“FAITH IS TAKING THE FIRST STEP EVEN WHEN YOU DON'T SEE THE WHOLE STAIRCASE.”
– Martin Luther King Jr.
At d-mars.com, one of the fundamental things we do is highlight legacy — giving recognition to those who have gone their entire lives putting in the work and serving communities. Some waited too long for that day, and we’re doing all we can to change that. This month, we have the distinct pleasure of being a part of a budding legacy and showcasing a young man who’s just beginning to make his name in the world.
Christian Onyemem, owner of Christian Onyemem CPA Firm, PLLC, is the son of a hardworking Nigerian immigrant. When Christian was just 14 years old, his father achieved his goal of opening a successful business — a mental health clinic — and had Christian keep track of the books.
CONTENTS
BUSINESS
04 5 Expert Tax Tips Small Business Owners Should Know
04 How Paid Family and Medical Leave Benefits Families and Businesses
COMMUNITY
06 Texas Students Attend PGA WORKS Beyond the Green at 71st KPMG Women’s PGA Championship
06 A Victory in Voting Rights
07 Houston Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter Hosts 20th Biennial Debutante Ball: “Anthology of Excellence – The Harlem Renaissance”
08 Commissioner Rodney Ellis Hosts Summer Event for Harris County Boys and Girls
EDUCATION & CAREER
09 5 Steps Students Can Take Toward Entrepreneurial Careers
09 How to Borrow for College Without the Stress
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
10 Entrepreneurs Know That Failure is Sometimes Necessary – Here’s What We Can Learn From Them
HEALTH & WELLNESS
15 How Support and Connection Can Improve Mental Health as You Age
16 7 Things Doctors Wish Families Knew This Back-to-School Season
17 Back-to-School Food Allergy Guide: What Parents Need to Know
17 Sleep Loss Rewires the Brain for Cravings and Weight Gain
18 Walking in Your Calling: Thriving Through Criticism
TRAVEL
20 Six Ways to Get Ready for a National Park Trip
21 The Art of Slow Travel — and How to Embrace it in Michigan FINANCE
22 How to Spot Financial Misinformation on Social Media
22 Down Payment Options Are Unlocking Homeownership for More Americans REAL ESTATE
23 Tips, Tricks, and Color Recommendations for New Homeowners and First-Time Painters
23 Porch Perfect: Easy Upgrades That Make a Lasting First Impression
24 Did You Know?
24 Old Folks Saying RECIPE OF THE MONTH
30 Crunchy Coconut Chicken
Fast forward a few years and Christian opened his company in 2019, just a few years after exploring the workforce for himself. Just like his dad, he saw an opportunity in the market, and he knew he could provide something that other CPA firms lack. What that thing is, however, you’ll have to read the main story to find out.
Also, in this month’s journal: an end-of-thesummer event that brought out thousands of kids, how grocery shopping could replace a credit score, and more.
As always, I thank you for supporting our journal and all the local professionals and entrepreneurs that we highlight.
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eeling anxious about preparing and filing your business taxes? As a solopreneur or small business owner, navigating the complexities of taxes can be overwhelming and time-consuming.
You don't have to do it alone. TurboTax Business is here to support your business tax journey, so you can focus on what really matters.
1. IDENTIFY THE RIGHT TAX FORMS FOR YOUR BUSINESS
Understanding which tax forms you need to file can save
you time and help you avoid potential penalties.
For example, if your business is a partnership, you and your partner will need to fill out joint and individual forms. However, if you have a sole proprietorship, you'll likely only need one or two forms, in addition to your personal tax return.
2.
GATHER YOUR DOCUMENTS
Once you know which forms to file, it's time to gather the necessary documents to prepare your business taxes. Examples of documents you may need include:
• Invoices
• Paid and outstanding bills
• Canceled checks
• Deposit slips
• Sales slips
• Cash register tapes
• Credit card statements
• Bank account statements
• Employment tax records
• Year-end payroll reports
3. MAXIMIZE YOUR DEDUCTIONS
Just like personal taxes, identifying which deductions your small business qualifies for can reduce your taxable income. Some small business tax deductions that may apply to your small business include:
• Business meals
• Work travel expenses
• Home office costs
• Business insurance
• Work-related car use
• Retirement contributions
• Rent
he U.S. is one of the only developed countries in the world that does not guarantee paid family and medical leave to workers, leaving millions of babies without the care they need in their earliest months of life.
Paid leave is associated with higher breastfeeding rates, regularly attended well-child visits with pediatricians, and other key markers of short- and long-term health for young children and adults. Plus, early relationships with parents and caregivers, specifically in the first three years of life, shape a child’s brain development, laying the foundation for lifelong learning, health, and well-being.
With less than a third of people in the U.S. having access to paid family and medical leave, many families are left without financial security during a critical time for child development. Access to paid family and medical leave is lowest among workers with the greatest needs, including those with lower incomes, without college degrees, and who work part time. The production, transportation, construction, maintenance, and service sectors have some of the lowest rates of access.
Advocates are bringing awareness to the many working parents and caregivers who are forced to sacrifice their jobs and savings when they need time off to bond with their young children or care for themselves or a sick or injured family member.
“All workers — regardless of location, education, or job type — should have access to paid family and medical leave to provide the care and stability children and families need to thrive,” Emmett Avery, coalition manager for the Ver mont Paid Leave Coalition, a statewide alliance advocating for the strong paid family and medical leave program in Vermont, said.
• Office supplies and expenses
• Business interest expenses
• Startup expenses
If you're unsure which deductions you're eligible for, consult with a knowledgeable tax preparer.
4.
KEEP YOUR BOOKS CLEAN
Make sure your financial records are up-to-date, accurate, and organized.
While this task may sound daunting, you can use tax software to track business expenses and transactions throughout the year. Doing so can help you avoid the stress of figuring it all out during tax season. Consider using an integrated platform to keep your books clean this tax season and yearround.
For example, QuickBooks allows you to easily track your business income, expenses, and even business mileage, then you can import your information into your TurboTax Business tax return, allowing for seamless transfer of your information and a done-for-you tax experience.
5. PARTNER WITH AN EXPERT
You don't have to tackle your taxes alone. Work with an expert tax preparer who not only knows what you need now, but can anticipate what you may need in the future.
TurboTax Business is here to help. When you use TurboTax Business, you'll be matched with a tax expert who can maximize your deductions and securely prepare, sign, and file your small business taxes.
Best of all? You'll also have access to unlimited year-round expert tax support at no extra cost. To learn more, visit TurboTax.com/Business.
Source: BrandPoint (Edited by d-mars.com)
Interestingly, paid family and medical leave is not only good for families, real-world results show that it’s also good for businesses and the economy. Access to paid leave benefits businesses by increasing employee productivity and morale, improving employee retention, and reducing turnover costs, and states with paid leave programs see fewer families relying on public assistance, lowering costs for taxpayers.
“Paid family and medical leave is a commonsense policy that's supported by an overwhelming majority of voters and essential for infants and toddlers, families, businesses, and the economy,” Dan O'Brien the policy director for Children First PA, a nonprofit organization that works to improve the lives of children in Pennsylvania
and beyond, said. “Everyone can help push for policies that give all working families the time they need to care for their loved ones without sacrificing their jobs or financial security.”
If you believe all families deserve the time and support to care for loved ones without risking their jobs or financial security, advocates encourage you to act now. You can join the movement for paid family and medical leave at https://ncit. org/take-action/paid-family-and-medical-leave-action/ and help push for policies that put children and caregivers first.
Source: StatePoint (Edited by d-mars.com)
As the best women golfers in the world prepare for the 2025 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at Fields Ranch East at PGA Frisco, local high school students experienced PGA WORKS Beyond the Green at the Home of the PGA of America. This career-exploration event, hosted at select PGA of America Championships, is designed to educate,
inspire, and provide students from historically underserved backgrounds with access to industry leaders, executives, and influencers to pursue careers in the business of golf and beyond.
Young women from local organizations Fore Frisco, Black Sports Professionals of North Texas, University of North Texas, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Collin County Alumni Chapter, Black Sports Professionals of North Texas, and The Links Incorporated gathered to learn from inspiring female leaders and PGA of America leadership about careers in and around the world of golf.
“There are so many doors you can go through in the golf industry, and today is exciting because you are going to get the keys to those doors,” said Rea, PGA Owner/Operator of Augusta Ranch Golf Club in Mesa, Arizona. “The golf industry is a $102 billion industry, which means there are opportunities for you to have the career that you want to have around golf and to choose the life that you want to live.”
Participants then got hands-on experience through a golf clinic from PGA of America Golf Professionals to learn the fundamentals of the game and a panel discussion.
PANELISTS INCLUDED:
• Monique Winfree – Greater West Community Market Director & Community and Business Development, JP Morgan Chase
he NAACP Legal Defense Fund is taking a victory lap for a Supreme Court win against Alabama’s discriminatory redistricting practices that targeted Black voters there. Attorney Deuel Ross for the Legal Defense Fund said, “The Supreme Court ruled that Alabama had violated the Voting Rights Act by chopping up that Black population and declining to create two majority Black Districts.”
Ross emphasized to BlackPressUSA that Alabama’s Black Belt is hundreds of years old with a “very large Black population.” Ross, who argued the case in the trial court and the United States Supreme Court, successfully proved that “Alabama had both intentionally discriminated against Black voters” by chopping up the Black Belt, a majority Black population that “runs straight through Alabama.”
This victory comes after recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions have undermined voting rights laws. “If any case was going to show that the Voting Rights Act was still needed, it was our case,” Ross said.
One of the first major blows to the 1965 Voting Rights Act was in 2013. The Supreme Court decision then gutted the pre-clearance portion of the act. The ruling was made in the Shelby V. Holder case, throwing out the pre-clearance portions of the law. That law section was created to prevent discriminatory election practices in “certain southern states” like Alabama. Within that law was a portion called pre-clearance, where the southern states that were found to be practicing discriminatory election practices against Black voters had to get clearance from the Justice Department before they made any changes to the election process or rules.
Source: NNPA by April Ryan
• Michele Meyer-Shipp – Chief Executive Officer, Dress for Success
• Nwanye Davis – VP Legal Operations, Dallas Mavericks
Following the panel discussion, students were allowed to talk to the panelists and additional leaders within the community through a Lunch & Learn.
“This experience made me realize how inclusive golf has become and how diverse it’s getting,” said Gabby Pippins, Student/Sports Content Coordinator at the University of North Texas and a member of Black Sports Professionals of North Texas. “I got a lot of tips from people in the profession and things that I could apply to what I’m doing right now in college and what I plan to do in the future.”
To end the day, participants toured the Home of the PGA of America and the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship grounds, learning about media operations, the volunteer efforts surrounding the championship, and more.
PGA WORKS is a strategic initiative within the PGA of America REACH Foundation, the 501(c)(3) foundation of the PGA of America, committed to making golf look more like America through on-course and off-course opportunities.
Source: NNPA by Jason Roberts (edited by d-mars.com)
By d-mars.com News Provider
By Houston Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter News Provider
he Houston Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter (HMAC) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated proudly presented 20 accomplished young ladies to society during its 20th Biennial Debutante Ball, held at the elegant Westin Houston – Memorial City. This unforgettable evening marked the culmination of a season themed “Anthology of Excellence: The Harlem Renaissance.”
TThe 2025 Debutante Season commenced with a series of enriching activities designed to prepare the debutantes for their grand presentation. The season opened with the Mother-Daughter Tea, held at the home of Mrs. Daphne Moss, the first formal social event, and continued with other engagements including:
• Community Service Project at the Houston Food Bank
• Sweet Treat Social at Bouchée Patisserie
• Balancing Your Tiara Workshop & Retreat at The Headquarters
• Etiquette & Social Graces Workshop at the Junior League of Houston
• Scholarship Reception awarding over $33,000.00 in scholarships to the debutantes
On the evening of the ball, the debutantes made their formal entrance to a room filled with distinguished guests. They were graciously introduced by Erica Simon, ABC 13-KTRK-TV News Anchor, and Nate Griffin, FOX 26-KRIV-TV Houston. The event featured a captivating musical performance by renowned saxophonist Gregory “Saxman” Daniels.
Guests were mesmerized as the debutantes performed a flawless Cotillion and Grand Waltz in the breathtakingly decorated Grand Ballroom. The ballroom featured cream feather accents, black and gold embellishments, and a regal ambiance reminiscent of the Harlem Renaissance era.
• Raeghan Marie Armstead, daughter of Mr. DeMarlon Armstead and Mrs. Qiana Armstead.
• Camille Gabrielle Broughton, daughter of Mr. Kenneth and Mrs. Monica Broughton.
• Natalie Simone Broussard, daughter of Mr. Burt Broussard and Ms. Tiffany Harris.
• Danae Rachelle Brown, daughter of Mr. Terence and Mrs. Dana Brown.
• Mackenzie Leah Cannon, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ken Cannon.
• Grace Gabriella Clay, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Vyron J. Clay.
• Cassidy Madison Guillory, daughter of Mr. Larry Guillory and Mrs. Fallon Guillory.
• Morgan Lei Johnson, daughter of Mr. Brandon and Mrs. Precilla Johnson.
• Bria Nicole Monroe, daughter of Mr. Neal and Mrs. Tiffany Monroe.
• Addison Gabrielle Mouton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Mouton.
• Mykalah Eryn Pattum, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Marcus Pattum.
• Casey Samone Perry, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jarvis Perry.
• Kirstun Tanielle Porter, daughter of Mr. Vaughn Porter and Ms. Victoria Lackey.
• Chanel Nichole Powell, daughter of Mrs. LaBredah Powell-Coile and Major (Retired) Elizabeth J. Coile.
• Layla Alise Raye, daughter of Mr. Anthony Gibson and Ms. Anquinzander Raye.
• London Danielle Sidney, daughter of Mrs. Lakina Sidney and the late Mr. William Sidney, Sr.
• Karson Nicole Smith, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Marcus Smith, Sr.
• Kristie-LeAnn Taylor, daughter of Mr. Gerald Taylor and Ms. Kellie Thomas.
• Akiela Lenae Williams, daughter of Mr. Kirby Williams and Mrs. Aneisha London-Williams.
• Veronique V’Lillian Wright, daughter of Mr. William Wright, Jr. and Mrs. Sharonda White, and granddaughter of Mrs. V’Lillian Wright-Green.
Tracee M. Fletcher was President of the Houston Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter at the time of the debutante ball. Marna Arvie and Daphne Moss were the General Chairs and Felicia Morgan, Co-Chair. Sub-committee chairs included Patricia Allison, Marna Arvie, Jacqueline Blossom, Barbara Branch, Reshane Dawn-Fowler, Katrice Galloway, Joan Graham, Monica Hill, Linda Hunt-Lane, Muriel Jackson, Sonia Jordan, Percy Kabir, Terri Lynch, Grace Macklin, Ava McFarlane, Felicia Morgan, Charlyn Stewart, and Tamara Young.
THE 2025 HMAC DEBUTANTES:
bout 1,500 boys and girls, ages 6 to 16, competed in a spelling bee and chess matches during the Summer Games Final Event hosted by Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis and officials with the One for All Foundation (formerly the Harris County Street Olympics). The Final Event also featured the Bright Futures Fair, offering interactive booths and hands-on activities that emphasized health, safety, and environmental awareness. Throughout the summer, children have been sharpening their minds by attending the Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools, and participating in programs that focus on education, health, and wellness. They also took part in a full-day Discovery Camp centered on environmental justice and STEM education, giving them space to connect with nature, understand the world around them, and care for their community and environment.
“The One for All Foundation provides opportunities for every young person to thrive, and it gives them the tools to build up their communities,” Commissioner Ellis said. “We are especially grateful to the leaders who help guide and sustain that work
behind the scenes. From swimming and civic engagement to reading and leadership, these programs are rooted in joy, discipline, and opportunity, and they’re changing lives every day. But what’s most powerful is how this work creates real pathways for young people to grow, lead, and give back.” The One for All Foundation summer programming fulfills a critical need in Houston. Studies have shown that without access to affordable, high-quality summer programming, working families lack safe and enriching places for their children to attend while parents are at work. Children, especially those from underserved areas, have difficulty retaining what they learned in the previous school year. Approximately 1,700 Houston-area youth, ages 6 to 17, participated in the free Summer Games, Discovery Camp, 3-on-3 Basketball, and Learn-to-Swim sessions over an eightweek period – culminating in the Final Event/ Bright Futures Fair and closing ceremonies that included a “Parade of Champions” on Aug. 1 at NRG Arena. The One for All Foundation’s mission is to implement and sustain programs that provide training, support and resources that lead to healthy and productive lives for youth.
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COMMISSIONER RODNEY ELLIS
EBy d-mars.com News Provider
ntrepreneurship is a career goal for many working adults. Autonomy and personal satisfaction are just a couple of the benefits of running your own business.
It’s a professional path about 3 in 5 teens would prefer over a traditional job, according to a survey by Junior Achievement (JA). Running a successful company depends on multiple factors, including a solid business plan, adequate startup resources, and a receptive market, as well as a strong sense of responsibility, work ethic and ability to persevere under pressure.
Beginning to shape the skills and mindset necessary to flourish as an entrepreneur can begin well before entering the workforce. In fact, even students in junior high and high school can begin working toward entrepreneurial goals with these tips from JA, a nonprofit that inspires and prepares young people by delivering lessons in financial literacy, work, and career readiness.
1. SELECT ELECTIVES WISELY
If they have the ambition and drive to become an entrepreneur, they may find it beneficial to complement the classes needed for graduation requirements with electives that allow them to explore their interest in the business world. Some examples include accounting, marketing, finance, economics, psychology, and computer science.
2. MAKE PART-TIME WORK MEANINGFUL
While most jobs available to students are service oriented and fall outside the business world, it doesn’t hurt to explore options that put students closer to their entrepreneurial ambitions. For example, local small businesses may be willing to hire someone eager to learn.
3. TAKE PART IN PROGRAMS
Kids can challenge themselves by putting their knowledge into practice as real-world entrepreneurs. For example, JA’s Company Program is an immersive program that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and business acumen, offering students unique opportunities to explore the world of business and economics by creating real companies. Participants learn to present their business plans and results during competitions that offer learning opportunities.
Additionally, at the Future Bound competition, participants took part in seminars and mentorship. The event featured four programs that empower students with entrepreneurship and financial literacy skills – the Company of the Year National Competition, the Social Innovation Challenge, the Titan National Competition, and the National Stock Market Challenge.
4. SEEK A STRONG MENTOR
Some of the best learning comes from emulating others who are successful in their fields. Meeting regularly with someone who serves as a role model can help students sharpen their vision for the future and learn from the experiences that propelled professionals into their current positions.
5.
DEFINE A FUTURE VISION
Creating an inspiration board can help motivated students compile and organize ideas. This board, whether physical or digital, can serve as a source of inspiration and help motivate students to identify and overcome obstacles while working toward bringing their visions for careers as entrepreneurs to life.
Find more ideas to help students gain confidence and skills for future education and careers, and learn more about the competitions, at jausa.ja.org
Source: Family Features (Edited by d-mars.com)
AHOW TO BORROW FOR COLLEGE WITHOUT THE STRESS
By
student loan can be a valuable tool to help you earn your degree – and with the right plan, it doesn’t have to be stressful.
“Smart borrowing starts with knowing the basics. The more you understand, the more confident you’ll feel,” says Dan Kennedy, chief marketing officer, College Ave.
To ensure your student loan helps pave the way for your future success, Kennedy recommends avoiding these common borrowing mistakes:
Not filling out your FAFSA: Before taking out a private student loan, exhaust your other options first. Free money you don’t have to pay back is always preferable to a loan, so look into scholarships. You should also fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to unlock federal student aid, including grants, scholarships and federal student loans.
Skipping Federal Student Loans: Getting your Federal Direct student loans from the government will often beat private loans in terms of interest rates and repayment options. Plus, if you go into a qualifying field, the government may even grant you student loan forgiveness.
Borrowing too much: Borrow only what you need to pay for schooling and basic living expenses. You should also avoid borrowing more than you can comfortably repay based on
your expected future income. A College Ave March 2025 student survey found that 67% of those who expected to have student loan debt post-graduation didn’t know or were unsure of how much their monthly payments would be. Before taking out a loan, use CollegeAve.com’s student loan calculator to get a sense of its overall cost and monthly loan payments.
Not shopping around: If you do end up taking out a private student loan, it’s important to pay attention to lenders’ interest rates and repayment options. Unlike federal loans, which have fixed interest rates for all borrowers, private student loan interest rates vary from lender to lender. Whatever loan you do go with, understand its terms, so there are no surprises down the line.
Not having a cosigner: As a college student, you likely don’t have an established credit history or sufficient income and may not get approved for a private loan on your own. Consider improving your chances of getting approved and securing a lower interest rate by adding a cosigner, like a parent, to your loan application.
Not having a repayment strategy: The College Ave survey found that 76% of students say that they confidently pay their bills on time each month and 63% are working toward personal financial goals. Carry these healthy financial habits with you to the repayment stage of your loan. Having a plan for repayment can make a big difference down the road.
College is a big investment, and having a smart approach to
paying for it is essential. After applying for financial aid and scholarships, and maximizing your income and savings, do some groundwork to ensure that if you have to borrow, you are borrowing smart.
Source: StatePoint (Edited by d-mars.com)
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ENTREPRENEURS KNOW
THAT FAILURE IS SOMETIMES NECESSARY –HERE’S WHAT WE CAN LEARN FROM THEM
For you to be resilient, failure needs to be viewed as an opportunity to reevaluate and reorganize your past decisions.
ailure isn’t pleasant but it is inevitable. Often, it is a stepping stone on the way to success. This is especially true in entrepreneurship. Given the considerable degree of uncertainty and ambiguity associated with starting and running a business, failure is a common phenomenon.
For the last decade, Christian Harrison has studied entrepreneurs and the keys to their success. Unsurprisingly, many have failed more times than they have succeeded. While failure may initially be a blow to your confidence and even put you in financial trouble, it is not the end of the road. Some of the greatest innovations are based on several failed attempts.
Indeed, entrepreneurs often stress that taking risks is important to the success of their business.
Sir James Dyson struggled for five years to make the world’s first cyclone vacuum cleaner work. It took him 5,126 prototypes before number 5,127 succeeded. In the meantime, he had gone into debt, and his wife was growing vegetables and raising chickens to get enough food to support the family. He took significant risks in his business and even signed his house to the bank. Now a multi-billion-dollar company, James Dyson insists that although its finances have changed dramatically, his company’s spirit of risk-taking has stayed the same.
It is worth noting, however, that despite their propensity to take risks, entrepreneurs tend to be analytical and calculative about this. In other words, preparing to fail can help mitigate its effect.
PLANNING TO FAIL
To an entrepreneur, resilience is the ability to anticipate possible risks, cope effectively with unforeseen experiences, and adjust to changes. Successful entrepreneurs are usually good at picking themselves up.
Several entrepreneurs shared that they draft out plans and anticipate changes in their business. Some of these entrepreneurs had big customers on which the profitability of their business depended. They drafted out plans considering the impact on their business if they were to lose that customer. Would the business survive? What effect would it have on their profitability? What measures could be put in place to reduce the impact? These questions guided them in their plans and could inspire your thinking before you take a risk.
As an entrepreneur, it is important to recognize opportunities to grow or reach a new market. Sometimes being successful makes you complacent – by doing the same thing repeatedly, you don’t learn how to grow and improve. Although failure can be a hiccup, it opens your mind to new opportunities and perspectives.
Even great companies understand the value of failure. When Coca-Cola introduced the “new coke” in 1985, the fiasco cost the company millions. Ten years later, then-CEO Roberto Goizueta described it as the best thing that happened to Coca-Cola. The company learned from this and since then has provided other versions of the product while keeping the existing “classic” Coke.
FAILING ON A GRAND SCALE
Failure can affect entire companies or even economies. Take the 2008 financial crisis, which caused recessions in several countries. While of course not every issue raised by the crisis has been solved, the aftermath did result in reams of new legislation, the creation of new oversight agencies, and better structures to prevent similar failures from happening in the future.
If nations can fail, do not be deterred when you do. Rather than running away, embrace and learn from it. In the world of entrepreneurship, there will always be change and turbulence. Those who “fail forward” and learn from their mistakes will eventually be successful.
Source: The Conversation (Edited by d-mars.com)
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f you asked Christian Onyemem what it is that he does for a living, his answer would be that he owns his own CPA firm, Christian Onyemem CPA Firm, PLLC. If you spoke to him for five more minutes about his job, you would quickly learn that his answer doesn’t tell the whole story — not even half of it.
His industry is something completely different. He’s actually in the industry of growth.
Christian’s real passion is watching others succeed because of the work and guidance that he provides for them. It’s a means to an end.
He understood that about himself from a young age.
Christian’s father immigrated to the United States from Nigeria when he was just 18 years old. A young man in a foreign land with no college education, he began working two jobs: at KFC and a Church’s Chicken. From there, as Christian puts it, his father put in years of grinding and working odd jobs until he had the means to open the venture that would give him the success he had been looking for: a mental health clinic.
It was there that Christian’s father began hiring his staff, office managers, doctors, an accountant, and the accountant’s protégé — Christian.
At 14 years old, his father told him to keep track of the books, and he did. Christian will be the first to tell you that he didn’t know what he was doing, but his dad encouraged him to stick with it. He would do the data entry and then the CPA would review what he did.
Now, Christian could easily sit here and tell you that that is when he fell in love with accounting, but that’s not the truth, and he doesn’t feel the need to lie. He loved what he was doing at the clinic, but that was because his numbers drove the meetings and determined what moves the clinic would make next. Those meetings also gave him a deeper connection to the business and, most importantly, to his family.
“I enjoyed the meetings because there’s food there, my dad’s there, and my brothers are there, and we’re all there talking,” Christian said. “So, it’s just like your dad taking you out to go fish. My fishing trips just happened to be at his business.”
Through his dad, Christian was able to see firsthand what hard work and personal growth would get you. Through his dad’s business, he was able to experience how he could affect the growth of a business and how much he enjoyed having these meetings with his “client.”
He didn’t know it then, but those two things would end up being the driving forces of his CPA firm’s identity.
Right off of Highway 59, in the Upper Kirby area, sits Christian Onyemem CPA (or COCPA), operating since 2019. The firm specializes in business management, auditing, and comprehensive accounting services. They also offer a wide range of commercial and government services.
BEYOND THAT, WHAT COCPA EXCELS IN IS ITS CUSTOMER SERVICE.
“One of the largest complaints you hear about accounting firms is that their CPA is not picking up the phone,” Christian said. “I told my team we need to be a call center. That means we’re calling the client more to make sure they’re heard.”
For Christian and his staff, the priority will always be customer relationships. If you want a CPA who will only text or email when it’s tax season, then they can do that, but that’s not how they want to operate.
Getting to know their customers is just as important as getting to know their finances, and there’s a good reason for that. Christian has made it a personal and professional mission to ensure that his small and minority-owned businesses feel comfortable being open and honest about money.
“It’s the simple fact that I know some of my small business owners don’t feel comfortable talking with just anyone about their money,” Christian said. “I saw it firsthand with my dad’s business. In the world of accountancy where you’re dealing with numbers, people’s careers, and their ability to employ people, I need that business owner to get comfortable so we can see what issues they’re having financially and solve them.”
Christian said that a lack of comfort and communication can greatly impede growth and even hurt small businesses in the long haul.
For example, Christian had an Amazon logistics customer that was carrying too large of a fleet and getting charged for it. Christian advised him to reduce the fleet’s size, and the client saved money immediately and a lot more over time. This only happened because
they’re able to periodically check their client’s books.
On the other end, Christian will take on a new client who decided to finally see a CPA because they were having an incredible year. It’s then that the person discovers they have to pay a large tax bill. This is something that can easily be planned for if they have a communicative CPA on hand.
“Imagine if LeBron James played basketball with a blindfold on the whole game — his talents are wasted,” Christian said. “That’s basically what my business owners are doing. If they don’t look at their numbers, they’re playing the sport of business with a blindfold on.”
Behind Christian’s leadership, the firm and its staff are setting themselves up for an incredible future. They’re looking to expand, buying up other CPA firms and establishing their brand of customer service.
Christian also constantly educates himself on AI and technological trends to see how he can leverage these advancements to better automate his business.
“I am always looking at ways to get back to what we do best, and that’s actually talking to the client and serving the client,” Christian said. “We don’t want to spend all of our time on backend office work, so we’re restructuring the firm in a way to be equipped to deliver our clients a better product.”
you’d at
If you’d like to get in touch with Christian Onyemem CPA Firm, PLLC, you can call them at 832.871.4176 or email them at info@cocpafirm.com. Their hours of operation are Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit cocpafirm.com to see their full range of services and to get more information.
SCAN CLICK
MBy d-mars.com News Provider
ental health issues are common among older adults and can be exacerbated by declining health, loss of loved ones, financial challenges, and late-in-life regrets.
Unfortunately, these issues can impact overall health, quality of life, and in some cases, even be life-threatening. The suicide rate among Americans aged 75 and older is the highest of any age group, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
If you’re an older adult, Dr. Zia Wahid, medical director with Cigna's Medicare business, encourages you to take the following actions:
Nurture relationships: Research has found that loneliness can have negative health consequences as impactful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. That’s why finding connection is essential. Check with your local community center to find out what activities, classes and social events they offer. Faith-based organizations, neighborhood gatherings, and clubs based on common interests are also great ways to meet people and stay engaged. A simple phone call with a loved one is often enough to strengthen bonds, and emotional resilience.
Get moving: Physical activity can improve strength and agility as you age. It can also be a powerful way to boost your mood and ease anxiety and depression. From chair yoga to water aerobics, there are forms of exercise appropriate for every ability and age, and free or inexpensive classes offered in many communities. Racket sports like tennis and pickleball offer numerous benefits for your physical, mental, and social health, making it an excellent activity. Also consider just getting outdoors for a short walk and a dose of sunshine.
Avoid substance misuse: Substance use disorder is common among older adults and can intensify mental health challenges. One in 11 adults over age 60 had a substance use disorder in 2022, and that number is on the rise, according to the American Psychological Association. Check your Medicare plan. It may cover treatment for alcoholism and substance use in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
Schedule a doctor’s visit: Mental health, just like physical health, requires your attention and care. If you’re experiencing mental health concerns, schedule a doctor’s appointment. They can refer you to a psychologist, psychiatrist or clinical social worker, or provide additional advice and resources.
Get it off your chest: Talking about your feelings with friends, family, or even a trained professional can be helpful.
Consider medication: Antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, antipsychotics and mood stabilizers, can be effective treatments for certain mental health conditions. Before starting a new medication, be sure to talk to your doctor about possible side effects and interactions with drugs you’re currently taking.
Don’t wait: If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, immediately call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 to reach a trained crisis counselor. This free, confidential service is available 24/7 nationwide in both English and Spanish.
For more information about Medicare benefits and mental health, visit cignamedicareinformation.com.
Source: StatePoint
By d-mars.com
s you prepare children to return to the classroom this fall, the American Medical Association (AMA) has seven tips to help your family have a healthy school year.
1. ULTRA-PROCESSED FOODS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH HEALTH RISKS.
Many busy families rely on ultra-processed foods due to their convenience. However, consuming these foods regularly increases the risk of health complications, including cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Read nutrition labels carefully with attention to sodium, saturated fat and added sugar, shop the perimeter of the grocery store where fresh, whole foods tend to be located, and prepare meals that prioritize whole foods, including fruits and vegetables, for growing children and adults.
2. EATING DISORDERS ARE MISUNDERSTOOD.
This silent epidemic affects people of all ages and backgrounds, striking at the core of their physical and mental well-being. Despite its widespread impact, the gravity of eating disorders often remains private, leaving many to battle the condition silently. If you believe your child or
teenager has an eating disorder, their physician can direct you to helpful resources.
3. ENSURE YOUR VACCINATIONS ARE UP TO DATE.
Vaccinations help protect you and your family against severe disease and disability and save millions of lives each year. When respiratory virus season starts later in the fall, get up to date on the influenza vaccine to help reduce time away from school or work.
4. NOROVIRUS IS VERY CONTAGIOUS, BUT PREVENTABLE.
It seems everyone has experienced the sudden turn of the stomach, causing a mad rush to the bathroom due to vomiting, diarrhea or both. And, unfortunately, remaining near the bathroom may be the only plan for the next day or two. The most likely culprit is norovirus, and it can happen to anyone. When buying school supplies, stock up on cleaning supplies as well so you can keep frequently touched surfaces sanitized. Model good hand-washing habits for your children. Keep children with norovirus symptoms home from school for at least 2 days (48 hours) after symptoms stop to help prevent the spread of the virus.
5. TOO MUCH SCREEN TIME IS BAD FOR HEALTH.
People are on their devices more than ever before. But too much screen time can have negative mental and physical health effects and increase feelings of loneliness.
6. EYE HEALTH IS ESSENTIAL.
Fall is a good time for an ophthalmologist checkup. If your tween or teen wears contacts, be sure that they wash their lenses and lens case and take their lenses off at night. Frequent computer breaks, wearing sunglasses, and a healthy diet can also promote good eye health.
7. SLEEP IS IMPORTANT FOR OVERALL HEALTH. From school stress to illnesses, many factors can interfere with a good night’s sleep. Instituting a consistent sleep routine for the entire family is a good start. For teens, 8-10 hours of sleep is recommended, and children aged 6-12 should be getting 9-12 hours of sleep.
Source: StatePoint (Edited by d-mars.com)
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BACK-TOSCHOOL FOOD ALLERGY GUIDE: WHAT PARENTS NEED TO KNOW
By d-mars.com
rom cafeteria meals to classroom snacks, the risk of a food allergy exposure is an everyday concern. And with good reason: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 in 13 children are affected by food allergies. Of those, 42% have experienced at least one severe allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis.
With the right preparation, you can help your child manage food allergies with care and consistency. Discover how to educate, plan, and confidently communicate with school staff and other parents to support your child throughout the school year.
AWARENESS AND EDUCATION ARE KEY
What is a food allergy? It’s an allergic reaction that occurs
after eating a food allergen. Your body's immune system mistakenly responds to a certain food as if it were a harmful germ, causing an allergic reaction.
In children, the most common food allergies are to peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, fin fish and shellfish.
A serious allergic reaction involves two or more body organs - the skin, lungs, stomach, and/or heart. Symptoms may include:
• Hives on the skin, sometimes on several parts of the body
• Shortness of breath, wheezing, repetitive cough
• Tightness in the throat, hoarse, trouble swallowing
• Swelling of the tongue, lips, or throat
• Stomach discomfort such as abdominal cramps, diarrhea, or vomiting
• Blood pressure changes
• Pale, faint, dizzy, confused
Epinephrine is the only medication that can stop anaphylaxis. Administer it as soon as possible. Remember the rule: "Epinephrine First, Epinephrine Fast."
10 TIPS FOR A SAFE SCHOOL YEAR
• Schedule a back-to-school health checkup. Obtain updated medication forms, epinephrine prescriptions, and an emergency care plan.
• Meet with school staff. Discuss food allergy accommodations in the cafeteria and classroom. Review the emergency plan.
• Teach your child how to stay safe. Help your child recognize signs of an allergic reaction and understand when and how to ask for help.
• Be ready for the first day of school. Submit all required school health forms, drop off your child's epinephrine and share a copy of the emergency care plan.
• Pack allergy-safe meals and snacks. Make sure your child only eats what is safe.
• Plan for snacks and special events. Confirm school policies for snack times and meals during field trips.
• Ensure epinephrine is easy to access. Find out if the school stocks epinephrine, where it's stored, and if the staff are trained to administer it in an emergency.
• Address bullying and exclusion. Talk with your child about speaking up if they are being excluded, teased, or bullied due to food allergies.
• Check in with your child. Make it a habit to ask your child how things are going at school, including if there's any difficulty managing food allergies.
• Keep the conversation going. Communication between home and school is key.
With a little planning and teamwork, you can help your child thrive in and out of the classroom. For more information, tools and resources, visit AllergyAsthmaNetwork.org.
Source: BrandPoint (Edited by d-mars.com)
Sleep Loss Rewires the Brain
FOR CRAVINGS AND WEIGHT GAIN
YBy d-mars.com News Provider
ou stayed up too late scrolling through your phone, answering emails or watching just one more episode. The next morning, you feel groggy and irritable. That sugary pastry or greasy breakfast sandwich suddenly looks more appealing than your usual yogurt and berries. By the afternoon, chips or candy from the break room call your name. This isn’t just about willpower. Your brain, short on rest, is nudging you toward quick, high-calorie fixes.
Research shows that insufficient sleep disrupts hunger signals, weakens self-control, impairs glucose metabolism and increases your risk of weight gain. These changes can occur rapidly, even after a single night of poor sleep, and can become more harmful over time if left unaddressed.
Joanna Fong-Isariyawongse is a neurologist specializing in sleep science and its impact on health.
HOW SLEEP DEFICITS DISRUPT HUNGER HORMONES
Your body regulates hunger through a hormonal feedback loop involving two key hormones.
Ghrelin signals that you are hungry, while leptin tells your brain that you are full. Even one night of restricted sleep in-
creases the release of ghrelin and decreases leptin. This shift is driven by changes in how the body regulates hunger and stress. Your brain becomes less responsive to fullness signals, while at the same time ramping up stress hormones that can increase cravings and appetite.
In controlled lab studies, healthy adults reported increased hunger and stronger cravings for calorie-dense foods after sleeping only four to five hours. The effect worsens with ongoing sleep deficits, which can lead to a chronically elevated appetite.
WHY THE BRAIN SHIFTS INTO REWARD MODE
Sleep loss changes how your brain evaluates food.
Imaging studies show that after just one night of sleep deprivation, the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for decision-making and impulse control, has reduced activity. At the same time, reward-related areas such as the amygdala and the nucleus accumbens, a part of the brain that drives motivation and reward-seeking, become more reactive to tempting food cues.
Participants in sleep deprivation studies not only rated high-calorie foods as more desirable but were also more likely to choose them.
Your metabolism slows, leading to increased fat storage Sleep is also critical for blood sugar control.
When you’re well rested, your body efficiently uses insulin to move sugar out of your bloodstream and into your cells for energy. But even one night of partial sleep can reduce insulin sensitivity by up to 25%.
If your body can’t process sugar effectively, it’s more likely to convert it into fat. This contributes to weight gain. Over time, poor sleep is associated with higher risk for Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, a group of health issues raise the risk for heart disease and diabetes.
On top of this, sleep loss raises cortisol, your body’s main stress hormone. Elevated cortisol encourages fat storage, especially in the abdominal region, and can further disrupt appetite regulation.
Sleep is your metabolic reset button
Sleep is not downtime. It is active, essential repair. It is when your brain recalibrates hunger and reward signals, your hormones reset and your metabolism stabilizes.
Just one or two nights of quality sleep can begin to undo the damage from prior sleep loss and restore your body’s natural balance.
So the next time you find yourself reaching for junk food after a short night, recognize that your biology is not failing you. It is reacting to stress and fatigue. The most effective way to restore balance isn’t a crash diet or caffeine. It’s sleep.
Source: The Conversation (Edited by d-mars.com)
On the way up, sometimes there will be people who try to bring you down. When you are walking in the calling, expect some criticism, and maybe a Judas or two on your journey. The criticism or betrayal can come from co-workers, sorority sisters, church members, family members, long-time friends, and even those who have benefited from your kindness.
I remember years ago when I first started walking in my gifts and calling, a woman said to me, “They are gonna hate on you.” Now, I didn’t understand what she meant at the time, because I had a good group of friends who were supportive, loving, and encouraging. When I would hear people talk about haters on their rise to success, that message just didn’t resonate with me. Like I said, I was surrounded by a good group of friends. Or so I thought.
I have personally encountered those who have been my biggest cheerleaders, revealing a Judas spirit. For instance, when I became an author, someone I considered a friend revealed her true self. When I would call her, she would decline my calls and not respond to my text messages. This came out of nowhere. At first, I thought
Contributing Writer
By The Dr. Dawn®
maybe she was busy or dealing with some personal issues. But when I see you active on social media, that was confirmation. Of course, we don’t want to think someone we have known for years would have that type of spirit. But, looking back, there were red flags. Everywhere we would go, she would point out a woman whom she said had betrayed her. I knew her background and generational behaviors, so I had empathy. And one day, after a phone conversation, I remember thinking to myself that she would probably see me as an enemy too. And soon enough, it happened. The mistake I made was thinking I could fix her. I was trying to do God’s job. Everyone is not our assignment. I pray for her to know God and heal, and I have no hatred or resentment toward her, but that friendship is no more.
This message shouldn’t scare you, as we are not to live in fear (2 Timothy 1:7). There are wonderful people in this world. My amazing circle of friends is proof of that. I don’t want you to think everyone is out to harm you. This is just a friendly reminder that as people are exposed, don’t let it surprise you, and you sure shouldn’t let it shake or distract you.
People can criticize or turn against you for many reasons. It could be due to jealousy, brokenness, generational curses, or a lack of spiritual maturity. Whatever their reason, we are to pray for them (Matthew 5:44) and stay focused on Christ. It’s not anything you did, but it’s something in them that they need to acknowledge and then take action to heal from. Don’t put pressure on yourself, trying to be the fixer of someone’s life. You will get frustrated. Why? Because you are trying to do a job that only God can do. It’s up to the individual to take God’s hand and walk in their healing.
If you want God’s promotion, then you need to be aware of the responsibility and pressure that comes with it. God has to prepare you, so understand that on each step, the Savior is strengthening and equipping you to stand strong against criticism or betrayal as you walk in your calling.
1 Peter 5:8 reminds us that the enemy is like a roaring lion, seeking whom he can devour. This is why we must stay in the Word of God (Ephesians 6:11-18). The enemy is cunning and strategic when he brings on the criticism, so don’t be surprised if at these specific times you encounter it:
When you start to walk in the calling, the enemy will bring people into your space who criticize you, so you are fearful of moving forward. They criticize you, trying to keep you comfortable, and encourage you to stay with them. Remember, when you start walking in your calling, expect some to be uncomfortable.
When you are facing challenges walking in the calling, sometimes people will come along who want to cause difficulty and confusion with their criticism. You are already feeling vulnerable, so the enemy wants to bring you down further with these critical people. Hurt people, hurt people, but remember, the enemy uses hurt people to try to distract and defeat you.
When you’re on the verge of receiving a breakthrough, expect those critics to hit you hard. Like in a race, you have a cheering section encouraging you to make it through the finish line. But instead, the enemy has critics with their hurtful words, trying to keep you from reaching your end goal. The enemy knows you are on the verge of something great, so don’t be surprised why he’s hitting you so hard. Don’t be distracted, but push through to your destiny.
After God has used you in a mighty way to bless others, you will be on a spiritual high, and here come the critics. Even the people whom you help may criticize you. The enemy will sometimes use ungrateful people to turn you away from being a giver, but don’t stop using the gifts and giving spirit God has given you. Don’t ignore the God-given discernment and intuition rooted in His Word there to guide you.
There are so many examples in God’s Word of those who, despite criticism, endured and remained focused on their calling and assignments. Moses, Aaron, John the Baptist, Paul, and our Lord Jesus Christ are just a few to name.
Now, there is nothing wrong with constructive criticism, because that is meant to build you up. A sign of true friendship is that you’re told the truth in love. But I emphasize the
love. If you’re constantly being criticized and condemned, that’s not a healthy friendship. True friends may call you out on negative behaviors (in love), but it’s not to beat you down, but to help build you up. I use this analogy of a nail and a hammer. A hammer pounds the nail until it goes lower and lower into the wood or ground. If you are around people who constantly beat you down and you feel low when you’re around them, don’t ignore those red flags and the God-given discernment and intuition rooted in His Word.
So, if you are dealing with criticism, understand that it comes with the calling. Don’t let criticism be a distraction. Keep walking in God’s divine intervention. And if this is an area that you are struggling in, remember, in addition to God’s Word, there’s no shame in seeking Christ-centered therapy and counseling. God has put angels on this earth who are educated and trained to support you. Much love, and stay blessed!
Source: GotQuestions.org
Dawn Paul, also known as The Dr. Dawn®, is an award-winning media personality, public speaker, certified life coach, author, and entrepreneur. She has extensive experience in writing, reporting, and editing for the Black press. Dawn is a member of the Houston Association of Black Journalists (HABJ) and the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). Follow her on social media at @TheDrDawn.
SIX WAYS TO GET READY FOR A NATIONAL PARK TRIP
By d-mars.com News Provider
rom the geysers of Yellowstone to the granite cliffs of Yosemite, America's national parks remain a premier destination for outdoor exploration. For many travelers, visiting national parks is a bucket list ambition. In fact, one in four Americans aspire to visit every national park in their lifetime, according to a recent online survey conducted in January 2025.
With warmer weather in full effect and outdoor enthusiasts gearing up for the season, now is the ideal time to start planning a national park adventure.
Before hitting the trail, OFF!® Mosquito and Tick Repellents has partnered with the National Park Foundation to share six tips to help make any national park experience worry-free and more memorable, so you can focus on the adventure.
1. RESERVE ENTRY PASSES AND CAMPSITES EARLY
Many parks have moved to a reservation-based system to manage crowds. Book timed entry passes, campsites and guided tours well in advance. Highly visited parks like Arches, Glacier and Rocky Mountain often sell out weeks ahead.
2. PLAN FOR UNEXPECTED WEATHER AND LAYER UP
Weather can be hard to plan around. Temps can drop fast - especially at higher altitudes - and unexpected showers can change hiking plans instantly. Come prepared with extra clothing - like a lightweight jacket, waterproof gear and long sleeves - in case the weather changes. If camping, consider extra layers for chilly nights.
3. DON'T LET MOSQUITOES AND TICKS RUIN THE EXPERIENCE
With Mother Nature comes the presence of biting insects, like mosquitoes and ticks. Check the OFF!Cast Mosquito Forecast to see mosquito activity in the area up to seven days in advance. Bring a long-lasting mosquito and tick repellent, like OFF!® Deep Woods, to help prevent bites and ensure the outdoors are enjoyed uninterrupted.
4. PACK HIGH-PROTEIN SNACKS AND WATER
The summer heat can drain you, especially in Southwestern parks like the Grand Canyon. Pack a large water bottle (two liters or more) and hydrate frequently. For longer hikes, consider packing a filtration water bottle or straw. Save room in your backpack for high-protein snacks to keep you energized.
5. THE EARLY BIRD CATCHES THE WORM
For the most peaceful experience, arrive before sunrise. You'll beat the crowds and get a front-row seat at a beautiful sunrise.
6. SEE THEM ALL
Why stop at one? Visiting every national park may feel like a dream, but with planning, it's achievable. Make a plan by searching for national parks based on a location, activity or topic and get one step closer to adventure.
Source: BrandPoint Content (Edited by d-mars.com)
The Art of Slow Traveland How to Embrace it in Michigan
By d-mars.com News Provider
he Art of Slow Travel — and How to Embrace it in Michigan
TIn Michigan, travelers can use all available senses to tap into wonder and connection while soaking in the scenery across all corners of the state. It's time to embrace the beauty, culture and excitement across our two pleasant peninsulas on a deeper and more rewarding level.
What is slow travel?
Unlike traditional, fast-paced tourism where visitors try to see as many places as possible in a short amount of time, slow travel focuses on making more meaningful connections with the places and people they come in contact with.
5 TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL SLOW TRAVEL
• 1. Skip the agenda - Take a go-with-the-flow approach to travel with ample free time and flexibility to embrace the moments.
• 2. Opt for longer stays - This gives you time to live like a local and build deeper relationships with the people and places you explore and meet.
• 3. Engage with locals - They're your best bet for intel on hidden gems and must-see sights you wouldn't have known of otherwise.
• 4. Choose more sustainable options - Whether it's your mode of transportation, like biking instead of driving, or supporting local businesses, sustainability plays a big role in slow travel.
• 5. Prioritize quality over quantity - Pick educational, purposeful and emotionally enriching experiences, even if they take longer or require more of your attention. Here's how to slow down and savor the sights, sounds and sensations of Michigan
Ditch the whirlwind mentality of travel for a more mindful escape in Michiganon your own time.
TAKE A SCENIC TRAIN RIDE
The Pere Marquette Amtrak route offers stunning views along Michigan's western coast between Grand Rapids and Chicago. Or, the Southern Michigan Railroad Society runs seasonal trips from Clinton through scenic farmlands and the Little River Railroad in Coldwater offers nostalgic steam train rides through the countryside of Southwest Lower Peninsula.
FIND A FARMERS MARKET OR LOCAL FOOD EXPERIENCE
Not only is it a sustainable way to shop but it's a sensory overload when you can touch and taste the food, and talk with the very farmer who grew the produce you'll buy. Check out the Eastern Market in Detroit, the Midland Area Farmers Market on the east side, the Kalamazoo Farmers Market on the southwest side, and the Downtown Marquette Farmers Market in the Upper Peninsula.
VISIT ONE (OR MORE) OF MICHIGAN'S MANY ART TRAILS
There are endless places to enjoy man made and natural works of art in Michigan's great outdoors, like the expansive Frederik Meijer Gardens, featuring sculpture galleries, a tropical conservatory, a children's garden and Japanese garden with over 200 sculptures in Grand Rapids. Or explore the winding and whimsical Michigan Legacy Art Park, a 30-acre preserve with hiking trails, sculptures, poetry stones and an amphitheater at Crystal Mountain.
WATCH FOR WILDLIFE AND WANDER THROUGH WILDERNESS
Birdwatching at Arcadia Dunes wetlands, elk viewing in Pigeon River County State Forest, or spotting a moose on the remote Isle Royale National Park are just a few ways to explore nature and watch for wildlife along the journey. Wildlife viewing in wilderness is the essence of slow travel, as it requires patience, quiet observation and a willingness to let nature reveal itself in its own time. Just remember to keep a safe distance and maintain awareness of your surroundings when you're near Michigan's wildlife.
Source: BrandPoint Content (Edited by d-mars.com)
By d-mars.com News Provider
Thanks to content being delivered nonstop over social media channels such as TikTok, YouTube and Instagram, financial advice is more accessible than ever before. The bad news? Much of it can be misinformation.
According to CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professionals, here are some red flags to watch out for, so you can stay on track with your goals: Lack of qualifications: Someone simply calling them self an expert does not make it so. Look for credentials such as CFP® certification to indicate that the social media influencer has formal financial planning education and experience.
GUARANTEED RETURNS: Offers that sound too good to be true typically are. Be wary of “no risk, high reward” claims.
PRESSURE: Applying pressure on viewers to act fast could be a sign that you’re watching a scam artist. Professionals can work with you to plan years and even decades ahead, on goals such as retirement or buying a home. Financial planning can take time.
SENSATIONAL LANGUAGE: Is a financial influencer, or “finfluencer,” dismissing traditional retirement accounts as obsolete? Advising that you tie up all your assets in real
estate? Be suspicious of bold claims challenging prevailing financial wisdom. It’s important to remember that many influencers operate with one goal in mind: getting views, likes, comments, and re-shares. While such content is entertaining, it doesn’t necessarily constitute sound financial advice.
PAID PROMOTIONS: If the influencer is touting a specific solution or product, it could be a sign they are being paid to do so. Financial advice should be delivered with your best interests in mind.
ANECDOTAL EVIDENCE: Every financial situation is unique, so use caution before following advice based on someone’s personal experience. What worked for the content creator may not work for you.
Of course, knowledgeable financial influencers can exist. While their insights can provide general education, there is no substitute for financial advice tailored to your unique situation, delivered by a qualified professional committed to acting in your best interests. To find your CFP® professional, visit LetsMakeAPlan.org.
While social media has the power to help consumers, there is a lot of distracting background noise out there. Before acting on advice from social media, always pause to consider how it aligns with your long-term financial goals.
Source: StatePoint (Edited by d-mars.com)
DOWN PAYMENT OPTIONS ARE UNLOCKING HOMEOWNERSHIP FOR MORE AMERICANS
aving for a down payment is one of the biggest barriers to buying a home, but it doesn’t have to be. Not only are down payment assistance programs helping people unlock homeownership, but some mortgage programs make it possible to put down as little as 3%. Here’s what to know:
NAVIGATING PMI
Contrary to the popular belief that down payments must be 20% or more, the typical home buyer makes a down payment between 5% and 20%. However, if you make a down payment of less than 20%, you may have to pay private mortgage insurance (PMI). PMI, which protects the lender if you are unable to pay your mortgage, is a monthly fee rolled into your mortgage payment. If it’s required, you’ll only need this insurance until you’ve built up 20% equity in your home.
SECURING THE RIGHT LOAN
There are many types of private and government-sponsored low down payment loan options available. For example, some private lenders have options designed specifically for low- to moderate-income borrowers. Freddie Mac’s Home Possible mortgage provides down payment options as low as 3%, financial flexibility, and reduced PMI. Some
for first-time home buyers and borrowers who need flexible financing, offer similar benefits.
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) offers down payment options as low as 3.5%. Obtained through lenders but insured by the federal government, they allow lower credit scores than most conventional loans. However, they require PMI and tend to be more expensive
Looking to build or buy a home in a rural area? The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) two loan types make doing so more affordable for eligible low- and moderate-income buyers. The Single-Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program has a PMI premium but no down payment,
whereas the Single-Family Housing Direct Home Loan Program provides down payment assistance to increase applicants’ repayment ability.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Loans are made to eligible members of the military community. VA loans may not require a down payment or PMI and have additional features that can make home buying more affordable for military families.
FINDING ASSISTANCE
Many state, county and city governments provide financial assistance for well-qualified people in their communities ready for homeownership. This help can come in the form of grants, second mortgage loans that come with low or no interest rates and deferred payments, as well as tax credits that free up more of your money for your down payment or closing costs. Having a certain kind of job, such as being a teacher or firefighter, or moving to a specific neighborhood could also qualify you for down payment assistance. Your housing counselor or lender can help determine which programs you are eligible for.
With low down payment loans, PMI solutions and support from assistance programs, owning a home is more accessible than you may realize.
Source: StatePoint (Edited by d-mars.com)
Tips, Tricks, and Color Recommendations for New Homeowners and First-Time Painters
By d-mars.com
Tips, tricks, and color recommendations for new homeowners and first-time painters
Whether you’ve just bought your first home or are looking for a spring refresh, tackling your first paint project is the first step to making a space your own. But with so many options to choose from, where to begin?
Here are a few tips and tricks to help turn your house into your dream home.
PAINT QUALITIES AND FUNCTIONS
From high-hide coverage that expertly conceals existing imperfections, to a washable finish that makes it easy to remove marks and stains, not all paint is created equal. When selecting a paint, it’s important to consider the space’s function and the level of anticipated foot traffic. Kitchens and bathrooms might demand a paint that can withstand regular scrubbing and washing, while hallways might require a more durable, scuff-resistant paint.
Depending on the size of your paint project, you’ll want to ensure your selection can cover the entire surface area of
your project while staying on budget. A great resource to determine the quantity of paint your project demands is Pittsburgh Paints & Stains’ Paint Calculator.
DECIDING ON THE RIGHT BRAND AND PRODUCT
Once you’ve identified the primary functions of your paint, it’s important to select a product that will meet your project needs.
Designed for first-time painters or those of any skill level, the recently launched Pittsburgh Paints & Stains Premier Interior Paint and Primer is an easy-to-use paint that provides excellent all-around performance. With more than 2,100 color options in an easy-to-clean finish, Premier provides great coverage and durability for an affordable price.
Starting under $30 per gallon and available in four sheens, Pittsburgh Paints & Stains Premier paint is a low-odor formula that’s ideal for use all around the home.
CHOOSING YOUR COLOR
It’s important to consider how the light in your space may affect your color’s hue. To ensure that you achieve your desired result, you can easily pick up free paint swatches to see how your color will appear in your home.
WEasy Upgrades That Make a Lasting First Impression
For Gen Z-ers looking to level-up their interiors, these colors align well with modern-day aesthetics and values:
• Rendezvous: Evoking nostalgia and authenticity, this soft, baby blue is ideal for bedroom and bathroom walls.
• Aquamarine Dream: For a sense of calm and tranquility, this sea foam green promotes a peaceful state of mind.
• Lilac Breeze: Reflecting on self-expression and creativity, this enchanting lavender plays to a youthful energy that resonates with a digital chic aesthetic.
Millennials, driven by experiences and valuing global influence, can find inspiration from these colors when designing their spaces:
• Limitless: This fresh, buttery hue presents the power of a primary color and the essence of a neutral.
• Light Sage: This soothing and organic green curates a space of restful relaxation.
• Earth Rose: For the mellow modernist, this subdued, rosy pink creates a harmonious and contemporary look.
Source: BrandPoint Content (Edited by d-mars.com)
hether you’re hosting neighbors for sweet tea or just enjoying the breeze after a long day, the front porch is having a moment. No longer just a pass-through space, it’s become an extension of the home’s personality — part welcome mat, part curb-appeal showpiece. The good news? You don’t need a full renovation to breathe new life into your front entry. A few smart updates can add style, comfort, and even a layer of security.
START WITH THE HARDWARE
Door hardware may not seem like the most exciting element to refresh — but it’s exactly where trends are starting to shift. Traditionally, storm and screen door hardware has stayed relatively static in style and finish. But that’s starting to change. Companies like Wright Products are bringing a more design-forward approach to this category, offering hardware that blends security with aesthetics.
This new wave of entry hardware features cleaner silhouettes, decorative backplates, and more modern finishes that complement today’s popular exterior palettes. It’s a subtle upgrade that makes a major visual difference — especially when paired with a freshly painted front door or a new doormat.
LAYER IN LIGHT AND TEXTURE
String lights, lanterns, or updated sconces can turn your porch into a cozy, evening-ready space. Add a weather-resistant rug, a few patterned cushions, and a pair of planters flanking the doorway to create a polished, welcoming feel. Look for low-maintenance greenery or seasonal florals to liven things up without adding to your weekend to-do list.
GET SMART ABOUT SECURITY
Convenience and security can also get a front porch face lift. Adding an electronic deadbolt is one of the simplest ways to upgrade your door’s function without replacing the entire entry system. New models — like those from Brinks — offer features such as fingerprint access, keypad entry, and even smartphone control. No more fumbling for keys when your hands are full of groceries or beach bags.
FINISHING TOUCHES
Think of your porch as the cover of your home’s story. A fresh wreath, a bench or rocking chair, and a little wind chime go a long way toward setting the tone. And if your mailbox or house numbers are looking dated, this is a great time to swap those, too.
The front porch may be the first thing guests see, but with a few thoughtful updates, it might just become your favorite space, too.
Source: StatePoint
In 1948, Alice Coachman Did You Know?
became the first Black woman to be awarded a gold medal in Olympic history. She set a then-American record high jump of 5 feet 6 1/8 inches at the London Games Coachman accomplished this feat at the end of her athletic career, as she was unable to compete during her prime because the 1940 and 1944 Olympics were canceled due to World War II. In 1952, the Georgia native became the first Black woman sponsored by an international product when she was signed by Coca-Cola as a spokesperson. Coachman is an inductee of the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, the USA Track & Field Hall of Fame, and the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame. She retired soon after the 1948 Olympics, dedicating the rest of her life to education and aiding athletes in financial need.
SOURCE: D-MARS.COM
“A CLOSED MOUTH DOESN’T GET FED”
This phrase is often applied to your life and career goals. If you don’t SPEAK UP for what you want or need, then you won’t get it. You can NEVER achieve those goals if you’re not being vocal about what you need to get to the next step.
Keith J. Davis Jr., Owner
As we close the summer season (feels like it’s lasted 6 months this year, huh?), it only seems fitting that we give you one last tropical fruit-inspired dish to really embrace the warm weather. This recipe for crunchy coconut chicken gives you a lovely sweet coconut-y flavor with a nice, comforting crunch that pairs perfectly with some rice to be topped off with spicy mayo. Remember that it’s important to marinate the chicken first to give the chicken a rich flavor, but it also gives it a sticky coating for the breadcrumbs to cling to.
By d-mars.com
INGREDIENTS
For Chicken:
• (3) 8-oz. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup canned coconut milk
• 2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
• 1 Tbsp. fish sauce
• 1 ½ cups (180 g.) all-purpose flour
• 2 Tbsp. cornstarch
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
CHICKEN
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 3 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 ½ cups unsweetened shredded coconut
• Vegetable oil, for frying(about 2 cups)
For Spicy Mayo:
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 Tbsp. Sriracha
• 1 tsp. honey
Step 1: Using a sharp knife, cut chicken in half through thickest side parallel to cutting board. Place pieces between 2 pieces of plastic wrap or in a large resealable bag on a large cutting board. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound chicken to 1/4" thick.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine coconut milk, lime juice, and fish sauce. Add chicken and toss to combine. Cover bowl and refrigerate at least 30 minutes and up to 1 hour.
Step 3: In a large shallow bowl, whisk flour, cornstarch, salt, and a few grinds of pepper. In a second shallow bowl, beat eggs to blend. In a third shallow bowl, stir panko and coconut.
Step 4: Working one at a time, remove chicken from marinade and toss in flour mixture. Dip into eggs, letting excess drip off, then coat in panko mixture, gently pressing to adhere.
Step 5: Into a large, stainless steel skillet, pour oil to a depth of 1/2". Heat over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking (oil temperature should be around 350°). Working in batches if needed, carefully add chicken and cook, turning halfway through, until deeply golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a wire rack. Repeat with remaining chicken, adjusting heat as needed.
SPICY MAYO
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sriracha, and honey. Refrigerate until ready to use.
