Hope fall Winter 2017

FALL/WINTER 2017

4

FIERCE & FASHIONABLE TRENDS

Sweet

Chicago Five foods to keep you calm, cool and collected

CREATE A

JOY-FILLED

HOME

WALK IT OUT WITH

TRICIA GOYER

Stop and Start Again LEARN TO TAKE PURPOSEFUL BREAKS ALONG YOUR JOURNEY TO SUCCESS

DISCOVER THE ADVENTURE OF FOLLOWING JESUS—

one step at a time

GOD HAS A GREAT ADVENTURE FOR YOU. Whether believers realize it or not, God intended for them to do what the Bible says: take the gospel into all the world, adopt the orphan, and care for the needy. These mandates point believers down a path of true living and eternal life.

Sometimes those steps are easy, but many times they require a move outside of what feels safe or secure. When women stop focusing on their own dreams and purposes, and instead focus on God’s dreams and purposes, everything changes.

TRICIA GOYER is a prolific author of more than sixty books. She is a homeschooling mom of ten, grandmother of four, and wife to John. She is the founder of Hope Pregnancy Center in Kalispell, Montana, and now leads a teen mom support group in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Available in print and digital editions everywhere books are sold

COVER

IN THIS ISSUE

TRICIA GOYER Tricia Goyer continues to walk it out in all she does

IN EVERY ISSUE

BY ANGE LIA L. WHIT E

3 (Hello Gorgeous)

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Angie’s Editor Page The Fearless Pursuit of Yourself

4 Women Who Inspire Meet Kelly McNelis B Y A NG E LI A L. WHI TE

FEATURES

5

BSU Advertorial Michelle Morrison Online student joins on campus

MONEY

11 Running Your Financial World FITNESS Planning for Retirement Today P R ES EN T ED BY TAES H IM A WH I TE, AAM S®

RELATIONSHIPS 101

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BEAUTY

6 Beauty Editor’s Pick

6 Amazing Makeup Removal Products That Will Keep Your Skin Moisturized & Glowing This Winter

7 What Matter’s Most: Cinda Boomershine

The Mastermind behind Cinda B Bags

10 Statement Accessories That Will Inspire Your Style B Y LIZ E V E RE T T

9 Sunglasses in the Snow?

6 Reasons to Wear Them in Winter B Y JE N RE E D

CAREER

10 Jump, Girl!

BY AN GE L R E N E E SCOT T

NUTRITION

24 Support Your Stress Five Foods to Keep You Calm, Cool and Collected

BY COURTN AYE KOP E C

FAMILY

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How to Create a Joy-Filled Home B Y K AR I AN N E W OOD ( GUE ST )

ENTERTAINMENT

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B Y N ATA LE I G H MOSLE Y

8 Instant Style Pop

Learn to take purposeful breaks along your journey to success B Y VET TA C ASH

B Y LIZ E V E RE T T

FASHION

Stop and Start Again

22 Consistency Key to Success

How to Fix a Broken Record: Amena Brown B Y R AC H E L SWE AR I N GE N

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The Most Powerful Transformation I Made for My Family—and It Didn’t Cost a Dime B Y EM ILY LE Y

DELIGHTFOOD FOOD

20 Dips & Soups

Become Your Own Boss

“Slow” good recipes your family will love

B Y N I COLE T TE BA RRE T T

B Y S H AY SH ULL

WELLNESS

25 Refresh Health Challenge

BY D R . TAF F Y WAGN E R

HOME

26 Simple Ways to Refresh Your Home

BY M AUR I TA SUT TON BR OWN

27 The Gathering

BY M E LI SSA M I C H AE LS

END NOTES

28 Simple Small Things

BY M AUR I TA SUT TON BR OWN

TRAVEL

30 Home Sweet Chicago

BY J E AN E T TE H URT

FALL/WINTER 2017 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 1

FALL/WINTER

Refresh VOL. 10 NO. 12 PUBLISHER & FOUNDER ANGELIA L. WHITE ART DIRECTOR / GRAPHIC DESIGNER SARAH THOMPSON GRAPHIC DESIGN INTERN GABRIELLE SHUSTER CONTRIBUTORS NICOLETTE BARRETT, SARAH BLACKMAN, MAURITA SUTTON BROWN, VETTA CASH, LIZ EVERETT, JEANETTE HURT, COURTNAYE KOPEC, NATALEIGH MOSLEY, JEN REED, ANGEL RENEE-SCOTT, TAFFY WAGNER, TAESHIMA WHITE SPECIAL GUEST CONTRIBUTORS EMILY LEY, MELISSA MICHAELS , KARI ANNE WOOD, MELANIE SHANKLE , SHAY SHULL EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS NATALEIGH MOSLEY, RACHEL SWEARINGEN SOCIAL MEDIA SHANNON DIDIER TAYLOR WILLIAMS BALL STATE UNIVERSITY CARDINAL COMMUNICATIONS

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 2017

EDITOR’S PAGE

LIVE. DREAM. INSPIRE.

The Fearless Pursuit

of Yourself

At the end of every year, many people take time to look back on the last 12 months and plan how they can make the next 12 even better. While end-of-the-year reflections and making resolutions are wonderful tactics for self-improvement, what about all of our seasons in the middle?

Whether it’s January 1 or April 13, or any other day in the year, you’re perfectly capable of setting goals to do all of the things you’ve always wanted to do. There are no rules or time limits when it comes to being brave for you.

Think about the last three months. Have you been living the life you want to live? Have you been pursuing the dreams you dare to dream? Have you been letting yourself experience true joy?

If not, what’s stopping you?

What would your life look like if you spent a little more time focusing on you more frequently throughout the year? It’s not a selfish thing—it’s actually healthy. So many women spend countless hours serving others and taking care of all of the people around them that they forget some of the most important people who need just as much love and attention as they give others: themselves.

Let yourself be pampered. Let yourself get rest. Let yourself pursue health. Let yourself chase your dreams.

Let yourself dance and laugh and sing and smile.

Get all the discounts you deserve.

And let yourself be fearless enough to do it all for you for a change.

In Hope,

FREE Discount Double Check®.

It’s a quick and easy way to make sure you’re saving all you can.

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® CALL ME TODAY.

Veronica Smith Ins Agcy Inc

Angelia White Hope for Women CEO

Veronica Smith, Agent 924 W Bethel Avenue Muncie, IN 47303 Bus: 765-284-9755 veronica.smith.b93k@statefarm.com

0901126.1

State Farm, Home Office, Bloomington, IL

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE

KELLY MCNELIS

Women Who Inspire MEET KELLY MCNELIS SENEGOR Kelly McNelis is the founder of Women for One. Women for One is a site where women can share their stories of empowerment with others. She aims to empower others and help them “find their voice and discover their true power”. Kelly recently wrote a book, Your Messy Brilliance: 7 Tools for the Perfectly Imperfect Woman, which published in the Fall of 2017.

HOPE FOR WOMEN: Who has been your biggest inspiration?

KELLY MCNELIS SENEGOR: I believe that there’s a deep wisdom that lives in every single person, and it’s all about our choice to access it. I am definitely inspired by people who are self-aware, creative, and have a strong desire to change their reality and their “life script” by following their passion. Among these have been my mentors, but also my peers, my employees, the many women in my community…the dreamers, the doers, the people who are actively working to own their stories and make life happen on their terms.

I am especially inspired by people who are courageous enough to transcend their life circumstances rather than remaining victims to a “bad” situation.

HFW: What do you do to encourage others?

KMS: I am all about encouraging people to step into their power, their strengths, and who they really are.

I am a huge champion of people’s excellence, and because I am constantly looking for opportunities to be creative even in the midst of the unknown, I encourage others to do the same. Stepping 4 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM FALL/WINTER 2017

into our power also means taking responsibility for ourselves, owning our “mistakes,” and transforming our failures into learning experiences.

HFW: What obstacles have you overcome?

KMS: My biggest obstacle has been finding my voice and learning to address shame in my life. As an incest survivor and someone whose voice was shut down for many years, I had to do a deep inventory of my life when I realized that I’d been hiding my pain and trying to present myself as “perfect” to the people around me. After my divorce, my life unraveled and I realized that the beauty was in the “messiness,” and in my capacity to accept myself as I was rather than pretending to be someone else. It included taking the painful stories and experiences and extracting the wisdom and lessons from them. This isn’t always easy, but it’s definitely rewarding.

HFW: What’s one message you wish all woman could hear?

KMS: Surrender to the messiness of life. I write about this in depth in my new book, Your Messy Brilliance: 7 Tools for the Perfectly Imperfect Woman. I define your mess as being the brilliant and marvelous totality of who you are: the good, the bad, and the ugly. If there is anything I could share with women, it’s the value of embracing and owning your own messiness rather than getting caught up in someone else’s idea of “perfect.” Your mess is where your brilliance lives, and doing the work to accept yourself exactly as you are will be the very thing that leads you to your joy, passion, and purpose.

ADVERTORIAL

Michelle Morrison says her office is diligent about getting to know online students and their academic needs

What Support Services Mean for Online Degree Seekers If you’re considering online education, finding a program that provides helpful support services is as critical as finding one that’s academically respected. Support services can make all of the difference in your online experience. Michelle Morrison, assistant director of student services for online and distance education at Ball State University, recently spoke with Hope for Women magazine to explain how student services can impact your online education.

Q: What are some of the ways in which students can find connection through online education?

A: Many people think that, as an online student, you will be separated from what’s going on at the main campus. They are pleasantly surprised in how it can be done. At Ball State, for example, the advisor’s job is to make sure you stay connected with everything happening on campus. In that initial advising appointment, we spend about 40 minutes because we want to make sure we get to know the student’s strengths or any barriers of his or hers to success.

Q: Are there ways new online

students receive special attention?

A: This year, we are introducing a mentoring piece through our online student ambassadors, who have always been available for questions and are proven and successful online students. Now ambassadors are assigned as mentors to new students.

Mentors can give suggestions like, “Mid-terms are approaching. Don’t forget: The learning center can help you.” There are now probably at least 12 touch points throughout the semester when new online students get phone calls and emails directly from their advisors and ambassadormentors.

With ambassador-mentors, our thinking was, “Who better than someone who is a student can you reach out to with certain questions?”

On campus, you can do that with someone in your classroom. So, this mentor is that support person who gives you someone to ask questions, other than your professors.

Q: Is it true that online students can access the same services available to students on campus?

A: As part of our concierge approach,

we are constantly connecting students with resources on campus. So, if you don’t know whom else to call, you can call our office [765-285-1581], and we’ll help you navigate through academic services such as the library or the writing center. The learning center, for example, offers a lot of tutoring, but its big thing is helping students deal with time management study skills—those soft skills that help students be successful in the classroom.

Q: So, your students can make lots of connections in their online environment?

A: We want to get to know what our students’ lives are like on a day-to day-basis. We had a student who told us she had a small studio apartment and that she was coming home and doing her homework in her bed. I couldn’t see it physically, but I knew it wasn’t conducive to a student’s life.

As we talked it through, she agreed that she needed a dedicated space for study. So, she took an old table, set it up in the corner by a window and arranged better lighting. She told us later that it was working great.

FALL/WINTER 2017 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 5

BEAUTY EDITOR’S pick BEAUTY

AMAZING MAKEUP REMOVAL PRODUCTS

6 Amazing Makeup Removal Products That Will Keep Your Skin Moisturized & Glowing This Winter

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair

BY LIZ E V E R E T T, H F W ST Y L E & BEAU T Y EDITOR

Focusing on top-notch skin care, as well as thorough makeup removal products, is important to looking great in every season.

Once you take off your cosmetics, you want to know that your skin looks effortlessly gorgeous. That can be really tough to do during the winter because your skin can be stripped in the cold.

These six products will keep your skin rejuvenated, hydrated and clean. You will see three serums on the list, as well, because they are the newest trend in keeping skin rejuvenated. I will start with Estee Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair, which is its signature skin care product. It is great for relieving dryness. Known as ANR, this serum has powerful skin reviving power.

The Clarins serum is a two-in-one, featuring tumeric as a main ingredient for visible lifting, as well as Callicarpa extract to revive radiance. The final of the three serums is the Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum. The Mario Badescu line is very popular among Youtube beauty vloggers. This top-rated serum eliminates discoloration and retexturizes your skin as well.

This list gives you a great selection of products that will keep you looking amazing this winter. Remember, investing in your skin is the best investment you will ever make, especially in the winter time.

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Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover for Lids, Lashes & Lips

Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum

Sheamoisture African Black Soap Clarifying Cleansing Facial Wipes

Clarins Double Serum

Burt’s Bees Eye Makeup Remover Pads

WHAT MATTERS MOST

CINDA BOOMERSHINE

CINDA BOOMERSHINE Meet the mastermind behind Cinda B Bags

“If you look good, you feel good. And if you feel good, you have power.”

Every woman who is on the go needs a functional, fashionable bag to fit her lifestyle. Cinda Boomershine saw a need for a company to make this possible, so she decided to use her fashion and business background to make it happen. We recently had a chance to sit down with her to find out just what inspired her to start Cinda B Designs.

Hope For Women: What made you want to go into the fashion industry?

CB: I entered the fashion industry because I needed a bag and couldn’t find it on the market. I had a background in design and a masters in business, so I figured I’d design my own and start a brand.

HFW: What would you say is your greatest accomplishment?

CB: While it may sound cliché, my greatest accomplishments are my two children. I was so career-focused that

HFW: Who are some designers that inspire you?

we perhaps waited a bit too long to have kids. Then, it took us a long time to have them. But I kept pushing, was persistent and did not give up.

HFW: What were some of the challenges you faced with launching your own brand?

CB: I faced so many challenges launching Cinda B, but perhaps the most constant challenge was being taken seriously as a young female entrepreneur in a male-dominated world. I remember sitting in a meeting with a fabric supplier who asked to speak with my husband before penning a deal. I bet he never asked a male if he could speak with his wife. Now that my business is established, I do not face that sort of blatant sexism as much, but I know it still exists. But with all challenges, I have always found that no matter how difficult the challenge, I am always better for having gone through it. I am smarter, stronger and better prepared for my next challenge -which I prefer to call “an opportunity to shine”.

CB: I am influenced by all sorts of designers in all sorts of industries. I always love seeing what Jonathan Alder is up to because his designs make me smile. He is, of course, strongly influenced by David Hicks whose work I adore. I am loving what Rachael Zoe has been doing both in terms of fashion and business. The brand Figue is one of my current obsessions as well.

HFW: Do you believe that it is possible to empower women through fashion?

CB: Absolutely! If you look good, you feel good. And if you feel good, you have power. But the key is to know what it is about fashion that makes you feel good. For me, it is dark skinny jeans and a good pair of heels. For someone else, it might be a Chanel suit. And for someone else, it might be a vintage sundress.

Empowering fashion can be anything.

SFALL/WINTER 2017 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 7

FASHION INSTANT STYLE POP

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7 Statement Accessories That Will Inspire Your Style

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INSTANT

style

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POP

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B Y L I Z E VE RE T T, HF W S T Y L E & B E AUT Y E DI TO R

Statement earrings will be a great way to start your journey to a new, vibrant you. My favorite accessory trend is one that brings a pop of color, glamour and joy to each of our daily style statements. I just love them! It’s time to have fun with your style again! For those of you who are scared of taking the plunge, I say try a chandelier.

1. Anna & Ava Danielle Multi Beaded Tassel Earrings $35.00 2. J. Crew Beaded Oval Dangle Statement Earrings $34.50 3. Natasha Thread Hoop Earrings $28.00 4. Kate Spade New York Statement Earrings $98.00 5. Vince Camuto Chain-Tassled Statement Earrings $48.00 6. Baublebar Samba Drops $38.00 7. ASOS Statement Chandelier $15.50

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FASHION

SUNGLASSES IN THE SNOW

Sunglasses in the

Snow?

6 REASONS TO WEAR THEM IN WINTER BYJEN R E E D

When the first snowfall hits, most of us are staying protected by bundling up in sweaters and putting on some snow boots. Associated more with sunny beaches and warm summer days, sunglasses are often an afterthought once the temperatures start to turn.

percent of the sun rays. This means there’s an increased chance of these rays going right into your eyes, especially from lower angles. Have you ever tried to look at the sun? Your mom was right when she said it was a bad thing to do.

There are plenty of benefits to wearing sunglasses in the winter time. Here are the top six reasons to wear sunglasses in the snow.

You might have better vision To see your best, your eyes need just the right amount of light. Too much or too little will cause your eyes to strain and hamper your vision. If it’s too bright, wear sunglasses, no matter what time of year it is. Having good vision is especially important for maneuvering a sled, skiing down a slope, or aiming your throws during a snowball fight.

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Protection from wind and snowfall The colder months usually bring harsh winds with them. That barrier on your eyes can really come in handy to protect from snow and debris.

Additionally, low-humidity winter winds can dry out your eyes, causing irritation and blurry vision. Wearing sunglasses can help prevent your eyes from drying out and your contacts from flying out of your eyes.

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Shades protect you from UV rays Although winter may be dreary, the sun still shines. Temperatures drop during winter, but the sun’s UV rays stay the same - don’t let your guard down!

Even worse, snow reflects about 80

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Protection from snow blindness We’ve already talked about UV rays reflecting off of the snow. Ultraviolet radiation increases by 10-12% percent for each 1,000 meters above sealevel according to the World Health Organization.

If you plan on taking part in winter sports or resorts at high altitudes, you need to be wearing eye protection.

The extra UV radiation can cause a condition called “snow blindness.”

Snow blindness happens when UV radiation causes a burn on your cornea. Symptoms include tearing on the eye, hazy vision, pain, and the feeling that something is in your eye.

Wearing sunglasses will dramatically decrease your chances of getting snow blindness.

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You may have fewer headaches Snow makes everything appear brighter. Too much brightness can cause your eyes to strain and even painful headaches. You don’t want to spend your winter either squinting to see outside or stuck with a headache inside. Using sunglasses as protection will mean you won’t have to strain to see.

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Reduce glare for safer driving Driving in the snow is hard enough as it is. Don’t make it worse by making things harder to see. Snow and melted snow can cover roads, car windows, street signs, and other objects, causing glare. The glare from sunshine on fresh snowfall can easily make it unsafe to drive by reflecting light your car’s visor can’t block back up from the roadway. Sunglasses reduce glare and allow you to see good enough to drive.

FALL/WINTER 2017 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 9

CAREER JUMP, GIRL! BECOME YOUR OWN BOSS

JUMP, GIRL!

Become Your Own Boss

BY NIC KQU OLE T T E BA RRET T

Starting your own business could end up being one of the best decisions you ever make—well, outside of some of the bigger things such as giving your life to Christ, getting married, or becoming a mother.

We all have different reasons for wanting to start our own businesses. Maybe the reason is simply that you’re tired of corporate America. Sometimes you have to say, “You know what? I’m done.” Though you may enjoy your job, it might be time to take your destiny into your own hands and pave your own path. Every once in a while, you have to jump— and every once in a while, it feels great!

Starting a business is not for the faint at heart, though, and it certainly requires a tremendous amount of work and persistence. Taking the leap will mean that you may stumble along the way, but stumbling is a part of the entrepreneurial experience. If you stumble, get back up, and move forward.

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Avoid investing in “tools” prematurely. Not all tools work for every business or are even needed. Make sure you know how to work the tools you choose, and opt for free versions that work well for your young business.

Become laser-focused on your offerings. Don’t offer a huge menu of mismatched options. Just because you “can” do it doesn’t mean you should. Even if you can write copy for websites because you have a gift of writing marketing and branding documents for your clients, that’s not something you should spend time doing if it doesn’t align with your business.

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Speak into existence what you do and who you are.

Introduce yourself as the individual you are, and be ready to share the value you bring. Consider it your business elevator speech.

Below are five tips that can help you in your journey to starting your own business.

Make your business cards a part of your daily attire.

Never go anywhere without them. You can even use a small plastic pouch on the back of your phone if you choose since you likely always have it with you. You won’t face any “My card case is in my other purse” situations again.

Hire a great coach to fit your needs. Please don’t skimp on this. It’s wise to look for a marketing and branding coach who has a savvy business background. Do your research and ask questions such as, “How long have you been in business?” “Who are your clients who have created success stories?” “Can I contact them?”

Finally, don’t be afraid to fail. If it doesn’t work out, it’s not the end of the world. You may face more than one failure before you find your success. The failures may delay your goal of becoming an entrepreneur, but it doesn’t have to stop you. You can learn valuable lessons that help you be the entrepreneur you’ve always wanted to be.

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MONEY

RUNNING YOUR FINANCIAL WORLD

Running Your Financial World:

Planning for Retirement Today P R E SEN T E D BY TAE SH I MA WHITE, A A MS ®

Beyonce’s “Run the World (Girls)” is one of my all-time favorite girl anthems. It’s all about female empowerment, a topic I’m passionate about, especially when it comes to finances. As a long-time financial professional, I speak to many women about getting involved in saving and investing decisions for the family, especially those related to their own retirement.

At Schwab, we generally highlight four key considerations to help women prepare and be confident in their financial future. Keep in mind, this information should not be considered personalized investment advice or recommendations. Because each situation varies, it’s important to review for your own particular situation.

Women may have a lengthier retirement. Women tend to outlive men by an

average of five years, according to the National Center for Health in 2016, which means women will have to save more money to last them through their longer lifespans.

Tip: Equities are an important part of most portfolios, even during retirement. Though you may want to gradually reduce your exposure as you get older, consider maintaining a portion of your savings in equities to counteract the impact of inflation.

Women may have a more expensive retirement. Not only do women have to plan for

more years in retirement, but they often have to anticipate higher expenses, particularly around healthcare.

Tip: Medicare benefits cover some medical costs during retirement, but consider alternatives such as supplemental insurance.

Women potentially have to save more to make up for earnings loss. In 2015,

women still earned only 80 cents for every dollar men earned, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s data for full-time, year-round workers’ median earnings released in September 2016. Plus, over the course of their working years, women spend more time out of the workforce to care for their families, according to the AARP Public Policy Institute.

Tip: Your level of savings is the biggest factor in determining whether you will meet your retirement financial goals, so start early. Max out your 401(k) contributions and use an automatic deposit feature so you don’t even have to think about it. As of tax year 2017, you can contribute up to $6,000 beyond the usual limit to your 401(k) each year after you turn 50. You may also be able to annually contribute an extra $1,000 to your Traditional or Roth IRA to help bulk up your savings.

Women may receive less in Social Security benefits. Lower salaries and fewer

years in the workplace also put women at a disadvantage when it comes to Social Security benefits. In fact, women earned on average about 20% less in Social Security than men in 2015, according to the Social Security Administration.

Tip: Consider delaying the start of your Social Security benefits. If you choose to start cashing in your Social Security checks before your normal retirement age, your benefits are reduced. If you wait to some point between your normal retirement age and the age of 70, you’ll receive a higher monthly benefit.

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COVER TRICIA GOYER

tricia

CONTINUES TO WALK IT OUT IN ALL SHE DOES

12  HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM FALL/WINTER 2017

goyer B Y AN GE L I A W HI TE

“

“

COVER TRICIA GOYER

Saying ‘yes’ to God can sometimes be radical, but it’s really, really good, too.

Author Tricia Goyer has written more than 50 books, and her latest work continues to seek to inspire and encourage its readers to live with hope and boldness.

realized that she simply needed to share with others that life is really about doing what the Bible says, she said the rest of the book fell into place.

Goyer’s new book Walk It Out aims to help individuals take the risks that they have maybe been too afraid to take, even when they know God’s calling them to do certain things.

“I really look at the key moments of my life—the times when I had decisions to make, and I could either say ‘yes, I’m going to do what God’s Word says,’ or I’m going to say ‘no, and I’m not going to do what God’s Word says,’” Goyer said.

“I think that if you ask any person, ‘What is God asking you to do that you’ve been too afraid of?’ I think most people are going to have something that God’s put on their hearts that they’ve just been too afraid to step out of their comfort zones to do,” she said.

Goyer has been in that same position—fearful of what might happen if she listened to God’s calling simply because the outcome was completely unknown. But she knew that those moments and those opportunities had been given to her with purpose, and she wasn’t willing to pass them up.

And she also knew that she wouldn’t ever be alone.

“When we step out, it’s not like God says, ‘OK, I want you to do this, but it’s all up to you,’” she said. “We think it’s all up to us, but He’s going to be there.”

Walk It Out came as a result of what God has been doing in Goyer’s life and because of her desire to live as His Word says. A huge part of that, she said, is loving and helping those in need, such as widows and orphans. The desire to touch the lives of orphans was pressed so strongly in her heart that she and her husband adopted foster children. It might not have been the easiest decision, but she knows that it was one of her best.

“There were some hard days,” she said. “But now, a couple years later, I can see that their lives are so completely different than they would have been if we hadn’t done this, and my life is different. It was hard, but it was good. God may call us to hard, but he also calls us to good.”

After talking over some of her story with her editor, the title of Walk It Out seemed perfectly clear, as Goyer was, indeed, walking out God’s Word in her life. From there, when she

And that first step—that “yes” that you say—is only the beginning and all you really need to be brave and get going.

“I think that, so many times, we want to find out the big picture, the will of our lives, what God has,” Goyer said.

“He’s already told us what to do; He’s already told us to care for the orphans and widows. When we look at God’s Word and say, ‘OK, I’m just going to do what it says, big things, small things, all kinds of things can happen when we do that.”

One way she continues to walk in His Word is in mentoring teenage mothers and their families. Goyer has a heart for doing so, as she was once a teen mother herself. While she was at first reluctant to share her past of having an abortion at age 15 and having a child at age 17, she’s now able to use those situations from her life to help others in similar circumstances. And she knows it’s part of what she’s called to do.

“All of these little steps are just big steps of obedience, and it all ends up being a bigger thing,” she said. “Sometimes it’s the little acts of obedience that God uses to lead us to the bigger areas where He really wants to work.”

Through Walk It Out, Goyer hopes that many women are able to do the same—to live out God’s Word, even when they’re afraid of what they’re being asked to do. Taking that first step and saying that first “yes” truly can lead to a life of boldness and joy that one never would have imagined.

“Saying ‘yes’ to God can sometimes be radical,” she said, “but it’s really, really good, too.”

FALL 20 FALL/WINTER 2017 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 13

RELATIONSHIPS STOP AND START AGAIN

BY VET TA C ASH

The lyrics to the Soul II Soul hit song “Keep On Moving” were played daily on urban radio stations all over the country. Although the song is not as popular now as it was then, the sentiment of the song still rings true for many women. Keep moving.

Don’t stop. Find your own way. Every woman deserves the opportunity to go after her goals and to follow her path to success. However the journey, with its clear destination point, does not need to be non-stop. You can and should make purposeful stops along the way because after every period of planned rest, you reward yourself with a fresh start.

Purposeful stops are not code words for laziness or quitting. Planned rest is actually one of the greatest assets in the arsenal of a successful woman. The key is learning how to use them.

1. Why: Identify why you are taking a planned break and structure your break exclusively around that reason.

Do you need time to regroup or a quiet time to gain clarity on your next steps?

Do you need rest and personal care?

Be clear, honest and purposeful.

This is not the time to waste time.

2. When: Planned rest is…well planned. Waking up and saying “I’m not doing anything today” is not planned rest. Your purposeful break should be scheduled in advance and detail-oriented. You should identify when the break will begin and when it will end. I usually have a planned 2-3 day break every quarter of the year.

3. Where: Location, location, location is an important part of your break.

Where do you want to be while you recharge and think? Where does your budget and timeline allow you to go? What environments inspire you? Select a space or venue that feeds directly into the purpose of the break.

4. What: Deciding exactly what you want (and need) to accomplish during your break is vital. Create lists of actions and tools that will help you get it done. If your goal is to rest, then plan to rest and not work on your quarterly budget. If your plan is to gain guidance and personal insight,

14 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM FALL/WINTER 2017

Learn to take purposeful breaks along your journey to success

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Stop & Start Again

After every period of planned rest, you reward yourself with a fresh start.

then bring books, notes, and audio teachings that will help you do just that.

5. Who: People can either motivate you or drain you. Therefore, be wise about whom, if anyone, you invite to join you on your purposeful break. It’s okay to go alone if that’s what’s best for you.

Take a purposeful break from your drive to success. Afterwards, get back on your journey with fresh eyes, fresh determination and a fresh perspective.

Give yourself a fresh start.

FAMILY

HOW TO CREATE A JOY-FILLED HOME

HOW TO CREATE A JOY-FILLED

HOME

BY K ARI A N N E WOOD

I come from a family of homemadepresent makers.

Not your ordinary run-of-the-mill, seen-it-on-Pinterest-before present makers. These are the extraordinary, mind-boggling, one-of-a-kind, overthe-top makers of gifts. Once, my sister collected all the pieces of paper of our lives, cut out leaves from those papers, and made us each a family tree.

My brother hand carved us bowls from an old oak tree that had fallen after standing in our yard for generations.

One year, a nativity made of acorns showed up wrapped in hand-printed paper covered with photographs of our family wearing mullets. Even the dog had a mullet.

I love each and every one of those gifts.

Truly.

But my favorite present lives at the very end of our hallway next to the railroad sign, the stack of extra

umbrellas and the chalkboard USA. It makes me smile. It makes me laugh in amazement. It makes my heart sing at the sheer wonder and magnitude and simplicity of the gift.

My sister took the first three months of words of posts from my blog, Thistlewood Farms—all 20,478 words I had written—and created the image of a thistle. At first glance, all you see is the outline of the flower, but if you look closely at the picture, you can see it’s entirely composed of letters.

Every word is there.

Every sigh. Every “seriously.” Every comma, every quotation mark, every exclamation point. Every tree skirt I forgot and every loaf of bread I baked and every stinky sock description I ever wrote and every story I ever told.

They are all there—intertwined into the down of a thistle.

Every time I pass by that picture, every time I read those words, every time I pause for a moment and think about the joy written into that picture, I’m

thankful.

I’m thankful for my sister and her willingness to share her heart with me.

I’m thankful for my family and my friends and the warmth and encouragement and love that bounces off the walls of our house.

Why not take a moment to introduce joy into your home today? Celebrate the tiny little marshmallows that float to the top of the hot chocolate in the middle of giggles and after-school conversation. Rejoice in the first sip of a cup of tea and the snuggle of a soft throw or the beauty in the words of an afternoon spent in studying God’s Word.

So many times, we are so busy with life that we overlook the joy of the moment. We spend so much time looking for the extraordinary and the fireworks and the explosion and the mountain top or the next incredible experience. And all the while? The joy is there—just waiting to be noticed.

Why not invite joy into your home today?

FALL/WINTER 2017 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 15

ENTERTAINMENT

AMENA BROWN

POET, SPOKEN WORD ARTIST TEACHES OTHERS HOW TO HEAL THEIR “BROKEN RECORDS”

AMENA BROWN BRINGS HOPE, HEALING AND CREATIVITY B Y R AC H E L S W E ARI N GEN 16 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM FALL/WINTER 2017

AMENA BROWN

What originally inspired you to write?

I have LOVED reading since I was a little girl so my love of reading inspired me to be a writer. I started writing my own poems and short stories outside of class when I was 12 or 13.

What led you to write How to Fix a Broken Record?

This book is centered around the first few years of my thirties. The consistent thread of this season in my life has been “What are the broken messages I’ve been holding on to and how can I stop those broken messages from replaying in my life?”

What do you hope people take away from this book?

I hope when people read this book, they will see the beauty and value in their own stories and be encouraged to walk through the process of healing their own broken records.

What obstacles have you faced on your path and how have you handled them?

I quit my corporate job nine years ago to pursue a career as a poet and writer. When I first became a full-time artist, I didn’t realize I was also becoming an entrepreneur. I realized I had to be an artist and a businesswoman in order to succeed. I had to learn how to run a business, how to better manage my money and my time. Whenever I talk to anyone who wants to see their dreams become reality, I like to tell them to pair creativity and practicality. You need both to succeed.

How is spoken word poetry different from traditional poetry?

In my work, spoken word poetry is a place where the rhythm of jazz, the word play of hip hop, and the drama of monologue come together. Spoken word poetry is not typically written to be read. It is written to be orated and performed. I like for my spoken word poetry to be centered on storytelling...and I think that helps people to connect with it because it’s human and full of emotion.

“

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ENTERTAINMENT

SPOKEN WORD POETRY IS A PLACE WHERE THE RHYTHM OF JAZZ, THE WORD PLAY OF HIP HOP, AND THE DRAMA OF MONOLOGUE COME TOGETHER.

turns out exactly how I thought it would...poems and stories are supposed to surprise us.

What advice would you offer women chasing their dream careers?

Take care of yourself. Don’t put your career ambitions ahead of loving yourself. You only get one you. Drink water. Get rest.

Eat well. Spend time with people who love and believe in you.

Pursue your dream career [while remaining] centered in who you are and the gifts you have that can help the world.

What’s next for Amena?

I want to curate more environments where women can connect to and learn from each other. I believe womanhood is a sisterhood and there is so much we can share to encourage and equip each other as leaders and creatives in our personal and professional lives. And I’m writing new poetry. Writing and creating new things is always what’s next.

She’s determined to give her baby a better life.

Could the celebration of the arrival of another unexpected baby nearly two thousand years ago be the answer to her dilemma?

What advice do you have for people wanting to share their own poems?

My biggest advice for people wanting to share their own poems, whether they are spoken word or not is to visit an open mic. There is a community of poets in nearly every major city in America that meet weekly or monthly to share and listen to poems. The open mic is the best place to share your work, get feedback, and become a better writer and performer. This is why I stay connected to my local poetry scene in Atlanta. Poetry happens best in community.

When you first set out to write a poem, do you already know what you want the message to be, or is it created and changed as you work on the poem?

My poems get created in different ways. Sometimes they start out with a line or two and then it takes me months to figure out what goes next. Sometimes I have a story I want to tell or a question I want to answer. The poem very rarely

Learn More at RevellBooks.com

n

Available wherever books and ebooks are sold.

FALL/WINTER 2017 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 17

FEATURE THE MOST POWERFUL TRANSFORMATION

THE MOST

POWERFUL

TRANSFORMATION

I MADE FOR MY FAMILY— AND IT DIDN’T COST A DIME B Y E MILY LE Y

18 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM FALL/WINTER 2017

FEATURE THE MOST POWERFUL TRANSFORMATION

Simplified homes give us more space to enjoy what truly matters: each other.

What do you want for your family this year?

It’s a question I ask myself when January rolls around. I’m a wife, mama, and entrepreneur. But I’m also a homemaker—we all are, really.

“Homemaking” is a word that’s fallen out of fashion (because who among us is June Cleaver?) but it’s something we all do. We all create places for our families to rest and recharge at the end of each day.

That’s a lovely image, isn’t it?

But if I’m honest, homemaking can feel suffocating at times. When the living room looks like the toy box exploded, when there’s dinner to make and lunches to pack, when there are a thousand activities and obligations, adding one more thing—like turning our homes into havens—can set us over the edge.

But instead of adding things . . . what if we take them away?

About a year ago, I realized one of the most powerful, immediate, and satisfying transformations you can make for your family is simplifying your space.

I started to see how distracting the clutter was in my home. And trust me, there was a lot of it—twin toddlers, a kindergartner, and a home-based business will do that to you. In the past, I’d tried the expensive organizers and fancy labels because a “good mom” would make her home look like that beautiful and spotless one on Instagram, right? But those matching bins and labels never worked. My home fell back into chaos within five minutes. (Hello, twin toddlers!)

My lack of organizational tools wasn’t the problem; the overabundance of stuff was. So I decided it was time for a ruthless clean-out.

The end result was astonishing— truly the most impactful change

I’ve ever made for our family. I had underestimated how much physical, mental, and emotional effort I was giving to maintaining all our stuff. The simplicity I found when all the extra, duplicate, outgrown, unnecessary items were gone brought a calmness I’d never known.

If I can do it, you can do it too. I’m going to walk you through what I like to call the “ruthless clean-out.” Here’s how I did it: 1. MAKE A PLAN Write down a list of rooms you’re going to tackle. Decide how long you’re going to give yourself to complete each room because timelines are helpful (but this is where grace comes in—you’re going to get derailed, because life happens, but any progress is still progress). Find a local charity that will pick up your stuff because someone else hauling away your junk is manna from heaven for mamas.

2. DESIGNATE A “GET IT OUT OF HERE” SPACE This is where to keep the clutter you’re going to trash or donate. Bonus points if you can put this behind a closed door, so you don’t panic every time you look at all that stuff.

3. GET STARTED Want to know the best part of a ruthless clean-out? You don’t have to spend a dime to get started.

with less.

Oh, and start with the hardest room first. Conquering the monster room first will get rid of excuses and give you the confidence to tackle the next room on your list.

So what do you keep? What do you get rid of? Remember, the name of this exercise is “the ruthless clean-out.” And I do mean ruthless.

Walk into your closet, and pick up the first shirt you see. Have you worn it in the past year? Did you buy it on sale thinking you’d wear it one day, and because it was only $5 and you felt like a bargain queen? Do you cringe every time you see it because what were you thinking then feel wracked with guilt because you haven’t worn it?

This is a crazy amount of emotional energy to spend on something you don’t even use. We’re going to let go of that feeling, and we’re going to start by getting rid of that item. You have so many other choices to make during the day, you don’t have time to feel guilty about a $5 impulse buy. Move on, sister.

As you sort through your family’s stuff, ask yourself a few questions: 1. Has this been used in the past year?

2. Is this a favorite?

3. Is this special to our family?

Like I said, I’ve gone down the rabbit hole of expensive organizers and fancy systems. But hear me, friend: nothing brought the peace I was searching for quite like ridding my home of excess.

And getting rid of stuff costs zero dollars. Plus, we are taking things out of the house, not bringing more in.

If the answer to all three is no, then it’s time to donate or trash it.

Instead, think about items you already have that will help you organize: pretty bowls you never use, a child’s old school supply box, flower vases collecting dust.

You’ll be amazed how creative you can be when you’re forced to do more

With a little intention and effort, your home—just as it is right now—can be simplified. And simplified homes give us more space to enjoy what truly matters: each other.

As you clean out each room on your list, your home will have a bit more breathing room, and you’ll have more peace of mind. And that’s something I think we could all use right about now.

FALL/WINTER 2017 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 19

DELIGHTFUL FOOD

DIP AND SOUPS

CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP

CLASSIC QUESO

POTATO SOUP

CHICKEN ENCHILADA QUINOA SOUP

DIP& SOUPS

Simple recipes that are “slow” good, your family will always look forward to seeing what you’ve got simmering next!

Taken from: Mix-and-Match Mama Simmers: Slow-Cooker Creations Your Family Will Love.

Copyright © 2017 by Shay Shull. Published by Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon. www.harvesthousepublishers.com. Used with permission.

20 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM FALL/WINTER 2017

DELIGHTFUL FOOD

DIP AND SOUPS

CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP This recipe will probably be the one you refer to the most in your cookbook—a classic chicken tortilla soup recipe that simply cannot be beaten. It’s always on point.

Serves four.

INGREDIENTS 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1 (10 ounce) can Ro-Tel tomatoes 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes 1 (14 ounce) can ranch-style beans 1 (1 ounce) packet taco seasoning 1 (10 ounce) can cream of chicken soup 2 cups corn kernels, fresh or frozen Shredded Monterey Jack cheese for garnish Chopped green onions for garnish In the slow cooker, layer the chicken, tomatoes, beans, taco seasoning and cream of chicken soup. Cover and cook on low for six to eight hours or on high for three to four hours. About 20 minutes before you’re ready to serve, remove the lid, and stir in the corn.

Replace the lid, and heat until the corn is hot.

Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with cheese and green onions.

CHICKEN ENCHILADA QUINOA SOUP Looking for a soup that tastes like an enchilada, has quinoa in it, and is made in the slow cooker? Done, done and done. Make this tonight—you’ll be so thankful you did!

Serves four.

INGREDIENTS 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1 (15 ounce) can ranch-style beans (do not drain) 1 1⁄2 cups quinoa (rinsed and drained)* 1 (14 ounce) can enchilada sauce 1 (10 ounce) can Ro-Tel tomatoes 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chilies 2 cups chicken stock Salt and pepper Chopped green onions for garnish Shredded cheddar cheese for garnish *Make sure you run your quinoa under cold water to rinse it off before using.

Rinse, and then shake the excess water out before adding into the soup.

Place the chicken breasts, beans, quinoa, enchilada sauce, tomatoes, chilies, stock, and a big pinch of salt and pepper in the bottom of the slow cooker.

Cover and cook on low for six to eight hours or on high for three to four hours. When you’re ready to eat, remove the lid, and, using two forks, shred the chicken inside the slow cooker. Next, ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish it with green onions and cheese.

POTATO SOUP CLASSIC QUESO Everyone needs a basic queso recipe. This one right here will be a frequenter in your slow cooker—it’s a classic worth repeating time and again.

Serves six to eight.

INGREDIENTS 1 pound breakfast sausage (can omit) 1 (16 ounce) package Velveeta cheese 1 (10 ounce) can Ro-Tel tomatoes In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the sausage until it’s crumbly and cooked through. Place the sausage in your slow cooker. Add the Velveeta cheese (cutting it into chunks helps it melt faster), and pour the tomatoes over the top. Cover and cook on high at least an hour before you remove the lid and stir. Once the dip is nice and melted, turn the heat to low or “keep warm,” and keep the device turned on as you enjoy your dip straight out of the slow cooker.

On a chilly night, the most comforting thing is, of course, potato soup. You can even add frozen hash browns in your recipe for a quick-cooking, easyto-prepare, creamy, yummy bowl of goodness.

Serves four.

INGREDIENTS 1 (32 ounce) bag frozen cubed hash brown potatoes 1 onion, chopped 8 slices raw bacon, chopped and divided 2 cups milk 2 cups chicken stock Salt and pepper Chopped green onions for garnish Shredded cheddar cheese for garnish In the slow cooker, place the frozen hash browns, onion, four slices of bacon pieces (reserve the other pieces for later), milk, stock, and big pinches of both salt and pepper. Cover and cook on low for six to eight hours or on high for three to four hours. Right before serving, cook the remaining pieces of bacon in a skillet until crisp. Pat them dry with a paper towel, and then crumble them. Ladle soup into bowls, and garnish with the bacon crumbles, green onions and cheese.

FITNESS CONSISTENCY IS KEY TO FITNESS SUCCESS

Consistencyis key to Fitness Success

BY ANG E L R E N E E -SCOT T

As the season begins to transform, energy levels, motivation and goals tend to change, along with it. And, although it may be tempting to hit the seasonal snooze button, delaying your fitness goals also delays your fitness success.

So, how do you cultivate fitness success during a season when most people are moving less and eating more? The answer begins and ends with consistency. As challenging as it may be, it is possible to create fall-proof consistency that reaps longterm success.

Have a Plan

When choosing a plan, you’ll want to make sure it takes into account your current fitness level and your specific goal and that it outlines the types of exercise needed to reach your goal.

Grab a pair of dumbbells or bottles of water, and try this total body toning workout that you can do anytime, anywhere.

Before You Start

Warm up with three minutes of light cardio, and then perform three rounds of the entire circuit.

You’ll want to use 5- to 8-pound weights and then cool down with three minutes of light stretching.

1

Side Lunge with Bicep Curl

Set Short-Term Goals

Sometimes simply adding a few extra minutes to your workout, choosing fruit over a cupcake or getting out the door when you’d rather stay in is a tremendous win that strengthens your willpower. Celebrate those small victories.

Be Accountable

From swapping healthy recipes and sharing food journals to weekly workout dates, having an accountability partner helps keep you honest and engaged and makes the journey much more fun.

Whether your goals are fitness-related or nutrition-related, creating a clear path, setting small achievable goals and getting support along the way will transform behaviors into consistent habits—and consistency is what will carry you through any seasonal setbacks and into success.

Angel Renee Scott is a fitness, nutrition and lifestyle coach who helps people create happier lives through healthier bodies. She is also the creator of Simply Defined Fitness, a mobile wellness company that brings training and nutrition services directly to its clients at home, at work and on the go. Be sure to follow Simply Defined Fitness on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more fitness and nutrition tips.

22 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM FALL/WINTER 2017

Start by standing with your feet together and your arms by your sides. As you take a large step to the side, start to bend your knee and send your hips back.

Complete a bicep curl while holding the lunged position, and then step your feet back together. That’s one repetition. Try completing eight to 10 repetitions on each side.

> > TIP: Be sure to keep both feet parallel and planted firmly on the ground.

FITNESS CONSISTENCY IS KEY TO FITNESS SUCCESS > > TIP: Be sure to engage your abdominal muscles.

2

Deadlift with Tricep Extension

Start by standing with your feet together and your arms bent at 90-degree angles by your sides. As you lean forward, start to raise one leg off of the ground.

Extend both arms while holding the deadlift position, then lower your foot back to the floor as you stand upright.

That’s one repetition. Try completing 10 repetitions on each side.

Planking Push-Up Start in a modified high plank position on your knees, crossing your legs at the ankle.

3

As you bend your arms, slowly lower your body (as a single, tight unit) toward the floor. Then, extend your arms as you push yourself back to your starting modified high plank position.

Start by lying on your back. Extend your legs with your feet over your hips, and extend your arms with your wrists toward the mid-line of your body.

Start to separate your arms, lowering your wrists toward the ground, simultaneously dropping one heel toward the ground. That’s one repetition. Try completing eight to 10 repetitions on each side.

Use your abs to lift your hips slightly, and fully extend your legs. Keeping your feet hip-width apart and your hips parallel to the ground, hold a high plank position for three seconds.

That’s one repetition. Try completing eight to 10 repetitions.

Model: Angel Scott Photographer: Kelsey Cherry Make-Up: Kyler Ellese

> > TIP: Try to remove any arch in your low spine, and keep your abdominal muscles engaged.

4

Butterfly with Leg Raise

> > TIP: Keep your belly button pulled into your spine and your lower back pressed firmly against the ground.

FALL/WINTER 2017 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 23

NUTRITION

SUPPORT YOUR STRESS

Support Your Stress Maintaining balance in the midst of the frenzied schedules of fall can be a real challenge. From fatigue

from anxiety, poor sleep to poor nutrition, oftentimes it’s our bodies that suffer the most. If getting lost in the craziness of life’s demands this time of year has you down, fear not. The food you eat can play an integral role in keeping your stress down and your spirits high. By incorporating these five foods into your daily eating routine, you will support your stress and aid your body in keeping strong and calm.

Spinach Dark, leafy greens like spinach are chock-full of an essential vitamin, magnesium.

Magnesium aids in everything from blood sugar control to nerve function to energy metabolism. It is a vital nutrient in helping our bodies stay in tip-top shape. Just one cup of spinach has a whopping 157 milligrams of magnesium. The recommendation for women is around 310 milligrams. By enjoying a salad for lunch filled with two cups of spinach, you will be meeting your daily recommendation and helping your body to stay calm and relaxed in the process.

24 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM FALL/WINTER 2017

Dark Chocolate Eating dark chocolate can lower your stress hormones, according to research. Types with a 72% or greater cocoa content can also aid as an antioxidant boost. Chocolate is packed with carbohydrates, the body’s energy source which releases the mood-boosting chemical, serotonin. Too much sugar can cause a crash in the nervous system though, so be mindful and keep portions to one to two squares a day.

TOP FIVE FOODS TO KEEP YOU CALM, COOL AND COLLECTED B Y CO UR TN E Y KO P E C

Salmon The Omega 3 fats found in salmon are both heart healthy and aid in keeping adrenaline stable. When adrenaline isn’t spiking throughout the day, the body is able to digest food better, metabolize calories, and properly balance hormone function, keeping you as cool as a cucumber and as happy as a clam.

Avocados Tea Studies have proven that a cup of tea can really do wonders for your nervous system.

Peppermint tea has menthol, which acts as a natural muscle relaxant, and chamomile tea is known for its ability to help insomnia. Ginger is another tea that works wonders on poor digestion, often a result of too much anxiety. Sipping a couple of cups before bedtime can both help reduce stress and increase a consistent night’s rest.

Avocados are full of potassium, an important mineral known for its ability to lower blood pressure. Think this food is just for making guacamole?

Think again. Try spreading some really ripe avocado on a slice of whole grain toast in the morning for a delicious and energy boosting breakfast. Get creative and use it as a mashed topping for sandwiches, baked sweet potato or in the center of a turkey roll up.

WELLNESS REFRESH YOUR HEALTH CHALLENGE

REFRESH YOUR HEALTH

CHALLENGE

B Y DR. TAF F Y WAG N ER

Create a Health Plan that Works For You

It is time to shake things up this month and set yourself up for a different outcome. Have you ever hit refresh on

your computer? Why did you hit it?

Then what was the result?

This month, you are invited to a Refresh Health Challenge.

Length of time: 21 Days

What you need to start: Mindset and a willingness to participate.

When it comes to your health, it is essential to renew your mind daily.

Have you ever been on a fast and everybody and their brother called you and wanted to talk about food?

Have you ever decided you were going to give up a certain food and all of a sudden, that is all you see on television? This is a mindset commitment you are making to yourself. This is for you.

Remove these eating habits: 1. Fast food

2. Stress eating 3. Let’s not forget, don’t fall into the trap of comfort food because this can be different from stress eating for some.

4. Being guilted into eating something you gave up when you are out with friends.

21 Days of Refreshing Your Health: 1. Eat more fruits and vegetables.

2. Plan your meals for the week.

3. Meal planning can also help with grocery shopping and couponing.

4. Drink more water.

5. Incorporate easy exercises you can do at home – leg lifts, jumping jacks, planks, stomach crunches or even yoga. Get on YouTube and research yoga. As soon as the weather changes, many people will not go outside and exercise.

6. Have you ever looked at skin brushing? Did you know skin brushing can help you detox?

Here’s my video that shares some of the benefits of skin brushing -

https://youtu.be/2Tr8t4Bd2BA 7. Meditation is good at the start of your day. It helps you to focus and set the tone.

8. Once a day, read a couple of pages in a book that will encourage you.

9. Watch a show that makes you laugh, whether it is America’s Funniest Videos, your favorite comedian or think back to a time when a family member or friend said something funny. Laughter is the best medicine.

10. Write a note to yourself at the beginning of this journey and tell yourself what you have accomplished at the end. Place the note in your favorite book. Then on Day 21, go and pull this note out and re-read it. Were you on point? How did it make you feel?

Take this challenge and let us know how it turns out. It is important to realize you take care of your body from the inside out, not the outside in.

Come back and tell us how it worked out for you.

FALL/WINTER 2017 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 25

HOME SIMPLE WAYS TO REFRESH YOUR HOME

SIMPLE WAYS TO REFRESH YOUR HOME

BY MAUR I TA SU T TON-BR O WN

This is the season to change and refresh your décor throughout your home.

Below are some helpful ways to get you started in making your home as cozy and inviting as the crisp fall air.

THE TABLE SCAPE — When seeking a warm table setting, remember that fall-themed pieces can bring about a pleasant conversation among your family and friends. Oranges, browns and deep reds are great color palettes to use. Coordinate your décor with linens and tablemats, and don’t forget the fall centerpiece. Consider using ceramic pumpkins and silk leaves in clear glass containers, and place wooden cutting boards on the table with warm grab-and-go snacks.

WARM LIGHTING — Lighting can change a room from cool to warm.

Soft lighting adds ambiance to the space, so try changing your light bulbs to make the room more inviting.

You can use low wattage bulbs in

your lamps, chandeliers and hallway fixtures to create this warmness.

CANDLES WITH BEAUTIFUL SCENTS — Fall brings cooler weather and shorter days. One way to embrace the early nightfall is to light a beautiful candle. Candle holders and candle lanterns are organic lighting options that bring a sense of warmth and the smell of fall to your space.

When placing candles around the home, remember that they come in all types—candles for your porch, luminaries for your walkway and hanging lanterns from your tree limbs can all be used in effective ways.

COZY, FLUFFY THROWS — Who doesn’t like to cuddle in front of the fireplace to watch TV or to listen to great music? Find new cozy throws that not only bring warmth but also add color to your home décor. A cozy throw is a refreshing item you can use without having to change out your furniture and is yet another way to get your home looking fall-ready.

26 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM FALL/WINTER 2017

RUGS AND MORE RUGS — Rugs add warmth to tile and hardwood floors. When layered, rugs become an easy way to add color and texture to your fall décor. Add character to your theme with fluffy or animal-print space rugs. Explore your options, and enjoy what you find.

COMFORTERS AND QUILTS — Swap summer bedding for fall bedding. It can feel so rejuvenating to sleep in cool weather with warm bedding that ranges from light quilts to heavy-duty down comforters and thermal blankets. These items also add texture and comfort at the same time to your bedroom décor.

Enjoy changing to a refreshing décor for fall, which can be one of the less stressful seasons to refresh your home.

Transitioning to a warm and cozy fall décor will begin to put you and your family in the mood for winter. Explore all of your possibilities, and change your home into a fall cozy home.

HOME THE GATHERINGS

The Gatherings IT DOESN’T TAKE MUCH TO MAKE YOUR HOME AN INVITING PLACE FOR ALL OF YOUR GUESTS

BY M E LI SSA M I C HA EL S

After the front porch, the entry space gives the next first impression of your home. The following simple actions can help your entry say, “Come on in!”

DECLUTTER THE ENTRY. Clear away personal items (stacks of mail, boots and shoes, purses and backpacks) so that guests can easily come and go. Corral smaller items you plan to leave out in baskets or on trays.

KEEP IT LIGHT. Add a lamp or candles to give your entry a warm glow and to welcome your guests, especially in the evening.

MAKE ROOM FOR GUESTS’ BELONGINGS. Create an obvious place for guests to hang their coats and bags so that they feel at home right away. If you don’t have a coat closet, you can make a creative coat hanger for a wall with just about anything (shutters, an old door, a wooden stepladder — and then add hooks). If you want guests to put personal belongings in a bedroom, remember to tidy the room and make the bed before guests arrive.

CONSIDER THE COZY FACTOR. Drape a seasonal table runner on an entry table, and place a textured rug in the entry to make it warm and welcoming. You can also add a basket of textured blankets and cute scarves and mittens hanging from hooks.

CREATE A FOCAL POINT. This could be a striking table, cabinet or bench. In smaller entryways, a bold and fabulous mirror can grab attention and reflect light around the room. You can also display a collection of photos in frames. Whatever your focal point is, feel free to embellish it further for your gathering (greenery around the mirror, flowers on the table, cloth bunting banner, or a string of twinkle lights by the photos).

Taken from: Simple Gatherings: 50 Ways to Inspire Connection. Copyright © 2017

by Melissa Michaels. Published by Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon. www. harvesthousepublishers.com. Used with permission.

FALL/WINTER 2017 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 27

END NOTES BEING FAITHFUL IN THE SMALL THINGS

BEING FAITHFUL IN THE SMALL THINGS

BY ME L ANI E SH ANKLE

For a long time, I really had no idea what I wanted to do with my life, so I spent years making decisions based on fear rather than taking a leap of faith to figure out what I really wanted to do or who I wanted to be when I grew up. It’s what

so many of us do, because society has ingrained that kind of thinking into us. We’re supposed to go to college, get a degree in business, keep dating the same person, get married, have three kids, buy a house and a minivan, and call it good. It’s the American Dream. Except who decided the dream is one size fits all?

Sometimes we get caught up in thinking that the thing God has for us is something huge but hidden, and we either have to work really hard to figure it all out or wait until He drops that thing in our laps like manna from heaven. I absolutely believe God has a plan and a purpose for our lives; otherwise, we wouldn’t be here. But He has also given all of us unique gifts—time, resources, money, hearts for service, athletic ability, intellect, music, or the dedication to watch all six seasons of Parenthood in just a few sittings—which means not one of our lives will look like anyone else’s life.

I spent many years wringing my hands over God’s will for me and worrying that I was going to miss the whole thing while I was selling doors for a door company or cholesterol drugs for a pharmaceutical corporation.

What I realize now is that God used every one of those experiences to build my character, to teach me 28 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM FALL/WINTER 2017

perseverance and dedication, to help me figure out my strengths and weaknesses, and to shape my perception of the world. He used those jobs to get me to San Antonio, which is where I learned to hear His voice when I was all alone, met my husband, figured out I loved to write, and am now raising my family. I thought it was all about finding a job and being a productive member of society, but ultimately it was God’s way of leading me to a home and a purpose.

Nothing is wasted when we view it through the lens of what God has for us in whatever life brings our way. It’s all a part of who we are and who He is making us to be.

For some, that may be a public role on a big stage, but for the vast majority of us, it’s about being faithful in the small stuff: going to the grocery store, volunteering in our kid’s classroom, befriending the new girl, coaching a Little League team, showing up for work every day, being kind to our neighbors.

We need to look for God in the ordinary, everyday things, to pursue our dreams and live our lives and be faithful in the small things, because those are the moments that prepare us for the next thing.

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TRAVEL

CHICAGO

HOME SWEET

CHICAGO

BY J E ANE T T E H U R T

I have lived in Milwaukee almost my entire adult life, but Chicago will always remain, home, sweet home, Chicago.

At least once or twice a year, my hubby Kyle and I try to take our son to explore the city. Past jaunts have included excursions to the Museum of Science and Industry, the Shedd Aquarium, and Milennium Park.

If you’re planning on staying downtown or anywhere near downtown, the hotel choices can be dizzying. Usually we try to stay someplace we’ve never visited, and for this trip, we chose the boutique Godfrey Hotel (www. godfreychicagohotel.com). Gorgeously appointed with a modern yet warm design, the hotel is a great stepping off 30 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM FALL/WINTER 2017

place to exploring the city.

Our first afternoon, Kyle took our 7-year-old to a nearby park while I got a cocktail-making lesson from Nathaniel Cayer, executive chef, and Walter Ortiz, cocktail chef, at the I/O rooftop lounge. For dinner, I met my family downstairs at Cayer’s signature restaurant, Dolce Italian restaurant.

We enjoyed a feast, but my favorite dishes included the signature meatballs over polenta, the lamb lollychops, and the caprese salad.

The next day, after a quick breakfast at Dolce, we took an Uber to America’s very first planetarium, the Adler Planetarium (www.adlerplanetarium.org), which is located

TRAVEL

CHICAGO

right on the banks of Lake Michigan. As a young girl interested in science, I used to love visiting the planetarium, and this museum is even better than I remembered.

After the Adler, we Ubered to Navy Pier (https://navypier. com), which was celebrating its 101st birthday. In addition to catching some live (and free!) entertainment, we enjoyed a fantastic lunch at the Tiny Tavern (http://www.tinytavern. com), a local favorite. From there, we stopped to enjoy a swing ride (Besides swings, there’s a carousel and a giant Ferris wheel that features some of the best views of the city).

Then, Kyle took Quinn to the Chicago Children’s Museum, where they enjoyed building skyscrapers, and our son enjoyed climbing and exploring. I went back to the Godfrey, and I headed to the spa for a relaxing facial from Zana.

For dinner, we headed to the new Safehouse Chicago (http:// www.safehousechicago.com), which we were really excited to visit because we love the original restaurant in Milwaukee.

The entrance is obscure, and you have to know the password to get in. If you don’t know the password, you then have to do something (bark like a dog, hula hoop, ballet dance, etc.) to get in, and you’re on a hidden camera so the whole restaurant can enjoy your performance.

Our son asked if he could spend the night with his grandparents, so Kyle and I drove him off to the suburbs, where he hung out with his cousins and his grandparents.

Meanwhile, Kyle and I enjoyed a much needed date night.

Ever since it opened, we had been meaning to visit Three Dots and a Dash tiki bar (http://threedotschicago.com). It did not disappoint.

Then, we listened to a band and danced at Fado Irish Pub (https://fadoirishpub.com/chicago/), stopped by Stout Barrel House & Galley (http://www.stoutchicago.com), which had a great DJ playing music.

We finished the night at the I/O bar at the Godfrey, and the next day, we enjoyed a fantastic brunch under the city skyline there as well. Before picking up our son to drive home, we stopped at Eataly Chicago (https://www.eataly.com/us_en/ stores/chicago/). The best souvenirs, I find, are ingredients and recipes, and Chicago is delicious to visit – and to take home!

TIPS FOR VISITING CHICAGO Having grown up in Chicago, here are a few things to help visitors navigate the Second City: 1. Bring a jacket or a sweater – even if warmer temps are predicted. It’s often cooler

by Lake Michigan – and temperatures can drop quickly.

2. Be extra careful about parking. Parking is crazy – and at attractions like the Adler and the Shedd – sometimes the city meter attendants change the rules (including placing of no parking signs AFTER you had already parked), and your car can, and often will, get towed.

3. Some stores – including Eataly – offer free or discounted parking. Mostly, we walked or Ubered around.

4. Be careful of red lights. If you run a red light at a signal that has a camera, you will be ticketed.

5. Whether you’re driving into the city or flying in, add in an extra hour to get to the city, in case of traffic or accidents. If you build in the time, then if traffic flows smoothly, you’ll have more time to explore the city.

Dolce Italian photo credit Kailley Lindman, Dolce meatballs photo credit Leigh Loftus, The Godfrey Hotel photo credit Kailley Lindman.

FALL/WINTER 2017 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 31

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