iCandiland Holiday 2013

The Holiday Issue December 2013

Here’s to an iCandilicious holiday

TABLE OF Music & Dear i Music Review Fashion Fashion B He Have a Healt living h Relationship 5 signs he’s fa Holiday Short St Candi Fo Recipie of T

F CONTENTS Entertainment iCandi 5

by J. Antoinne 6 & Beauty

By R.E.D 10 ealth thy Holiday 12 healthy 15 ps & Advice alling in love 16 y Lovin 18 tory Series Ladies 20 ood THe Month 28

D

ear MsiCandi,

I’ve been talking to someone for a little while now, and she seems to like me a lot. She expresses this daily and in several ways. The problem is, I’m not feeling her like that. In the beginning, I was was very interested but the more and more we talked, the more I realized that the connection wasn’t really there. I’ve tried to tell her, but every time I get the courage to do so, she does something nice or lets me know how much she likes me and it makes it harder to do. I don’t want to feel like I’m leading her on, so what’s the best way to go about it? Or should I give it more time to see what happens? ~A Disconnected Connection~ I myself have experienced this. You initially think “Hey this person is really nice, very attractive, down to earth, something might be there”.

Over time you realize that it’s not them or you. You have just out grown those feelings. Trying to force yourself to feel something for someone that isn’t there is not good for either one of you. For me, not being into him, didn’t take away the fact that he was a great man. He just wasn’t the great man for me.

Women are very emotional so that rejection could really hit us hard but I would rather a man let me know the deal than to continute to let me keep pouring my heart out looking like boo boo the fool.

Unfortunately her feelings are going to have to get hurt. Better now than later. I think everyone deserves someone that is TRULY into them 100% and not just dealing with them to spare their feelings.

Try to let her down gently but be very clear and leave no room for “false hopes”. The saddest thing is to see a woman pinning after a man that’s Just Not That Into Her. Good Luck

MsiCandi

J. Antoinne’s Music Review “Where there’s life, there’s music” ~J. Antoinne~ iCandi Productions

Tamar Braxton Winter Loversland Epic, 2012

Kelly Clarkson Wrapped In Red RCA, 2013

Kem What Christmas Means Motown, 2012

There’s no doubt about it: Tamar Braxton can sang. Though she hails from a family full of esteemed vocalists in their own right, she does what she can to get out of her sisters’ shadows. This Christmas album is a true R&B Christmas album, much like those of old. Classics like “Silent Night” and “Santa Baby” have whispering coo of a lullaby, but the original song “She Can Have You” is in the vein of The Emotions’ “What Do the Lonely Do At Christmas” with its soul and grit.

Even the quick “Chipmunk Song” with sister Trina has the vocal veracity Tamar is known for. This is one of those albums you can listen to year round.

(4.75 Stars)(A+)

This is another one of those Christmas albums that can practically be played all year.

The first American Idol has always been known for her voice and crossover appeal, and she continues both here to awesome results. From the country twang of the a cappella “Silent Night” featuring Reba McEntire and Trisha Yearwood, to the jazzy “Blue Christmas” and the big, swing band of “My Favorite Things”, Clarkson flawlessly crosses genres like she’s crossing the street, yet effectively keeping in line with the Spirit of Christmas. She can impress even the most fickle listener with those classic and simple arrangements that don’t stray too far from the originals but keep that contemporary sound. Great job.

(4.75 Stars)(A+)

One thing that is loved about music maestro Kem is that he doesn’t stray too far from what makes him known: his soulful voice. In the everyday quest to remain relevant in music, Kem has yet to stray far from what has worked for him consistently. This album keeps Christmas as a soulful holiday and does not lose its touch whatsoever. The opener “Glorify the King” shows off Kem’s vocal dexterity, while he shares “Be Mine for Christmas” with equally soulful songstress Ledisi. Kem even takes the little-known “We Three Kings” and makes it worthwhile and memorable. This is definitely an album worth its money.

(5 Stars)(A+)

Mary J. Blige - A Mary Christmas Verve, 2013 Mary J. Blige has been in the game more than twenty years and is known as the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul.

While more of her later albums haven’t gained as much acclaim as her earlier ones, she still is known as a legend in R&B music. Here, with this Christmas effort, you almost are waiting for her to breakout with that classic Mary soul but it’s largely left aside. “This Christmas” and “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” sound nice but they lack that umph that Mary was known for. The songs that feature other people are pretty good though, like “The First Noel” with the Clark Sisters, “When You Wish Upon A Star” with Barbra Streisand and Chris Botti, and “Do You Hear With I Hear?” with Jessie J. True Mary fans will get this, but you won’t hear it that often on radio.

(3 Stars)(C)

Cee-Le Green Cee-Lo’s Magic Moment Elektra/Asylum, 2013

Kool & The Gang Kool for the Holidays ATO, 2013

Various Artists The Best Man Holiday Soundtrack RCA, 2013

Wacky style and flair aside, even without the antics of his stint on NBC’s The Voice, Cee-Lo is an accomplished singer and writer, and on this album, he tackles the genre of Christmas with a zest not often seen by many. He takes different styles of music and shows you he’s not just a circus freak. “Mary Did You Know” is an awesome remake that is superbly produced, and his Voice counterpart Christina Aguilera shows up on “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”, masterfully done to a big band background. And, who else but Cee-Lo can make “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” into a contemporary masterpiece without straying too far from the original, or even include The Muppets (!) on “All I need Is Love”? Sheer genius, that Cee-Lo. (5 Stars)(A++)

Kool and The Gang are mainstays in R&B/funk music. Their music has mainly stood the test of time, played at many barbecues and Quiet Storm radio.

That said, this album itself will bring you back to those yesteryear thoughts, as it sounds as if it’s being released too late. That’s not a bad thing, as the songs sound great, maybe just ill-timed; that said, they’ll take your mind back to the 80s. “Home for the Holidays” is a nod to that time period, as is “The Little Drummer Boy” and “Christmas Always”, while “I Love the Holidays” and “My Prayer” will almost have you wondering if this is really K&TG singing in this current style. Not too bad at all.

(4 Stars)(B+)

Take some of the newer generation of artists, mix them in with a couple of “older” ones, and then sprinkle on some burgeoning artists, and you get an awesome conglomeration of Christmas music and a great soundtrack that complements the great movie. Most of the songs here were heard in the movie of the same name, and for good reason; they’re good. Ne-Yo sings like he used to with “I Want to Come Home From Christmas”, Fantasia shines on “What Christmas Means to Me”, and even Marsha Ambrosius and Anthony Hamilton sparkle together with the Stevie Wonder classic “As”. Emeli Sande is brilliant on “Winter Wonderland” and newcomers Jayda Brown and Jasmine serenade completely with “O Holy Night”. While New Edition’s “Can You Stand the Rain” doesn’t really belong here, we forgive them because of the movie and... well, they’re New Edition.

(4.75 Stars)(A+)

R. Kelly - Black Panties RCA, 2013 R. Kelly has a musical catalog that spans twenty-five years. With an unmistakable touch of production and a voice that’s whiny mixed with soul, you know an R. Kelly song when you hear it. However, with this latest effort, it seems as if Kelly is too busy trying to remain “relevant” to the masses instead of adding more gems to his storied collection. The brunt of this album focus on the graphic nature of sex, and while that may appeal to some, the masses at large aren’t buying “this” R. Kelly. Songs like “Spend That” and “Marry the P***y” are songs you’d expect Uncle Luke to put out, and “Genius”, while probably the best song on the album, still will have one with frozen raised eyebrows. This is almost like the cutting room floor of the Chocolate Factory sessions. Almost.

(2 Stars)(D)

@iCandiPro

Fashion

FASHION BY R.E.D. There are so many different styles from the bootie to the kneehigh to the riding boot. The first rule: make sure the knee-high or riding boot fits your calf. If you have a larger calf they have boots that fit a wide calf or you can go with a stretch material so it hugs your leg but still fit comfortably. The stretch material also works for ladies with a smaller calf as it hugs the leg and it is not too loose. The beautiful thing about the bootie is it doesn’t matter how big or small your leg is; they will fit.

When wearing a mini-skirt or mini-dress, pair it with a bootie, open- or closed-toe because it looks more high fashion. Ladies, this is just my opinion. Pictured below are some examples of the styles I mentioned. I hope this helps when boot shopping. *Kisses*

In Our Angel Hands Prayer Requests

Thomas Chapman (The Legend) Berdie Lewsis “Sista Mama” The Barnes Family Karen Daniels Joanne Williams Nevaeh Mccoy Phyllis Evans & Family Jose Aldanondo Robin Smith Ann Smith Lillian Smith Cheryl O’Coner Vandella Cole Alicia Hearing & Family Matt & Michael Thompson Amber “Big Sexy” Johnson Jane Boyles Jennie Mathis Bonita King-Long Zahbria Thomson Junita Bonner Jasson Haynes Catherine Haynes Shimika Haynes Marissa Alexander iCandi Supporters & Their Families

iCandi Angels R.I.P.

Wiliam & “Candy” King Kandace “Fysty” Pyles Brycee & Cameron Jeff JP Raymond & Bernice Willis James Romano Anna Brown Jerome Swanson James “Jellybean” House Patricia Kirkland Scott Burrows Jr. John Bruce Gilmore Julia Ann Hicks LeRoy Morgan Nadene McGowan Rashand Jackson Marcus “SkandalDaRucusMan Mitchell James Revels Jr Betty Bailey SAlly Rowland Janie Tubbs Thedore Perry

We at iCandi are true believers that PRAYER CHANGES EVERYTHING! We think of you all as our iCandi Family and “the family that prays together stays together”. So before you all go to bed tonight, when you are saying your prayers, add these few extra people to your list......

Have a healthy holiday If you’re anything like me, you catch a cold as soon as the holiday season approaches. Isn’t it the worst?

Well,with being in close quarters with your coworkers, your children being in school around other sick kids, and shopping where other customers are bound to be hacking, our immune systems take a beating. There are a few things we can all do to try to stay healthyduring the holiday season.

Written By LaToya Evans

The first thing we can do is be selfish and care for ourselves. How do we do that? Try to get enough sleep.

Sure, we need that overtime, we have to wrap gifts and attend the Christmas pageant at the school, but we need that sleep, too. Try to get at least 8 hours (I know it’s hard, but try) of sleep per night. Your body will thank you.

‘Tis the season for unhealthy eating. We’re all guilty of doing this. How can you resist all the cookies, cakes, candy, and pie? It’s okay. Eat in moderation and don’t forget your fruits and vegetables. Get in as much as you can before the sweets. The fruits and veggies help make our immune systems strong. Also consider a multivitamin or a little extra vitamin B or C. It’s good to ask your doctor first. These vitamins help strengthen our immune systems as well, more so if you lack them in your diet. Exercise also helps tremendously. Staying active helps our immune system, mood, and metabolism; all of which are important for the holidays. I think Mr. Scrooge could have used a little exercise.

We all have that one person at work that is always sick (and is determined to spread it). Now how do we stay healthy in times like these? Try your best to stay away from sick coworkers. Wash your hands frequently.

Invest in a tub of antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer.

Clean up your work space with the wipes before you leave for the day or when you first come in, especially if you share your work space.

I love the kids, but they are germ monsters! How do we keep them well? We follow the things we would do to stay healthy. Make sure your children get proper rest.

Make sure they have a balanced diet. As for what they encounter at school, teach them to try to stay away from other sick kids.

I know that may be hard for them, but they can try at least. Teach them how to wash their hands properly.

At my son’s school, they are required to wash their hands before they leave the restroom (of course) and before lunch and snacks. Kudos to the principal for making that mandatory. Also, if your child is sick, try not to send them to school. It will keep other children from getting sick and keep you from having to leave work early to pick up a sick kid. It’s also hard for children to learn when they don’t feel well. I know this is a hard one for working parents, but if you can take the time off or have a reliable person to babysit, you should keep your sick child at home.

Pictures Provided By Shannon D Photography

I love holiday shopping, but I can’t stand all the hacking and sneezing from the other people in the store. How do we avoid it? We can’t unless we take up online shopping. All the same rules apply: Stock up on vitamin C. I’ve heard Airborne works. Those are packets packed full of immune boosters, like vitamin C. You can buy them in chewables or the pack you can pour in warm water and drink. Wash your hands frequently because those same hacking folks probably touched that hanger you just touched. Eat healthy snacks or meals while marathon shopping. There’s not too much to do to stay well when you’re out there trying to get a deal, but these few tips may help.

I hope this helps you all stay well this year.

Happy holidays!

Sometimes getting sick isn’t avoidable. What should we do if we get sick? Try to stay away from others as much as you can. Cough into a tissue or into the bend of your arm (elbow). You can do sneezes the same way. Properly dispose of tissues. Wash hands frequently and also use hand sanitizer when you can’t get to a sink. Sip green tea or ginger tea for stomach aches. Try cold medicine to ease symptoms. Remember, cold medicine does not cure colds or the flu; they just help some of the symptoms.

And be sure to see a doctor if your symptoms get worse.

For more information on staying safe and healthy this holiday season, visit these links! http://www.cdc.gov/Features/WinterWeather/index.html http://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm

Living Healthy Healthy is defined as “possessing or enjoying good health or a sound and vigorous mentality.” Living is defined as “having life, being alive, not dead.”

When you put them together, Healthy Living is exactly that, having good health while being alive; simple. That is very easy to state but extremely hard to implement in this world that we live in today. To maintain healthy living it must first come from inside, and the only way to put that into your soul is to start from birth. We need to begin raising our children on good wholesome, nutritional food. The first thing we need to do is replace POP, Kool-aid, energy drinks etc., with WATER. Water is essential for healthy living. Sugary drinks and snacks only help with the issues that are rising in our children today; ADD & ADHD both can be treated by changing your diet. What you put into your system is what you will eventually get back from it. Diabetes is growing at a rapid pace, especially in the African American community and we can control that just by changing our diet. If we go back to the beginning, we were here to live off the earth; fruit and vegetables are all we really need to survive and remain healthy. If you want to add in meat, go for the lean meats i.e. fish, chicken, turkey and don’t FRY EVERYTHING. Don’t put in junk and expect yourself or your children to function properly in school or at home. Read the labels and educate yourself on what you are putting into your system.

When you live good you feel good, and when you feel good you are good to the world. Here are a few suggestions to begin your healthy living. DON’T just relate healthy living to food; healthy living is also about the mind. Training your mental is as critical as your food intake. Let go of the junk in your life; remove stress as much as possible. If you woke up this morning you are TOO BLESSED to BE STRESSED; eliminate negativity in your life get rid of those friends that call you only to bring you down, and get rid of the emotional baggage and start LIVING!

1. Clean out your cabinets and refrigerator. Go shopping and only purchase good healthy food.

Purchase one cheat snack for those days you just can't resist, but only one item; don’t have ten different unhealthy food items to chose from.

2. EXCERISE DAILY. You need to at least workout 3x a week, but you can always take a stroll each day that counts as well. Take thirty minutes out of your day and circulate your body/muscles; this has to become part of your life. If you do those two things you will start living a healthy life!

Love life and continue to make each day a good day!

Mz. Reese

Fashion Tips by R.E.D.

Since I love fashion and clothes I am going to give you some ideas about how to look chic while getting your workout on. Instead of wearing sweat pants that make you look frumpy, try leggings the next time you work out. Leggings are great for exercising because they are so comfortable, and you might even catch the eye of a cute guy. Instead of an oversized t-shirt do an oversized tank with a supportive sports bra. As you know, shoes complete the look, but comfort is first. The shoes should also compliment the outfit. Pictured below is an example of the look I described; I hope this gives you some ideas. Happy healthy living!

Relationships & Advice

Signshe’s he’sfaF 5 5Signs

by Msi Msi by

He Can’t Stop Smiling

Whenever you are in his presence, he’s always smiling. You walk in a room and you actually notice how his face lights up. I don’t know what it is but there is something about your presence that puts him in a good mood. Keep it up girly. He’s taking steps towards falling in love.

He includes you in future plans

I’m not talking next week’s local Happy Hour, I mean the FUTURE. It may be a vacation six months away or a trip home for a traditional family event. If he’s making future plans and including you, more than likely he sees longevity in this relationship.

He goes out of his way for You

Although lately I hear several men refer to acts of generosity as “simping” when a man is truly falling for you, that word goes out of his vocabulary. He wants to be your knight in shining armor. Whether it’s warming up your car for you so you won’t have to sit in the cold or rearranging his schedule to help you move into your new apartment. If he’s doing EXTRA for you and inconveniencing himself, you are wearing him down girl!

Falling allingininlove love

iCandi iCandi

He supports all of your dreams (even the far-fetched ones)

You decide that you want to run a marathon, he helps you train, and is there cheering for you the day of the event! Everyone knows that you can NOT cook but you decide that you now want to be a chef and he puts on the brave face and happily samples all of you disgusting I mean, delicious meals.

He Says Those 3 Words

I know sometimes people use the words out of context, saying “I Love You” when that’s not their true feelings, but a real man, I mean a grown a** man, is different. When he falls for a woman he will simply tell her.

He’s marking his territory and claiming his queen; getting her off the market asap.

So there you have it. Men aren’t as complicated as women. For us, it might be harder to tell if we are falling in love being that we (well, women like myself) are naturally nurturing and loving beings, so someone might think that’s what comes natural as a woman falling in love.

Men are different. When they start to develop feelings the signs are rather easy. But be careful; sometimes a woman can want something so bad that they read way too much into something and create their own signs.

Hopefully you all have found that special someone and you are both loving on each other this holiday season. Until next time...

Candi Kisses

Holiday Lovin’

By Latoya Evans

November and December can be hectic on your love life with all the holidays to be celebrated.

Sure, it’s the time of year to be spent with loved ones and all, but what about quiet time spent with your mate? My boyfriend and I value the time we spend with our family. We enjoy shopping for gifts, the cooking, and putting up decorations, but in the past we struggled with balancing holiday stuff with our quality time. How did we find a happy balance? I’ll tell you!

1. Do Some Shopping Together Make a date to do a little shopping together. If you two plan to shop for parents, children, grandparents, etc. do a little of that shopping together. It’s good to brainstorm gifts together and there’s a little quality time spent.

2. Plan A Date After Family or Shopping Time Dates don’t have to be as elaborate as you think. Dinner and a movie is always a decent go-to date, but after being stuffed from hanging at a family get together or dinner after shopping, there’s more to do for dates! Plan to meet at a movie after mall shopping; forget the dinner.

If the weather’s clear, take a drive and chill out. Spend a quiet evening watching silly shows on Netflix or playing board games (or video games). How about lighting up the tree, turning on a little music, and having a drink? That’s sexy!

3. Private Wrap Party!

So you did a little shopping and now you have to wrap gifts. Do it together! Create a warm, sexy atmosphere and wrap gifts together. You two will have a chance to catch up on the holiday plans that are coming up and just have that time to talk and enjoy each other.

4. Plan Sex Dates I know, it sounds cheesy to have to schedule a time for sex. But remember trying to work, shop, cook, spend family time, attend holiday parties, and not to mention the time change, wreaks havoc on the body.

All you may want to do is hit that bed and sleep. Planning sex dates have you both anticipating the end of the day, but who said it has to be the end of the day? If you two can get away for lunch, well…you get it.

5. It’s the Weekend, Baby!

You know there’s nothing at those doorbuster sales you want to buy this time, so why not spend a little extra time in bed? Have a little cuddle time (or more).

Talk about the rest of the day’s plans. Have an extra long breakfast, you know, just to reconnect, because you know your relatives will be pulling you two in different directions later.

And last, my absolute favorite…

6. (More Sex) Holiday Sex! Our favorite is Christmas sex! We have children so once they are finally asleep and we’re done putting together toys and all, it’s our intimate time. On Christmas Day, we’re pulled in so many directions so after midnight we plan our sex time. Relieving stress before the stress happens. You should try it. It’s fun!

The Charity Ball Bethany & Candace

Short Story Series Written By Melissa Howe

Bethany Tonight was the night. The Charity Ball was finally happening. Everything was falling into place as it should. The Ball Room was decorated. The food was being prepared. The staff was ready. The DJ was set up. The auction was ready for bidding.

I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. I sat at the vanity table in the hotel suite I had reserved for the night. I wanted to be within easy reach if anything went wrong. And I knew I would be too exhausted afterwards for the drive home. Once I ensured everything was running smoothly, I had come upstairs to get dressed.

I applied a final coat of lipstick and smiled at my reflection. My hair was swept up into a cascade of curls. My makeup was simple, highlighting my eyes and mouth. I stood and slipped on my dress. As I was pulling on my bolero jacket there was a knock at the door. I rushed to open it for Jeremy.

“You look amazing!” Jeremy exclaimed. Dressed in a black tuxedo, he looked pretty dashing himself.

“You aren’t looking so bad yourself,” I told him. I let him in the room and sat on the edge of the bed to pull on my shoes.

“Thank you.” He struck a model pose. “And before you ask, everything is perfect. Guests are already arriving and browsing through the silent auction. Tonight is going to be a huge success.”

Jeremy helped me stand, then tucked my hand into his elbow.

“And no word from Eric Marlonson?” I asked as he ushered me through the door to the elevator at the end of the hall.

“No, but that’s probably because there aren’t any words to be had,” Jeremy assured me.

“I wouldn’t bet on that,” I responded. He’s determined to see iCandi fail. There’s no telling what tricks are up his sleeves.”

The moment we entered the ballroom I went into hostess mode. Jeremy left to check on the kitchen. I circled the large room, greeting everyone. I kept an eye on the service staff, making sure they were continuously providing food and drink.

In half an hour the ballroom was nearly full. Candace arrived, causing a stir. I could do little more than wave at her across the room. Everyone wanted our attention.

Famous music artists, actors and actresses, models, and politicians mingled with blue collar workers and business men and women. Everywhere I looked there was laughter and smiles. Most of the silent auction tables had small lines of people waiting for their chance to bid. The dance floor was full.

“Girl, I would definitely say this is a success.” Candace appeared beside me. I took her hand and squeezed it.

“Let’s wait until we hear the totals.” I answered. She laughed and charged onto the dance floor, pulling the first man she passed with her.

I decided to make my own rounds of the auction tables. I paused at a table for a two week luxury cruise.

I hadn’t had a vacation in a long time. On a whim I quickly jotted down a bid.

“That’s a wise choice. There’s nothing more relaxing knowing you are surrounded by miles of beautiful ocean with nothing to do but sun yourself and eat caviar.” A teasing baritone voice drifted over me. I turned and smiled at the man behind me. He was the same height as I was in my heels and he had light, caramel colored skin. His eyes were light brown and lit with laughter.

“The only thing that would make it even more relaxing is if it came with a cute cabana boy with the talent of applying suntan lotion.” I grinned as he laughed.

When he offered his hand I shook it.

“My name is Raymond Stiltson.” He introduced himself. His handshake was firm and quick, though he released my hand a little hesitantly.

“Bethany Warde.” I introduced myself.

“Would you care to dance?” He gestured toward the dance floor and held his hand out to me. I nodded and placed my hand into his.

Once in the middle of the floor, he pulled me close and began to guide us in a small circle. He didn’t speak and I found myself slightly comforted by the silence.

Most men in venues like this only wanted to talk about themselves and what an asset they would be to iCandi.

I found myself getting lost in his eyes. He smiled at me.

I glanced away in an effort to ground myself. Unfortunately the first thing I saw was Eric Marlonson. And he was marching purposefully across the dance floor. I looked to see where his direction would take him even though I knew who I would see. He was headed right for Candace.

Candace “Excuse me.” Eric Marlonson pulled me away from my dance partner before I could utter a protest. I managed to give the man an apologetic glance as Eric skillfully twirled me to an empty corner of the dance floor.

“That was rude. I don’t appreciate your manhandling of me either.” I kept a smile on my face. The last thing I wanted was to cause a scene right in the middle of my ball.

“Your ball seems to be a success.” Eric’s tone was pleasant and he too had a smile on his face. But I could see the fire in his eyes.

“Yes, yes it is. Speaking of balls, aren’t you supposed to be at your own right now?

Don’t tell me that you left the groupies bemoaning your absence?” I smiled and nodded at a pair of guests who danced by us while I tried not to notice how his tuxedo was tailored to show off his muscular body to perfection.

“I just wanted to see how well you were doing. Despite popular belief I do care about you as a person, Candace. It’s nice to see a strong black woman succeeding.”

Eric spun me before pressing his body close to mine.

“Well, I am the CEO of the number one production company. I would definitely term that as ‘succeeding’,” I agreed. I tried to ignore the way my body was beginning to react to him.

“It’s such a shame that we allow this competition to come between us. We could be friends,” Eric said softly. I knew he was trying to play me. I just couldn’t see where he was trying to lead me. I decided to play his game.

“You’re right. We could be friends. Are you suggesting we end the competition?” I asked.

“Yes, that is what I’m suggesting. We are both successful adults and there’s no reason that we can’t help one another. We just want to see our businesses thrive. We shouldn’t be trying to destroy each other.

You are a beautiful woman, Candace.” Eric’s voice dropped to a seductive purr. A part of me began to wonder what it would be like to let him win this game.

“And how exactly can you help me, Eric?” I asked.

I prayed he couldn’t hear how loudly my heart was beating, or feel how quickly my pulse was beating.

I fought to keep my breathing normal. I reminded myself that this was the man who wanted to crush my business. The man who wanted to gleefully see my life’s work fail.

Facts “I know what it’s like to be a CEO. The late hours you have to keep. The weekends and vacations you have to give up. The work that you have to bring home with you. The dinners and parties you have to miss. I bet those beautiful girls of yours would love to see more of their gorgeous mommy.” Eric’s face was a mere inch from mine. I found myself focused on his full lips, wondering what it would be like if he kissed me. I found myself falling into a feeling of camaraderie, a feeling that I was finally standing in front of the one person who could truly understand me, who could know the drive that I felt and match it. But at the mention of my children I froze.

“And how exactly can you help them see their mommy more, Eric?” I kept my voice sweet and pleasant, forcing myself to start dancing again.

“Let me buy out your company. You can stay on as the face of iCandi, assist me with the day to day running of the company. You can have regular hours, a generous salary, vacation time, benefits, but most importantly you can have all the time you want to spend with your girls.

Wouldn’t that make them happy?” He spoke with the confidence that he was offering me a once in a lifetime opportunity that I couldn’t resist jumping at. I could feel myself starting to tremble with rage. I caught the eye of Bethany, who was watching across the dance floor with a troubled look. I quickly glanced at the DJ, then back to her. She understood immediately and began to make her way to the DJ booth.

“You’re right, they would love that.” I answered, smiling up at him. His eyes widened slightly. Apparently he hadn’t been expecting me to be quite so amiable.

“And I’m sure that their mommy is tired of spending her nights alone. A woman as beautiful as you shouldn’t have to raise her children alone. With some extra time on your hands you could find someone to settle down with. Make your little family complete.” He said.

Before I could give into the urge to claw his eyes out, Bethany stepped up beside me and placed a microphone into my hand. The music stopped immediately.

Eric gave Bethany a bewildered look. I stepped away from him, giving him a dazzling smile. Bethany grinned at him then melted into the crowd.

on

Multiple (M.S.)

Sclerosis

. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressive, and sometimes disabling, autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. . Multiple Sclerosis is the most common progressive and disabling neurological condition in young adults . Multiple sclerosis affects 250,000 to 350,000 people in the United States; about 2 million people are affected worldwide. . Average age of clinical onset is 30 – 33 years of age . A patient with Multiple Sclerosis can expect to live to average population life-expectancy minus seven years (mean life expectancy - 7 years) . Multiple Sclerosis affects women much more frequently than men. . The risk of contracting Multiple Sclerosis if a first-degree relative (father, mother, sibling) has the disease, is approx 1% - 3% overall. . The risk among the general population of contracting Multiple Sclerosis is approx 1 in 800. . There are symptoms of MS common to many people. Most people with MS will experience more than one symptom but no one will have all of them. There is no “typical case” of MS. They are all different. . MS is not contagious.

For more infornmation go to: http://www. nationalmssociety.org/

“Welcome everyone! I want to personally thank you all for attending the iCandi Annual Ball.” I grabbed Eric’s elbow has he attempted to disappear behind Bethany. A spotlight fell on us.

We have so many special guests here tonight, but I wanted to take a moment to thank a very special guest who took the time away from his own charity ball to join us, Mr. Eric Marlonson, CEO of Ericson Productions.” I paused while everyone applauded. Eric was tensed beneath my hand but he smiled and waved to the crowd. Jeremy made his way through the crowd and pressed a paper into my hand. Glancing at it I saw it held the tentative totals for tonight.

“We normally wait until the day after to announce the total donation, but in regards to Mr. Marlonson’s presence we have decided to announce a tentative total.” I paused again for dramatic effect.

Once everyone and stopped murmuring and Eric fixed me with a glare that could kill, I took a deep breath.

“So far tonight we have raised nearly $2,000,000.” The crowd began cheering and clapping. I waited for the noise to subside.

“Now, the auction is still open. The donation box is still there.

We can continue to make that number even larger! Every single dollar is going directly to aid the finding of a cure for MS. Let’s do our part! Open your heart and your wallets!” I released Eric and joined the applause. After of a moment of angry glaring, he turned and began to make his way through the crowd.

“Mr. Marlonson has to get back to his own charity ball. Let’s all wish him much success!” The people closest to Eric began to pat him on the back and speak to him. He simply pushed past them, no longer even attempting to hold on to his CEO charm. I handed Jeremy the mic and moved quickly around the edge of the dance floor, catching Eric at the door.

“Just in case you didn’t get it, the answer is no, Mr. Marlonson.” I smiled smugly at him.

“You will regret this.” Eric spoke through clenched teeth before shoving his way out of the door.

“What happened?” Bethany appeared at my side. I was beginning to appreciate her ability to move about so quickly and silently.

“That man is going down. I’m going to crush him if it’s the last thing I do.” I spoke with determination, but as I watched the door close my heart gave an odd lurch of sadness.

Oatmeal Craisin Cookies

Ingredients 2 sticks of butter or margarine, softened 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar ½ cup white sugar 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 ½ cups all purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon salt (optional) 3 cups Quaker Oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked) 1 cup Ocean Spray dried Craisins (dried cranberries) Prep 1. Heat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, beat butter (or margarine) and sugars until creamy.

Add eggs and vanilla; beat well. Add combined flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; mix well. Add oats and Craisins; mix well.

2. Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.

3. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool for 1 minute on cookie sheet; remove to wire rack. Cool completely. Store tightly covered.

Servings: Makes about 4 dozen Variations: You can stir in 1 cup chopped nuts. You can substitute Craisins (dried cranberries) for raisins or other dried fruit. You can also use 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips.

Enjoy!

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