Hers Jan/Feb 2016

HERS magazine presents

“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!

Have a project that never quite got off the ground due to lack of funding?

Fund Her Projects (FHP) is an innovative funding platform just for women. FHP is not your typical crowdfunding site, as it allows members to promote a well-intentioned cause and request needed items within the community.

WE EVEN SUPPORT NEEDS THAT HELP YOU SUPPORT THOSE PEOPLE AND IDEALS YOU HOLD DEAR BY OFFERING:

WHY FUNDHERPROJECTS.COM? • We Understand and Value You • We Are Community Who Cares About Your Success

• Rewards-Based Crowdfunding • Support for Meaningful Causes

• We Support Your Campaign from Start to Finish

• Virtual Baby Showers for Mothers without Means • Back-to-School Gift Registry

VISIT WWW.FUNDHERPROJECTS.COM

Editor-in-Chief, Annette Johnson Design Director, Joey Shepherd Graphic Design and Layout, Kiryl Lysenka Online Editor, Bianca Nelson Home Editor, Jennifer Adams Travel Editor, Peggy Hattendorf Social Media Director, Tamara King Editorial Assistant, Jazmyne Crowder Sales Manager, Mary Taylor Special Projects Manager, Veronique Thomas Contributors: Irena Bocheva Adrian Cheng Emeloyi Ezeanata Jaime Johnson Reena Mariel Anne Nichols Jeanine Nicole Samiyah Sumpter Eliza Taylor Cover: Kelly Clark (main picture) – snowboarder From left to right: Rebecca Rusch – mountain biker Ashley Fiolek – retired motocross racer Jessamyn Stanley – yoga teacher (photo by Lydia Hudgens Photography) Rachel Moore – rock climber, model Perle Noire – burlesque dancer Steph Davis – rock climber 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 per year by Allwrite Communications, 241 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 400, Atlanta, GA 30303, 404-221-0703

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Naturally Sweet Treats to Show Your Body Love This Valentine’s Day Use our simple-to-make, all-natural treats to show yourself some love.

January/Fe

CONTENTS

F E AT U R E D S T O RY 8 Seven Magnificent Women with Bodies Worth Envying An exclusive look at the unique ways they maintain fitness and how they deal with male competition.

40 Masturbate or Wait

While some decide to wait – without sex – on the right man, others are choosing masturbation for self-discovery.

HER FLAVOR 46 Tasty Crock Pot Recipes

Healthy recipes that you can easily make in your slow cooker.

HER HEART 39 Tips for Finding Love Online

Tips that everyone should know before searching for love online.

41 The Truth About Money and Marriage

Important money tips to maintain a happy marriage.

42 New Year, New You: Organizing Your Space

Decluttering is the perfect way to improve your home and life.

48 Loving Her in Lingerie

Take a look at these exclusive ready-to-wear, chic intimate wear from Natasha Harvey.

52 Luxury Hair Care for the Everyday Women Celebrity hairstylist Cynthia Meadows talks about her new hair care line.

54 Creating the Perfect Hair Mask at Home Dealing with dry and brittle hair? Use this strengthening mask to add shine and restoration to your tresses.

ebruary HER WORK 44 Branding You Vs. Branding Your MLM

Learn how to sell yourself and create a MLM brand that clearly distinguishes you.

H E R P L AY 58 Places Worth a Revisit

Find out which getaways are worth revisiting in 2016.

65 Review: ‘Rusch to Glory’ Take an even deeper inside look at Rebecca’s Rusch to Glory.

65 Hers 2016 Movie Picks 56 Love is Always There

Check out the female actresses who will be dominating the big screen this year.

57 #TheMeEyeSee

66 7 Female Artists We Expect to Rock This Years Music Chart

HER LESSONS How Valentine’s Day exposes who we really love or should love.

Hers introduces a self-awareness campaign for 2016.

Take a look at the most anticipated albums of 2016.

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Editor’s Letter In every issue of the magazine, we seek to highlight women who are goal-driven and inspirational in some form. In this edition, we highlight seven women who defied and challenged their own fears to literally, in at least two cases, get to the top of a mountain. This includes two women named Rachel, who you will learn more about in this issue.

Many women, namely mothers, like to see themselves as overcomers in some regard because of the societal slant toward men in certain arenas. Furthermore, many of us take on the most challenging job in society, that of being the primary caretakers of children. Well, imagine having an additional handicap beyond your current situation. Ashley Fiolek was a motocross racer but she has never heard the sound of her bike, much less the other bikes racing around her. She is deaf, but she never let that get in her way. Despite her size at the time, Jessamyn Stanley decided she wanted to try yoga, and now she has thousands of followers who literally watch her every move, as she skillfully balances her full-size body.

Making the most of our life is something we can’t always achieve because we don’t realize that we, ourselves, are a brand.

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As such, this issue provides tips in personal branding and even shares common mistakes, which one successful entrepreneur, Cynthia Meadows, shares in her quest to develop her own hair care line. Thus, there is no excuse for you not to recognize your value and begin your own unique personal journey in business.

No worthwhile life plan is complete without love, so we discuss love in honor of Valentine’s Day and even in marriage, where love can be extinguished when it comes to money. From new ways to look at your life to organizing your home, this issue should leave you uniquely motivated and challenged.

Remember to share the gift of HERS once you’re done reading. We look forward to hearing from you online or email.

Until, Annette R. Johnson

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STEPH DAVIS

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BY JAZMYNE CROWDER hers-magazine.com

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ock climbing and base jumping both require an extremely high level of physical fitness. Aside from being physically fit on the outside your body has to be fit on the inside. Steph speaks on how she stays fit and prepares to engage in physical activity.

“In my climbing slow season (usually winter), I train by climbing inside at rock gyms and doing climbing specific workouts at home. Base jumping mainly needs a lot of cardiovascular fitness because you have to carry your gear to the top of the cliff or mountain and feel rested and alert before jumping. So I trail run and Nordic ski.

The foundation of all my fitness is diet and lifestyle choices. I eat a plant based, whole foods diet with very little refined sugar or grains. I will very occasionally drink some white wine or decaf coffee, but not much. I don’t eat any processed foods or artificial sweeteners. I keep some fermented foods in my diet by making my own kim chi and kombucha, and I focus a lot on hydration, which sometimes seems like a full time job,” says Davis.

In life, we all experience good and bad days. Davis, like most, has experienced the best of both worlds but has managed to find what works for and helps her stay positive when things get difficult.

“I’ve noticed that walking up a hill is the cure for most things. If I get outside and move around in a beautiful place, it’s easier to put things in perspective. I try to focus on the positive and think of all the blessings I have in life.

Reaching out to someone who’s having a hard time or trying to help someone even in a very small way always makes you feel good. And I pay attention to nutrients also, making sure I’m taking my B vitamins and iron.”

Although she has completed many difficult jumps, focusing on her thoughts before competing always aids her in the right direction. “In order to feel confident and totally focused, I need to be prepared physically, and

“I eat a plant based, whole foods diet with very little refined sugar or grains. I will very occasionally drink some white wine or decaf coffee, but not much. I don’t eat any processed foods or artificial sweeteners.” hers-magazine.com

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REBECCA

RUSCH

BY JAZMYNE CROWDER

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ix-time world champion, rock climber, and author Rebecca Rusch shares with us her many ways of staying physically charged and the BIG plans she has in store for 2016.

When it comes to maintaining a super toned and slim figure, Rusch gives most of the credit to doing exercises that are playful and staying away from packaged foods.

“I think the biggest thing is to find something that is play for you, like recess when you were in school. Whatever the activity is, something that makes you laugh and giggle, and jump and play. The more playful that it is, the more you will want to do it, and then the side effect ends up becoming your health and fitness. But the initial motivation needs to be because you really want to do it...

If it’s not fun you’re not going to do it. So whether it’s a Zumba class or whatever is fun for you I think that’s the first thing and the second is the variety. Ya know changing it up all of the time. There’s so much to choose from.”

To maintain optimal health and a lean, healthy physique, Rusch prefers fresh foods but admits she has a few dietary challenges. “Any sort of fresh bread with cheese on it, those are sort of my downfalls,” she says with a chuckle. “I really do try to eat healthy, but I think my biggest thing is I try not to eat a lot of packaged food you know things that come in their own package and are fresh. I find that that’s really the guidance that I need, which is not eating things out of a package. I do pretty well that way. Everyone has their downfall; my are wine, cheese, and bread. Maybe I should have been French. I don’t know.”

“I really do try to eat healthy, but I think my biggest thing is I try not to eat a lot of packaged food.” hers-magazine.com

“I think the biggest thing is to find something that is play for you, like recess when you were in school.”

While she may seem physically invincible, dominating most every challenge she undertakes, she says that one sport, in particular, is “one of the hardest things” she’s ever done. “I really believe that cross country skiing is probably one of the hardest things that I’ve ever done, but it’s also one of the only things that I’ve done that is really complete all-over body workout from your arms to your core, your butt, legs, ankles. It’s very much cardiovascular but also muscular at the same time. It’s the one sport I do in the winter that really gives me an all-over body reset because I do a lot of mountain biking in the summer months, and you know you’re hunched over, bent forward, and you’re using a lot of the same specific muscles. So I actually really look forward to winter where I get off of the bike for a little while and I sort of balance out those muscles in the front part of my body that aren’t getting used as much. I also think swimming is really great. I don’t enjoy swimming as much as cross country skiing, *laughs* but it’s also one of those reset things that I think are really healthy, especially if athletes are one specific kind of athlete. They need to do a couple of other [sports] even if they are lousy at them.” | Januar y /Februar y 2 0 1 6 | H ER S Ma gaz in e |

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RACHEL MOORE Rachel Moore

BY JAZMYNE CROWDER

Model, climber, dive master and world traveler Rachel Moore on health, romance, and sailing!

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s a professional model for Guess, Bebe, and other popular brands, Rachel Moore regards one of her biggest accomplishments as buying her own boat and sailing.

For nearly five years, the 20-something-yearold worked and saved so she could achieve her dream of traveling the high seas. Originally from Ventura, California, Moore has been living and traveling with her husband, Josh Shankle, for the past six years on their 42foot boat. “When we leave, it will be a little harder to maintain relationships,” says Moore of maintaining strong family ties while being away on the ocean for extended periods. “Last night, my parents came over and we spent really good quality time. So when we return, we still hope to have the strong relationships and hopefully they come and visit us. Ultimately, at the end of the day, it’s amazing to get to travel

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with my husband but it’s also good sharing those moments with the people who you love the most.”

Living on a sailboat full-time, Moore has experienced somewhat of a unique and more adventurous life than most. Even the simplest task requires much more strength simply because you’re on the water. In fact, she gives credit of maintaining her amazing physique to living on a boat. “With the last year, I’ve been doing a lot more work, so between working and living on a boat, just living on a boat takes a lot more physical energy. Like carrying down groceries and doing laundry takes a lot more physical effort, and there’s a lot more walking

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JESSAMYN

STANLEY

BY JAZMYNE CROWDER

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hen it comes to practicing yoga, enthusiast and teacher Jessamyn Stanley feels that it’s something that every human being should practice. “Everyone gets caught up on the visual of the poses, and it’s exciting to see.

You know we like the ballet, the gymnastic competitions and things like that. So I think that’s why people get off on the poses.” She advises, “It may not look the same for everyone.”

She feels that practitioners should be constantly living the path of yoga. “It’s a lot more than just posing. It’s something that ultimately encompasses every aspect of your life.” hers-magazine.com

It’s a lot more than just posing.

It’s something that ultimately encompasses every aspect of your life.

One of the favorite parts of the yoga experience is ahimsa, which is one of many unique yoga practices.

By practicing ahimsa, you allow yourself to reach the highest and truest expression. Ultimately, the purpose of ahimsa is to gradually move you forward by linking your breathing, health, and happiness together. Ahimsa yoga is for anyone who is looking for a safe way to challenge herself in any environment. This practice is done in a noncompetitive way, which removes mental anguish about achievement or stamina levels.

Most yoga practices require you to focus and often times be in an inclusive environment. However for Stanley, she can often be found practicing in her favorite yoga studio: her living room or even occasionally at local studios, such as Bikram Durham. “My ideal yoga practicing experience is one where I’m able to just live my life freely. That involves being able to practice ahimsa in my body as it is right now without being concerned about | Januar y /Februar y 2 0 1 6 | H ER S Ma gaz in e |

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ASHLEY FIOLEK

BY JAZMYNE CROWDER

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year old Ashley Fiolek won 4 Women’s National Championships as a professional motocross racer. Often faced with hardships and at times disadvantages, she has always managed to come out on top and continue succeeding. Although Fiolek is now retired, motocross still remains a huge part of her life. She shares with us her fitness tips, overcoming self-confidence. hers-magazine.com 28 | HERS Ma gazi ne | Januar y/fear, Feb ru arand y 2016building |

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Where are you in the world?

Right now I am in Southern California. I live here part of the year and I am in Florida a lot because that is where my family and my little brother live.

How do you follow your bliss all year round?

I try. I think it is important to do what makes you happy. I love to travel and have been fortunate to make it part of career.

If fear ever shows up in your life, how do you move passed it?

One thing I remember that was really scary for me was doing a Ted Talk a few years back in Greece. I just practiced my speech over and over. When the time came I knew I just had to start, once I got started the fear went away. I guess it just try to take it step by step. I also know that great things can happen if you just face your fears.

with me and said that I needed to make a decision—to risk hitting a jump or to quit racing. So I choose to hit all the jumps and went for it. Taking that risk lead to great things for me, I never would have all the experiences the pro racing gave me had I not gone for it then.

Tell us a time when something totally synchronistic happened…

Well, I would say my timing for racing women’s professional motocross was really right, like I was in the right place at the right time. My family and I worked towards a goal of racing professionally and when I did it was when the women’s series was up and running really well, and the X Games had added women’s Super X, the whole industry was really healthy. It was a very good time for women in the sport. I do believe if you work hard towards your dream, and if you not afraid to follow your own path, that things come together for you.

Why do you love what you do?

I started my motocross schools AFMXSchool.com last year, and I am loving it because I get help others, especially kids and women. I work with them to become better at riding and I believe it builds their self-confidence for other areas in of their life. I think that because I am deaf teacher that also helps them see that nothing can hold you back. I hope through my schools I can inspire others.

What advice could you give to someone who knows what they love to do, but haven’t gone for it?

Don’t wait, don’t be afraid to do something because of what others think, or maybe because it hasn’t been done before, just go after it. Anything is Possible!

What is your secret for staying in such great shape?

I had a rigid training program when I racing professionally, I think helped me to make being active a normal daily thing. I don’t have a strict routine these days, I just am active every day whether I am hiking, snowboarding, riding dirt bikes, I love to be outside and I am up for any new physical challenge.

What’s one of the biggest risks you’ve taken, and how did it feel to go for it?

When I was an amateur, I had one of the worst crashes of my life on a jump. I broke my tooth and nose and I had a concussion. After I healed I was so afraid to hit any jumps so I just rolled everything on the track. My parents talked hers-magazine.com

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KELLY CLARK

BY JAZMYNE CROWDER

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ncorporating her own style and creativity on snowboarding, Kelly Clark continues to dominate the industry and strive for gold.

Clark has been in the snowboarding for more than 16 years, since she was 7 years old. After winning numerous medals and earning championships in competitions like the TTR World Snowboarding Tour, Clark remains dedicated and focused. In 2015, Clark received the Best Female Action Sports Athlete ESPY Award.

Despite all, her crowning achievement thus far has been placing in the Olympics. She first became a member of U.S. Snowboard team in 2000, and two years later, at age 18, Clark won her first gold medal in the women’s halfpipe. “The 2010 Bronze medal was perhaps my favorite moment. I had placed 4th in Turino four years earlier, and I got up the courage to go after my dreams again and got on the podium eight years after my first Olympic medal. You value things based on what they cost you, and that one cost a lot, so I value it the most.”

Although she loves snowboarding for many reasons, the most important being that she is able to do tricks and incorporate her own style. “If I do a trick and my friend does a trick, it looks totally different because we all have our own style. I also love that you can never be the best, the sport is always changing and I am continually challenged.”

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“You value things based on what they cost you, and that one cost a lot, so I value it the most.”

Staying in great physical shape is just as important for athletes as it is for everyday people. Clark shares that staying in great physical shape is a constant in her life. “I am either working on gaining strength, maintaining strength or getting my body to recover,” she says. “I know that I get out what I put in, so I constantly invest because I know it’s worth it. I never want to be limited physically in what I do and I want to be durable. If you know where you want to go, it is easy to put in the day to day to make it happen.” | Januar y /Februar y 2 0 1 6 | H ER S Ma gaz in e |

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PERLE

NOIRE

BY SAMIYAH SUMPTER

Called “The Mahogany Queen of Burlesque,” the ebony dancer shares her pearls of wisdom.

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himmying and gliding across the stage in elaborate sexy costumes, Perle Noire acquaints international audiences with the burlesque art form. She is what some may consider the modern embodiment of the longstanding theatrical dance form. Not only does she exude sensuality and grace on stage, she also teaches dance classes called “Perlesque� for those who want to gain sexual 35 Januar y /Februar y 2 0 1 6confidence. | H ER S Ma gaz in e |

+ HER HOME

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU: Organizing Your Space

BY JENNIFER ADAMS

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emember that resolution you made to get more organized this year? Well, the year’s not over yet and it’s the perfect time to do a pre-holiday clean and get things in order for the upcoming tax season before being buried by the holidays.

You’ve read that clutter is stressful and getting your home and life more organized can help you feel more

relaxed, less overwhelmed and less stressed. Because of this, being more organized may help you sleep better as well as improve your health! Does this sound too good to be true? It’s not, really.

And you don’t have to do it all at once. Here are a few new ways to think about get your organization goals back on track.

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 channel or visit 42 | HERS Ma gazi neYouTube | Januar y/ Feb ru arwww.jenniferadams.com y 2016 |

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he appeal of being your own boss attracts many participants to multilevel marketing (MLM) companies, such as Avon and Mary Kay. Also called direct selling, or network marketing, these companies may offer significant incremental earnings based on the more you sell and the more people you recruit to join your network sales team. Thus, your success, in part, is the direct result of finding the best prospects — usually people you already know, at least initially.

Branding You vs.

Branding Your MLM Business

BY ANNETTE JOHNSON

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In appealing to your prospects or target market, how should you promote your MLM business opportunity or products? Should you market based on your reputation or the company’s? Moreover, when there are several hundred other reps selling the same products, how do you distinguish yourself to customers?

Branding is how business and individuals differentiate themselves from their competitors. One brand of paper towel, for example, is considered more durable while another is associated with being more cost effective. Everything about the marketing of these two competing products, including advertising and even packaging, highlights their unique brand appeal.

Some consider it a mistake to brand your MLM business rather than yourself. Meanwhile, others insist that product recognition provides greater market appeal than a company distributor’s appeal, especially someone new to the business.

Many times, MLMs actually try to attract new product ambassadors or distributors by touting the sales revenue of one of its successful representatives.

Thus, if MLMs are using someone’s personal brand appeal to attract business, why shouldn’t you do the same and promote your own brand? hers-magazine.com

+ HER FOOD

Three Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes for Beginners

BY ADRIAN T. CHENG

A slow cooker is very ideal for anyone who doesn’t have enough time to cook in the morning but still wants to come home to a delicious homemade meal. When using a crockpot, fresh ingredients are cooked in low temperature for hours and the natural juices of meats and produce are retained, resulting to a flavorful and nutrient-rich dish. Season with natural herbs and spices for added goodness!

Try these 3 easy herbs and spices slow cooker recipes:

Cilantro-Lime Slow Cooker Chicken

Slow Cooker Herbed White Bean Soup

Slow Cooker Herbs and Spices Spaghetti Sauce

1 1/2 kg. boneless and skinless chicken breast halves

1/2 kg. dry navy beans (soaked overnight)

18 cups tomato sauce

2 carrots, peeled and diced

2 1/4 cups tomato paste

1 lime, juiced

1 potato, peeled and cubed

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups salsa

1 large onion

1 large onion, chopped

3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

4 sprigs fresh parsley

3 tablespoons dried oregano

2 1/2 tablespoons dry taco seasoning mix

1 sprig fresh lemon thyme, chopped

3 tablespoons dried parsley

Mix together lime juice, salsa, cilantro and taco seasoning mix in a slow cooker. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.

Add the chicken breasts to the cooker and coat with the cilantro-lime mixture.

Cover, set the cooker to low and cook for 6-8 hours. When ready, use a fork to shred chicken breasts. Serve with soft taco shells and a dressing of your choice if desired.

1 sprig fresh rosemary

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1 sprig fresh savory 1 bay leaf 4 cups mushroom broth 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 cube vegetable bouillon

In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook carrot and onion over medium-high heat until tender. When ready, combine carrot, onion, beans, mushroom broth, bouillon and bay leaf. Tie together parsley, lemon thyme, rosemary and savory and add to the cooker. Set on low and cook for 6-8 hours. When ready, add potatoes and cook on low for 1 more hour. Remove tied herbs before serving.

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Mix together tomato sauce, tomato paste, garlic, onion, oregano, parsley, rosemary, thyme, bay leaf and red pepper flakes in a slow cooker. Stir to combine ingredients well. Cover and set on high and cook for 3-4 hours, stirring frequently. Serve on top of cooked pasta.

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F E AT U R E S • H E A RT • F L AVO R • H E A LT H LESSONS • WORK • PLAY 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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Natasha Harvey

LOVING HER IN LINGERIE White Short Violetrose78 Playwear Tutu

Pink and Turq two piece Lingerie Set

+ HER BEAUTY

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CYNTHIA MEADOWS Creates Hair Colors and Cures

BY JAZMYNE CROWDER

Hairstylist and entrepreneur Cynthia Meadows has been in the hair industry since the age of 16. Specializing in bold cuts and custom color she has managed to turn her passion into a career. After owning her own hair studio for two years, she has branched off and decided to create a hair care line titled A’BLISS Luxury Hair Care System.

“I’m releasing only three products now,” says Meadows, the owner and operator of A’BLISS Upscale Styling Studio in Jacksonville, Florida. She has six products on her luxury haircare line that she has had specially formulated to both style and protect. “I’ve added natural ingredients that’s extracted into the product to make this work.”

Within the next few months, Meadows plans to release other A’BLISS products, which will include a cosmetic line. In regards to makeup, she will only introduce lip color for now. “I love lipsticks and lip pencils. I’m going to cater to that first, and then I’m going to expand into a full makeup line with lashes, foundations and concealers.”

Completely determined and quite successful, she is financing the business expansion using her own funds. “This line is being done solely off the money I make… I would like some investors, but it’s definitely not that easy.”

This is not Meadows’ first foray in developing her own products. In fact, the first time she tried, she failed because she didn’t understand that she needed to protect your idea. “When I first put my product out, I didn’t know anything about business, 52

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so I put the product out but didn’t protect my brand name.” She says she introduced her product idea during a training class in Miami. “The same person who sat in my class, went and took my [brand] name, so I had to start over. Now I own A’BLISS, and I’m able to bring it back out.”

She didn’t know anything about trademarks, but this time around, she says she’s approaching things differently. Her products feature all new packaging with a new, unique design. “You have to be careful about your products that you’re putting out, especially when you’re thinking on the international level for an international brand. It’s all about how you brand something,” she added.

While she is making headway into the beauty products industry, she has long been known as a hair-cutting master, creating signature styles for celebrity clients. Meadows also creates custom hair color for her clients and feels that “customization is the key.”

What she decries, though, is the chemical damage from at-home

“That’s why I say refrain from doing any chemicals at home.” hers-magazine.com

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F E AT U R E S • H E A RT • F L AVO R • H E A LT H LESSONS • WORK • PLAY W W W. H E R S - M A G A Z I N E . C O M

+ HER SOCIAL

Does Valentine’s Day Expose Who Truly Loves You?

BY ANNETTE JOHNSON

often occurs on the holidays: Is giving someone something he or she may like, necessary on special occasions as a sign of caring, commitment or love?

The greatest lesson about love is teaching people to acknowledge it. We have so many fantasies and ideas about what should be and how it should appear that we often overlook or ignore the love that already exists. We simply fail to recognize it. For instance, a child may complain about his or her parent working too much, and fail to recognize that the parent is only working overtime to provide ample resources for the family.

Learning to recognize love isn’t easy because of our very human tendency to take people and things for granted. The simple, often free, things, such as a compliment, hug, listening or consistent presence, are downplayed in favor of showy displays of love, especially on holidays. Certainly, a tangible, or visible, form of love helps, but it should not be solely relied upon to prove that someone loves or cares about you.

Some people truly don’t need an exchange of gifts to express love. On the other hand, there are others who are truly selfish, more or only in love with themselves, or don’t care as much as you thought. Therefore, saying something like “you should already know I love you” as an excuse for not doing anything, should only be acceptable if the other person is sincerely unable to provide a token of affection, no matter how small. Even if you have no or limited resources, here is a general list of five ways you can show love and affection: • Make something special or unique (i.e. handmade card) • Say something special or unique (i.e. “I love you”) • Do something special or unique (i.e. wash the clothes)

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hether it’s your love interest or loved one, most women expect an expression of love on Valentine’s Day. For some, the day has a positive, satisfying outcome, but for others, the day yields questions and even disappointment, including: • No one said anything or sent you something for Valentines, not even a text message or email.

• Maybe someone did send or say something, but it was the wrong person or not what you expected.

• You expressed love but got nothing in return and all you wanted was a sign of gratitude or anything, for that matter.

One popular comedian recently declared that he never gives his girlfriend anything on Valentine’s Day because love is intangible, something you should have for yourself rather than demand from others in the form of gifts and so forth. He felt his girlfriend should recognize his love because they are still together. Whether the comedian was serious or joking, he exposed an issue that 56

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• Take him/her somewhere special or unique (i.e. walk in the park) • Give something special that you already had (i.e. favorite book) Ultimately, love should be acknowledged and expressed prior to a day like Valentines, and then it should be somehow honored on these special occasions (i.e. birthdays, anniversaries). Going the extra step to display love in a tangible way should be done to establish or reinforce love and affection.

For those who feel as if they are unloved or not being loved adequately, remember, love is always there. It must simply be acknowledged because it doesn’t always appear or look as we believe it should. When we adopt an “attitude of gratitude,” we’ll begin to see love all around us, coming from above (God), outside (others) and inside (self). Gratitude is the most fundamental element of love, for it generates the other necessary components, including “kindness” and “respect.” As practice, create a gratitude list, one that you refer to and possibly add onto each day. Doing this will ensure that you know who is loving you and how your are being loved at all times—even beyond Valentine’s Day. hers-magazine.com

+ HER SOCIAL

#TheMeEyeSee Self-Awareness for 2016 and Beyond

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ers magazine wants to remind women: “What you think of yourself is more important than what others think of you.” Using #themeeyesee hashtag to promote greater self-awareness, the magazine wants women to begin to visualize, declare and pursue the person they can rightfully become.

We believe that the way we see ourselves propels us on the path to who we will ultimately become, driving our thoughts, actions, habits, and lifestyles. Thus, declaring an intention of our ideal selves can motivate us to achieve our goals.

Ask Yourself:

#themeeyesee is a movement with the purpose of encouraging and challenging women to become the people they want to be in the new year and beyond. This is not a New Year’s resolution, but a public pact and declaration.

We will feature the posts on the Hers magazine website, #themeeyesee website and Hers magazine social media platforms: www.themeeyesee.com www.facebook.com/hersmagazine www.twitter.com/hersmagazine

Am I living up to my core values and personal mission?

www.instagram.com/HersMagazine

Am I being a person others can respect?

www.google.com/+HersMagazineOnline

Am I respecting my body the way I should?

Am I meeting the expectations I set for others?

Am I using my talents fully?

Am I performing at my peak capacity?

Am I giving my family and friends my most and my best?

Am I engaging in worthy activity?

Am I making a positive impact on the world?

Am I on the path to my preferred future?

Readers and others should post a short video or a selfie online with the hashtag to declare their unique vision for the future. They should then also challenge 5-7 friends in the post to make their own #themeeyesee declaration and agree to be accountability partners for 2016 to ensure their success.

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+ HER TRAVEL

PLACES WORTH A REVISIT

BY PEGGY HATTENDORF, TRAVEL EDITOR

Rome

— the “Eternal City” is timeless . . . seasonless . . . and never out of style. It’s a city best experienced by walking as it feeds the senses and displays much of its history, culture, cuisine and architectural wonders like bountiful open air galleries. Tourists are drawn to the masterpieces of Michelangelo, Bernini, Caravaggio and Raphael. Days can be spent in the Villa Borghese Gallery, Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna, Capitoline Museum and The National Roman Museum as well as the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.

If your visited the main historic areas with the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona and the Spanish Steps (note the famed Steps will be closed for repairs until spring of 2016) and the Piazza de Spagna on your first trip, venture a little further out to see the Roman Forum, Circus Maximus, the ancient chariot racing stadium, and Palatine Hill the centermost of the Seven Hills of Rome.

Southeast of the city is the Colosseum. The Christian Catacombs along Via Appia Antica date back to the mid-second century. As you cross the Tiber River, you have St. Peter’s Basilica, Castel Sant’Angelo and Vatican City; the political and religious center of the Roman Catholic Church. With Pope Francis’

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prominence and presence on the world stage, there’s new found interest to visit the Vatican with its museums and Sistine Chapel and to watch the colorful Pontifical Swiss Guard as watchmen of the Pope, Vatican City and the pontifical Villa Castel Gandolfo.

The Jubilee of Mercy, a yearlong celebration, is expected to bring increased visitors.

Rome’s a city of charming, diverse and distinct neighborhoods. To understand the culture and the people head to the “neighborhoods.” In the pedestrian only area of Pigneto, there’s a cool artsy urban feel mixed with family suburbia with an eclectic mix of artists, immigrants, musicians, older people and families. Moving away from its “working class” roots, Trastevere is now a trendy and hip area with two American Universities and populated with students, expats and tourists. Just north of the Colosseum, you’ll find the neighborhood of Monti. Once considered the drags of Rome, it now has a colorful mix of boutiques, wine bars, markets and galleries. And great food can be found in the up and coming area of Testaccio.

Rome has it all – history – culture – sightseeing with twelve UNESCO heritage sites – beautiful architecture – extraordinary food – world class shopping – and earns the gold on any travel list.

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+ HER TRAVEL

Los Angeles

— the “City of Angels” remains “the entertainment capital of the world,” but it’s also a cultural trendsetter and bastion of erudite thought. The traffic congestion mornings and evenings – and anytime in between – should eliminate the notion the city is “laid back.” And the rise of the tech industry dubbed “Silicon Beach” in Santa Monica and Venice is further confirmation of the city’s evolution.

With a collection of museums including the Natural History Museum, California Science Center, the Griffith Observatory, La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, L.A. County Museum of Art featuring Chris Burden’s unique Urban Light outdoor exhibit, the Broad Contemporary Art Museum, Peterson Automotive Museum, Getty Center and Getty Villa, there’s something to fit every taste and interest.

Long recognized for its unique setting and venues, the Hollywood Bowl continues to impress. Add the Ahmanson, Geffen and Nokia Theaters along with the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the city continues to attract the top talent and performers.

The entertainment industry still makes its mark on the city.

People flock to Universal Studios or the VIP studio tours at Warner Brothers. You can find tourists holding “Maps of the Stars’ homes” and see tour buses plying the winding canyon roads

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and streets of the Hollywood Hills, Beverly Hills and Bel Air. While Beverly Hills is fun for window shopping; the many malls, The Grove and Universal City Walk offer a galaxy of products, clothing and restaurants.

The city has acclaimed chefs and restaurants along with outstanding hotel choices. It’s worth a trip downtown Los Angeles to see Staples Center and L.A. Live with its restaurants and nightlife and the famous Bradbury building built in 1893, with its open cage elevators, marble stairs and ornate iron railings.

Venture to Will Rogers State Historic Park on Sunset Boulevard in Brentwood to walk or relax in the pleasant surroundings. Enjoy the coastal communities of Malibu, Santa Monica, and Venice, with its historic canal district, and points further south, each offering a unique slice of “So Cal” life.

Worthwhile excursions include a visit to the battleship USS Iowa Museum in San Pedro and the Queen Mary in Long Beach harbor.

While Los Angeles retains its roots with the entertainment industry it is that and so much more. There’s always something new or interesting to see in this city. It’s a vibrant, fast paced, culturally and educationally rich city that continues to grow making it a great place to revisit.

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