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Table of Contents Featured Article

Limitless by Design: Rewriting the odds By: Dijana Mitrovic Page 16

Articles

Community Spotlight

The Legacy Of Motherhood by Rae Indigo

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Mother’s Day Refelection by Jennifer Hass

Activities

Home Renewal Starts With You

20 Make Your Body A Safe Place To

The First 8 Weeks Why A Puppys Life

Recipes

Shapes Everything by Marissa Howland

14 Lemon Basil Salmon Roll With Crispy

Top 5 Las Vegas Businesses Top 5 Las Vegas Service Providers

Live Again By Jessica Waugh

Molly Pop’s

Rise By Jennifer Affronti

20 14

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Ask Rae

With Rae Indigo

Rae Indigo, is an esteemed yogi and martial artist known worldwide for her unique courses on wellbeing, including mind science, meditation, and breathwork. As a biochemist, she also pioneered a line of high-end, organic skincare. When she’s not teaching others how to live stressfree, she’s likely surrounded by the love of her three feisty Pomeranians.

The Legacy Of Motherhood Here lies the profound, often quiet miracle at the heart of motherhood: mothers are rarely mere carriers of the past, they are frequently the bold ones who rise up and break those ancient, heavy chains. By embracing fully awake, unflinching presence rather than defaulting to the automatic survival patterns their own mothers and grandmothers relied on to endure, they alchemize long-buried pain into vibrant, living purpose. Picture a mother who finally stops to really feel the grief she's carried for decades, maybe the abandonment her own mother never named, or the quiet rage from a lineage of women who learned to swallow everything to keep the family afloat. She doesn't push it down anymore. Instead, she turns toward it: through tear-soaked journaling late at night, through somatic breathwork that lets the tightness in her chest finally unwind, through therapy sessions where she reparents the scared little girl inside her, or through prayers that call on the Divine Mother for strength she didn't know she could claim. These aren't luxuries; they're deliberate acts of fierce

protection. When she does this, she doesn't just lighten her own load, she lifts the invisible weight off her children's shoulders and keeps it from landing on her grandchildren's. This is generational healing stripped to its spiritual core: that raw, unapologetic love that declares, "I will weep the tears my foremothers were never allowed to shed in safety. I will voice the truths that were choked silent by survival. I will live in my wholeness so my bloodline finally gets to know what unfettered flourishing feels like." It's not gentle reform but a sacred rebellion, a fierce reclamation of the divine feminine power that hardship tried to bury under layers of endurance and self-denial. The mother wound, the ache from unmet needs, from a mother who couldn't fully show up because her own needs were never met, often feels like a personal failing at first. But when a woman begins to trace it back through her maternal line, she sees the bigger story: grandmothers who endured war or poverty or cultural era-

sure, mothers who numbed out to cope with abuse or neglect, all passing down survival strategies that once protected but now constrict. By naming these patterns without blame, she creates breathing room. Awareness becomes sacred ground where the Divine Feminine can step in, softening the shame and illuminating what was hidden. From there, the shift is visceral. She interrupts the old autopilot, maybe the reflex to over-give until she's empty, or to silence her needs so others stay comfortable, and chooses differently. She sets boundaries that feel terrifying at first but eventually feel like home. She rests without apology, models asking for help, and lets her children see her cry, rage, laugh fully, heal openly.

what's arising, alchemizes everything. Old wounds stop defining the story; they inform it, becoming sources of empathy, wisdom, and unbreakable resilience. To the mothers walking this edge right now, in the blooming light of May: your quiet revolution echoes through time. Every time you pause to feel instead of flee, every boundary you hold with love, every whispered prayer for guidance and strength, you are rewriting the lineage. Not erasing the past, but transmuting it: fracture into forgiveness, silence into authentic song, mere survival into sovereign, radiant living. Your children inherit your wholeness as their natural birthright, freer hearts, deeper self-trust, an embodied knowing that the divine feminine lives in them too. In honoring mothers as these lineage-shifters and cycle-breakers, we celebrate not flawless perfection but courageous presence. You are the quiet revolutionaries, the holy vessels of transformative love. Through your willingness to break what was broken, the divine feminine rises again, healing families, mending the collective, and lighting the way for generations yet to come. May your courage be met with grace, your tears with reverence, and your legacy with endless, unbroken radiance.

In doing so, she embodies the divine feminine not as some distant archetype but as a living force: nurturing yet unyielding, intuitive yet bold, receptive yet radically transformative. Real women live this every day. One mother, raised by a narcissistic figure who demanded perfection and offered conditional love, realizes only after becoming a parent how much of her softness was suppressed. She begins reclaiming it, through energy work, therapy, and daily affirmations that honor her right to softness, and refuses to pass on the same suppression. Her daughter grows up watching a woman who chooses peace over performance, self-compassion over survival mode. Another, carrying the echo of ancestral silence around trauma, starts ancestral rituals and forgiveness practices; suddenly her voice strengthens, and her children learn it's safe to name their feelings instead of burying them. This path isn't easy or linear. Facing inherited sorrow can feel like drowning before it feels like liberation. There are days of doubt, moments when old patterns pull hard, ripples that unsettle family dynamics as the status quo cracks. Yet the tending itself, the compassionate, ongoing attention to

MOTHER’S DAY REFLECTION By: Jennifer Hass Mother’s Day has always felt a little different to me. For some, it’s simple. It’s breakfast in bed, handmade cards, soft laughter in the kitchen, and a lifetime of steady memories that feel warm and safe. And while I love that, while I celebrate that, my experience with motherhood began in a much more complex place. It was shaped by absence just as much as it was shaped by love. Growing up in foster care changes you. It teaches you, at a very young age, that stability is not guaranteed. That love can feel temporary. That you sometimes have to grow up faster than you should, learning how to read rooms, protect your heart, and become your own sense of safety. There were moments that felt uncertain, moments that felt heavy, and moments where I quietly asked myself questions no child should have to ask. Why me What did I do wrong What does real love even feel like But in the middle of all of that, there was also something else. There was resilience being built. There was awareness. And there was a quiet promise forming

but in a deeper, rooted belief that there is something greater inside of me that I didn’t even guiding us. That even in the realize at the time. hardest seasons, there is One day, I will do this differently. purpose. That you are never truly One day, I will become the alone, even when it feels like you mother I needed. are. And one of the greatest I didn’t always understand blessings in my life, one of the it then. When you’re a child steady lights through all of that, navigating instability, it’s hard was my grandmother. to see the bigger picture. But She stepped in wherever she looking back now, I can see could. Not always in big, grand how much those moments, those lessons, and her presence shaped the woman I’ve become. ways, but in the ways that And now, as a mother myself, I mattered most. She showed feel it all come full circle. up. She listened. She loved me Motherhood, for me, isn’t just in a way that felt consistent, about raising a child. It’s about grounded, and real. She became rewriting a story. a safe place in a world that didn’t It’s about creating the kind of always feel safe. love that feels safe. The kind She also taught me something of home that feels steady. The that would later shape kind of environment where my everything in my life: faith. daughter, Tateonna, never has to Not just in a religious sense, question if she is wanted, if she is loved, or if she belongs. 10 Because she does. Fully. Completely. Unconditionally.

Being her mom has healed parts of me I didn’t even know were still hurting. There’s something powerful about looking at your child and realizing that you get to be everything you once needed. Every hug that lingers a little longer. Every “I’m proud of you.” Every moment of showing up, even on the hard days. Especially on the hard days. Because motherhood isn’t perfect. It’s not always soft and easy and beautifully curated the way social media sometimes makes it look. There are moments of exhaustion, moments of doubt, moments where you wonder if you’re doing enough or getting it right. And if I’m being honest, those moments can hit deeper when you didn’t have a clear blueprint growing up. When you didn’t always have an example to follow, you sometimes question everything. Am I doing this right Is this enough What if I mess this up But what I’ve learned is this: love, when it’s real and intentional, is enough. Not perfect love. Not flawless love. But present love. Consistent love. Honest love. And that’s what I strive to give her every single day. Tateonna has this light about her that reminds me why this all matters. She is strong, kind, intuitive, and full of life in a way that feels so pure. Watching her grow, watching her discover who she is, watching her move through the world with confidence, it’s one of the greatest honors of my life. And sometimes, I catch myself

watching her in quiet moments and thinking… This is what I needed. Not in a sad way, but in a reflective, full-circle kind of way. Because instead of staying stuck in what I didn’t have, I’ve been able to create something new. Something better. Something rooted in intention. There’s a quote that has stayed with me for years: be the person you needed when you were younger. And I carry that into everything I do as a mother. I try to be patient, even when I’m tired. I try to listen, even when life feels busy. I try to create space for her to express herself, to feel seen, to feel heard. Because I know what it feels like to long for that. And I also know how powerful it is when you receive it. Mother’s Day, for me, is not just about celebrating motherhood as it is. It’s about honoring the journey that led me here. The hard chapters. The growth. The people who stepped in when they didn’t have to. The lessons that shaped me. It’s about my grandmother, who showed me what strength and faith look like in action. It’s about the younger version of myself, who held onto hope even when things felt uncertain. And it’s about the mother I am today, doing her best every single day to create something beautiful out of everything she’s been through. If you’ve ever had a complicated relationship with motherhood, whether as a daughter or as a mom, I want you to know this: You are not defined by what you

lacked. You are defined by what you choose to create. You have the power to break cycles. To build new ones. To love in a way that feels different, deeper, and more intentional. And that matters more than anything. This Mother’s Day, I’m choosing to celebrate all of it. The past that shaped me. The woman I’ve become. And the little girl who made me a mother. Because in loving her, I’ve learned how to love myself more fully too. And maybe that’s the most beautiful part of all of this. Motherhood didn’t just give me a daughter. It gave me healing … Happy Mothers Day to everyone.

Home Cooked Happiness: Cooking with Love with Jennifer Affronti

Jennifer Affronti is a former model, actress, stage performer, television personality and burlesque dancer. Her personal journey through chronic illness led her to completely change her career path to become a resource and advocate for people who want to live happier, healthier and more fulfilling lives. She is now a certified Holistic Health Coach and the founder of Wholelistically Healing, where she focuses on empowering individuals to take control of their health and well-being through personalized coaching and guidance.

Lemon Basil Salmon Roll With Crispy Rice A few years ago, my mother’s sweet friend Fred gifted me the most incredible gift a cooler filled with fresh, wild-caught Alaskan salmon he had just caught with his son. It felt like Christmas morning in my kitchen. Not only is wild salmon absolutely delicious, it’s one of the most nourishing foods you can put on your plate. It’s rich in heart-loving omega-3 fatty acids, supports brain health, reduces inflammation, and is packed with clean protein to keep you strong and satisfied. It’s also loaded with vitamin D for immune support and glowing skin. When you cook with wild salmon, you’re truly feeding your body and your spirit. Over the years, I’ve prepared salmon in so many ways grilled, baked, pan-seared, tossed into salads and bowls but this recipe has become one of my favorites. It’s simple, vibrant, and lets the beautiful flavor of the fish shine. I have a feeling it’s about to become one of your favorites too. First things first! Let’s get happy. Turn on your favorite music, kick off your shoes, and dance a little while you cook. Bless your food, smile big, and pour love into every step. You’re not just making dinner you’re creating nourishment and joy for everyone at your table. What you will need: 1 big salmon filet (skinless and thinly sliced lengthwise and then cut into 4 pieces) 8 asparagus parboiled 1 cup of ricotta Zest of a whole lemon (using for stuffing and sauce)

Juice of two lemons (using for stuffing and sauce) ¼ cup chopped basil 4 minced garlic cloves(using for stuffing and sauce) ½ cup of butter ½ cup of chicken or vegetable broth Cornstarch slurry (I use ¼ cup of cornstarch to ¼ cup of water) Toothpicks or wooden skewers 1.

Preheat your oven to 375’F

2. I start by taking the skin off my salmon filet. I put my filet skin side up on a cookie rack with a baking sheet underneath. Boil a cup of water and pour it over the skin and let it sit til cool. This makes taking the skin off easy! Once the skin is off, I slice the filet length wise and cut the two length wise filet slices in two, so I have 4 pieces of salmon that will roll easily. 3. In a medium mixing bowl, add a cup of ricotta, zest of half a lemon, juice of half a lemon, ¼ cup of basil and 1 minced garlic clove. Add salt and pepper to taste. 4. In a medium sized sauce pan, I parboil my asparagus. I fill the pot up with enough water to cover asparagus and a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil and then throw your asparagus in the boiling water for 2 minutes. Take the asparagus out and put in an ice bath for a minute and let them air dry. 5. Salt and pepper one side of your salmon filets. On the other side, take your ricotta mixture and spread it evenly on the filets. Take 2 of parboiled asparagus and place them at one end of the salmon on the ricotta mixture side and roll them up in the salmon filet. Place two toothpicks or wooden skewers in the salmon roll to keep together while they bake.

8. Melt a ½ cup of butter in a small saucepan, add 1 ½ cups of lemon juice, the rest of your lemon zest, ½ cup of broth, 3 minced garlic cloves and a pinch of salt. Once brought to a boil, add your cornstarch slurry that you premade in a cup and slowly add it to thicken up your sauce. 9. I serve my salmon rolls on a crispy rice cake and then add my lemon sauce on top! Crispy Rice Cake items: Mini waffle or pizzoli maker 2 cups of precooked jasmine or basmati rice 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar ½ tablespoon of sesame seed oil Coconut oil to grease your waffle maker Directions: 1. I normally have precooked rice in my fridge as it creates resistant starch and is easier to digest and doesn’t spike your blood sugar as much. 2. Combine your rice, rice vinegar and sesame oil together. 3. Grease your waffle maker and add half the size of your waffle maker of rice. 4. Place the lid down and wait until your rice is to your crispy liking!

6. Grease your pan in olive oil so the salmon roll will not stick to the pan. Bake for 15 - 20 minutes. 7. While baking your salmon rolls, you can start your lemon sauce. Discover more content by Jennifer! Visit her website or follow her on social media: Website: www.wholelisticallyhealing.com Facebook: Wholelistically Healing by Jennifer Affronti Instagram: @WholelisticallyHealing

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Limitless by Design: Rewriting the odds By: Dijana Mitrovic Dijana Mitrovic transformed a one-in-a-million opportunity into a global force proving that reinvention has no limits. Dijana Mitrovic turned distance into opportunity and uncertainty into power building a global legacy from the heart of Las Vegas. In a city built on bold moves, Dijana Mitrovic’s story stands out not because it fits the Las Vegas narrative, but because it elevates it. This is not a story about chasing opportunity. It’s about recognizing it, claiming it, and building something extraordinary from nothing. At 37, most people are refining their lives, polishing the edges of a comfortable routine, leaning into the predictability of a settled career. They are looking for stability, not upheaval. Dijana Mitrovic did the opposite. The Beginnings: A Prodigy in Belgrade To understand the audacity of Dijana’s Las Vegas reinvention, one must look back at the foundation she built in Serbia. The Elite 1.6%: Taking Flight with Emirates Before she ever set foot in the United States, Dijana’s global perspective was forged in the skies. Reinvention in a City Built on It Las Vegas is a city synonymous with reinvention. A Powerhouse in the Governor’s Office Her first professional home in the Silver State was the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED). The Intersection of Policy and Business Currently, Dijana plays a pivotal role within the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration. A Global Mindset, Grounded in Community For someone whose work spans continents, Dijana remains deeply rooted in the Las Vegas soil. The Identity That Never Changed: Soccer Mom Amid global deals, board service, and community leadership, one title remains nonnegotiable: soccer mom. The Rule-Breaker’s Legacy Dijana Mitrovic didn’t just move to Las Vegas; she conquered the transition with the grace of a ballerina and the precision of a strategic planner. Connect with her on LinkedIn or Instagram. She’ll be happy to help. Thank you, Dijana

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Make Your Body a Safe Place to Live Again By Jessica Waugh

The Legacy You Don’t See How Your Habits Shape the last. We were praised for being selfless, recognized for how much Next Generation we could handle, and admired Motherhood is often defor always showing up, no matter scribed as one of the most how exhausted we felt. Over time, meaningful roles we will these behaviors became habits. ever hold. It is filled with Saying yes when we meant no. love, responsibility, and a deep desire to give our chil- Pushing through when our body needed rest. Ignoring hunger, dren the best life possible. stress, or overwhelm to take care And in that desire, many of someone else first. women take on more, give These patterns often feel normal. more, and carry more than They can even feel like love. But they were ever meant to. they come at a cost. We become the planners, What This Does to the Body the caregivers, the emoWhen we consistently override our tional anchors, the ones needs, the body does not simply who make sure everything adjust and move on. It adapts. The runs smoothly. We hold it nervous system begins to register all together, often without question. But beneath that a lack of safety. Signals like fastrength, there is something tigue, hunger, tension, or emotional overwhelm are sent, but not rarely talked about. The responded to. Over time, the body patterns we live by every day are not just shaping our learns that its communication is lives. They are quietly shap- not being honored. ing the lives of those watch- This can keep the body in a prolonged state of stress. Cortisol, the ing us. body’s primary stress hormone, The Patterns We Were is designed to help us respond to Praised For Many women were raised to short-term challenges. But when stress becomes constant, cortisol believe that being a good mother, partner, or caregiver can remain elevated, contributing to symptoms many women experimeant putting themselves

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ence in this season of life, including fatigue, irritability, disrupted sleep, and changes in weight. This is especially relevant during perimenopause, when hormonal shifts already make the body more sensitive to stress. What once felt manageable can suddenly feel overwhelming. Not because you are doing something wrong, but because your body is asking for something different. What Children Learn Without Being Told We often think about what we want to teach our children. Be kind. Work hard. Take care of others. But children do not learn primarily from what we say. They learn from what we model. They see when we skip meals or eat standing up. They notice when we never sit down or take a break. They feel when we are overwhelmed, even if we try to hide it. They observe how we speak to ourselves and how we treat our own needs. Over time, they begin to form their own understanding of what it means to care for themselves. If they see that love equals self-sacrifice, they may carry that forward. If they see that rest must be earned, they may believe they are only allowed to slow down when they are completely depleted. Not because we told them that, but because we showed them. Rewriting the Legacy The beautiful part of this awareness is that

patterns can change. You do not need to become a completely different person to create a different legacy. You simply need to begin making small shifts that show a new way. That might look like saying “I’ll get back to you” instead of automatically saying yes, taking five minutes to sit, breathe, and check in with yourself during a busy day, eating a meal without multitasking, letting your children see you rest without explaining or apologizing for it, or asking for help and allowing yourself to receive it. These moments may feel small, but they are powerful. They show your body that it is safe to communicate, and they show your children that caring for yourself is not selfish, it is normal. A New Definition of Strength Strength is often defined as how much we can carry, how much we can handle, and how much we can give without breaking. But true strength is something different. It is the ability to listen to your body, even when everything around you is asking you not to. It is setting boundaries when it would be easier to say yes. It is choosing to care for yourself, not after everything is done, but alongside it. In my work, I often remind women that the habits they were praised for are often the very ones sabotaging their hormones, draining their energy, and disconnecting them from themselves. And when those habits begin to shift, everything else can begin to shift too. The Legacy That Lasts You are not just raising children. You are shaping how they will move through the world. How they will treat their bodies, how they will respond to stress, and how they will define their worth. The legacy you leave is not only in what you provide. It is in what you model. This season, consider what it might look like to model something different. Not perfection. Not doing less for your family. But including yourself in the care you so freely give to everyone else. Because the greatest gift you can give the next generation is not just your love. It is showing them how to live in

About the Author Jessica Waugh is a Certified Menopause Specialist & Lifestyle Practitioner and a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach with over half a decade of experience helping women navigate the complexities of mid-life transitions. As the Founder and CEO of The Pause Affect and CoFounder of Hot Flash Heroes, Jessica’s mission is deeply personal, inspired by her own experience with very early-onset perimenopause and the lack of support she faced along the way. That journey drives her passion to ensure no woman feels dismissed or alone during this transition. Jessica specializes in rewiring the everyday habits that hijack hormones, helping women break free from patterns of self-sacrifice and exhaustion so they can step into the fullest version of themselves, not who they became for others, but who they were always meant to be. Blending root-cause science with compassion and actionable strategies, Jessica empowers women to embrace this phase of life with clarity, resilience, and unwavering confidence, transforming menopause from a source of frustration into an era of empowerment. Through community events and small group workshops Jessica creates safe, supportive spaces where women can connect, share, and thrive. Learn more at www.ThePauseAffect.com.

Home Renewal Starts With You By: Melissa Baker

Coming Home to You The double-take. The kind that’s so unexpected, your sharp neck swivel reminds you that you did one. Which self-image recently sent that involuntary impulse to your eyes to take a second look? Was it your reflection in a mirror or a store window? Maybe it was your picture in a social media post? Or was it the selfie that took 10 takes to get? You look ‘fine’ in all of them, but do you reflect who you want to be today or in 3 months? What You Are Really Clearing Out Get the bins, bags, and rags. Spring cleaning time is here. Decluttering and organizing are on the agenda, but what are you really clearing out? More than just a Spring home project, this is a time to think about your ‘self’ first because it sets the tone for your space, your home. Go back to your thoughts about yourself when you did the double-take. Write them down. Review them. You’ll need them here. This is where you let go to let go. Mentally releasing old ideas, words, and thoughts that no longer align with who you are. To allow more of you to show up in your life, you must make room for your ‘self’ . The bold you. The quiet you. Full makeup you. No makeup you. Hair done you. Dirty hair you. And every you in between. Room is created by the thoughts you have about taking up space in your space. Even if it’s only you. Before doing the physical act of decluttering and cleaning, mind-aligning (as I like to call it) gets you in touch with who you are now (those thoughts you had in the double-take) and who you want to evolve into. You may be saying,

‘This sounds like a 6-week course already! Why should I do this? I just want to clean my closet, drawers, etc this weekend.’ I know. We all ‘just want to’ insert project here. This though, is about you. The process is important. The why came from my own experience. I could so easily clear, declutter, and organize clothes, makeup, and skincare for others. So easy it went from a hobby to a business. I help people step into who they are becoming. Yet I found it wasn’t so easy to do for myself. What I discovered is that I’m not attached to any of your stuff. I can easily see the story you are telling because I have no emotional memories or ties, good or bad, to any of your belongings. I can see them for what they are, read the perception they offer you and the energy they project from you. So, I had to do for myself what I do for others–mind align. Rituals That Renew You I love a ritual. It’s inviting, soft, comforting. Usually stirring positive emotions in me. And that renews my mind, making room and space for fresh inspiration and energy. I like to call my mind-align exercise a ritual. It’s the perfect precursor to “the big clean,” no matter what time of year you’re doing it. This ritual will make it easier to discern, decide, and let go of the physical stuff in your home that no longer serves you. Here are a few of my easy, mind-align ritual steps you can

practice before attempting your clean out: Space With A View - Park bench, porch steps, patio chair, bedroom chaise. Pool floatie. You pick. Tools That Rule - Pencil and paper, laptop, desktop, notes app. Chalkboard. You name it. Sounds Maybe Silence - Lofi. Country. Pop. Rap. Jazz. Nature. Tinnitus. You choose. Thoughts In The Wind- What do I want in the next three months? Why do I want that? How will that make me feel? What colors, shapes, smells, sounds, things make me feel inspired, uplifted, motivated, joyful, hopeful, happy, energetic, etc.? What thoughts or feelings can I let go of that don’t serve what I want to achieve in the next three months? Space For Your Expression You’re excited. You now have more clarity than you did before, just from taking time for your ‘self’ and the mind-align ritual. It seems easy enough to let go of thoughts that you didn’t even realize you were thinking about yourself. You reconnected with what makes you feel good. You’ve made space in your mind now for what you want and why you want it. You’re also nervous. It’s time to be accountable…. to yourself. The clock ticks for tackling the task of creating harmony and ease in your home through letting go of your things- shoes,

clothes, jewelry, haircare, skincare, makeup- that do not support the version of you that is in line with what you want in the next three months. It immediately gets hard. I get questions like this: “Do I have to let go of my go-to-Mondaymorning black office top? How about the jars of moisturizer, I don’t like but save just in case? Surely the leggings stay; they just have a hole in the waist. They’re my favorite.” Remember, the resistance in not letting go is an emotional attachment to the item. Give it a minute, it will come to you. Sure, you can muster the willpower, slam the coffee, grab a giant green trash bag, and just start skipping through your closet and dresser drawers without considering why you’re doing it other than you have to. How many times have you done that and ended up with only a few things in the bag? Yet you can plow through your kids’ or your spouse’s closets and drawers without hesitation and fill bags in no time? Emotional attachments to your things will probably sound or feel something like one of these: • I spent so much time/money on that • I can reuse/wear that someday • It’s good enough • I wore that when ( younger, thinner, etc ) If an item checks one of the above, it’s probably time to let it go. When your space is weighed down with things that don’t have positive emotional

attachments associated with them, joy is lost, and so is connection to our true self. If you can pinpoint your attachment to an item, you become decisive about next steps for it. You can then make space in your space for the things that serve and support you now and in the near future. Are you a recent grad navigating the transition to the corporate world? Maybe you’re mid-career and considering a pivot. Are you a mom who feels like she’s lost herself in this role? Entrepreneur wearing all the hats? Retired and livin’ la vida loca? Having a space that accurately expresses who you are- shoes, clothes, jewelry, haircare, skincare, makeup- will assist you in expressing to the world who you are. This will literally and figuratively give you room to step into the version of you that you want to be in three months. Harmony In the Details I admit my mother and grandmothers were right. Less

is more. Move in harmony with that phrase. How?

Finesse your fragrance. Scent triggers emotion and is linked to memories. Use fragrance Conquer your closet. Be willing skillfully to support your mood to live with empty drawers and and artfully to enhance your lots of unfilled hangers. Edit hard. presence. It can whisper or I promise it will feel good to have shout in a room. It can reveal or so little. You only wear 20% of keep secrets about you. Choose your wardrobe. Really. The other wisely. 80% is keeping you stuck in old Make getting ready easy. It’s stories and wasting your time in the details you spend time and energy. decluttering and organizing now. The things you reach for Master your makeup. Create a ‘build a face’ technique based on to express yourself today, and how much time you have. Keep tomorrow, will be in harmony. Most important, future you is only products you currently wear. Move some to your travel thankful. bag or purse permanently. No This Is Your Season. Mark it. back and forth. Others toss. Old, dry or smelly makeup- you know Home renewal starts with you. what to do. When Spring cleaning is applied as a concept to come home to Simplify your skincare. This yourself and let go of thoughts doesn’t mean skip steps. Do and beliefs that limit you from find products that work for you going after what you want in life, and stick to them. Don’t bounce you’ve marked a season in which around from brand to brand. visible changes will occur. Find your results-driven core When others see you in 3 products and stick to them. Be months, let them do the consistent in your self-care with unexpected double-take this your skincare. Morning and time. Inquiring minds will want night. to know. Your choice.

About The Author Melissa Baker is the founder of The New Beauty Mark, a personal brand and advisory platform for Gen X women evolving their confidence and identity. With over three decades in senior leadership across luxury beauty and fragrance, she brings seasoned perspective to skincare, makeup, fragrance, wardrobe, and personal style. She is also the founder of Chic Chemistry, a curated fragrance brand rooted in intention and self-expression, and a Waterless Beauty Consultant with Olive Tree People. You can connect with her on Instagram @melissajobeauty or melissatnbm@gmail.com.

Vegas, Served COCKTAILS, CHAOS & REAL LIFE Don’t forget to tip your server.

By Julie Unger

If you read my first column, then you already know I’m born and raised in Las Vegas and have spent the last 20 years working as a cocktail server on the Strip. So now we can get into what really matters: the things guests say that absolutely do not make sense. Because if there’s one thing Las Vegas guarantees, it’s this people are going to people. And that brings me to what might become my favorite part of this column… Things Guests Say That Don’t Make Sense Let’s start with a classic. I walk up to a group, cocktail tray balanced, ready to go. “Hi! What can I get you?” And one of them looks at me completely serious and says: “I’ll take something strong… but I don’t want to taste the alcohol.” Okay. So what we’re looking for is… invisible liquor? A personality trait? A miracle? Because

here’s the thing and I say this with love “strong” and “not tasting it” are in direct opposition. That’s not a drink order. That’s a life goal. Now, professionally, I smile. I guide them toward something that makes sense. Maybe a well-balanced cocktail. Maybe something a little sweeter. We figure it out. Internally? I’m doing algebra. Because I also know that five minutes later, there’s a 50/50 chance I’m going to hear, “I don’t taste anything in this.” Yes. That was the assignment. Because at the end of the day, this job is about managing moments even the slightly ridiculous ones with professionalism. That’s something I’ve come to understand on a deeper level after doing this for so long: hospitality isn’t just service. It’s emotional intelligence in real time. It’s constant translation. It’s reading between the lines. It’s taking vague, chaotic, sometimes contradictory requests and turning them into something that works. All in real time. In heels. In a crowded casino.

Which is why lately on my social media, in the same shift. I’ve been leaning more into the humor of it all but also the education behind Working on the casino floor it. Because once you understand how gives you a front-row seat to the environment works, everything human behavior. It also gives makes more sense. you stories. So many stories. Like why snapping or whistling at your server isn’t going to get you faster While my social media may have service it’s just going to make you started with casino stories, it’s memorable for the wrong reasons. evolved into something more Or why your “simple drink” during a layered part storytelling, part rush isn’t always as simple as it sounds. real-life documentation, and part Or why, yes complimentary drinks are hospitality education. Yes, I share a perk of playing, not just existing near the funny guest moments and a slot machine. It’s not about calling the “only in Vegas” chaos. But I people out. It’s about letting people in also break down the why behind on how it really works. it all tipping culture, service Outside of the casino, my content expectations, guest psychology, shows a completely different side of and the unspoken rules of the life, too.The normal moments. The reset casino floor. After two decades moments. in high-volume hospitality, Moments like being on a podcast, you start to see patterns. You dance classes, opening some new understand pressure. You gems or some other ‘treat myself’ understand people. And I’ve moment. Staying on top of doctor’s realized that what feels like appointments, treating my first positive everyday experience to me is for skin cancer biopsy. Navigating actually insight for others. perimenopause while still working in an environment that requires high Outside of work, my platforms energy, fast thinking even on days show the full picture girls’ where the fatigue and brain fog days in Chinatown, blind box are real. Because this version of life unboxings and shopping hauls midlife, evolving, balancing everything that bring small doses of joy, an deserves just as much space as the occasional dining experience, chaos of the casino floor. skin cancer awareness, and And every once in a while, my dad honest conversations about makes an appearance. He worked on navigating perimenopause while the Strip when I was growing up, and working in a city that never now he’ll pop into my content with his slows down. Because hospitality own stories or commentary. It’s one of professionals don’t stop being my favorite full-circle moments two human when we clock out. We different generations, same city, same balance families, aging parents, industry, same understanding of what hormones, ambition, reinvention it takes to work in Las Vegas. Because all while serving the front-facing this city isn’t just about the experience energy Las Vegas is known for. people come here for. It’s about the people who make that experience But this column and my life isn’t happen. just about cocktails and casino So if you take anything from this lights. month’s column, let it be this: Order what you actually want. Be clear. Each month, I’ll be blending Be kind. And trust that your server is three worlds: doing about ten things at once that you can’t see. • Real local Las Vegas life We’ve got you. And as always… beyond the tourist lens don’t forget to tip your server. • The behind-the-scenes IG & TikTok: @vegasbornjules realities of being a long-time I’ve built a career walking miles in casino cocktail server heels, balancing trays of drinks, reading • And the very real, sometimes people in seconds, and mastering hilarious journey of the fine art of smiling through navigating peri-menopause absolute chaos. I’ve seen 21st birthday as an independent woman in celebrations, last chances, jackpot this city celebrations, and “this is my villain origin story” meltdowns sometimes all You’ll get the stories you won’t

hear on vacation. You’ll get honesty about hospitality. You’ll get humor about hormones. And you’ll get a reminder that Las Vegas locals aren’t just part of the backdrop we’re the heartbeat. Because being born and raised here gives perspective. This city teaches resilience. It teaches reinvention. It teaches how to handle pressure whether it’s a packed casino floor or your own shifting season of life. Las Vegas raised me. The casino floor sharpened me. Midlife is refining me. And I’m just getting started. You can follow along with my daily Vegas stories, hospitality education, and midlife real talk on Instagram & TikTok: @vegasbornjules See you next month I’ll bring the stories. Don’t forget to tip your server.

The First 8 Weeks: Why a Puppy’s Life Shapes Everything By: Marissa Howland

Why the First 8 Weeks Matter Do you know why it’s best for a puppy to stay with its mother and littermates until they are at least 8 weeks old? This period is crucial for both physical and behavioral development. Puppies learn essential social skills from their mother and siblings, including how to interact, play appropriately, and develop bite inhibition. Separating a puppy too early can lead to fear, anxiety, aggression, and difficulty socializing. Physical Development & Early Nutrition In the first weeks of life, puppies rely on their mother’s milk for essential nutrients and antibodies that build a strong immune system. Early weaning can result in deficiencies and increased susceptibility to illness. By around 8 weeks, puppies begin transitioning to solid food and developing independence. The Role of Genetics & Temperament Just like humans, puppies

inherit traits from their parents. Temperament can be influenced by genetics, including tendencies such as fearfulness or confidence. Understanding a puppy’s background helps predict behavior patterns. Breed Tendencies: Nature vs. Nurture Certain breeds may have predispositions due to their history, but no breed is inherently aggressive. Environment, training, and socialization play a critical role in shaping behavior. The Power of Early Socialization The most sensitive learning period occurs between 3 to 14 weeks of age. Exposure to people, animals, and environments helps prevent fear and anxiety. Well-socialized dogs are more confident, adaptable, and happier. Training: Building a Strong Foundation Training creates communication between dog and owner, prevents destructive behaviors, and ensures safety. It also strengthens the bond between you and

your dog. Positive Reinforcement vs. Punishment Positive reinforcement rewarding desired behavioris more effective and humane than punishment. Consistency across all household members is key. It Starts With You Raising a dog takes time and patience. A well-tempered dog is built through proper socialization, consistent training, and positive experiences. Final Thought Give your puppy the best start in life. Those first 8 weeks set the foundation for everything that follows.

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A Mother’s Day Craft A handmade gift made with love By Tateonna Hass

Hi friends! It’s Tati Mother’s Day is one of my favorite days because it’s all about showing love to the people who take care of us. Sometimes the best gifts aren’t the ones you buy in a store… they’re the ones you make with your hands and your heart. This year, I wanted to share a simple and really cute craft you can make for your mom, grandma, or someone special in your life. It’s easy, fun, and something they can keep forever. Let’s make a “Love You Forever Flower Pot” What you’ll need: • A small pot (you can use a real one or even a paper cup!) • Construction paper (any colors you like) • Scissors

• Glue or tape • Markers or crayons • Popsicle sticks or straws • Stickers, glitter, or anything fun to decorate

Take your pot or cup and decorate it however you want. You can color it, add stickers, draw hearts, or even write “Happy Mother’s Day” on it. Step 5: Put it all together

Step 1: Make your flowers

Place your flower sticks inside the pot. You can add crumpled paper or tissue inside to help hold them up.

Take your construction paper and cut out flower shapes. You can make big flowers, small flowers, or even hearts shaped like flowers. Use your markers to decorate them with colors, patterns, or little drawings. Step 2: Write your message On each flower, write something kind. You can write things like: “Thank you for loving me” “You are the best mom ever” “I love you so much” Or even draw a picture if you don’t want to write! Step 3: Add the stems Tape or glue each flower to a popsicle stick or straw. Now you have your flowers ready to go! Step 4: Decorate your pot

And now you have your very own flower pot gift 💕 I love making things like this because it feels really special to give someone something you made just for them. When you make this, think about the person you’re giving it to. Maybe it’s your mom, your grandma, your aunt, or someone who always takes care of you. While you’re making it, you can think about all the reasons you love them. That’s what makes this gift extra special. Because it’s not just paper and glue… it’s your love.

About The Author Tateonna Hass loves making crafts and teaching others how to create them too. She enjoys sharing her creativity through hands on projects, from sewing pillows to making colorful handmade items. Tateonna is the founder of Sunshine Beads, her own small business where she creates and sells handmade bracelets at pop up locations.

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Use a teaspoon for mini muffin tins (this should fill the pan).

Only fill each space about halfway.

Dip your fingers in the extra coconut oil and gently press the batter down evenly. 6.

Bake!

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Mini muffins: 12–15 minutes

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Regular muffins: 15–17 minutes

The edges should look set and slightly crisp, and the centers should still be a little soft and fudgy.

Cool down time.

Carefully run a butter knife around the edges. Let them cool for about 30 minutes before removing (this is the hardest part waiting!).

Home Cooked Happiness: Cooking with Love with Jennifer Affronti

The Best Date Brownies Ever! Oh my goodness, friends… these little brownie bites bring me SO much joy. I’ve tried many versions over the years, but this one? This one is just right. A big thank you to my sweet friend Anne for reminding me how magical date brownies can be! These fudgy bites are made with naturally sweet dates, so they taste like a real brownie treat — but they’re made with wholesome ingredients you can feel good about. They’re soft in the middle, a little crisp on the edges, and full of chocolatey goodness. Trust me, you’ll be a hero when you share these! You can use a regular muffin tin for bigger brownie bites or a mini muffin tin for pop-in-your-mouth treats. Either way… yum! Let’s get happy! Turn on your favorite music. Dance in the kitchen. Say a little blessing over your ingredients. When you bake with love and gratitude, everyone can taste the joy. Let’s Make Some Brownie Magic! What You’ll Need: A mini muffin tin or a regular muffin tin

A food processor (with the metal “S” blade) or blender

Grease your muffin tin with coconut oil (save a tiny bit for later).

¼ cup coconut oil (plus a little extra for greasing) 1 cup pitted dates ¼ cup hot water (ask a grown-up to help!) ½ cup almond butter (or any nut/seed butter you love) 1 tablespoon ground golden flaxseed 1/3 cup organic cacao powder ½ teaspoon baking soda 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Make your sweet date paste.

Add the pitted dates and hot water to your food processor or blender. Blend until smooth and paste-like. 3.

Add the rest of the ingredients.

Toss in the almond butter, flaxseed, cacao powder, baking soda, vanilla, balsamic vinegar, and sea salt. If you’re adding nuts, mix them in now. Blend until smooth and thick.

If it feels too thick, add 1 teaspoon of hot water at 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar (this makes them extra fluffy!) a time. A pinch of sea salt 4. Scoop and press. Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts Use a heaping tablespoon for regular muf14 • fin tins (this recipe makes 6).

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Dreams… They dance in my spirit And float through my mind They capture my heart And lift upon high I can not stop Nor do I wish To end this journey Of dreaming bliss

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Table of Contents Activities

Recipes

4 Getting To Know You Bingo

14 The Best Date Brownies Ever!

by Jennifer Affronti

6 I Spy 9 Mother’s Day Coupons

Readings

13 My Mom Is Full Of Love

11 Lyrics from Leah

17 Heart Maze

21 Mother’s Day Craft

By Tateonna Hass

22 Mother’s Day Connect The Dots

Crafts

23 Dot To Dot 24 Spring Flower

7 Paper Flowers

25 What is Mindfulness

16 Design A Bookmark

26 Mother’s Day Flowers

19 Spring Scissor Skills

27 Mother’s Day Poem

28 My Thoughts 29 My Support System Map 14 22

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S y t i h n o u w m case m o C

Heather Scott is a freelance photographer for RISE Magazine, capturing authentic moments that celebrate community, creativity, and connection. With an eye for natural light and genuine storytelling, her work highlights the beauty in real people, real stories, and the spirit of entrepreneurship.