Hope 10 year anniversary issue 2015

BEING SENSATIONAL IN YOUR SINGLENESS

Celebrate the SMALL

SUCCESSES

of your business

REWARDING YOURSELF INTO

A LIFE OF

CINDY MONROE : IMPACTING LIVES WITH

THIRTY-ONE GIFTS

NAIL COLORS THAT SIZZLE IN THE SUN

HAPPINESS BEAT the HEAT

with frozen treats

hopeforwomenmag.com ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

10

YEARS OF HOPE!

EVERY WOMAN HERE IS A CEO It’s more than just a bag!

Thirty-One Consultants are entrepreneurs, independent business owners, moms and more.

Learn about the Thirty-One difference at: thirtyonegifts.com

Connect. Share. Inspire.

IN THIS ISSUE FEATURES 8 Hope in 10 Years Angelia White Continued to Chase Her Dreams to Make Hope a Reality for All Women B Y L ATA R A V. BU S S E Y

14 Find Your Beach Leaving work at work is a must. Here’s how to make it happen more often.

B Y NATA L I E M ER R I LL

16 Ming Wang on a Mission Clothier seeks to spread hope through cancer campaign.

B Y CH A ND R A S PA R K S S P LO N D

BEAUTY 18 3 Common Makeup Mistakes

32

CINDY MONROE Confident Vision

Cindy Monroe keeps a dream alive and pursue God’s calling in life B Y AN GELI A WH I TE

and How to Avoid or Fix Them

BY L A DY EM MY

20 Nail Colors You’ll Be

Wearing All Summer

BY K ATI E POW E L L B E LL

22 Finding the Beauty in Your Beach

BY TA BI TH A “ TA B K . ” K E E L S

FASHION 24 Enchanting Summer Styles for Every Body Type

B Y TAB I TH A “ TAB K . ” K EELS

IN EVERY ISSUE 5 Editor’s Page

BY A NG EL I A W H I T E

13 Hope Mail FR O M TH E H E A RT O F H O P E

10 What Matters Most Judge Mablean Ephriam: Equipping, Strengthening and Building

BY TO NYA D. D I XO N

48 A Day in the Life: Laurie Underwood

BY TO NYA D. D I XO N

CAREER/EDUCATION 28 Finding Your Dream Job

BY V ET TA C A S H (CO LU MN I S T )

30 Treat Yourself!

BY J ESSI C A N A Z A R A LI

MONEY 31 Summer Fun

Without the Debt

BY R ACH EL CRU Z E

RELATIONSHIPS 101 38 Making the Most of Solo Style

It’s time to get that spring back into your single life

BY E VA H E A DLE Y

ENTERTAINMENT 36 Virtue: Refreshed and Back with New Music B Y TON YA D. D I XON

DELIGHTFUL FOOD 40 Beat the Summer Heat with Frozen Treats B Y LEAN N R I CE

FITNESS 42 Summer Work-at-

Home Fitness Trends

HEALTH 43 Taking Care of Yourself B Y D R . N I N A R AD CLI FF

TRAVEL 44 4 Hotel Alternatives LIVE. DREAM. INSPIRE. 46 Celebrate You: What About Your Friends?

B Y S HU N S T RI C K L A ND

ANNIVERSARY ISSUE • 10 YEARS

LET’S CELEBRATE! VOL. 7 NO. 6 PUBLISHER & FOUNDER ANGELIA L. WHITE MANAGING EDITOR NATALIE MERRILL COPY EDITOR TENITA JOHNSON ART DIRECTOR SARAH THOMPSON COVER DESIGN ASHLEY POUND CONTRIBUTORS KATIE BELL, LATARA V. BUSSEY, VETTA CASH, RACHEL CRUZE, TONYA DIXON, LESLIE GRIFFIN, EVA HEADLEY, TABAITHA “TAB K.” KEELS, NATALIE MERRILL, LADY EMMY, LEANN RICE, CHANDRA SPARKS SPLOND COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR LEAH HUNT

HOPE FOR WOMEN MAGAZINE LLC P.O. Box 3241, Muncie, Indiana 47307

www.hopeforwomenmag.com HOPE FOR WOMEN IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OWNED

BY HOPE FOR WOMEN MAGAZINE LLC COPYRIGHT 2015

4 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

EDITOR’S PAGE

LIVE. DREAM. INSPIRE.

HELLO, BEAUTIFUL. let’s go!

Summer is finally here! It’s almost as if we totally skipped spring—from snow and ice storms to sunshine and 80-degree weather, if you blink, you’ll probably miss it.

This summer in particular serves as a milestone for the team at Hope and me. This year, we celebrate 10 years of inspiration, encouragement and motivation for readers across the nation. While it hasn’t been easy, I can look back at all of the mishaps and mess-ups and truly say it is well worth it all! Our Live Dream Inspire conference will help us celebrate this monumental accomplishment—in grand style and fashion!

On October 23 and 24, Hope for Women will take Muncie, Indiana, by storm. Get ready to be inspired, enlightened and empowered. Most of all, prepare to leave with a ridiculous amount of hope.

It’s time to go higher. Great companies and brands don’t thrive because they use the same marketing strategies and branding they had when they first started. They progress, they grow, and they move with the times. The time is now! I’ll be stepping out into the forefront more (which is sometimes uncomfortable for me).

From the bottom of my heart, and from the hearts of the writers and staff, we thank you for keeping Hope alive this last decade. We couldn’t have done it without you. We do not take your support for granted. We have some great things in store in the coming years, and it is my sincere hope you are there every step of the way. I’ll see you in Muncie.

In Hope, Angelia White Hope for Women CEO

ANNIVERSARY ISSUE HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 5

QUOTE CINDY MONROE

Don’t wait for the perfect plan, or you will just keep waiting.

A good plan can be enough to get started.

6 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

A New Series for Fans of Call the Midwife Set in the early nineteenth century!

Widow Martha Cade comes from a long line of midwives who have served the small town of Trinity, Pennsylvania, for generations. She’s always hoped her daughter would continue the tradition, so when Victoria runs away to join a theater troupe, Martha is both shocked and hurt.

Meanwhile, a new doctor arrives in town, threatening her role in the community. Facing trials and an uncertain future, Martha’s faith is tested at every turn. Suddenly, the weight of Trinity’s most intimate secrets—often observed in the course of her work—feels too heavy to bear alone. Can a deepening friendship lighten her load—and give her heart a new reason to hope?

“Parr masterfully shows a mother’s anguish, the range of emotions a midwife experiences on a daily basis, and the doubts even a person of deep faith can feel.”—Booklist

A Division of Baker Publishing Group • bethanyhouse.com Available at your bookstore or by calling 1-866-241-6733

FEATURE HOPE IN 10 YEARS

IT TAKES

Movement

to Bring the Dream to Life

BY L ATAR A V. B U SSE Y

Las Vegas to cover the 30th Stellar Awards on behalf of GM Diversity

The reality of a dream can only manifest if one does the work.

A dream without action behind it will soon dry up and become a yesteryear memory.

People who do the work to bring life to a vision are the ones who will blaze trails, pioneer great efforts, transform lives and break barriers. That is Angelia L. White and these last 10 years.

Bravo, Angelia! Bravo!

Testing 1 2 3!

Voiceover time for the Live.

Dream. Inspire. conference radio spot!

Cover girl Dorinda Clark Cole (Jan 2015)

We’re on the newsstands, baby!

8 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

Making Hope a reality for all women Beyond excited about the Joyce Meyer cover!

She said YES!

Selfie time.

Me being me!

#StyleSessions our first Hope TV fashion segment!

Angie launches Hope for Women magazine 2005!

ANNIVERSARY ISSUE HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM  9

what matters most Judge Ephriam consistently gives back to her community in big ways

Judge

Mablean EPHRIAM

BY TONYA D. D I XON

EQUIPPING, STRENGTHENING BUILDING

&

10  HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

Judge Mablean Ephriam is on a quest to strengthen the family and build up the local community. She believes the two units serve as the backbone of society.

Ephriam has been an advocate for families and depressed communities for as far back as she can remember.

Philanthropy and benefaction are lessons she learned directly from her parents and church family. She has established the Mablean Ephriam Foundation, an outward extension of her passion and drive.

“My religious foundation, parents and faith in God shaped who I am today,” she said. “I have always been one to reach out to the community. Even as a child, if I was going to the store, I would see if the elderly in the neighborhood needed anything.

My mom was always feeding and helping kids in the community. We didn’t sell anything. We always gave things away.”

While Ephriam became well-known as the adjudicator and fiery judge on the Fox television show Divorce Court from 1999 to 2006, she’s also made multiple appearances in several Tyler Perry films (portraying herself), warning the ornery Madea to change her ways. She now holds court on Justice with Judge Mablean, making it clear she is profoundly proud of the work of her foundation.

Los Angeles County families and communities are proud of it, as well. The foundation strives to strengthen families, educate minds and financially empower people. It began as a simple Father’s Day brunch, but has grown into something much more.

“I initially did it to celebrate fathers in my community and those that I knew,” Ephriam said.

“I did it in my own backyard, honoring about 12 men. Then, the Lord told me to take it to the [greater] community and honor more men in society to dispel the myth that all fathers are deadbeats. It grew to providing assistance to highschool graduates and adults who are going back to school. Then, after my mother died, we added a nursing scholarship in her memory.”

Ephriam noted that the more she worked in the community, the more things she saw that needed her attention. Her passion kept her focused and driven to reach and impact the most vulnerable individuals of society.

“I said, ‘Lord, have mercy! We have to do something to get more kids interested in going to college and give them a hope for their future,’” she said.

The foundation expanded further to offering various programs and scholarships through her alma mater, Jefferson High School, as well

as Peary Middle School (both located in Los Angeles County). Financial empowerment, home ownership, domestic violence prevention, anger management and even child custody seminars are also offered through various community partnerships.

But Ephriam isn’t just lending her name to draw people—she is intimately involved in the activities of the foundation. Whether students are on learning-experience field trips or being engaged during career day, she is there, hands on.

“It’s all about building stronger families,” she said.

“I think that’s how communities become better.

My passion has always been to give back and give to the unfortunate. I’ve been fortunate and blessed that people invested in me and helped me. I believe God has blessed me with the knowledge, skills and resources that I have to be a blessing. I am blessed to be a blessing, and I know the law of reciprocity— so I give, and it will be given unto me.”

From her prelaw days as an investment banker and correctional officer to trial lawyer and life on the bench, Judge Ephriam has amassed wisdom beyond her years. A great deal of that wisdom is chronicled in her book, Life Lessons: 52 Tools for Weekly Living, in which Ephriam offers practical advice on everything from marriage and dating to character development. By year’s end, she plans to complete her second book, tentatively titled Look Deep Before You Leap.

No matter the situation, her advice never fails to offer inspiration and motivation. Adapted from her own life, she often encourages others through what she calls the four P’s for success: plan, prepare, pursue and persevere.

“People want things in their lives, but they don’t want to do the grunge work,” Ephriam said. “Make sacrifices today in order to have great rewards tomorrow. You may have to detour. You may have to pause. You may even have to take a backseat or go round about. But whatever you do, just don’t quit. See yourself as an entrepreneur full of greatness.”

ANNIVERSARY ISSUE HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 11

OUT N ABOUT ‘

LIFESTYLE OUT N ABOUT

Can we say jetsetters? The Hope ladies are at it again.

In this latest installment of Hope’s Out ’N About, we find our ladies traveling to Atlanta, Georgia, in attendence at the Black Enterprise annual Entrepreneurs Summit hosted

by Nationwide Insurance.

Innovative sessions, highpowered speakers and a sneak peek at the latest products, trends and services, our ladies are definitely about their business!

Leveraging Reality TV to Further Your Business! Speaker Egypt Sherrod, HGTV Host, CEO of The Egypt Sherrod Real Estate Group and Author (R) chats with Marketing Consultant Jamila Guyton.

BE Town Hall: Black Males Matter (From L to R) : Earl “Butch” Graves Jr., President & CEO, Black Enterprise; Roland Martin, Journalist; Host, NewsOne Now, Chris Carter, NFL Hall of Fame Inductee, ESPN Anchor and Chairman, Carter Brothers Security Systems; Shawn Dove, CEO, Campaign for Black Male Achievement, Christopher Womack, President, External Affairs, Southern Company

Being a mommy never stops! Communications Director Leah Hunt takes a break to check in with the kiddos! Umm, Starbucks anyone!?

12 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

HOPE MAIL

WHAT

READERS ARE SAYING

Thank you so so much for this incredible opportunity. I was just saying to a friend that usually when people hear of a magazine spread they think of a woman in scantily clad clothing in provocative positions.

Thanks to you, I was able to have a spread without showing it all; in addition to being in a magazine that speaks directly to the empowerment, support, and encouragement of women. I couldn’t be more proud, thrilled, and excited! I’m so happy with the entire collaboration and product. This by far is my best work yet, and I owe it all to you. I can’t say thank you enough. THANK YOU! Besserat Betsy Habtes Spring Fashion Model 2015

I was excited to receive the spring issue of Hope For Women magazine and as a partner and subscriber, this magazine is definitely uplifting, encouraging and a breath of fresh air.

Amber Johnson, Founder of CliQ Cosmetics, LLC

I am in tears. What a beautiful issue! So inspirational and full of fresh air. I thank you for featuring my book in this issue. God bless you.

LaToya Gay Author and Supporter ANNIVERSARY ISSUE HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 13

FEATURE FIND YOUR BEACH

FIND YOUR

BEACH More Than Just Once a Year

BY NATALI E M E R R I LL

Many women are guilty of expending so much of themselves that they often forget to set aside time regularly for rest, except for typical vacations that only come but once or twice a year.

The beach is a place filled with relaxation and peace. You can sit on your beach chair in the sand for hours (with enough sunscreen, of course) and enjoy the sounds of the waves crashing and the people around you enjoying themselves. You don’t have to worry about emails or conference calls, and you can pamper yourself without stressing about time. In fact, you may even forget what time or day it is altogether.

Even though tropical storms are possible, and sometimes the sand ends up in every bag and other annoying places, the beach is typically regarded as a very enjoyable place to be. So why don’t we let ourselves find our beaches more often? No, you don’t have to live in a constant state of vacation mode, but it is necessary to ensure that you are giving yourself plenty of rest and also find pleasure more often in life.

Because you are worth it.

According to Psychology Today, vacations allow for individuals not only to disconnect for a while, but also to allow the stress cycle to be broken during that time.

University of Massachusetts Amherst psychology professor Susan Krauss Whitbourne, Ph.D., wrote that getting that

14 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

time off from work and your usual schedule is beneficial in multiple ways.

“We emerge from a successful vacation, feeling ready to take on the world again,” Whitbourne said. “We gain perspective on our problems, get to relax with our families and friends, and get a break from our usual routines.”

Finding time throughout your normal schedule to rest will allow you to have that post-vacation mindset that is full of rejuvenation. If you’re constantly in “go, go, go” mode, then it leaves less time for pleasure and fun in your life. It also leaves less time to connect with others—and life is about relationships. You need those moments to spend time with those you care about most to make memories and experience love.

While you don’t have to disconnect from everything for weeks at a time consistently throughout the year, it’s still healthy for you to find your “beach” and let yourself escape every once in a while. Too often, women allow themselves

{

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Enjoying time away from work and stress is a must—and it should happen more often.

to get bogged down with tasks and responsibilities that involve taking care of others and forget to take care of themselves. It’s refreshing to be able to find joy in life and let peace overpower the stress you often face on a daily basis. You don’t have to be physically in a laid-back chair with the sand between your toes for you to be in a restful state of mind.

Life doesn’t have to be about schedules and tasks all of the time. If you’re worrying about your work life more than you are your personal and family life, you are likely to find yourself in an unhappy state. So take the time to celebrate you more often by letting yourself have your own beach time, however that may look for you—and it’s different for every woman. So get your work accomplished, and then ensure you still have time to sit back in your comfortable chair as you stare out at the beautiful picture of God’s waves and watercolor sky before you. He made you in His image, and you were made to live and love for Him. Celebrate that. Celebrate you. Find your beach.

FEATURE

MING WANG

MING WANG ON A MISSION

B Y C HAN DR A S PARK S S P LO N D

Clothier Spreads Hope and Joins the Fight Against Cancer Ming Wang is on a mission to spread hope.

The clothier, which has offered stylish collections catered to busy women looking to balance style and functionality since 1986, is now offering the gift of a high-end scarf wrap to guests receiving treatment at American Cancer Society Hope Lodge facilities. The program offers cancer patients and their caregivers a free place to stay in 31 locations when receiving treatment away from home.

“The Ming Wang Hope Campaign was established in 2014,” said Filecellia Sampson, the brand’s public relations/marketing specialist. “We partnered with the North Shore LIJ-Health System to support and inspire guests battling cancer. This partnership soon transformed into a nationwide initiative.

The American Cancer Society became an additional partner down the line, which through their Hope Lodge locations, allowed us to target a larger number of supporters, survivors, and advocates.”

As part of its partnership, which runs from August until the end of October, Ming Wang is contributing one of its luxurious purple scarf wraps to participating American Cancer Society Hope Lodges for every jacket bought from the Fall 2015 Road to Marrakech color group or for every scarf purchased. The scarf, which retails for $125, is also available at local Von Maur stores. The wool-blended scarves can be draped or wrapped and are sure to lift the spirits of Hope Lodge guests.

“This is Ming Wang’s first time working with the American Cancer Society,” Sampson said. “Our Hope Campaign ensures their resilient message is met with open hearts and listening ears.”

As part of its commitment to the campaign, Ming Wang is pushing the initiative through its social network, advertising, and supportive Ming Wang retail locations. They are also offering a Book of Hope, a compilation of inspiring stories from the company’s online Ming Wang audience that can be shared with guests residing at the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge facilities.

“It is imperative to Ming Wang to support individuals suffering with the effects of cancer while providing a platform for our audience to engage and encourage.”

- Filecellia Sampson The company has a long history of contributing to positive, women-friendly causes, including sponsoring the Family Shelter Gala in Lombard, Illinois, which raised money to house women and children who were victims of domestic violence as well as the Girls Inc. Women of Vision Fashion Luncheon, which raised money for at-risk girls in elementary and middle school.

“The topic of cancer is ongoing and affects everyone in some capacity. We are interested in touching as many people as we can with this message,” Sampson said. “Our participation means we stand behind causes that uplift, enlighten and educate real women. It is imperative to Ming Wang to support individuals suffering with the effects of cancer while providing a platform for our audience to engage and encourage.”

ANNIVERSARY ISSUE HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 17

3 BEAUTY

1

3 COMMON MAKEUP MISTAKES

Common MAKEUP

MISTAKES & How to Avoid or Fix Them

foundation

MISTAKE: FOUNDATION SELECTION AND APPLICATION The purpose of foundation is to give the illusion of a flawless complexion.

However, there are a few errors one can make when trying to do so:

Choosing the foundation color that does not match your skin complexion

B Y L ADY E MMY

As women have learned throughout the course of time, when properly applied, makeup can really enhance your natural beauty and features.

However, there are several makeup mistakes that can take away from that beauty and the overall look you may be trying to create for yourself. Here are three common mistakes and tips to avoid or fix them.

FIX: Test the color in the daylight (store lighting isn’t always the best for matching up color).

Try visiting the makeup counter at a department store or a beauty store, such as Sephora, where you can try the product first. The foundation may cost more at department stores, however, it gives you the ability to test the product and has great return policies.

Choosing the wrong type of foundation

FIX: If you have oily skin, you should choose oil-free, pressed powder or cream-topowder foundations. If you have dry skin, you should choose liquid foundations.

If you have fine lines, you should also avoid powder foundations and opt for liquid foundation. Most powders settle in lines, drawing more attention to them.

Forgetting to blend

FIX: To avoid looking like you’re wearing a mask, blend your foundation on

the face and down onto your neck. This is a very common mistake women make.

Applying foundation on flaky, dry skin (This exaggerates the dryness, making your skin look uneven and older.)

FIX: Exfoliate regularly, and use a great day moisturizer under makeup.

If it’s really dry, you can even get a moisturizing primer.

18 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

2

eyebrows

Makeup and Hair by Rafael Marsail Fashion Stylist: Abby Davis Photo by M*Knight

MISTAKE: OVERDRAWN EYEBROWS OR OVERPLUCKED EYEBROWS

Properly groomed and shaped eyebrows enhance your eyes and give definition to the entire face. However, eyebrow tweezing, waxing, or threading can often be overdone.

Too thinly shaped eyebrows take away from the natural structure of the face and can make you look older. At the same time, eyebrows that are not at all groomed lack the polished look you need when attempting to apply a great makeup look.

FIX: When getting your eyes done by a

professional, make sure that he or she just cleans up the natural arch of your brows and never takes away the length of the overall brow. If you pluck your own, remember the goal is to make them neat. Pluck your eyebrows sparingly, and follow only the natural arch of the brows. Use eyebrow powder that essentially does the job of an eyebrow pencil in a natural way.

3

blush

MISTAKE: BLUSH APPLICATION Apply to the wrong area of the cheeks Too much blush

FIX: Apply blush from the apple of your

cheeks up to your ears and hairline. You can smile to find the apple and see where to place it better. Tap excess powder blush off of your brush before taking it to your cheeks.

You should apply all makeup lightly, but especially do so with blush. It’s much easier to add more than it is to take away when you make a mistake.

Q2 2015 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM  21

BEAUTY

SUMMER NAILS

NAIL COLORS

YOU’LL BE WEARING ALL SUMMER

BY K AT I E PO WE LL B E LL

Summer means the return of so many wonderful things— lemonade, sundresses, sandals, and wonderful colors. As the warmer weather settles in, don’t just give your wardrobe a makeover, though—from pastels and nudes to bold brights, these hot nail colors for summer are anything but boring!

Katie Powell Bell is a PR girl who lives with her loving husband and adorable toy poodle in Kentucky.

A Tennessee native, she graduated undergrad from Freed Hardeman University and later got her master’s degree from Lipscomb University.

You can follow Katie on her blog at itsbrandyalexander.com or on Twitter at @KatiePowellBell.

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20 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

1. REVLON’S GOLD GLAZE

This little beauty can be found at your local drugstore for less than $5 and will quickly transform you into a summer goddess. The shade of gold is perfect for a golden pedicure and can be worn layered over another color or alone.

2. OPI’S LOST MY BIKINI IN MOLOKINI

Tired of pinks and reds? Try this reef-inspired purple shade from OPI’s Hawaii collection. You’ll feel like you’ve been instantly transported to a Hawaiian beach.

3. JULEP’S NAYLEY

Looking for something to complement your summer glow? This sherbet orange flatters every skin tone because of its warm and cool tones.

4. ESSIE’S ALLURE

This gorgeous nude will pair well with any strappy sandal and perfectly complement a bright sundress.

3

4

CHECK OUT THE HOTTEST SHADES FOR THE SUN-FILLED SEASON 5. ESSIE’S TART DECO

This dreamy coral is a chic way to welcome summer into your wardrobe.

6. DEBORAH LIPPMANN’S BLUE ORCHID

This creamy pale blissful blue is like painting clouds on your nails! The pastel shade is versatile and ideal for pairing perfectly with everything in your summer wardrobe.

8. BUTTER’S SMASHING!

Every woman needs a siren red polish in her collection. This shade is fun, but also allows you to be sophisticated enough for the office.

7. COVER GIRL’S XL NAIL GEL IN WHOLE LOTTA GUAVA

Leave it to Cover Girl to create a nail polish that gives a gel-like look without the salon hassle and extra cost. One coat of this bold shade gives the perfect reflective shine and intense color for up to seven days.

5

THESE HOT NAIL COLORS FOR SUMMER ARE ANYTHING BUT BORING! 6

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ANNIVERSARY ISSUE HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 21

BEAUTY

ESSENTIAL BEAUTY TIPS

FINDING the in BEAUTY

YOUR BEACH

BY TABA I T H A “ TA B K. ” K EEL S

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if every day could be a walk on the beach? Bright sunshine, sand and clear blue waters. The good life.

Sounds amazing, right? Sometimes, with the many cares of this world, it’s hard to find the quality time that you need for yourself. Whether you are a busy stay-at-home mom or an entrepreneur on the go, daily tasks can sometimes get the best of you, sparking a much-needed transformation in your life.

to replace the large amounts of water lost each day.”

Water hydrates the body and helps to eliminate toxins, which leads to the healthy-looking youthful skin that you desire. So drink up!

Eat healthy

Well, stress no more! Summer is here, and it’s the season for vacation, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Find time for yourself, and recharge as you celebrate you and find the beauty in your beach this summer. Take in the sun, and bounce back like never before with these essential tips set forth to help you feel beautiful both inside and out this season—only because you deserve it.

Get plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. You may know the routine when it comes to healthy eating, but do you really understand the key benefits that come with a healthy diet? Increased energy levels, younger-looking skin, weight control, increased productivity and a longer, healthier, more fulfilled life are all results. Start your day off with fresh fruit or a whole grain bagel. Try apple slices with peanut butter as a tasty snack, that is rich in fiber and protein. Blueberries, strawberries, almonds, and banana chips are all healthy, appetizing snacks to add to your diet, as well.

Hydrate

Get plenty of rest

“Think of water as a nutrient your body needs that is present in liquids, plain water, and foods,” Joan Koelemay, RD, dietitian for the Beverage Institute, said. “All of these are essential daily

“Your skin and your whole body goes into repair mode when you sleep,” dermatologist Doris Day, author of Forget the Facelift, said. “You want to look at sleep as a source of fuel and energy and health.”

It’s important to stay well hydrated during the summer months to avoid dehydration and overheating. As temperatures rise, your body tends to sweat in an effort to cool down, resulting in a loss of water.

22 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

Studies have shown that lack of sleep can make you look stressed and much older than your actual age. Dark circles, puffy eyes, and saggy skin can all be linked to the lack of rest.

THESE ESSENTIAL BEAUTY TIPS WILL HELP YOU FEEL

beautiful,

BOTH INSIDE AND OUT THIS SUMMER

Experts recommend seven to nine hours of sleep each night.

Good sleep is not only needed for beautiful skin, but for the healthy function of your entire body, as well.

Enjoy life

Go out, enjoy each moment you’re given, and have fun! Spend time doing the things that you love and the things that make

you happy. The more you laugh and enjoy life, the happier you become as a person—and that happiness will eventually show outwardly. Sometimes, people can get so caught up in the superficial that they forget to cherish and enjoy the simpler things in life. So have fun this summer, and live it up! Celebrate you, and find the beauty in your beach, because your beach is indeed beautiful.

ANNIVERSARY ISSUE HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 23

Find the styles that are perfect for your body type with these helpful tips from Hope for Women

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FASHION

ENCHANTING SUMMER FASHION FOR ALL SHAPES AND SIZES

ENCHANTING

SUMMER STYLES

FOR EVERY BODY TYPE

BY TABA I T H A “ TAB K . ” KEEL S

ANNIVERSARY ISSUE HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 25

FASHION

ENCHANTING SUMMER FASHION FOR ALL SHAPES AND SIZES

Whimsical, fresh, enchanting and girly! To define summer style is all of the above!

Whether you are tall, petite, apple-shaped or hourglass-figured, summer is all about embracing your femininity with a dressy style that will flatter your particular body shape.

TALL

PETITE

Show off those long legs this summer with a romper or a cute short set.

Matching two-piece coordinates are fun and easy and make the perfect ensemble for those hot and humid summer days. Flats and sandals are your besties if you are a tall girl!

Short dresses and skirts above the knee are musts this season! Add a few inches to your height by throwing on your favorite wedges or heels to create longer legs. Soft tones and bold colors go great together, as summer is all about mixing and matching colors.

APPLE-SHAPED/ ROUNDER MIDDLE Take the focus off of your mid-section with a V-neck that will pull the eye upward to the thinnest part of the torso.

Accessorize your V-neck with a chunky necklace and matching bracelets. It’s all about feeling beautiful and embracing your own personal style this summer!

HOURGLASS Accessories such as a belt or a dress that is stitched in at the waist will look great on ladies with hourglass figures. Summer fashion just wouldn’t be complete without fun colors and interesting prints to add to your collection. Bold prints with pops of color are sure to brighten your day and enhance your youthful summer spirit!

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Models: April Berry, Kiara Hines (XFA), Angela Serrano (XFA), Yordanos Ghdey, Photographer: Allen J. Johnson, PDOTAL Productions Creative Director: Chama St. Louis, CEO, XFA Location: Luthy Botanical Garden, Peoria, Ill. Designer: Arielle Joseph (founder/designer Ari J, INC AriJ. Co.), Kiara Hines: skirt and top, Yordanos (skirt and top) Designer/Style Artist: Yemisi Sanni Stylenspire http://www. etsy.com/shop/Stylenspire (April Berry: shirt and top), Angela’s Outfit and Jewelry: Gordman’s

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EDUCATION

FINDING YOUR DREAM JOB

•

FINDING YOUR

•

DREAM

JOB

YOU ARE WORTH THE TIME AND EFFORT TO FIND THE JOB YOU’VE ALWAYS WANTED B Y VE T TA C ASH

Personal fulfillment and a splendid salary are at the top of the wish list for any career. A good job has one or the other, but a dream job delivers the perfect combination of both salary and fulfillment.

A dream job provides a platform for you to share your expertise and be the best expression of yourself. A dream job also generously compensates you for the value of your work and your contribution to the success of the company. Although your dream job may sound like, well, a dream, you can have it. The journey to the job you really want begins with a decision. You must decide that you really want your dream job and that you are worth the required effort to obtain it. You can begin the journey to finding your dream job right now!

You need to start with a question and a really big one: What do you need to be fulfilled? Many women have never

taken the time or developed the courage to answer this question. The unasked question always goes unanswered.

Consequently, those individuals are consumed by careers that deliver neither joy nor fulfillment. Here is the question again: What do you need to be fulfilled?

Do you know? Your dream job provides the opportunity for you to be really good at being you. Therefore, it is impossible to identify and pursue your dream job without a solid knowledge of what you need to be happy and fulfilled. Your compass for finding your dream job includes knowing what fulfills you.

This dream job of yours must also handsomely compensate you for your skill, expertise and work ethic. A fulfilling job that does not pay enough will eventually become less fulfilling, and in some cases, burdensome.

Consider the value of what you bring to the table, industry standards, and what salary your skills can command.

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If your skills do not support your salary requirements, increase your skill level.

Take a course, shadow a mentor, or read a book. Be willing to do whatever it takes to obtain your dream job. This is not a pie-in-the-sky approach, but rather a realistic assessment of the financial compensation you deserve. Once you’ve established your salary needs, eliminate jobs that do not pay what you want.

You deserve to have your dream job, and you are worth the effort to finding it. Make the decision today to continue your journey to the job you really want. Take 15 minutes a day over the next week to determine what you need to be fulfilled and what your salary requirements are. Use these standards to establish the rubric for finding the job of your dreams—the job that will be satisfying and generously pay you to be good at being you. Go get your dream job!

Love, Dream and Share a Little Hope For each purchase of a soft and luxurious Ming Wang-designed scarf wrap, Ming Wang will contribute one to the women of the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge®.

available at participating locations Proud sponsor of Hope for Women Magazine’s Live. Dream. Inspire 2015 Conference. m i n g wa n gkn i ts .co m Q2 2015 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 31

CAREER

CELEBRATE THE SMALL SUCCESSES OF YOUR BUSINESS

TREAT YOURSELF!

WHY CELEBRATING YOUR SUCCESS IS GOOD FOR BUSINESS AND GOOD FOR YOU

BY J ES S IC A N AZ AR AL I

Recently, I set a new goal for my business in 2015: My goal is to earn nearly 10 times more money than I made in 2014.

Does that sound insanely unattainable? Maybe. But I don’t care. Here’s why. First and foremost, earning 10 times more money means reaching 10 times more women and making real, meaningful impacts on their lives.

As I’m helping women start their own beautiful, successful coaching businesses, more and more women’s dreams are coming true. That alone is worthy of a big goal. Secondly, big goals are actually easier to achieve than smaller goals. It doesn’t take 10 times the effort to achieve a goal that is 10 times greater than a goal that’s safely within your reach.

SETTING PERSONAL GOALS AND REWARDS WILL MAKE YOU HAPPIER, MORE FULFILLED, AND INCREASE THE BOTTOM LINE FOR YOUR BUSINESS. You show up differently when you’re in the process of achieving a bigger goal. I’m building my goal for the year into every plan I make and action I take. You also can’t really “fail” when you set a high goal. Even if you don’t hit the number, you will still reach a better result than if you just aimed for your smaller, safer goal.

Finally, the more money I make, the more fun I have. More importantly, the opposite is also true: The more fun I have, the more money I make. I’ve consciously put effort into cementing my values and interests as the foundation of my business, and that includes having fun and celebrating my success.

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We all need to have fun on a daily basis, not just on holidays or special occasions. This is especially true as a coach. No one wants to hire a coach who is boring. My clients want to see me living out my dreams and having fun. Don’t your clients, customers, or readers want the same? That’s why I encourage my clients—and follow this advice myself—to allow themselves to experience the desire they have for something.

They then have to work out a plan for how to make it happen.

When I’m working toward a financial goal, I think about something I want, yet typically would not go out and buy for myself—a designer handbag, new heels, or a getaway with my husband. As I’m pulling long hours and hustling each day, I’m looking forward to getting that reward when I meet my goal.

And once I do, treating myself always feels great because I’ve worked hard to make it happen.

For my new financial goal for 2015, I’ve set a new reward.

Once I meet my goal, I’m going to start flying business class. I fly a lot—at least once per month—and for so long, I tried to convince myself that flying business class wasn’t important to me. But who am I kidding? Of course I desire to fly business.

How many times have you walked by business class, wishing you were sitting there and not in the back of the plane? That’s because those seats are meant for you and me!

If business class seats aren’t meant for us, then whom are they meant for? Don’t squash any of the desires you have in your heart. They are there for a reason. Instead, make them part of your plan, put your plan into action, and then treat yourself!

Jessica Nazarali is the coach who inspires women to create coaching businesses and build beautiful personal brands. She’s a living example that coaching can be a full-time business and replace the salary from your career. Find out the three steps to consistent clients—an exclusive video series for new women coaches—atJessicaNazarali.com.

MONEY

SUMMER FUN WITHOUT THE DEBT

SUMMER WITHOUT THE DEBT

fun

BY R AC H E L CRU Z E

Planning and saving for your summertime activities

The way I see it: summer plans + kids with free time = LOTS of money.

Put the summer vacation, kids’ camps and all of your other summer-related expenses into your budget along with all your normal expenses. Use a spreadsheet, a pencil and paper, or an online tool like EveryDollar, and include all of your expenses. Your income minus your outgo should equal zero—that’s called a zero-based budget.

No matter what your summer plans are, I want you to have a financial plan to go along with it. Don’t wait until the last minute and rely on debt, and don’t wake up with a summer “hangover” in August after you’ve piled up expenses on your credit cards.

The budget will also tell you how much money you have to work with and whether or not it makes sense to take that weeklong vacation. If you’re in debt, you should worry about paying off that debt before jumping into a beach trip. It’s all about priorities!

The school year has come to a close, which means you probably have big summer plans—the beach, a camping trip, maybe a Fourth of July picnic.

Plus, your kids have a lot of free time on their hands.

THE WAY I SEE IT: SUMMER PLANS + KIDS WITH FREE TIME = LOTS OF MONEY. With summer here, half of the year is almost over. So take a step back, and think about everything else you need or want to do this year. Then, simply prioritize what’s most important to you.

You need to start with a budget. That’s your plan. That’s how you tell your money where to go before the summer expenses begin, instead of waiting until September to assess the damage.

Speaking of debt, I want you to make sure you’re actually paying for all of this summer fun, not just putting it all on a credit card. A vacation is luxury, not a God-given right. There’s nothing wrong with taking a few years off while you pay off debt to save for the future (and a vacation).

The best way to dump debt is by using the debt snowball. Pay the minimum

on all of your debts except the smallest, and pay as much extra as you can on it.

Once you have the smallest debt paid off, then move on to the next smallest.

Continue until you’re completely out of debt!

Here’s the cool thing: The more debt you pay off, the more money you have to spend! That means next year’s vacation could be paid for if you really get serious about knocking out those credit cards, old student loans and silly car payments.

Don’t get me wrong: I want you to have an amazing, unforgettable summer. I just want you to do so without debt and without letting those vacations follow you home.

So, before the summer begins, start by making a monthly budget and paying off any outstanding debt that’s getting in the way. You’ll have a much better summer when you don’t have to deal with financial stress.

Rachel Cruze is a seasoned communicator and presenter, helping Americans learn the proper ways to handle money and stay out of debt. Her new book Smart Money Smart Kids, co-authored with her dad, Dave Ramsey, released April 2014 and debuted at No. 1 on the New York Times Best Sellers list. You can follow Rachel on Twitter at @ RachelCruze and online at www.rachelcruze. com or facebook.com/rachelramseycruze.

ANNIVERSARY ISSUE HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 31

FEATURE

CINDY MOORE

A CONFIDENT

VISION CINDY MONROE KNOWS WHAT IT MEANS TO KEEP A DREAM ALIVE AND PURSUE GOD’S CALLING IN LIFE

BY ANGE LI A WH I T E

There are times in life when you might find yourself following God’s calling and unexpectedly, you find yourself living your dreams.

A little more than 10 years ago, Thirty-One Gifts Founder, President and CEO Cindy Monroe found herself in a place where she and her husband were looking to make a little extra money. They needed to support their two children and have more financial freedom. They knew it would be nice to take a Disney vacation without having to worry about extra money, but they also wanted to be able to use their funds to give more and bless others. She wasn’t necessarily expecting to become a founder, president and CEO of a company, but she couldn’t ignore what God was pushing her into.

“It definitely was a calling,” Monroe said. “I don’t think that I ever set out to be an entrepreneur. It was more of a calling and this ‘aha’ moment of ‘Oh my goodness! We can do this. I can help other women.’”

Monroe’s vision came to life. She recognized that many boutiques in her area were on the more expensive side, and they also all mostly closed by 6 p.m., which doesn’t offer a lot of time for working women to get to them. Thus, the idea of Thirty-One Gifts was born, which allows women to pursue their dreams of owning their own businesses by becoming consultants for the company. They are able to share with others the products ThirtyOne Gifts offers, including accessories, purses, totes and much more a typical working woman and/or mother might need.

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“

Thirty-One Gifts isn’t just about selling material goods that will help women. It’s also about creating an avenue for women to connect with other women and form genuine relationships.

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“It’s an opportunity for women to connect with other women to fill their souls and also have a few things for themselves. It also allows consultants to make a little extra income,” Monroe said. “God just really helped us with the vision, the idea, and the planning of it.”

But Thirty-One Gifts isn’t just about selling material goods that will help women. It’s also about creating an avenue for women to connect with other women and form genuine relationships. It’s part of Monroe’s vision for her company and what she hopes to continue to foster with her brand.

The name of the company, which Monroe’s sister helped her come up with, comes from Proverbs 31. Monroe said that, from a fashion standpoint, Thirty-One Gifts always tries to stay on-trend and create products that the everyday mom appreciates and feels comfortable carrying. She said she truly enjoys coming up with solutions through her products that women need today.

“Our business is a relationship business,” she said. “It’s really not about purses and bags. It’s about relationships. Everybody has great products, but I think the one great product we have is that we really care about people and building relationships.”

“For women, our day is changing and evolving so fast,” she said. “What I always want to do is make sure we have products for our customers to make sure they fit into their busy lives, even when it evolves. We all have different personalities, needs and functions, and we try to make our products for all functions to help women get through the day.”

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Thirty-One Gifts is now a multi-million-dollar business, but the journey to get there hasn’t always been easy. When starting a business, money can certainly be challenging, as can finding the right people to join you in your mission.

Monroe said you have to be okay with accepting new people that God brings into your path rather than only sticking with those whom you’re comfortable with. The key through it all, though, is keeping sight of what you originally sought after.

“I stay focused on that vision, making sure I always go back to the things that are falling into place. Those are the things

THE STAFF OF THIRTY-ONE GIFTS

you have to focus on,” she said. “You’re always going to have those people who aren’t going to believe in you, and there are so many things that will pop up that you weren’t expecting.

Focus on the calling and the positive things.”

Monroe continues to inspire women across the country, and she loves seeing the national impact that Thirty-One Gifts has had in the lives of so many individuals. She said she is in a peaceful place, knowing that she is right in the center of where God wants her to be. She encourages other women to continue to chase after their dreams, regardless of the obstacles and setbacks they may face along the way.

“Don’t let anyone kill your dreams or your vision,” Monroe said. “You have to know where your vision comes from. I think women struggle with that because they feel the need for approval. Being confident in your relationship with God means you’re being confident in hearing what it is He has for you. Don’t ever stray from your core values. Make these the center of what you’re going after and trying to accomplish.

And don’t wait for the perfect plan, or you will just keep waiting—a good plan can be enough to get started.”

It’s really not about purses and bags.

It’s about relationships.

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ENTERTAINMENT

VIRTUE

VIRTUE: REFRESHED AND BACK WITH NEW MUSIC

B Y TO N YA D. DI XO N

Sisters Karima, Ebony, and Heather, better known as the gospel group Virtue, are back with a brand new album, and fans couldn’t be more excited. The group filled Hope for Women in on their lives and gave us a sneak peek as to what we can expect with the new album.

HOPE FOR WOMEN: Since the group’s nearly 10-year hiatus, have there been any solo endeavors or new ventures, or was it just much-needed time off?

KARIMA: We would have never admitted to needing time off, but after the break started, we realized just how much we needed to focus on our individual goals. Music did not stop for me. I pursued a solo career that did fairly well under the circumstances. I experienced a divorce and needed something to keep me going. Within three months, I was able to write my entire album, self-titled Just Karima. I am a single mommy of a 10-year-old daughter, and I will graduate this August with a bachelor’s degree in business management and entrepreneurship.

Ebony and Heather hold master’s degrees in education. Ebony is a wife and mother of an 11-year-old son.

She has been a first-grade teacher for the past six years at a private school in Maryland. Her love for kids and wanting them to excel keep her driven in and outside of the classroom.

Heather is a full-time mommy and teacher to her four kids: three boys and one princess, ages 2, 3, 6 and 8. She’s been married almost 10 years. She also teaches music at two of her children’s school. Life didn’t stop—it just became a lot more meaningful.

What made this past year the “right time” to come back together and make new music?

VIRTUE: We make every decision a prayerful one. We do not play when it comes to praying about specific things as a family. We all had to be on one accord in order to move forward. When presented with this particular deal, we all felt something was right about it, and we of course consulted our biggest supporter and prayer warrior—our mother, Rebecca Trotter. She told us it

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was what she had been praying for. We knew it was the right decision, so we accepted, and here we are.

Certainly your lives have changed since the last album. Can we expect to see those changes reflected in the new album?

VIRTUE: We all have individual lives— which means individual struggles, concerns and goals—but collectively, as a family who works together, we face challenges, as well. We’ve lost three family members in the last three to four years: our oldest sister, our father, and our grandmother. You live, and life definitely happens. People can absolutely expect to see change reflected in our music. This album will minister to the brokenhearted, those wavering in their faith and those who just need a good song to get them through a rough period.

The music industry is ever-changing.

How have you adapted to the “new” way (since your last album)?

VIRTUE: There’s no denying that

THE GOSPEL SISTERS GROUP HAS RETURNED TO THE SCENE WITH A FRESH SOUND

What do you hope supporters glean from the new album?

VIRTUE: As a teacher, I always want to make sure my students are taking away good information that will help them grow. [Similarly], we hope to enrich the lives of those we come in contact with. We come in love to spread messages of hope, positivity and of Christ’s return. We hope our supporters walk away with a different mindset about their relationships with Him. What would supporters be surprised to know about you?

VIRTUE: Well aside from us all being mothers, we all love to cook! We still wear each other’s clothes. Actually, we rarely pack a suitcase when we visit one another because we know we’ll visit each other’s closets. We still argue and get over it in five to 10 minutes. We talk every day, sometimes four to five times a day. We keep each other laughing. Most would be surprised to find out how down-to-earth we are. We love people and can have conversations with anyone. www.virtuegirl3.com Instagram & Twitter: @virtuegirls

“

This album will minister to the brokenhearted, those wavering in their faith and those who just need a good song to get them through a rough period.

“

nothing is the same in the industry. Having to adapt to the new way of how to connect with your audience, how to gain a new audience and how to stay relevant, engaged, and happy has knocked our socks off a bit! Social media is the new culture. When you love [what you do], you find a way to adapt.

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MAKING the most of the

SOLO STYLE

BY E VA H E A D LE Y

Everyone goes through stages of life at different times, and it’s important to remember that your relationship status does not define who you are as a woman— you don’t have to be in love to have joy.

So what is your status? Are you single, married, or separated? This question is almost on every form you fill out. There are some women who dread checking the single box because it is a reminder that they have yet to complete the cycle of womanhood, marriage, kids, and the white-picket-fence house. But what is womanhood in this day and age? What does it mean to be single?

When you are single, you are in a unique season in which you can discover yourself, travel, and exhaust the possibilities of this wonderful gift called life. There are so many things you can do to make sure you’re enjoying every moment of your single life.

Spread your wings and fly Traveling can be expensive, right? The secret in traveling is discovering the precious gems you have in your own country. Many times, the greatest locations are only a drive away. It’s also helpful to plan ahead. If your dream holiday is in Hawaii, you can either partner up with a girlfriend or go alone. To

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It’s time to get that spring back into your single life

RELATIONSHIPS 101

MAKING THE MOST OF THE SOLO STYLE

get a more reasonably priced holiday package, you can book your holiday a year in advance and pay on it each month. No matter how far or near your destination is, make a promise to yourself that you will take a break each year. Taking time out of your everyday routine once a year will leave you refreshed.

It will also give you the opportunity to meet new people and experience new things, which will enrich your life.

Meditate Many ideas that people have and inspiration for various works and projects have been the results of meditating. This doesn’t mean you need to sit with your legs crossed, chanting, “Om!” ten times. Meditation can be quite simple, such as listening to relaxing music while lying on your bed or sofa and visualizing where you want to be. If you are a Christian, adding a Scripture to your meditation can be a powerful way to connect with God, who will give you more insight on your ideas and how to make your dreams become a reality. As a single woman, taking that time out of your busy schedule to visualize your life and goals will help your mind, body, and spirit.

Write your vision Vision and faith boards can also be applicable ways to keep you level in your single life. It is great fun cutting out images and placing together your future filled with goals, dreams, and aspirations. The key to an effective vision board is to place it somewhere you will see it consciously and unconsciously, such as on the wall somewhere or above your computer— especially if you spend a lot of time at your computer. You can incorporate an array of goals, including travel plans, projects, your dream home, and so much more.

IT’S IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER THAT YOUR RELATIONSHIP STATUS DOES NOT DEFINE WHO YOU ARE AS A WOMAN— YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE IN LOVE TO HAVE

joy.

The great freedom of being single is the endless opportunity to do what you want to do when you want to do it. When the gifts of a husband and children come along, you will no longer have the luxury to pick up yourself and go, as it will take extra time to plan and organize. So, value your time as a single woman— it is a precious and valuable time to be transformed into the woman you have always wanted to be.

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BEATthe SUMMER DELIGHTFUL FOOD

FROZEN TREATS

BY L E AN N RI C E

heat

Frozen treats are the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer day. Making homemade ice cream

with friends and family after a backyard barbecue is a memorable way to spend time. Frozen fruit pops are great portable treats for kids to enjoy at the beach or while running around the neighborhood with their friends.

Grabbing a box of Popsicles or a gallon of ice cream is a pretty simple way to serve a cool, refreshing summertime snack. But making your own is extra-special and so much healthier. While grabbing a box of ice cream sandwiches or fruit pops in the frozen food section is quick and easy, they are typically full of ingredients too hard to pronounce.

Sugar is almost always the very first ingredient, and rarely do fruit bars contain real fruit.

Your favorite frozen summer treats—like ice cream, frozen yogurt and Popsicles—are actually very easy to make with only a few simple ingredients. And you get to control the sugar. Start with your favorite fruits and add-ins to create the flavors you crave. You can even customize your treats for different occasions by switching up colors, Popsicle sticks and the type of containers you use.

Making your own frozen treats is a great activity for family fun! Gather your favorite ingredients and your friends, and create life-long memories with the people you care about.

Here are some delightful recipes for fresh frozen summertime treats!

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WITH FROZEN TREATS These delicious items will help cool you down and satisfy those taste buds

FROZEN FRUIT BARS Note: You don’t need Popsicle molds to make any of these recipes. You can use paper cups and Popsicle sticks. If you use this method, place filled cups into the freezer for 45–60 minutes or until the mixture is just frozen enough to hold the Popsicle sticks in place. Then, continue to freeze as directed in the recipe.

FRESH FRUIT POPS

(Makes 8)

Ingredients: • 2 1/2 cups 100 percent white grape juice • 1/2 cup sliced strawberries • 2 kiwis, peeled and thinly sliced • 1/3 cup blueberries • 1/3 cup chopped peaches Directions: Divide the fruit among the Popsicle molds. Pour grape juice into the molds, filling to 1/3 inch from the top. Insert the Popsicle stick/cover and place in freezer. Freeze until solid (approximately 5 hours).

CHOCOLATE BANANA POPS

(Makes 8)

Ingredients: • 3 medium, very ripe (but not brown) bananas, peeled and cut into chunks • 2/3 cup dark chocolate chips (60 percent chocolate), melted and brought to room temperature Directions: Place bananas into a blender. Spoon the melted chocolate over the bananas. Blend until smooth. Pour mixture into eight Popsicle molds.

Insert the Popsicle stick/cover, and place in freezer for six hours.

TROPICAL SMOOTHIE POPS

(Makes 8)

Ingredients: • 7-ounce container pineapple Greek yogurt • 2 medium ripe bananas (not brown), cut into chunks • 1 mango, peeled and chopped • 2/3 cup orange juice concentrate, thawed • 1/3 cup chopped pineapple • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice Directions: Place all ingredients in a blender, and process until combined.

Pour into molds, and insert the Popsicle stick/cover. Place in freezer and freeze until solid (approximately five to six hours).

CREAMY BERRY YOGURT POPS

(Makes 10)

Ingredients: • 2 1/2 cups Greek yogurt (vanilla or the flavor of the berry you are using) • 1/3 cup half-and-half • 1 tablespoon honey • 1 pound fresh berries (any variety or a combination) Directions: Combine yogurt, half-and-half and honey in a mixing bowl. Mash the berries in a separate bowl. Spoon the mashed berries into the yogurt mixture. With just a few turns with a spoon, fold the berries into the yogurt to achieve a marbled effect. Gently spoon into molds, and insert Popsicle stick/lid. Freeze for five hours.

FROZEN GREEK YOGURT BLUEBERRY FROZEN YOGURT

(Makes 8 servings)

Ingredients: • 5 cups fresh or frozen blueberries • 1 1/2 cups vanilla Greek yogurt • Juice of half a lemon

Directions: Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor, and process until smooth. Spoon mixture into an airtight container, and place in freezer for three hours. (Note: You can use this recipe with any fruit.)

RASPBERRY DARK CHOCOLATE FROZEN YOGURT (Makes 6 servings) Ingredients: • 4 cups fresh or frozen raspberries • 2 cups vanilla Greek yogurt • 1/3 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips Directions: Place raspberries in a blender or food processor, and process until smooth. Use a mesh strainer to strain out the seeds. Put raspberries back into the blender or food processor, and add the Greek yogurt. Process until smooth. If you have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into the appliance, and freeze using manufacturer’s instructions. Before the mixture is completely frozen, add the chocolate chips. Serve immediately, or place in the freezer until ready to serve. If you do not have an ice cream maker, freeze the raspberry yogurt mixture for an hour, then stir in the chocolate chips. Continue to freeze for four hours.

ICE CREAM SANDWICHES Directions: These are a great make-ahead dessert or snack to keep in the freezer. Simply sandwich your favorite ice cream or frozen yogurt in between two cookies, wrap individually and freeze.

For added fun, press the two cookies together until the ice cream or frozen yogurt just begins to ooze out the sides.

Place sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, toasted coconut, chopped toffee or whatever extras you like into a flat dish. Roll the ice cream sandwiches into the topping to coat the exposed ice cream. These are great for special occasions—just choose sprinkles to match the occasion!

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FITNESS

WORK-AT-HOME FITNESS TRENDS

There is no need to sacrifice sun and exercise time when you are self-employed

SUMMER

WORK-AT-HOME FITNESS TRENDS More and more research is surfacing about the harms of sitting all day as the number of individuals who work from home increases.

Sitting for long periods of time is bad for your overall circulation, thus affecting the heart’s function. Also, sitting for long hours is harmful to your muscles and can lead to atrophy.

One summer health hazard for those who work from home is a limit in vitamin D as provided naturally by the sun. Never fear— there are some incredible fitness trends that provide healthy solutions to these problems and will give you a few new things to try in the process.

STAND-UP WORKSTATIONS—Standing burns more calories than sitting. If you do not have the budget to purchase a desk that rises and lowers, then find a countertop in your home that is slightly above waist-level, and work on your laptop from that position. Make sure you are not stooping over from your shoulders; instead, step back to a comfortable distance that enables you to type without causing extra stress to your neck.

Start out working in this manner 30 minutes a day until you can stand for longer durations.

BONUS TIPS Take all of your business calls standing, which should help keep those calls at a productive minimum while improving your circulation. Also, you can kick your chair back and squat as you type for short bursts of time; do repetitions.

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BODYWEIGHT TRAINING—Use your bodyweight to provide resistance during exercise routines, and create a routine to incorporate throughout your workday. Set an alarm every 50 minutes, and get up to do 10 minutes of planks, wall push-ups or push-aways. Get on the floor to do sit-ups, push-ups, and leg lifts. Most of these are throwback exercises, but they work well, and they fit into busy work schedules.

GROOVE—You can groove one of three ways: in a group (find a certified class in your area), by yourself at home to your own music and movements, or purchase Misty Tripoli’s DVD Body Groove, and pop it in during your lunch hour. There is no right or wrong way to groove, because it was designed for any age, any body type, and any fitness level. The point is to move with freedom of expression.

BALLET BARRE-INSPIRED EXERCISE—You can easily sign up for a beginning adult ballet class, find one of the many barre certified programs in your area, or simply walk over to your kitchen counter to perform basic ballet barre movement for exercise.

Barre exercises are for strength training and muscle building, using your own body weight. Ballet barre exercises are also great for your posture, which you need when you sit all day. These are some of the easiest, most cost-effective ways to keep moving when you have a job sitting stationary all day. They are especially great for time-crunched moms who work from home. You need little in the need of equipment, and can wear your work-athome uniform (yoga pants and tees). Most importantly, they eliminate the excuse of not being able to exercise.

HEALTH

DR. NINA’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Taking Care of Yourself

B Y DR. N I N A R ADC L I F F

Women juggle many responsibilities.

After all, they are foundational to the home, workplace, community, and the world.

But in order to live long, happy, and prosperous lives that are filled with meaning, women must first learn to celebrate themselves. This means putting your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health at the forefront. The foundation must stay strong in order to support everything that lies in and on it.

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In order to live long, happy, and prosperous lives that are filled with meaning, women must first learn to celebrate themselves.

There are multiple facets to ensuring you properly care for yourself:

FUEL

When it comes to eating healthy, take a look at exotic sports cars. If you own a Ferrari, only top-of-the-line fuel would do—no preservatives and nothing fake or artificial. You should view your body as a Ferrari and food as your fuel. Food provides vitamins, nutrients, and energy to sustain you. This summer—and going forth—make wise choices about what you eat because your Ferrari’s performance depends on it.

EXERCISE

With your long list of things to do, exercising often gets pushed down a few numbers and, in some instances, dropped altogether. Try to put physical activity as a first or second priority by incorporating it into your daily routine.

It may not be possible to dedicate hours for gym workouts, but you can find (or make) at least 15 minutes in your day to take your Ferrari out for a drive.

So, whenever possible, take the stairs instead of an elevator. Stand up or walk during phone calls. Stretch or do pushups during commercial breaks. Studies have shown that short bursts of physical activity have a cumulative benefit.

THE 4 “A’S” AVOID, ALTER, ADAPT AND ACCEPT

Finances, parenting, family, health, work/life balance and the state of the world today have made it difficult for your ancient stress response to keep up. Put into effect a plan to avoid unnecessary stress, alter the way you communicate and make decisions, adapt to the stressor and accept the things you cannot change.

SLEEP

Not having a good night’s sleep can make even the best individual morph into the Incredible Hulk. In addition to the short-term effects— grouchiness, headaches and difficulty concentrating—the long-term effects of sleep deprivation span from head to toe. Chronic insomnia has been shown to increase your risk for: migraines,

Prioritizing yourself is not a bad thing. In fact, it can improve your overall lifestyle. depression, anxiety, dementia, heart disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, cancer and premature death. Healthy sleep is not an option—it is essential to your overall health. And by getting your ZZZs, you can say “au revoir” to Lou Ferrigno’s character and “hello” to better health.

GRATITUDE

Feeling appreciation for what you have can change negative emotions into more positive ones and provide you with greater satisfaction and happiness.

Additionally, it has been shown that there are a number of health benefits when you have a genuine feeling of gratitude: better sleeping and eating habits, increased energy and lifespan, and decreased overall illness and depression.

UNPLUGGING

Being a “tech-aholic” has become more common in today’s society. Many people are guilty of checking their emails, texts and social media morning, noon and night. Although technology has improved the ability to communicate, it can also take away from living in the moment, becoming a distraction while driving and interfering with your sleep. Take the time to power down and unplug during meals, when driving or spending time with loved ones.

Without a solid foundation—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual—you cannot reach your full potential. Never hesitate to reach for the stars!

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TRAVEL

HOTEL ALTERNATIVES

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HOTEL

ALTERNATIVES FORGET TIMESHARES AND RISKY CRAIGSLIST RENTALS, AND CONSIDER THESE TRENDS IN TRAVEL HOSPITALITY

Planning to get away this summer but find the task of finding affordable or amenable rates daunting? Maybe you want luxury amenities without the price tag. You could even be planning for a family gathering that requires homelike hospitality for a few extra people. Well, there are alternatives and the trend in travel is the tailor-made alternative.

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NONPROFIT HOTELS THAT SERVE CAUSES Want to support a cause near and dear to your heart while staying in a great hotel? Visit Pack for a Purpose partner LuxuryLink.com and other organizations that have great lists of resorts and hotels that give parts of their profits to charities.

Or you can visit the Golden Door health spa in California, which raises awareness and funds for a children’s health center in Ethiopia. Marriot Corporation supports Back on My Feet, an organization that uses running as a way of helping the homeless regain their footing financially.

Check with your favorite hotel chain to see whom they support before booking hotel arrangements.

BED, BREAKFAST AND CONCIERGE SERVICES

HANDMADE AND HOMEMADE HOSPITALITY THAT LOOK A LOT LIKE AN APARTMENT OR HOUSE What if your next vacation hotel was actually a suite in a converted apartment complex? That’s right—some apartment complexes will rent out their vacancies for pro-rated day rates based on the rental fee. How do you find them? You can begin by checking Airbnb, BeMate, One Fine Stay or searching Apartments.com for apartment complexes in the area you want to visit.

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RETREAT TO LEARN AND EARN If you have a desire to relax while being in the company of people who are like-minded, perhaps you can view some of the elite events offered by resorts around the world. These events are purposed to allow participants the privilege of relaxation while experiencing unique networking opportunities. For example, there are Curiosity Retreats for scientists and technologists; and Women in the World, designed for women who want to keep exclusive company with powerful women.

A new trend in the bed-and-breakfast (small hotel) industry is the B&B that not only provides a quaint, quality stay for its guests but also provides concierge services that assist with air, car travel and train accommodations and even help with advanced purchases of event tickets and more. B&Bs are in major cities as well as in rural areas, and both location types require the expertise of someone who is familiar with the area and can serve as your personal travel concierge for a snippet of sophistication that enhances the guest experience.

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As you can see, there is a hotel alternative to meet almost every vacation or travel need. Do a little dreaming and some research, and you can find the ideal alternative to a hotel right online.

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Summer Reads

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LIVE. DREAM. INSPIRE.

CELEBRATE YOU:

B Y S HUN S TRI C K L AN D

WHAT ABOUT YOUR FRIENDS? Make sure you surround yourself with people who will support you and not bring you down

Research tells us that we are the average of the five people we spend the most time with.

Now, think about the five people you spend the most time with. What kinds of character do they have? What kinds of lives are they building? What kinds of goals do they have?

Are they the kinds of people you need to surround yourself with to be and do all God has destined for you?

Part of celebrating yourself is surrounding yourself with people who will bring out the best in you while you do the same for them. Take a moment to reflect: “Is your loyalty to someone setting you up to fail?” Women are nurturers by nature. We love hard. We want to see people succeed.

We want the best for them. As a result, we often hang on to relationships long past their life cycles because we don’t want to give up too soon.

You can’t hang on to your best friend from high school just because she was a great friend then. You must assess whether she is a great friend now. Let’s say you have a great friend, and the two of you love to eat. In fact, you make dates to try new restaurants and visit old favorites. You always get a soda, an appetizer, a big dinner and dessert. You also eat the bread.

Some of you know exactly what I’m talking about. Now, imagine that you go for your annual visit, and the doctor tells you that if you don’t lose 30 pounds, you will be diabetic and need to take insulin shots. You don’t want to take shots, so you decide to lose weight.

You call your friend to tell her about the changes you need to make, and instead of support, she says, “Girl, everybody has to die from something.” You take it as a joke and keep going to dinner with her, but you notice that when your order healthy, she tempts you to take a bite of her cheesecake. Over time, you start to lose weight, and she starts to make little snide comments. As much as you may love your friend, it’s time to love yourself more.

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Here’s how:

HAVE A CRUCIAL CONVERSATION Explain to your friend that accomplishing this weight loss goal is very important to you, and you would like her support. Give specific examples of the non-supportive behavior she is showing. Ask her if she can support you in this journey. Let her know that, if she can’t support you, you will have to limit the amount of time you spend with her.

FIND NEW PLACES FOR SUPPORT Don’t stay in relationships simply because a person is familiar. Relationships should also be mutually beneficial.

Find other women who are on weight-loss journeys. Join a gym, a Zumba class or a walking group. It’s important to spend time with people who share common goals.

GIVE YOURSELF PERMISSION TO REDEFINE THE RELATIONSHIP You don’t have to “break up” with every friend who doesn’t share your goals. You can simply redefine the relationship and the amount of time you spend with her.

DON’T ALLOW GUILT TO HOLD YOU HOSTAGE People come into our lives for seasons, reasons and some for life. Just because a relationship was great doesn’t mean it is great. Just because you used to share everything doesn’t mean you still can. It doesn’t make old friends bad people or you a bad person. It’s just a part of life. People change, and if your friends don’t change with you, then you have to find new relationships. Every relationship can’t be saved. If you find out that a friend is manipulative, deceitful or working to sabotage you, let her go. Don’t allow your history to destroy your future. Once you know someone doesn’t have a heart for you, set her free. Don’t give up finding good friends because you’ve been betrayed or hurt in the past. Good friendships are a part of a good life. Ask God to connect you with people who will support you while you support them.

DAY IN THE LIFE

LAURIE UNDERWOOD

laurie

DESIGNING FASHION TO EMPOWER

underwood Most days, Laurie Underwood spends her time designing clothes and sewing.

Her admitted style is classy and lady-like with a bit of edginess sewn on the side. As for actual pieces, she’s partial to everything from high-waisted trousers, wide-leg pants, jumpsuits and structured jackets to pencil skirts and sheath dresses. It’s all the basis for her wildly popular and iconic clothing line, Wanda Grace.

She wanted a name for her line that said Laurie Underwood without saying, “Laurie Underwood.” She chose “Wanda” because it’s her middle name and “Grace” because it inspires every aspect of her life, from the grace of a lady to living by grace.

The name perfectly suits the line, which Underwood characterizes as a brand styled with classic pieces that stand out, fit in and make bold personal statements of classy confidence. The Wanda Grace woman knows who she is and intends on being herself, no matter the time, situation, or trend.

“I design so that she can add pieces to what she already has of the Wanda Grace Collection from the last season. For me, it’s about building her wardrobe rather than placing her in trends that will be out of season the

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B Y TO N YA D. DI XO N

next week,” Underwood says. “I want to give her style and allow her the opportunity to accessorize her style with style.”

“Trends are just accessories to her, but her style stays the same. It’s who she is and she’s consistent; otherwise, she is this inconsistent person who’s so trendy that you don’t really know who she is. Trends are for teenagers. When you grow up, you have to have grown up in style and that’s what the Wanda Grace woman is all about.”

Underwood recently rose to fame as one of 16 designers on Lifetime’s 14th season of Project Runway, where her design skills, fashion sense and ability to collaborate was put to the test, all while under the scrutiny of the camera lens and hundreds of thousands of weekly viewers.

“If people like me in my everyday life, people will like me on Project Runway. That’s how I looked at it,” she says.

Initially, it wasn’t so much of the harsh tasks of the show or even the responses of the crowd that concerned Underwood. It was making sure she stayed true to herself, her dream and her style. But it was a risk she was certainly willing to take simply because she recognized it was past time for her to put faith into action. It was time to take a leap of faith.

“Project Runway was a risk, but the big leap was coming back and saying [to myself], ‘Oh I took this risk and went on reality television, put my brand on television. Now the real test is am I going back

to my 9-to-5 to continue doing the same things I was doing before, or am I going to have real faith and say that that part of my life is done?’ I need to focus on my real passion.”

While the world may have only recently been introduced to Underwood and her genius eye for fashion and design, she has been creating a distinct path since she was nine years old.

Somewhat opposite of what many aspiring fashion designers do, she divulged that she was never one to head to the sewing machine and churn out unique articles of clothing for family and friends or even for herself. Instead, she stuck to fashion illustration and design. It was her overall love for art that started it all. Ironically, she’s now more heavily involved in the actual sewing aspect and rarely does illustration.

While fashion is obviously a true love, she says it’s about much more than clothes. “My goal is to empower through style. It’s more than just about fashion for me. It’s my passion. But my purpose is to empower women to know they can command a room through style and dress for the part,” Underwood says. “It’s about making a woman look and feel good. It’s more than shopping or making a dress. It’s about the experience the woman has in that dress. There’s something about a new

dress that makes you feel good about yourself and that’s most important.”

Underwood has taken her desire to uplift women even further to include the next generation. She recently launched a handmade doll collection along with her daughter, which she describes as Wanda Grace’s Daughter.

“It’s still fashion,” she said. “It’s just in the form of a toy.”

Women worldwide can certainly expect more as Underwood expands Wanda Grace into a lifestyle brand.

Her efforts ultimately go beyond personal benefit. She looks toward what or who is coming next, in fashion as well as in relationships.

“We must band together and be each other’s encouragers and create collaborations. There are so many little girls watching us, and they need a blueprint to follow. We need to be that blueprint.”

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