•egl holiday issue tori hart 2014

contents

WELLNESS

Getting In tune with the …

Happy Thanksgiving for all Dr Natasha Black Friday Getting Your Life Out of the Red I’m an EGL Girl New Year New You

WINTER 2014 FASHION

Party Dress for Less DIY Winter Fashion Finds The Things I Can’t Live Without

BEAUTY

Best Holiday Beauty Gifts…

Holiday Beauty Look Book…

Best Beauty Moments of 2014…

HUSTLEPRENEUR

New Year Better Strategy The Hustla’s Behind the HustlaPrenuer Section FEATURES

Torrei Hart- Life Goes On Syleena Johnson- Girl Talk Daniel Gibson- The Real Reality Somaya Reece- Out With the Old, In With the New Lela James- Been Around the World Maurice Talton- Fitness in Not a Hobby

MODERN DOMESTIC

Black Friday Cyber Monday- Have we Lost the Meaning of the Holidays The 2014 Modern Domestic Holiday Menu Food Plan A Year in Review With Modern Domestic Let’s Talk Holiday Decor

ENTERTAINMENT

Entertainment Reality Stars EGL’s Holiday Playlist Top 14 celebrity moments of 2014

LOVE AND SEX

Love and Sex Single and Surviving the Holidays Love & Sex Naughty Nice or Neutral Quiz Love and Sex- Dating and Gift Giving

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WINTER ISSUE 2014

team egl

EVERYTHING GIRLS LOVE LLC Latoya Bond- Partner/CEO Yandy Smith - Partner/CMO Latisha Elmes- Partner/COO Jaliylah Amin- Partner

COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT Director of Communications- Janique Burke PR Manager- Jewell Flint PR/Social Media Manager- Tori Owens PR/Social Media Coordinator- Tahajah Samuels PR Coordinator- Kandice Brown EGL PUD MENTORING Program Director and Developer- Precious Avorkliyah EVERYTHING GIRLS LOVE BLOG/MAGAZINE Editor In Chief- Chey Parker Managing Editor- Kierrea Tobiere Managing Editor-Triena Deniese BEAUTY Beauty Editor- Regina M. Tucker Associate Editors-Lawanda Jackson, Beauty Contributors- Victoria Sanders, Tamara Hudson ENTERTAINMENT Editor At Large- Brittanee Bey Editor- Ericka Smith Associate Editor- Novia Rose Contributors: Ashleigh Dandridge, Breanna Davis, Britney Norris, Kisha Forde, Tina Red FASHION Fashion Editor- Kierra Tobiere Associate Editors- Kindra Bailey, Courtney Barr Fashion Contributors- Alicia Howell, Caitlin Alfred, Che Robinson, Corrine Cuttino, Jacci Jackson, Joccelyn Baker, Jordan Hamilton, Katia Dowell, Marsha Badger, Melissa Eppinger, Laurie Ramirez, Lenisa Kelly, Samjah Saulsberry, Shayla Courtney, Triena Deniese, Tysha White, Valita Walston

Follow us EverythingGirlsLoveLLC

@Everythinggl

HUSTLAPRENUER Editor- Michelby “Coco” Whitehead Associate Editor- Kenyelle Michelle Contributors- Deja Strong, Danyell Wilson, Farrah E Jerome, Koerevelle Dubose, Maisha Harris, Robin Gooden

LIFE & STYLE Editor - Triena Deniese Contributing Editor - Amina Cush Associate Editor - Lynn Mone` Contributors - Afiya Thomas, Alicia Bennett, Ashley Nicole, Ayanna Stephens, Bridgette “Bre” Dowdell, Cashay Chanel, Lynnette Nicholas, Tenisha Symonette, Tinita Tennant, Triana Chez, Ty-Kiera Brown, V. Taybron LOVE & SEX EEditor At Large- Precious Avorkliyah Editor- Dóréal Quarles Associate Editor- Dawn Phillips Editorial Assistant- Erica Dyson Contributors: Alicia Thompson, Chanelle Woods, Jaime Jacobs, Javona Smith, Jessmina Archbold, J.L. Kirkwood, Kamia Simmons, Nastassia Anderson, Nicole Burton, Nyia Moore, Shaneisha Dodson, Shanowya Jackson, Starlette Adeeso, Tiffany Upchurch-Rivera, Williams Tompkins HEALTH & WELLNESS Editor- Kanarian Kindred Contributors – Charity Strothers, Chrystal Johnson, Jamie Lee, Jasmine Katrina Hockett, Jayylan Coles, Joyanne Lawrence, Krystle Jones, Latoya Hoyte, Mileti Merced, Naomi Studevan, Nia Moore, Nia Pole, Nicole Orisich, Nikeeva Alexander, Patrice Tartt, Princess Kabakole, Shante Duncan Tashira Merritt, Taylor Bennett, Tenesha Thomas, Tianna Richardson, Tiffany Templeton, Vanessa Cunningham

PROGRAMMING, DESIGN, DIGITAL MEDIA Creative Director Digital Magazine - Mark Hayes Creative Director of Visual Media- Rashad Hassan Graphic and Web Designer- Nisha Kittles Contributing Graphic Designer -Joseph Buapim, Elizabeth Aferia, Darryl Gaines MODERN DOMESTIC Executive Producer- Latoya Bond, Yandy Smith, Ayanna Stephens Talent – Chef Cashay Chanel, Yandy Smith Director – Rashad Hassan Screen Writer – Latoya Bond, Cashay Chanel, Yandy Smith Camera Operator – Shamar Colon Set Designer – Ayanna Stephens EGL BOUTIQUE Merchandiser- Kierrea Tobiere, Kandice Brown,

Latisha Elmes Creative Director of EGL Fashion Look Book Kierrea Tobiere Shipping Processing and Customer Relations Latisha Elmes, Kandice Brown

EGL’s Editorial Team Share Their Holiday Wishes Latoya Bond, CEO

What am I most thankful for in 2014: I am most thankful that I am fortunate enough to be self-employed which allows me the flexibility to excel at a career I love without neglecting my family.

What is my one Holiday Wish: My holiday wish is for my two boys to have a healthy and happy 2015.

My New Year’s Resolution To get focus more on health and fitness

Latisha Elmes, COO

What am I most thankful for in 2014: Life! With all the ups and downs... Lessons, changes, mistakes and growth... I am simply thankful to be alive What is my one Holiday Wish: To successfully carry on the holiday traditions my mom started for my daughter.

My New Year’s Resolution Take better care of me. It is a habit of mine to put other people needs and concerns before my own... I am making a conscious decision to put myself first.

Regina Tucker, Beauty Editor

What am I most thankful for in 2014:

I am thankful that I am able to do what I LOVE (Beauty Writing)

everyday, no strings, or fear attached.

What is my one Holiday Wish:

I have a bucket list of spas and beauty rituals in the US and abroad

that I would like to explore and visit. If I had one holiday wish it

would be to get started on my bucket list.

My New Year’s Resolution

To keep my priorities in place: 1. God, 2. Family, 3. Career. This is

the basis of all things in my life when I stick to this formula I am UNSTOPPABLE!

Lawanda Jackson, Associate Beauty Editor

What am I most thankful for in 2014:

I am thankful for the opportunities and continued growth both

professionally and personally.

What is my one Holiday Wish:

I’ve always been drawn to the ancient ruins in Peru and would love

to travel to visit Machu Picchu.

My New Year’s Resolution

My New Year’s Resolution is to see the beauty in everyone and everything

every girl loves m Great Music

Courtney Barr, Associate Fashion Editor

What am I most thankful for in 2014: I’m most thankful for family and true friends.

What is my one Holiday Wish: That everyone continues to stay blessed My New Year’s Resolution To continue to progress and stay positive

Kindra Bailey, Associate Fashion Editor

What am I most thankful for in 2014: I’m thankful for my support system that has encouraged me to pursue my career aspirations.

What is my one Holiday Wish: I just pray everyone realizes what is most important during the holidays -- family!

My New Year’s Resolution My NY resolution is to commit to and maintain a healthy lifestyle of fitness & nutrition

Triena Deniese, Modern Domestic Editor

What am I most thankful for in 2014 I am most thankful for self-growth. It has been a full year since I quit my day job to pursue my passion and I have grown and learned so much about myself in the process.

What is my one Holiday Wish My one holiday wish would be ... of course a Louis Vuitton Neverfull bag, just kidding! My one holiday wish would be to continuously enjoy life with those I cherish the most.

My New Year’s Resolution is…

My New Year’s Resolution is to not be so anxious; I want to live by my newly found motto “Expect Nothing, Accept Everything.”

Lynn Mone`, Associate Editor, Modern Domestic

What am I most thankful for in 2014 I am most thankful for my friends and family that have supported me in all my choices and never left my side.

What is my one Holiday Wish My one holiday wish is seeing the smile on my little ones faces.

My New Year’s Resolution Continue to believe in myself. Give thanks to God more. Keep pushing!

www.everythinggirlsove.com

Ericka Smith, Entertainment Editor

What am I most thankful for in 2015: I am thankful that I get to live my dream. I get to take information from the masses and put it on someone’s coffee table.

What is my one Holiday wish: I wish there was a cure for cancer, so no family has to see their loved one suffer over the holidays.

My New Year’s resolution is: My New Year’s resolution is to spend less time sweating the small stuff and more time focusing on the bigger picture.

Elizabeth Aferi, Graphic & Editorial Designer

What am I most thankful for 2014?

I am thankful for all the opportunities and positive, motivating people I’ve been blessed to meet and work with this year.

What is my one Holiday wish?

To have dinner with Karen Civil and pick her brain.

My New Year’s Resolution?

To take more risks and step out of comfort zone

Jewell Flint, Public Relations

What am I most thankful for in 2014: I’m grateful for the growth that I have and continue to acquire by having an open mind and having people in my life that refuse to see me fail What is my one Holiday Wish: My Holiday wish is to go to feed those in need if I can’t go to Jamaica with my Bae! My New Year’s Resolution My New Year’s Resolution is to get healthy, more active and focus on my life journey.

Chey Parker, Editor in Chief

What am I most thankful for in 2014: I am most thankful for my spiritual and career growth in 2014. So much has happened and I’ve learned a ton about myself, those around me and life.

I’m getting to know myself and my place in the world and I’m looking forward to 2015 with an open mind!

What is my one Holiday Wish: My holiday wish is for my family, friends and myself to be healthy, happy and successful in all that we do.

My New Year’s Resolution To really focus on my health and well-being physically, emotionally and spiritually, as well as my next career goals and future plans. I’m also looking forward to learning more about finances, the money world and how I can make it work for me!

Mark Hayes, Creative Director Digital Magazine

& EGL Brand Designer

What am I most thankful for in 2014?

I am thankful for the health of me and my family and for the many blessings and oppurtunities that God has provided What is my one Holiday Wish?

For more peopele to experience blessings in life.

My New Year’s Reasolution To grow more spiritually, and to get into health and fitness more.

Tori Owens, Public Relations Manager

What am I most thankful for in 2014: I am most thankful for my family, they put so much joy in my heart. When I’m away working and come home, they shower me with hugs and kisses; to me, that’s priceless.

What is my one Holiday Wish: My one holiday wish is to get back in tune with good health and fitness. Sometimes a fast lifestyle makes it difficult to eat healthy, so I plan to challenge that idea.

My New Year’s Resolution My resolution is to become even more successful than the year before.

Yandy Smith, President

What am I most thankful for in 2014: I am most thankful for my family and understanding love to a level that words can’t explain.

What is my one Holiday Wish: My one holiday wish is deliver a happy, healthy baby My New Year’s Resolution My resolution is simple - to be a better person than I was last year in every area of my life.

Daryl Gaines, Graphic & Editorial Designer

What am I most thankful for in 2014?

My Lil human stands out overall! Honor roll student, stellar Championship/All-Star football player (@DE), and at 11yrs. becoming a well-rounded Lil guy! Definitly a reason to be Thankful…

What is my one Holiday Wish?

To finally live the life I’ve worked so hard for but never truly FOCUSED on. My bestie Ayanna (www.imjustayanna.com) and I have started more then a lifestyle that will make OUR dreams come true.

My New Year’s Reasolution Continued growth spiritually, financially, mentally, and entrepreneurship-ly lol (www.imgmakers.com)! AND on track to owning my first home, after that… maybe I’ll get MARRIED!

Entertainment _

Dóréal Quarles, Love & Sex Editor

What I am most thankful for in 2014 “Clarity. Having a clearer understanding of things allows me to appreciate life more and respect every stage of my journey.”

What is my one Holiday Wish: “Inner peace.”

My New Year’s Resolution: “LIVE OUT LOUD!”

Dawn Phillips, Associate Editor, Love & Sex

What I am most thankful for in 2014 “That God spared my life from a traumatic car accident. My purpose is still evolving.”

What is my one Holiday Wish: “Relaxation, stress free.”

My New Year’s Resolution: “To experience happiness in its truest form and love freely.”

Kanarian Kindred, Wellness Editor

What am I most thankful for in 2014: My health and the chance to further advance within my passion, which is the art of journalism.

What is my one Holiday Wish: A Samsung Note4. I know everyone loves the Iphone6 but my heart is really set on the new Note.

My New Year’s Resolution: Finally get this book published and start a new journey in a new place. I have lived in some fascinating places, but 2015 is the time to try something new in a place I never thought I would want to live. With that being said, I am off to.

Tahajah Samuels, Public Relations

What am I most thankful for in 2014: Going into the New Year thankful for my wonderful family and friends - who are my chosen family, continued passion and drive, as well as the ability to actively work towards my purpose.

Let’s get it, 2015!

What is my one Holiday Wish: It would be amazing to hibernate for a good day during the holiday! Oh, sleep how I miss you from time to time!

My New Year’s Resolution: To not always worry about what will or won’t happen and focus MORE on the present. I think as young people, as I can only speak for my generation and personal experience, we get so wound up in achieving a goal (especially, professionally) that we at times forget about the moment we are in; typically, the most beautiful moments of our lives.

www.everythinggirlslove.com

Fashion

Bargain Buys

every girl loves m A Good Deal

PARTY DRESSES FOR LESS!

Written By: The EGL Fashion Team --------------------------As much as you want to rock that latest Dolce & Gabbana dress to your upcoming corporate party, you simply can’t afford it, right now anyway! But that doesn’t mean you can’t achieve the look and slay at your next event. Here are some party dresses under $150 that your budget will love!

Get The Look- Dress- Morgan V Neck Dress from houseoffraiser.com $110 | Shoes- Office Jaguars Dorsay Point Pumps $105| Bag- Claire V. Maison Fold Over Clutch Bag $185

www.everythinggirlslove.com

Get The Look- Dress- Jolie Moi Structured Lace Bell Dress $77 | Shoes- Charles David Nude Leather “Sway II” Classic Pumps $89| Bag- Whistles Faux Fur Clutch $138 | Watch- Kate Spade New York Metro Watch $195

Get The Look- Dress- Dorothy Perkins Elise Ryan Roched Bandeu Midi Dress $79 | Shoes- L.A.M.B. Meridith III High Heels $146| Necklace- BCBGMaxazria Feather Collar Necklace $158

Fashion

Bargain Buys...

Get The Look- Dress- River Island White Waisted Keyhold Dress $77 | Shoes- Jessica Simpson Aggie Bootie Women Boots $60| Bag- 1951 Maison Francaise The Zebra

Get The Look- Dress- Black Vintage 1920s Flapper Fringe Dress $92| Jacket- H&M Tailored Jacket $56 | Shoes- Express Covered Ankle Heeled Runway Sandal $62| Bag- Michael Kors Leather Clutch $258

Get The Look- Dress- Sunvary Vintage Black Lace Applique Mermaid Dress $149 | Shoes- Carvela Gosh Faux-Suede Sandal $175| Bag- The Mode Collective Clutch $120 | Earrings- Alluvez Black Agate Stud Earrings $99

www.everythinggirlslove.com

every girl loves m to be financially stable

N ew Year

Automatic Deductions – One of the

How To Better Manage Personal Finance In 2015

http://hellobeautiful.com/tag/substance-abuse

Written By: Maisha Harris: Urban Lifestyle Coach

www.everythinggirlslove.com

A

s

if we don’t have enough excitement, stresses and worries about what the New Year will bring. Planning for financial stability is just another layer to add to it. We plan for everything from big purchases like a car or a home on down to our monthly grocery spending – this being the case, let us help you figure out a few strategies to stay the course and put you in the driver seat to financial stability for 2015.

easiest and less stressful ways to win at savings for personal finance goals is to have an automatic deduction taken from your paycheck before it ever reaches your spending account. This allows for less accountability on your part because the deduction will happen whether you make it or not. If you are serious about this first strategy it may be a good idea for you to open up a separate bank account that is not as easily accessible to make it harder for you to deduct from this account. If you are truly ready for this commitment, we advise you NOT to get a debit card for it either.

Small Bills First – One of

the things that keep us all in check are goals. A lot of times we set goals that are not easily reachable because they are way too broad.

Set short term goals that are easier to obtain.

For example, a short term goal could be to pay off a store credit card balance. You can give yourself a period of 3- 6 months to pay it off. You can reach this goal by writing a bi-weekly expense line towards the credit card in your budget. Each time you get paid, put the set amount towards the balance and in the 6 months, BOOM, you’re done and on to the next.

Retirement Plans – TAKE FULL

ADVANTAGE. Especially, if your company offers a match. Although most young professionals who are just starting out in their careers don’t recognize the value in early contributions to a retirement plan, it does have long term effects for the possibility of saving towards larger goals. Early on in our tender careers, a lot of times we feel that we don’t have anything to put towards a retirement plan because our pay may be a little more miniscule than not.

However, our best advice is to do what you can, even if it’s the minimum match to your company contribution, 3%, 5%, 7%, match it. If your company offers a dollar for dollar match to your contribution up to a certain percentage, even better. This means that for every $1.00 that you contribute to your account, the company will match it with their $1.00. Don’t miss out on free money because you didn’t understand its value.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/5-ways-stop-throwing-away-142337095.html

Hustlapreneur

Hustlapreneur

Pick Up Some Part-Time Temporary Work – Take

advantage of the holiday season when stores are looking to hire part-time assistance, store cashiers, stock clerks, greeters, etc… This is the perfect time to earn additional income to add to your savings goals. Or, if that is not your thing, contract yourself out for freelance work to be done in your spare time. Nothing says savings like additional income.

The goal here is to save but don’t make yourself miserable by doing so. Set aside a budget to go out and have a good time with friends and family, to celebrate major accomplishments, to purchase small gifts for specific occasions. You are young, professional and responsible for your own financial future.

Definitely plan to have fun while watching your money grow. Take advantage of the opportunity to save earlier on in life so that it becomes less of a chore for those better days.

1 - Lower your phone bill by forgoing unlimited data or by getting a pay as you go plan!

2 - Lower your cable bill. Regular cable isn’t so bad and you can watch Scandal online.

3 - For every amount spent try and save that exact amount.

4 - Learn ways to save on your energy bill by speaking to a representative.

5 - Don’t order out. Make your meals at home.m

www.everythinggirlslove.com

http://frisbeewind.blogspot.com/2011/06/tapped-out-bookstore-reading-tickets.html

http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/photo/young-people-drinking-innightclub-high-res-stock-photography/200515387-001

HOWEVER, don’t get crazy about it.

Just like you allocate a set amount of money towards retirement, small bills and automatic deductions, have a pocket of money set aside for the fun, as well. You may also want to reward yourself with a few extra incentive bucks when you reach the end of a small savings goal, as well. The point here is do not deprive yourself because you are saving. Everyone needs an outlet.

http://www.blackenterprise.com/money/opening-an-investment-account-for-a-minor/

Pay Yourself First with Fun Money –

Cover Story

every girl loves m Life Goes On

Torrei Hart

Life Goes On

By: Ericka Smith, Entertainment Editor Photography by Andrea DeWalt of Drea Nicole Photography We may know Torrei Hart because of her ex-husband, but that’s not how we’re going to remember her! The “Atlanta Exes” star has had her fair share of controversy; but after picking up the pieces from her divorce, she’s ready to be seen in a different light. EGL recently got a chance to chat with Torrei as she opened up about co-parenting, finding a new love and much more.

One thing is for sure, Life Goes On.

www.everythinggirlslove.com

Cover Story EGL: We absolutely love you on “Atlanta Exes.”

How was the experience for you?

Torrei Hart: It was a great experience, I mean I loved it. I got to move to Atlanta and start new things there.

I have some family in Atlanta so I got to hang out with my family and meet new people. Atlanta was very embracing; the city is an awesome city so I really had a good time in Atlanta.

EGL: Are you ladies coming back for a season 2?

“I’m not sure; I haven’t heard anything yet, so I’m not sure. I’m just waiting to see just like you are. Our numbers were great so it would suck if we [weren’t getting renewed] because each week we were pulling in great numbers. We’re just waiting to hear.”

EGL: On the show, you had a lot of confrontation with Tameka Raymond.

Where does your relationship stand now?

Torrei Hart: We’re not friends. I would say we’re fine though. I don’t talk

to her every single day and I’m not calling her up like “Hey, Let’s take a vacation,” or anything like that, but we’re in a good place. I have nothing against her, she has nothing against me. We just don’t kick it every single day, but we’re in a good place.

EGL: What was Kevin’s initial reaction when you told him you were going to do a reality show?

Torrei Hart: He didn’t really have much of a reaction.

He was just like “Okay, Why?” and I told him why I wanted to do it. I feel like I wanted to get my face out there because a lot of people don’t realize that I’m an actress. I do improve. I do stand-up. I’m funny, I write, I’ve written a lot of stuff with [Kevin] in the past. That was my way of making my own way and getting more visibility. So after I explained that to him he was just like “Oh Okay.”

EGL: You’ve been open about Kevin cheating on you with his fiancée Eniko.

Do you want to talk about that situation?

Torrei Hart: I rather not speak on Kevin and Eniko honestly. I’m happy they’re happy. I wish them well and life goes on. We all know what happened with Kevin and Eniko so I rather just move on and talk about some other things that are going on.

EGL: You know our readers want to know…

Torrei Hart: You have to tell the readers they have to come out to my comedy show, because in my show they will get everything they want to know and more.

EGL: Okay, EGL readers, you heard the woman. You are very funny!

Tell us more about your stand-up comedy?

Torrei Hart: I could care less what people think because nobody has ever walked a day in my shoes.

There were definitely moments when I was probably bitter and I had every right to be. I was healing. I was in a very, very public relationship and I don’t know too many people who publically went through what I went through. That’s just how I feel. So I could care less.

I’m going to heal the way I need to heal, and if they don’t like it, that’s their problem not mine.

EGL: How does it feel to help other women using your platform and your situation?

Torrei Hart: I did a big show last week at the J Spot, which is J Anthony Brown’s club in Los Angeles. I’m actually getting my show together right now. I have almost two hours of material so I’ve been hitting the stages just figuring out what’s working what’s not working and condensing it down. I want to eventually do a special, but I am touring. I have show’s coming up soon in Portland and in Texas and I’m doing all the stages right around here in Los Angeles. Just getting the material ready to tour with, but I am definitely back on stage.

Torrei Hart: I love helping women, I think it’s awesome. There was one woman in particular who reached out to me on social media, and she went through a similar situation as me. She was with her husband when he was in medical school and then he got his practice and he got his office and she had two amazing children and he left her.

So she pretty much felt like she couldn’t go on, like life couldn’t go on and I told her ‘Honey, Life Goes On,” and she was thinking about committing suicide and I was like you don’t stop your life for no one. We go through pain and we go through stuff for a reason, but if you keep going and stay focused on the positive you will get through anything.

EGL: Nice!! What do you have to say to people who criticize you or think you were bitter about the whole situation?

EGL: That is true. Regardless of anything else, you and Kevin seem to co-parent perfectly! How do you guys make it work?

“I’m going to heal the way I need to heal, and if they don’t like it, that’s their problem, not mine.”

“Being that I was married and now I’m divorced, I don’t look at anything as forever anymore.”

Torrei Hart: I would just say it’s not about the parents, it’s about the kids. It’s about the kids seeing unity; it’s about having that unity because it’s never going to go away. It’s not easy, it takes time, it takes years of practice, it takes being willing to accept it because things come up, no relationship is perfect. It’s all about how you approach situations. If you approach it with a positive attitude then positivity will happen and that’s just what we choose to do.

For the sake of our children, I want healthy happy children, so I refuse to let my children see anything other than a healthy happy relationship between their parents.

EGL: We see you’re starring in a new series called “Woman to Woman.” Tell us more about the show and your character.

Torrei Hart: The creator of “Martin” and the “Jamie Foxx Show” Bentley Evans actually wrote the script and the producers of “Hollywood Exes,” “Atlanta Exes” and the “Flex and Shanice” show Vernon Lynch and Jeff Dyson they all came together to do this. They offered me the role of Destiny Gaye. Destiny Gaye is very fabulous. Her character has a lot of money. She’s a reality star, a talk show host, has a book deal out…. She’s kind of like the one who thinks she’s better than everybody else on the show.

I had a lot of fun with her wearing my furs, just playing the character up really big. She talks in third person and she’s just fabulous but, at

the end of the day she still has a big heart and she actually wanted to come together with her girlfriends and help them out to upstart a new company. So she’s diva but she also has a heart of gold.

EGL: We can’t wait to see your acting chops. You also have an alcohol line called Skimpy Mixers.

How did that come about?

Torrei Hart: The Skimpy Mixers came about because I told my manger that I wanted to be in the beverage industry. I had done my research on a few people and I came across Skimpy Mixers and I saw that they were pretty much an upstart company. It was three women outside of Dallas, TX and these women I like what they stood for. They stood for woman empowerment and I also wanted to be a part of something like that, so I approached them and I created my own flavor. They liked the idea of my own flavor, did the taste test in the lab, went over everything, my kids and my manager actually helped my pick out the flavor, we did the taste-testing and when we presented it to them they liked it. Now I have my own flavor that represents Skimpys.

EGL: Well, we see you have your acting career, stand-up and business on point, let’s talk about your love life… we hear you have a new man!

Cover Story

I want healthy happy children so I refuse to let my children see anything other than a healthy happy relationship between their parents.”

it’ll happen; but if you’re closed off then of course nothing great can happen or nothing positive will come from it. I didn’t take the previous stuff into my new relationship. That was a big thing that I believe helped me embraced finding love again.

EGL: Does your new guy get frustrated with you constantly being linked to your ex-husband?

Torrei Hart: My new love, I love him to death. He’s my manager, biggest supporter, biggest fan, he’s my everything!

I’m happy. In my previous relationship, I didn’t have what I have in this relationship. I didn’t have that support that’s rooting for me to follow my dreams and do everything that I want to do. I don’t question any loyalty. People say there are no loyal men out there; I disagree because I don’t have any feeling at all that this man is doing anything. I feel safe, I feel secure, I feel like I can trust him and that’s the best thing about this relationship because that’s what I needed more than anything. I needed security and I needed trust and I found that in my new guy.

EGL: Do you see wedding bells in the future? image: theybf.com

Torrei Hart: I don’t know what will happen in the future. I’m not focused on it, so we will see. We’ve talked about it, but when it’s supposed to happen, if it’s supposed to happen, it will. Being that I was married and now I’m divorced, I don’t look at anything as forever anymore. I just say as long as I’m happy and I’m having a good time in this situation I’m going to go with it.

EGL: Was it difficult to find love again?

Torrei Hart: No, because I’ve never ever made it difficult. I’ve never been the one who sits around like I’ll never find love again. I believe in love and I believe life goes on. Just because one relationship didn’t work doesn’t mean another one is not going to work. If you’re open to it,

Torrei Hart: He doesn’t get frustrated at all, he’s in the business, and he’s been in the business for years. He gets it, he understands it. I’m with him almost every single day pretty much so he knows it’s about me and him and he’s very secure.

He has nothing to worry about when it comes to me and my ex.

EGL: You have so many wonderful things going for you, and we know how much you love your “Hartbeats”…. How do you balance career and family?

Torrei Hart: Preparation, scheduling, I have to be very scheduled. Certain days I just can’t do certain things. Like there are days that my kids go to

their father, and the days they’re with their dad is the days I work for a good 20 hours a day. I’ll get 4 hours of sleep, but I’m getting my work in, I’m studying my lines, I’m writing, I’m going over my stand-up material. I find time. I make the time while they’re gone because when they come back, I have to make sure that all my focus is on them and then when they go to sleep, I’ll get back to work. My life right now is pretty much my kids, my work.

EGL: How do you keep your kids humbled?

Torrei Hart: They’re pretty humble kids. You show respect to your elders, you show respect to others, your friends and to your family. You should respect people who are less fortunate, and I also remind them every day they’re blessed and God can take it away from you in the blink of an eye so never forget it.

EGL: When you come home, wipe off your makeup and relax, who is Torrei Hart?

Torrei Hart: Torrei Hart is the same person you see, what you see with me is

what you get. I breathe, I eat, and I sleep just like everybody else. I love my children, I’m silly, I’m goofy, we do silly goofy stuff in the house, I crack jokes with them. That’s what you’ll get from me.

If you come to my home I’m very warm. I’ll welcome you in, I’ll feed you, I’ll make sure you feel welcomed, there’s no pretentious stuff with me, that’s just who I am.

I’m going to keep it real with you and you’ll love me for that or you’ll hate me for it, but at the end of the day, you know what you’re going to get when it comes to me.

Life definitely goes on!

Stay tuned for Torrei’s upcoming memoir and selfhelp book. Her Skimpy Mixers are in Wal Mart everywhere, and if you want the tea on her relationship with Kevin, check out her comedy shows! m

every girl loves m The Holidays

Wellness

“GETTING IN TUNE WITH THE SPIRIT OF THE Written By: Shante Duncan

As we prepare for the holidays, be mindful of the true spirit and reasons behind these seasons. Our capitalist society encourages us to focus our attention on the material aspects of these holidays, without fully engaging in the understanding of how they came to be and what spiritual contributions we should make.

Thanksgiving is known throughout the country as turkey day, the day that we become very consumed with eating turkey, cranberry sauce, dressing and other delicious foods. We travel far and wide to eat, drink and be merry and when the night falls, many of us leave our homes to spend our hard earned money on the must have Christmas gifts that are discounted during Black Friday.

Christmas has been celebrated as the birth of one of the most important religious figures in history, Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ was said to have been a very passionate and loving man who sacrificed his existence to show us humans how to live a life dedicated to the will and honor of his father, God of all Creation. While 95% of the country celebrates Christmas, only 51% describe the holiday as strongly religious for them.

According to research, during the holidays, mainly Thanksgiving and Christmas, 69% of Americans feel overly stressed due to the feeling of having a lack of time. They are so busy working and shopping that 24 hours in a day is not sufficient. Reports also showed that another 69% of people feel stressed from a perceived lack of money. During the holidays parents tend to feel excited and overwhelmed. The excitement of being able to take time off to be with the people they love the most is often overshadowed by the anxiety of buying gifts and other holiday desires. Research

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Holidays�

showed that 57% of parents admitted that they were going to take on debt over the holidays in order to buy gifts for their children. 51% feel stressed over the pressure to give and/or get gifts.

Research and experience also shows that while parents spend a great deal of time, energy and money buying gifts for their children, the children only spend a few months, at most, delighted in the newness of their gifts.

The society that we live in make it very difficult for us to resist the urge to keep up with the Jones and the Kardashians, and indulging is fine, just as long as we know why we are doing what we are doing, Because we are a diverse nation, we each have our own reasons and beliefs about what holidays we choose to celebrate. . No matter your reasons, take a moment to offer gratitude and thanks for your life and the lives of those you love.

If you choose to celebrate these holidays, educate yourself and your family about the true meaning of these days and establish your own rituals to offer gratitude and prayer in these days.

So the next time you are eating with loved ones, out shopping or traveling for the holidays, think about the true spirit of togetherness, family and tradition and smile at the all that has been giving to you throughout this gift called life and enjoy a stress- free holiday season. Be sure to breathe and be thankful!

every girl loves m Her Team

Entertainment

Entertainment Reality Stars The ladies of EGL’s Entertainment Team have all the flare and sass to dominate any reality TV show. From our larger-than-life personalities to our knowledge on all the celeb Tea, we definitely won’t hold back! Get ready; it’s time for our close up!

Ashleigh Dandridge, Braxton Family Values “If I could be on any reality TV show, I would pick Braxton Family Values. I grew up in a family where we all sing also so I know I would be able to get along with all the sisters. I relate to Tamar the most so I would be her go-to when she’s ready to “get her life”, definitely when she’s feeling bullied by her other sisters. I’m the quiet, but don’t cross me type so I would be ready for any shade thrown my way *cough* Towanda *cough*! I’m not saying I would be troublemaker trying to infiltrate the sister circle, okay maybe I am! Plus, I wouldn’t want to miss out on singing with the legend that is Toni Braxton!”

Tina Red, Love & Hip Hop

Britney Norris, “Basketball Wives LA” “If I could be on any reality TV show, it would be ‘Basketball Wives LA.’ You ask me why? HA! Well, because I would love to live in LA and you CLEARLY don’t have to be a wife. But that’s none of my business. *sips tea*”

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“To be cast in a reality show it would require dinner parties, fabulous fashion, music madness, and the ability to read folks like the Sunday paper while still looking snatched for the GAWDS. My journey would be traveling down the intertwined road of success and redemption, with pit stops for love along the way. What show might this be? Well… ‘Love and Hip Hop,’ of course!”

Entertainment

Where we believe there is a story in every step you take…

Kisha Forde, Real Housewives of Atlanta “If I had the opportunity to be on any reality show, it would have to be none other than my personal favorite, Real Housewives of Atlanta. Although I’m not a Georgia peach, nor a Southern Belle, I’m still as sweet and polite as they come, but can throw shade faster than an umbrella in a rainstorm once I’m provoked. My Brooklyn-made busy-bee attitude would fit right in with the classes of ‘very rich’ and ‘gone with the wind fabulous,’ but, not to mention, I think my confessionals and witty candid’s would give everyone else a run for their money!”

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Breanna Davis, Real Housewives of New Jersey If I had the chance to be on a reality show I would have to be on The Real Housewives of New Jersey. There’s no doubt that there’s nothing tougher than a lady from Jersey. Don’t let my small exterior fool you. My big personality proves that Jersey not only produces the most beautiful gardens, but also the most determined bosses! And we can see those housewives aren’t afraid to back down and throw a table or two.

Visit us online at aShoeStoryOnline.com www.everythinggirlslove.com

every girl loves m Surviving the Holidays as a Single Girl

Love & Sex

Silent Night: Single and Surviving the Holidays

Written By: Shaneisha Dodson

The holidays are often described as the happiest time of the year. Most people spend quality time with loved ones while creating unforgettable memories. Some couples celebrate by showering their significant others with gifts, vacations, or popping the BIG question. Is this awesome? Absolutely! But let’s not forget about the unhappily single people who are forced to watch others celebrate their love and affection during this time of year.

Being single during the holidays can be one of the worst feelings in the world because we all want to be genuinely happy.

Most women can envision themselves cuddling under a chestnut roasting fire, sipping on hot chocolate, all while bonding with the man of their dreams. Unfortunately, this scenario may be just that, only a dream.

Most likely, team single is home alone singing Bells Will Be Ringing. Sounds fun, right?

Of course, not!

But there is no need to throw yourself a pity party. Ladies, it’s time to make a change.

This year will be different so there is no need to spend one more silent night moping around like a lost puppy. As the Braxton Sisters always say, it’s time for you to “get your life” because we all have the ability to survive the holidays. How is this possible?

Well, there’s no magical potion but here are a few tips to help you along:

3) Stop rejecting the holiday party invites.

You never know when you are going to meet Mr. Right. Get out and enjoy yourself.

Don’t forget that most people have family and friends visiting for the holidays, so ladies it might be some new fish in the sea.

4) Take that dream vacation. If you plan early, you can find some great deals. The cruise lines have fair prices and the winter months are the cheapest for the Caribbean islands. Who doesn’t love a little fun in the sun?

We all have the ability to survive the sometimes dreaded holidays. Forget about the status quo and do you! A wise woman once said, being single is the new black. If you find yourself single during the holidays, embrace it!

Photo Citations SilentNight1: [Single lady and holidays]. Retrieved

1) Fix yourself up. If you look good, you feel good! Stop walking around looking like a raggedy Ann doll and then wonder why no one is approaching you. Physical attraction is powerful. So, put on your best smile and find that special outfit that makes you feel pretty. You want to appear confident and approachable.

September 29, 2014. From: http://cdn.madamenoire. com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/14-345x414.jpg SilentNight2:

[Single

woman

traveling].

Re-

trieved September 29, 2014. From: http://www. hialbarshadubai.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Female-Traveling.jpg SilentNight3: [Woman shopping]. Retrieved Septem-

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2) Make sure your mental health is in check.

If you are coping with a mental illness, don’t be afraid to seek out help. The holidays can be depressing, especially if you are alone.

Spend some quality time with your family or close friends. If that’s not an option, volunteer to help someone less fortunate.

ber 29, 2014. From: http://justaskariel.files.wordpress. com/2011/12/black-woman-shopping-smiling.jpg

every girl loves m the holidays

Photo By: general.thoughts.com

MODERN DOMESTIC

Written By: Bridgette Dowdell

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ong-awaited presents, family time with extended family, good cooking, good eating and just the excitement of Christmas are what most American families look forward to at the end of every year. It’s nearly impossible to avoid the huge holiday displays, and carol shopping music that comes out entirely too early. Is Christmas becoming too commercial? Should we return to more traditional celebrations?

What is Christmas supposed to ‘mean’ anyway? It’s factual that Christmas is indeed one of the most widespread celebratory holidays in ancient and modern day culture. It

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is said to be one of the most joyous times of the year, but in most cases if a person’s finances aren’t stable or they have no family; that time can be extremely depressing. The meaning and purpose of celebrating was designed as a celebratory day of praise and jolliness in observation of the birth of Jesus Christ.

According to Wikipedia “the true meaning of Christmas is,” “a phrase with a long history in American pop culture. It first appears in the mid-19th century, and is often given vaguely religious overtones, suggesting that the “true meaning of Christmas” is the celebration of the Nativity of Christ.” EGL is examining the

origin of Christmas along with the intended purpose verses how modern day celebrations compare.

“Christmas (Old English: Crīstesmæsse, meaning “Christ’s Mass”) is an annual commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ and a widely observed cultural holiday, celebrated generally on December 25th by billions of people around the world. A feast central to the Christian liturgical year, it closes the Advent season and initiates the twelve days of Christmastide, which ends after the twelfth night. Christmas is a civil holiday in many of the world’s nations, is celebrated by

an increasing number of non-Christians, and is an integral part of the Christmas and holiday season,” per Wikipedia. This information reveals how December 25th became inducted as the most notated holiday of the year and one of the busiest consumer shopping seasons as well.

The hype surrounding Black Friday’s annual spending frenzy; it’s common knowledge that businesses and corporate giants tailor multimillion dollar marketing campaigns, products and advertisements around Black Friday shoppers needs and wants. It is commonly regarded as the first day of the Holiday shopping season, which is why it is the Friday following Thanksgiving (fourth Thursday of

November). Have people started to focus more on the highly anticipated deals and sales embedded in Black Friday’s mass appeal?

Have eager parents and devout shoppers fed into corporate America’s mass marketing propaganda subconsciously?

Let’s rewind for a moment. If the Christmas holiday season was supposed to be centered around acknowledging and praising the birth of Jesus Christ, then why is it that more people spend an enormous amount of money on toys, presents, and other frivolous materialistic items than they do on Christian outreach programs that address social issues within most Christian

follower communities? Why is the Christmas season not dedicated towards researching pre-historic information about Jesus Christ’s early years in an effort to become better people with a stronger following based on understanding and knowledge? Why is there such an emphasis placed on shopping when the winter holiday season was adopted as a time to express a sincere devotion, worship and pride for the Christian faith. Though presents is a very traditional element in Christmas, as though the wise men gifted baby Jesus, there’s still an overload on the new culture of Christmas. It’s even been taken a step further. Not only is there Black Friday, but also

Photo By: www.smashingmagazine.com‬

there’s Cyber Monday. Cyber Monday is where online stores and websites host Black-Friday deals for an extended period of time. We have been sucked into this standard that Christmas is only about gift-giving and it’s not. There’s no longer an emphasis on the holiday season being about family, religion, or background. Here is some interesting information about the birth of Christ that most Christians, who celebrate Christmas heavily, may not know: “While the birth year of Jesus is estimated among modern historians to have been between 7 and 2 BC, the exact month and day of his birth are unknown. His birth is mentioned in two of the four canonical gospels. By the early-to-mid 4th century, the Western Christian Church had placed Christmas on December 25, a date later adopted in the East, although some churches celebrate on the December 25 of the older Julian calendar, which corresponds to January in the modernday Gregorian calendar,” retrieved from Wikipedia. Therefore, as times change and new generations grow, “the true meaning of Christmas” should not be distorted nor abandoned by the temptations of the new holiday culture given by marketing masterminds, and any other man-made distractions. With this token, the more knowledge Christian believers learn about the leader of it’s faith; the stronger praise, devotion, discipleship, missionary involvement can possibly be. Yes…we are living in the modern age and Christmas is a worldwide customary season of good times and memories; but on the other hand, as traditions are past down it is

important to teach our youth the fundamental truths about the Christian religion in which we practice, and encourage them to and are supposed to live our lives according to. m

Merry Christmas To All!

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http://shannonbfly.blogspot.com/2013/11/wcyber-monday-great-savings-for-online.html

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MODERN DOMESTIC

Feature

every girl loves m Girl Talk

Girl Talk with Syleena Johnson Interviewed By: Ericka Smith

Everything Girls Love was able to catch up the fierce and bold R&B Diva Syleena Johnson to catch up and discuss her newest album “Chapter 6: Couples Therapy,” Reality TV, and more!

“ I hope it inspires women to love themselves from the inside out.

You have to love yourself before you can love anyone or anything else. www.everythinggirlslove.com

Feature

EGL: Let’s get right into it! You’re less than a month away from your big release!! Tell us what we can expect from “Chapter 6: Couples Therapy?”

SJ: Honestly, Good music. I think it is my best work yet. It’s more intimate. It’s more in depth. It took me a lot longer to create this album.

EGL: Why did you choose not to work with R.Kelly on this album?

SJ: I have never been very vocal about not working with him. On this album however, the stars just didn’t align for us to work together. Things just kind of happened that way.

EGL: Speaking of “Couple’s Therapy”, you will be on the upcoming season of “Marriage Bootcamp.” What prompted you to display your marriage issues on reality TV? SJ: Well, I learned that it was a real program, which intrigued me, so it is less about the show and more about doing something that was good for my marriage. I also trust the company, ThinkFactor, and I knew that they would handle my marriage with the care and respect it deserved.

EGL: If renewed for another season of R&B Divas, what changes would you like to see? Any new faces?

SJ: I’d love to see more live shows and personal concerts, more of a showcase of the music. I’d love to see Tweet

or Sunshine Anderson join the show... I have worked with then in the past and they are great.

EGL: You’re all about promoting a healthy lifestyle. Tell us more about your book, “The Weight is over.”

SJ: The book is about my struggle with body image in the music industry and how I learned to overcome them. I hope it inspires women to love themselves from the inside out. You have to love yourself before you can love anyone or anything else.

EGL: Your album cover is fierce! What influences your style?

SJ: I was influenced by classic and vintage music and looks because I was taking it back to the beginning and what music used to be. I wanted a vintage feel to the packaging and the sound and make people remember that music can still be soulful and feel good.

EGL: Any other Syleena Johnson projects we should be looking out for?

SJ: Of course the album which is out now, the album’s movie, which will be out soon and the book which will also be making its way to everyone soon.

Syleena is most certainly taking full advantage of all her opportunities.

This Singer, Author, Mom, Wife and Actress is showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon. m

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Beauty

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gift guide

every girl loves m Glam Glitz

This Year’s Most Wanted Holiday Beauty Gifts

This Christmas season offers a wide array of sugar, spice, and everything nice. From glitzy glam polishes to rich luxurious lotions and scents, we’ve selected ten indulgent beauty products to ensure you’ll have a Merry Christmas.

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1. My Burberry, $95.00

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Add a little spice to your Christmas stockings this year with My Burberry – a sensual blend of sweet pea, bergamot, geranium, quince, freesia, centifolia rose, and patchouli notes.

Designed to mimic the scent of a London garden after the rain, the fragrance embodies warmth and femininity.

2. Too Faced Everything Nice Set, $56.00 Too Faced Everything Nice Set is the perfect gift for any beauty girl. The set comprises of Better Than Sex Mascara, 20 high pigment festive eye shadows, two blushes, two bronzers, and a limited edition pink glitter zip bag.

3.Tatcha Ritual Discovery Kit, $59.00

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Tis’ the season for brighter and more radiant skin. Tatcha Ritual Discovery Kit is a twoweek introduction to their core ritual collection. Based on your skincare needs, the kit is available in combination, dry, and oily and

consists of cleansing oil, a rice powder exfoliate, brightening serum, and a moisture-rich silk cream.

4. NuFace Trinity Facial Trainer Kit, $320.00 Create a lush, relaxing spa in your home with NuFace Trinity Facial Trainer, a handheld facial toning device that restores skin’s overall appearance. In as little as five minutes a day, this beauty gadget improves facial contour, tone, and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

5. Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Perfecting Face Brush, $28.00 bareMinerals Perfecting Face Brush is a must-have for any liquid foundation user.

This innovative brush is engineered with a fluid reservoir for no-mess foundation application and uses longer bristles for a smooth, even finish.

Beauty

6. Coach Bleecker Cosmetic Case in Striped 9. Lush Star Light, Star Bright, $6.95 Coated Canvas, $54.60 Store your makeup in style with a trendy cosmetics bag. Perfect for home storage or for those on the go, stylish makeup bags are the perfect gift for the cosmetic junkies in our lives.

7. Yves Saint Laurent Holiday 2014 Glossy Stain Set, $70.00 Indulge your lips and give a bold statement with the Yves Saint Laurent Glossy Stain Set. The long-wear stain comes in three daring shades: Rouge Vintage, Corail Aquatique, and Rouge Laque.

8. GlamGlow Gift Sexy, $69.00 GlamGlow holiday box is a trio of skincare treatment mud masks that leaves skin smooth, hydrated, and radiant. The set contains ThirstyMud Hydrating Treatment, SuperMud Clearing Treatment, and YouthMud Tinglexfoliate Treatment to penetrate and revive skin. Getting dirty has never been so joyous.

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Melt your cares away this holiday season with a warm cup of apple cider and a relaxing bath filled with Lush products. The popular retailer carries a plethora of bath bombs and beauty essentials perfect for holiday stocking stuffers or gift baskets.

10. OPI Gwen Stefani Holiday Collection, $9.50 each Get into the holiday spirit with festive nails and Christmas themed nail art. Nail polish is a great buy for our manicured, nail polish obsessed friends! OPI Gwen Stefani Holiday Collection offers 18 limited edition shades that embody Gwen’s style – edgy and sophisticated. m

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Modern Domestic

EGL Sits Down With Chasing Cayden by Design to Talk Thanksgiving Decor Interview By: Triena Deniese and More It’s officially the holiday season and it’s just about time for the gang to begin to roll in for fun family gatherings. When you think of the holiday’s family is usually the first thing that comes to mind. With siblings, comes kids, and by kids, we mean multiples. There must be a way to keep every little loved one in your family entertained. EGL has called on Chasing Cayden by Design’s very own Ayanna Stephens to discuss how to create the perfect table scape for even your tiniest guest.

EGL: Your event planning company has such a memorable background, share a little about how Chasing Cayden by Design came about.

AS: Chasing Cayden is wordplay on my two sons, who I adore the most. It was birthed from special moments that I cherished with those I love, like birthday parties, childbirth, weddings, and other memorable moments. From those memories that are created around milestone moments is exactly what gave me the fulfillment to pursue special events. I’ve always loved doing events and the spark came about 8 years ago when I planned my own wedding. From that moment forward I knew I enjoyed doing this.

EGL: Hosting a full guest list can be overwhelming. When it comes to hosting a full house, what are some of your entertaining tactics?

AS: If you’re having a big gathering, always have something to entertain your guests. You never want people to be bored. For Thanksgiving in particular, try implementing things in which your family enjoys. For my family, my husband has a large family; there are always at least 40 people over

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every girl loves m Great Decor for Thanksgiving. We have to keep in mind there are both adults and children, and children need to be entertained even more than adults. You have to find a way to keep them involved, because a child wouldn’t want to just sit at a boring table and eat boring grown-up food.

EGL: Like you said, children get bored, fast. A lot of kids don’t enjoy Thanksgiving, because it’s boring to them. They may even be ready to fast-forward to Santa Season; in what ways can we entertain children?

AS: There are so many things to do for kids; you have to be creative when thinking of things for them to enjoy at their own little dinner table. The kid’s table has to be much cooler than the grown-ups! A few of my favorite ideas are –placemats!

Whatever your placemat is, it should be an activity for kids. Let’s say you have little kids, maybe a coloring sheet with a few crayons. They can color in their little turkey before dinner. Or even place cards at the tables, so that they can have a personalized touch.

For example, a little pilgrim or Indian hat with their name on it, so that they can wear it while eating dinner. It not only dresses the table but it’s interactive for them to play dress up!

Entertainment

Kids love snacks, while you may not be able to get them to eat their veggies, you could implement it in their table centerpiece. Possible make a little turkey piñata and stuff it with goodies like popcorn, pretzels or even little dinner rolls.

The objective is to keep them engaged. Remember, anything they are excited about, they will stick around for.

EGL: You’re absolutely right; kids don’t enjoy veggies so much. Do you have any ideas on kid-friendly menu items for Thanksgiving?

AS: One of my favorite tricks as a parent is, “Hide the Veggies!” It sounds redundant but you have to get creative when giving your kids their nutrition. They may not eat veggies alone so you have to figure out another way to implement it. For example, a good idea is to implement butternut squash in candied yams. Kids love yams because of the sweetness, so sneak a little nutrition in there as well with the squash.

Another way to tackle kid’s meals is to make the presentation nice. Some children are extremely visual, so if you present it right, they will go for it!

Maybe try to make a veggie plate in the shape of a turkey, or something else fun and creative. You don’t have to go crazy with the menu; kids prefer simplicity when it comes to their food.

EGL: What advice could you give us on having people over for Thanksgiving?

AS: Remember aim to entertain everyone! Don’t be overwhelmed just find something that everyone enjoys and roll with it! It may seem overwhelming at first, but you’ll get use to hosting in no time. m

To find out more about Cashing Cayden By Design you can find Ayanna on Instagram: @ChasingCaydenbyDesign Facebook: Chasing Cayden by Design

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every girl loves m The Holidays

Wellness

A Happy Thanksgiving Table For All

It’s the night before Thanksgiving and it’s your turn to host the festivities filled with family, friends and food. Catering to a large group of your loved ones (including children) involves planning a meal that pleases everyone.

met a child that wasn’t obsessed with cheese, meatballs or broccoli.

For appetizers you can serve: Cocktail MeatWhile picky eaters and exotic taste buds are on balls, Hush puppies, the bottom of your checklist, there are diabetic, Cheese straws or Peplow-cholesterol, peroni pizza muffins. gluten-free and child-friendly For the main course, you can stick to the theme foods to conof finger food, which allows them to eat on their sider. Below you own without making a spill or go for baked pies will find cookand casseroles. ing tips for your guests with speFor the main dish you can serve: Baked Chickcial needs and recipes with short prep times. en nuggets with Pizza Pasta, Chicken Parmesan Therefore, everyone on your guest list can enjoy Casserole with Zucchini fries or Tuna Burgers with Thanksgiving dinner from the appetizers right baked sweet potatoes. down to dessert.

In addition to the needs of your loved ones, this dinner is a chance to show everyone that your peach cobbler can give your Aunt’s apple a little bit of competition.

“Low in Cholesterol”, doesn’t mean boring for Main Dishes: Vegetarian Meatloaf with Spinach them or complicated for you. pasta and shells

Appetizers: Apple Chutney, Fresh Tomato Salsa, Steamed Mussels with Curry and Vegetable MasBaked Zucchini Chips and Grilled Oyster Shoot- sala, Steamed Blue Crabs with Tomato-rice stew ers. and Tilapia fillets with Mango Salsa and Lentil Casserole.

Main Dishes: Penne with Chicken and Aspar- For Dessert, Banana Chia Pudding, Gingerbread agus, Shredded Pork with Lentils and Spinach, biscotti or Apple Cinnamon Cobbler.

Butternut Squash Ravioli and Grilled Cilantro Salmon with Scallop Scampi.

For your Gluten-Free guests you can spoil them with dips, sauces and baked vegetables to mix For Dessert, you can add fruit with Rhubarb and match as a side dish or dessert.

Cherry pie, Strawberries with Balsamic vinegar or Appetizers: Eggplant Caviar, Stuffed Mushrooms or Buffalo Cauliflower.

Main Courses: Lamb Chops with Stuffed Peppers, Honey-Grilled Shrimp with Alfredo Medallions, Pork Tenderloin with carrot rice and Herb-Crusted Tilapia with Peanut-Ginger Chickpea Curry.

For Dessert: Coconut Macaroons , Lemon Souffle or Garbanzo-Bean Chocolate Cake.

Gingerbread Biscotti if they enjoy tea or coffee with dessert.

For the guests with diabetes or monitored sugar, there are tons of recipes right under your nose.

Appetizers: Halibut Mango Ceviche, Sweet PoChildren first. Four deserts minus the ice cream. Peanut-butter tato Hummus and Deep-fried Black-eye Peas Cooking for rice crispy treats, Cheesecake Pops, Coconut Soups: Spicy Kale and Shrimp Soup, Vegetable the kids’ ta- chips and Baked apples.

Chunky Chili and Lentil Soup ble can prove to be a challenge but I’ve never

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Feature

every girl loves m Celebrity Parents

Daniel Gibson Daniel Gibson Dishes on Co-Parenting with Keyshia Cole, Collaborating with Drake, New Projects And More!

Since his departure from basketball, Daniel “Boobie” Gibson has been working hard to redefine himself; however, he’s encountered a few speed bumps along the way. The 28-year-old former Cleveland Cavaliers player talked to EGL about life after basketball, his upcoming TV series, and co-parenting with Keyshia Cole and more!

Read on as you witness the rebirth of Daniel Gibson; he’s certainly a jack of all trades!

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EGL: So what is Daniel doing these days? Any new projects you have going on?

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Daniel: Actually, I got a lot, a lot of projects going on. Basically just trying to get my foundation for, you know life after basketball. While at the same time still entertaining the idea of teams still calling me, trying to see what I’m doing; see if I’m still interested in lacing them up. So for starters I have a project I’m shooting, like a little short kinda TV series, trying to get on a little bit of the acting side of things.

EGL: Oh really?! What’s the TV series about?

Daniel: Well, kind of loosely based off of my life and my journey; we exaggerated a few details, but for the most part, it’s kind of like what’s happened in my life and in my career. It’s a big role for me; I’m basically producing the whole idea of it. But with me wanting to get into acting, I wanted to give them…the idea of it because I feel like I can do pretty well.

EGL: Oh that sounds interesting. So when you have the TV series done, is it going to be on YouTube, are you going to be on networks?

Daniel: When we first initially did it, it was more like my idea, because I wanted to get into acting. We plan stick to the 7 to 8 minute series and just really go hard with it because we have some interest from a few different areas. Like you know the whole Netflix thing is booming now after the ‘Orange is the New Black’ movement; so a few networks like Starz and a few others are looking for series like the ones we’ve come up with. The idea is an urban tale. I like to think of it in the vain of watching ‘Juice,’ back in the day. It’s truly a document of my life.

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Feature EGL: You know Juice is a classic, so I mean you can’t really go wrong with a classic like that.

Daniel: I’m a Pac fiend so I’m definitely trying to hone in my inner Bishop.

own terms is enticing. Just showing them, I can go hard, I can work at it and get back to that level that they remember seeing me at, that’s the enticing side of the NBA.

EGL: You really are a Jack-of-all-trades, right?

Daniel: Yea, so when I say rebirth that thing is just me just going, just doing whatever it is I feel is in my heart and not really paying attention to the people telling me I can’t do it and just conquering myself, just showing myself that I can do all of these things that I know I am capable of.

EGL: And what’s the name of that team?

Daniel: They’re called D Gibb Hoops. But I’m actually changing their name to the Boobie Gang.

EGL: Do you have a few things you’re getting into now. Would you say that your heart is leaning more towards exploring those avenues versus going back to basketball? Or, are you waiting on an offer?

Daniel: I have offers, see what happened was when I stopped playing, I completely sat it down.

Like I never did, I never did another work out. So teams are just like, ‘what is it, what’s the deal, is he okay?’ And I was going through something at the time, so I just sat basketball down completely.

The enticing thing about playing basketball again is I have a AAU team in Houston which I sponsor, young like 11 year-old to 17 year-olds who I give the opportunity to play and get a better to be seen by college scouts. So what happens is, when you have little guys like that who look at you, I’m like their Michael Jordan.

So my last few years in the league, I tore a tendon in my foot, and then, I really wasn’t into it because of everything I had going on off of the court. So the challenge of them seeing me going out on my

EGL: You know, I wanted to ask you, where did Boobie come from? Who gave you that name? (laughs) Daniel: Well you know I don’t want to tell everybody, if I tell you the story, I’ll have to kill you. It’s like G14, G14 Classified. But what I will tell you is that the originator is my Grandmother who is no longer with us. She gave it to me when I was a youngster, so it just kinda stuck. It’s just one of those names, you know, a family name.

EGL: We’ll leave that G14 classified information right there. Speaking of you getting into acting, do you think that doing the show affected your career in a positive way or a negative way, or do you think it affected your career at all?

Daniel: I don’t think it affected my career at all. I think I affected my career by having a reality show; I was doing things the right way. I carried myself in a respectable manner; nothing bad would have come from that show. And so the only time people bring negativity from the show is when negative things happen outside of it, you know what I’m saying? I think if you’re doing what you’re supposed to be doing, like that’ll become your reality. Sometimes, people tend to say distracting things but I

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don’t believe in that. I believe that you can do whatever you want as long as you’re putting in the time and you’re going about it the way you’re supposed to.

EGL: I heard that you were kind of exploring the music world, is that true?

Daniel: It is very true, but the thing I like to say about it is um, I’m more or less a writer as opposed to a rapper. You know what I’m saying?

I can listen to a beat or whatever and I can write down bars and all of that because of my ability to express myself with my pen, but like I hate using the word rapper because I have so much respect for the guys like, the Drakes and the Meeks, and all of these guys who if you give these guys a microphone or a floor, they will do it. But I’m not at that particular level, when I think of myself with the music, I feel like it was kind of my…hmm what’s the word for it?”

EGL: Your relief, escape maybe?

Daniel: Yea, like my medication for when everything that I was going through with Keyshia, that was who I vented to when I went through my period of depression. I didn’t want to talk to nobody, I didn’t want to see nobody, and I had all of this built up aggression and anger and resentment and regret…all just bottled up inside. When I got into the studio I would be in there by myself, nobody but me and the dude making the beat and we would just get beats and go hard and I would just write stories and that’s how I kind of got addicted to the creative process of the artistry behind the music.

EGL: If you got a free pass to collaborate with anybody in the industry right now, who would it be?

Feature Daniel: Hmmm, Drake! It would have to be between Drake and Big Sean, those are my favorite MC’s right now. They just knocks everything outta the park! (Laughs) EGL: In regards to your music venture, has your son had a chance to hear some of your music?

Daniel: Oh yea! He has definitely heard some of my music. He is actually on some of my songs. There’s one where he is on the record saying “Daddy,” I like that song. He’s just on there being him, being DJ. I was on my Tupac, Brenda had a baby type of thing. (laughs)” EGL: That’s so sweet! Do you think he will be more into music or basketball?

Daniel: Well right now, he’s really only into video games (laughs) which I’m trying to break.

I’m not sure just yet… He’s not an athlete. But he does like to paint and draw and things of that sort, which I love.

EGL: So you’re not one of those “Toddler & Tiara” dads trying to force their child into something right? (laughs) Daniel: I’m definitely not that dad! I was kind of forced to do basketball because of our situation being we were really poor. Ball was one of the ways for us to get out of that situation. So you know, with my son, the only thing I tell him is…if you start it, you finish it. That’s my main thing. So whatever he wants to do, I just won’t let him quit.

EGL: We appreciate those values you are instilling in your son. Family is very important. On the subject of family, how difficult is it for you and Keyshia to co-parent?

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Feature Daniel: I’ll be honest I really hate it. I hold a lot of remorse because I feel as though I’m the reason we’re co-parenting. I feel like there are so many negative things that can pull your child in different directions. So, you kind of need both parents. What I try to do with Keyshia since we aren’t together, is just be the best friend possible to her.

But you know… I hate it. I hate it when he’s at my house and he falls down and scrapes his knee or something, he’s not going to be yell “daddy” he is going to yell “mommy!”

So, when she’s not there and I have to get him through that. I’m sure it’s the same when he’s at her place. Things may happen, and he needs his daddy. So I hold a lot of regret and remorse because he is so special and he deserves the both of us.

EGL is rooting for #TeamKeyshia&Daniel.

Daniel Gibson is truly the family man, artist, ball player, community advocate and most of all, the visionary. We definitely can’t wait to see the future holds for him! m

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every girl loves m Music

Entertainment

EGL’s Holiday Playlist

From Christmas trees and sweet treats to family time and gifts, nothing is better than the holidays! You know what makes it even better? Music! EGL has created the perfect holiday playlist that is sure to bring out your Christmas cheer! Take a look at some of our favorite albums below.

Jackson 5 Christmas Album, The Jackson 5 “I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus. I did! I really did see Mommy kissing Santa Claus and I’m gonna tell my Dad!” Who could forget little Michael’s infamous part on the Jackson 5’s 1970 Christmas album? The holiday masterpiece includes the classics “I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus” and “Santa Claus is coming to Town” with a Motown twist, of course! This is the perfect album to play for your family, bringing the real sounds of Christmas.

Picture Credit: [Jackson 5 Christmas Album [Photograph]. Retrieved via Wikipedia on 10/19/14, from: http://en.wikipedia. org/wiki/Jackson_5_Christmas_Album]

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Entertainment A Mary Christmas, Mary J. Blige 8 Days of Christmas, Destiny’s Child You can’t go wrong with a Destiny’s Child Christmas album. Released in 2001, Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams brought flavor to the holidays with 8 Days of Christmas. The title track featured a video, which revealed all the things the ladies of DC wanted from their boyfriends, including diamond belly button rings, cars and quality T.I.M.E! This throwback album is sure to bring out your Christmas spirit!

Picture Credit: [Destiny’s Child 8 Days of Christmas [Photograph]. Retrieved via Wikipedia on 10/19/14, from:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/8_Days_of_Christmas]

Merry Christmas, Mariah Carey Mariah Carey has proven time and time again why she’s the Holiday Queen. Her 1994 album, Merry Christmas, doesn’t skip a beat as it’s played in homes and department stores nationwide. The classic, which is also the best-selling Christmas album to date, features the famed single “All I Want for Christmas is You,” a beautiful rendition of “Joy to the World” and you can’t forget “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town.”

Mariah’s voice over a sweet holiday melody is just magical. Enjoy!

Picture Credit: [Mariah Carey Merry Christmas [Photograph]. Retrieved via Wikipedia on 10/19/14, from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Merry_Christmas_(Mariah_Carey_album)]

After nine Grammys and more than 50 million albums sold, Mary J. Blige finally released her first holiday EP last year. A Mary Christmas was produced by David Foster and was certified gold, selling more than 500,000 copies. It was also the third best-selling Christmas album of 2013. The album is true Mary as she brings hip-hop/soul to classics like “This Christmas” and “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” The album also features the voices of Jessie J, The Clark Sisters, March Anthony, Barbra Streisand and Chris Botti. Mary has a swag that is undeniable; this album will definitely make you bounce with Christmas joy.

Picture Credit: [A Mary Christmas Mary J Blige [Photograph]. Retrieved via Wikipedia on 10/19/14, from: http://en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/A_Mary_Christmas]

One Wish: The Holiday Album, Whitney Houston Powerful, Rich and compelling are just a few words to describe Whitney Houston’s voice. So, you can only imagine the soulfulness she brought to her 2003 classic, One Wish: The Holiday Album.

The record features Whitney’s original song, “One Wish,” along with other Christmas favorites like “The Little Drummer Boy” featuring her daughter Bobbi Kristina and “Joy to the World.” Another track on the album that we absolutely love is “Who Would Imagine a King” from the 1996 film, The Preacher’s Wife. There are so many amazing songs on this album, make sure it’s added to your playlist!

Picture Credit: [Whitney Houston One Wish: The Holiday Album [Photograph].

Retrieved via Wikipedia on 10/19/14, from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_ Wish:_The_Holiday_Album]

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Christmas Interpretations, Boyz II Men. Let’s set the scene. It’s a cold winter night, the candles are flickering and your significant other just walked through the door. Ladies, what album should be playing? If you said Boyz II Men’s Christmas Interpretations, then we couldn’t agree with you more! The album features the baritones and falsettos of one our favorite boy bands. Three original songs made the album, along with holiday classics like “You’re not alone,” “Who Would Have Thought” and “Let It Snow” featuring Brian McKnight. Let the love immense!

Picture Credit: [Christmas Interpretations Boyz II Men [Photograph]. Retrieved via Wikipedia on 10/19/14, from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_Interpretations]

Christmas on Death Row, Death Row Records Sometimes you just have to add a little spice to your holiday playlist! And what better way to do that than adding Christmas on Death Row to your rotation? The 1996 album was released during a time of controversy within the hip-hop community; the same year 2pac was murdered.

Though the album’s title may sound hardcore, the album is actually inspiring and features original songs from The Dogg Pound, Danny Boy, Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg and more! So, for all of you that are not quite into the fa lalalala of Christmas, this is the perfect album for you! Get jiggy with it!

Picture Credit: [Christmas on Death Row [Photograph]. Retrieved via Wikipedia on 10/19/14, from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_ on_Death_Row]

Entertainment Winter Loversland, Tamar Braxton The holidays are definitely dedicated to the lovers! Tamar Braxton brought the fiery passion of Christmas lights and cool air with her album, Winter Loversland.

The youngest Braxton teases with songs like “Santa Baby” but she also belts out Christmas classics like “Silent Night” and “Sleigh Ride.” But no Tamar Braxton album is complete without her tell-it-like-it-is personality. The mommy to baby Logan shows us how it feels to be fed up with your boo during the holidays on “She Can Have You.” This is the perfect holiday record for couples! So, snuggle up with your significant other or sip hot cocoa and dream about love with Winter Loversland playing in the background.

Picture Credit: [Winter Loversland Tamar Braxton [Photograph]. Retrieved via Wikipedia on 10/19/14, from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter_Loversland]

A Charlie Brown Christmas, Vince Guaraldi Trio Because EGL ladies are masters at balancing career and family in a hawt pair of stilettos, we can’t forget about your little ones during the holidays. Invite your kids’ playdates over, bake some Pillsbury sugar cookies and pop in A Charlie Brown Christmas. The fifth studio album by Vince Guaraldi Trio was released in December 1965. It will definitely bring out your inner kid with songs like “Christmas Time Is Here” and “Skating.” So, warm up the egg nog, kiss your little ones and let the nostalgic moments begin!

Picture Credit: [A Charlie Brown Christmas [Photograph]. Retrieved via Wikipedia on 10/19/14, from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Charlie_Brown_ Christmas_(album)]

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Entertainment

AD WOW Gospel Christmas 2007, Various Artists Sometimes you just have to take it to church, especially during the holidays! WOW Gospel Christmas was released in 2007, and it’s the perfect praise party! The album features your favorite gospel stars like Shirley Caesar, Kierra “Kiki” Sheard, Marvin Sapp and many, many more! So, if you’re having your church friends over for a dinner party or if you just want to get closer to the Lord, this is the perfect feel-good album for you! Nothing like turning up in the name of Jesus!

Picture Credit: [WOW Gospel Christmas 2007 [Photograph]. Retrieved via amazon.com on 10/19/14, from: http://www.amazon. com/Wow-Gospel-Christmas/dp/B000UZ4EJ8 m

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Wellness

every girl loves m A Career

Pharmacists Are so Much More Than Just Pill Counters.

Interviewed By: Kanarian Kindred

Dr. Natasha Phillips is a licensed pharmacist who holds a doctoral degree in pharmacy (PharmD) from ST.JOHN’S UNIVERSITY, COLLEGE OF PHARMACY AND ALLIED HEALTH, Jamaica, NY. A dedicated professional, she has a sincere love and dedication to her craft. According to her, “Pharmacists are so much more than just pill counters. We are vital members of the health care team directly involved in patient care. Pharmacists are often the first point-of-contact for patients with health inquiries. Thus pharmacists have a significant role in assessing medication management in patients, (including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, herbal medications and vitamins).” It was an honor interviewing her and learning resourceful information regarding this craft.

EGL: When did your interest in pharmacy surface?

Dr. Phillips: My passion for science led me to pursue a career in health care.

Being a pharmacist was my lifelong dream. From an early age, I saw myself in a pharmacist’s coat. I became even more motivated because of the personal challenges in my life due to my health condition which is sickle cell anemia. I know what it’s like to be a patient. I know how it feels to be challenged with serious health issues at a very young age. It’s really all about the people. I feel I owe it to others to help where there is a need.

Therefore with the combination of me being “a people person” along with a scientific passion; becoming a pharmacist was my calling.

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EGL: What educational path did you take to become a pharmacist?

Dr. Phillips: In 2001, I enrolled in the competitive Doctor of Pharmacy Degree Program (PharmD) at St. John’s University.

Students in this program must complete 201 credits over a 6-year period. Nine rotations that last four weeks each are included in the program. This PharmD program is unique because many other programs include a 2-year pre-pharmacy coursework AND a 4-year professional coursework. In May 2007, I graduated with my doctoral degree in Pharmacy.

Once I passed all of my state board exams, I became a licensed pharmacist in the state of New York. All pharmacists are required by the board of pharmacy to complete continuing education courses throughout the years to keep us up-to-date on medications and therapeutic knowledge.

EGL: Describe a typical day for a pharmacist?

Dr. Phillips: A typical day for a pharmacist varies based their occupational setting. Each pharmacist regardless of their expertise; make unique contributions to the pharmacy profession along with having broad and diverse responsibilities. ***Chain Community Pharmacists - work in a community setting dispensing requested medications based on prescription orders. The pharmacist would check the patient’s medical history, makes sure there is nothing in the prescribed medication that could be problematic for them, and looks to see if

there is any other relevant advice they might be able to give them. For each prescription, the pharmacist will be able to tell the patient how it should be taken, how often, and for how long. This has been the traditional role of dispensing medication and educating patients, however nowadays chain community pharmacists can do so much more.

Some are certified to vaccinate patients; others may have credentials in pharmacy disease state management in areas covering diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and anticoagulation therapy. They may also conduct smoking cessation programs and screening programs such as those to detect osteoporosis and high cholesterol. ***Academic Pharmacy - work in the profession as educators. It is in academia that one can excite individuals about pharmacy and lay the groundwork for continuing advances in the field. They are involved with teaching, research, public service, and patient care. Disciplines within academic pharmacy include administration, biological sciences, clinical science, continuing education, experiential education, drug discovery, medicinal/natural products, and pharmacology. ***Consultant Pharmacists - provide a broad spectrum of administrative, distributive and clinical services to nursing facilities (NFs), mental institutions, hospice care, home health agencies and other long-term care (LTC) environments. ***Pharmaceutical industry - produces chemicals, prescription and non-pre-

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scription drugs, and other health products. Pharmacists in industry do such things as marketing, research and product development, quality control, sales, and administration. ***Hospital Pharmacists - As members of the health care team composed of physicians and nurses, among others, hospital pharmacists have an opportunity to have direct involvement with patient care.

Pharmacists in hospitals are responsible for systems that control drug distribution and are designed to assure that each patient receives the appropriate medication, in the correct form and dosage, at the correct time. Hospital pharmacists maintain records on each patient, using them not only to fill medication orders but also to screen for drug allergies and adverse drug effects. Pharmacists can provide clinical services in adult medicine, pediatrics, oncology, ambulatory care, and psychiatry. The nature and size of the hospital helps to determine the extent to which these specific services are needed.

Studies have shown that pharmacists participation in hospital rounds has actually reduced medication errors within the hospital.

EGL: What is the best and worst thing about your job?

Dr. Phillips: The best thing about my job is that we truly HELP people. I personally know how it feels to be sick and be in need of help therefore I really want to help people get well. From helping with aches and pains, to educating patients about drug therapies, to helping sick patients cope with their feelings....we as

Wellness

pharmacists forge great relationships with patients. For many patients, their pharmacist is their primary source of health information. Patients truly trust us and that’s such a great feeling!! For more than 22 years, pharmacists have ranked at or near the top of the Gallup Poll ranking of the “most trusted professionals.” The pharmacy is often the first place patients go to for questions about medicine and their health. Therefore, pharmacists are generally considered the most accessible member of the healthcare team and we are easily approachable.

The worst thing I hate about my job is the huge misconception that pharmacists are just “pill counters”. I would say that the general public as a whole has no idea how long we go to school, nor how rigorous our education is. Many people are quite surprised to learn that pharmacy is a 6 year program. Unfortunately, we are still under the stigma that all we do is, “count, pour, lick and stick”. If you think about it, we are like the middle man between the patient AND the medical doctor. Once a doctor writes a prescription we don’t just dispense the medication and keep moving like robots. We work with medical doctors to determine the best drug- and non-drug therapy for a patient’s particular illness, age, gender, and health along with avoiding as many side effects as possible. Pharmacists may also provide other services such as immunizations, asthma care, blood pressure monitoring services, cholesterol screening, diabetes disease management, smoking cessation consultation, bone density scans for osteopo-

make sure they complete as many diverse rotations as they can because sometimes in the pharmacy world; you just don’t know where to begin. There are so many different paths within pharmacy. Pharmacists can work in a myriad of professional settings. Many people assume pharmacists only work in a pharmacy chain but that is a HUGE misconception. Pharmacists work in numerous other healthcare environments as well, including hospitals, nursing homes, managed care organizations, the pharmaceutical industry, colleges and schools and the federal government. Pharmacists play key leadership roles in all aspects of the healthcare system.

rosis screening, and anticoagulation management clinics.

For me, I think part of our image has been tarnished because the most visible place you see a pharmacist; is in a chain pharmacy and in this fast-paced environment people just see us as they see people who work at Fast food place.

They are only concerned on how fast can we have their prescription ready not how safely can we fill it which of course is most important.

EGL: What advice would you offer someone considering this career?

Dr. Phillips: Although I must admit Pharmacy is a challenging major, the end result of graduating with a doctoral degree in Pharmacy is very rewarding. I’ve learned from experience, that it is possible to have both a concentrated academic life and a fun social life. As long as time is managed wisely, you CAN certainly do it. I would also recommend pharmacy students to

EGL: The holiday season is right around the corner. With colds and flu being on the rise during this time, what advice would you give to those trying to prevent these viruses?

Dr. Phillips: The fall and winter seasons definitely means prime time for colds and flu. Although symptoms of colds and flu can be similar, the two are different. Colds are usually distinguished by a stuffy or runny nose and sneezing. Other symptoms include coughing, a scratchy throat, and watery eyes. There is NO vaccine against colds because they can be caused by many types of viruses. Often spread through contact with mucus, colds come on gradually. Flu comes on suddenly, is more serious, and lasts longer than colds. The good news is that yearly vaccination can help protect you from getting the flu. Flu symptoms include fever, headache, chills, dry cough, body aches, fatigue, and general misery.

The single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year. An annual flu vaccine (which is available either as a shot or the nasal spray) is the best way to reduce the chances that you will get the seasonal flu and spread it to others. The best time to get a flu vaccination is from October through November, al-

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Wellness though getting it in December and January is not too late. There are several flu vaccine options for this 2014-2015 flu season. CDC has not expressed a preference for which flu vaccine people should get this season except for one: Starting in 2014-2015, CDC recommends use of the nasal spray vaccine for healthy children 2 years to 8 years of age when it is immediately available and if the child has no contraindications or precautions to that vaccine. If the nasal spray vaccine is not immediately available and the flu shot is, vaccination should not be delayed and a flu shot should be given. While there will be more than one vaccine option for many people to choose from; the most important thing is for all people 6 months and older to get a flu vaccine every year. If you have questions about which vaccine is best for you, talk to your doctor or other health care professional.

Flu vaccines are no longer just offered in doctor’s offices but there are available in clinics, health departments, pharmacies and college health centers, as well as by many employers, and even in some schools. The Vaccine Locator (vaccine.healthmap.org) is a useful tool for finding vaccine in your area.

The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated, BUT good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu. There also are flu antiviral drugs that can be used to treat and prevent the flu.

1. Avoid close contact.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

When you are sick, keep your distance from

others to protect them from getting sick too.

2. Stay home when you are sick.

If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

3. Cover your mouth and nose.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

4. Clean your hands.

Wash your hands often. Teach children to do the same. Both colds and flu can be passed through coughing, sneezing, and contaminated surfaces, including the hands.CDC recommends regular washing of your hands with warm, soapy water for about 15 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

6. Practice other good health habits such as cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces at home or work, especially when someone is sick. Studies have shown that germs can survive on surfaces and can infect a person for up to 2 to 8 hours after being deposited. Therefore, it is very important to clean and disinfect hard surfaces and frequently used items such as desktops, telephones, computer keyboards, doorknobs, refrigerator door handles, tables, chairs, kitchen countertops, and remote controls. According to the CDC, disinfecting and cleaning are NOT the same. Cleaning removes germs from surfaces and disinfecting destroys germs from surfaces.

Disinfecting after cleaning gives an extra level

of protection from germs. Be sure to check the product label to make sure it says “Disinfectant” and has an EPA registration number. I recommend the Lysol Disinfectant Spray which kills 99.9% of the viruses and bacteria your family comes in contact with every day. However, there are several other disinfectants available on the market. Just be sure to read the labels carefully!!

7. Get plenty of sleep.

8. Exercise - be physically active. It can help the immune system better fight off the germs that cause illness.

9. Manage your stress - Do your best to keep stress in check.

10. Eat a balanced diet which includes drinking plenty of fluids and eating nutritious food.

EGL: What else would you like people to know about what you do?

Dr. Phillips: I also want my ladies to know just how great Everything Girls Love LLC (EGL) really is as a brand!! Yes, it is a digital lifestyle brand for women to locate informative content on everything from wellness and finance to love, fashion but it’s MORE than that! EGL Lifestyle brand truly is a place where femininity rules. I have been going through my own personal battles and EGL has been there for me.

Seriously!! There are so many lifestyle brands out there screaming “Girl Power” but that’s all it is.....Talk!!! EGL is a special place that celebrates and empowers women. Thank you EGL from the bottom of my heart. Kanarian Kindred!!!! Keep empowering young ladies everywhere!! Continue to be a blessing!!! Thank you!! m

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every girl loves m to be Comfortable in their Sexuality

Love & Sex

Test your sexual prowess to find out where you rank on Santa’s list this year.

1) When it comes to experimenting with NEW sexual positions this year: a) I’ve been practicing this one freaky position that drives him crazy. b) He couldn’t get enough of me when I revealed a couple new tricks up my sleeve. c) Those three or more new positions I’ve adopted are probably illegal in some states.

2) Of all the different places you’ve had sex at this year, the most thrilling location was: a) A warm, steamy shower. b) At a friend’s house. The struggle to keep quiet and the risk of getting caught was an exciting combo! c) Outside in broad daylight where strangers could’ve easily spotted us.

Naughty, Nice or Neutral Quiz Written By: Dóréal Quarles

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3) This year, everyone seemed to be fascinated with the booty-bouncing style of dance called “twerking.” Since January, which statement best describes your experience with the popular dance: a) No one knows this but I was secretly shaking it to my favorite song at home alone. I don’t need anyone judging me. b) My friends and I put those other girls to shame at the club. Step your game up, ladies! c) I’m pretty sure I caused an earthquake while twerking for my man. They named that “Dangerous Curves Ahead” sign after me.

4) Which category describes your Halloween or bedroom role-play costume(s) this year: a) Cute/funny (angel, beauty queen, superhero) b) Sexy (nurse, flapper, maid) c) Provocative (dominatrix, bad cop, Beyoncé) 5) Remember all those wild nights you had this year? The longest night of passion lasted: a) 30-45 minutes. He knows exactly how to turn me on. b) 45 minutes to two hours. That man wears me out! c) Two plus hour’s #neighborsknowmyname

Love & Sex

If you chose: Mostly As: Nice- You have a healthy sex life but you could benefit from broadening your experiences. Creating an alter ego in the bedroom might inspire you to explore your sexuality in more bold and daring ways. Don’t wait until next year; start now!

Mostly Bs: Neutral- You’re that “I’ll try almost anything once” kind of girl. You took risks in controlled environments. Next year, keep it hot but take off those training wheels.

Mostly Cs: You naughty girl! Santa would put you over his knee but you’d probably like it! How will you top yourself next year?

You make being a bad girl look so good.

Naughty, Nice or Neutral Quiz citations Naughty1: [Untitled photo of holiday woman]. Todd Gills, photographer.

Retrieved December 21, 2013. From: http://www.torontosun.com/sunshine-girl/2009/12/22/chantel Naughty2: [Mr. and Mrs. Claus]. Retrieved October 20, 2014. From: http:// femaledelights.wordpress.com/2012/12/15/sexy-santa-costumes/sexy-santa-costume-review/

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MODERN DOMESTIC

modernFabulous domestic Thanksgiving Feast The 2014

Holiday Menu Food Plan

Menu Photo By: www.kitchendaily.com

Creole Turkey with Spicy Cajun Gravy Chorizo Macaroni and Cheese Pumpkin Soup Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Roasted Balsamic Brussel Sprouts Cornbread and Sage Stuffed Acorn Squash Bourbon Cranberry Sauce Creole Turkey with Spicy Cajun Gravy Chorizo Macaroni and Cheese Pumpkin Soup Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Roasted Balsamic Brussel Sprouts Cornbread and Sage Stuffed Acorn Squash Bourbon Cranberry Sauce

Preparation Timeline

W

hen preparing meals for a house full of people, the key to being success in the kitchen is being effective with your meals. There are various ways to ensure you tackle all aspects of your holiday menu food plan; and that’s with proper grocery lists, recipes, cooking tips, and storage. This year Modern Domestic decided to put a glamorous spin on things in the kitchen. We’ve taken our holiday menu up a notch with fabulous recipes that satisfy even your pickiest eater.

Grocery Shoping List MEATS

1 10 to 15 pound turkey 1 pound bacon 1 pound chorizo

PRODUCE

2 green bell peppers 1 bunch celery 2 large onions 4 acorn squash 2 pounds brussels sprouts 1 pound cranberries

DAIRY

4 sticks unsalted butter 1 gallon milk Dozen eggs 2 cups cheddar cheese 1 cup gruyere

AISLE/PANTRY

Balsamic vinegar 4 cans chicken stock Rigatoni noodles Worcestershire sauce

SPICES

Salt Pepper Garlic powder Onion powder Cayenne pepper Ground thyme Paprika Ground sage Ground cinnamon Sugar Ground mustard

BREADS/GRAINS Whole wheat bread Club crackers Yellow cornmeal All purpose flour Baking powder Cornstarch

ALCOHOL Bourbon

Hosting Thanksgiving can be stressful and anxiety filled even for the most experienced Hostess. However, in the words of Alexander Graham Bell “Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.” I have created a timeline that will help you stay in control and your Thanksgiving prep a breeze.

2 Weeks Before

Plan your guest list and finalize menu Organize who will bring what Plan your table setting Order rental chairs and tables if needed

1 Week Before

Create your shopping list Do an inventory of your kitchen pantry to assess what you need and what you already have Clean out your refrigerator and reserve a large space for your turkey to defrost

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5 Days Before

Remove turkey from freezer and defrost

4 Days Before

Go grocery shopping Prepare acorn squash

3 Days Before

Prepare cornbread for stuffing.

Chop onion, celery, and green bell peppers Make cranberry sauce

2 Days Before

Make your stuffing Make gravy Cook chorizo for macaroni and cheese Grate cheese for macaroni and cheese

The Day Of

Cook Turkey Cook Brussels Sprouts Cook Asparagus Assemble and cook macaroni and cheese Assemble and cook stuffed acorn squash Heat Cranberry sauce and gravy in microwave before serving

Ingredients

recipes

Acorn Squash stuffed with Sage and Cornbread Stuffing

Cajun Turkey

Remove turkey from refrigerator and let stand at room temp for 1 hour.

Pat dry turkey with paper towel.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Season liberally the inside cavity of turkey and the outside as well. Using your fingers, lift the skin of the turkey making space in between the skin and the meat. Sprinkle seasoning there as well. Take the divided 8 tablespoons of butter and place between the skin and the meat.

Brush vegetable oil all over the turkey.

Mix celery, pepper, and onion in a medium bowl.

Place into turkey cavity Roast turkey for three hours basting every hour. Let rest for 45 minutes before serving

Cooking Tip: For a turkey with an extra crispy skin

remove from packaging and let sit in refrigerator overnight.

4 acorn squash halved 8 slices of toasted whole wheat bread 1 sleeve of club crackers 1 ½ stick of butter 2 cups of celery 1 large onion chopped 7 cups of chicken stock 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon pepper 1 teaspoon ground sage 5 eggs beaten

Cooking Tip: Cornbread can be made

two days before and kept in fridge wrapped in saran wrap.

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Bundles

Cornbread 1 cup of self-rising flour 1 cup yellow cornmeal ½ cup sugar 1 cup milk 1 teaspoon salt 1/3 cup vegetable oil 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder 1 egg

Ingredients

2 pounds asparagus spears, trimmed 1 pound of bacon

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Cut pack of bacon in half Wrap each asparagus spear with bacon slice and place on baking sheet.

Transfer spears to a slotted broiler pan with cookie sheet under to catch bacon drippings. Bake for 12 minutes

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Instructions

Ingredients

www.kitchendaily.com

Cooking Tip: Seasoning blend can be made one month

ahead of use.

www.kitchendaily.com

1 12 to 14 pound turkey (Giblets and neck removed from cavity) 1 green bell pepper 2 stalks celery 1 medium onion chopped ¼ cup vegetable oil (Cajun Season blend) 5 tablespoons salt 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper 2 tablespoons garlic powder 2 tablespoons paprika 1 tablespoon oregano 1 tablespoon thyme 1 tablespoons black pepper 1 tablespoon onion powder

MODERN DOMESTIC

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees In a large bowl mix prepared cornbread, wheat bread, and crackers.

Melt butter in a large skillet. Add celery and onion and cook for 6 to 7 minutes Pour the celery and onion over the bread mixture. Add stock, salt, pepper, and sage.

Add eggs and mix well. Pour mixture into greased pan and bake for 45 minutes.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Melt half stick of butter in microwave for 14 to 20 seconds. Add garlic powder and mix together. Brush the inside of the acorn with the garlic butter mixture. Place on a cookie sheet cut side up and roast for one hour.

Divide the stuffing evenly and place in acorns. Return to oven and bake for another 20 minutes.

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Roasted Balsamic Brussels Sprout Ingredients

2 pounds of Brussels sprouts trimmed and cut in half ½ pound of pancetta cut into ½ inch pieces ¼ cup olive oil 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon black pepper 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar Preheat oven to 400 degrees Place Brussels sprouts on a sheet pan. Add pancetta, olive oil, salt, pepper and mix together.

Spread out evenly on sheet pan. Roast for 30 minutes.

Mixing halfway through cooking process.

Remove from oven and drizzle with balsamic vinegar. Mix together again.

Bourbon Cranberry Sauce Ingredients

1 pound of cranberries 2 cups of sugar ¼ teaspoon cinnamon ¼ cup bourbon

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl mix together cranberries, sugar, and cinnamon.

Place in a baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for one hour. Remove from oven and stir in bourbon. Let cool. Refrigerate cranberry sauce until chilled.

Cooking Tip: Cranberry sauce

can be made one week ahead

recipes

Pumpkin Soup Ingredients

4 Tablespoons of Olive Oil 1 Cup Chopped Celery 1 Cup Chopped Carrots ½ Tablespoon of Fresh Minced Garlic One Small Onion (chopped) 7 Cups of Chicken Broth 1 Cup of Heavy Whipping Cream 3 Cups of Pumpkin Puree ¼ teaspoon of Thyme One Bay Leaf ¼ teaspoon of Salt ¼ teaspoon of Pepper

Instructions

Add olive oil to a skillet over medium heat. Sautee: celery, carrots, garlic, and onion.

Sautee for a few minutes until the vegetables are tender and the garlic has become lightly browned in color. In a pot over medium heat combine: chicken broth, pumpkin puree, sautéed vegetables, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir often and let it come to a boil for 2 minutes. Turn your stove down to low and let it simmer for 30-45 minutes.

Add in your heavy whipping cream and you are ready to serve.

MODERN DOMESTIC

Chorizo Macaroni and Cheese Ingredients

1 cup chorizo, cubed 1 pound rigatoni noodles ¼ cup butter ¼ cup flour 2 cups milk, warmed 1 cup gruyere cheese 1 cup cheddar cheese ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese ¼ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon paprika

Instructions

Cajun Gravy Ingredients

Giblets and neck from turkey 1 teaspoon vegetable oil 2 tablespoons green bell pepper 3 cups water 2 tablespoons cornstarch 1 tablespoon flour 2 teaspoons milk 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

Instructions

Preheat oven for 350 degrees.

Grease a 9X13 baking dish In a large skillet cook chorizo over medium high heat.Remove to a plate and place aside.

Cook pasta according to package directions.

In a large pot over medium high heat melt butter. Add flour and stir with wooden spoon.

Slowly whisk in warm milk and whisk continuously until well incorporated and smooth. This should take five minutes. Turn off the heat and add two cups of cheese stir until cheese is melted.

Drain and add noodles to cheese sauce. Add chorizo and mix well.

Pour mixture into prepared baking dish and top with ½ cup of sharp cheddar cheese. Sprinkle paprika on the top and bake 25 minutes.

Place giblets and neck in water. Bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes. Remove giblets and neck from water. Let cool. DO NOT DISCARD WATER IN POT. Finely mince giblets and remove meat from neck Heat oil in a large saucepan. Saute bell pepper for one minute. pour water from boiling giblets into pan. Whisk in flour and cornstarch until mixture is smooth. Stir in minced meat, milk, and Cajun seasoning.

Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes.

Turkey Tips - The safest way to thaw a turkey is in the refrigerator. It takes 4 to 5 days to thaw a 20-pound turkey.

- 45 minutes before turkey is done remove foil to brown.

- Do not forget to remove the giblets from the cavity before you begin cooking.

- It takes about 20 minutes per pound of turkey to be cooked.

- Baste a turkey every hour while cooking to prevent from drying out - If you are stuffing your turkey, do so right before you place it in the oven to prevent bacterial growth.

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recipes Roasted Balsamic Brussels Sprout Ingredients

2 pounds of Brussels sprouts trimmed and cut in half ½ pound of pancetta cut into ½ inch pieces ¼ cup olive oil 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon black pepper 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Cupcakes

Instructions

In a bowl add: cream cheese, butter, and vanilla. With an electric mixer slowly cream these ingredients. Once they are combined add one cup at a time of the confectioners sugar add mix until smooth. Take the frosting and frost your delicious cupcakes.

Cupcakes 2 Cups of Flour 1 teaspoon of Baking Soda 1 teaspoon of salt 1 teaspoon of cinnamon 1 teaspoon of ground ginger ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg ¼ teaspoon of allspice 1 cup of sugar 1 cup of melted butter ½ teaspoon of vanilla 1 teaspoon of maple syrup 4 eggs 1 Can of pumpkin puree Cream Cheese Frosting 8oz pack of cream cheese 1 cup of butter softened 1 teaspoon of vanilla 4 Cups of confectioner’s sugar

FineCooking.com

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Place Brussels sprouts on a sheet pan. Add pancetta, olive oil, salt, pepper and mix together.

Spread out evenly on sheet pan. Roast for 30 minutes.

Mixing halfway through cooking process.

Remove from oven and drizzle with balsamic vinegar. Mix together again.

Cream Cheese Frosting

Instructions Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line a cupcake pan with liners. In a mixing bowl combine the following: butter, vanilla, maple syrup, eggs, and pumpkin puree.

Mix thoroughly. Next add flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and sugar. Mix until smooth.

These cupcakes rise quickly so fill eat liner about half way so that it has room to rise.

Bake for about 25 minutes or until you can stick a toothpick in that comes out clean.

Once they are done allow them to cool.

MODERN DOMESTIC

Bourbon Pecan Pie For An Encore Meal Pecan Pie is a sure treat around the holidays but what about a Bourbon Pecan Pie. If you’ve never had one then you are certainly in for a treat. This pie has just the right touch of quality bourbon that your entire family will love.

Ingredients

½ Cup of Sugar ½ Cup of Brown Sugar 4 Tablespoons of Unsalted Butter, Melted 3 Eggs (Beaten) ½ Cup of Dark Corn Syrup 3 Tablespoons of quality Bourbon (like Maker’s Mark) 1 ¾ Cups of Pecans ¼ of pecans to use as topping 1 teaspoon of vanilla 1 teaspoon of orange 1 Uncooked Deep Dish Pie Shell

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. In a bowl combine: Melted Butter, Sugar, Brown Sugar, Eggs, Dark Corn Syrup, Bourbon, 1 ¾ cup of pecans, vanilla, orange. Once combined pour this mixture into your deep dish pie shell. Top the filling with ¼ of the pecans. Place on a sturdy cookie sheet in the middle of the oven. Let it bake for 10-12 minutes.

When this time has passed turn your oven temperature down to 350 and let it bake for another 25-30 minutes or until it sets.

Once it is done place it on a surface to cool.

Put a spin on your turkey by cooking Tender Turkey Wings.

Turkey is an excellent sour of lean protein and it tastes pretty delightful. Kick up your holiday with this easy tender turkey wing recipe for the entire family to enjoy.

Ingredients

3 Pounds of Turkey Wings 3 Cups of Your Favorite BBQ Sauce 4 Green Onions Sliced 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon pepper 1TBS soy sauce

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Cut turkey wings into sections, discard wing tips, place turkey in an oven safe baking pan. Combine all remaining ingredients in a bowl and pour over the turkey. Cover with foil.

Bake covered for 3 hours if you want the meat to fall off the bone. Turkey is tender.

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every girl loves m being the perfect host

MODERN DOMESTIC

modernChicdomestic Christmas Breakfast The 2014

Holiday Menu Food Plan

Grocery Shoping List Produce

2 bunches scallions 2 green bell peppers 2 red bell peppers 1 head garlic 2 roma tomatoes 1 bunch fresh spinach 2 yellow onions Broccoli Carrots 2 pounds red potatoes Chives 2 lemons

Dairy

2 cups cheddar cheese 2 cups Monterey jack cheese Heavy cream Sour cream Butter 2 dozen eggs Buttermilk Cream cheese Milk

Shrimp and Grits Casserole Ingredients

Flour Brown sugar 4 boneless chicken Baking powder breast Baking soda 1 pound bacon 2 pounds large shrimp Spicy mustard Maple syrup Smoked salmon Cooking spray Hot sauce Aisle/Pantry Vegetable oil Vanilla extract Ingredients Powdered sugar Chicken stock Orange juice Grits Canned diced toma- POM pomegranate juice toes

Shrimp & Grits Casserole Chicken & Waffle Sandwiches Veggie Frittata Smoked Salmon Hash Pomegranate Mimosas

Spices and Seasonings Salt Pepper Paprika Cayenne Cinnamon

Liquor Store Champagne Cointreau

Breads and Grains French bread Grits

recipes

4 cups chicken broth ½ teaspoon salt 1 cup grits (not quick grits) 1 cup cheddar cheese (reserve ¼ cup for top) 1 cup Monterey jack cheese 2 tablespoons butter 6 scallions thinly sliced ½ green bell pepper diced ½ red bell pepper chopped 1 clove garlic

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Meats

Menu

1 ½ pound large shrimp peeled, deveined, and cooked 1 can diced tomatoes 2 teaspoons paprika ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper

Smoked Salmon Hash

Instructions

Ingredients

Bring 4 cups of chicken broth to a boil. Stir in grits. Cover and reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.

Stir grits and add cheese.

In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add bell peppers, green onion, and garlic. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes.

Add green onion mixture to the grits, and then add shrimp, diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper.

Place into a greased baking dish. Top with reserved cheddar cheese then paprika. Bake for 30 minutes

2 tablespoons olive oil 3 large red potatoes diced into ½ inch cubes 1 small yellow onion, diced 1 green bell pepper diced 1 cup smoked salmon ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper 2/3 cup sour cream 2 tablespoons chives thinly sliced

1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions

Heat oil in a 12 inch skillet over medium high heat. App potatoes, onion, and bell pepper. Season with salt and pepper.

Cook for about 10 minutes and stir often until golden brown. Reduce the heat to medium and cook until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes more.

In a medium bowl combine sour cream, chives, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Set aside Once the potatoes are cooked gently fold in the smoked salmon. Serve with a dollop of chive sour cream mixture.

chopped 1 cup cheddar cheese 5 scallions thinly sliced 2 ripe avocados 2 tomatoes 1 pound bacon 2 cups fresh spinach ½ cup spicy brown mustard ½ cup maple syrup

2 eggs 2 tablespoons hot sauce Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

Preheat waffle iron In a large bowl add flour, baking powder. Baking soda, salt, brown sugar, and pepper.

Mix together.

In a separate bowl, add eggs, and mix together. Pour eggs, melted butter, and buttermilk into flour mixture. Stir until combined but do not over mix.

It should be slightly lumpy.

Add chopped bacon, Veggie Frittata

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil ½ yellow onion chopped 2 cloves of garlic minced 1 cup of spinach ½ cup broccoli chopped

Waffles Ingredients

2 cups all purpose flour ¼ cup light brown sugar 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon salt 2 teaspoon black pepper 3 large eggs 1/3 cup of melted butter 2 cups buttermilk 6 slices cooked bacon

Fried Chicken Ingredients

4 boneless chicken breast halved 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon garlic 1 teaspoon black pepper 3 cups all purpose flour

http://pictify.com/321879

Cooking spray

½ cup shredded carrots 1 red bell pepper diced 6 eggs ½ cup shredded cheese ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Heat oil over medium heat and sauté red bell pepper, onion, and garlic for 2 to 3 minutes. Add broccoli and carrots and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes. Add spinach and let wilt. Add egg mixture and cheese and cook another 3 to 4 minutes until the bottom begins to set. Preheat oven to broil; and transfer to oven. Broil for two minutes until the egg is cooked and it begins to brown on the top.

Cooking Tip: For the fluffiest

frittata, beat and salt the eggs just before cooking. If you mix the salt and eggs too far ahead before cooking the eggs will become watery. cheese, and scallions into batter.

Spray waffle iron with cooking spray. Cook waffles according to waffle maker instructions.

Usually about 4 to 5 minutes.

Cook waffles until there is no more batter left.

Place on sheet pan.

Preheat large skillet over medium high heat with 1 to 2 inches of vegetable oil.

Season chicken breast with salt, pepper, cayenne, garlic powder. In a medium bowl mix together eggs with hot sauce.

Place chicken breast into egg mixture. In a large zip lock bag add flour, salt, and pepper.

Place chicken into zip lock bag and shake to completely cover each piece with flour.

Add 3 to 4 pieces to hot oil at a time making sure not to crowd the pan.

Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side and golden brown. Drain on paper towel lined sheet pan.

In a small bowl mix together honey and mustard.

To assemble sandwiches cut waffles into quarters. Place chicken on one half of waffle and top with avocado, tomatoes, and lettuce. Top lettuce with maple mustard and close with other quarter of waffle. Serve with a toothpick or skewer to keep sandwiches together for your guest before serving.

Cooking Tip: If a light and fluffy waffle is what you desire, separate your eggs. Add the beaten yolks to the wet ingredients of your batter.

Then beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold the egg whites gently into final batter using spatula. m

Pomegranate Mimosas Ingredients

2 cups pomegranate juice 1 cup chilled fresh orange juice ½ cup Cointreau 1 bottle of chilled champagne

Instructions

Combine juices and liqueur to a large pitcher. Slowly add champagne. Serve with pomegranate seeds at the ottom of champagne flute.

Photo By: www.serendipityfood.com

recipes

Photo By: pennywisecook.com

Chicken and Waffle Sandwiches

MODERN DOMESTIC

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every girl loves m being the perfect host

modernGlitzdomestic & Glam NYE Soiree The 2014

Holiday Menu Food Plan

MD NYE Soiree Shopping List Produce

Garlic Yellow Onions Red Onion Scallions 2 large tomatoes Cilantro 2 jalapenos 2 ripe avocados Ginger 2 or 3 scotch bonnet peppers Parsley

Meat

Juice

Shrimp Scallops Boneless Chicken Breast Mussels

Dairy

Lime Juice Sprite Soda

Aisle and Pantry Ingredients

Milk Cheddar Cheese Gouda Cheese Grated parmesan cheese

Stuffed Mussels Ingredients

One-pound mussels 1 garlic clove minced 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese 1 jalapeno seeded and chopped ¾ cup Bread crumbs 4 to 5 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons Parsley

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Scrub the mussels well. Put into a large pot

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Ketchup Hot Sauce Macaroni noodles All purpose Flour Olive oil Vegetable oil Gelatin

Breads and Grains

Liquor

Flavored vodka

Panko Breadcrumbs

Spices

Salt Pepper Brown sugar All spice Dried thyme Ground ginger Nutmeg Ground cloves

Menu

Spicy Seafood Ceviche Jerk Chicken Wontons Fried Mac and Cheese Balls Stuffed Mussels Roasted Veggie Skewers Sparkling Jell-O Shots Sparkling Sorbet Cocktail

Spicy Seafood Ceviche Ingredients

In a large skillet add olive oil and breadcrumbs stirring until golden brown. Mix together the parsley, jalapeno, parmesan cheese and garlic.

1 ½ pound large shrimp peeled deveined and halved ½ pound bay scallops ½ cup orange juice ½ cup lemon juice ¼ cup lime juice ¼ cup ketchup 3 cloves of garlic minced ½ cup diced white onion ½ cup red onion diced 1 scallion thinly sliced ¾ cup tomato diced ¼ cup cilantro minced 1 jalapeno diced 1 tablespoon hot sauce 2 ripe avocados diced ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper

Cooking Tip: When cooking mussels, the ones that do not open after

Instructions

recipes

filled water. Boil on high until mussels open. Any mussels that do not open must be discarded. Remove the empty halves of the mussels. Place the other half on a baking sheet. Reserve 1 cup of water that the mussels were cooked in.

the cooking process must be discarded.

Add juices, ketchup, and garlic to a saucepan and bring to boil. Add shrimp and scallops. Reduce heat and cook for 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon remove shrimp and scallops and place on a plate and place in refrigerator to chill.

Cool down citrus mixer by placing in the freezer for 30 minutes Add tomato, onions, jalapeno, hot sauce, and cilantro. Add shrimp and scallops and stir. Chill for two hours.

Photo By:foxeslovelemons.com

MODERN DOMESTIC

Fried Mac and Cheese Balls Ingredients

1 pound elbow macaroni 2 tablespoon butter 2 tablespoons all purpose flour 2 cups milk warmed 1 pound sharp cheddar cheese 1 pound smoked gouda

recipes set aside.

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle the flour into the butter and stir with a whisk. Cook for two minutes. Whisk the warmed milk into the flour mixture, removing lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens for about two minutes. Remove from heat, add cheeses, and stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Fold the sauce into macaroni. Pour macaroni and cheese into a shallow pan and refrigerate until cold. At least two hours.

Shape the cold macaroni and cheese into meatball sized balls and place them onto sheet pan lined with wax paper. Freeze them over night.

Beat eggs and two tablespoons of milk.

Pour breadcrumbs into shallow bowl.

Dip frozen balls into egg wash then into bread crumbs and place back into freezer until you are ready to fry them.

cheese 2 large eggs 3 cups seasoned breadcrumbs Vegetable oil for frying Heat oil to 350 degrees. Fry ½ teaspoon salt the balls for 5 minutes until ¼ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water and

they are golden brown.

Place on paper towel lined sheet pan.

Jerk Chicken Wontons Ingredients

2 pounds boneless chicken breast ¾ cup brown sugar ¾ cup allspice ¾ cup scallions ½ cup vegetable oil 1/3 cup black pepper ¼ cup salt ¼ cup minced ginger ¼ cup lime juice 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 tablespoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon nutmeg ½ teaspoon ground cloves 10 cloves garlic, minced 3 scotch bonnet peppers 3 pounds boneless chicken 1 pack wonton wrappers 1 egg 1 tablespoon water Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

In a food processor blend brown sugar, allspice, scallions, salt, pepper, ginger, garlic, lime juice, soy sauce, thyme, nutmeg, cinnamon, scotch bonnet peppers, and ½ cup vegetable oil.

Pour mixture over chicken and cover with plastic wrap.

Refrigerate overnight.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Place chicken in a baking dish and cook for 30 minutes.

Let cool completely. Shred chicken and place in large bowl.

On a sheet pan lined with wax paper, Lay a wonton flat and place 1 tablespoon of shredded chicken inside the middle of the wonton. Using your finger dip into egg and water mixture and rub onto the outer edges. Fold the wonton so that it resembles a triangle.

Repeat until all wontons are filled.

In a large pot, preheat about three inches of oil over medium high heat. Gently place wontons in oil to fry.

When they float and are a golden brown color they are ready to be removed. Drain on a paper towel lined sheet pan.

Cooking Tip: Prepare jerk seasoning up to a week in advance

MODERN DOMESTIC

Roasted Veggie Skewers Ingredients

2 Onions (peel and cut into wedges) 1 Pound of Cherry Tomatoes 1 Pound of Whole Button Mushrooms (washed) 1 Pound Green Bell Pepper (cored, sliced, cut into 1 inch pieces) 1 Pound Red Bell Pepper (cored, sliced, cut into 1 inch pieces) 1 Bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce (its your choice) Fresh Pineapple Wedges (optional) Pack of Skewers Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Get a fairly big pot or oversized bowl and pour your BBQ sauce in it. Add in all of your ingredients EXCEPT the cherry tomatoes. Make sure all the vegetable are covered and let this marinate for approximately 30-45 minutes. Your skewers need to be soaked in water before adding your vegetables to them. Get a pan big enough to put water in and submerge about 12 skewers

in the water. You will let these soak for thirty minutes. When the waiting time is up, grab a skewer, and start building.

Make sure you are sticking the skewer right down the middle of the vegetable so that it slides easily down the stick.

Be sure to leave some room on both ends. Don’t overbuild on each stick. We like to start with a cherry tomato, onion, peppers, mushroom, pineapple, and another tomato. Once you are done building each skewer place then in an oven safe baking pan or dish. Place them in the oven. It will take about 30 minutes total for them to cook depending on how tender you want the vegetables but turn them every 10 minutes.

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recipes

MODERN DOMESTIC

every girl loves m being the perfect host

Sparkling Sparkling Jell-O Shots Sorbet Ingredients Cocktail ½ cup sprite ½ cup champagne 2 packets of unflavored gelatin 1 cup of your favorite flavored vodka

Instructions

Pour sprite and champagne into a small saucepan. Stir and pour gelatin over mixture. Let sit for a minute or two.

Cook the mixture over medium heat stirring constantly for about five minutes until gelatin is dissolved.

Add vodka. Spray baking pan lightly with cooking spray for easy removal. Pour mixture into square baking dish. Refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight.

When it is time to serve, flip onto flat clean surface. Cut into 3 inch triangles.

Shake edible glitter onto plate.

Place each rectangle in glitter and serve glitter side up on serving dish

We love a good cocktail especially around the holidays. The holiday season is a good time to pop open that bottle of champagne and toast to all that you are grateful for and be excited about all that is yet to come. Try this cocktail on for size.

It combines the delicious tastes of sorbet and your favorite bubbly.

Enjoy it and thank us later.

Ingredients

Bottle of Champagne or Prosecco Container of Sorbet (your choice) Let’s Concoct!

Grab 4 champagne glasses and add about 2 tablespoons of sorbet to each glass. Pour the champagne right on top of the sorbet. It’s so good you might not want to share but you should!

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Coupon Corner We all can save some money and although we may not be coupon war experts we can most definitely take a coupon to the store and snag ourselves a discount. If you have never couponed before then there are few ways you can get involved if you are a beginner.

You have to know where to look. The Sunday newspaper is a great place to find hundreds of coupons for things you but every day. Another place to look is online. You can click in the name of the brand you are looking for and many times there will be coupons for the product on the company’s website or on a popular blogger’s site. Don’t skip over those coupons in your favorite magazines. Many magazines have coupons for the products that we love. Last but not least, when you walk into the grocery store they often times have leaflets with information telling you what is currently on sale.

Keep your coupons organized. If you want a product and the coupon is going to expire in a week, then head to the store sooner than later, or call and ask for a voucher to redeem the value. Clip out all the coupons you need and file them on an as needed basis. You can file them by category such as: dairy, meat, produce, and household items.

A good way to double up on your savings is to use a coupon on a sale item in the grocery store. This is the way the true Domestic Divas do it. They grab the paper before walking in the grocery store, find out what is going to be on sale, then find a coupon for it to maximize on the savings. This is getting a true bang for your buck. Start couponing today and it will be something that you never stop doing. m

every girl loves m The Holidays

Wellness magically pop ups with just what you need, when you need it, restrictions pending. Do you then reduce your merchandise or put it on clearance? Do you sell out to the highest bidder? No ma'am none of that around here!

GETTING YOUR LIFE OUT OF THE RED AND INTO THE BLACK Written by: Joyanne Lawrence

Shopping is probably one of every woman's favorite pastimes. We don't know a girl alive who doesn't like a bargain, or ten! With Thanksgiving near, this also means one of the greatest days ever is coming up ....

BLACK FRIDAY! Unfortunately, like some retailers, we may have also fallen into a personal deficit and need a major boost. So what do we do about this? Follow their lead and have a sale? Sounds good right? But be careful, there's always someone lurking in the shadows that

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Your integrity, dignity and pride are three things that will follow you throughout your life. If you are willing to do anything to get ahead, you may want to reassess.

Taking the quick and easy is also sometimes the low and grimy. Be cognizant of the not so obvious Warning label: Quick results are always attractive (and may be harmful to your character). Life is hard and there are tough decisions that we have to make every day. Don't try to slither your way through.

The result you get will definitely be short-lived and bring deadend results. Aim to always have your name be synonymous with greatness.

How do you change your position without selling out?

battle.

Integrity is uncompromisable Have the courage to stand strong and alone if need be. Just because everyone else is doing whatever it is that they're doing, it doesn't make it right. Stand up for yourself and don't let anyone undermine your values. You have to live with the choices you make, not them.

Determine in your mind that even if you're down and out you'll never be for sale. You will regret reducing yourself to some levels Remember, even sales are temporary Good deals don't always if you so choose so keep your head in the game and your eyes last. At some point they end, but usually only after a blowout. forward. Set yourself up! You'll get back in the black. No comproEven then you may be stuck with unwanted inventory. mise, no slipping, simply winning!

Surround yourself with "In the black" people. In case you didn't know, misery loves company! Don't fraternize with the questionable and scheming. Examine your circle and be open to making changes if need be. You're aiming to get your stock back up!

Audit your books Your balance sheet may have a whole lot of red, but it's not impossible to shift over. Good strategy is half the

every girl loves m Entertainment

Feature

EGL: How has life been since your departure from Love & Hip-Hop? SR: You know just really the main focus, in the beginning, was to just really revamp and put my brand in more visibility than I was getting when I was on the show. Just successfully rebranding it, and showing exactly who I am without interference of anything. That’s what I’ve been working on, and now I’ve been able to launch my fitness brand, my music has been doing very well, I went on a couple really amazing tours. The same I was doing on the show except just going harder on it.

Out with the Old, In with the New:

Somaya Reece Interview By: Ericka Smith, Entertainment Editor

Long gone are the days when Somaya Reece calls an attic her home. The Latino beauty has completely changed her lifestyle since “Love and Hip Hop: New York.”

She has dropped 10 dress sizes, launched a fitness brand and she’s even penning a book, “30 Days to Fabulous.” Somaya is not slowing down anytime soon, so read on as she dishes on life after reality TV, a healthy lifestyle and possible wedding bells!

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EGL: As seen on the show, your biggest passion is music. Did reality television help your career?

SR: I don’t think so because I was doing music before, and they didn’t portray my music at all in the way that it started. They made it seem like I was some girl that just moved to New York and wanted to do a song with Jim Jones and I never, ever had music before. That was a total lie. My song had been played on the radio prior. I had tons of mixtapes, features with other big artists. So, due to the fact that they didn’t portray it for what it really was, I would say that I really don’t think…I would say that it was a half and half thing. I don’t think it helped and I don’t think it didn’t help. But the visibility was great, so that’s the good thing, the visibility as Somaya Reece the artist was very helpful.

EGL: You have a very unique style, mixing hip-hop with Latin influences. Tell us more about that.

SR: Originally, you know, the reason why I moved to New York was because I was looking to find hip hop producers that fuse Latin as well, something along the lines of a J. Lo, Daddy Yankee and Pit Bull.

If you’re on the West Coast, we don’t have that. I was told that it was all out there, so I was glad I went to [New York] because I was able to successfully do it, even though people thought I was crazy. Pit Bull blew up with it because that didn’t make sense to a lot of people. Hip hop has always been my first love, and growing up hearing Latin Hip hop and English Hip hop, it was very easy for me

Feature to want to do both and either fuse them together or just do English records and Spanish records. So, it’s very exciting because I love it. I’m a very traditional Latino and listen to all typical Latin music, so it’s a big deal to me to represent my culture in my music.”

“Every time a door closed, I just kind of kicked it in and said you’re going to hear me.”

EGL: You refer to yourself as “La Jefa,” which means a boss. Tell us what that title entails.

SR: Since I was a kid that was like my nickname because I’ve always sort of started my own little businesses when I was little. Anything you can think of. From selling my little concert tickets to my family, to doing Hallmark style cards with like graffiti writing, and I would sell them. I’ve always kinda been my own boss. For some reason, I’ve always been someone that people didn’t want to take a chance on; a lot of people have not wanted to take a chance on me… a lot of people, even with all of the good product of everything that I have like the show. It’s been like that my whole career, so I had to take control and be a boss of my own empire and build it. Needless to say, now everybody wants to be a part of it, but now you’re playing on my rules, so it’s different and that’s what La Jefa is.

I truly am a self-made woman. I was homeless for a long time, I grew up in a garage with my mother, and my mother was a maid and we cleaned toilets for a living. At one point, my accounts were withdrawn when I was younger. I have truly struggled and fought my way and have encountered nothing but closed doors. And every time a door closed, I just kind of kicked it in and said you’re going to hear me. That’s a big part of why my name stuck because nobody can say they did anything for me, nobody put money into me. I put mon-

ey into myself. I built my empire/brand because I believe in my vision. Many people just wanted to take, take, take, but they didn’t want to put in the work, and I’ve been hated my whole life, hated on my whole career. That’s where I am; everything is just because of my fans and me because they believe.

EGL: You’ve definitely rebranded yourself since leaving Love & Hip-Hop. How important was it for you to reintroduce yourself to the world?

SR: Well, it was incredibly important. This isn’t something new. I started off on MySpace, and when I went on “Love & Hip-Hop” a lot of my fans were like “Why are they portraying you like that, why are they not showing all the success that you have had?’ So, I realized that a lot of things weren’t being shown; it was important for me to show that because they can also only film whatever they want so, you know, that’s fine because it still doesn’t change who I am. It was a very inspiring thing for me to rebrand on my own.

EGL: One of the biggest changes you’ve made is your appearance. You went from a size 18 to an 8.

What promoted your health kick?

SR: I’ve always been into fitness, but the problem is that I was into fitness for all the wrong reasons.

I was learning how to be fit, so I could starve myself and get down to a size 0. I had a lot of eating disorders that I faced, and this time around, it’s different because I’m doing it for a long term goal versus a short term goal and I’m sticking with it in a different way. A big piece of it had to do with my breast reduction because my doctor had

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Feature said that I was going to have a longer recovery time because I am a performer and anyone that was going to be on stage wearing corsets and jumping up and down, there was just no way they could come back right. So I was advised that in order for me not to gain weight, I would have to learn to eat, at least at the minimal, eat properly because I could not work out.

So, I started to research and by the time I recovered I was 20 pounds thinner just from eating right. So that inspired everything and then I just kept going and never looked back. That’s why I call my fitness brand a realistic approach to fitness because there’s a lot of people out there selling ‘Oh you can only eat six meals a day or it’s just a waste of time.’ Well, how many people do we know out there that can do that? Not very many! People have jobs people have kids, so I’m trying to teach people how to do it in a very realistic way. If you can’t get in six meals a day, you can at least do four and take some apples in your bag.

I’m teaching people to take a realistic approach to fitness because you have to do what fits you. That’s why it’s called This Fits Me. I do what Fits Me and

this is what you should do to Fit You. I’m kinda going against the grain of what everybody else wants to do.

EGL: You’re working on a weight loss book called “30 Days to Fabulous.” Give us more details about it.

SR: The reason why it’s called “30 Days to Fabulous” is not because you’re going to lose weight in 30 days, but if you consistently do something it’s actually a medically proven psychological fact that you will turn it into a habit and stick with it. So, if you stick to 30 days of constantly doing the eating clean and going to the gym, you’re on your way to fabulous. You’re well on your way to getting to your goal and that’s why it’s called “30 Days to Fabulous,” a realistic approach to fitness. This is coming from like a real girl, a real person that went through it. It’s a combination of showing people what diets work and don’t, grocery shopping lists. I give some recipes, and more. I’m also breaking a lot of myths; I have tried every single diet you can think of. This is like a 101 fast track to learning how to lose weight and what your approach should be.

EGL: Give us 5 tips on how to kick start weight loss.

SR: The initial approach is you have to know why you want to do it. You have to write down your goals and how long you expect to see them. If you think you’re going to lose 50 pounds in two weeks, it’s not going to happen. You need to really determine how bad do you want it because the first initial stages of working out isn’t just the fitness.

It’s like getting yourself out the house to get to the gym. And why do you want to do it? The first stages is really determining why you want to do it, how hard are you willing to go, and are you willing to be dedicated and are you open to new things because you might have been someone that really didn’t like vegetables and now you like vegetables, so it’s very important that people understand that when you’re first approaching your fitness that that’s a big part of your journey. You have to pretty much know what you want. It’s kind of like when you start a business or a starting position, you don’t like go into a job, or let’s say career field without really knowing ‘Do I really want to do business, do I really want to become an accountant,

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“I had a lot of eating disorders that I faced, and this time around, it’s different because I’m doing it for a long term goal versus a short term goal”

SR: We’re taking our time with that because I want to make sure that we do this the right way. We don’t want to overwhelm ourselves and we don’t want to overwhelm each other and our careers because he’s pursing his thing too. I’m really happy for him, and all the things he’s accomplishing, so we want to really take our time with it because that’s the problem, I think, with a lot of relationships is that everyone rushes and then nothing goes exactly the way it should. We’re excited about it, but we’re taking our time.

why do I want to become an accountant. Like, what are my goals of why I want to do this?’ So, it’s really an important thing for people to realize why they want to do it and then get ready for change. Get ready to keep it so real with yourself that you’re going to even hate yourself. Get ready to face your fears. Get ready to face your truth because your truth is tough to swallow even when it’s yourself. Nobody has told you like ‘Okay girl, you’ve been eating this every single night for xy and z months you have to stop.’ A lot of people they don’t want to face their fears, so it’s a big deal. That’s a good way to approach things in everything, I guess right? In order to approach something you have to know what you want out of it and what you want to do.

EGL: I love how he supports you. He’s definitely in your corner.

SR: He’s awesome. I love it. You know what, It’s not even normal for guys to do that because most guys they don’t support their ladies. It’s unfortunate, but it’s the truth and everybody has made this industry to be so like you can’t show off your boo or like it’s not considered manly, you know what I mean.

Feature

EGL: So, what’s next for Somaya Reece?

SR: I’m excited, like I said to launch my fitness brand. I’m really happy that everything is moving on. Nothing stops, music, new reality TV stuff, normal films, scripted films, commercials and just really reestablishing myself and putting out my book “30 Days to Fabulous” hopefully mid-summer and just really launching this from like day one to the end. I’m hoping that, if anything, people get to know me outside of what they think they already know about me from the show.

That’s what I’m looking forward to…”

Somaya is definitely a Boss! Make sure you guys visit her fitness website, thisfitsme.com, for more information on how to kick start your weight loss journey. She also has a fashion website SomayasCloset.com, and you already know she’s always banging out hawt music! m

EGL: You’re balancing career and your personal life very well. With that said, tell us more about your relationship with Frank Kush. Are we going to hear wedding bells anytime soon?

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every girl loves m Great Music

Beauty

HOLIDAY BEAUTY LOOKBOOK

From the hottest nail trends to glamorous hairstyles, this year’s Holiday Beauty Look Book is packed with holiday inspiration.

Nails

Metallic Madness

VAMP

1.

Apply basecoat to clean nail bed followed by two coats of your favorite black nail polish.

2.

Allow nails to dry.

3.

Select accent nail(s) and adhere nail embellishments with nail glue.

4.

Cover entire nail with nail embellishments.

5.

After nails have dried completely, apply high gloss top coat for extra shine! For longer wear, top nails with gel capping seal and dry under UV light for 3-5 minutes.

Essie’s Carry On

1.

Apply base coat to clean nail bed followed by two coats of your Essie’s Carry On. 2.

After nails have dried completely, apply high gloss top coat for extra shine!

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1.

Apply base coat to clean nail bed followed by two coats of your favorite metallic polish.

2.

Allow nails to dry.

3.

Select accent nail(s) and adhere nail embellishments with nail glue.

4.

Apply embellishments directly above the cuticle on each or one nail.

5.

After nails have dried completely, apply high gloss top coat for extra shine!

Holiday Sparkle

1.

Apply base coat to clean nail bed.

2.

Select accent nail(s) and apply two coats of gold glitter polish followed by two coats of a bright, vibrant red polish (we love Fire by Chanel) to remaining nails.

3.

After nails have dried completely, apply high gloss top coat for extra shine!

Get the Gold

1.

Start with clean nail bed and base coat.

2.

Polish each nail with black polish and allow nails to dry.

3.

With a white polish pen, paint white stripe in the middle of each nail.

4.

After nails have dried completely, apply two gold stripes with polish pen. For clean lines, use French tip guides for white and gold polish.

5.

After nails have dried completely, apply high gloss top coat for extra shine!

Hair

Keep it sultry, spicy and everything nice-y with your holiday hair looks this year.

From office parties to cozy mistletoe kisses, the holidays are the perfect time to spice things up with your hair (Especially if your colleagues or loved ones are accustomed to seeing you with a pulled back bun every day). From updos to relaxed hair, let’s take a look at our style glamour shots and pick the style that is right for you and your special holiday occasion. Our experts are also sharing hair tips to help you survive the holiday hustle and bustle.

Holiday Hair Tips PICK FUNCTIONAL STYLES When deciding on your holiday hair look, think FUNCTIONALITY. Pick a style that supports the occasion. If you know you are going to be dancing the night away on New Year’s Eve, pick a sweat proof style, such as an updo, that is styled away from you neck and face. This helps prevent the hair from flopping and you looking like a hot mess when the night is over.

KNOW WHEN TO TONE IT DOWN AND WHEN TO PUMP IT UP Think about the occasion … if your family or office tends to be on the conservative side and you are not one to raise eyebrows, keep your look toned down and comfortable. If your family, friends and coworkers are the complete opposite, step outside your box and get creative!

Beauty

Updos

Rock an updo with your favorite holiday look this year! Pair your updo with a cozy Thanksgiving sweater or with a sultry New Year’s Eve cocktail dress. Regardless of if your hair is relaxed or natural, with a little creativity, most updos can be achieved on all types of hair. Bobby pins and styling cream or paste are essential to create a beautiful updo. The tools ensure edges stay in place and keep the style from collapsing.

Pomp It Up

Whether twisted, braided, or classic, pompadours never go out of style. Spice up your pompadours this season and play with height and volume for unique and stylish variations.

Old Hollywood Holiday Hair

Gorgeous, voluminous strands will be a hit this holiday season, so pull out your curling wand and sparkling hair accessories for red carpet-worthy curls.

KEEP BEAUTY ESSENTIALS CLOSE BY Keep bobby pins, hair bands, and any other style essentials in your person so you don’t have to worry about looking like a crazy woman. This will truly help you maintain your holiday look throughout the evening. Those hair bands are also great for Black Friday when you will likely be pulling your hair back as you comb through the beauty aisles.

Naturally Beautiful Holiday Hair

From perfect spiral curls to defined twist-outs, natural holiday hair has never been so glamorous.

BE RISKY…. BUT NOT TOO RISKY The holidays are a time when you will likely see lots of family, friends and loved ones that you may have not seen in a while. Although it’s okay to have fun with your hair, don’t go overboard and do something that you might regret

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1.

Products (clockwise): Revlon Violet Frenzy, $4.97. Stila Stay All Day Liner, $20.00. NYX Milk Eye Liner, $4.99. MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation SPF 15, $37.00.

Beauty

Make-Up

2.

3.

Products (clockwise): Christian Dior Rouge Dior Nude Lipcolor - No. 319 Trench ,$35.00. Chanel Les 4 Ombre 224 Tisse Riviera, $61.00. DiorShow mascara, $25.00

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4.

Products (clockwise): Sugarpill eyeshadow in Velocity, $12.00. NARS Volga, $26.00. Kevyn Aucoin The Lash Collection, $25.00. Inglot Cosmetics Cream Blush #81, $12.00

This holiday season, expect nude, violet, and lots of blue to be everywhere. These bold colors are perfect for the eye but for a more edgy look, try them on your lips!

Products (top, left to right): Ardency Inn Black is Blue, $25.00. Maybelline New York Fit Me Concealer, $5.48 (bottom, left to right). Beauty Blender, $19.95. Iman Luxury Radiance Liquid Makeup, $16.00

every girl loves m Great Music

5.

Products (top, left to right): Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Eyeliner, $24.00. Cover Rx Pressed Mineral Foundation, $36.00 (bottom, left to right). Too Faced Prime & Poreless, $30.00.

Benefit Brows a-go-go Palette, $38.00

6.

Products (clockwise): Armour Beauty Lip Gloss in Barracuda, $21.00. NYX Lip Primer, $7.00. Urban Decay 3 Palette, $54.00. Lashfully Marilyn Monroe lashes, $25.00

every girl loves m a Hustler

Hustlapreneur

EGL’s Hustlaprenuer writers are not only great writers, they are also successful business and career women. See what our writers are up to!

M

Maisha Harris

aisha, Coach Mai is a Human Resources Consultant & Career Coach. The work that I do focuses on helping individuals and organizations that are trying to reinvent their human resources strategies and their careers. One of the things that I love most about doing this type of work is that I get to learn about different organizational structures. Not only have I worked with Non-Profits, I have had the pleasure of working with publicly held companies and small business as well. The great thing about working with individuals in these organizations and working with people independently is that while I am helping them to build strategies to raise their career ambitions higher, I may pick up a thing or two that encourages my growth further as well. Because I work across a wide range of professionals, some may just be starting out on over to employees who are transitioning out of the workforce, retirees. The great thing about my line of work is that it spans the generations, which again, helps me grow in the process.

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T

he Single Wives Club was born out of personal need after my broken engagement left me feeling lost. Instead of pointing fingers and blaming him, I used my experiences as lessons and created a support group for single women; providing a safe place to share dating experiences, relationship issues and seek self-improvement. My in-home group quickly led to hosting public events and that soon turned into an online membership program where women around the world can encourage, support and empower one another through their single season.

We now offer group coaching, mentor activities with happy wives, virtual book club and events that women from across the country attend. Together we can grow into the well-rounded wives we need to be in order to nurture happy, healthy marriages. Learn more about The Single Wives Club at

TheSingleWivesClub.com!

Koereyelle DuBose

Business Venture: Society of Entrepreneurs (SOE) ociety of Entrepreneurs was founded in March of this year. What started as an idea presented to Deja by her close friend and photographer Rodney Clifton, has birthed into a brand that plans to continue to expand as time progresses.

SOE is a networking organization whose mission is to document the success of young individuals in pursuit of entrepreneurship, expand their network, and to also connect them to the correct source pertaining to their craft. Using the collegiate network that she already had, Strong has reached out and interviewed those individuals who are in the start up process of their businesses as well as documenting their steps to entrepreneurship. With different career paths such as modeling, fashion designing, cosmetics, authors, and rappers, Strong says wants to inspire our culture to not be afraid to follow their dreams no matter what path it is. Temporarily, Society of Entrepreneurs is on instagram @societyofentrepreneurs and twitter @soe2014, but plans to release on the web mid-November of this year @www.soe4real.com. Be sure to be on the lookout for that!

S

Hustlapreneur

Deja Strong

K

Kenyelle Mich elle

enyelle Michelle’s expert advice in business and career development of the Hustlaprenuer section here at EGL comes from firsthand experience. She developed a board game company bringing her first product to market that went to sell worldwide.

Innovation and product development is her passion where she works with and invests in start-up brands to establish structures, strategies and processes along with brand integration and development.

She is Partner at Pure Perception-LA Brand Engagement Firm and Co-Founder of a startup brand novelty and apparel company, Her Own Rules, LLC., in which she desires to turn into an international multi-billion dollar company.

M

y name is Dr. Danyell S. Wilson and I am a professor at Bowie State University teaching Chemistry, Biology, and researching cancer prevention. As an educator, I am beyond excited to provide information on different career options for our beautiful, strong, and intelligent girls! I tell my story and to let you know that Colleges are here to help prepare you for your CAREER! Graduate Schools (Masters and PhD programs) and Professional Schools (Medical, Law, Dental etc) provide SPECIFIC SKILLS to strengthen you in your career so that you may have more responsibilities and GET paid more.

DO NOT TAKE OUT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN LOANS TO FIGURE OUT YOUR LIFE OR GAIN KNOWLEDGE THAT NO ONE WILL TAKE FROM YOU.

Remember: APPLIED KNOWLEDGE IS POWER!

Dr. Danyell S. Wilson

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Love & Sex

every girl loves m A Gift She Can Use in the Bedroom

First Year Relationships: What are the Rules for Gift Giving?

Written By: Erica Dyson

It’s your first year dating your new guy and the holidays are upon you. Your first instinct is to run and hide until the holidays subside, but unfortunately, doing that would be totally weird. So, you’re left to your own vices of figuring out how to get your mate a great gift. Our best advice is simple: keep the gift-buying process stress-free. Here are some easy ways to do just that. We’ve also gathered some advice from other ladies to help you along the way.

Don’t know what to get? Ask. Look, this is your first year of dating, so although we’d love for you to be psychic, you’re not. That being said, simply ask for a list of five things your mate might like.

“I observed and listened to the things my mate mentioned over the year and purchased those items for Christmas. In cases

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where I was unsure, I just asked.” -Maya C., District Heights, MD “I base my gifts on love because you should always give from the heart. I use the details, likes, loves, personality, needs, dreams and desires of my man to choose the right gift.” –Felicia D., Washington, DC If the idea of the list soothes you but the thought of low versus high-end gifts makes you nervous, get your mate to agree on a spending limit. That way, if you agree on a spending limit of say $50, your mate won’t be looking at you side-eyed when you don’t walk in with a TV. “My usual rule is to discuss exchanging gifts and establish a general budget so we’re both on the same page. I find that most times that works.” -Dionna M., Washington, DC

“Gifts that I’ve given in the first year of a relationship have not been extravagant, but showed that I still paid attention to his wants and needs. If our relationship has been shaky in that year, I’ve asked straight out if we were exchanging gifts or not.” -Charisse S., Arlington, VA

Love & Sex

Instead of giving a gift, sponsor an experience. Treat your mate to a night on the town, or a weekend away.

It’s not the cheapest gift in the world, but it’s definitely a two-fer because it’s a gift that both of you can enjoy.

“I used to give a lot when I was younger in a new relationship, but now, I’d say that something small like a gift card or maybe cologne would be appropriate. I have also learned through experience that you should give with no expectation of one in return.” –Edythe S., Capital Heights, MD Gift giving causing too much anxiety? Don’t give one.

Convince your mate that giving a gift your first year is unnecessary. Consider this: If you knock the gift out of the park, you’ll spend the rest of your years trying to outdo yourself. If you fail terribly, you’ll spend the rest of your years trying to rectify what you didn’t do right the first go-round. If you wait, you’ll spend the rest of your years getting to know your mate better, and in doing so, you’ll naturally give better gifts.

“The type of gift that is given can depend on what history you’ve had with the person prior to becoming involved in a relationship (like being friends first). The level of sentiment is up to you, but when all else fails, gender specific gifts like cologne, gadgets, tech stuff and, tool kits, will always do the trick.” –Zakiya T., Bronx, NY Photo Citations Gift Giving 1: [Woman holding gift box]. Retrieved October 12, 2014.

From: http://blog.allegranetwork.com/2013/10/three-fun-ideas-holiday-biz-gifts/ Gift Giving 2: [Woman holding gift with guy]. Retrieved October 12, 2014. From: http://africanamericanmalemagazine.com/13-tips-fora-healthy-thanksgiving/ Gift Giving 3: [Close up of gift box in woman’s hands]. Retrieved October 12, 2014. From: http://www.lifewithgene.com/blog/ Gift Giving 4: www.istockphoto.com

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every girl loves m the holidays

A Year in Review With the

Ash ley Kelley Staff Writer

What is your favorite memory of 2014? My favorite memory would be

the trip of a lifetime to NYC. I Attended the ACTIVATE conference and had an opportunity to meet Yandy.

What do you look forward to in 2015? I look forward to expanding

my brand and connecting with more influential people.

Ty!Kiera Brown Staff Writer

What is your favorite memory of 2014? My favorite memory in 2014 was turning 21; it was a pivotal moment for me!

What do you look forward to in 2015? I look forward to becoming an

even stronger woman and making my mother proud. I want to continue to inspire and uplift other women; and I potentially want to write a book.

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Staff

It’s been a major year for the Lifestyle section, we’ve recently launched Modern Domestic and there’s a lot in store for the New Year. We putting a spotlight on our very own contributors who’ve made the Lifestyle team of Everything Girls Love like no other!

Wh itney Jones Contributing Writer

What is your favorite memory in 2014?

My favorite memory was when my brother graduated from High School. I’m the oldest of 8 and he’s the second to last one to finish High School and go to college. I’m so proud of them all and on the day of his graduation I reflected on how blessed my family was.

What do you look forward to in 2015?

I look forward to marrying my best friend and furthering my business Whitney J Décor.

Bridgette Dowdell Staff Writer

V. Taybron

What is your favorite memory of 2014? My favorite memory of 2014 was

What is your favorite memory in 2014?

buying a new car.

What do you look forward to in 2015? I look forward to advancing my non-

profit, which was inspired by my mother, and getting closer to my millionaire status!

Staff Writer

My favorite memory was working for Oprah’s Create The Life You Want Tour. I worked as an O Magazine Model and was paid for it, It was a vision board manifestation.

What do you look forward to in 2015?

In the New Year I look forward to becoming more involved in television and radio as it has always been a dream of mine to be on air talent.

Tinita Tennant

Staff Writer

What is your favorite memory in 2014?

My favorite memory in 2014 was getting married to my best friend and then just 3 months after; resigning from my corporate job to pursue my dreams.

What do you look forward to in 2015?

I look forward to continuous growth within myself, my marriage, my family and my journey of living my dreams. I also look forward to new opportunities and new success.

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Modern Domestic MODERN DOMESTIC

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MODERN DOMESTIC

http://www.anorak.co.uk/wp-content/gallery/life-hacks/life-hacks-1.jpg http://www.snappypixels.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/simple-life-hacks-3.jpg

Cashay Chanel Staff Writer

What is your favorite memory in 2014?

My biggest highlight was rejoining my EGL family and working with Yandy on filming Modern Domestic! We have a ton of fun and I feel blessed and favored to be given the opportunity to work with so many incredible people while following my dreams.

Modern Dom estic Tenisha Symonette Staff Writer

Afiya Th omas Staff Writer

Triana Ch ez

What is your favorite memory in 2014?

What is your favorite memory in 2014?

What is your favorite memory in 2014?

My favorite memory was the feeling of victory when I attended the last day of my last college course to attain my Bachelor’s degree. After nearly 10 years, 3 kids and a husband later, I finally did it!

What do you look forward to in 2015?

I look forward to honoring my writing and photography skills as well as establishing my photography business, Poise Poses Photography.

My favorite memory of 2014 was relocating with my family from New York to Michigan. It was a scary and exciting new chapter for all of us. Moms home cooked food, talks with the girlfriends and hanging with the kids will all put a smile on my face in the year to come.

What do you look forward to in 2015?

In 2015 I look forward to a lot of happy moments.

What do you look forward to in 2015?

In 2015 I look forward to learning more to increase my skillset. I also look forward to filming more and expanding our audience. Who knows, maybe even release cookbooks and lifestyle products, stay tuned!

Alicia Bennett

Contributing Writer

Staff Writer

My favorite memory was seeing my baby girl standing up on her own and smiling.

What do you look forward to in 2015?

I look forward to an opportunity filled career at my new job and starting my spring semester strong in schoo.

What is your favorite memory in 2014?

My favorite memory of 2014 was getting engaged to my Boyfriend, Matthew. I love him so much; he is my best friend and my encourager. I truly believe he’s my soul mate.

What do you look forward to in 2015?

I look forward to building my business, Brighter Affairs, and growing into a successful business role model. I want you to know you can be your own boss; and of course, I look forward to planning my wedding! m

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every girl loves m The Holidays

Wellness

I AM AN EGL GIRL - WELLNESS TEAM “LATOYA HOYTE”

WHAT DO YOU WRITE ABOUT AND HOW DOES IT IMPACT OR AFFECT YOUR LIFE? I contribute health and wellness posts including facts and tips on a wide range of health issues (past and present) that affect the day-to-day lives of young women.

I also discuss the Pros and Cons of the latest diet and beauty trends. In addition to health, I provide our readers with suggestions and options on counseling, therapy and words of encouragement for emotional support.

WHAT MAKES YOU WRITE FOR THIS PUBLICATION AND WHAT MAKES YOU DO WHAT YOU DO? Every Girls Love is more than just a brand. We are the big sisters that you call on for advice. There are times when we watch the news or a talk show and we can definitely relate and there are other times when the topic doesn’t seem to fit into your life. As a health writer and a young woman, I feel a certain responsibility to not only share my knowledge with others but also to show them why it’s important. I try my best to write pieces from a girl’s point of view.

WHAT MAKES YOU AN EVERYTHING GIRL’S LOVE GIRL? I am a firm believer that you can have it all. One day in the future, god willing, I would love to marry and raise my children while pursuing my dreams. As a young girl I remember my mom dropping us off to day care and heading to work. She never missed a school performance or an activity. I come from a long line of educated women who found a balance between work and family.

“PRINCESS KABAKOLE”

WHAT MAKES YOU WRITE FOR THIS PUBLICATION AND WHY DO YOU WHAT YOU DO? I decided to write for Everything Girls Love because it was created by inspirational women, to inspire all women. I love to write, and it’s important for me to have my

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work displayed somewhere that I can be proud of.

WHAT DO YOU WRITE ABOUT AND HOW DOES IT IMPACT OF EFFECT YOUR LIFE? I write in the Health and Wellness section and my themes range from physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental health. I believe that our overall health is essential to our quality of life. I enjoy informing our readers about different topics in health and wellness. Every time I write about something for our site, I am not just informing the public but I am also educating myself.

WHAT MAKES YOU AN EVERYTHING GIRL'S LOVE GIRL? I am an Everything Girls Love girl because I strive to be as successful as possible, I take risk and welcome new opportunities in order to reach my goals, I value education, I work very hard and manage to maintain an active social and family life, and most importantly I love myself now and the woman I have potential to be.

“MILETI MERCED”

WHAT MAKES YOU WRITE FOR THIS PUBLICATION AND WHY DO YOU WHAT YOU DO? I'm all for women empowerment and wanted to be a part of a growing urban community for women looking to grow and empower themselves with not only knowledge but to be able to have a single stop source for all things girls love :) WHAT DO YOU WRITE ABOUT AND HOW DOES IT IMPACT OF EFFECT YOUR LIFE? Writing for the wellness section has taught me a lot.

I've always been very big on clean eating but most importantly mental and emotional health. As a woman I understand how emotional we women can be.

I've been able to channel that emotion into my writing whether from my own experience or from others.

WHAT MAKES YOU AN EVERYTHING GIRL'S LOVE GIRL? I am a single mother raising a three year old boy. I work full-time in the marketing field and it's not just a job to me it's my career and I love what I do. I also love to write and do so through freelance work. I call myself a "hustlenette" because I go 100% in all I do and get the job done. Although my days are longer than most I never complain and feel blessed to be a superwoman in heels han-

Wellness dling business.

“NIKEEYA ALEXANDER”

WHAT MAKES YOU WRITE FOR THIS PUBLICATION AND WHY DO YOU WHAT YOU DO? I write for this publication because I want to inspire my readers. I want them to read my blog and think, " Oh, I didn’t know that..." or "Oh, that's what that means" and "Oh, I can do that! That's easy". I want my blog posts to motivate people towards healthier eating habits and healthier lifestyles. I want them to be knowledgeable on questions that maybe they are too afraid to ask. I also want my readers to be positive. If my posts motivate and/or inspires one reader, I know I’ve done my job.

WHAT DO YOU WRITE ABOUT AND HOW DOES IT IMPACT OF EFFECT YOUR LIFE? I write for the wellness section on Everything Girls Love. I'm inspired by people, my readers, my patients, and my friends and family. To be real with you, I write about things that people ask me about. As a nurse, I take many of my ideas from my female patients and the questions they ask me from topics like birth control or safe sunscreen use, questions that come from their life experiences.

I pull ideas from questions I think about. Although I know my audience is mostly young women, I still pull ideas from a general audience. My boyfriend has even given me some ideas. I pull from everyone and everywhere, because the story is always in the people. The topics come from you.

WHAT MAKES YOU AN EVERYTHING GIRL'S LOVE GIRL? Since I’ve been writing for Everything Girls Love, I’ve gotten so many more questions about either, the topics I write about or other things that I should write about. It’s overwhelming at times, but I love what I do. This is always something I wanted to do. As for what makes me an everything girls love girl, I am a strong independent positive woman. I want to help, inspire, and motivate people.

I want to always give back because I believe in the power of service. I believe in the importance of family and culture. I believe in positivity and love. I am a sister, a daughter, a friend, a volunteer, a writer and a nurse. Most importantly, I can do all that 24/7 in stilettos, however it’s mandatory for me to wear scrubs and sneakers to work.

“NAOMI STUDEVAN”

WHAT MAKES YOU WRITE FOR THIS PUBLICATION AND WHY DO YOU WHAT YOU DO? I write for this publication because my goals in life encompass showing support for others and

helping people in any way I can. I believe that by writing for the wellness section of EGL I am able to accomplish these goals on a much larger scale. I feel really good just knowing that what I am writing has the potential of touching the lives of so many women of all ages and just the thought of them taking what I write and using it to benefit their lives is a blessing in itself.

WHAT MAKES YOU A EVERYTHING GIRL'S LOVE GIRL? I am an Everything Girl's Love girl because I am a woman that uses whatever tools I am given in order to accomplish what needs to get done. Finding that balance between kids, work, having a social life and romance is virtually impossible. However, an EGL girl knows that as long as you don't drop the ball, or break a heel, you can always find a way to get done what needs to get done while maintaining your own health and wellness.

“KANARIAN KINDRED”

WHAT MAKES YOU WRITE FOR THIS PUBLICATION AND WHY DO YOU WHAT YOU DO? I write for the publication because it affords me the opportunity to do what I love, while utilizing my skills in this business. Upon graduation from college, I went directly into the corporate sector working various accounting positions, before deciding to follow my passion for writing and I haven’t regretted it for one minute.

WHAT DO YOU WRITE ABOUT AND HOW DOES IT IMPACT OF EFFECT YOUR LIFE? As the editor, I very seldom write anymore but when I do I focus on self-esteem pieces and health awareness. As a former victim of low self-esteem I feel women need to know they are not alone, and I find it therapeutic. I love to write about various health awareness topics because I find most women are unaware of them. A person would be surprise how certain health issues are reeking having with women, and I want everyone to be in the know.

WHAT MAKES YOU AN EVERYTHING GIRL'S LOVE GIRL? Above all I want to see us win, the writers and readers alike.

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every girl loves m Music

Feature

LEELA JAMES

R&B Diva, Leela James Opens Up About Her Longstanding Career, Reveals Her Take On Reality TV, Her Latest Album, ‘Fall For You’ & Much More!

Written By: Novia Rose

“I’ve never received a Grammy, but I’ve traveled the world and been places that most people have not and I know that I touch lives, so that in itself for me is a success.”

Leela James has reached success for the past 9 years by sharing her heart and soul through her music.

Leela’s latest album recently hit shelves, and she will be returning for another season of TV One’s “R&B Divas LA!” EGL had a chance to catch up with the beauty in a candid chat where she dished on life, career, motherhood, and of course the reality show!

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Find out how Leela has managed to stay successful throughout her time in the industry, and her thoughts on reality television! Should fans expect to see some acting? One thing is for sure, music will never be absent from Ms. James life.

EGL: Hi Leela! First things first, let’s talk MUSIC! You just released your album ‘Fall for you’ in July. Five albums in, how does it feel?

LJ: love music, it’s a huge passion of mine, so it definitely feels good, I feel blessed to be able to do what I love to do and touch people in the process, so it feels good!

EGL: Did you take a different direction with this LP as far as your sound?

LJ: No, I just think it was a natural evolution of me and as an artist, and I just let it go where it wanted to go because it felt good. It felt natural and I just think that ultimately the music will speak for itself as you start working.

EGL: You’ve worked with some pretty big names for this album; can you talk a little bit about how it was working with each person?

LJ: I worked with Anthony Hamilton on this album, some up-and-coming producers, and favorite songwriter, Joe Ryan on a record. I worked with Shannon, Andrew Sanders, and Ledisi. Yea, I worked with some very talented people on this record, and again, it was such a blessing as always, to do what you love to do, and do it with people that love it as much as you.

Work on beautiful music to be shared with the world.

EGL: What has been the biggest change for you since bursting on the scene as a new artist in 2005?

LJ: I think professionally, I surrounded myself with a new team of people,

new label situation and that made just for a better working situation all together. I just got rid of a lot of the things and just people that didn’t fit into that next chapter and faze in my life.

EGL: What keeps you motivated to continue to do music?

LJ: I would definitely say my family.

I’m a mother now, so that’s inspiring within itself, and then just again, my passion and love for it. But I also really, really enjoy the reactions of people when they feel the music or enjoy the music. Having someone come up to you, and say you made their day or you saved their life, is so powerful to me you know? Then it becomes a thing that’s bigger than you, it’s not about you, it’s about helping somebody. The music is ministry in some sense, and if you can help one person, then you’ve succeeded.

You know, I say that a lot of times, I’ve never received a Grammy, but I’ve traveled the world and been places that most people have not and I know that I touch lives, so that in itself for me is a success. That is so fulfilling and is what allows you in those moments as an artist, when you feel like “no one cares about my music” to not give up. There are people that do care, you know? When someone tells you, “you saved my life”, or “your song got me through this difficult time,” that is what keeps you going.

Feature EGL: How do you react to those moments?

LJ: It’s emotional, I’ve cried! It’s moving and it’s powerful, again you just never know whose life you’re touching. While we are just going about our day-today business, you know, doing what we love, someone else loves it even more. That in itself is just like, a humbling experience.

EGL: We want to get into you being a Mom! So you took a little break from music to focus on motherhood. How does that change your perspective, process of making music or just life in period?

LJ: Well, again being a parent, a mother, things are put into perspective from a standpoint of what’s really important.

You prioritize things, when approaching music, it’s like your you don’t always think about yourself, or how it can affect you, you think about your seed and how one day that can affect your child, with the moves and things that you make.

EGL: What prompted you to get into Reality TV? LJ: It’s a different world, it’s a different music scene now, you have social media, and you go to the reality TV world, which kinda go hand in hand with music; kind of like the new radio in a sense.

So I felt like it would be a great platform

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to broaden my audience and expose my music.

The show is about artists; naturally there is going to be a level of drama. But for the most part, the focus is about music and that’s what my focus is on. So I thought that it would be a great opportunity to share my music with a larger audience, through the platform of the show.

EGL: Recently Chrisette Michelle came out and expressed her feelings about the negative side of RTV. How do you feel about your experience?

LJ: So far, it’s been cool; I don’t really trip off of stuff. I guess for me, cameras are rolling in my real life, the real me; and the real me is what the cameras capture. You know that’s how I approach life, like “whatever, I ain’t tripping off nothing!” [Laughs] EGL: Does the drama outweigh the opportunity?

The cast’s tension with Chante was quite obvious.

What are your true thoughts about the way things went down? Is it really hard to maintain friendships in front of the cameras?

LJ: No, I mean, I’m 100! I was very honest, what people saw from me is how I honestly am and feel. It ain’t hard for me, if anything I feel like I’ll just bring the real to reality tv. I’m not going to change, whether the cameras are rolling or not.

Just like we are talking now, I give you direct blunt answers; this is what it is for me. If I don’t like something, I don’t like something, but I don’t have to hate you either

EGL: R&B is more so infused with Hip Hop today.

Do you make a point to stay strictly R&B? LJ: Definitely, I think from day one, I’ve stayed pretty consistent with who I am as an artist. What I represent in terms of my music, that’s important to me. And I definitely think it’s important to preserve what real Rhythm and Blues / Soul music is supposed to be. So I try best to do what it is that I know.

Feature

EGL: What is in the near future for you?

LJ: Well hopefully more music! And hopefully we will branch into some more television and film.

Leela says she would be interested in getting into some serious acting gigs! She recently traveled to Australia to perform on the 2014 Soul Fest Tour with many other artists! Things are definitely looking great for Leela! Look out for this beauty on the next season of ‘R& B Divas LA,’ also, keep up with her on Twitter and Instagram and pick up her latest album ‘Fall For You’, available everywhere! m

EGL: Have you started filming for season 3? If so what can fans expect at the top of 2015?

LJ: No, we haven’t, I guess you just have to tune in and see!

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every girl loves m Celebrities

Entertainment

4 1 p o T r y t u O elebri ts C men o M 2014 f o Written By: Novia Rose

This year has been full of exciting, yet shocking moments in the world of Entertainment! From the hottest club bangers and notorious wins, to tragedy and scandal, the list of captivating headlines can go on! EGL is flashing back! Here are just a few of the most memorable stories!

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1. Lupita Nyong’o Lupita’s career and timeless presence catapulted to a whole new level of success!

In addition, becoming the it cover girl for a number of magazines and receiving the most recognition for her incredible fashion sense, Lupita’s defining moment arrived when she won her first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in “12 Years A Slave”. The actress’s emotional acceptance speech provided encouragement for many with these heartfelt words: “When I look down at this golden statue, may it remind me and every little child that no matter where you’re from, your dreams are valid. Thank you.”

Entertainment

2. Baby Boomers 2014 proved to be a very exciting year for a lot of Hollywood parents! The latest wave of celeb babies are on the way and these moms have are basking in the joy of unconditional love!

friend, Scott Disick, but the two are delighted to welcome another baby girl! Scott and Kourtney have their first son, Mason Dash Disick, and Daughter, Penelope Disick, together.

Zoe Saldana shocked many when her pregnancy was revealed. The actress and her husband, Marco Perego, confirmed the news back in August.

Though Zoe was vocal about her disappointment on how the news spread, the couple, were very happy to announce that they were expecting Twins in October!

Yandy Smith Of course, EGL’s very own PUD and her beloved, Mendeecees are expecting a baby girl! After much speculation, Yandy confirmed the news by fully revealing her baby bump at The Circle of Sisters Convention back in October!

This will be the second child for the happy couple.

Ciara, Kelly Rowland, Lil Kim, Kourtney Kardashian has never Snooki,J Wow (MTV’s Jersey made a secret about wanting Shore), Kerry Washington, Alicia to have more children! The real- Keys, Kate Middleton (Dutchess ity star unexpectedly revealed of Cambridge), and Shakiher third pregnancy on the last ra have all either welcomed a season of Keeping Up With The newborn or are still expecting!

Kardashians. Much like her pre- Congratulations to all! vious experiences, fans have gotten the chance to see her journey this time around! It’s never a walk in the park for Kourtney and her longtime boy-

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Entertainment

3. Kimye’s Wedding Possibly the biggest celeb event of the year! Kim and Kanye’s nuptials were certainly the center of attention. The high profile couple made headlines in the days leading up to their lavish wedding. After taking over Paris, France, family and friends of Kimye were flown to Italy on the big day! Now that they are very happily married, Kim recently shared that the plan is to try for baby number 2!

4. Keke Palmer Now Historical She is a rising icon and is showing no signs of slowing down!

KeKe Palmer has not only made history by becoming the youngest daytime TV talk show host, she also became the FIRST African American to play Cinderella on Broadway! Keke and costar, Sherri Shepherd have received incredible reviews for their run of the classic Rodger and Hammerstein production.

It is not hard to see that Keke’s future looks completely bright!

Congratulations on a spectacular year girl!

5. The Carters: OTR > Elevator Scandal Bey and Jay were strangers to public scandal, until things hit the fan back in May. A private family altercation quickly turned into a tabloid frenzy after Solange Knowles was captured in a very heated moment with her brother-in-law. Following their departure from the Met Gala after party, Beyonce’s little sister physically attacked the rapper. Though she later released a statement confirming that their relationship was on good terms, the family has remained silent about what really happened that night.

“Of course sometimes ‘stuff’ goes down when there’s a billion dollars on an Elevator”.

A response can always be found in the music!

The Carters successfully curated the biggest show of the year! Generating an estimated total of over $100 Million, the ‘On the Run’ Tour gave fans the ultimate Bey and Jay experience with a very rare intimate look into their lives. After being honored at The VMA’s with the Michael Jackson Vanguard Award, the couple wrapped up their international run in Paris, where Baby Blue Ivy was conceived.

Bey and Jay continue to shut down negative reports, one win at a time!

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6. Welcome Home

The countdown to freedom for these artists shined throughout the year, proving that their time away had a profound effect on supporters and the industry…. #FREEBREEZY became the official chant from fans during Chris Brown’s 3 month sentence in jail. The singer served time for the infamous 2009 assault case involving Rihanna. Unfortunately Brown’s legal troubles overshadowed his talent at the top of 2014. He had been gearing up to release his 6th album prior to going away, however the star returned home with a bang! His leading lady, Karrueche, melted hearts when she shared special moments from an intimate ‘Welcome Home’ party on social media. Along with the strong support from his loved ones, Chris unleashed the much anticipated LP ‘X ’. Compiled with previously released singles, it also features collaborations with mega artists Akon, R. Kelly, Brandy, and much more!

The Ruler is back! Remy Ma wasted very little time getting back to work after serving 6 years in prison! The rapper’s return proceeded with an immense amount of love by other celebrities and fans with a major countdown 30 days prior to her release.

The social media scene exploded with special daily reminders from stars such as Charlamagne Tha God, Terrence J, Keyshia Cole and much more! With the release of her latest EP “I’m around” and countless features, it’s like she never left!

The Southern legend finally made it out! Torrence Hatch aka. Boosie is one of the pioneers of the trap sound that captivates listeners today. As foreseen, Boosie’s arrival on March 5th, immediately conquered social media and put the 5 yearlong “Free Boosie” movement created by his fans. The rapper instantly released new music, made interview rounds and got back to business!

Entertainment

7. DJ Mustard Takes Over There is a good chance that he was the man behind your turn up! There is no denying that this is the musical year for super producer, DJ Mustard! The southern native has landed countless chart topping hits including, Trey Songz’ “Na Na”, T.I.’s “No Mediocre”, Ty Dolla Sign’s “Paranoid”, and break out R&B artist, Tinashe’s “2 On”.

Just to name a few! Mustard nabbed a win at this year’s BET HIP HOP Awards for ‘Producer of the Year’ and ‘MVP of the Year’! #MustardOnThatBeat

8. #Justice for Mike Brown Following the tragic loss of yet another young black man, the death of Michael Brown woke the horrific history of racial profiling and police brutality in this country. Ferguson, Missouri continues to be in outrage as the people in the late teen’s community fight for justice. Sadly, protests have resulted in violent retaliations such as overturning police cars, vandalizing public property, fires and looting. With the help of many public figures, there is a strong sense of urgency for the battle to become a peaceful one. Stars such as J. Cole, Iyanla Vanzant, etc have joined the fight by using their voices as well as visiting the town. Rapper and Actor, Common paid homage by bringing the Browns on stage during his powerful performance at the BET Hip Hop Awards. Activist and Author Cornel West were arrested while demonstrating in Ferguson.

The fight is strong. #DontShoot

Entertainment

9. ALS Ice Bucket Challenge The challenge that swept the nation! Celebs and Civilians across the globe took over social media to bring awareness to AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. A rare illness that affects the nerve cells in the brain, as well as the spinal cord, which can ultimately result in Paralysis, Lung Failure, Weight Loss among many other complications. There is currently no cure for the disease, hence why many opted to participate in this challenge in AND donate money to the ALS Association! As this became a phenomenon the founder of the #ALSChallenge, Corey Griffin passed away in August.

Stars including, Lady Gaga, Oprah, Charlamagne Tha God, Kerry Washington, The Game, Jennifer Lopez, Kevin Hart, Bill Gates, Rihanna and many more endured that moment having a bucket of ice cold water dumped over their heads. All for a good cause!

10. Queens Of Hip Hop: The Title For the first time in years, there was more than one “femcee” on the scene. Killing the notion of having limited space for multiple females in Hip Hop, these ladies proved that it was possible to succeed at the same time individually. As for standing together, there is some hope.

Her Anaconda don’t… before dropping her much anticipated third album, ’The Pink Print’ Nicki Minaj managed to dominate the digital world with her remake of Sir Mixalot’s classic. The ‘Anaconda’ music video racked up over 100 million views in just less than two weeks, while the single has climbed the charts in multiple countries and

served as a great appetizer for her LP! Nicki’s surprise collaboration with Beyonce on the ‘Flawless’ remix, didn’t hurt her year either, but it obviously re hatched the longstanding beef with Icon Lil Kim. Nicki’s of “Queen Bee” on the popular track resulted in a diss record and revealed more details about their rift! As Nicki opts to possible work with fellow rapper, Remy Ma, Kim is welcoming Iggy Azalea. Success has conjured up some controversy for the Australian this year. (Ie: Her alleged sex tape, being shaded by Nicki Minaj the, and the infamous beef with Snoop Dogg.)

However, she solidified herself as a new artist with her debut album,

‘The New Classic’ and made history as a female rapper by having the longest running single at the top of Billboard’s charts! ‘Fancy’ featuring Charlie XCX catapulted Iggy’s celeb status to super stardom.

The unity is far spread in between the current ladies of rap, but 4 Queens recently reminded the world why the stage should be shared! Queen Latifah, Yo Yo , Mc Lyte and Brandy’s reunion performance at the BET Hip Hop Awards defined an epic moment for the culture as they brought back the good old days with their timeless classic, “I Wanna Be Down” Remix! Imagine a moment like that in Today’s era!

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11. Mimi Faust’s Sex Tape

Entertainment

Reality goes viral. Mimi Faust and her then boyfriend, Nikko Smith, dominated the Internet in April with the explicit visuals from their private time. The tape mysteriously leaked and quickly circulated months before the couple were to be shown on the 4th season of Love and Hip Hop Atlanta. After denying that the footage was purposely leaked, Mimi slowly began to reveal details behind the scandal. Later admitting to shooting additional footage; and agreeing to make money off of its release under Adult Film Company Vivid Entertainment. Needless to say, it out sold Kim Kardashian and Ray J’s tape.

This was another unforgettable moment in Reality Television.

12. Robin Thicke and Paula Patton Split They say that anything worth having is worth fighting for and Robin definitely showed that Paula was all that and above! Unfortunately, his public attempt to win Paula back resulted in an epic fail.

The Blurred Lines star titled his latest album after his wife, and later made a shocking revelation when he admitted to drug abuse and letting the success affect their relationship. ‘Paula’ plummeted in sales and the couple has officially parted ways after she filed for divorce in October.

13. Wiz and Amber Call It Quits Speaking of devastating breakup ups, the ending to what was supposed to be a Happily Ever After story still has the public confused. Amber Rose and Wiz Khalifa seemed like a match made in Hip Hop heaven, however, just a year after finally getting married, Rose suddenly filed for divorce in September. Prior to the shocking news, Amber appeared to be in marital bliss on social media. Unfortunately, that all came crashing down after she reportedly caught Wiz in bed with twin sisters.

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Entertainment

14. Ariana Grande and Big Sean 2014 wasn’t ALL about the heartaches! Love was certainly in the air for singer, Ariana Grande and her Boyfriend, Big Sean.

Though the budding relationship was kept under wraps, following Sean’s public break up with ‘Glee’ star, Naya Rivera, the two indirectly made their first appearance as a couple at the VMA’s. Ariana and Sean were captured on backstage footage holding hands. Since then, both have slowly confirmed their status.

Well there you have it! Entertainment News moved at an extremely rapid pace in 2014, now it is time to chronicle more

Well there you have it! Entertainment News moved at an extremely rapid pace in 2014, now it is time to chronicle more memories for the New Year! www.everythinggirlslove.com

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Beauty

TEXT: CENTURY GOTHIC 18/24

BEST BEAUTY MOMENTS

2014

From flirty lashes to buzz-worthy pouts, 2014 has offered plenty of memorable beauty moments.

If 2014 is any indication to what’s in store for 2015, then we’re in for a colorful ride! Here are some of our favorite best 2014 beauty moments.

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Joan Smalls rocked a bold purple lip at the Met Gala this year, master-minded by her makeup artist Sir John. Her bold lips and edgy Vera Wang gown stole the show! Smalls was risky, edgy, and a definite WINNER! Taking a peek into 2015, bold lips will definitely be a hit, as every EGL woman will be attempting to spice up her winter look and colors with a pop of warm vibrancy. – Regina, Beauty Editor

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Furnished by Regina Tucker photographed by Ajani Truth

Actress Lupita Nyong’o was named one of the most beautiful people of 2014

by People Magazine this year and was also nominated for several awards, including winning an Oscar for her role in “12 Years a Slave”. Not only is she talented, she’s beautiful too! Lupita is not the average girl that you normally see on the cover of magazines. She has a stellar body, a great sense of fashion, and beautiful hair and skin. She encourages women to be comfortable in their own skin and she also seems to dance at the beat of her own drum. For 2015, we predict her low cut fade styles will definitely make more appearances. – K. Mishawn, Beauty Contributor

www.everythinggirlslove.com Photo Credit: [RiRi Woo] Retrieved October 27, 2013 from http://hippielounge.blogspot.com/2013/05/rihannas-mac-riri-woo.htmltrieved

TEXT: CENTURY GOTHIC 18/24

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every girl loves m Great Music

Beyonce’s bob in her “XO” music video has to be one of the greatest beauty moments of 2014. The wavy style was fun, playful, and sexy, which pretty much sums up Beyonce’s self-titled visual album “Beyonce”. The beautiful songstress caught us all by surprise last December when she released her innovative visual album with not only great songs, but great videos with awesome beauty looks, giving us all inspiration. Beyonce’ is a trendsetter and she certainly had everyone ready to cut their hair and wear it wet after seeing this video. For 2015, we’re thinking bobs will stay but will be shorter, fuller, and full of body with a touch of nontraditional hair color highlights such as pink, purple, or blue to incorporate playfulness. – Shannon Lockhart, Beauty Contributor

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Rihanna brought her A game in 2014 and we’ve been a fan of the majority of her beauty moments.

But we absolutely loved her look at the Balmain show at Paris Fashion Week this year. From the sleek, edgy bob to the pink matte pout, the look proved to be sophisticated and chic. We think 2015 will bring more edginess and moderinize some of the most classic makeup techniques and hairstyles. Classic winged liners will creatively evolve and simple bobs will become more fresh and stylized, giving a more futuristic look similar to Rihanna. – Lawanda Jackson, Associate Beauty Editor

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Beauty

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When I first saw Lupita Nyong'o she reminded me of the popular 90s Sudanese model Alek Wek. Lupita didn’t fit into the box of how beauty is typically perceived and she embraced her individuality and shined throughout 2014. Sometimes it’s good to be reminded that we are all beautiful when we’re confident in our own skin. For 2015, we’re thinking the military-inspired fashion we saw on the runways will translate perfectly for make up with bold, dark, demanding, yet soft, looks. Heavy contour and dark lashes are sure to be a hit! – Tiffany Nowlin, Beauty Contributor

Everyone is wearing the ombre lip this year. Even a few celebrities were caught on the red carpet rocking this lip boldly. The joining of two or more colors fading into each other is one of those things that make you ponder, "Why didn't I think of that before?" Whoever started this trend, we all say, thank you and we’re pretty sure we’re going to see more of it next year. – Kinya Travis, Beauty Contributor

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New Year, New You,

Wellness

every girl loves m New Years

Right Now! ! !

Written By: Chrystal Johnson

As always, the New Year comes with new resolutions and promises. Frankly stated, setting New Year’s resolutions simply means you’ve decided to make some changes in your life. Why wait until the New Year when you can begin making the changes now? Check out this list of ways to get the ball rolling on your 2015 resolutions, and become a new you, right now…

SET YOUR GOALS

When setting your resolutions choose specific goals that you have a strong desire to achieve. Think of goals important to you and you feel are achievable with the least amount of resistance. These can be short term or long term goals. For example, if your goal is to lose weight, don’t just say I want lose weight be specific. In other words, say something like I want to lose 20 pounds by the end of spring. Setting goals allows you to state exactly what it is that you would like to accomplish.

Taking one small step in achieving your goals is better than doing nothing at all.

ENJOY YOURSELF

Celebrate each accomplishment no matter how big or how small. Get your family and friends involved in order to celebrate together. Once you achieve a goal; highlight it and put the date that you achieved it beside it. This will serve as a reminder and inspiration you have achieved an important goal in your life.

WRITE DOWN YOUR GOALS

Perform the task of writing down your goals, and set a date in which you intend to accomplish them. This creates a timeline of events which can be used as a guide to monitor your progress. Place your goals somewhere visible like your mirror or fridge in order to view them daily. Repeat your goals out loud every day to emphasize what you have written.

CREATE A VISION BOARD

See your goals in front of you by creating a vision board. Be sure to include all of your goals and desires. Creating a vision board helps you to visualize and imagine your goals. It is a good idea to place your written goals on the vision board as well. Seeing your goals on your vision board allows you to focus your thoughts on achieving your goals, and it also encourages you to take action.

TAKE ACTION

Creating goals without a solid plan is basically wishful thinking. By all means think and dream big, but also allow yourself the time to reach the goals that you set. Never give up and do not get disappointed when you do not see immediate results. Be patient with yourself as you progress towards your goals.

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START NOW

In our daily life it can be easy to get distracted if you’re not focused. Unfortunately, Procrastination is the said to be the #1 dream killer when seeking to attain a set goal. With that being said, don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today!

Feature

every girl loves m An Athletic Man

Fitness is Not A Hobby, It’s A Lifestyle

By Kanarian Kindred Maurice was born and raised in the

Maurice Talton www.everythinggirlslove.com

Bronx, NY. He grew up around sports, playing football, baseball and basketball. As he entered his teens, football became his main sport. As his love for the game grew, his skills grew as well.

Many of his friends and family encouraged him to continue working on the talent that he had been blessed with in football. While other kids were playing video games and hanging out with friends, he was in the gym. He spent hours after school and on weekends working on his strength, speed and agility. By the time he entered August Martin High School in NY, his hard work had paid off. As a freshman, he landed the starting quarterback position.

He continued in that position through-

out his senior year. He also continued working hard in the gym to ensure that his mind and body were ready for the beatings that it would take on the field. After setting and breaking several previously set high school records, he transitioned to receiver position. After graduating from high school, he entered Nassau Community College in NY. Again, his hard work paid off, while playing football for Nassau, he was offered the opportunity to play football for C.W.Post University in NY. After playing for and winning championships at CW Post, he was offered a tryout with the NFL football team the NY Jets. He continues to play football today.

Feature EGL: What made you decide to focus on a career in fitness?

Maurice: Born and raised in the Bronx NY. I always loved and lived for sports. I played High school football college football and arena. And now I’m a Fitness Specialist for 100’s of clientele and celebrities

EGL: What’s your fitness philosophy when training clients?

Maurice: my fitness philosophy to my clients. Is always do an assessment with them. This way you can find out if they have any knee problems or heart problems.

EGL: Describe a typical day for you?

Maurice: A typical day for me is wake up at 5am.

I drink a glass of water. 7am I’ll have eggs whites with fruit and 3 pieces of toast. 9am I have client and 11am another 12am 4pm and then I’m off to the Harlem Children zone. From 4pm to 9pm. That’s pretty much my day is ran

EGL: The holiday season is right around the corner, and a lot of us tend to overeat during this time. What advice would you give to those trying to watch the calories?

Maurice: Since the holiday season is approaching.

There are some great things you can do to avoid over eating, such as buying some smaller plates.

EGL: What about diet? Any specific guidelines you stick to?

Maurice: I’ll be honest. I don’t believe in diets. I believe in eat right. When you start telling people and yourself You’re on a diet, they are pretty much waiting for you to feel. Just stick to eating smart and eating right.

EGL: What advice would you gives someone looking to get fit for 2015, but hasn’t exercised in months/ years?

Maurice: advice I would give to people trying to get for for 2015 is make a definite fitness goal. Not to big where you can’t achieve it. But start out small and work your way up.

EGL: What grocery items are a “Must Have” at all times?

Maurice: Must have in your shopping cart when shopping. (Fruit, eggs, kale, veggies, nuts, celery.

EGL: What else would you like people to know about what you do?

Maurice: I would like our readers to know that no matter what the question is about fitness. I will make time to help them with the proper steps to get fit

EGL: How important is nutrition to you in creating clients’ regimens?

Maurice: Nutrition is very important in your daily regime. Always remember to drink lots of water and grapefruit

Maurice now works as an independent trainer and also focuses on Pioneer Fitness. He continues to change lives on a daily basis. His passion for sports as well as his passion for peek health has provided him with knowledge and expertise in the health and wellness field.

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