Array Magazine March 2021

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• Editor’s Note

ARRAY Magazine

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March 2021

s we celebrate Women’s History Month, I give pause to January 20, 2021. Just a few short weeks ago, on January 19, 2021, there was never a female in the White House with the elected role of Vice-President. That course of history ended before noon on January 20, 2021, when Mrs. Kamala Harris raised her right hand at the Capitol Building in Washington, DC. When Vice-President Kamala Harris took the oath of office, she became the first multi-dimensional minority to take office. Vice-President Harris, with a blended family of her own, happens to be a woman, who also happens to be a perfect combination of a Jamaican father, Donald Harris, and a South Asian mother, Shyamal Gopalan Harris. I believe the humanity and the breadth of differences in all of us can relate to Vice-President Harris and her experiences. We can also relate, if we so choose, to the change that has come and what it symbolizes for little girls everywhere who now know that they can become a President, a Vice-President, a surgeon, a CEO, an attorney, an actor, a scientist, and a publisher of a magazine like ARRAY... Read with us this month. You’ll be happy that you did.

Johnnerlyn Johnson, Editor Publisher AnneMarie Ziegler annemarie@arraync.com Chief Operations Officer & Events Angie Lyle Angie@ArrayNC.com Editor Johnnerlyn Johnson Writers Keith Sykes Stephanie Stewart Tabitha Jones Art Director Kylen Dooley

Photography Science of Life Photography Charles Mardre Website Designer Gerson Ivan Malca Burneo ARRAYdio Podcast Director and Host Caroline Schafer ARRAYdio@ gmail.com

6 As Eye See It 8 Build A Healthy Plate and

Be Active 11 Marci Mang

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Disclaimer Please note that the inclusion of stories and articles in any publication owned by ARRAY Publishing & Marketing, LLC does not imply endorsement of products or people. The views of the authors are presented for information and entertainment only, and may not necessarily reflect the views of ARRAY Publishing & Marketing, LLC. Specifically, ARRAY Publishing & Marketing, LLC in no way endorses any claim associated with health and/or well-being with respect to any particular person. We disclaim all warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. We will not be held responsible or liable directly or indirectly for any loss or damage that is caused or alleged to have been caused in connection with the use of, or reliance on, any content in this magazine. ARRAY Publishing & Marketing, LLC reserves the right to deny any advertisement or listing that does not meet ARRAY Publishing & Marketing, LLC standards. Submissions are welcome, but unsolicited materials are not guaranteed to be returned. ARRAY Publishing & Marketing, LLC assumes no responsibility for information, products, services or statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. Any and all material, excluding paid advertisements, will be published at the discretion of ARRAY Publishing & Marketing, LLC. ARRAY Publishing & Marketing, LLC is not responsible for translations of this publication.

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The Challenges of Fostering Successful Relationships Written By Keith Sykes

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arriages, and relationships in general, require a great deal of attention. We can compare relationships and marriages to vehicles in that they require constant upkeep and maintenance to function properly.

Depending on who you talk to, you will hear a wide range of challenges people face in marriage or while dating.

Not only are there challenges during the dating process or in marriage, but they exist also in singleness.

In these times, the dating scene has transformed with many people choosing to try online dating or mobile apps in hopes of making a connection. For those who happen to already be in a relationship or married, they are spared from having to wade

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in the dating pool searching for Mr. or Mrs. Right. So, let’s just say you’ve found THE ONE, or you are already with the one and now you are trying to navigate through this thing called life. There are various factors to consider while trying to foster a successful union. I spoke to a few people who were in different phases of relationships, marriage, or single life, and they gave their input on the challenges they have faced at each stage.

Here are some of the examples they shared: Single: (1) It’s difficult because people don’t share their authentic self. They wear a mask of who they think the other person wants them to be. (2) It’s difficult finding someone who shares the same values and who is intentional about dating. (3) After being unsuccessful in past relationships, I am apprehensive

about getting back out on the dating scene.

Dating: (1) Social media has become a huge challenge for relationships. It’s easy to get caught up or distracted by it. (2) Individuals sometime allow their (childhood) trauma to affect the relationship, i.e., abandonment issues or trust issues. (3) My biggest challenge is making enough time for someone else and being considerate of their needs. I must make the person I’m dating a priority. Otherwise, they get lost in the shuffle and may not feel significant.

Married: (1) As we get older, our needs change, so it is important to know and understand your partner. Once those needs/desires change, you can address the situation and grow together. (2) A big challenge is managing expectations. Communication is important to ensure you stay locked in with one another.

Having realistic expectations that do not go beyond what your spouse is capable of. (3) We must be careful not to let our business(es) and other life occurrences get in the way

of “us” and the marriage.

Of all the challenges mentioned, we can probably all agree that it takes work to manage a relationship.

The amount of time and effort both individuals invest in the relationship usually correlates to the level of success that is achieved. Prior to entering a relationship or marriage, it is imperative that individuals heal from past traumas. If not, the residuals of their unresolved issues will be carried over into the union. It is necessary to identify and own triggers.

You must address situations that could potentially harm the relationship. Lastly, you must have the difficult conversations.

Be sure to bring to the table every topic that could be detrimental to the relationship.

Communication is extremely important. Without it, the relationship will not survive. ~A~ Keith Sykes, native of New Orleans, LA is a freelance writer with ARRAY. For more information on Keith Sykes visit the ARRAYNC website.

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• Health

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Marci Mang “A spoonful into what became a beautiful recipe.”

Photography by Science of Life Photography

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he only way to begin to tell you about the eclectic delicacy that is Marci’s Cakes and Bakes is to share just how much the all-female staff loves Marci Mang.

“She is so supportive!”

“Marci treats us like family. We are family.”

“She values our input.”

“Marci fed my new boyfriend soup.”

“She makes this such a friendly, homey environment.”

The moment we invited Marci’s staff over to join our conversation, the stories became lovingly engaging while showcasing the goodness and tenacity of Marci. Her humanity, and sometimes tough love, spilling out into the quiet streets of the Hope Mills Historical District. No one leaves Marci’s

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Cakes and Bakes hungry. She aims to feed and please all walks of life from the mayor to a person off the street. What a person does, or where a person lives, is of no consequence when it comes to being a part of her community which has become an extension of her family.

Marci’s baking story begins as a military spouse who went looking for a job in Georgia while her family was stationed there. She found herself working at a bakery and learning the ropes of bakery life. Ultimately, their family ended up here at Fort Bragg where her husband retired after serving in the United States Army for 22 years. Marci took the knowledge she had obtained in Georgia and continued making delicious treats for her children’s classes and for their church family, “…because every church

needs a cake lady,” adds Marci.

Marci’s giving spirit and skill got her noticed by Elite Catering.

With a loving nudge from the Elite Catering staff, Marci began setting the bar higher for herself and her creations.

She began moving into the world of catering and churning out spectacular wedding cakes for the area. Elite Catering truly took her under their wings and brought her on as staff. Marci was able to learn the ins-and-outs of the business side of cakes and bakes while working with them for roughly two years. She took note of the part of owning a business that isn’t so glamorous and sugary such as: insurance, taxes, employee care, etc. She also learned the daily parts that will make or break a small business such as the heavy reliance upon word of mouth.

It is so important to share with you that Marci’s Cakes and Bakes has never purchased or sought out commercial advertisement. All of Marci’s business has grown through word of mouth and social media. This is very significant for Marci. She very nobly wants her business to thrive by reputation, and it is working.

Marci has been providing cakes and bakes to the Fayetteville community with professionalism and an embracing love that makes you feel like family the instant you walk through her doors.

This love for her community led to the community fighting for Marci after a frustrating incident that occurred in February of last year. Marci’s

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business was burglarized and vandalized after a particularly busy event for the Mayor at the bakery. Money was taken, and much damage was done to the store and cake projects. Thankfully, neither Marci nor her staff was harmed, but her windows, doors, and spirit were another matter. A staff member took to social media to post about the break-in asking for community support. The last thing Marci expected was to show up to work to assess the damages and find a line of people streaming from her door to donate money to her much-loved business.

Marci’s door and windows were replaced free of charge by a local company, and the community donated enough money to pay for a security system and a year’s worth of coverage for the store.

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This moment did far more for Marci’s Cakes and Bakes than repair loss. It also solidified Marci’s place in the community.

Marci’s regulars truly want to see her remain in the community and continue to make her sweet creations for generations to come.

That day has been imprinted upon Marci’s heart. It has served as a reminder and continues to spearhead her forward and help her push through the effects of COVID upon her community.

As she has watched the businesses around her quaint space close their doors for good, she feels humbly blessed that her confectionary has been able to continue to progress.

Adjustments to curbside pickup, online cupcake-making classes, and safely masked and gloved delivery of event bakes keep her current and safe during these uncertain times.

Marci has some pretty impressive guarantees that truly emphasize how much she cares about customer satisfaction.

From the moment a bride enters her bakery after hours for a cake tasting, to a year later when the bride and groom can return for their free anniversary cake, she will always go above

and beyond. Every detail and ingredient is mixed and made by hand as she invites culinary students and those willing to learn through her doors to work hard and ultimately leave with a skill.

Her specialty in buttercream, adventurous decorating and willingness to create keto and gluten free treats has every craving covered.

Everyone is welcome into Marci’s Cakes and Bakes.

They do not mind if you turn cartwheels in the hall or leave fingerprints on their display

cases as you marvel over their delectable offerings. If sweets are not for you, there is a cup of coffee and chair available for you to sit a moment and hear a story or two.

Marci’s Cakes and Bakes is located on 5474 Trade St Hope Mills, NC 28348. Call (910) 425-6377, or find them on Facebook. ~A~ Tabitha Jones, originally from Hawai’i, is a freelance writer with ARRAY. For more information on Tabitha visit the ARRAYNC website.

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Five things I love…

Written by Tabitha Jones 1. Family. My husband, children, dogs... Mom, Dad, Sister, Brothers, and countless friends we have adopted into our Circle of Ohana. We love, support, and take care of each other, and nothing is more important than that.

2. Yoga. Yoga goes beyond physical benefits for me. Yoga brings an understanding and acceptance of mind, body, and soul for myself and for others, and I love sharing Yoga.

3. Hawai’i. My home. While there are many beautiful places in this world, my island home in the middle of the magical Pacific Ocean is a place that I love, and she always calls me home.

4. Creative Expression. Whether through art, dance, song, or words, expressing yourself with movement of pen, body, or vocal cords is love in pure form.

5. Cooking & Baking. Food is love as far as I am concerned, and I love feeding people.

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• Recipe

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• An Array of Weddings

Planning your wedding during COVID-19 Finding the Silver Lining (and hidden deals) in the midst of chaos

Written by Stephanie Stewart

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y now you’ve probably come to terms with the challenges that come with planning your wedding during COVID-19.

Fortunately, things are slowly beginning to turn around. Venues are reopening (with limited capacity of course), and vendors (including yours truly) are eager to get back to work!

With all the horrible losses that have come from Covid-19, for those planning a wedding during this time, there is a silver lining

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in the midst of the chaos.

Couple “Self Care” First and foremost, quarantining couples have been forced to slow down and stay home which means spending more time with your best friend! This, in turn, creates more time for conversations about what is really important - the marriage not the actual wedding!

Many couples get caught up in all the little details of wedding planning, and before you know it, the plans have ballooned from an intimate 50-person affair to a 200-person celebration.

You may be surprised to know that many couples have been relieved that they no longer have to plan a big wedding and are able to have a “valid reason” for planning a more intimate affair. (Sorry, Mom! Due to COVID-19, we can’t invite all your girlfriends from Bingo!)

One way to get back into the swing of wedding planning is to schedule a romantic engagement shoot (with the photographer six feet away of course) in a

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beautiful outdoor location.

(Your photographer may even throw it in for free when you book your package. See below for tips on getting freebies for your wedding.)

Negotiating with Vendors There is another “silver lining” when planning your wedding during COVID-19.

Because of the lack of work and unfortunately loss of funds that many - if not all wedding vendors - have experienced, they are much more likely to be willing to negotiate on price and packages.

Working as a wedding planner and managing a wedding

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photography and video studio, I am no stranger to negotiating with couples who are looking for the best deal. Now due to layoffs, skimpy unemployment payments, and a desire to create a more affordable wedding budget, couples just can’t afford to spend the average NC wedding price of $30K anymore.

Below are a few tips for negotiating the best prices and ways to even ask for freebies once you start planning again! ● Ask the vendor is there anything they can “throw in” for free. For example, ask your

photographer if they can throw in a free engagement shoot with your photography package. ● If you get a better offer from a vendor that you are not really interested in working with, share it with the vendor you do want to book and ask them if they can match the package and offer. ● Be sure to ask about “COVID-19” specials or intimate wedding deals with negotiating with vendors. ~A~

Stephanie Stewart, wedding officiant & planner, is a freelance writer with ARRAY. For more information on Stephanie Stewart visit the ARRAYNC website.

Gimme 5! - Kylen Dooley 1. The North Carolina Mountains If ever you find yourself in North Carolina during the fall, winter, or even the summer or spring time and you just want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, I suggest a nice long get away in the mountains of North Carolina.

2. Animals A bit of a generic response, animals are still, definitely, in the top five things that I love. While humans can be good for a certain amount of time and having a social life makes for a healthy lifestyle, animals know how to bring out the smiles in me.

3. Downtown Fayetteville Despite last year putting a huge cloud over the center of Downtown Fayetteville, I still can’t help but love this part of town. The historical look of the buildings, the many local owned shops, and the several festivals held down here where local and unknown artists such as myself can sell their work give me some of the best memories I’ll hold on to no matter how far I may travel from home.

4. Nature Trails Getting outside, taking in that breath of fresh air, and clearing my head with nothing but nature all around me both inspires me and gives me that glorious moment of absolute calm.

5. The Fall Season When the heat of summer begins to cool and the chill of winter approaches, the trees turn into that rainbow of greens, golds, reds, and oranges that I look forward to every year.

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