Purposeful and Intentional Living

SUMMER 2019

A TELL-ALL INTERVIEW WITH CONTENT QUEEN

Julie Solomon

THE CONTROL FREAK’S

Guide to a Stress-Free Kitchen

TASTY CONCOCTIONS YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS WILL LOVE

+ HOPE’S 2019 gift guide A HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SPRING 2019

5

STEPS TO TRANSFORMING YOUR SKIN

Thirty-One Gifts: REDEFINING FEMALE CONFIDENCE THROUGH BUSINESS OWNERSHIP

Put a

“

”

in Motion

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You’re due for a Mom-cation, so gather some friends and sneak away for a midweek getaway or plan a themed weekend at French Lick Resort. Whether you’ve got a sweet tooth, a taste for wine, your heart set on a spa day, or simply a yearning to try something new, you’re sure to find something that’s just your speed.

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A HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM Must SPRING be 212019 years or older to enter the casino. Gambling Problem? Call 1.800.9.WITH.IT!

CONTENTS

/ Purposeful and Intentional Living

In this issue: 6

16 10

In Every Issue

9

5

When “Fit” Happens

HELLO BEAUTIFUL

Angie’s LETTER Happy Spring

Live

6

YOUR LIFE

Waiting While Dating - Holding out for God’s best A love story of patience and perseverance

8 Stop Doing the Most and Start Doing the Best

YOUR HEALTH & FITNESS

The real definition of fitness, plus 10 helpful fit-tips

10

YOUR FOOD

Tasty Concoctions Blackberry-Peach Buckle

Dream

12

YOUR BEAUTY

5 Steps to Transforming Your Skin Up your skincare game with these tips and tricks

14

FEATURE

Thirty-One Gifts

11

Redefining female confidence

5 Tips for Sharing the Kitchen with Family

16

The control-freak’s guide to a stress-free kitchen experience

through business ownership

YOUR HOME

Enhance Your Home Décor with the Perfect Floors What you need to know before choosing floors for your home

3 simple steps to better time management SUMMER 2019 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 1

CONTENTS

/ Purposeful and Intentional Living

24

28

26

18

23

The Perfection of an Imperfect Home My journey from chronic discontentment to redefined joy

Inspire

20

EDUCATION

Advertorial Ball State University

22

YOUR CAREER

YOUR MONEY

4 Finance Tips for a Stress-Free Vacation Treat your family to a trip without feeling guilty

24

COVER

Content Queen

27 Made To Rise An interview with inspiring poet J. Autherine

28

YOUR STYLE

Just-Because Friendship Gift Guide

Julie Solomon rules social media,

Spoil your friends, sisters and your

and with her tips, so can you

mom with presents just for fun!

26

30

READING ROOM

6 Career Tips for My Younger Self

How to Live a Love Letter Life Like Audrey Roloff

What 12 years of business taught

Little People, Big World star reveals

me

the intimate practice that fuels her love life

2 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SUMMER 2019

YOUR TRAVEL

Spring Day Trip to Fort Wayne, Indiana Getaway for family-friendly fun!

Your Abundant Life Starts Here “Masterfully weaving together psychological science and biblical wisdom, Andrea Gurney provides a practical and inspirational road map for all of us who are serious about our love story. She shows us how we can rebuild and rethink the ways we love. Don’t miss out on her heartfelt message.”

“Your fears, failures, and frustrations are about to be taken to task with faith, forgiveness, and simple trust in God. Do not read this book if you don’t want to be better and live with purpose.”

—Rev. Jeff Anderson, Convoy of Hope

—Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott, #1 New York Times best-selling authors

A lifetime of wisdom from Elizabeth George’s heart to yours!

T

his carefully crafted Bible informs, instructs, inspires, and encourages every woman seeking to follow after God. It’s like having a trusted mentor by your side as you walk through Scripture.

Experience the entire book of John for free—visit Kregel.com/GeorgeBible!

www.Kregel.com

Trusted, biblically based resources SUMMER 2018 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM A

HOPE FOR WOMEN Q2 (SUMMER 2019) PURPOSEFUL AND INTENTIONAL LIVING ISSUE VOL. 12 NO. 16

PUBLISHER & FOUNDER ANGELIA L. WHITE CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER SHERRELL JENKINS DIRECTOR OF SALES KIMBERLY SULFRIDGE ART DIRECTOR / CREATIVE TRISTEN SCHILL, KIM BOYER CONTRIBUTORS ERICA BAKER, VETTA CASH, KAYLA BICKHAM, MAURITA SUTTON BROWN, JOANNA LEFLORE, JORDAN LIGONS, MORGAN MCMURRIN, SELENA MOOREHEAD, NATALEIGH MOSLEY, NATALIE MERRILL, SARAH PAYNE, SAMANTHA PHILLIPS, NORMA RIXTER, CARRIE SCHMIDT SPECIAL GUEST CONTRIBUTORS MICHELLE DERUSHA, KATIE FARRELL, LINDSEY HOLDER, MARY MARANTZ, DAN MOEN, LOUISE PICKFORD, EMILY G. STROUD MARKETING/PR/SOCIAL MEDIA BROOKE BRAUN, TAYLOR WILLIAMS ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT(S) TANGELA EDWARDS, KYLA MCKILLIP

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 2019 4 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SUMMER 2019

EDITOR’S PAGE

Hey, ladies!

FIRST OFF, HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope you’ve already kicked off 2019 with purpose and intention. But if you haven’t, don’t fear; we’ll dive in together. So before we get started, I have a quick question: Do you know your purpose?

These past few weeks, I’ve seen so many women down on themselves. They post on social media berating themselves for “playing too long” or “not working hard enough,” announcing that it’s time to “kick it into gear” and “get busy.”

This bothers me. Because all year long, I’ve watched these same women crush it in the workplace, flourish in the home and grow in ways they don’t even realize. Yet many remain out of touch with their own worth.

So this year, I invite you to ponder these vital questions: Do you know your purpose? Do you know that you matter? When we worry about what everyone else is doing, we lose sight of our own whys—our reasons for being the fierce-hearted women we are and doing the groundbreaking work we do.

Here at Hope for Women, we’re having some real conversations, stories, reviews and features that will help you hone in on what makes you extraordinary.

/ LIVE. DREAM. INSPIRE.

We got to sit down with our cover feature, Julie Solomon, on page 24, and chat about the marketing strategies that are taking over the world, plus some essential tips for online business growth.

•

•

•

Are you looking for deeper levels of passion, respect and intention in your relationship? Check out our curated selection of marriage books from our favorite love gurus on page 6.

Want to improve your cooking prowess? Our kitchen queens are sharing some tasty concoctions your family and friends will love on page 10.

Make time for what matters most in your life with our three simple steps to better time management on page 8.

These articles and many others will help you tap into the brilliant woman you’re becoming, while teaching you to embrace the steadfast woman you already are. So read on, and you’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of your worth, what you have to offer, and what changes you can make today to start living with greater intention and purpose. We’re so glad you’re here. Here’s to facing 2019 head-on!

Happy reading,

ANGELIA WHITE HOPE FOR WOMEN CEO SUMMER 2019 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 5

LIVE

/ Waiting While Dating

WAITING WHILE

dating HOLDING OUT FOR GOD’S BEST By: Lindsey Holder

A LOVE STORY OF PATIENCE AND PERSEVERANCE Lindsey Holder is the author of Waiting While Dating and How to Become A Celebrity Assistant: Your Inside Source. She’s a successful entrepreneur and top blogger at lindseyholder.com.

Love. How did it come about for me? My love story is probably not unique, but it’s unique to me.

I used to imagine myself having two kids and a husband before age 30. He would be easy to find, a southern gentleman, a Clemson Tigers fan and all would be well.

Then I turned 30. Then 32, 33, 34, 35, 37, 38… and still no husband.

What in the world?

Was I missing something?

Finding love was turning out to be harder than I thought.

6 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SUMMER 2019

After many failed relationships, heartaches and hurts, I was still far from meeting someone husband-material. So I decided to change my own ways. I knew I had to better myself in order to attract him. The godly man I desired would only desire a godly woman in return.

After a gut-wrenching breakup, I had had it. I was eager to do whatever I could to make changes in myself, and I worked hard at it- small group, coffee team at church, women’s Bible studies, podcasts, books, Christian music, the works. Whatever there was, I signed up for it, read about it or listened to it.

I treated self-improvement like a full-time job. With my strong, tenacious personality, I struggled to understand why I wasn’t getting what I wanted.

Everything seemed to fall miraculously into place. I was planning to self-publish the book, but then I got a publishing deal.

The couples I interviewed were easy to find. They were already in my life since I had surrounded myself with great mentors.

The questions and topics came easily to me over time. My

g pastor, my women’s ministry leader, my girlfriends, the singles group at church and my community group all met with me to go over every question. And as I began the writing process, the words flowed seamlessly.

Even though it took three years to write and publish the book, it was the perfect timing. Now I was ready to use the book I had just written as a resource to find my own husband. As I was in the editing phase of the book, I met Jeff.

From the beginning, I knew Jeff was a godly man. He knew I had written this book. And since I had my name in print on the topic of godly dating, my book motivated me to practice what I preached.

Jeff and I had an amazing courtship with an intentional endgoal of marriage. When we were on our dates, I casually asked him every question from the book. Of course, he didn’t know they were from the book since he didn’t read it until after we were married.

But God knew my heart well and knew the area I struggled in the most: trust. He knew I needed a man who would be sensitive to this.

So just like that, I was in love. Every time I think about my story, I smile and I thank God. I met Jeff at 39, and in nine months, we married. That’s how God planned it, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Jeff was worth the wait, the heartaches, the hard lessons and the pain.

To this day we work incredibly hard on our marriage. How blessed and thankful I am! So that is my love story. I hope it inspires you to wait on God, trust His timing, and hold out for the one He’s handpicked for you.

SUMMER 2019 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 7

LIVE

/ Stop Doing the Most and Start Doing the Best

STOP DOING THE MOST

& the best.

START DOING

MAKING TIME FOR WHAT MATTERS MOST

By: Vetta Cash

3 SIMPLE STEPS TO BETTER TIME MANAGEMENT French fashion designer and businesswoman Coco Chanel once said, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory.” Her poignant and timeless message takes a stance against over-accessorizing and promotes the beauty of simplicity.

But have you ever been guilty of overaccessorizing your life? It’s easy to pile up commitments, activities, and obligations in the name of being productive. But busyness does not equate productivity. A full calendar doesn’t always lead to a full life. Are you giving too much of yourself to things that don’t give back to you?

Time is currency. However you spend it, it should be bringing profit in to your life. So pull out your calendar, be it paper or electronic, and take inventory. Is your time going toward things that benefit your life? Or have you cluttered your calendar with valueless tasks in an attempt to dress up your plain and empty day?

I want to encourage you to take off those extra accessories.

And instead of trying to do the most, try to do the best with you time. Here are three steps to get you started.

one

DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE NECESSARY AND THE OPTIONAL. There are hundreds of good things you can do in the next 24 hours. Some are necessary, while others are optional.

Time management begins with identifying what you need to do and making those tasks a priority. Schedule necessary tasks at times when you are most likely to be productive. Optional tasks should only be considered after you’ve allocated time for all necessary tasks.

two

you do. Continue the activities that add value to your life and eliminate the ones that don’t.

three OWN YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.

As much as you may want to help everyone and be present for everyone, the truth is, that’s not your responsibility.

Learning to identify and own your areas of responsibility will help you to maximize your time and give more attention to the things that only you can do.

God has gifted you the currency of time, and it’s up to you to budget well. You will be happier and more productive MEASURE THE BENEFITS. when you develop the habit of focusing on what’s necessary, evaluating the benEvery minute put towards one task is a efit of every activity and owning your minute lost on another. For this reason, area of responsibility. If you manage it’s important to ask yourself about the your time with precision, you can be the value of the activities best at what you do.

8 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SUMMER 2019

LIVE

/ When Fit Happens

WHEN “FIT” HAPPENS THE REAL DEFINITION OF FITNESS

+ ten helpful fit tips By: Selena Moorehead

LEARN THE IMPORTANCE OF TRAINING AND PRACTICE. What does it really mean to be fit? And how will you ultimately know when “fit” happens?

Most people think fitness is about how you look and feel. Many women might think their appearance in a bikini or cocktail dress determines their fitness level. Most men might think it’s in the amount they can bench press or the definition of their abs.

But fitness really comes down to the ability of the body to handle physical demands. The more efficiently the body functions, the higher the level of fitness. According to BBC, there are health-related and skill-related fitness components. Health-related components consist of strength, muscular endurance, cardiovascular fitness, flexibility and body composition. Skillrelated components include speed, agility, coordination, power, balance and reaction time.

So what can you do to improve your fitness level and overall health? You can and should include both fitness

components in your daily exercise routine. Training improves the health-related aspects of fitness, while practice improves the skill-related aspects of fitness. Speed and power are improved by both training and practice, according to Athlepedia, the Athletics Wiki.

According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, adults should move more and sit less throughout the day by engaging in aerobic activity at least 150300 minutes a week for moderateintensity, 75-150 minutes a week for vigorous-intensity, or an equivalent combination of moderate-and-vigorous-intensity spread throughout the week. Muscle-strengthening activities of moderate or greater intensity that involve all muscle groups for two or more days per week provide additional health benefits.

Some would say there is also a mental component to being physically fit.

One should have the will and motivation to not only exercise regularly,

but to change bad habits, get rid of excuses and focus on healthy eating.

1

Drink at least two cups of water before eating to help consume less food.

2

Get eight hours of sleep every night to boost metabolism and muscle-recovery.

3

Eat less sugar.

4

Eat from a smaller plate and fill with vegetables, with protein and with whole grains.

5

Increase fiber intake, especially before a meal.

6

Use a stability ball instead of an office chair at work to engage your abs and improve your posture.

7

Find activities you like, and be consistent with your workouts.

8

Include strength-training in workouts to reduce body fat and build muscle.

9

Have an accountability partner.

10

Reward yourself for meeting your goals.

Selena Moorehead is a health and financial wellness consultant whose passion is to educate others on how healthy living transforms into financial wellness. Visit: AHealthierYou.today to qualify for FREE eco-friendly products AND Selena.BossWomen.today to download her FREE e-book on Six Concepts to a Successful Home Business. Connect with Selena on Facebook at facebook.com/selena.moorehead, on Twitter @selenamoorehead or @tw4life4all, or visit www.MooreheadConsultingServices.com

SUMMER 2019 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 9

LIVE

/Your Food

tasty

CONCOCTIONS BLACKBERRY-PEACH BUCKLE SERVES: 8-10

INGREDIENTS: • 2 cups all-purpose flour • 2 teaspoons baking powder • 1⁄2 teaspoon kosher salt • 1⁄2 teaspoon cardamom • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature • 3⁄4 cup sugar • 1 large egg, room temperature • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 1⁄2 cup milk • 2 to 3 peaches, sliced (peeled or unpeeled) • 1 pint blackberries • Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9-inch springform pan with baking spray. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and cardamom.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the butter until it is a pale yellow. Add the sugar and continue beating until thoroughly mixed. Add the egg and vanilla. Add flour mixture, alternating with the milk, until well-mixed.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and add the peaches and blackberries, spreading evenly in a pretty design. Bake for 1 hour, or until golden brown and a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let cool completely in pan. Remove sides and dust with confectioners’ sugar. Serve at room temperature.

The buckle, the almost-forgotten American pie, was the precursor to the coffee cake. While the preparations are similar, a coffee cake will generally be finished on top with a layer of streusel. Not so for the buckle, which is finished with more of whichever fruit for which it is named. Feel free to make this recipe using blueberries, raspberries, or any berries of your choice. For a more rustic presentation, this dish is spectacular when served in a cast iron skillet.

10 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SUMMER 2019

Recipes and photos from Just Peachy by Belinda Smith-Sullivan Photography by Mark Boughton Gibbs-Smith/May 2019

LIVE

/ 5 Tips for Sharing the Kitchen with Family

tips Five

FOR SHARING THE KITCHEN WITH FAMILY THE CONTROL FREAK’S GUIDE TO A STRESS-FREE KITCHEN EXPERIENCE By: Katie Farrell

CREATE A SAFE & FUN FAMILY COOKING ENVIRONMENT.

your kids into the kitchen without giving them complete access to every task.

Getting kids (or other family members) involved in the kitchen may be a good time for some, but for others, there is such a thing as “too many cooks in the kitchen.”

As a self-proclaimed kitchen control freak, I’ve had to learn to let go and loosen up in order to enjoy baking time with my husband and one-year-old. I’ve found that it’s often the little things that produce the best memories and loudest laughter, like letting my one-year-old stir a few ingredients together or having my husband scoop and roll the dough. Below are a few tips that have made sharing the kitchen more enjoyable for me, so I hope they’ll be helpful to you and yours.

4. STIRRING AND FLIPPING ARE ALWAYS FUN.

1. SET ASIDE A SPECIAL TIME. If I know ahead of time that others will be joining me in the kitchen, I do everything I can to prepare for it. That means setting aside special time. I like to set aside weeknights to make homemade pizzas or cookies with my family. Maybe for you, it’s making brunch on Sundays after church, or preparing ingredients for a build-your-own taco bar on Tuesday nights. Setting aside time will allow you to mentally prepare for the kitchen company without feeling like they’re intruding on all your kitchen time.

Stirring and flipping are always fun and easy fallback tasks for kitchen novices. If you aren’t in the mental or emotional state to give a full-fledged cooking lesson, you can always rely on these foolproof tasks. You can do the heavy prep work in advance so that when it’s time to stir or flip the food, you call them over for help. This will meet their need to participate and keep things simple for you.

5. PLAY MUSIC. Lighten the mood and keep things fun with your favorite tune. Music has a magical way of soothing the soul and proliferating joy. When my family joins me to cook, I always put on music. Sometimes it leads to us singing and dancing together, and other times it sparks incredible conversations.

2. LEAVE THEM ALONE. If you can feel your blood pressure skyrocketing as your kids make messes and wreak havoc in the kitchen, learn to relinquish control and let them explore. Set boundaries that will keep everyone safe and sane and let them find enjoyment as they learn their way around.

3. YOU DECIDE THE JOBS. As the adult, you get to decide which jobs are theirs and which are yours. This will provide so much more freedom and enjoyment when you realize that you are inviting

Katie Farrell incorporates meal planning, clean-eating, recipes, techsmart grocery lists, product recommendations, workouts, spiritual exercises, personalized coaching and more into the innovative but intuitive online platform, Dashing Dish, whose mission is to nourish bodies and souls through whole foods, simple recipes and manageable workouts. Her dynamic guide takes the guesswork out of every aspect of healthy living and makes good choices easy, practical and fun.

SUMMER 2019 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 11

5

STEPS

TO TRANSFORMING YOUR SKIN UP YOUR SKINCARE GAME WITH THESE TIPS AND TRICKS. By: Sarah Payne

THE KEY COMPONENTS OF A SUCCESSFUL SKINCARE REGIMEN WHAT BETTER TIME TO TRANSFORM YOUR SKIN THAN AT THE BEGINNING OF A NEW YEAR? WHETHER YOU’RE A SEASONED BEAUTY JUNKIE OR STILL LEARNING THE ROPES, THESE TIPS ARE GUARANTEED TO UP YOUR SKINCARE GAME.

one

COMMIT TO WEARING SUNSCREEN EVERY DAY. Rain or shine, this one’s not up for debate. Incorporating sunscreen in your daily regimen is key to maintaining a youthful complexion. Consider this your rule of thumb: if you can see sunlight, your skin is receiving sun damage deep below the surface, regardless of your heritage. Unfortu-

12 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SUMMER 2019

nately, UV rays care very little about your DNA, and genetics account for about 40% of how you age.

two

DOUBLE-CLEANSE IN THE EVENING. Don’t worry. This won’t turn your evening ritual into an hour-long ordeal. If you wear makeup, sunscreen or are exposed to pollution (which, by the way, we all are), consider doublecleansing a necessary indulgence. You

DREAM

/5 Steps to Transforming Your Skin

can be creative and customize based on your skin’s needs. Begin by choosing a cleanser that will break down your makeup, sweat, dirt and grim for your first cleanse. Once you’ve rinsed away the day, follow up with a second cleanser to nourish and treat your skin. If you tend to feel dry, choose a creamy cleanser that will replenish your complexion. If you’re oily, a detoxifying clay cleanser may be what your skin needs to feel healthy and balanced. And an oil cleanser can help to balance any skin type.

three

SPLURGE ON A SERUM. If you’ve never experienced the luxury of a serum in your skincare wardrobe, you’re missing out. With a wide variety to choose from, you’re bound to find one that makes your skin sing through the perils of winter. If your skin is feeling dull and lackluster, check out brightening serums with vitamin C or niacinamide. Or maybe your skin is extra thirsty and needs a hydrating hyaluronic acid serum to revive your complexion. Serums tend to be one of the more expensive product categories, but this doesn’t mean you have to spend a pretty penny on a fancy serum to see your skin transform.

four

EXFOLIATE LESS. Are you surprised? Exfoliating is significant to any well-rounded skincare regimen, and it should by no means be neglected. However, many of us exfoliate too often, and during winter months, our skin needs less than when it’s hot and humid. When you over-exfoliate, you remove the protective layer of your skin called the lipid barrier, and its job is to keep our

skin hydrated, protected and free of unnecessary sensitivity. Using a soft washcloth while cleansing is sufficient exfoliation, in addition to your exfoliation method of choice once or twice a week.

five

TREAT YOURSELF TO A PRO TREATMENT. Why not invest in a professional treatment? There’s no better way to fine-tune your skincare routine than to have an esthetician by your side, answering pivotal questions about your skin and leading you through the process. Whether you’re wanting a relaxing facial or seeking advanced help from a dermatologist, now is the time to finally confront that one thing you’ve been thinking about addressing- a funny looking mole, a hint

of filler, an inconvenient sun spot.

Sarah Payne is a licensed esthetician [https://www.youglowgal.com], self-proclaimed skin nerd and co-founder of Sarah Nicole Skincare [www.sarahnicoleskincare. com]. In her spare time, Sarah writes about beauty, wellness and the importance of loving the skin you’re in. Having spent time working with clients in the treatment room, Sarah is devoted to helping women feel beautiful and confident in their skin at any age. You can sign up for her emails where she shares skin and wellness tips on her website [www.sarahnicoleskincare.com].

SUMMER 2019 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 13

Thirty-OneGifts FEATURE

/ Thirty-One Gifts

REDEFINING FEMALE CONFIDENCE THROUGH BUSINESS OWNERSHIP By: JoAnna LeFlore USING PHILANTHROPY TO EMPOWER INDEPENDENT BUSINESS OWNERS

and built the criteria in hopes to really make a mark in philanthropy,” Bradshaw recalls. “We focus on giving for the development of girls, women and families. Within those pillars, we’ve built partnerships in Columbus (headquarters) and throughout Canada.”

Since its inception, Thirty-One Gifts has donated $100 million in cash and products over the past 15 years.

With a number that high, it’s clear that giving is a significant part of the company’s culture.

When most people think of giving and community outreach, they might think of the annual efforts made by nonprofits that employ volunteer work and donations to aid those in need. We’re happy to shed light on an organization that serves families in need year-round.

Thirty-One Gifts (https://www. mythirtyone.com/us/en/info/ourstory) is an organization on a mission to help independent business owners across the country support their families and achieve their dreams.

Executive Director of Community Affairs & Philanthropy, Wendy Bradshaw, explains why this initiative is so important.

“Eight years ago, we started the foundation side of our company

14 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SUMMER 2019

Currently, one partnership that stands out above the others is the relationship with Girl Talk (https://mygirltalk.org/), based in Atlanta, Georgia.

The partnership focuses on peer-to-peer mentorship for middle school and teenage girls.

This means that a high school student can use a virtual curriculum to develop leadership skills and teach the other members how to be bold, confident and strong. Other cities have started Girl Talk chapters with the help and support of Thirty-One Gifts employees and consultants.

s

“That speaks to our true vision to engage every single member of the Thirty-One family,” Bradshaw explains. “With this unique business model, we have 1,000 employees and 60,000 consultants between the U.S. and Canada. Each consultant goes into their communities and shares the impact that this partnership allows with Girl Talk.” As the parent organization of Girl Talk, the company also helps fund each chapter so that membership doesn’t have to be a financial burden.

Domestic violence is also a key issue that Thirty-One Gifts has chosen to combat. They helped establish the Independence Project, which offers micro-loans to victims of domestic

violence. This stems from their partnership with the National Network to End Domestic Violence (https://nnedv.org/).

They have now helped hundreds of women build up their credit, since financial abuse is a common struggle in domestic violence cases.

Over half a dozen other partnerships exist, and these are listed on their website in detail. But the mission of Thirty-One Gifts remains purposeful and consistent. In the eyes of the staff and founders, it’s easy to give money, but less easy to be conscious and create real value during the process.

This is the problem that Thirty-One Gifts strives to solve through ongoing philanthropy.

The Thirty-One Gives Care Council adds another layer of thoughtfulness to giving. The council serves as the voice of all consultants in selecting nonprofit partners and determines how to allocate contributions on behalf of the organization. (https://www.mythirtyone.com/us/ en/info/howwegive) JoAnna LeFlore is a young communications specialist who prides herself in activating her community through the cultivation of creative entrepreneurs and arts-based programming. Inspired by her professional background as a writer and event planner, JoAnna promotes extensive artist collaboration and localized program development in the Midwest. Her passion for working with artists and entrepreneurs has prompted her development as a freelance writer and public relations professional.

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YOUR HOME

/Enhance Your Home Decor

16 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SUMMER 2018

Enhance Your Home Décor with the Perfect Floors

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE CHOOSING FLOORS FOR YOUR HOME By: Maurita Sutton Brown 8 FUNCTIONAL FLOORING TYPES AND WHAT THEY OFFER

One of my favorite parts of any home is the floor. It might sound strange, but as a designer, I work with my clients to create floors that complement their décor and lifestyle. I start with simple questions like, “Do you have children, or are you planning to have children in the future? Do you have pets? Do you need to feel warm or cool in certain spaces? Do you have any allergies? And will you be able to properly maintain the floors you choose?”

Then, we discuss budget. Then, the fun begins. The goal is always to enjoy the functionality of your flooring choice. So below is a list of different flooring types and what they have to offer your home:

HARDWOOD Hardwood floors are popular for their warmth, character and upkeep. They stand the test of time. As the years go by and your home décor evolves, you can always refinish and stain your hardwood floors to match your color scheme. Hardwood floors also allow for patterns and inlays, and mixing different species of woods can add an attractive touch.

CERAMIC TILE When it comes to ceramic tiles and stone floors, the options are endless.

You can customize your tile’s size, grout color, and design. You can even install them over a heating system to warm your feet during the cold winter months.

LINOLEUM Linoleum is great for any areas of your home that may be subject to water spills. Though often confused with vinyl, linoleum has its own unique properties. It’s composed of linseed oil, which makes it waterproof. It’s also environmentally friendly and ideal for bathrooms and kitchens, creating a nostalgic, retro vibe.

beautiful color, it adds a natural hint of the outdoors to your indoors.

CONCRETE Concrete flooring is most popular in garages and commercial spaces, but it can serve in a variety of roles for your contemporary, urban home. And it doesn’t have to be drab. You can add artful designs to your concrete floors with liquid stains.

CARPET Carpets are available in an array of colors, patterns and textures- durable nylon, luxurious polyester, beautiful wool and more. But be cautious of any allergies when choosing this flooring.

LEATHER

CORK Often used in libraries for sound control, cork’s thick, spongy composition absorbs vibrations and footsteps.

This flooring is non-toxic and easy to maintain, making it conducive to pets and young children.

BAMBOO Known for its durability, bamboo is tough as the hardest of woods and strong as some alloys of steel. With its

The use of “cowhide” on floors is popular with those who want to live an exotic, sensual lifestyle. It’s waterresistant, warm through the winter and cool through the summer.

Maurita Sutton Brown is the MultiExperienced Diva, traveling the world and learning about different cultures and lifestyles. Her role as an Interior Designer & Life Coach allows her to help women be the best they can be.

SUMMER 2019 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 17

The of an

Imperfect Home By: Kennesha Buycks

LETTING GO OF EXPECTATIONS AND LETTING GOD WRITE MY STORY

18 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SUMMER 2019

spective on His direction for our lives.

Those parts of my heart that had longed for an amazing gourmet kitchen with designer furniture, those voices of comparison that kept me longing for what others had, those lies that I deserved perfection—they all began to dissipate. And I began to experience a peace that I’d never felt before.

I was no longer trying to ease the pain of my story with external things.

Instead, I let God redeem my story.

He took me from desperation to contentment. He exposed and healed the wounds I had been trying to hide beneath piles of perfect cushions.

Even though I still struggle with that spoiled mentality every once in a while, I can own up to it and recognize it as an unhealthy thought pattern. This act of trusting God and following His voice was a process, and it still is. But through His love, I traded my wants and expectations for the new story He was and is writing for our lives.

I’m an only child. I’ve pretty much gotten whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted it, since birth. There was nothing my grandparents (Papaw and Memaw) wouldn’t do to make me happy. They spoiled me out of love, but this bred a discontentment in me.

I didn’t know how to be happy unless I had everything I wanted.

I was blind to all of this until I married my husband. When it came to our living conditions, my discontentment reared its ugly head. I didn’t want out-of-style décor or handme-down, not-my-style furniture. I wanted new, shiny beautiful furniture.

And in my mind, new and shiny and beautiful meant owning our own home.

Ten years into our marriage, we decided to separate from the military

and live a civilian life. Larry had been in the military since we’d gotten married, so we had never actually lived a “normal” life before.

We left the base in Hawaii and moved to a rental in Seattle. I was less than pleased. I wanted a real home. A permanent home. A home we owned.

After 12 years of bouncing from rental to rental and base to base, I wanted something that could be ours. I told myself that it was only temporary and that we would find a home to call our own sooner than later.

But later turned into much later, and after three years in that rental, we had to move into another rental. I was so discouraged. But I decided to turn to God. I felt that He was offering me the opportunity to gain a new per-

Excerpt Language: Courtesy of HarperCollins Christian Publishing

Kennesha is the creative behind the Restoration House Interiors blog and author of Restoration House: Creating a Space That Gives Life and Connection to All Who Enter. A proud Southern girl originally from Guntersville, Alabama, Kennesha realized at a very young age she had a knack not only for creative, but for connecting the hearts and minds of the communities in which she had the privilege of sharing life with through those very talents.

SUMMER 2019 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 19

Unexpected

CAREER CH LEADS TO PURSUIT OF LONGTIME PASSION

CAREER CHANGES CAN BE EXCITING AND MAYBE EVEN A BIT TERRIFYING AT FIRST, ESPECIALLY WHEN THEY ARE BEYOND YOUR CONTROL. Career changes can be exciting and maybe even a bit terrifying at first, especially when they are beyond your control.

When a debilitating nerve injury left Carol Laube – a professional violinist of 35 years – questioning her career’s future, she relied on Ball State University’s online master’s degree programs to help her turn a longtime passion into a new career.

“I knew that I loved teaching and ‘coaching’ my violin students, and I wanted to do something I loved as much as music—and that was baseball,” says Laube, who today is an assistant baseball coach at Galena High School in Reno, Nevada.

Hoping to coach the sport she loved, she began looking for an athletic coaching education program and chose Ball State University’s because it required an internship, while other programs did not. Laube needed real experience.

“Not having an athletic background where my degrees are concerned, it has given me a wonderful base of knowledge to draw from on a variety of subjects from motor function to marketing,” says Laube, who earned violin performance degrees from Rice University, DePaul University, and the University of Nevada, Reno.

Her musical résumé includes a three-year tour of the U.S. and Asia with the Mantovani Orchestra and six years with the Lawrence Welk Show in Branson, Missouri.

20 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SUMMER 2019

While Laube’s career change is a unique example, it does bring to light the possibility of required education in order to succeed in a new career. For some, the thought of going back to school could deter them from achieving their dreams.

Laube added a master’s degree in athletic coaching education to her violin performance degrees in the summer of 2018. The program’s online format was ideal for her schedule, since she has continued to work as associate concertmaster in the Reno Philharmonic and principal second in the Reno Chamber Orchestra.

Because she also conducts two youth orchestras and teaches students in her own private studio, she appreciated the fact that assignments, exams, and professors were accessible at all hours.

Ball State online students are naturally busy and driven to pursue goals that will improve their lives. With more than 70 degree programs offered 100 percent online, adult students are able to create study schedules that fit perfectly into their lives, as opposed to the set hours required in a traditional classroom setting.

In addition to never having to worry about being late to class, our online students have a full support team readily available, from application to graduation.

HANGE

A career change doesn’t happen overnight, but Ball State Online can help you achieve your goals a little quicker than simply going at it alone.

Visit bsu.edu/online/hope to learn more about our online degrees, certificates, and licenses.

SUMMER 2019 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 21

6

YOUR CAREER

/6 Career Tips for My Younger Self

Career Tips for My Younger Self WHAT 12 YEARS OF BUSINESS TAUGHT ME By: Mary Marantz

6 THINGS I WISH I KNEW FROM THE GET-GO The year 2019 marks my 12th year of running my own business. That’s 12 years of growing something out of nothing, of creating something I loved and believing the world would be a better place if I did. It’s been a long road, but it’s been a good road. It’s been much harder than I ever would have imagined, yet far more rewarding too.

And after over a decade of being in the trenches, building something from the ground up, I can tell you that the secrets of success boil down to two ever-important, timeless staples: hard work and time.

That being said, there are some things I wish I had known in my first few years of doing business. Below is a list of six tips for my younger self, and I hope that you, no matter where you are in your career, will find them helpful.

So here it is. If I could write a letter to my younger self, here’s what I would say:

1. THE WORK YOU DO BETWEEN PLANTING AND HARVEST IS THE MOST IMPORTANT WORK. Between planting and harvest, there is often this in-between-season of waiting. A lot happens under the surface, but the world can’t see it yet. But the work you put in during this season is crucial. As my husband, Justin, always reminds me: “Slow growth equals strong roots.”

2. DON’T DO IT ALONE. If you surround yourself with good people and make friends every chance you can get, you will grow so much more than you would if you were to go at it alone. So be a good friend.

3. BE COMMITTED TO IMPROVEMENT. Hone your craft. Never be complacent. There is always room for improvement, so beware of the dangers of settling for “good enough.”

4. DO WHAT YOU SAY YOU’RE GOING TO DO, WHEN YOU SAY YOU’RE GOING TO DO IT. Don’t let your talk outdo your walk. Be humble, and let your success speak for itself.

5. TELL THE STORIES THAT MATTER. Not just the ones that yield the most Instagram likes.

When in doubt, remember that classic never goes out of style. Don’t be afraid to be the person, the creative or the business owner that you want to be.

6. MOST IMPORTANTLY, DETACH FROM THE CHECKLIST. Don’t get hung up on that list of accomplishments you think you need in order to be “successful.” That list is not the dream; it only feels like one. Don’t let others define your success. When you base your success on a checklist of someone else’s dreams, that success will always be just beyond your grasp. There will always be just one more thing to add to the list, and you will end up spending your entire life in the pursuit of more.

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Mary Marantz and her husband, Justin, make up the renowned photography duo, Justin & Mary. Named one of the top 15 wedding photographers by Profoto, they travel the world, shooting editorial pieces and weddings and leading workshops designed to educate photographers and small business owners. They are esteemed writers, speakers and entrepreneurs.

YOUR MONEY

/4 Finance Tips

treat your family 4 FINANCE TIPS FOR A STRESS-FREE VACATION

TO A TRIP WITHOUT FEELING GUILTY. By: Emily G. Stroud

HOW TO BUDGET AND SAVE FOR YOUR NEXT GETAWAY Nothing can ruin a much-anticipated vacation like the stress of being financially unprepared. The worst thing you can do is put your trip on a credit card thinking, “I’ll pay it off later.”

When you take the time to budget for travel expenses, you’ll find yourself infinitely more relaxed and carefree during your vacation.

If you and your family plan to take a trip within the next few months and you’re wondering how to prepare financially, here are a few tips I’ve learned as both a parent and a financial advisor:

one

INCLUDE VACATIONS IN YOUR MONTHLY BUDGET. Since a vacation is a non-recurring expense, most people don’t think to include it in their monthly budget.

Though you may only vacation once or twice a year, I recommend adding money each month to a savings account specifically earmarked for vacations. Then you’ll know exactly what you have to spend when it’s time to plan a trip. Best of all, you won’t feel the least bit guilty because you’ll know your family has been saving money specifically for this vacation.

two

TAKE A LONGER VACATION. Next summer my family is heading to Utah and renting a small apartment

for a full month to escape the Texas heat. I can’t wait. Now before you start thinking this sounds too extravagant, I’ll let you in on a little secret. Most real estate managers and homeowners will offer a significantly better price to long-term renters. Additionally, if you rent a home for more than 30 days, you’re considered a long-term renter for tax purposes. This can be financially beneficial since you won’t be required to pay daily taxes like you would on a week-to-week rental or hotel room.

three

tion and either camping gear or an RV. Consider renting these rather than buying new. Also, you should be able to save considerable amounts of money on food by taking your groceries with you.

For more tips on planning for your financial future, please pick up a copy of my latest book, Faithful Finance: 10 Secrets to Move from Fearful Insecurity to Confident Control. This book is a practical guide, revealing 10 life-changing secrets that work in every financial situation, for every income level, at every stage of life.

PLAN A GOOD, OLDFASHIONED ROAD TRIP. One way to dramatically save on vacation expenses is to choose a destination within driving distance. This allows you to save the money you would have spent on airfare for the actual vacation. This is especially true when travelling with children. Your family will have more discretionary funds for your trip, and you’ll likely make some amazing memories along the way.

four

CONSIDER VISITING NATIONAL PARKS AND ENJOYING THE GREAT OUTDOORS. Summer is the best time to soak up Mother Nature. Although this type of vacation seems less luxurious, it’s still not free. You’ll need food, transporta-

For two decades, financial advisor, entrepreneur, speaker, author and mother, Emily G. Stroud, has counseled clients on how to handle money, manage risk and plan for their financial future. Stroud is the president and owner of a boutique investment firm called Stroud Financial Management, Inc. She holds an MBA, as well as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) credential. Her newest book, Faithful Finance: 10 Secrets to Move from Fearful Insecurity to Confident Control, is available now. She currently lives in Fort Worth with her husband and two children. For more information, please visit EmilyGStroud.com.

SUMMER 2019 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 23

COVER STORY

/Julie Solomon

I am a leader for women who may feel powerless in a lot of situations, but they want to reclaim that power for themselves so they can attain the freedom they want so badly in their life and in their work.

Content Queen

JULIE SOLOMON RULES SOCIAL MEDIA, AND WITH HER TIPS, SO CAN YOU By: Jordan Ligons Influencer marketing guru shares her story about finding her purpose What’s your buzz word for this year?

Maybe change? Maybe persevere? How about hope? (That’s one of our favorites; we’re a little biased.) Two buzz words that we encourage you to add to your 2019 vocabulary are purposeful and intentional. Yes, let that sink in for a second. If you allow them to, these two words can become action words, words that can ultimately revolutionize the trajectory of your day, your month or your entire year.

These two words give Julie Solomon a spark. Her purpose, she says, is rooted in her faith and family. “Purpose is about getting clear in how you show up and serve, not only with your community,

but in the world around you,” the New York Times best-selling publicist, top 100 leaders in influencer marketing and the host of “The Influencer Podcast” said. “And so for me, purpose is being able to provide the highest service to my community and bringing my highest self to my work and my life so that I may empower and inspire my community to do the same.” She believes that you have to practice what you preach, and “intentionally think and feel yourself through your purpose each and every day.”

That’s not an easy feat. Solomon turned her hobby of personal branding into a side hustle, then into her main hustle.

24 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SUMMER 2019

Now, she teaches other women to do the same. She actively seeks women who have a goal and guides them to their dreams. “Being able to help other women step into their uniqueness and get more comfortable with owning their power is something that I am incredibly passionate about,” Solomon says.

She teaches women to be leaders, and not anything less. “Sometimes women are made to believe that the smaller and quieter we are, the more we blend in, the more we will be accepted, and that’s just not true. That is not a leader mindset.

I am a leader for women who may feel powerless in a lot of situations, but they want to reclaim that power for them-

selves so they can attain the freedom they want so badly in their life and in their work.”

Empowered women empower women; when one of us gets to the top, shatters this glass ceiling, we have to make sure there’s a ladder, rope, outstretched arm—whatever it takes—to keep the door (and ceiling) clear for another woman to make her way up.

And, as Solomon says, with open and honest communication, we can continue to empower those around us to get going; keep fighting. “Even though I may be a few steps ahead of someone on this entrepreneurial path, my job is to turn behind me, extend my hand out and say, ‘Hey, let me help you get up here!’” she adds. Another way to empower each other and ourselves is being conscious about how we show up: with family and friends, but also on social media and to the world.

Solomon’s bright Instagram feed of over 3,000 posts mostly show her—with a dash of her husband and son’s—smiling face. The blush overtones match her blazer in her profile picture. A couple thumb swipes down her feed and there are so many portraits, quotes and videos you’d like to double tap. This is her specialty and it shows. Solomon always stays on brand but she also isn’t afraid to get real. Back in October she posted a graphic reading, “I did that one thing I swore I’d never do…” In the caption she proceeded to be very candid with her over 90,000 followers; she tells a story where her and her husband argued in front of her son. She goes on to talk

about what she was feeling in that moment—mom guilt, failure, the desire parents have to be “perfect” and how pain makes you stronger.

plus she promises to equip you with key tools on how to succeed in this social world.

She doesn’t have to do this, but she chooses to. She chooses to be honest with her followers and within her content to avoid what she calls “curated imperfection” for social media. That’s when the struggles are staged to merely seem relatable. In other words, the struggle is actually not real. Engulfing yourself in this fake persona online, Solomon says, is a mask to cover up the fact that we’re terrified of being vulnerable or seen as who we truly are. “The courage to be vulnerable is not about winning, losing, fitting in, being liked by everyone or being perfect. It’s about the courage to show up wholeheartedly as you when you can’t predict or control the outcome,” she said. “That is why I choose to be vulnerable on social media as well as through my podcast, newsletter and any writing or speaking I do. Anyone can curate perfection or imperfection, but it doesn’t mean that it’s actually helping those that you’re called to serve.” In order to effectively dive into your purpose or while you’re exploring different mediums to share, she wants you to ask yourself: What is it that I am really seeking here and why can’t I find that from within myself? Why do I need the validation from someone or something else?

By diving into influencer marketing to help women—like you—grow their following and let social media work for them, Solomon is the content queen.

Building this brand from nothing more than a laptop and a dream, she has been able to become a seven-figure entrepreneur. Through her viral podcast’s content, which has achieved millions of downloads in over 170 countries, to founding The Influencer Academy and Pitch It Perfect, she’s curated a formula that works. And it works well. Solomon also offers masterclasses and webinars to show how to whip your feed into shape,

But the real key? She wants you to know that you’re in control of your own destiny because, frankly, you’re the only one that has your unique story, skills, perspective, experiences and DNA—she wants you to share it because no one else can like you can. “The one thing that I hope my audience receives from me when consuming my content is freedom,” Solomon says. “I will tell you, as someone who came from a very small, rural town in Tennessee, who has built this thing over the years, over time with a lot of hard work, I can proudly say that I control my destiny now. There is so much freedom in that. You just need the courage to believe it.”

The word “influencer” has been tossed around within the media sphere, earning various definitions. Solomon has shaped that word into something so much more. It’s about telling your story, creating a brand, and yes, in this case, to also potentially make an extra five figures a month doing so. She’s passing on knowledge to the next generation of influencers who can also lead women, who will then lead more women and so on. Solomon is an influencer for change.

“My passion is service,” she said. “And my service comes from empowering women to think and feel for themselves.”

She’s the leader of this inspirational chain whose links are women firmly holding hands ready to take on the world.

It’s a chain of women that’s rooted in wholeheartedly knowing your purpose and living it out with the best intentions.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s link up.

SUMMER 2019 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 25

Audrey LIVE A ‘LOVE LETTER LIFE’ LIKE

Roloff

By: Jordan Ligons

Most people have never written or received a love letter. But reality television star Audrey Roloff and her husband, Jeremy, hope to change this. The couple hosts The Behind the Scenes Podcast and founded Beating 50 Percent, a ministry to revive covenant marriages. Their new book, A Love Letter Life, aims to revive the lost art of love letter writing. Millions of you tuned in to see their love story unfold on TLC’s Little People, Big World, but the book dives deeper into the faith that drives their relationship.

Facing long-distance separation, health problems, emotional walls and a myriad of other obstacles, the couples ink their history into these love letters. “The effort, attention and time to create the letter and the patience to receive it are character traits that we’d like our love story to be marked by,” Audrey explains.

By reading their book, not only will you learn about the couple’s roots, but you’ll also find the inspiration to create a love story of your own--the kind worth reading about.

Until then, take a look at our tell-all interview with Audrey below:

What specific author or book inspired you to write your story?

What’s the last love letter you’ve written to each other?

“The book A Severe Mercy. It’s a book that Jeremy read, and then read to me out loud while we were dating. The book highly influenced Jeremy’s life, then my life and then our love story.

It’s our favorite… we read it every year together. It’s just that powerful.”

“Right now we do this thing where we write one thing that we’re thankful for or appreciate about the other person on a slip of paper every night. Then we put it in this mini mailbox hanging in our bedroom. It’s a way to go to bed every night feeling thankful for and appreciative of each other, even if it’s just for the little things.”

What are three main takeaways that couples will be able to glean from your book?

“Pursue creatively, date intentionally and love faithfully—we think you can do those wherever you’re at in your love story.”

Keys to making a great love letter?

“I think writing a love letter in and of itself. It’s such an amazing gift that you can give to the person you’re writing to.”

Favorite books to read to your daughter, Ember?

“Night Night, Train. It’s part of a series of books. Trains and train tracks are a part of our love story, so we naturally gravitated to that one.”

Favorite tradition together?

“Every year on our anniversary, we write letters to each other that we’ll read to each other the following year on our anniversary. We’ve been doing it since our honeymoon!”

Favorite memory from the writing process?

“Reliving the beginning stages of our love story.”

Best advice ever received?

“I feel like the Lord has been pressing this on my heart: ‘God is more concerned with what He’s doing in you than through you.”

How does this book bring hope to women?

“We hope our love story can inspire people and bring hope to their love stories. Whether their love story hasn’t begun yet or they’ve been married for 20 years, we hope this book will serve as a beacon of hope and light. It contains a lot of practical tips they can implement right away, as well as old truths told from a fresh perspective.”

YOUR READING

/Made to Rise

MADE TO RISE

J.Autherine By: Carrie Schmidt

AN INTERVIEW WITH INSPIRING POET

There was a time when author and poet J. Autherine preferred to blend in. Though this desire hasn’t completely vanished, she is finally embracing the journey God created for her – living out loud, speaking her truth and walking with purpose. With her newly acquired boldness, she’s wearing more red (no longer afraid to stand out!) and writing poems that speak directly to the hearts of strong women everywhere.

Her inaugural anthology of poetry, Wild Heart, Peaceful Soul, is a mirror of sorts to our common experience as women—a deep, raw look at love and everyday life. One particularly powerful poem in the collection, “Strong Sisters Unite,” draws on the struggles of women of color who must add racial discrimination to the mix of battles that women already face. Autherine also uses this poem as an opportunity to celebrate inspiring women who give her hope for the future:

“The world knows that we are strong because our strength is legendary.

We are Harriet Tubman, Michelle Obama, and Rosa Parks.

We are Oprah Winfrey, Nanny, and Mae Jameson.

We are Shirley Chisholm, Portia Simpson and Maya Angelou.”

But two other women, whose names are not so widely recognized, are perhaps Autherine’s biggest inspirations.

Poetry collection Wild Heart, “Mama Linett lost her only Peaceful Soul shines a mirror child and had every reason on life and love. to spend a lifetime in grief; instead, she… poured her love into me and demonstrated the virtues of strength, courage, kindness and the importance of having the solid rock of God to lean on in challenging times. My mother, Ms. Rose, was one of 14 children who were born into poverty in Jamaica; she emigrated to the United States, pulled herself up by the bootstraps by working multiple jobs and taught us the value of handwork and a solid education,” she reflects.

Channeling her hero, Maya Angelou, Autherine sums up Wild Heart, Peaceful Soul by challenging Hope’s readers to live it all as she writes it all: “love, heartbreak, mistakes, peaceful moments, painful truths, vulnerabilities, joy and triumphs…” Additionally, she promotes the importance of self-care: “The time to exhale will not be given to us; we have to take it and care for ourselves (meditation, counseling, support groups, spa days, sister circles). Care for each other so that we can care for our children and change our society.”

Her own journey brought her to this place of strength amid vulnerability—a place where she embraces all of life as worth living and sharing with others. As she states in “Strong Sisters Unite,” “Survival is not enough; we were built to rise.” And rise, J. Autherine has.

Carrie Schmidt is an avid reader and book reviewer. She is co-founder of the Christian Fiction Readers’ Retreat and the blogger behind ReadingIsMySuperPower.org.

YOUR STYLE

/2019 Gift Guide

Just-Because

FRIENDSHIP GIFT GUIDE SPOIL YOUR FRIENDS, SISTERS AND YOUR MOM WITH PRESENTS JUST FOR FUN By: Sydni Ellis BEAUTIFUL AND PRACTICAL GIFTS TO SHOW THE SPECIAL LADIES IN YOUR LIFE THEY ARE APPRECIATED Girl Scouts sing about friendship as something that’s as valuable as money (“Make new friends but keep the old: one is silver and the other gold”), but we believe friends are worth even more. When you stay up late sharing wine and secrets; cheer for each other at every new job, relationship milestone and personal goal accomplished; and know exactly what to say after a rough day, then you have the rare gift of a true friend--something even your platinum card could never buy!

This month, show your #girlsquad you care by surprising them with a thoughtful gift for no reason at all. Your friends, sisters and/or mom make your world a better place to live in, so they deserve a token of appreciation. After all, hanging out with lady friends actually releases oxytocin and reduces stress, according to a recent study by UCLA. Since Mother’s Day has already passed and Friendship Day isn’t until August 4, you officially have our permission to treat your friends just because.

A T R E N DY P U R S E Admit it: gum wrappers, crumpled up receipts, coins and a layer of sticky whoknows-what lines the bottom of every woman’s purse. It’s always a good time for a new one!

Lilac is the new neutral, and you can’t go wrong with the Kate Spade New York Sylvia Perforated Large Satchel ($348). This sweet, feminine, dome-shaped bag is made with a soft, cross-grain leather with Kate Spade’s signature spade flowers along the top. It has two handles for easy carrying and an attachable strap to wear it across your torso. Your friend will love this trendy bag--and she can store all her goodies safely inside the many interior pockets.

If you’re shopping for a mom friend with little kids or grandkids, the throwbackstyle Rebecca Minkoff Jean Smooth Leather Belt Bag ($198), available at Neiman Marcus, is the way to go. Unlike the brightly colored, canvas fanny packs of the ‘90s, this classy belt bag is made with light pink leather with a slim belt strap and an envelope flap-style attached purse. She will love having her cash and phone close by and her hands free while looking fashion-forward at the same time.

28 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SUMMER 2019

YOUR STYLE

/2019 Gift Guide F LOW E R S , F LOW E R S , F LOW E R S !

Flowers are traditionally given by romantic partners, but don’t let that stop you!

While your sister or friend may like a bouquet of perfectly arranged flowers from a local florist, she will love a longer-lasting, flower-themed present even more.

It’s no surprise that the Marc Jacobs Daisy fragrance is one of the best-selling perfumes at Sephora. It smells amazing! The key notes of strawberry, violet leaves and jasmine combine for a light, sweet aroma--basically, she’ll smell like spring everywhere she goes.

Another option is to get her a flower she can wear around her wrist or neck, like the beautiful rose gold rose charm from Kendra Scott. This simple charm is called the Women Empowerment Charm ($25), as it not only looks beautiful, but it also supports women with 50 percent of proceeds supporting Women for Women International’s mission of helping women survivors of war. So, you’re not just making your friend’s day; you’re helping women all over the world!

If you want to actually get flowers to show you care, consider opting for the faux variety instead. High-quality fake flowers, like ones made with silk, will look just like the real thing but last for years. Neiman Marcus exclusively sells the JohnRichard Collection Shades of Coral bouquet ($190) that contains four sets of bundled coral faux-tulips in a glass vase filled with acrylic water. She can make this the centerpiece of her dinner table and nobody will know the difference.

T H E G I F T O F PA M P E R I N G Me time, quiet time, alone time--no matter what you call it, women don’t get enough of it. If your mom or mom friend still has kids at home, offer to babysit. If not, you can still give her something to pamper her and make her feel special, like a luxurious robe.

She’ll stay warm during the chilly evenings by wrapping up in the Cool Nights Lace Trim Long Robe from Soma ($78). This soft robe is lightweight, so you don’t overheat, and it features ombre gray flowers and lace trim that is as lovely as the special lady in your life.

And while she’s wearing this ultra-cozy robe,

she can apply the Pur Precious Metals Shimmering Dry Oil Elixer ($28), available at Ulta. Infused with real metallic gold, rose gold and silver flakes, this oil works to hydrate your skin and give it a natural, non-greasy glow!

Finally, nothing goes better with quiet time than God’s Word. The Find Peace: A 40-Day Devotional Journey for Moms by Shaunti Feldhahn, was written with the specific needs of mothers in mind. This devotional is full of Bible verses and wise words to help women become the mothers that God wants them to be: full of peace and not fear, no matter how old their kids are.

CLOSE FRIENDSHIPS WILL NEVER FADE, BUT THAT DOESN’T MEAN YOU SHOULD TAKE THEM FOR GRANTED. GIVE YOUR BEST FRIEND, SISTER OR MOM ONE OF THESE GIFTS FROM THE HEART--IT’S ABOUT TIME LADIES SPOIL EACH OTHER!

SUMMER 2019 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 29

YOUR STYLE

/2019 Gift Guide

Give the gift of beauty to your friends in a different way.

Scratch the beauty products or weight-loss programs, and instead choose to redefine and broaden your ideas of beauty. Finding Beautiful: Discovering Authentic Beauty around the World houses full-color before-and-after photos to accompany powerful transformation stories of women from around the world. Author, worship leader, film producer and award-winning photographer Rebecca Friedlander, who’s also been in full-time ministry for 15 years, shares the journey of 12 women uncovering their true beauty, rooted in following Jesus. Through impactful imagery and thought-provoking stories, Finding Beautiful allows the reader to truly learn how beauty comes from the inside out.

If you know a woman who favors makeovers, this book will satisfy that love, but with a Christian gaze, shining light on women standing firm in their biblical truth, and fully being able to reject societal norms, low self-esteem, doubt and rejection. Finding Beautiful was inspired by Friedlander’s 2015 makeover TV series “Radical Makeovers” where she traveled the globe to capture makeovers and testimonies of 30 women who became triumphant

over their issues with their image. Grab this book to feel these women’s stories on their pursuit to accept authentic beauty.

Sydni Ellis grew up in the great state of Texas, where she learned to love chips and salsa and swimming pools. She has her master’s degree in journalism from the University of North Texas, and some of her passions include writing, traveling and re-reading the Harry Potter series every chance she gets. In the spirit of spontaneity, Sydni lives her life with a pen in one hand and her video camera in the other, ready to capture the next great story.

SUMMER FAMILY

travel guide

By: Sydni Ellis

Must-see entertainment, activities and nature scenes this summer

Family-friendly destination spots in Ohio, Michigan and Indiana

30 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SUMMER 2019

Truck-stop candy and Coke’s, playing car games with my brother and jamming out to “Livin’ ona Prayer” made road trips in the ‘90s some of the best times of my life.

Fast-forward to today: I’m planning my first road trip with my husband and two babies (two boys under two-years-old send help!), and I couldn’t be more excited.

Whether you want to recreate your favorite family vacations or just make new memories with your kids, a road trip is the way to go!

With so many family-friendly entertainment, activities and nature to see in Indiana and surrounding areas, you won’t hear “Mom, I’m bored” once. So, round up the kids, pack the car with luggage and snacks, queue up the tunes and follow our Summer Family Travel Guide for an unforgettable experience!

MICHIGAN It’s festival season in Michigan, an exciting place to start your vacation. Nothing says summertime” like sweet red cherries, celebrated annually at the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City. This year’s event, held June 29-July 6, has more than 150 activities designed to bring families together. Traditions are abundant at this fun festival, including cheering on the participants at three unique parades, watching the official coronation of the National Cherry Queen, participating in pit-spitting and pie eating contests. Other activities include running in a 5k, indulging in delicious cherry pancakes, singing in Cherry Idol and seeing fantastic performers like Brett Young (“In Case You Didn’t Know”) and Styx (“Come Sail Away”).

OHIO Head south to the Buckeye State, the perfect spot for nature and animal enthusiasts. For a quiet trip, visit Hocking Hills State Park in Logan. Commune with nature by enjoying peaceful waterfalls and scenic views while hiking on one of 7 different areas, including caves, hollows and trails. Or get closer to the water by renting a canoe, kayak or raft from the Canoe Livery.

While paddling down the Hocking River, breathe deeply. Now’s your chance to either relish the opportunity for some much-deserved alone time or enjoy an adventurous afternoon spotting wildlife with the kids.

End your trip with a roar by seeing Disney’s The Lion King August 7-September 1 at KeyBank State Theatre in Cleveland. This six-time Tony winning show (including Best Musical) is delightful at every turn, with elaborate costumes, realistic African desert sets and all of your favorite songs “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King,” “Circle of Life” from the 1994 animated classic of the same name. You’ll be singing “Hakuna Matata!” and living worry-free all the way home!

INDIANA You’re back in Indiana but that doesn’t mean your vacation is over!

Drive down to Franke Park in Fort Wayne for the 2019 Foellinger Theatre Summer Concert Series featuring award-winning artists and talented tribute bands until August 13. Highlights include blues band Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels (“Good Golly Miss Molly”) on June 7, parody

king “Weird Al” Yanovic (“Eat It”) accompanied by a full orchestra on July 2, alternative rockers Collective Soul (“Shine”) on July 12 and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Joan Jett and the Blackhearts (“Bad Reputation”) on July 19.

Craving a thrill or a sugary treat?

Join half a million of your neighbors at the Three Rivers Festival July 12-20 in downtown Fort Wayne. This summer extravaganza is filled with the best things: stomach-dropping roller coasters, Ferris Wheel rides, carnival games, fluffy cotton candy, a race on real beds, a Waiter and Waitress contest and a beautiful Art in the Park show.

If you have little ones under 12, check out the Children’s Fest filled with interactive activities, a magic show, a fun run and more. There is truly something for everyone at this cool festival.

When you finally pull up in your driveway, unpack the car and resume your daily life, your trip is over but the and memories made will never disappear! Experiencing unique places close to home while bonding with your family at the same time? Sounds like the perfect summer vacation.

Sydni Ellis grew up in the great state of Texas, where she learned to love chips and salsa and swimming pools. She has her master’s degree in journalism from the University of North Texas, and some of her passions include writing, traveling and re-reading the Harry Potter series every chance she gets. In the spirit of spontaneity, Sydni lives her life with a pen in one hand and her video camera in the other; ready to capture the next great story.

SUMMER 2019 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 31

During WW11, homing pigeons transported messages across enemy lines, carrying the promise of salvation in this bittersweet tale inspired by true events from a time when hope truly was the thing with feathers.

Meet Alba as she tries to find harmony between her struggling family’s expectations, her undeniable talent, and the past she fled in Sardinia to finally honor the music in her heart…

Moving

STORIES of HOPE esilience...

R & Explore the intricacies, joys and heartbreaks of motherhood in this story of two mothers: one raising an autistic son in the present day; the other raising a deaf son in the 1920s.

Journey to Appalachia at the turn of the 20th Century for an evocative, extraordinary novel about a buoyant farm family’s challenges and hard-won triumphs— helmed by an unforgettable heroine.

ENSINGTONBOOKS.COM

Available Everywhere Books Are Sold

Follow a young girl caught in the middle of a heart-wrenching clash of two American cultures as she learns about friendship, betrayal, and the sacrifices made in the name of belonging.

“The Hope Harbor series is a testament to the power of faith, hope, and love.”

—Booklist Booklist on Pelican Point Jeannette Mason swore off relationships of any kind when she moved to Hope Harbor to start a new life—but a single dad with a grieving little girl and an unruly pup may test that resolve.

Come home to Hope Harbor— where hearts heal . . .

and love blooms.

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A HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SPRING 2019

Available wherever books and ebooks are sold.

Ball State Online

Considering a Career Change?

A career change doesn’t happen overnight and it might even require additional education. Ball State Online can help you achieve your goals with the knowledge and connections for success.

• More than 70 degree programs, certificates, and licenses • Classes are 100 percent online, with no required login times, and accessible wherever you are • Learn on your time without sacrificing work, family time, and community obligations • Our full-student support team is here for you all the way through, from application to graduation Visit bsu.edu/online/hope to learn more about the academic programs that can help you further your career.

A HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SPRING 2019