April/May Issue of Chev- R.I.P. Whitney Jacques

Table of Contents Cover Stories 14 April is Autism Awareness 15

Month: The Facts April is Autism Awareness Month: Meet Georgie Life with Lupus

16 18 R.I.P Whitney Jacques

A Beautiful Life Claimed By Lupus Be You… Be Fit 06 Eat Clean, Train Dirty Be Fantastic 08 Rock Purple & Look Fantastic Be Fabby 10 Lindz Picks Your must have items this month

Be Stylish 11 Rihanna’s River Island Collection

Chev Magazine is a refreshing publication with fun, upbeat, encouraging, and positive articles and features to help the ordinary woman do/be/ look extraordinary.

Credits Editor-In-Chief Rachelle Chevrin Final Copy Editor Iman Ford Creative Consultant/Liaison Lindz Dillinger Director/Consultant/Graphics Michael Forbes Stylist Doris T. Artistry Writers Michael Forbes Doris Torres Judy “Ladi In Blue” Murcia Rachelle Chevrin Contributor Linda Vecchiarelli Cover designed by Michael Forbes

Photo Credit: Denny Clark Photography

“Teamwork Makes the Dream work”

Notes from the publisher, This issue took me the longest to put together because I so wanted it to be as closed to perfect as possible.

When I learned of Whitney Jacques’ death back in February, telling her family I was sorry for her loss, and expressing myself on a Facebook post didn't seem like enough.

So I decided to use the magazine to express the Chev Magazine’s team condolences to the family as well as express our collective grief for this beautiful life claimed by this tragic disease. I want to thank the Chev team for rocking with me on this project as always.

Without my team I would just be some random short girl behind a laptop looking crazy. Lol ok, not that the description doesn't fit me anyways! Smh But back to the seriousness of this issue, I proceeded to contact the family to get their permission to embark on this project. I want to send a special thank you to Whitney’s family and friends who spoke to me regarding her past life and allowed me into their grieving process. It was not easy for them and I know most weren't ready to speak on their loss. From the bottom of all our hearts, Thank you.

I also want to thank Chris Royster from IMTM Worldwide modeling who provided all the pics from Whitney’s first photoshoot with him in Miami.

Make sure to follow his upcoming magazine. This is what he posted in her memory on his website: “Whitney Jacques passed away recently. The cause was a disease called Lupus. I will be including a special feature in Simply Innovative Magazine (Follow @SimplyInnoMag) dedicated to her

memory and to draw attention to this disease. Whitney was a beautiful, caring, funny young woman. I hope that all who knew her will remember her fondly. I was very close to her, and it pains me to know I’ll never see her again, except through pictures and video.”

On another note, starting April 2013, Chev Magazine will go from monthly to and every other month format. Making this issue the April/May issue and the next the June/July issue and so on.

May is Lupus Awareness Month, and April is Autism Awareness Month. Big Thank you to my coworker from DCF, Madeline Lasane, who willingly allowed me into her world of raising an Autistic Child. We spent so much time talking about her grandson Georgie that I feel like part of the family and have even referred another friend of mine’s who is suspecting her child to be Autistic to speak to Madeline as well on her experiences.

The beauty of Chev is the lives and the stories I come across, every month I have a renewed love for life and am inspired and motivated to do better and be greater then the person I was yesterday. And that Ladies and Gents, is my exact vision for all the readers of Chev Magazine.

Live, Laugh, Love Rachelle Chevrin CHEV Magazine Publisher Rachelle Chevrin, Publisher of CHEV Magazine, has signed up for The Relay For Life Cancer Walk on May 13th, 2013 in Marion Oaks, FL. The money raised through Relay For Life events support the American Cancer Society’s lifesaving work, Hope Lodge facilities for example, which offer cancer patients a free place to stay, comfort, and support when they have to travel far from home for treatment.

Be You, Be Fit

Q&A With MMA Fighter Chris Ortiz

Welcome to the Eat Clean, Train Dirty plan with MMA fighter, Chris Ortiz. It's time we take the hard word "dieting" out of our vocabulary and start seeing that eating healthier and exercising daily is tough and will make us not only look better, but feel better. The opportunity of talking to Chris Ortiz has helped me see that it doesn't have to be all about BMI scales. You start with small goals to see the big results. Here are some great tips Chris Ortiz has provided for our readers and fans.

No matter your age, gender or size.

Hi Chris, thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to share some great tips with our readers. One of the biggest struggles for me Is as a mom of two and a wife, I find myself making 2 to 3 meals to please everyone's picky habits, What is a recipe you may recommend that is easy and good for the whole family?

There are ways to make quick, easy meals within a family budget. Try grilled chicken or fish over some brown rice, you can get brown rice from uncle ben's if you have a time crunch. Make sure its brown rice. Add a little bit of salsa on top of your rice and a side salad. Portion is key.

What’s a good portion control size for mealtimes?

A good guideline to help you understand portion sizes is to simply compare the serving sizes of particular foods to familiar physical objects. For example, a single serving of: Vegetables or fruit is about the size of your fist. Meat, fish, or poultry is the size of a deck of cards or the size of your palm (minus the fingers, of course).

What's a good tool to help someone struggling with being conscious of what they eat?

I recommend a food log/journal. Makes you conscious of what you put into your body. Helps you figure out what is or isn't working for you.

For someone who can't afford the gym, may not know where to start, or may not have the time for the gym, what workouts do you recommend that can workout the whole body?

Push ups, squats, bicycle crunches, crunches (as long as you have a bench). Start with something simple and build in numbers. This will help you tone up. Be consistent, start with small goals and build up daily. I recommend if you can, involve a workout buddy.

What good protein shakes and supplements do you recommend?

I always recommend natural protein. Bananas, almond or coconut milk,and yogurt. Vitamin fish oil and fish period is great for the brain.

What is some advice you want to give our readers to take with them?

Consistency. It's key to any challenge and gives you better results. Consistency makes it become more of a lifestyle rather then a struggle.

With childhood obesity being so bad in our nation, I was really impressed by how you take time out to make appearances and share with the public some fun tips and ways to stay healthy.

It should be a life changing experience and challenge for whole families. To live better. I teach my kids a lifestyle for healthy living, not a struggling, restraint diet. Make your kids knowledgeable and bring awareness about their health and ways they can stay healthy.

So where can we see you between GA and FL, who all is welcome?

Whole families are welcome! I will update you and my Facebook page with future appearances and MMA fights and also, for lessons in your area, hit me up. https:// www.facebook.com/messages/chris.ortiz.58555

ReneeLeroux.com

Be You, Be Fantastic

Rock Purple all Month Long and Look Fantastic!

Be You, Be Fabby Lindz’ Picks -CHEV’s Creative Director/Consultant gives you a checklist for must haves this month.

Pay attention, Class is in session.

Salon Insta-Gel Strips Starter Kit This starter kit contains all you need for a complete gel manicure. A first!

Easy 2 step gel manicure in a strip with no dry time & that removes easily with acetone polish remover.

SallyHansen.com

Dolls Kill Bathing Suites “Always emphasizing change and experimentation in fashion is the key to the Dolls Kill movement. Encouraging personal freedom from a defined style, and the balls to stand out from a crowd. “ Dollskill.com

Statement Pumps Let your Feet do the talking As featured on Elle.com

Angel by Thierry Mugler M.Sephora.com

Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo For the girl that likes to keep her hair fresh but doesn't have the time for the song and dance.

Be You, Be Stylish

Music, Movies, Fragrances, Scandals, & Now Fashion.

Rihanna Conquers it all

"If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun. " this was Rihanna's answer when asked about the risks she takes with her fashion. But what is Rihanna's style? I see a woman who is very diverse and has an eclectic sense of fashion style.

There were a few mixed reviews; London which is a fashion capital, felt the debut of the clothing line was a "horror."

Said to be a flashback to the worst 90s fads with no new vibes to refresh or modernize it. Designer, Adam Selman took a hit with critics and fans saying the line seems to be just fabric draped on models. Rihanna was critiqued for not putting any effort in creating any of her designs (Just showing up to the event's debut). Although, here in the states the line was received rather different with mixed reviews. Fashion icons and designers felt the collection is a combination of cheap fabrics, and an insult to the fashion industry. But some media reports show her collection is a big hit and flying off the racks. Some reviews say we will see all the seasons trends, with a pinch of her own style.

Seductive, sensual, soft, rocker, urban and West Indian flavor. Breaking the rules to create her own mark in this industry. A very sexy, sultry, sensual, flavorful collection.—Written by Doris Torres

RiverIsland.com Men Collection

Women Collection

April is Autism Awareness Month Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of developmental disabilities that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. People with ASDs handle information in their brain differently than other people.

ASDs are "spectrum disorders." That means ASDs affect each person in different ways, and can range from very mild to severe. People with ASDs share some similar symptoms, such as problems with social interaction. But there are differences in when the symptoms start, how severe they are, and the exact nature of the symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms ASDs begin before the age of 3 and last throughout a person's life, although symptoms may improve over time. Some children with an ASD show hints of future problems within the first few months of life. In others, symptoms might not show up until 24 months or later.

Some children with an ASD seem to develop normally until around 18 to 24 months of age and then they stop gaining new skills, or they lose the skills they once had.

A person with an ASD might:  Not respond to their name by 12 months  Not point at objects to show interest by 14 months  Not play "pretend" games by 18 months  Avoid eye contact and want to be alone  Have trouble understanding other people's feelings  Have delayed speech and language skills  Repeat words or phrases over and over (echolalia)  Give unrelated answers to questions  Get upset by minor changes  Have obsessive interests  Flap their hands, rock their body, or spin in circles  Have unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look, or feel

If You’re Concerned If you think your child might have an ASD or you think there could be a problem with the way your child plays, learns, speaks, or acts, contact your child’s doctor, and share your concerns.

If you or the doctor is still concerned, ask the doctor for a referral to a specialist who can do a more in-depth evaluation of your child. Specialists who can do a more in-depth evaluation and make a diagnosis include:  Developmental Pediatricians (doctors who have special training in child development and children with special needs)  Child Neurologists (doctors who work on the brain, spine, and nerves)  Child Psychologists or Psychiatrists (doctors who know about the human mind) At the same time, call your state’s public early childhood system to request a free evaluation to find out if your child qualifies for intervention services. This is sometimes called a Child Find evaluation. You do not need to wait for a doctor’s referral or a medical diagnosis to make this call.

You can find the right contact information for your state by calling the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY) at 1-800-695-0285.

Or visit the NICHCY website. Once you find your state on this webpage, look for the heading "Programs for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities: Ages Birth through 3".

Research shows that early intervention services can greatly improve a child’s development. In order to make sure your child reaches his or her full potential, it is very important to get help for an ASD as soon as possible.

This information was found directly on the website for the Centers for Disease Control. No copyright infringement intended. For more information please feel free to visit CDC.GOV

Meet Georgie…...

Q&A with Madeline Lasane on life with her Autistic grandson George.

How old was your grandson when you discovered he was Autistic?

When he was about 6 months old. He was diagnosed at 3years old.

What were the symptoms that made you suspect Autism?

He would stare at circular moving objects (like the fan) for long periods of time. He wouldn't give eye contact, he didn't like being hugged or held close.

Tell us about his Autism, what are his challenges?

He is almost 16 years old, but functions mentally about 10 years old.

As a caretaker, what are your challenges into caring for an Autistic child?

Although he has no behavior problems, nor is he on any meds, he still requires help with dressing, such as buttoning, putting on his belt and bathing.

What would be your biggest piece of advice you would give anyone on how to deal with a child with Autism, whether it being a neighbor, client, or a stranger in an office?

Treat them like a normal child. When George first came to live with us, when his dad went into the Navy, George had behavior problems. Although he wasn't on meds, his father was considering putting him on meds, but his father wasn't comfortable with it because George was so young. So with his father in another state, George was left with us (his grandparents). It was very challenging after working 8 hours, coming home to George who was another job. That’s when I decided to raise him the same way I raised his father (like a normal child).

 Autism affects 1 in 50 children (March 2013)  Autism prevalence figures are growing  In addition to medical costs, intensive behavioral interventions for children with Autism costs $40,000$60,000 per child per year  Boys are nearly 5X more likely than girls to have Autism  Research has shown that a diagnosis of Autism at age 2 can be reliable, valid, and stable.  More children are being diagnosed at earlier ages - a growing number (18%) of them by age 3.  There is no cure for Autism  Parents who have a child with Autism have a 218% chance of having a second child who is also affected.

May is Lupus Awareness Month Life with Lupus Researched and written by Michael Forbes

This is why our parents always encouraged us to eat our veggies, in order to have a strong inside to live healthy and happy. But this is not always the case for everyone, and for some it's not even an option. While not much medical evidence can tell us much about the disease, living with Lupus is a choice. It's a decision that those with it and loved ones around them have to make daily.

system slowly failing, with Lupus it's doing more work than it should. Lupus is not something that you get from a close relative or by genes, but it is a disease where the immune system does not work the way it should. And there are others forms of diseases like this, as well as different forms of Lupus itself.

Lupus Symptoms (checklist) - extreme fatigue - headaches - painful or swollen joints - fever

Lupus is a an autoimmune disease in that can damage any part of the body. In most cases, major joint areas.

When your immune system functions as it should, it's protecting your body by fighting off small bacterias, germs and even prevents the common cold. But what happens when your immune system is in a state of overdrive? With lupus, the immune system cannot tell what cells or tissues to attack, and so it destroys the healthy tissues. This leaves the body more susceptible to catching a virus, or a serious sickness.

There's no exact way to know if someone has the disease because there are so many sign and symptoms that it could sometimes get overlooked for something else. It's not contagious and you cannot get it by sexual contact.

Some may have mistaken it for being a Cancer but it's not. Cancer is more of a sickness, there are many more types of Cancer. However Lupus is an immune disease, but it's not AIDS or HIV because instead of the immune

- hair loss - mouth or nose ulcers - sun- or light-sensitivity

The signs of Lupus are so many and seem so similar to other illness or sickness that doctors sometimes call it “the great imitator�. Having Lupus does not necessarily mean that one cannot live a normal life. Did you know there are celebrities that have Lupus? R&B singer Toni Braxton, international musicians Seal and Lady Gaga, Pietra Thornton to name a few. This is not the type of disease that if you are wealthy you will live longer than most, this is an immune disease that affects everyone who has it.

Having this disease is not a choice, but living a happy life with it is. When you have Lupus, you have to choose for yourself that you wont let the disease run your life. This will take some mental strength and understanding from you, a commitment that you will always listen to your doctor and do what's best for you daily. You will have to learn and apply 'mind over matter' and this is by altering the way you think of the disease.

Like any serious autoimmune disease, do not ignore your body's vital signs. During your days you will have to know your limits, do not put too much on your body.

This is a very extremely serious disease, when you feel tired, get some rest. The same when your sleepy, don't fight it. These are two major key factors in living with the disease and will be important to your health.

As for eating, its best to stick to greens, meats and lots of veggies. Stay away from fried foods, and eat more whole foods. Keep a close relationship with your doctor as this is the person(s) that will treat you and it's great for you to learn and help your body as much as you can while treating. Don't just go to appointments and take medications, understand that you will have to play a solid role in your health both mentally and physically. With that said always keep good habits, keep your hands clean, don't drink after others and keep your hands away from your mouth or face areas.

Feeling tired all the time and Lupus go hand-in-hand.

Even if you do nothing, you just feel tired all the time but just because you feel this way doesn't mean you should be in bed all day. It comes with Lupus, so it's a part of the “Yes, I can do this� mentality to have. You have to make yourself live your daily routine. Effort.

This takes the support of family, close friends and relatives as well. Allow them to help you. With Lupus, some days you'll fell really good, and others the opposite. Its unpredictable and you wont know until you feel your body when you first wake up. If you feel like you woke up extra slow, drink a soda or coffee to get a boost. Remember, not to be up too long and to sleep early.

Pace yourself, and don't do too much on the days that you are feeling good because you wont know how the next day is until you wake up. Understand your body and health to where you can find a comfortable balance that you can push your body so that you can do physically what you have to; going to work, taking care of children, and most importantly taking care of yourself. Keep in mind that stress is also a factor, as well as sun lightsensitivity and flare ups.

Like anything else in life we put effort into things, living with Lupus requires extra attention from yourself to your body to get even the most easiest task complete. Today, there is no known cure for Lupus but there are treatments that can help keep it under control, the rest is up to you.

There are millions of people who live with the disease and live healthy and happy. If you or someone you know have Lupus, you can live a normal life as too, just remember to do your part for yourself, and follow all the instructions from your doctor and implement your own that you learn so you can be well balanced and live with a healthier mind, body and soul.

If you or someone you know may have Lupus there is still happy and healthier living. For more information or to donate towards the cause, please visit www.LupusFlorida.org

Rest in Peace

Whitney Jacques A Beautiful Life Claimed by Lupus

A little bit over a month after the tragic loss of Whitney Jacques, Chev Mag’s publisher Rachelle Chevrin reached out to her family to not only express our condolences but to offer to dedicate this issue in her honor.

It was truly a pleasure to sit (via phone) with Whitney’s sister Daphnee Jacques to get an insight on the beautiful life that was tragically claimed by Lupus.

When & Where was Whitney born?

She was born on 12/14/88 in Port au Prince, Haiti and moved to the US at age 2 with both my mother & father.

We were all in Miami at the time.

What was her personality like as a child?

Whitney was an easy going, friendly polite girl, caring for people that were close to her. She had lots of confidence in herself and didn't care what anyone thought of her. She was popular whether it was in school or outside of school, wherever she went. She also had a silly side to her. I think that’s what most people liked about her.

Whitney was sort of spoiled as a child even tho there were 5 of us. I think she was my dad’s favorite, being that she was the youngest girl in the family at the time lol What were her interests? What was she passionate about?

Her interests were modeling & she had a passion for fashion. She loved music, mostly R&B. Tank was her favorite male artist. She was also a hair stylist and she loved it.

How old was she when she found out she had Lupus?

She was 15 when we found out she was diagnosed with Lupus. She used to get random black & blue spots on her skin, that’s how we found out.

Did it limit the way she lived life or did it push her to live life to the fullest?

The disease limited her from doing a lot of things she loved for the past 2 years. That’s when it got worst. She couldn't go out like she used to. She was always in the house in pain, or in and out of the hospital. She lost a lot of weight due to the illness.

She loved her son. She used to say her biggest fear was knowing that she was not gone get to see her son grow up into a man.

I’m about to cry, I’m sorry :( I’m so sorry for your loss.

I’m crying right now…

I’m sorry :( you want to stop the interview? It’s ok if we do.

It’s ok, I want to finish it.

Ok. How is her son doing? How is he handling her being gone?

He’s doing fine, he’s 1 year old. I don't think he fully understand what’s going on. He’s still a baby.

As a family member or a friend to someone with Lupus, is there anything you can personally do for that person to keep them well?

No there isn't because Lupus has no cure. All you can do for a person with Lupus is encourage them to keep taking good care of themselves and take their pills. That’s pretty much it.

Did the family know her life was coming to an end or did you lose her by surprise?

She went into cardiac arrest 3 days before she passed. They revived her, and she was on life support for those 3 days.

We sat at her hospital bedside praying, crying & hoping for a miracle. Then on the 3rd day she died.

And how long ago exactly was her last night?

She died at midnight on February 20th (2013). 12AM. It’s a night I’ll never forget.

When her son is old enough to understand, how will you summarize her life to him?

Your mom was a great person. She loved you. She had so many plans for you that she never got to fulfill.

Thank you so much for sharing her life and your grief with me. I truly appreciated your time. You make me want to call my own sisters and tell them I love them. Even though we don't get along.

Go ahead, call them because tomorrow isn't promised and once they're gone you’ll then see how much you really loved them.

About to lose my breathe, There's no more fighting left, Sinking to rise no more, Searching for that open door.

It was truly a pleasure to speak with you. Anything else you’d like to add?

Yes, one more thing Whitney’s fav son was Whitney Houston’s: “I Look too you”. If you read the lyrics of that song, it explains what she was going thru and feeling in the times she was sick.

"I Look To You" Whitney Houston As I lay me down, Heaven hear me now.

I'm lost without a cause After giving it my all.

Winter storms have come And darkened my sun.

After all that I've been through Who on earth can I turn to?

I look to you.

I look to you.

After all my strength is gone, In you I can be strong I look to you.

I look to you.

And when melodies are gone, In you I hear a song.

I look to you.

And every road that I've taken Lead to my regret.

And I don't know if I'm going to make it.

Nothing to do but lift my head I look to you.

I look to you.

After all my strength is gone, In you I can be strong I look to you.

I look to you.

And when melodies are gone, In you I hear a song.

I look to you.

My levees are broken My walls have come Tumbling down on me The rain is falling.

Defeat is calling.

I need you to set me free.

Take me far away from the battle.

I need you.

Shine on me.

I look to you.

I look to you.

After all my strength is gone, In you I can be strong I look to you.

I look to you.

And when melodies are gone,

R.I.P. Whitney Jacques‌.

Family & friends grieve their loss for Whitney on her Facebook wall after losing their loved one to this terrible disease:

Wishing this was all a Bad dream that I just woke up from.

There are no words just tears and more tears! Although we don't understand why God has called her home, at least we know she's in a better painless place. Heaven has accepted a lovely, beautiful, Angel Whitney Harajuku Jacques Every time I see her face, hear or see her name it just brings tears to my cheeks. I want to thank everyone who has reached out to our family at this time. I encourage everyone who has or know someone who has Lupus to seek help immediately, your life depends on it!!- Yolie Marcell

The selfish part of me wants to scream no it's way soon not yet. But another part of me finds peace that you are no longer in pain or suffering. I've seen what you been through and how hard you have fought. It shows what a remarkable person you were. I would have never thought that hug we shared on your birthday would've been our last. If so I would've hugged you a little tighter and whisper some encouraging words to you. Thank you for sharing so many wonderful memories with me that I will forever cherish. We lost a daughter, a mother, a sister, and a friend but heaven has gained a beautiful angel. R.I.P Whit you will forever be missed — Yvenette Montinat

An Angel up above..May the joyful & precious memories give your family comfort. Your presence will live on thru your beautiful son Stephon..the Dear Lord called you home babygirl..you will never be forgotten Whitney Harajuku Jacques ..R.I.P Whit -Nancy Placide

My Beautiful inside/out Sweet friend past away last night after so much suffering from #LUPUS I can't express how much my heart is in pain right now......wish someone could say its not true:'( Life if so crazy ppl you could be living today & gone tomorrow cherish your love ones. Your gone too soon cherie but you will never be forgotten see you in heaven my condolences to all the Jacques family -Bee Clermont

I'm not ready to do this, but I feel that I must out of respect for my sister and all the people that loved her. last night my beautiful sister Whitney Harajuku Jacques left this world after a long and hard battle with lupus. Whitney, you just left and I miss you so much already . I cant seem to shake the feeling of emptiness or the feeling that my world got a whole lot smaller. I'm hurt, mad, sad all at the same time. but I try to find solace that you brought so much joy to everyone that so much as saw you. you were a phenomenal person. talented, ambitious with a larger than life attitude with a smile that lit up a room. but as angry as I am I know god always has his reasons for doing what he does so I guess he had a job for you to bring you home. I spoke and prayed with you even though you didn't speak back I know you heard me and I'm honored that I had the opportunity to stand by your side when you decided to leave this world. we all love you and missing you like crazy. p.s. I ask that you continue to watch over us as you did in this life. -Carmille Jacques

Been three nights since you left us can't eat can't sleep how can I?.. one thing ill always cherish is that we were all there with you when god called you home. Missing you so much so many plans we had for this year oh Whitney why? I would do anything in my powers to bring you back but u know that's not possible so that's some ill have to live with I will never stop crying stop loving you, You'll always be in our heart mommy and poppi are broken into pieces words can't describe but their doing their best to stay strong we all are. an don't worry Stephon is in good hands we all promise to do all we can for him Make sure he grows up to be the man u always dream of him to be intelligent, determined, strong minded, gentleman just a great person all over...love you till we meet again baby sis 12/14/8802/20/13- Daphnee Jac

Books

Find and Keep THE ONE First, I’m going to start my review by saying that I’M NOT A BIG FAN OF RELATIONSHIP SELF HELP BOOKS!!!! I’ve always felt like a relationship is two people who love each other enough to work through all the good and all the bad and the only help you need in making that relationship last is found in the Bible. Well, how do you catch that man/woman? Again, I’ve always felt that if it’s meant to be, you will simply “run” into that person one way or another and you just have to have your heart open enough to know when that person comes along that they are indeed the one for you.

That’s right, no formulas, no books needed. When THINK LIKE A MAN came out and all the woman were MichaelJackson-Fan screaming their eyes out like the book held the secret to everlasting life, I took the book for its entertainment value and kept it moving.

ALLL OF THAT being said, when an author I dearly respect came out with his own relationship book on finding and keeping “The One” rightly titled: ”THE ONE”, I decided to get my copy and take a look, not thinking I would learn anything new, but open to see what information it might contain.

This book has blown all my preconceived notions on relationship self-help books out of the water. Apart from being well written in a language that is not complicated and gives you the feeling you’re sitting across a dinner

table having a conversation with a wise uncle, this book pushes you to truly face the different factors that hinders you from finding happiness with your life partner. No formulas, no games, straight TRUTH. “The One” places you in front of a mirror and shows you THE ONE person who is responsible for being either happy or unhappy.

(Some of) my favorite quotes from the book:

Music

With an array of fresh sounds and a smooth voice, from the first song, Ti-Claude Victor’s gospel CD “Kenbe La” is an enjoyable musical treasure you will for sure have on repeat in your iTunes library.

As a Haitian, you will appreciate the “home” sound and the original language of Creole and as a music lover you will appreciate the way the music moves you even if you don't understand the words.

Music speaks to the soul, no matter the language and this CD can truly attest to that.

One of our personal favorite on the album, “Sepa fot mwen” (it’s not my fault) will have you smiling and singing along with its modern sounds of trumpets and drums and its catchy hook as well as the message that is being spoken.

In a world filled with negativity filled music, one must be careful of what we’re blasting through our headphones.

Kenbe La gets the OK CHEV stamp as a #MUSTLISTEN. To get your own copy contact Ti-Claude via Facebook or email him at: ClaudeVic@gmail.com