HERS magazine July/August 2015

KEEPING FIT WHILE ON VACATION

Home Makeover BEST-SELLING AUTHOR CHEVY STEVENS AND ESPN GAMEDAY DJ BABI MAC

7

Unfailing Laws of Successful Relationships

TURNING YOUR LIVING SPACE INTO A BEACH HOUSE

IS LEADING FROM BEHIND

THE BEST APPROACH FOR BUSINESSWOMEN?

How To Leave Your Mark

Siriously Susan THE FACE BEHIND THE MOST RECOGNIZABLE VOICE OF TECHNOLOGY

Editor-in-Chief, Annette Johnson Design Director, Joey Shepherd Online Editor, Bianca Nelson Beauty Editor, Erika Mitchell Travel Editor, Peggy Hattendorf Social Media Director, Tamara King Editorial Assistant, Alexandra McCray Special Projects Manager, Veronique Thomas Contributors: Jennifer Adams Linda Adams Trikarri Bates Julien Blet Carcy Sewak Singh Gill Fatima Leite Kusch Ivan Lasater Peggy Hattendorf Paige Hovey Sara Jackson Vasanth Rajan Brenda Shoshanna Andrew Stratton Cherrye Vasquez Customer Service For subscription service or change of address, including email, contact info@hersmagazine.net or write to P.O. Box 1071, Atlanta, GA 30301 Hers (ISSN 2372-3785) is published six times per year by Allwrite Communications, 241 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 400, Atlanta, GA 30303 404-221-0703

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7 Unfailing Laws of Successful Relationships The truth about what happens when we try to save ourselves

July/August

CONTENTS F E AT U R E S

32 Babi Mac’s Back as a ‘Dirty Blonde’

The Tennessee rapper shares news about College GameDay and life after basketball

56 Chevy Stevens Introduces ‘Those Girls’

The best-selling author gives us the exclusive details of her latest thriller

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Does He Still Do It For the Ladies?

D’Angelo Live: Review of “The Second Coming” Tour

38 Nautical Inspired Décor Sometimes you can’t go to the beach, so bring the beach house to your home

42 Bullying Prevention for Back-to-school

Tips and advice for parents so your children won’t be targeted

58 Overcompensated Savior

The truth about what happens when we try to save ourselves

62 Dorm Room Décor

Jennifer Adams shares design advice for your college student

8 Bronze Makeup Look with Self-Tanners

We show you how to look bronze from head to toe

14 “The Ideal Through Reality” Collection

Take a sneak peek into up and coming designer Julien Blet Carcy

50 Keratin Treatments

The real cost of having smoother, straighter hair

76 Grilled Fish Tacos

These tacos are light, flavorful and sure to be a hit with family and friends

12 Start-Up Chicks: How They're Hatching Success

How they’re hatching success and becoming a business phenomenon

55 Building a Church Brand The case for branding within churches and religious affiliations

63 ThumbsUp! Ping Pong Mat

Scorched hands and countertops by pots, be gone

30 Leave Your Mark

The first book release by Aliza Licht, voice of DKNY PR GIRL

46 Siriously Susan: The Voice of Technology The face

behind the most recognizable voice of technology

H E R H E A LT H 36 Annie’s Virtual Fashion World

Annie Eaton gives us an all-access look at ATLVr

53 What Do Women Really Think of Caitlyn Jenner?

The debate on women’s acceptance of the newest competition, the “trans woman” Caitlyn Jenner

54 A Woman’s Place: Leading from Behind?

Businesswomen may need to try this approach, at least once

10 The Importance of a Spiritual Teacher

The importance of finding a guru and mentor to further your faith and spirituality

52 How to Be Active Without Getting Up From Your Office Chairs Try these quick, easy motions at your desk

75 Yoga: Best For Mind, Body, Spirit Wellness

The health and spiritual benefits of practicing yoga

60 Rashia Whitlock: Unchained

The actress talks being a newcomer in the film industry

68 Summertime and the Living is Easy The top destinations for travel this summer

74 Dance Like a Pro

Learn to dance like a seasoned pro with these simple hints and practice

77 Musical Pippin

The musical classic recreated and brought to life

79 What Shows Are Coming Back in the Fall?

Thank goodness these shows are coming back

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Editor’s Letter This is an exciting time in women’s history, as we watch women potentially ascend to the highest ranks in politics (Hillary Clinton and Carly Fiorini) and literally ascend up a flagpole in South Carolina (Bree Newsome). Many of the women who read this magazine regularly would probably likewise consider themselves a “leader” in some capacity – at home, work or in the community. What if you, leaders, were told you could be most effective by leading from behind? This issue features a longtime female executive who explains this philosophy as a means to prevailing in male-dominated fields. Other discussions involve the recognition of trans women, well, one in particular (Bruce Jenner), in female social circles. What are women saying about Bruce’s transformation to “Caitlyn”? Read varying discussions, and decide for your, as if you already hadn’t.

When it comes to surprises, we feature Susan Bennett on the cover to disclose the face behind the original voice of iPhone’s personal assistant app, Siri. Her story may be familiar to some,

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but I guarantee you probably didn’t know how many other times you’ve heard her voice. Other burgeoning female voices include the beautiful Tennessee rapper and ESPN GameDay DJ, Babi Mac. You can both read about and listen to (website) her amazing tests and testimony to remaining true to her passions.

All of these stories are exciting and inspirational, but realize that we are trying to keep you uplifted even between issues. So, keep reading and sharing stories on the website. As always, we look forward to your feedback, so email comments and article feedback to our editorial team submissions@hersmagazine.net Enjoy, Annette R. Johnson

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+ HER BEAUTY

BRONZE MAKEUP

LOOK WITH SELF TANNERS

BY ERIKA MITCHELL

Before beginning this look, prep your face and body with the following steps: 1. Exfoliate your face and body using a natural exfoliator. Those with natural oils are best, because they will leave your skin hydrated.

2. Apply a moisturizing mask to your face.

3. Apply a self-tanner to your face use the formulation made especially for use on the face. It’s very mild and never leaves blotches) and body.

4. The final product you’ll need for your body is a cream with a touch of color or a shiny finish.

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Makeup Products: You’ll need the following products to do your makeup: • Foundation (in the same shade as your skin).

• Bronzing powder.

• Gold-colored eye shadow.

• A pearlescent, cream-colored eye shadow.

• Black eyeliner.

• Mascara.

• Lipstick (or gloss) in a shade of gold.

• Gold illuminating powder.

Makeup Application: Conceal undereye circles and imperfections (as you know, you can do this before or after applying foundation).

Apply a prime (prebase) so your foundation will last longer Apply foundation. It’s important that you use liquid foundation so that your skin can breathe. It’s also important that your foundation be the same shade as your skin, taking into account that your skin will be darker now since you have to go up one shade when using self-tanner.

• Apply the foundation with a brush. Moisten the brush with a little toner (as long as it’s alcohol-free, of course) or warm water. Wait 2-3 minutes to let foundation dry and soak into the skin.

• Apply bronzing power: Be very careful when applying bronzing powder, and be sure to follow these tips: • Use a clean, wide brush for application.

• Apply the powder in gentle circular strokes over your face, avoiding pressing the brush to your skin too heavily so there won’t be obvious marks.

• Next, darken the shade by applying extra bronzing powder to the apples of your cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin. This will make it look like you’ve actually been out in the sun.

• Also add a touch of bronzing powder over your collarbone. And don’t forget about your neck or shoulders either.

• You can continue building up the color as desired, but be sure that your face doesn’t turn out darker than your arms are.

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The matte powders are recommended for oily or mature skin. Always avoid bronzing powders that come in orangeish shades: They are never flattering or natural-looking!

Eyes: • Apply gold eye shadow over the entire lid. If you have a darker bronze-colored shadow as well, apply that around the lower lashes and in the crease to give your eye more depth.

• Next, you have two options for applying the black eyeliner: Drawing a line with the eyeliner around your eye, or

• •

my favorite: lining the inside rims of both your upper and lower lids. This look is super-sexy and makes a nice contrast with the golden tones of your skin.

A touch of shimmery shadow just under your eyebrows will lighten up this area.

Add a double coat of mascara, always applying after having curled them – never before.

Cheeks: • Use a bronzing powder one shade darker on your checks for more intensity and for a natural contour look.

• Apply a bit of golden gloss or lipstick on your lips will create a harmonious effect for this look.

• The final, very important touch is an illuminating powder.

• You can use one with a gold finish or choose one that’s a little more natural.

Body: If you used self–tanner, it will have already taken effect, so you’ll already appear slightly tanned. Now is the time to use a lotion that contains a little shimmer or an extra-moisturizing cream. Sweep a little bronzing powder on shoulders, collarbone, over your lower legs if you’re wearing a mini-skirt and arms and shoulders if they are exposed. On your legs, only apply the powder on your shin bones so that your leg looks slimmer.

Throw on a flattering dress, some high heels, and you’re ready to go!

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+ H E R FA I T H /S P I R I T UA L I T Y

THE IMPORTANCE OF A SPIRITUAL TEACHER

BY IVAN LASATER

Navigating through ideas of a spiritual nature can be confusing at times.

Illuminating the pathway responsibly can require guidance. Yoga practitioner,Ivan Lasater discusses the importance of a spiritual teacher.

Attributes of a Competent Spiritual Teacher A responsible spiritual teacher can be the light upon the path to spiritual fulfillment. It is a responsibility that shouldn’t be taken lightly and anyone seeking a spiritual guide should assume great care in devoting themselves to any particular course of study.

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A spiritual teacher should possess the attributes nature is often afraid to explore answers that require effort and practice.

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The ability to articulate oneself and develop a systematic way of teaching is a good quality to have in a teacher. A person needs to feel like the subject matter makes sense and is delivered in a way that optimizes the learning process.

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A person is looking to develop. A teacher who is not familiar with the subject of study shouldn’t be teaching it.

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Another characteristic to look for is a teacher who is not afraid to address difficult subject matter. Someone who prefers to only touch on subjects of a relatively simple Effects of a Competent Spiritual Teacher

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Just as we inherit traits from the people who brought us into this world, we also inherit the traits of those who guide us through it. This could be your parents, grandparents, friends, and even work associates. The most profound influences we have in our lives, outside of the family unit, would be our teachers. The effects that our teachers have on us determines that knowledge we have to find our way in the world.

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A good teacher will make the effort to instill a measurable amount of knowledge within a reasonable amount of time.

Feeling as if results are being produced is a huge incentive to continue learning. A students desire to learn is greatly affected by the teachers ability to produce results.

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Finding a teacher who will reinforce growth with recognition affects the student’s confidence in their ability to take on new ideas. How open would you be to learning something new when you weren’t certain you’d gained an understanding of the knowledge you’d been given to that point? A good teacher will give you feedback about your progress and won’t be afraid to tell you where you need to improve.

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Finding a teacher who can teach from experience and not just knowledge is a good way of learning the practical aspects and problem solving techniques that will be most applicable.

A teacher who teaches from experience has encountered the obstacles that stand in the way of learning and can help you anticipate where work will be most essential in that area. hers-magazine.com

+ H E R FA I T H /S P I R I T UA L I T Y

Honoring Your Spiritual Teacher Just as a teacher has an important responsibility to teach a student correctly and nurture their ability to learn, a student also has a responsibility to the teacher. The people in this life who assist us in gaining knowledge also supply us with the confidence and morale development that will ultimately result in the quality of life we feel in the moment. It is a great responsibility to be a teacher but it is a greater responsibility to honor those who helped you prepare for life.

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A good student will listen carefully and follow instructions because that student knows his teacher is imparting precious knowledge. The opportunity to learn should not be taken for granted.

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Being humble in your teacher’s presence is a sign that you respect and revere your teacher. This is a way of honoring them.

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Asking questions allows your teacher the opportunity to see where your knowledge can be improved. Questions also communicate your desire to learn the subject matter and shows your teacher that you are interested in the material.

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Give credit to your teacher. When you learn something new and find that you can effectively put it into practice, don’t forget to give praise and credit the teacher who led you to this knowledge.

Summary Having a spiritual teacher is important. These are the people we choose to help guide us along a spiritual path and they have a dramatic effect on how we develop as people. Choosing the right spiritual guide is important as well. Looking for the qualities you hope to develop within yourself is a good way of finding a competent teacher.

Do they possess what you want for yourself?

Will they have a clear and effective teaching method? Are they teaching from practical experience? Students have a clear responsibility to focus on learning and practicing what they are taught. Honoring your spiritual teacher by learning to the best of your ability, asking the right questions , and deferring to your teacher with a humble attitude shows them that you respect and appreciate their guidance.

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S T A R T U P

CHICKS: HOW

THEY’RE

H ATC H I N G

SU CC ESS

BY ALEXANDRA MCCRAY

Jennifer Bonnett noticed a lack of involvement and support for female entrepreneurs, so she decided to do something about it. This decision led to launching the nonprofit called “Startup Chicks” in February 2009.

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+ HER MONEY

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onnett’s dream of creating a community to support women in business has mushroomed over five years later. The program is composed of three main principles that she believes leads to success. The first principle is introducing women and inserting them into a community of like-minded individuals with similar goals; secondly, providing women with an education that focuses solely on investment; and finally, helping women gain funding to get their projects off the ground.

“Ninety percent of the people that come to me and say that they quote unquote want funding are not ready for funding, and so we have to teach them what it really means to be a fundable company,” explained Bonnett, a technology entrepreneur. She is the current Assistant Director of Education & Community Outreach at ATDC (The Advanced Technology Development Center) at Georgia Institute of Technology.

Approximately 3,500 Startup Chicks members from around the world are provided with access to weekly e-newsletters, monthly meetings, roundtables, guest speakers, quarterly networking events, and more to help kickstart their entrepreneurial endeavors. Even with all the resources Startup Chicks offers, its biggest success stories, however, come from its trademarked Hatch Program, a concentrated four-month program that educates and molds promising entrepreneurs.

You may even have a Hatch Program alumna’s app on your phone and didn’t even realize it. “Pretty in My Pocket” was created by Caroline Van Sickle in 2012 and has since won numerous awards, including most recently the Spanx Leg Up Entrepreneur Award. Thus far, 22 women have completed the Hatch Program. “I would say about 10 of them are still in business with the ideas that they started on,” said Bonnett.

Not all the business ideas the members have are viable, at least not at their inception. Thus, the Hatch Program is an entrepreneurial education program aimed at working out the kinks, so to speak. “There’s probably another five that have actually learned through the process that their idea probably wasn’t viable or wouldn’t be the type of business that they wanted to build, and so they scrapped that idea and are

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moving onto another idea,” explained Bonnett.

She emphasizes that she doesn’t care whether it’s the first idea or the fifth that takes off. What is most important to her is that the education and community provided through Startup Chicks will contribute to a woman’s success as a whole. “I try to think about it as we’re educating a female founder.”

Although there are four different levels of the Hatch Program, each deals with common issues Bonnett has encountered when working with members. These can include basic but critical skills such as customer segmentation; how to understand financial assumptions and business metrics; and how to pitch an idea to an investor. “A lot of people get into this thinking that they want to be their own boss. The minute you take a check from an investor... you may be the leader and the manager and the person running the day-to-day operations, but you [now] have a boss, and at the end of the day, you have to make that [boss] happy.”

Startup Chicks provides significant resources, namely education and consultation, but members are not promised investors. The organization helps members to create those connections, however. “The top 10 percent of all programs they deal with have investors lined up right off the bat that Startup Chicks can offer them,” clarified Bonnett.

The difference for the majority of Startup Chick members is from where they started to now is that they know how to accomplish finding and successfully pitching to their own investors and have a community to always fall back on for support. “We provide you education so that you’re better qualified to go out into the world and be successful, and then the last step is hopefully connecting you with investors and helping you get investment.”

One day, Bonnett hopes to launch a Startup Chicks fund, but she says that goal is purposefully far off in the future because she wants to continue building communities for women to support each other and educating women to help them help themselves and each other through Startup Chicks.

You can become your own Startup Chick by going to http://startupchicks.org/join/

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JULIE CARC PHOTOGRAPHER: BJÖRN GIESBRECHT HAIRSTYLIST AND MAKE-UP ARTIST: JOUJOU ECKERT

Born in France in 1990, Julien Blet Carcy discovered his passion for fashion when he stumbled upon his grandmother’s sewing machine. Thereafter, at the German border, he studied for three years Fashion Design and Art History, his main source of inspiration.

This is where he started working on the minimalist cuts that would soon become his signature. In 2013, he launched his brand Julyen Carcy with the Fall-Winter 2014/2015 collection titled THE IDEAL THROUGH REALITY. The Spring/Summer 2015 collection moves to the rhythm of a country with a strong history and culture: Mexico.

Two talented Mexican photographers, Luiz Maria Bedoya and Manuel Alvarez Bravo, are the main inspirations for this collection, as they

combine intensity and authenticity in their work.

There’s a feeling of joy and sorrow, of love and hate, a trip where our soul is exposed in front of a kaleidoscope of colors. Our heart beats to the folkloric sounds of the Mariachis.

Tender gestures, elusive surroundings… The imagination is carried away in a pastel world where bright colors go into the drum of life to lose their aggressiveness for more serenity and visual depth. Simple movements reveal the festivity of the fabrics and are synchronized while swaying the hips, like the fallen Cempasuchil petals.

Graphic curves are bathed in this ocean of thoughts, embracing the darkness to reveal its flamboyance. Love leads this suave silhouette where opposites attract, even across the borders.

EN CY

+ H E R FAS H I O N

“ I see fashion as architecture, the woman being at the center of it, like the pillar that supports a building. This whole process is an exaltation, the imaginable becoming doable is a luxury that I try to recreate in each look, while keeping everything minimalist and romantic.�

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Pink striped blazer tailored from a Mikado woven silk. Tailored cut, rounded strand collar, padded shoulders, a covered button, patch pockets, back vent, fully lined.

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Navy blue blazer tailored from a sumptuous virgin wool and angora blend, features a contrasting under collar made from a vivid pink silk jacquard.

Tailor cut, pagoda padded shoulders, a covered button, well pockets, fully lined in pale pink.

Pink striped pants cut from a Mikado woven silk.

Elasticated waistband and cuffs, slant pockets.

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+ HER BOOK

LEAVE YOUR MARK REVIEW:

BY TRIKARRI BATES

X

26 Books Challenge a book you own but haven’t read a book that was made into a movie a book you pick solely because of the cover a book your friend loves a book published this year a book by an author you’ve never read before a book by an author you love a book at the bottom of your “to-read” pile a book with a color in the title a book set somewhere you’ve always wanted to visit a book you started but never finished a book with a lion. a witch. or a wardrobe a book with a female heroine a book set in the summer a book of poems a book you learned about because of this challenge a book that will make you smarter a book with a blue cover a book you were supposed to read in school. but didn’t a book “everyone” but you has read a book with a great first line a book with pictures a book from the library a book you loved ... read it again!! a book that is more than 10 years old a book based on a true story

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#26BOOKSwithBringingUpBurns

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What happens when a pre-med student decides she doesn’t want to go to med school anymore, but is determined to go into the wonderful world of fashion by any means necessary? She leaves her mark! Aliza Licht, Senior Vice President of Global Communications for Donna Karan International and voice of the ever popular DKNY PR GIRL (@dkny) on Twitter has penned her first novel, LEAVE YOUR MARK: Land Your Dream Job. Kill It In Your Career.

Rock Social Media.

The book is not only an insider’s look in the world of fashion; it’s a career guide, self-help book and personal exposé of Licht’s own personal journey from medicine to fashion. She dishes out amazing advice from page to page while keeping readers engaged and entertained.

LEAVE YOUR MARK touches on many topics that are important not only in regards to a career but personal lives as well. From working your way in when you don’t have experience to surviving people and work politics and building relationships. Every chapter has a takeaway that can be applied to those just starting in their careers, looking to change careers or have been in the same career for quite some time.

The foreword, written by Donna Karan, speaks to Licht’s passion for fashion as well as her passion for giving others excellent advice to help them advance in their careers.

Karan makes note of Licht’s career accomplishments, as well as her eye

for seeing potential in others and encouraging them to build their brand from day one. She praises Licht’s ability to embrace what she calls her “C words”. By connecting, communicating and collaborating, Licht has managed to work with some of the best talent in the fashion and entertainment industry today.

From a personal perspective, the most poignant part of Licht’s narrative comes when she takes on the role of DKNY PR GIRL for social media.

Faced with the decision of not wanting to reveal her true identity versus not wanting to let the brand’s fans down by revealing that she wasn’t in fact some young exec in her 20s who does yoga, but married with children and goes grocery shopping regularly, she eventually reveals herself and is received with open and joyous arms.

LEAVE YOUR MARK will encourage its readers not only to set high goals, but to know that they are attainable, believe that the hard work will pay off and that personal success is not based on what you know or who you know, but more-so how you present yourself and the way you interact with others. Aliza Licht delivers in a sassy but wise tone, while asserting a strong sense of selfawareness.

LEAVE YOUR MARK: Land Your Dream Job. Kill It In Your Career. Rock Social Media. was released May 5, 2015 through Grand Central Publishing, and is available in all major bookstore retailers.

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F E AT U R E S • H E A R T • F L AVO R • H E A LT H L E S S O N S • W O R K • P L AY W W W. H E R S - M A G A Z I N E . C O M hers-magazine.com

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+ H E R F E AT U R E

BABI MAC’S

BACK AS A ‘DIRTY

BLONDE’

BY ANNETTE JOHNSON

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+ H E R F E AT U R E

Even with only light makeup, Babi Mac’s natural beauty overshadows anything makeup may have added. Her gleaming white grin, as hearty as ever, greets everyone in the room as she walks in the studio for the video interview. The “undiva,” Cait McMahan, known to fans as “Babi Mac,” only asks for lipstick. Once applied, the glossy mauve-colored lipstick provides a surprisingly significant enrichment, which seems to invigorate her steady confidence. She gives a momentary glance in the mirror to dab off overlying lipstick while ensuring that it is spread evenly.

“I’m ready,” she announces suddenly, moving to a stool in front of the camera.

Every word spoken after that disclosed her unmistakable gratitude, compassion and wisdom. Southern grace flows easily from the Knoxville, Tennessee, native who earned a basketball scholarship to the University of Tennessee and won two National Championships playing under Pat Summit.

Like the sports she loves so much, her life has been a bout of distinctive wins and losses. The once starting 5’5” point guard lost her mother to breast cancer during college, but her mother was still able to see her win a national championship. To test her skill on the court, Oscar-winning actor Jamie Foxx flew her in town to play him in basketball, and she won. She lost her chances to play professional basketball due to chronic knee injuries, which led to two major surgeries.

In high school, she would sit by her mother’s sick bed and write rap songs to instrumentals. What was once an emotional outlet, ultimately morphed into her post basketball career as a rapper. In 2009, she recorded her first album and then several singles along with music videos. Her new album, “Dirty Blonde,” is set for release in August 2015. hers-magazine.com

Here is what Babi Mac, the current DJ for ESPN’s College GameDay and the Atlanta Dream team DJ and host for home games, has to say about her life and career:

It’s just whatever to me. I love being the underdog. It doesn’t matter to me. If I enjoy something, I’m gonna do it. I’m not gonna let the stereotypical world bring me down. So that’s where it’s at.

HERS: Do you ever regret playing basketball?

HERS: Who is your biggest idol in rap music?

BM: Not at all, not at all. That’s a gift from God.

BM: Definitely Eminem. I don’t care if that boy was black I just mean lyrically, he’s got it going on. He can say 100 words in ten seconds, and everything rhymes.

HERS: Do you ever wish you’d done maybe another sport?

BM: I believe whatever sport I picked, I would have went 110%, so I don’t think it would have mattered. I’m swimming now because that doesn’t impact your body a lot, but looking back, basketball’s my sport. I actually played football. I was in spring [football] practice, and I was in softball traveling at the same time. I ruptured my spleen, so I couldn’t play football anymore, which killed me because football’s my favorite sport.

HERS: Moving from basketball to music, what has that journey been like?

BM: It’s been hard because I’m from a small town in Tennessee, and I rap.

So, the first thing is like, “C’mon now.”

HERS: What do you do for fun?

BM: Spend time with family, that’s my favorite thing to do. And I like to read a lot. I’m very spiritual, so I listen to a lot of Ron Carpenter. I love Ron Carpenter and Joyce Meyer. I spend at least three hours a day just spiritually in the Word (Bible) learning, getting that knowledge and wisdom. That’s above anything else to me. That comes first, above business, above my family. I need to get that Word because if I don’t have that, then my day is a wreck. Like this morning, I woke up, I got it, and I’m at peace.

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through. This lady, she was on her death bed. She couldn’t move, and I could hear her in the room just praising God… You just don’t get that everywhere. I get goosebumps right now just thinking about it. So it’s real; it’s just real.

HERS: What about working in the entertainment industry has been the greatest challenge to your spirituality?

BM: My mouth. What I say in my lyrics.

When I first came out, I was cursing because you grow up talking like that.

And I still kind of battle with, “who determined what a curse word is?” I’m still kind of battling that, but I know I have little kids looking up to me and my language is gonna affect them whether I like it or not. So, definitely what I say in my songs lyrically is a battle to me, and I focus on the message that I bring.

HERS: What kinds of things did you say to God when you were injured from playing basketball?

BM: Have you seen Forrest Gump?

HERS: Yes, of course.

BM: You know when Lieutenant Dan, he’s on top of the boat, and he’s just, “Where are you God?” and he’s just screaming. Actually, when I was in college, my mom passed away my sophomore year, and then a week later, I had to have surgery that was gonna put me on crutches for six months. I was just like, “What’s up? I believe in You, and You just…”

HERS: Where did you begin on your spiritual journey?

BM: I definitely grew up in the church.

I had an amazing father and an amazing mother. My mother played piano for the church. I think we had 50 people, 34

and I actually played the drums. So, it was me alongside my mom just praising.

But you really don’t know as a young child. You believe in stuff, but when you mature, you get on another level. My Spirit increased seeing my mom battle cancer and just what she had to go

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But he’s not doing that. We all have choices. We all live life. I played basketball and pounded my knee every day. He didn’t make my ACL tear. He didn’t make my mom have cancer. But I did; I did have a battle [with God]. I went to war with God for a couple years, definitely throughout college and a little hers-magazine.com

bit after, just trying to find my way. I believe if I didn’t go through that battle, I wouldn’t be the women I am today. So it’s a beautiful mess, and I love it.

HERS: How did you get the gig at ESPN? BM: I believe one of the producers from ESPN just heard about me because I’ve had a couple videos go viral. I believe he came to one of my shows. He found out that I DJ on the side, and ESPN’s GameDay was looking for a female DJ. He said, “She’s perfect.” So we sent a couple clips of me just DJing at my shows, and bang, bang, bang, it just worked out.

HERS: What is it like being a beautiful DJ and working with so many men?

BM: I grew up around guys. All my best friends all throughout college, they’ve always been male. I really can’t deal with females. I’ve never really heard anything provocative or nothing crazy [from the guys]. They’ve never been out of line or hers-magazine.com

anything, but I get, “Will you marry me, Babi Mac?” signs and stuff like that. They ask for autographs after the show and want to take a picture with me because I’m the beautiful face or whatever you wanna call it. It’s nothing out of line yet, but if it does get out of line, I’ll be ready for ‘em.

HERS: What do you think it is about you that says, “Hey, I’m fun, but let’s not cross that line”?

BM: I believe it’s how I present myself and what I wear. Wherever we go, I wear the home team’s jersey. So, I wear a football jersey, pants, and a cap… I’m not saying what you wear determines anything, which it may, but I believe the way I present myself they know, “Okay, she’s not that type of girl.” Somebody did get kicked out [a game] one time because with their hand gestures they were doing some very bad things.

BM: No matter who you are, if you’re a female, you could be walking down the

street in baggy clothes and you may or may not get hit on.

HERS: How did you end up getting the gig with the WNBA? BM: Shout out to Atlanta Dream. I love the people I’ve met. I love the people I work with. I believe they saw me on ESPN Dj’ing and kind of cohosting at the events. We set up an interview and a meeting. They just on the spot wanted me. It was a blessing. I love it. I have Lady Vol fans that come down to the games, which is amazing just being around the game and helping people…

They come to me and ask me about my journey, basketball and all that kind of stuff, so I’m in the place where I need to be.

HERS: What do you want to be successful at?

BM: I think my main objective in life is to change lives, no matter what you’re going through…

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Q&A HERS MAGAZINE

BY TRIKARRI BATES

Annie’s Virtual Fashion World 36

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C E O , AT Lv r

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+ HER BY EXAMPLE

What is ATLvr? ATLvr is ready to be your ambassador. The future is here, and it wants to make your acquaintance. Virtual reality exists and we want to put it on your face. Get fanatical with our consulting team who not only has professional and technical know how, but also doesn’t mind geeking out from time to time. Try our program development that can even coax luddite trolls out from under their bridges and into enchanting, alternate universes. Join the revolution and be immersed in interactive experiences that will make your grandma realize the future is finally here. To learn more, or if you just want to hang out because we’re pretty cool people, visit www.atlvr.com.

What is your background in fashion?

I’ve been into fashion for as long as I can remember. My mom sewed dresses and Halloween costumes for us growing up and she passed along some of her knowledge to me. I pursued fashion design for a short while as a side project during my education at Georgia Tech and for a few years after. I ended up as a finalist in Fashion Uncorked 2012 which was a wonderful experience, and even came back as a model in 2014.

I’ve since focussed on the more technically based industries but still am an avid fan of the industry.

Why did you come up with this concept?

I knew I wanted to apply fashion to the virtual reality technology that we were working on but I didn’t know how. When Fashion Uncorked 2015 was announced, we decided to create a virtual reality fashion show that could premiere at the show in front of the fashion community in Atlanta.

We used the wonderful designs of Leon Parham - Fashion Uncorked 2014 winner - who was wonderful to work with. We’re calling it VRunway.

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How does it work?

The virtual reality head mounted display is placed on the users head and they are immersed into a fully 3-dimensional world that surrounds them. They can look all around and the tracking allows them to feel like they are there. They appear sitting at the end of a fashion runway and models walk towards them in full scale as if they were really there. They can examine the clothes and looks without actually being at the fashion show.

How will this device change the fashion industry?

I see this program as a great marketing tool for fashion designers. Now anyone can experience their fashion show from anywhere in the world, as long as they have virtual reality technology. Designers can even set it up in their stores so that their clients can experience what it’s like to be at New York or London Fashion Week without even leaving their city. It is also a new and unique medium for designers to showcase their work. In a world that is becoming so digital, it’s a way to keep the clothes as true and as real to their original format as possible, while keeping up with modern technology.

Who are some clients you’ve worked with?

With VRunway, we’ve created our initial program with looks from Leon Parham, a local Atlanta designer. In other industries, we’ve worked with a few marketing agencies and created our own programs.

We have a few upcoming projects but I can’t disclose the clients’ information due to legal reasons.

What is some of the feedback you’ve received about ATLvr? So far, everyone has been amazed at the capabilities of virtual reality. We’ve waited for this technology to arrive at

the consumer level for so long and it’s almost here. We are trying to educate the Southeast - especially Atlanta - about what this technology can do before the consumer versions come out late this year and early next year. We’ve gotten positive reactions from almost everyone! It’s a difficult, but fun industry to be in and we’re excited to ride this emerging technology rollercoaster.

How much does a virtual reality set cost?

It depends. The Oculus Development Kit 2 (DK2) that we currently use only costs $350, but then you have to have the powerful computer to back it up which could be another couple thousand dollars depending on what type of programs you want to run. We run our programs on top notch machines we’ve created ourselves.

The consumer headsets are set to drop late this year and will likely be a little cheaper, but the computer is still the bulk of the cost. There are mobile versions as well and the current front runner for that technology is the Samsung Gear VR which runs with the Note 4 (soon to be available for other phones as well). If you have the right phone, that headset will only be an additional $200, but the variety and quality of programs are not as abundant.

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+ HER HOME

Nautical Inspired Decor

BY JENNIFER ADAMS

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+ HER HOME

Wondering what décor theme to use for an easygoing, casual family room, patio, bath or guest room? A nautical or beach décor is a classic, calming and fun treatment for professionals and DIYers alike. It’s a popular idea, since so many of us go to the beach for a relaxing weekend or vacation and can bring a little bit of that feel home with us.

Here are some of my suggestions for a classy nautical beach theme that’s great for anyone.

Start with a tranquil blue, bluegray and neutrals for a classic feel. Or for something a little more festive and casual, think tropical turquoise blues and greens with white, and brighter accents. Since pretty much everyone likes blue, it’s easy to find accessories that match.

Horizontal lines, like looking out to sea, give an airy, expansive feel to a room. Try painting the lower half or third of the wall a darker blue, and the top part a lighter version of the same color. A true sky blue will be too bright and won’t look right inside a small room!

Rustic, weathered wood finishes such as rubbed white, ivory or gray paint for furniture and cabinetry are great for families, because it’s already distressed. No need to protect it!

Accessorize with rope art (watch my video on how to create a ropewrapped vase on Youtube, here!), weathered zinc and tin metals and

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artifacts, hurricane candles and lanterns and sail cloth. If you have young children, don’t decorate with netting or loose-hanging ropes anywhere.

Fill clear or green glass vases or jars with pebbles and shells. But, not if you have small kids! Large shells or shell-shaped bowls make great soap dishes or candle holders.

Let us know what you come up with! Share your photos and ideas!

Link to Youtube video: https://

www.youtube.com/ watch?v=FpIi-TzPMvs Jennifer Adams is an awardwinning designer, writer and TV personality. Send your questions to AskJennifer@JenniferAdams.com or on Twitter: @JenniferAdams. For more tips, watch Jennifer’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/ JenniferAdamsHome or visit www. jenniferadams.com

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+ H E R R E L AT I O N S H I P S

UNFAILING LAWS OF SUCCESSFUL

RELATIONSHIPS

BY BRENDA SHOSHANNA

Most think that relationships exist to make them happy.

When they find that special person, they believe that love will naturally grow. But in relationships we encounter everything, challenges, joy, fulfillment, loss. Yet, despite all training in life, we seldom learn about the knitty gritty of relationships, how to build the relationship in a way that brings out the best in all. the To start this process, there are 7 simple laws we can learn and use. These laws will act as guideposts, helping us to choose wisely and to avoid costly mistakes.

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Law #1 - There is never a lack of relationships.

Relationships are abundantly available wherever you are.

Many live with the idea that love is scarce -there’s not enough to go around and that they must cling to whatever comes their way. This idea can cause them to get involved with the wrong person, or stay in a relationship that is toxic for them.

It is crucial to realize that relationships are plentiful. (If you don’t have one, it is because you are keeping it away). It is never necessary to cling to someone out of fear of being alone.

Law # 2 Know Who You Are And What You Really Want Many enter relationships hoping that it will give them a life, or make them feel better about themselves. They may want their partner to take care of them, or give them the approval they’ve been denied. But it is of the utmost importance to know and respect who you are, to enjoy your own company and be aware of your own values and goals. Otherwise, you can lost in a relationship, become a pawn in someone else’s world.. A healthy relationship is an expression of two people, both equally valuable. In this kind of relationship you discover all you have to offer and how to offer it.

Law #3 Don’t Keep Choosing The Wrong Person For You Some find, to their amazement, that they choose the same partner, over and over again. Relationships patterns repeat as well. This is called the repetition compulsion. It is the unconscious need to repeat a situation over and over until we master it or it turns out the way we want it to. This compulsion keeps some people stuck in a bind. If you are caught in this, see what this pattern is doing for you.

Actively choose different places to go and hers-magazine.com

individuals who are different from those you usually meet. Become stronger than the pattern. Turn you life around.

Law #4 - Enjoy Honest Communication Without the ability to say No, we cannot say Yes. Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not to make another happy. Don’t give up that which is meaningful to you for the sake of a friendship. The bedrock of all happy relationships is mutual respect and acceptance and open, honest, communication. Ask for what is important to you. Find out what is really going on for your partner. When a person really feels listened to and accepted they feel loved.

Law #5 Don’t Try To Change Or Fix Other Person Let everyone be who they are, including yourself. So many of us are obsessed with changing or fixing everyone. This is not friendship, but manipulation. . Many believe that if the person cared enough, they would certainly change for them. This is not so. Changing another is not your job. Find out who the person you are with really is. If someone feels accepted, they can change themselves, if they want to.

important to learn “to”do love”. Do love and you will be loved. in return.

Law #7 - See the Best In Others - And In Yourself.

What we see in others, we bring out in them. If we focus upon their negative points (and let them know about them), you can be certain the negativity will increase. When we focus upon what is good in that person and let them know, this brings out the best. The better a person then feels about themselves, the less need they have for negativity. Often it can just fall away on its own.

Law #7 1/2- The Master Law When They Come We Welcome, When They Go We Do Not Pursue

Law #6- Know Difference Between Real and Counterfeit Love.

Understand that each relationship lasts for a certain time. You’ve come together to learn from one another, to share, enjoy and often move along. This is not rejection, but growth and change. Change is natural and inevitable. Don’t see it as failure. Don’t see it as loss. Don’t try to control when time comes to go. Realize that if the person is supposed to be with you longer, they will return on their own. The greatest art of relationships is to know how to let go. When someone new comes welcome them, when it’s time to let go, thank the person for all you’ve received from them and let go.

Feeling happy, high, excited or attached to a person, feeling possessive or dependent is not love. It’s infatuation, ego thrills or dependency, usually based upon fantasy.

Inevitably, fantasies fade. People then feel that the love is over. It is not over, it’s just been a form of counterfeit love. We must learn the difference between real and counterfeit love, between love and fantasy.

Counterfeit love always involves struggle and pain. Real love never does. Real love is a verb. It is not based simply upon feelings, which come and go, but actions. It is

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Discover the surprising truths about love that will save your relationship, by working with the unique program in Dr. Shoshanna’s new e-book Save Your Relationship (21 Basic Laws of Successful Relationships). http://www.truthaboutlove.com .

Dr. Shoshanna is a psychologist, relationship expert on i.village.com, speaker, and has run over 500 workshops on all aspects of relationships and fulfilling your potential. She is the author of many books, including Zen And The Art of Falling In Love, (Simon and Schuster), Why Men Leave (Putnam), What He Can’t Tell You And Needs To Say, (Putnam) and many others. You can contact her at mailto: mailto:topspeaker@yahoo.com. Her personal website is: http://www.brendashoshanna.com/

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+ H E R FA M I LY

My Child is being Bullied?

OH, I DON’T

THINK SO!

BY CHERRYE VASQUEZ

Ouch! That hurts! Why did you smack me!?

Let me ask these questions

“I’m being bullied again today and this is

As a parent, are you aware of the anti-bullying laws and policies in place at your child’s school? If so, how are these policies being enforced? If not, have you voiced your concerns and/or asked to work closely with school officials in hopes to create anti-bullying procedures at your child’s school? Do you know if school officials at your child’s school are clear about what actually constitutes bullying behaviors? If not, what are you waiting for?

School officials, have you written your antibullying policies and campus plan of action? Have you disseminated your plan to parents? Are your main stakeholders (students) feeling comfortable and safe in your school settings? I hope so, because it’s your duty to ensure these policies are not only in place, but acted upon consistently and proficiently each school day.

In some cases there are concerns about what constitutes bullying behaviors verses normal play, or friendly horsing around. Remember, bullying behaviors are intentional and are repeated acts over time. The child bully intends to pose harm, and he/she does not plan on stopping. I know that you have these concerns too, so I’ll define what bullying is and what it looks like.

getting serious, but who will help me?”

Bullying is no joke, and it’s no dress rehearsal.

Bullying is real and children who choose to exhibit these behaviors are not backing down without intervention. To answer this child’s question – YOU will help them.

Because we realize bullying behaviors occur daily in our nation’s schools, we must stop, look and listen to our children and deal with the pressures that these annoying behaviors pose on their lives.

Parents, school officials, and legislators, we have a huge responsibility, so we must do ALL that we can to help our children, but not just the child being bullied. We must also reach out to the child bully, and we can.

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Bullying Defined Repeated acts of: • Verbal (name calling, teasing, insulting, and/or threatening) •

Physical (hitting, kicking, scratching, pushing, stealing, and/or hiding/destroying someone else’s property)

•

Social (refusing to talk to or play with someone, purposefully excluding someone)

•

Cyber (using electronics such as computers to write demeaning messages about someone)

•

Religious (using religion as a weapon to gain power while trying to make people do things your way, or believe in your religious tactics. These people often quote bible verses even though they don’t follow the bible.)

Signs of being bullied: Be Watchful •

Bullying younger siblings/cousins – taking his/her frustration out on others

•

Sudden mood swings

•

Emotional – crying/whining

•

Poor eating habits, or asking to eat as soon as he/she gets home -- bully has taken your child’s lunch, or lunch money

•

Depression

•

Torn clothes, or mysterious bruises/scratches

•

Isolating self from others -- appearing lonely

•

A change in grades -- poor grades

•

A sudden dislike for school

•

Exhibiting unfounded anxiety

•

Low self-esteem

•

Complaint of sick feelings -- stomach aches, headaches

•

Asking not to go to school

•

Signs of threats or suicide

If you have reason to believe that your child is being bullied Stop, Look & Listen – Take Action NOW Talk to your child. Ask him/her about their school day. Ask if there is anything you should know. Whatever you’re doing or plan to do, stop! Your child must trust you will drop whatever you’re doing to see him/her through this crisis. Your child needs to know you’re listening to them; you hear their frustration, and the pain they are experiencing. You may want to repeat what you’ve heard your child say, thereby acknowledging you’re really listening. Let your child know you’ll be there for them “at all costs.” hers-magazine.com

Documentation Get the story as clearly as possible from your child, and document everything from your child’s version of bullying incidents to every conversation you’ve had with school officials.

Be sure to write things down as soon as an occurrence arises or a conversation happens. This way, incidents are still fresh in your child’s mind. You may want to keep documentation separated by tabs in a tablet, or a notebook to maintain a distinct record of each person’s story. It will be important to keep your child’s version separate from school officials, so that messages don’t end up overlapping, getting accidentally mixed-up, or combined.

Have other students been affected by the bully or bullies who are attacking your child? If so, what are their names? Were there any witnesses to the incidents? If so, what are their names? Does your child remember which class the other students are enrolled in? Can your child point them out? Encourage school officials to interview other children who may have been bullied.

Use dates, times and settings in your documentation. Did the incident happen in the cafeteria, classroom, or playground?

Detailed documentation will not only help school officials target bullying incidents, but it’ll also give school officials an indication of how best to resolve issues as they examine antecedents (causes/variables that may have prompted the bully to react inappropriately), so changes and individually tailored support plans can be implemented.

You might try color-coding verbal vs. behavioral actions just to make sharing information more succinct and organized.

Approach school staff immediately Bullying will not just stop on its own. Don’t be afraid to approach school administrators.

You might find some school officials and administrators territorial, believing they are the educational experts, and you are “just a parent.”

Since you are your child’s greatest advocate, here are a few ideas of how to approach the issue of your child being bullied as you work collaboratively with school officials: Do your research. You can assist school leaders with ideas of how to bully shield and bully proof the school your child attends.

Approach school leaders/officials as if you are on their side – you are, right? Do what you can to avoid creating an adversarial relationship between you and the people who have the power to help stop what is happening.

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+ H E R FA M I LY

your child, but for all children enrolled at the school. This will soften your approach thereby giving you greater lead-in for support and next steps.

Begin speaking to the school counselor before working your way up the organizational chart - Test the water, first.

When my own child was bullied at school, I spoke to the school principal directly. Due to budget cuts, this particular school had no assigned counselor. I approached the situation as a concern for the other child as well as my very own child. I said, “Perhaps this young girl is having personal problems in her home- life that’s making her feel angry.” Other times I would say, “Sounds like this child wants to take charge and is a bit bossy. Perhaps she can be shown how to use her leadership skills in a more positive, productive manner?” By using this approach with the school principal, I believe I softened the conversation, thereby gaining the principal’s attention. It appeared the principal was more willing to hear me.

But, there are times when the school will not help. Now what?

Before I address this problem, I want to urge parents to always gather as much information about your school the first week or two of the new school year. This is the time when the climate is still warm and friendly, and stress levels aren’t heightened due to the pressures of trying to keep up with everyday school life.

Know the district level office organizational chart and levels of administration assigned to your child’s campus.

Attempt to retrieve their contact information such as names, email addresses, voice mail, and telephone numbers, and perhaps location of their office - This is last resort. Never show up without an appointment.

When your child’s school will not listen to you or help you through a bullying crisis, and you know you’ve done your part, you’ve spoken to the classroom teacher, school counselor, assistant principal and principal, if circumstances have taken you this far, you should contact central office staff, and speak to your child’s school assigned area superintendent.

Share your concerns and let this individual know you’ve tried to work collaboratively with school officials at the campus level of your child’s school. Trust me - now that bullying has gained national attention, there’s no doubt this person will be all ears.There are approximately 48

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states that have laws mandating anti-bullying programs and services in schools, but some schools have been slow in implementing the programs.

Be sure you know the anti-bullying laws of your state (Bully Police, USA has a state by state listing of anti-bullying legislation). Be ready and able to recite the Senate Bill and House Bill laws associated with the bully’s offense. For example, if you live in Texas and your child is experiencing sexual harassment issues at school, and no one will address the issue, share your knowledge of SB 471 and HB 194. If you do this, everyone will know you mean business!

When to call a lawyer If you’ve gone through all the recommended steps above, more than likely you will not have to call a lawyer; however there may be times when your story will land on “deaf ears.” If no one will listen to you, or if everyone has listened to you, but have chosen not to intervene, there is no more time to waste. You will want to get legal advice immediately. Time is of the essence and the safety of your child is paramount!

Focus on your child Remember, there are effective steps you can take as your child’s anti-bullying advocate. Consider the fact that bullying related suicides are real.

STOP whatever you’re doing and act quickly on your child’s behalf. Our children count on us to help them during crises. This is not the time to put ANYTHING else before your child. Show your child they can trust and count on you.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Author Cherrye Vasquez has a doctorate in curriculum & instruction; a master’s of education in special education; and a bachelor of art’s in speech pathology/audiology. Vasquez specializes in multi-cultural education and holds certifications in early childhood handicapped, midmanagement and educational diagnostician.

Vasquez is passionate about empowering children, so her platform centers on diversity and bullying issues. She feels strongly that if children are empowered and armed with the tools needed for deep love of self and self-identity, children will be able to withstand life’s challenges, including bullies.

Website: http://cherryevasquez.tateauthor.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/bullieswillstop Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BooksThatSow Opt-in Page – Sign up to receive helpful tips and news you can use to help stop bullying: http://cherryevasquez. tateauthor.com/help-stop-bullying/

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+ H E R F E AT U R E

S I R I O U S L Y

SUSAN

BY ALEXANDRA MCCRAY

I

f you’ve owned an iPhone 4S and beyond, then you are probably familiar with Siri, the digital personal assistant with a distinct female voice. From serious questions such as “Where is the nearest gas station?” to inane questions, including “What is the best smartphone?” Siri attempts to provide answers.

Ask Siri, “Who is Susan Bennett?” and you’ll be provided with a list of online resources about voice-over artist Susan Bennett and others with the same name. However, you should rightly get the answer, “My original voice.”

Bennett began her career in voice over work by “accident” while working as a singer. She was performing the background vocals for an advertising jingle when she landed her first voice over gig after being asked to fill in for the voice artist who never showed up. “I thought, ‘Oh, I can do this,’ so I did the spot. I took some voice coaching from Atlanta actor Stewart Culpepper, got an agent and started to work,” explains Bennett.

After landing a few other voice jobs, Apple came calling, but Susan didn’t even realize it.

“In this digital age, a lot of us voice people are auditioning all the time whether we know it or not.

And so my voice was picked out of I don’t know how many voices,” said Bennett.

What most people don’t know is that Apple, in fact, is not responsible for creating the iconic personal assistant app who answers your questions, provides directions and recommends your next dinner choice. “Siri was invented, not by Apple, but by a Norwegian man named Dag Kittlaus, and Apple bought the app from him. I don’t know if he chose the voice or Apple did or what. I really don’t know. It remains a mystery.”

Once Bennett was selected, thus began a July of tedious four-hour days, five days a week in her Sandy Springs, Georgia, home recording studio to piece together the sounds for artificial intelligence.“We recorded thousands of phrases and sentences, and after which, a technician went in and extracted sounds and re-formed new phrases and sentences, and those are what ended up on all the digital devices like the iPhone, etc.”

Susan’s main role in the whole process was to record nearly every possible sound combination in the English language. Bennett explained that this process is called concatenation, and these sounds are what comprises Siri today. It actually gives the app its signature attitude and cheekiness when it

+ H E R F E AT U R E

“I don’t use Siri, and I don’t like machines talking to me. It’s the strangest thing.” speaks. “Apple came in after the fact, and they did their own spin, I suppose.

They compressed the voice and did whatever they wanted to make it sound the way they wanted it to sound.”

Shortly after Apple’ s iPhone 4s was released, Susan said she began debating whether she wanted to come forward publically as the voice of Siri. “It took some convincing because I wasn’t really sure I wanted to do that. I wasn’t sure what the repercussions were. I wasn’t sure how much of a bombshell it would be and how visible I would be.”

Her concerns were not only how much it would thrust her into the public eye, but also how it would affect her flourishing voice career. “I wasn’t exactly sure if it would mean more [voice over] work or less work because it’s such an iconic voice.”

With family support and encouragement, namely her husband, Rick Hinkle, and son, Cameron Bennett, she experienced a “you-only-live-once” moment and took the plunge to step out onto the world stage being identified as the official voice of the original Siri.

She has no regrets about her decision, but she’s still coming to grips with her certain degree of fame, such as being asked for autographs and voice over advice. “It has been really fun. I’ve had a lot of really fun experiences that I never would have had I not been the

48

original voice of Siri.”

One of her favorite things about being publicly recognized is doing what she calls “fun freebie activities.” This includes agreeing to allow students to use her voice in their stage productions.

Still, the best part about being known as Siri came during a tech conference in Dallas, Texas, where she was able to meet and introduce Steve Wozniak, who developed the first Apple computer in 1976. “That’s probably the closest any of the original Siri’s will come to being acknowledged by Apple… He made a big deal about liking Siri and saying that he utilized the app.”

Bennett says she otherwise lives relatively low key, since a lot of people don’t immediately recognize her voice.

“My regular speaking voice is a little bit higher pitched than Siri, and of course, the original Siri was a bit robotic, and she’s still a bit robotic till this day. It’s out of context as well. People aren’t expecting to hear the voice, so they don’t recognize it.”

Ironically, Bennett laughs while explaining, “I don’t use Siri, and I don’t like machines talking to me. It’s the strangest thing.”

While Bennett expresses no fervor for talking technology, she is constantly impressed with the impact it has had on others’ lives. “People have developed incredible relationships with the app.

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It’s amazing, and it has been incredibly helpful for people with disabilities…

I’ve heard a lot from those people who are grateful for the technology, so that’s pretty cool.”

Since recording for Siri, Bennett says she has “basically worked for just about everybody.” The list of companies includes Coca-Cola, McDonalds, IBM, Papa John’s Pizza, Delta, and Waze.

Her most memorable job, though, was working as a singing chicken for Zeneca Agricultural Products. She had to sing a lullaby in a chicken voice, which she jokingly describes as the “pinnacle” of her career. “Everything else pales in comparison.”

She doesn’t do digital voicing anymore because it requires so much time. “It’s long, tedious work, and it requires hour upon hour upon hour of work. Vocal chords are like any other muscles. They get tired.”

Bennett’s original vocal styling was developed as singer. In fact, she and her husband, who is a recording engineer, composer, singer, and guitarist, play in a band called “Boomers Gone Wild,” which performs ‘60s and ‘70s music exclusively. The two actually met while playing in the same private event band.

“He was a good friend before he became my second husband,” she laughs heartily.

You can catch them on the first Sunday of every month at the Crimson Moon in Dahlonega, Georgia.

She has no plans of abandoning her voice over career to pursue a full-time profession in music. “[Voice over] is something I really love, and something I do pretty well. My husband and I agree on this: we’re just gonna keep working until we can’t. We’re very fortunate to love what we do and be able to make a living at what we love.” hers-magazine.com

“ALL SHE NEEDS IS A LITTLE SUPPORT” We need more than just flowers and a card on Mother’s Day. We need your support year-round!

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+ HER HAIR

Things You Should Know Before Trying Keratin Smoothing Treatments

BY SEWAK SINGH GILL

For those of who do not know that the keratin smoothing treatment is, it is a method or service offered by hair salons in which a special technique is used to shorten your hair’s drying time by 60 percent. While normal hair drying methods dry hair and make it frizzy, Keratin treatment locks the moisture content of the tresses.

Firstly, a lot of people think that keratin causes frizz to the tresses. However, this is wrong. The treatment does not dry out or cause frizz, which is why it is in so much demand. The keratin Smoothing treatment leaves your hair free of this for weeks and even months. Another thing you need to know is that the chemical keratin does not make your hair soft and smooth.

Secondly, while keratin cannot does not make your hair soft or smooth, there are several other ingredients in the mixture that can. In fact, they can help to keep your tresses smooth for several weeks at a stretch. This makes the treatment much better than several other methods in the market. The hair of each strand of hair depends on its inherent bonds.

If these are broken or damaged, the hair loses its health and can even break away. Some treatments are offered as a sub type of the keratin smoothing or 50

straightening treatment. This includes the Brazilian Blowout original solution.

This effectively makes the hair saturated by the usage of a formaldehyde solution.

Now, formaldehyde is extremely harmful, not just for the hair but also for the skin.

It is a proven carcinogenic. The Brazilian treatment attempts to make the hair straight by keeping it stretched out for a long period of time. This breaks the bonds of the tresses. Although the effect is said to be temporary and the hair’s original texture returns within a few months, the treatment can cause serious damage to more than your hair.

The third thing to remember is that just because an expert tells you that a particular treatment does not involve the use of formaldehyde, it may not be necessarily true. Normally, hair treatments at salons should not be using this. This is because the main treatments are done with hair creams

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and shampoos while formaldehyde is essentially a gas. However, that is just a theory. The reality is that some salons still use formaldehyde. So if you are going to a salon for treatment, ask whether the treatment includes this chemical for hair Smoothing. If the answer is negative, ask that what other chemical is being used for the purpose in its stead. For a proper Smoothing solution, the ingredients need to contain something, which can release the harmful chemicals before application that can break the hair’s bonds.

Glyoxylic acid is a risk-free alternative to formaldehyde, although it may not be effective as the harmful chemical in smoothing your hair.

HOW IT IS APPLIED: A stylist will first shampoo (no conditioner) the hair before applying a keratin hair-smoothing product. Once the product’s processing time is complete, the stylist will blow dry the hair and then use a flat iron to seal it in. hers-magazine.com

6 ISSUES FOR

JUST $9.95

F E AT U R E S • H E A R T • F L AVO R • H E A LT H L E S S O N S • W O R K • P L AY W W W. H E R S - M A G A Z I N E . C O M hers-magazine.com

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+ HER FITNESS

HOW TO BE ACTIVE WITHOUT GETTING UP FROM YOUR OFFICE CHAIRS

BY ANDREW STRATTON

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o matter how much health and medical advice changes from year to year, one message that remains constant throughout the years is the importance of physical movement. The human body was not designed to sit in office chairs for hours every day, and it’s important to keep moving to keep the body running at its full capacity. Luckily, there are some routines that can be done without even stepping away from office chairs, and can keep you active and invigorated throughout the day.

First and foremost, it’s vital to be aware of your posture. If you’re sitting in old office chairs that haven’t been updated recently, odds are you might be slumping or crooked as you sit. It’s important to sit up straight with your shoulders back, your neck straight, and your spine fully aligned.

This will not only invigorate you during the day, but it will keep you from suffering any unnecessary back complications down the road.

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After your spine and back, your neck may be suffering the most from days of sitting in office chairs. It can be difficult to be aware of your head drooping or twisting, but you’ll certainly feel it at night when your neck begins to ache. To combat this, move your head slowly forward and backward and from side to side.

Performing this movement once every few hours will allow the muscles in your neck to relax and relieve stress as well as preventing any potential knots from developing.

One of the biggest concerns for any office worker, especially one who spends the day typing or writing, is carpal tunnel syndrome.

This slowly developing affliction is the result of overexertion of the joints in the hands. To help prevent the condition from developing, it can be helpful to stop at least once per hour and roll your wrists - ten times clockwise and ten times counterclockwise. This will loosen the muscles and cause you to be mindful of whether you’re developing any pain or tension in the area.

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If you’ve had a job that involved sitting in office chairs for several years now, something to consider is the potential of blood clots developing due to extensive periods of physical inactivity. To prevent this, it can be extremely beneficial to move your legs. Luckily, this can be done while still sitting, so you never have to stop working. One simple exercise is to lift your legs onto the balls of your feet and then relax them back to the ground. If you repeat this until your muscles begin to feel tired every hour or so, it will improve the circulation in your legs without you ever having to stand up.

It can be difficult to find a happy balance between physical health and productivity at work, and taking long breaks to stretch and focus can be timeconsuming. Luckily, your health doesn’t have to take time away from your work, and it’s easy to incorporate movement into your routine.

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WHAT DO WOMEN REALLY THINK OF

CAITLYN JENNER? From applause to annoyance, it runs the gamut for newly declared woman Caitlyn Jenner, formerly Bruce Jenner. From the moment Jenner donned the cover of Vanity Fair in a corset and declared to ABC’s Diane Sawyer, “My brain is much more female than it is male,” people around the world have taken to columns, blogs, social media, and just about anywhere messages can be posted to declare their opinions.

Do women, in particular, welcome Jenner with open arms, as one of the girls? Do they view him as merely a man in drag playing dress up or a man who was truly born in the wrong body? Here are two distinctly different female views on what Jenner’s declaration means to and about being a woman:

People who haven’t lived their whole lives as women, whether Ms. Jenner or Mr. Summers, shouldn’t get to define us. That’s something men have been doing for much too long. And as much as I recognize and endorse the right of men to throw off the mantle of maleness, they cannot stake their claim to dignity as transgender people by trampling on mine as a woman.

Their truth is not my truth. Their female identities are not my female identity. They haven’t traveled through the world as women and been shaped by all that this entails. They haven’t suffered through business meetings with men talking to their breasts or woken up after sex terrified they’d forgotten to take their birth control pills the day before. They haven’t had to cope with the onset of their periods in the middle of a crowded subway, the humiliation of discovering that their male work partners’ checks were far larger than theirs, or the fear of being too weak to ward off rapists.

- Elinor Burkett, New York Times June 6, 2015 Yes, Bruce Jenner represented the idealized heterosexual male, but during all those years of fame Caitlyn had to keep her identity a secret. Where is our compassion for that struggle? Do we prefer our trans women to be impoverished young Democrats?

So, memo to crotchety feminists: Please stop talking about inclusive language as something that erases you and your vagina. Have and love your vagina, but don’t ascribe ownership of one to the trans sibling next to you, who may or may not have one. There simply isn’t anyone erased by using a word that includes everyone. The term “women” referring inclusively to trans women does not erase women.

I am heartbroken and outraged when my feminist compatriots suggest otherwise.

-Anna March, Salon June 8, 2015 No doubt, the debate will continue, either uplifting the social status of the trans woman as authentic, by most women’s standards, or the trans woman will be largely marginalized as a coincidence. You can share your thoughts online, of course, on our website.

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HER PERSONAL GROWTH

A Woman’s Place: Leading From Behind?

BY ANNETTE JOHNSON

Casiana Foghis’ first stint in business came in grade school. She had no particular preference in terms of what business she would undertake; she knew she just wanted to make money. “I got kicked out of school when I was in kindergarten because I was selling candy wrappers, not just the candy. I took the candy out the wrappers, and I started a candy wrapper collection. I would trade the candy wrappers, and then sell the candy separately in foil. After my business was discovered by the teacher, I got in trouble.”

B

y age 16, she was recognized for her musical genius. She made a name for herself in the music business by branding artists who went on to major deals with Capitol Records, Priority Records and others. As a manager of the all-male group Titanium, Foghis prides herself in knowing how to get the most out of the men she has worked with in the music business. This skill didn’t come easy, she admits. “I’ve learned two things in business as a woman: I had to recognize that men have egos and women have emotions. Even though egos and emotions can go in the same pot because they are both based on emotions, I had to learn to overcome that ego status when I’m at the table with a bunch of men.”

She is careful to give credence to the many lessons she has learned while being the only woman in the room throughout her career. She has more than 12 years’ experience in residential and commercial real estate and has become one of the leading

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professionals in wholesale real estate the country. “I have to give credit to the men in my life in business. I wouldn’t be the woman in business I am today if it wasn’t for those men at the table.” She said she remained humble and did more listening instead of talking in order to learn how best to deal with the male ego. “My emotions would want to come out to tell everyone off at that table,” Foghis recalls with a chuckle, “but I had to learn how to be supportive. The key to success for women in a man’s world is to learn to be a support system, but you can still be a leader.” Her observations in working in predominately male professions, including technology, construction and real estate, led to her philosophy and pronounced success in what she calls “leading from behind.”She explains, “I can be the one in the room leading from behind. The men can be sitting at the table not knowing their leadership comes from their support system. “The men can be leaders, but they can’t be anything without a support system. Technically, when the doors are closed, they come to their support system and ask for advice. So who’s really leading atthe end of the day: the support system or the man taking direction? ” A good leader takes good direction and serves his support system, according to Foghis. “If

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you find a good leader in a man and you lead from behind as a woman, that’s the key to success” for women doing business with men. Two things that she says every businesswoman needs to practice: (1) Women need to learn how to study and stroke a man’s ego while (2) learning to control their emotions. “All my mistakes in business when I look back can be traced to making emotional decisions,” she says.

In hindsight, she says the best decisions she has ever made in business came after she learned to take risks when all the odds were against her. She, for the first time in her career, has now decided to risk everything on the success of Titanium, a group of pop and R&B singers from New Zealand. At times,she admits that managing the group is almost like being a mother to them, but she believes the investment will ultimately pay off. A person who prefers to talk about her pitfalls rather than success, Foghis will, no doubt, have more insight and points to share from her journey in negotiating deals and seeking success with the young men she must now lead from behind.

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is another major obstacle, and one of the common mistakes that Hill says churches make with their branding. Here are some other tips that she provided:

BUILDING

Brand a CHURCH

BY ANNETTE JOHNSON

“Branding is your story, and marketing is the way you tell your story” explains Kendra Hill, the president and CEO of IASA Consulting Group, based in San Antonio, Texas, specializing in branding, marketing, and fundraising.

Hill, a brand architect who specializes in developing religious brands, says the most common request she gets is for designing or improving websites. “A lot of times people think their brand is just the website.” Other times, people think, “My logo is my brand because branding is like cattle and cattle have logos on them.”

When she meets with church officers, one of the first things they say is “I want a dynamic website.” Often referred to as merely “the website lady,” Kendra has to constantly explain that branding is not just one thing. Thus, much of her initial professional interactions with churches require basic education about branding itself. “I am working on a doctorate in organizational leadership, so I can help churches... Once they start talking to me, they realize that I’m not just the website girl.”

Because she comes with so much knowledge on how to develop an effective hers-magazine.com

visual direction, as well as an efficient organizational structure, she says, “People feel intimidated and think I want their jobs.” Fear of change and it consequences can undermine the optimism that initially inspired the appeal for branding efforts. As such, Hill has to alert some in leadership positions that her job is to support their efforts, not to replace them. These kinds of challenges make working with churches particularly sensitive.

Similarly, adds Hill, people who say they have heard from the Lord present special challenges because they feel a conviction beyond what is reasonable, at times. “You can’t argue with them.”

She, herself, says she takes her leading from God, most recently in pricing. Her company websites start at $1,000, but she said, “God told me to [offer to] build fivepage websites for $300, and I told God that He was tripping. He said, ‘Do it and I’ll bless you.’” She says she was able to help more churches, and meanwhile offer them additional services that they may have not been able to afford otherwise.

Skepticism as to whether a church even needs marketing services, including branding,

Tips on Building a Church Brand “Treat your church like a business” – Some people feel that church marketing isn’t biblical or it’s degrading to God. “Don’t make the pastor the church brand” – If that pastor moves on, dies, retires or whatever, you want your brand to outlast that pastor.

“Don’t compare your church brand to someone else’s” – Every ministry is special and unique, so don’t try to be like Joel Olsteen’s or T.D. Jakes’ ministry even if you have a ministry that size. The same branding approach that worked for them, may not work for you.

“Spend time and money on good design” – Don’t think because you have a clipart logo that you’re doing a satisfactory job. Spend the money to get it done professionally, for it will pay off in the long run.

“Tell the truth” – Don’t brand a white lie. For instance, a traditional church may try to make their branding seem more contemporary and youthful, and people will come to the church only to discover that it’s nothing like it was being promoted. This, Kendra warns, could not only steer someone away from a particular church, but also from God. “Make sure that the printed material matches the online design” – Keeping everything consistent ensures that expectations are met in terms of the visual brand

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+ H E R F E AT U R E

C H E V Y S T E V E N S I N T R O D U C ES ‘ T H O S E

G I R LS ’

BY ALEXANDRA MCCRAY

S

he was inspired to write her first book while she was a realtor showing an open house. Chevy Stevens was overcome with the horrific thought about what it would be like to be kidnapped. This gripping notion led to the writing of her first psychological thriller, “Still Missing,” which went on to become a New York Times Best-Seller in 2011 and win the International Thriller Writers Award.

She then went on to write “Never Knowing” in 2011 about a girl who goes on a quest for her birth parents. In 2013, she wrote “Always Watching” about a doctor at a psychiatric hospital. A year later, in 2014, she penned “That Night” about a woman charged with her younger sister’s murder.

Though it may look like Steven’s has been cranking out books faster than they can hit the shelves, she explains that it’s not all that it appears. “It looks fast on the outside, but inside, it’s a process…You get better at your craft, and some books come together faster than other ones,” she explains.

Stevens has just finished her latest book “Those Girls,” which was released in July 2015. It tells the story of the three Campbell sisters, who escape their hard life with their anger-ridden father. Just as the Campbell sisters think they have created their new lives and left their past behind, a new nightmare enters their lives. “The first part of ‘Those Girls’ came easier for me, and I loved getting to know the sisters and seeing them as teenagers. Their life is difficult, and it gets even worse, but the love and loyalty between them was very rewarding for me to write,” says Stevens.

Even though Steven’s claims she doesn’t really suffer from writer’s block, she does at times, struggle like all writers with figuring out where a portion of a story should go next.

“The second part of [‘Those Girls’] was harder, and it actually went in a different direction at first. I was struggling with it, but then my editor and I spoke. Once I realized that one of the sisters has to go missing, the rest flowed much easier. I also loved Skylar and the connection she has with her aunts.”

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When it comes to the difficulty of work, it isn’t writing that can be the most challenging aspect for Stevens, it’s keeping the work-family balance, especially spending quality time with her daughter, Piper. “I try to work normal hours, 9 to 5, but I take Sundays off to spend time with my daughter. It’s funny because men never get asked how they handle the work-family balance,” she laughed.

Steven’s husband recently became a stay-at-home father, which she says she is fortunate to have. “He gets the groceries and runs the errands.” He essentially spends the work day keeping their daughter entertained while she writes.

“Just because you work from home doesn’t make it any easier to focus on the task at hand rather than spend time with family,” explains Stevens. “Even though I work from home, I feel guilty I don’t get to be with [my daughter] as much.”

After Piper was able to walk and talk, the yells for “momma” while she worked became too distracting, so Steven’s relocated her workspace to a trailer parked in the back property of her house behind a fence. “Sometimes I’ll hear her on the other side of the fence, and that’s hard.”

In Steven’s trailer, she spends her days writing with her two dogs, who lie around her office to keep her company.

She says they help when she feels like taking the occasional snuggle break.

As for how she feels about her books one day coming to life on the big or small screen, she says she would “love it.” Admittedly, Stevens says, “I am a huge movie buff, and I also love how TV is going these days now that we have HBO and Netflix. They can be edgier and take on darker material. I also like being able to binge watch a show so that you live and breathe the characters for weeks.”

Currently, Stevens is working on her sixth book, which she will be about a woman who believes her ex-husband is stalking her.

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+ H E R R E L AT I O N S H I P S

O V E R C O M P E N S AT E D

SAVIOR

A

BY SARA JACKSON

fter the heart wrenching breakup four years later I realized I was in the same space when the relationship came to a halt. Not having the courage to admit what was right in my face, or wanting to let the changes just take place I constantly fought to hold my own weight. While letting time fade away and holding on to unforgettable yesterday, I became my very own savior, judge and jury. Over compensated savior isn’t anything religious, but it is the act of being a two in one. When girl meets boy for the first time, they make it a point to be their one and only at everything they do. The cute stuff like finishing sentences and snuggling on the couch even after the movie goes off. They allow each other to be their right hand, and even the left knew what was going on. Boy and girl creating a bond that is thought to be unbreakable and a long lasting fantasy of everlasting love. Complete trust that was given and not earned, all in with nothing left to spare. But what happens when boy leaves girl, one of two things. Girl meets a new boy, or girl becomes her very own overcompensated savior. Remember in that relationship when things were great, each person had their own role. When that relationship ends, girl now makes a point to be her very own savior. Promising to never fall that hard in love again, promising to never be that vulnerable to anyone. She begins avoiding anyone or anything that could scrape away pieces of her power, to leave her feeling unheard and speechless. But when that promise is made, one tiny thing that girl doesn’t read in the fine print is “ love is a two way street and one couldn’t possibly walk both sides of the street

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in opposing directions”. Meaning one must be willing to fall just as hard the second and third time around or even harder to truly know if love was conquered. But the lesson of it all is to know oneself and know their partner, knowing limits and balance.

Overcompensated savior is that girl who has more than enough sense to stay, but too much to lose to completely let go. I remember holding on the bits and letting the pieces fall to the sidelines.

Trying my very best to convince others around me including myself that love was as theoretical as one made it. Any sensible woman could be by herself without the grief of a dilapidated heartbreak. I figured if I became what I was messing from my most favored moments, then I would never have to feel those voids again.

Empty minutes became timeless occasions while I continually saved myself. But those same instances faded back to spaces of realism and I was still standing, standing still. No progress but no real decline, four years had passed and I had flat lined. Love is what we as women make it, no matter the previous pains and future struggles.

So just think the next time you find yourself lugging heavy groceries, changing your tire on the side of the road or even dealing with emotional issues that would make you seem too weak if you had expressed it with your lover. You could be taking the trash out during the late hours while in the relationship, or taking on additional responsibilities that should be split in half you’re overcompensating as your very own savior.

You are escaping the inevitable and not letting dichotomist roles assume their place. It’s okay to allow boy to be boy and girl to be girl. Life is learning, and love is learned.

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+ HER MOVIES

Rashia Whitlock Unchained

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ou may recognize Rashia Whitlock from her role in “Django Unchained,” but there’s more to this up-and-coming actress than just an appearance in a star-studded Hollywood film.

Before her first day on the set of “Django,” her breakout film, Whitlock remembers the jitters she felt, comparing herself to being the new kid at school. Instead off cold shoulders, she found she was greeted with a warm welcome from her castmates.

“When I got there [Jamie Foxx], Kerry Washington, and Leonardo Di Capprio made me feel very very at home.”

She recalls Foxx as being funny, motivating and encouraging on set. One day when he asked her if she’d had a late night, she informed him how she’d stayed up late to have a study session for a class the night before, spilling the

+ HER MOVIES

beans of her college and career double life.

“When I told him that, he was like ‘Wow, you know, I can’t believe that you’re doing this during college and still doing it!’”

While other Texas Southern University students were balancing classes, being members of organizations, and attending football games, Whitlock found herself balancing school and days on the set of a major film that could last from 5 a.m. until midnight.

She quickly bonded and formed a strong friendship with actress Aleeah Rogers, who was also in college at the time of filming.

“We would go back to Texas on the weekends to take our homework and stuff, and then Sunday night, we’d go back, and we did that for four weeks.”

Once filming wrapped and the movie premiered, Whitlock attempted to return to normal college life. While simply struggling to get to her next class on time, she recalls, people would yell across campus, “There’s the girl from Django!”

“I have a lot of respect for Django because it is what really put me on the map…It definitely changed me. You know I was really young at the time...I don’t think that’s an experience I’m ever going to forget.”

While most actors and actresses have felt a strong inclination towards the craft their whole lives, Whitlock explained that she more or less fell into acting during college. “It wasn’t until my sophomore year when a lady named Joyce saw me, and she was like ‘You’re really pretty. I’d love for you to be in my play!’”

Whitlock says she was skeptical at first because she was fearful of dividing her time between acting and being an on-air personality at her university’s local radio station. Broadcast had been something she’d enjoyed and experimented with for years, and she had decided this was the career path she wanted to take when she came to college. “Once I did the play, I caught the acting bug,” says Whitlock.

After the play premiered in the spring

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“…That is something anytime I feel like giving up, I still think about that.” and fall, the phone began ringing for audition after audition. “Everything was just really happening.”

But as it goes in the acting world, not every audition was a homerun. Whitlock struggled with being told no, which she blames on being raised as an only child who always got what she wanted. It wasn’t until a mentor, Thomas Meloncon, offered to train her because he “saw something in her” that she began to truly consider acting as her next step. “He said, ‘You wanna stop getting no’s then this is what you’re gonna have to do. You’re gonna have to work extremely hard.”

It was right then and there she decided that if this was truly the path she wanted to take, she had no choice but to put in the time and hard work to wholeheartedly pursue acting.

Not only was Whitlock lucky enough, or as she would say “blessed,” to receive free acting training from famous playwrights around Texas, she also had the opportunity to receive acting advice from the actress she most admires, Diahnn Carroll. “She is the reason I would say, on the glamour side, that I wanted to become an actress. Still to this day, if anybody asked ‘who’s your favorite actress?’ I’d say Diahann Carroll.”

She added, laughing, “Some people my age don’t even know who I’m talking about.” Carroll noticed Whitlock while getting her hair done at Whitlock’s godfather’s salon. “She said, ‘I’ll tell you this, you’re gonna make it.’ And I said, ‘Why, what makes you say that?’ and she

said ‘Because you’re pretty. You have confidence. You’re gonna make it. You just trust me.’ She said, ‘Don’t ever forget why you started.’

“And when I say that is something that sticks to me still to this day…that is something anytime I feel like giving up, I still think about that.”

That advice has helped continue to keep her internal fire lit as she auditions for role after role. The latest part she’s landed is for the film “Bolden,” which premiers November 2015. She almost turned the role down because it called for nudity, but after researching the period piece, she opted to take the part. “I think it’s going to be one of my most challenging roles because I’m nude. I’ve never done that before.”

Challenging roles aren’t the only thing Whitlock is looking to conquer in her future, she is currently jumping head first into another passion of hers and creating her own nail polish line. She remains secretive on other aspects of her personal life, namely the man in her life, but recent news reports have her rumored to be dating rapper Yung Joc. Despite all else, the main focus for Whitlock now is her career. “Django” might be where she became proverbially unchained, but she has shown us from appearances on TV shows, such as “Star Crossed” and “Satisfaction,” and parts in major films, such a “Pitch Perfect 2,” that it definitely isn’t where she’s going to end her career.

Stay tuned.

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+ HER HOME

Dorm Room Décor Essentials

BY JENNIFER ADAMS

One of the most rewarding décor projects is taking the blank slate of an empty dorm room and turning it into something personal, functional and fun. For many young people, this is the first time they have so much control over their own space!

While fall seems like it’s a long way off, summer will fly by so now is a great time to start thinking. Here are a few of my favorite suggestions.

Plan ahead and set a budget!

Some dorm rooms are just four walls, others have a lot of built-ins. Visit the dorm ahead of time or ask about measurements. Make a list: what’s included, what can you bring from home, and what do you need to buy?

Coordinate with your roommate.

What can you share? A mini refrigerator?

Espresso maker? A TV? A printer?

Brainstorm themes or go shopping together, this will be a great way to get to know one another.

Pick a fun décor theme. You could go with Vintage Chic, with a lot of sparkles, bright colors, metallic and new pieces mixed with old to help save money. A Rustic Euro Modern idea is also inexpensive, with raw woods, vintage accessories and earthy colors. Or even an

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Outdoor Gathering theme, with picnic table style benches, holiday lights or lanterns strung across the ceiling, and oldfashioned fabrics.

The bed has to be comfortable!

Sleep will be critical for a busy student.

If the room comes with a bed, invest in a mattress topper and quality bedding such as my Jennifer Adams sheets sets which look great and dry fast, saving time and quarters. Personalize the top of the bed with a charming duvet cover, blankets or quilts. Matching shams finish the look.

Area rugs and accessory seating add personality. A fuzzy bean bag chair, floor pillows and poufs are functional, versatile and fun. They’re easy to rearrange when you have company or want to do yoga.

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Change the color of the walls without painting! Removable wall decals or hanging panels of fabric, lightweight rugs, scarves or even strips of wallpaper with thumbtacks or double sided tape across the top of the wall add color and texture. Frame panels of fabric as art, and hang shelves for photos from home and treasures. Be sure to ask what you can and can’t do to the walls first…

Hope this helps get your creativity going, and have fun! Share your photos, let’s see whose room is the cutest!

Jennifer Adams is an award-winning designer, writer and TV personality. Send your questions to AskJennifer@JenniferAdams.com or on Twitter: @JenniferAdams. For more tips, watch Jennifer’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/ JenniferAdamsHome or visit www.jenniferadams. com

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+ HER GADGETS

AN ACE!

PING PONG

MAT

$23

Serve a strong backhand from the stove to the dining table! Are you always burning your counter top? The Ping Pot mat is not your average paddle; it has been crafted with renewable bamboo and dimpled silicone to protect your table from heat damage!

The mat’s resistant layer can handle searing pots of up to 230°C. To use, simply place your hot pot on the Ping Pot mat and become a kitchen champion!

Visit www.amazon.com

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6 ISSUES FOR

JUST $9.95

F E AT U R E S • H E A R T • F L AVO R • H E A LT H L E S S O N S • W O R K • P L AY W W W. H E R S - M A G A Z I N E . C O M 64

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SOUNDS LIKE SUMMER

BLUETOOTH 3.0 SPEAKER

This Bluetooth 3.0 speaker has both extraordinary sound and is shower proof!

Its tough rubber exterior and splash-resistant shell makes it perfect for use in the bathroom or outdoors.

The Bluetooth capability also means that your gadget never has to be in harm’s way - the wireless signal works from up to 10 metres away!

The speaker itself boasts crystal clear treble and amazingly deep bass - so you don’t have to compromise sound quality for convenience. A rubber lanyard makes it easy to hang in the shower or outdoors, while the Bluetooth capability extends to iPhone, Galaxy, Tablet and more.

The Bluetooth Splash Speaker has a rechargable in-built battery, which provides the user with up to 4 hours of music for one recharge.

FEATURES • • • • • • • •

Bluetooth 3.0, A2DP, EDR 4 hrs of play time per recharge 10m wireless range Splash and shower proof Durable rubber pedrail finish Rubber lanyard Extraordinary sound quality Charge via Micro USB (cable provided) • AUX in • Driver unit: 1.75’ x 1; Output power: 3W

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+ HER MUSIC

D’Angel The Second Coming

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BY TRIKARRI BATES

fter the long-awaited release of “Black Messiah” in December of 2014, D’Angelo is taking the stage once again with his Second Coming Tour. Absent from the music scene since 2001, after premiering one of the most memorable R&B songs “How Does It Feel” and its controversial video, he was known as sex symbol. He won a Grammy for Best Male R&B Vocal, and the album, Voodoo, that featured the smash hit won for Best R&B Album.

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Performing at the Tabernacle in Atlanta, Georgia, D’Angelo was accompanied by his band, The Vanguard. It featured some heavy duty names, such as bassist Pino Palladino (The Who), guitarists Jesse Johnson (The Time), Isaiah Sharkey, drummer Chris “Daddy” Dave (Adele), keyboardist Cleo “Pookie” Sample. Kendra Foster, Charlie “Red” Middleton, and Jermain Holmes were among the vocalist who accompanied him.

Looking every bit the neo-soul artist, D’Angelo sauntered from behind his band with his lattice

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weave army surplus jacket, a white hat atop a gray bandana and black pants. Guitar in hand, he strummed the opening chords of “Ain’t That Easy.”

He got straight into it, stepping to the mic and hitting the first note with ease. His voice, a raw angst mixed with a subtle smoothness, remains his signature gift, although some mainly extol the virtues of his naked body in the video for “How Does it Feel.”

The Vanguard transitions from “Ain’t That Easy” to “Sugah Daddy,” and it was easy to see that D’Angelo hadn’t lost it. Though he’s significantly older since his debut release, Brown Sugar in 1995, and a few pounds heavier, he still knows how to work a crowd. It was clear the ladies and even their daughters still love him.

Through the sound of a raucous, animated crowd, he unselfishly counted to three and persuaded the audience to scream the name of his band, evoking a loud and long “VANGUARRRD!” from the entire room.

Meanwhile, he flowed easily through the songs before moving on to the song “Betray My Heart,”

the song whose salsa influences were easily felt and reenacted on stage by band and background singers alike.

His Black Messiah set list continued until he moved into his older hits, teasing the crowd with songs like “(Untitled) How Does it Feel” and “Left & Right.” He was sure, however, to play other crowd favorites, such as “Lady,” which was definitely a hit with female fans, along with “Brown Sugar.”

While fans of other artists may not know all the songs of the artist they’re seeing in concert, all of D’Angelo’s fans at the Tabernacle seemingly knew the words to every song, as well as the band members’ names. He seemed to fed off the band’s energy even more so than the crowd’s, and he appeared to know how to keep the crowd going as well. No props, no gimmicks, just real music and artistry was how he decided to make his return.

D’Angelo, once called the next Marvin Gaye and the “R&B Jesus” by rock critic Robert Christgau, is back with a vengeance and hopefully here to stay.

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+ HER TRAVEL

SU M M E RT I M E A N D T H E L I V I N G I S E ASY …

NOWAY!

BY PEGGY HATTENDORF

It’s travel time! But this summer push the envelope. Let’s be more active - learn new or sharpen existing skills - and be more adventurous. These vacations give the word excitement new meaning.

Ever wanted to go hiking – trekking – mountain climbing – biking/cycling – kayaking or rafting? Envision that place or country you’d like to visit and then imagine seeing it from an entirely different perspective. With the array of tour packages, you can find trips best suited for your skills, “adventure level” and budget. Realize the full outdoor experience with camping or take to cabins and inns or even enjoy the 5-star luxury of Relais & Chateaux properties.

These trips require more than just your presence at a life boat drill on a cruise or early rising to meet the tour bus for another day of sightseeing. Below is a list of what you should know or consider before booking an adventure vacation.

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Read the Tour Brochure thoroughly for the following: • • • • • •

• •

Note length of the trip – Review the day-to-day itinerary to see if it consists of a “multi-day” approach to destinations.

Understand the weather challenges you may face.

Check the altitudes – how high will you hike, trek or mountain climb? AND – how long is the descent?

Assess the hazards posed such as glaciated terrain etc. Is snow or ice climbing involved in the trip?

Note the “Level of Difficulty” rankings. Programs/trips are designated - EASY – MODERATE – ACTIVE STRENEOUS – CHALLENGING – DEMANDING. Consider your fitness level when determining your choice of trips. Consult your physician to make sure you are medically able to handle the types of activities. You should be in excellent physical condition for the arduous of programs. Backpack loads may sometimes exceed 40 lbs on multi-day trips.

Find out if Immunizations are needed for the areas visited.

Note what is included on the trip and what you may be required to bring.

1. Seriously consider Travel Insurance normally available through the Tour Operator. Fully comprehend “what is” and “is not” included in the coverage.

2. Make sure your Passport is valid. Check the entry requirements of the country or countries visited.

Many countries require your Passport to have validity up to 6 months from your return date.

Inquire if a Visa is also needed.

3. Make a check-list of what you will need to bring.

These could include: helmet, headlamps and batteries, comfortable clothing and supportive shoes, hiking boots, First-Aid kit, food and water, camera, and rain gear. Leave time to break in new gear, shoes and boots.

4. Know your limits. Are you claustrophobic, afraid of heights, darkness or bugs?

5. Ask the Tour Operator any questions you may have regarding the trip. Ask them about the typical client who books these types of adventures. It is important to inquire about the expertise of the tour guides.

6. Remember – your cell phone may not be operational in certain remote areas and at certain altitudes.

Below are profiled some unique adventures categorized by the primary activity. In addition, I’ve defined some general terminology used by tour operators, guides and adventurists.

Hiking is brisk walking in a natural environment on a pre-charted path or specific trail. Hiking can take several forms and is called by different names around the world - tramping in New Zealand bushwalking in Australia - and trekking in Nepal. hers-magazine.com

If you want to start out slow, Day Hiking would be a good commencement point since the trip is usually done in one day.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona – This 6.4 mile one-way hike is considered Easy on the difficulty rating scale. Park shuttle buses take hikers to the Trailheads. The Rim Trail offers stunning views of the Grand Canyon. For more adventure, find the unpaved section between Maricopa Point and Hermit’s Rest that takes you along a dirt path. Hiking late in the day, will afford stunning views of the sun setting over the canyon.

Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky – The Park Service provides hikers with outerwear, knee-pads, helmets and headlamps but you will need to provide ankle-high boots and bring along a change of clothes and shoes. Now it gets interesting. Even though, it’s only a 5 mile round-trip hike, the level of difficulty is Strenuous. You will slither through crawlways appropriately called Birth Canal and No Name Pass. These passageways are so narrow your boots have to go in sideways. But that’s not all. There’s some crawling, crouched duck walking, free climbing and upright walking deep inside the world’s longest cave system. It can be a 6 hour challenge to forge your way deep inside to see the amazing limestone formations.

Tongariro Crossing, New Zealand - Local bus transport is available from the nearby towns to take and pick up hikers at both ends of the trail. The 19 kilometre/11.8 miles one way Tongariro Crossing has been called the greatest day walk/hike in the world.

Here’s why. You’ll hike an Alpine Crossing through stark and spectacular volcanic terrain and encounter steaming vents, old lava flows, hot springs, water filled explosion craters, emerald lakes and the active Red Crater at the highest point of the Crossing.

With an interest to expand your hiking endeavors both in number of days and hiking challenges, serious backpacking equipment and trekking may be involved. While backpacking is similar to hiking – walking on paths or specific trails - it is usually done over a number of days and requires one to carry a backpack for camping purposes. Note that some tour operators require only a day backpack as it is refilled or resupplied at the end of each hiking day.

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Trekking is a long journey to be undertaken on foot in areas where there’s usually no available means of transportation. It requires walking for a number of days, usually on unchartered paths in challenging environments which tend to be hilly or mountainous. For treks, one needs a survival kit, camping gear, boots, compass and clothes applicable to temperature changes.

Trekking becomes Mountaineering when technical climbing equipment is needed to get you up to the mountain – like crossing a glacier roped together – crossing a snowfield unroped but wearing crampons (fixed iron plates worn on boots as a traction device) – or climbing a vertical ice wall using the front points of your crampons.

There are a number of excellent Tour Operators to book these vacations. However, the following have consistently ranked among the best in their niche markets. While they offer other types of adventure trips as well, this article focuses on hiking, trekking and mountaineering, kayaking and rafting, cycling and biking and multi-sport activities.

Mountain Travel Sobek: www.mtsobek.com, Backroads: www.backroads.com, Sierra Club Outings: www.sierracluboutings.com, O.A.R.S.: www.oars.com, Off the Beaten Path: www.offthebeatenpath.com, KE Adventures: www.keadventures.com, REI Adventures: www.reiadventures.com, Canadian Mountain Holidays: www. canadianmountainholidays.com.

For multi-day trips – accommodations, internal transportation and most meals are included in the price of the tour. Not included is round trip airfare from your gateway city to the commencement location/city of the tour and any pre or post hotel stays.

the spectacular sea below. Wander through the fishing ports, medieval fortresses and lively harbors with the brightly painted boats bobbing alongside the gleaming yachts. This hiking adventure commences in Santa Margherita with a warm up hike offering dramatic views of the Ligurian Sea. Highlights include hiking the cliffs to Portofino and enjoying the views of the high route to Manarola from Verrnazzo. Chestnut and pine forests lead to beautiful Portovenere. There’s even a short boat ride to hike on the island of Palmaria. Long days of walking and hiking on various terrains and steep ancient trails connecting the villages, makes this trip difficulty rating level vary from Easy to Active.

Ireland Walking and Hiking Tour – The darling town of Cork serves as your meeting and departure point for this trip through County Kerry. The charms of the Emerald Isle greet you as you walk and hike along country roads and coastal cliffs.

You have the opportunity to hike around Caragh Lake, view the glacier carved Glencar Valley, and hike up to Windy Gap to gaze at Dingle Bay. Then you will get a chance to see the town of Killaney and its 15th century Ross Castle on the shore of Lower Lake. From this point, it’s on to the wild Killarney National Park with its windswept mountains, deep lakes and gorges. After an overnight stay in charming Kenmare you will be off to the rugged Beara Peninsula and hike over Mount Knockagarrane and the sculpted mountains of Gleninchaquin.

The terrain covered includes rolling country lanes and peatcovered footpaths and is considered Easy to Active for its level of difficulty.

Multi-Day Hiking Trips:

Machu Picchu Trek – The Inca Trail Trip – This trip starts in Cuzco, the former Inca capital. Here you can explore the local ruins, walk the cobblestone streets to see the historic sites and colorful neighborhoods, while acclimatizing your body before the next phase of the trip. Machu Picchu, once the citadel of the Inca culture in Peru, sits atop a mountain in a jungle of green landscape in the steep rugged mountains of southern Peru. You will trek through beautiful mountain valleys filled with

Cinque Terre, Italy – Tucked along the Italian Riviera between Genoa and La Specia is a cluster of five fishing villages – Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso.

Walk the coastal path to see the villages, with their pastel colored buildings and contrasting shutters, perched on the hillside with

Multi-Day Trekking Trips: When trekking in high altitudes, the trained tour guides take portable hyperbaric bags, pulse oximeter and supplemental oxygen along with a First Aid Kit.

+ HER TRAVEL

wild orchids and rainbow-colored moss. You’ll cross two high passes and descend 2,000 stone cut steps as you approach the dramatic views of the “Lost City of the Incas” and see the incomparable sights of Machu Picchu. The difficulty rating level for this trip is Moderate to Strenuous.

will climb through magnificent alpine scenery, view the mountains and the southern glaciers from the Great Barranco Valley – made famous from the movie Kilimanjaro. An additional day is given to acclimatize at the mountain’s highest elevation camp at Arrow Glacier. A special feature of this program includes a night spent in the inner crater with a chance to explore Kili’s glacier. Then it is on to the summit at 19,340 feet. This rates the highest difficulty level - Demanding.

Kayaking and Rafting Trips: These are for those who are seeking active water- sport vacations.

Iceland Walking and Hiking Tour – A walking and hiking tour presents the perfect way to see the natural wonders and magical mysteries of this North Atlantic Island just south of the Arctic Circle.

Reykjavik serves as the meeting and departure point and deserves attention as a friendly and interesting city. If you are looking for a diverse trekking experience this is it. You will cross through jagged mountains with twisting rock formations and hidden caves; climb a 400 foot high coastal promontory, trek through ice, sand, water and lava fields. Behold indescribable Jokulsarlon, a bright blue lagoon with black sands and gigantic icebergs. You will travel by air charter to view a massive ice field covering 3,200 square miles – 8% of the whole country. The terrain includes rocky, exposed, moderately steep and challenging alpine trails and double-track roads. The difficulty rating level ranges from Active to Challenging.

Mountaineering Trip: For those accomplished in both trekking and mountaineering skills and in the peak of physical conditioning, this trip is a once in a life-time opportunity.

Alaska Kayaking and Wildlife Adventure – The bush town of Gustavus, home to writers, artists and conservationists, serves as the starting point of this adventure which includes a 3 day kayaking trip and camping on pristine beaches. You’ll paddle sea-kayaks to Point Adolphus, the feeding ground of humpback whales. Sea lions, porpoises and bald eagles are also in this habitat. Highlights include a trip to Panoramic Glacier Bay National Park for an overnight camping and kayaking expedition among icebergs and the densest convergence of tidewater glaciers in the world. The difficulty level rating is Moderate.

Rafting the Middle Fork of the Salmon River – This 104 mile long river in Central Idaho and the surrounding area is considered the premier wilderness adventure in the Western U.S. The trip commences in Stanley Idaho. Over the course of six days with overnight camping, you will raft through shifting landscapes and see pit dwellings once inhabited by the Shoshone people. There are opportunities for various types of boating and rafting experiences. The difficulty level is considered Easy.

Biking and Cycling Adventure: These trips are for those who would rather stay on land but prefer bicycling as their primary means of transportation for sightseeing.

Umbria and Tuscany Bike Tour – Experience the medieval splendors and ancient customs of the charming Umbrian towns of Montefalco, Spello and beautiful Assisi with its stunning Basilica of St. Francis. Sample the “Big Red” Umbrian wines and delight in the local food specialties. Cycle through undulating hills lined with Cypress trees and poppies.

As you bike into Tuscany you’ll pass sunflower fields and olive groves. The historic hilltop town Cortona, surrounded by 3,000 year old Etruscan walls was the setting for the movie Under the Tuscan Sun. The level of difficulty rating ranges from Easy to Active with one day fitting the Strenuous category.

Bryce and Zion Canyons Bike Tour – If you are ready for a trip that features long climbs, rugged descents and switchbacks, you will behold breathtaking canyons and incredible rock formations. Experience the Cedar Breaks National Monument with its redrock stone towers, canyons, columns and arches. There’s also the burnt orange color of Snow

Summit Kilimanjaro – Referred as the trek to the “Roof of Africa”, Mt. Kilimanjaro is located in East Africa in the country of Tanzania. It is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest freestanding mountain – not part of a mountain range – in the entire world. The tour starts in Arusha, Tanzania. The trek begins in the rainforest at 6,400 feet. Here you hers-magazine.com

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Canyon and White Navajo sandstone cliffs on this adventure. The spires of Bryce are sure to amaze. Take a hike at Rainbow Point on trails named Sunrise, Inspiration and Queen’s Garden.

And the route to Zion starts through Red Canyon with its spires and hoodoos. A special treat is biking along the car-free Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. The difficulty range is Easy to Moderate – with a couple of Challenging days and rides.

Multi-Sport Trips: Not satisfied with just one primary activity? Try these multi-sport adventures.

Croatia Multi-Sport – Visit the enchanting medieval cities, view the turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea and the rugged mountains of Croatia - biking, hiking and kayaking. The venture begins in Zagreb, the lively capital city. This multi-sport trip starts with hiking around the emerald pools of Plitvice National Park. The following day you will bike through pastoral villages and the scenic landscapes near Plitvice Lakes. Next sea- kayaking takes the stage as you head to the coast and set out for car-free Virgada Island. From there you head to Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site before concluding the trip. The difficulty level is Moderate.

San Juan Islands Multi-Sport – These islands in the state of Washington are a naturelover’s paradise. You welcome and say farewell to this venture at Friday Harbor. Hiking these trails gives you breathtaking panoramic views of snowcapped peaks and places to stop and watch the marine mammals and birds basking in the sun on the craggy shorelines. You’ll see whales and dolphins at play in the protected waters.

Kayak to Roche Harbor and bike the country roads of Orcas Island and see Mt. Constitution, the highest peak in the San Juan’s. Another kayak venture takes you for an overnight camping trip on Stuart Island. The level of difficulty is Moderate.

These trips bring the WOW factor to travel.

But let’s not forget the great health benefits too.

So if you have the physical stamina and are hankering for an active vacation, let these tempt you to explore and find the best trip for you.

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6 ISSUES FOR

JUST $9.95

F E AT U R E S • H E A R T • F L AVO R • H E A LT H L E S S O N S • W O R K • P L AY W W W. H E R S - M A G A Z I N E . C O M hers-magazine.com

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DAN CE LIKE A PRO

BY VASANTH RAJAN

If you have set your thoughts to learn to dance like a seasoned professional, you ought to work towards it. Getting recognized as a seasoned dancer is not the most simple of tasks. The enthusiast has to go the extra mile as when he plans to know how to dance to get recognized as a seasoned professional.

Apart from the passion to learn to dance, the enthusiast should also possess talent and skills in spades to become a recognized professional. The ardent enthusiast who wants to make a mark as a recognized dancer should take efforts to learn how to dance effectively as well as graciously. The enthusiast should also embrace quintessential features to sharpen his dancing skills, and with it be on his way to get recognized as a seasoned campaigner.

Take cue from dancing legends While you are taking efforts to know how to dance, getting registered in a dance class or other mediums is a surefire way to learn the basic steps and movements of a dance style. Most importantly, when you are keen to learn to dance, getting inspired by looking at the dance movements of the legends is sure to set the tone up for an exciting learning process. You should make it a point to take cue from the dancing legends, as in a way to know about the hardships they went through to acquire the needed skills, which is sure to be a motivating factor during the learning process. It is an ideal way to get started to know how to dance, and to make a good progress to get recognized as an established professional.

Motivate yourself To get to grips with any art form, passion is an element that kindles the desire to master the art form and dancing is no different from the other art forms. While you are

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passionate to learn to dance and are exploring avenues to know how to dance, you ought to motivate yourself in your quest to become a recognized dancer.

Make use of various mediums to learn While you are looking for ways and means to get initiated to know how to dance, there are several powerful mediums that impart skills and techniques pertaining to a dance form in the most effective way. As an enthusiast, you can make use of the various mediums to sharpen your dancing skills and be on your way to learn to dance and get recognized as a seasoned professional.

The dance class is a traditional medium that imparts dance lessons to enthusiasts who fall under various skill levels, as you can also make use of online dance lessons and DVD to learn the tricks of the trade.

Observe skilled dancers Apart from the efforts put in during the dance class, an enthusiast should also

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observe skilled dancers as when he craves to learn to dance and be on his way to get recognized as a seasoned campaigner. Be it the dance class, online dance lesson or even that of dance clubs, an enthusiast should be on the look out to learn a few tricks by observing the dance movements performed by skilled dancers.

Remain focused When the learner is yearning to know how to dance, and is also eager to unearth the nuances of a dance form, he should remain focused during his quest to become a recognized professional. When the focal attention is lavished upon acquiring the dance skills, it becomes easy to learn to dance effectively and get recognized as a seasoned professional.

For the enthusiast who dreams to become a seasoned professional as when she gets initiated to learn to dance, there are effective measures that help her convert her dreams into reality.

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+ HER WELLNESS

YOGA B E ST F O R M I N D, B O DY, S P I R I T W E L L N E S S

BY LINDA ADAMS

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e have learned, in the past century, that our mental, physical and emotional or spiritual selves are related parts of our whole self. That if one self, say the physical, is stressed, the mental and emotional selves also suffer that stress.

Nobody ever welcomes the possibility of any health concerns. How then to get fit and stay fit? Most everyone began pondering over possible, realistic and effective ways to manage it. There must be efficient and effective ways of stress management and relief.

Yoga could be the thing to meet these concerns.

The principle of Yoga is multifold – body movements, breathing techniques and meditation. Originating from the East, as among its ancient traditions, Yoga is now accepted and done in local, and global communities.

Yoga practitioners first came from religious associations and expanded to businesses and professionals including a.

There is now global acceptance of how stress diminishes work effectiveness and disrupts the harmony in a home and how yoga helps in stress management or relief.

Yoga has a wholistic perspective of things. Yoga focuses on oneness - bringing together the body, mind and spirit.

This tenet doesn’t only bring stress relief and physical

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fitness but mental and spiritual transformation as well.

Yoga teaches you how to meditate effectively, you are taught proper breathing, visualization, body stretching movements. Yoga postures stretch your body while sustaining unhurried and paced breathing. Your body is both relaxed and rejuvenated at the same time.

You grow to become resistant to stress as you progress in your performance of yoga. The complete program of breathing methods, body stretches, fitness plans, meditation and directed visualization take out the stress you’re confronting now.

Besides handling stress, Yoga reportedly helps lower blood pressure and regulate heart rate, decrease anxiety and muscle tension, and boost strength and flexibility.

In contrast to regular exercise moves, Yoga’s are unhurried and calm, thus even those who are held back by physical illness can perform them.Plus, the meditation and positions of Yoga develop your spiritual awareness and mental consciousness.

Nothing good comes just falling into our laps. To gather all these benefits which amount to a complete wellness , you need to commit constancy of time to yoga.

Which in time will soon make you realize that getting into yoga was the best decision you ever made in your life.

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Recipe

grilled

FISH TACOS

CHEF SHELLY POGUE

INGREDIENTS TACO SEASONING: 1 tablespoon ancho chili powder 1 tablespoon chili powder 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon celery salt 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper FISH TACOS: 1 1/2 pounds mahi mahi 1 tablespoon canola oil 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 12 corn tortillas, warmed Shredded red and green cabbage, for serving Nonfat Greek yogurt, for serving Lime wedges, for serving Hot sauce, for serving

DIRECTIONS For the taco seasoning: Mix together the chili powders, coriander, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, celery salt, kosher salt and cayenne in a small bowl.

For the fish tacos: Preheat the grill. Sprinkle the fish with the oil, salt, black pepper and taco seasoning; grill the fish for 5 to 6 minutes per side to cook through. Serve fish in warmed corn tortillas topped with shredded cabbage, yogurt, lime wedges and hot sauce, if desired.

Recipe courtesy of The Cooking Channel. Find this recipe and others at cookingchanneltv.com

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A R TS / T H E AT E R

BY PAIGE HOVEY

Here’s what you can look forward to syncing on your iPod for the remainder of the year!

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roadway’s touring revival of the 1972 musical Pippin made its way to the Fox Theatre in Atlanta in early May. The performance was undoubtedly made to entertain and it delivered on that intent, truly putting on a show. It was essentially an acrobatic circus set to music, with an atypical pursuit of a plot. Set in the Dark Ages, the story revolves around King Charlemagne’s young adult son, Prince Pippin. Fresh out of University and faced with an existential predicament, he goes from one fruitless attempt to another searching for meaning, substance, and a sense of accomplishment. Those plot points, however, didn’t flow exceptionally well and were a bit irrelevant to one another.

The exciting opening act included wild acrobatics and some Vaudevillian dancing . First on the stage was a character called the “Leading Player”, who served as sort of a narrator and director, and carried the show along. Lisa Karlin was subbing for Sasha Allen at this particular performance. Karlin was instantly lovable and fierce, and reminded me of a younger

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Liza Minnelli. A few of her lines indicated that what we were about to see was “a play within a play”. Next was the introduction of monarchy characters, antecedents of Pippin, followed by Pippin himself. Act One revolved around the dynamics among the family members, amidst Pippin’s metaphysical preoccupations. Story line seeds were planted, indicating we would find out more about Pippin’s stepmother and stepbrother and their roles in the kingdom’s future. It set an expectation and told half of a story, with comedy and bits of satire.

Act two, however, desperately lacked cohesion and seemed as though it was drafted by a completely different playwright who did away with the ideas of the first. It was as if a second playwright wasn’t interested in continuing with the opening story line, and took the plot in a completely different direction. Act two also contained a bit less of the exciting choreography and gymnastics the first half had indulged.

The finale was the most unforgettable scene in the show. This was when the “play-within-a-play” angle really came to

fruition. Everyone broke character to play the actor who was playing their character.

It was as confusing as it sounds, and it felt tremendously uncomfortable and tense. At times it was a jarring and very blunt scene that nearly ruined the entire show, had every other scenes not been so excellent.

Aside from the story lines, a few other elements stood out. Staging was excellent, though it never changed or transitioned.

It was kept minimal so the lighting could do all the work to show the settings and it worked very, very well. Costuming was well done and each was unique, making it easy to see and remember which character was which. The only flaw in wardrobe was Pippin’s uniform, which did not at all fit the time period. It seemed as though he was running late and had no choice but to perform in his street clothes without time to change into costume. He looked like any common millennial and should have been much better outfitted, especially for the starring role.

When all was said and done, Pippin was so worth seeing. Daring stunts and mind-blowing magic tricks thrilled the senses. If you get a chance to see the show,

| Jul y /August 2 0 1 5 | H ER S Ma gazin e |

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NA MTEENRT + H E R EANRTTESR/TTAHI E

don’t expect to love the flow of the plot, but do anticipate sensational entertainment you won’t soon forget.

Paige Hovey is an Atlanta-based freelance columnist specializing in food writing, theater, interpersonal dynamics, religious philosophy, and personal growth. She can be reached at thesephoolishthings@gmail.com.

Broadway’s touring revival of the 1972 musical Pippin made its way to the Fox Theatre in Atlanta in early May. The performance was undoubtedly made to entertain and it delivered on that intent, truly putting on a show. It was essentially an acrobatic circus set to music, with an atypical pursuit of a plot. Set in the Dark Ages, the story revolves around King Charlemagne’s young adult son, Prince Pippin. Fresh out of University and faced with an existential predicament, he goes from one fruitless attempt to another searching for meaning, substance, and a sense of accomplishment. Those plot points, however, didn’t flow exceptionally well and were a bit irrelevant to one another.

The exciting opening act included wild acrobatics and some Vaudevillian dancing . First on the stage was a character called the “Leading Player”, who served as sort of a narrator and director, and carried the show along. Lisa Karlin was subbing for Sasha Allen at this particular

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performance. Karlin was instantly lovable and fierce, and reminded me of a younger Liza Minnelli. A few of her lines indicated that what we were about to see was “a play within a play”. Next was the introduction of monarchy characters, antecedents of Pippin, followed by Pippin himself. Act One revolved around the dynamics among the family members, amidst Pippin’s metaphysical preoccupations. Story line seeds were planted, indicating we would find out more about Pippin’s stepmother and stepbrother and their roles in the kingdom’s future. It set an expectation and told half of a story, with comedy and bits of satire.

Act two, however, desperately lacked cohesion and seemed as though it was drafted by a completely different playwright who did away with the ideas of the first. It was as if a second playwright wasn’t interested in continuing with the opening story line, and took the plot in a completely different direction. Act two also contained a bit less of the exciting choreography and gymnastics the first half had indulged.

The finale was the most unforgettable scene in the show. This was when the “play-within-a-play” angle really came to fruition. Everyone broke character to play the actor who was playing their character.

It was as confusing as it sounds, and it felt tremendously uncomfortable and tense. At

| HERS M a gazine | Ju ly/ Au gu s t 2015 |

times it was a jarring and very blunt scene that nearly ruined the entire show, had every other scenes not been so excellent.

Aside from the story lines, a few other elements stood out. Staging was excellent, though it never changed or transitioned.

It was kept minimal so the lighting could do all the work to show the settings and it worked very, very well. Costuming was well done and each was unique, making it easy to see and remember which character was which. The only flaw in wardrobe was Pippin’s uniform, which did not at all fit the time period. It seemed as though he was running late and had no choice but to perform in his street clothes without time to change into costume. He looked like any common millennial and should have been much better outfitted, especially for the starring role.

When all was said and done, Pippin was so worth seeing. Daring stunts and mind-blowing magic tricks thrilled the senses. If you get a chance to see the show, don’t expect to love the flow of the plot, but do anticipate sensational entertainment you won’t soon forget.

Paige Hovey is an Atlanta-based freelance columnist specializing in food writing, theater, interpersonal dynamics, religious philosophy, and personal growth. She can be reached at thesephoolishthings@gmail.com.

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What Shows Are Coming Back in the Fall?

BY ANNETTE JOHNSON

Longtime TV shows like The Mindy Project are coming to an end, and others we thought may work but were canceled after only one season include Selfie (Karen Gillan), State of Affairs (Katherine Heigl) and Bad Judge (Kate Walsh).

Returning to TV is: “2 Broke Girls” “Mike & Molly” “Mom” “Mysteries of Laura” “The Good Wife” “Paternity Court” “Orange is the New Black”

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