higher deductible = Lower premium) • Taking advantage of all available discounts • Seeking another insurance carrier that can rewrite your policy(s) for a substantial savings • Updating coverage information • Bundling (i.e. Homeowners & Auto Insurance) Please keep in mind that every dollar earned can be a dollar saved. Take the time to look at your policy and determine how you can lower your premium. It is well worth the research. Source: http://www.allstate.com/claims/home-insurance-FAQs.aspx

Health First, Self First Author: Tiawana Mitchell

Third Contact Smoke: The Hidden Danger Many of us know about first and second-hand smoke contact, but what about third-hand contact? Thirdhand smoke contact is a new development in the dangers of smoking. Researchers have found the residue from nicotine can actually react with chemicals in the air to form carcinogens. So, while many people have quit smoking to avoid the first and second-hand smoke contact, measures are being taken to protect the public from third-hand contact. Some health facilities are beginning to restrict their employees from smoking during the workday to avoid the possibility of this new health threat. As of August 22, 2011, IU Health, one of the largest hospital corporations in Indiana, has decided to keep their patients safe from this concern by placing a ban on their employees smoking habits on their workdays. Employees are required to sign a contract stating they will not smoke on their workdays, including time prior to their shift. The reason for this is the residue may be on the employeesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; skin, clothes, and hair. IU Health is not the only health system adhering to these precautions. In Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Geisinger Health System also established a similar policy as of February 1, 2012. We can also protect ourselves while in public places. Remember third-hand contact is from the residue found on skin, hair, smokersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; cars, and even in homes of smokers. What can we do to protect ourselves? Try to limit contact from smokers. If that is not possible or it is difficult to do, always remember to Wash Your Hands! Also have the smoker wash their hands to decrease residue on their skin. A simple explanation would prevent any misunderstanding. And, rememberâ&#x20AC;ŚHealth First, Self First!

Socially Living Our 2nd Annual Couture Living Social Reception was a HIT!Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss out on the next one! Congratualtions to Ms. Ashile Hayes who won the wonderful Couture Living Swagbag, full of goodies from local retailers! Also, to Ms. Jacquese Tucker who won the door prize , delicious cookies from Somethinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Sweet! Couture Living Magazine thanks each and every one of you who supported the event and continues to support us throughout our journey!

Metropolitian Picks and Favorite Finds Planning those summer vacations, breaks, or quick getaways? Always check out our list of Metropolitan picks and our Favorite Finds!

Metropolitan Picks Playa Mujeres, Mexico Aspen, Colorado Kauai, Hawaii Hayman Island, Australia Guangxi Province, China French Polynesia, Tahiti Santorini, Greece Mariposa, California Taiohae, Nuku Hiva Cape Town, South Africa

We have our selected favorites but we want to know yours! No matter what city, state, or country... we want you to share the enjoyment and help us spread the word about Send us your input on the lounges, clubs, restaurants, historical places you enjoy or frequent! Email us your review today! It may end up on our top 10 places to visit!

Socially Living Favorite Finds Hair Rules offers one of the healthiest approaches to hair care based on the clients’ natural texture. Their objective is to re-discover natural hair texture, embrace the versatility it offers, and wear it however they choose – but via healthy, responsible methods. Products can be found at www.hairrules.com

Vitabath not only is full of vitamins and antioxidants, but the smell is great. The product leaves you feeling and smelling refreshed. There is lots of rich lather and it’s not drying to the skin. The Vitabath Fragrance Collection is available online at www.myvitabath.com and national retailers including Bed, Bath &Beyond, ULTA Beauty, Harmon Drugs, Ricky’s, Fred Meyer, AAFES, and Stages stores, for as low as $9.99. The Salonpas patch works for mild to moderate pain on muscles and joint pain, arthritis pain, shoulder pain, back pain, neck pain, and strains, sprains and bruises. Patches can be worn for 8 to 12 hours per patch 3 to 4 times per day. Salonpas are conveniently small enough to wear undetectable beneath the clothing. They do not stain the fabric. We were very satisfied with the convenience and pain relief Salonpas provided. Salonpas line of products is sold in all major drugstores and can be purchased online at Drugstore.com and Amazon.com. Kusmi tea is light, refreshing, and leaves a clean palate with no after taste. It’s very calming. We definitely recommend trying Kusmi Tea’s. Teas are packaged in 4.4 and 8.8 ounce tins. With over 20 flavors of teas, they are priced at $16.95 and $27.95 each. For more information visit their website: http://us.kusmitea.com/

We found the products to be light and gentle on the skin. They smelled fresh without the added perfumes. Arcona did not leave the face feeling oily or dry. There are six skin type packages to choose from. Visit their website to find a local retailer www.arcona.com

Author: CLM Editorial Team

A Tribute to our Fathers

Being there to guide me through, I always could depend on you. You sacrificed to provide, so I could have a better life. The lessons you taught, the time and advice you gave Teaching and raising me in the way I should go, to the strong love you would show. Showing me how to stand on my own, how to be independent when I became grown The values, beliefs and ethics you instilled, How to hold your ground, hold your head up high, and be strong willed. Allowing me to find myself and how I fit in this world, Never leaving my side even when we werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t eye to eye Loving me whether wrong or right. All the hugs, the kisses, and laughs Still hold with me as we journey to our future from our past Father, you have and continue to do your best I am forever grateful none the less

Happy Fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day

Volume 2, Issue 3 | May/June 2012 | www.couturelivingmagazine.com

Entrepreneurial Soul Robert “Rob” Davis

Mature Money: Understanding Homeowner’s Insurance Premiums