Winter issue 2011

Celebrity Event Designer, Author and TV host of “I DO Over” Diann Valentine

gives us the inside scoop

Wide Receiver Marty Booker’s Chic Soiree in

Miami

Platinum Weddings

Tiffany Nievis-Cook Winter 2011 / shadesmag.net

Couture Stationary

Contents F ea tu r e s 29

Angela Pitts AKA “Mayamme�

37 One-onOne with Diann Valentine 53 Tiffany Couture invitations by Natural Impressions

De par tm e n ts I n ev ery issue

Love Note

Ladies 21 22

Big Day Beauty What Women Want!

Details

Style me Pretty

Happy Medium

23 Be Inspired...

32 Have your Cake and eat it too

9 Bridal Suite 39 Shades best dresses of the season 55 Peek-A-boo

Planning

Fashion

F ea tu red Wedd in g s 41

Geraldine & Jean Hippolite

Photographer: A.J. Shorter Photography

Gentlemen 59 60

From his Heart What Men Want!

LifeStyle

44

Stacy & Matt

61 Finance 62 Recipes

47

Magdalia & Marty Booker

Travel

Photographer: Serendipidy Studios

Photographer: UDS Studios

65

Winter Wonderlands!

Tia Frost has many talents and is active in several areas in the entertainment industry. She is Ms. Florida Plus America 2011; a Plus Size Model; and proud owner of Frost’d Images, which offers makeovers specializing in custom blended mineral make-up, fashion styling/consultations and body wrapping for weight loss. Tia is a licensed esthetician and licensed body wrapper.

Tia started her career as a licensed Facial Specialist over ten years ago working for Dr. Thrower M.D. in Miami Shores; she specialized in custom blending. She continued her career in cosmetics by working for Clinique, Lancome, Origins and H2O Plus.

Later, Tia was discovered as a plus-size model, believe it or not, in the airport. In 2009, she won a Plus-Size Amateur Modeling Competition and has modeled in several local shows in Miami and Fort Lauderdale for LS1426 Inc, FSI Productions, and One Chance Entertainment. In September 2010, she was crowned Ms. Coral Springs Plus America and was featured at Shades Wedding Magazine’s launch party.

Recently, Tia traveled to Orlando and Atlanta for shows with Set It Off Productions and Fla'Vore Productions.

In April 2011, Tia won the title of Ms. Florida Plus America 2011. Since winning this title, Tia has been featured at the Atlanta Gospel Fest with Fla'Vore Productions, on the cover of Gospel Now Christian Life Magazine August 2011, on the website of One Chance Entertainment, and selected as Glamorous Curves May 2011 cover girl.

Through her experience as a plus size model, make-up artist, and stylist, she has shared her talents with many clients, such as brides, bridal parties, and models at different types of events. She has also been the stylist, make-up artist and sometimes director of professional headshot portfolio photo shoots for celebrities like Simon T Bailey, Keesha Rivers, and others. Tia has landed a leading role in a stage play, Take it By Force for Domestic

Our cover model Ms. Florida Plus America 2011 Tia Frost

Love Note

What does being married mean?

B

eing married means more than just wearing a diamond ring and having a beautiful wedding. Remember there is life after the wedding! Before you say “YES” you need to make sure this is the person YOU want to spend the rest of your life with. Now I am very aware of the things that can happen later down the road in a marriage. Sometimes situations can cause people to change then you must do what’s best for you. But I’m not talking about those situations, take Kim Kardashian for instance. She had doubts before she walked down the aisle but she went ahead with it because “She didn’t want to disappoint anyone”. What about because I can’t party like I used to or s/he has gained weight. Now I’m not trying to steer anyone from getting married I love wedding and everything they represent I just want to make sure that you marry for LOVE and not for fashion. Listen, everyday won’t be unny but with love you can weather the storm together. In the vows it says“To have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health” to me this is the most important part.

So when he gets on one knee and asks you to marry him and you say yes, your journey begins. It’s a beautiful thing to find Love but once you find it hold on to it. While you’re dancing the night away at you reception with all your family and friends, glance across the room and find your husband/wife and whisper “I will love you from this day forward!

Editor-N-Chief Lakeisha Griffin

Executive Editor Lisa Church

Contributing Writers Nicole Ronczyk Charisse Horne Shankie Williams

Contributing Photographer Imagery Concepts Serendipity Studios UDS Studios A.J. Shorter Photography Antonio Martez Photography

Special Contributors

Christmas Palace Fahima Muhammad (House of Diva’s Boutique)

For more information contact (954)-558-6249 shadesmag@gmail.com www.shadesmag.net

Winter 2011 Volume 1, Issue 3 Shades Wedding Magazine Copyright 2011 All Rights Reserved

Congratulations on your

Big Day!

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the publisher’s prior written permission.

Printed in the U.S.A.

Bridal Suite

Makeup: Fahima Muhammad Dress and Accessories: Casablanca Bridal Photography: Imagery Concepts Model: Janelli Gabriella

Makeup: Fahima Muhammad Dress and Accessories: Casablanca Bridal Photography: Imagery Concepts Model: Portia Medina

Makeup: Fahima Muhammad Dress and Accessories: Casablanca Bridal Photography: Imagery Concepts Model: Jasmine Davis

Makeup: Fahima Muhammad Dress and Accessories: Casablanca Bridal Photography: Imagery Concepts Model: Christi Shey

Style me Pretty 2

Black Attack

1 1

5

6

1. Amsale Bridesmaid halter top Gown 2. Betsey Johnson “Caseyy” Peep-Toe Pumps 3. Red black magic roses with black calla lily 4. Black-Plated Red Crystal Oval Drop Post Earrings 5. Black tuxedo with black shirt, red tie and red pocket handkerchief.

6. Victorian ruby red jewel headband antique style by mylavaliere

4

3

Pretty in Purple

2 3

1 7 4

1. Twobirds Bridesmaid Convertible Jersey Gown 2. Judith Jack Round Semiprecious Stone Earrings 3. Dark purple callas, white mini callas with a purple center, green roses, green hydrangea, lavender phlox, and lavender freesia 4. Steve Madden ‘Parfait’ Pump 5. Black tuxedo with purple striped tie.

Purple and green boutonniere 6. Stunning Jaguar Crystal Bangle Bracelet 7. Purple hair comb

6

5

Green with envy 3

2

1

6

4

5 1. Green White by Vera Wang from her bridesmaids collection at David’s Bridal 2. Peonies, lily of the valley, fiddlehead ferns, heleborus, ranunculus, veronica, cymbidium orchids, scabiosa pods, garden roses, cockscomb, bouvardia and green viburnum 3. Green peep toe sling backs 4. Gold hoop earrings with balls 5. Black tuxedo with ivory tie with white and green boutonniere 6. Judith Leiber Egyptian inspired clutch

Ladies When planning you’re wedding, it’s important to remember all the things that can make your big day even more special.

Makeup, hair and photography are some of the most important details. Don’t wait until the last minute to decide what you’re going to look like on your big day. For most brides the wedding day is such a blur, but the photos are what you are left with when it is all over. So, to make sure you look your best in your wedding photos, here are a few tips to remember.

1. Makeup and hair trial run: When you are booking a makeup artist or a hairstylist for your big day, you want to make sure that it’s someone you are completely comfortable with; someone who will listen to what you want, and not just try to create “their” vision without listening to your wants and desires. A trial-run is essentially like an interview process.

Typically, you want to book your trial date no more than a month and a half prior to your wedding. Anything further than that leaves too much time to change your mind, change your hair, or get a tan. So you want to try and keep it semi-close to your wedding date so that you can plan your look accordingly.

2. Waterproof/sweat proof makeup: This is especially important in high humidity places. Make sure, (of course) that your mascara is waterproof, because there are bound to be tears. Unless you are keeping your makeup artist waiting in the wings for touch-ups, you want to be sure that everything remains in place. People often forget about their skin and you want to make sure you are not one of them.

Foundations and primers with a silicone base are great because they withstand the elements much better than regular water-based foundations. Also, ask about air-brushing??? Airbrush foundations typically photograph beautifully and last longer than typical cream and liquid foundations.

3. Don’t forget about the Kiss: When planning your makeup look, do not forget about the big moment. “ You may kiss the bride!” I recommend either wearing just a gloss for the ceremony, or if color is your thing, try going with a lipstain or something like Mac’s Pro Long wear lip colors, which absolutely WILL NOT transfer onto your handsome man. I wore the color “Alta-Moda” for my big day. And there were no traces of the dark plum color on my husband’s face or his white shirt after the kiss. Then you don’t have to worry about what you, or your man is going to look like after! If someone something more subtle is your thing; try going with a lighter color or a gloss for the ceremony. Keep the lip color you choose with you for touch-ups after the ceremony for photos.

You will be extremely glad for this when you get your wedding pictures back!

Big Day Beauty

In any case, just remember to enjoy yourself! Surround yourself with positive, supportive people on your wedding day. Make sure you have enough time to take care of all the nessesary tasks. You don’t want to feel rushed when your racing to the altar. You are going to look beautiful to your husband-to-be no matter what you do, say, or wear so just make sure that you are happy with the outcome. Live, Laugh, Love...

And smile for the cameras, because today is your day!!!! ;-) By: Alli * Makeup design by AlliT

What Women Want!

Best Drugstore Beauty Products 1. St. Ives Whipped Silk Intense Body Moisturizer, $4.99

2 1

2. Aveeno Intense Relief Medicated Therapy, $3.69 3. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser $8 4. Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream, $13.99 5. Pantene Relaxed & Natural Intensive Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner $4.99 each 6. Dove Sensitive Skin Unscented Bar, $1.49 7. Vaseline Petroleum Jelly w/Cocoa Butter $3.99

4

3

6

5

7

Details

Be Inspired...

Wedding Inspiration from top Wedding professionals Karen Tran Florals www.karentran.com

“Inspire and Educate with Sophistication and style�

Shades Wedding Magazine is a Quarterly bridal lifestyle magazine designed for women of color.

Myammee A.K.A. Angela Pitts

Candid, Effervescent, Beautiful.... Are just a few words that best describe rising starlet Angela “Myammee” Pitts. Myammee is swiftly evolving her stature as a TV reality star to an irresistibly resplendent personality. Widely known from the hit reality shows VH1’s Flavor of Love 3 and I Love Money 2. Where she was crowned the winner of $250,000 against 18 other females and male opponents.

Having appeared on two VH1 reality shows, “Myammee” is now moving forward—ascending from a reality show star into a burgeoning brand. Myammee has currently opened her first business, which is a full service salon entitled “Myammmee’s Hair Spa”. Myammee played a huge part in the making, designing and completing her salon. She is now a proud business woman with aspirations on opening more of her “Hair Spa’s” through out the country.

This Miami native has come a long way since the casting call in Atlanta in 2007 that changed her destiny. Peeling off the image “reality show” girl Myammee is on the fast track to becoming one of the industries fastest rising stars!

I know it’s been a couple of years but congrats on winning “I Love Money 2” Thank You! (Laughs) How did that moment feel when you realized that you had won?

It was a moment that was kinda unbelievable. I knew I was in the final three but however me winning right then was like all this time I’ve been here, it’s eighteen people I went through. The first day when I got there I was like OMG! It’s just too much competition, The guys were there and I knew there was a lot of physical activities. Not doubting myself but realizing that it wasn’t gonna be easy. When Craig (I Love Money 2 Host) told me that I won that’s a moment that I still get tears in my eyes about.

I watched the show and from the beginning you were determined to win.

When it got real close, maybe the last five I was like I think I have a good chance at winning because I kept faith in myself. Then when it got to the last three I was like I know I can do this. The only competition I had was Taylor Made. I was like I have a 50/50 chance at winning. So I kept in my mind push, never give up, do your all, do your best and do more than you think you can do. I even swam, I didn’t care about my hair that day! I just got it done, there was too much money on the line to sit here and play.

Who is Angela “Myammee” Pitts?

(Laughs) I’ve never been asked that question before. Angela “Myammee” Pitts is a determined women “now” who’s on the verge of trying to become more than just a model. Trying to become a Mogul with everything and anything that has anything to do with hair. She’s hungry, never settles for less, hardworking and always gets it done.

You said in an interview some time ago that you wanted to start your own lingerie line. Is that still in the making?

No Lingerie right now is on hold. It was fun, it got the attention I needed to get me where I am today plus other things that are in the making. At the time it was to get my name out it’s a shame that Sex sells but it does were in America and it worked.

“Project Myammee” tell our readers a little bit about it.

Project My-ammee!! (Laughs) which is so recent, Yes. It’s a 7 part web series on youtube and it comes out this Fall. It’s to celebrate our 1 year anniversary and to give my fans a behind the scenes look at the process from demolition to the grand opening. When I say I was hands on!! I was here everyday making sure everything was the way I wanted it to be. The show has a hilarious spin to it but you have to watch it, I can’t wait to show everyone that I’m beyond the lingerie girl!

Myamme Hair Spa is your Baby?

YES! I designed the salon without an office because I thought I wasn’t going to be here. I lived in Atlanta, but after the salon was finished I got emotionally attached. I watched my vision magically appear right in front of me. There was no way I could leave a go back to Atlanta so I moved back to Miami.

Is there a difference between a hair Spa and a hair Salon?

In my words yes, I’m not gonna talk about what a hair salon is let’s talk about what a hair spa is. The reason I called it Myamme’s hair spa instead of salon is because I wanted it to be a Spa for your hair.

I wanted you to be able to come in and have a facial for your hair, steam treatments for your hair. I wanted you to be able to get a massage for your head like you would for your body. I added a private room to the spa so that if you wanted to you could come in relax and have everything you need in privacy. I feel that hair is the most important accessory you can have on Gucci, Prada, and what ever else but if your hair isn’t done none of that matters.

What’s next for Reality star turned business women Angela Pitts?

I’m starting a foundation to give back because you can’t keep getting and not give something back. Actually I’m starting two foundations. one will be in honor of my mom and the other from the salon to give back to the community.

Visit Myamme’s hair spa 16507 NE 6th Ave. Miami, FL 33162 305.705.3316 www.myammeeshairspa.com

Have your cake and eat it too!

Photo taken by UDS Studios Cake by Divine Delacacies

Photo taken by CeCe Photography Cake by Elite Cake Creations

Photo taken by CeCe Photography Cake by Elite Cake Creations

Photo taken by CeCe Photography Cake by Elite Cake Creations

CUSTOM CAKES * BIRTHDAY * WEDDING NOVELTY * CAKE BITES * DIVORCE CAKES

12330 SW 53rd Street STE 702, Cooper City, FL 33330 954.450.2685 www.elitecake.com

One-on-One with

Diann Valentine

1. How did you get started in the event planning business?

I started my company while I was still a senior in high school. My cousin asked if I would assist her with planning her wedding and I agreed. I love it so much that I decided that I would start a company to help pay my way through college, after college I had plans to either attend law school or get a real job. After college, the real job simply did not exist and by then I had completely fell in love with LOVE and knew that I would rather exercise my creative strengths rather than fight it out in a courtroom.

2. Your

work is beautiful!

signature style is?

What

would you say your

My signature style is edgy and untraditional with a bit of eclectic charm. I do not believe in adopting traditions if they do not make sense for who my clients are or their own personal history. I also do not believe in doing the same thing twice. Whenever a woman trusts me to interpret her love story, it is my responsibility to not only make it gorgeous but more so to create a uniquely designed experience that speaks directly to her personal style while interpreting her love story. I am also a big fan of color.

Most brides naturally shy away from it and are drawn to either white or pastels but I embrace colors because they give weddings and events life and help tell a vibrant story.

3. You

wear many hats, event designer, you have an

invitation line, a book

(Weddings Valentine style) "I Do Over" on WEtv. How do you balance everything? and now

Balancing all of my responsibilities can be really tough especially recently. I get a great deal of credit for the things that we have been able to create but it takes a small army and my team is very talented, dedicated and share the same values as I do with a strong commitment to excellence and exceeding expectations. One of my mentors once told me that I would only be as good as my team so I spend a great deal of time nurturing and developing the DRV team because as they grow, I grow and the Diann Valentine brand grows!

Photography by Mike Colon

4. I do over is based on second chances. Is there anything you wish you had a second chance at?

Wow, that’s a great question. Actually I do not! You see, I have not always made the best decisions and I have certainly experienced my own share of mistakes both personally and professionally but I live with no regrets. I rest in knowing that whatever decisions I have made over the years I have made them because I felt they were the best decisions at the time and I have grown from every one of them.

Photography by Mike Colon

Photography by Mike Colon

Photography by Mike Colon

Photography by Mike Colon

5. What's your most dramatic Do Over from the show?

Our season finale for Tracy and Jason Carstensen was quite an episode. Jason had a rare heart condition that would cause hit heart rate to shoot up whenever he became stressed or anxious. Well during his first wedding, his heart rate shot up in the middle of the ceremony. He fainted into his wife’s arms and flat lined for a few minutes. They were able to resuscitate Jason and they finished the ceremony with Jason seated on a chair and Tracy kneeling on the ground right at his feet in tears. After their honeymoon, he was able to have a heart murmur installed to deal with his irregularities. But talk about devastating? Could you imagine thinking you have lost your husband on your wedding day? I cried while watching their audition tape. I cried when I met them at their home and surprised them and I cried again at their I Do Over. Great couple and great heart-wrenching story…be sure to have the tissues standing by.

6. You and the I Do Over team work really well together, How did you select them?

Some members of our wedding team were already a part of the DRV team. I brought on a few additional new team members and I looked for people that would be able to fill in the gaps in certain areas or people that I knew would take direction well and be able to lead their direct responsibilities.

Personality is just as important to me as it is skill level. It is never enough for me to simply be talented or a hard worker because if you are unable to be a team player or shift your attitude or thinking as needed then eventually you will rot the entire group. And I’m always willing to sacrifice one or two talented people to make sure I can maintain the momentum and focus of the entire team because what we are doing is bigger than them and it’s bigger than Diann Valentine.

7. What do couples have to do to be featured on "I Do Over"?

Couples interested in being considered for a do over must have a video tape or footage of the disaster that ruined their first wedding. It is not enough for them to just tell us it was a disaster…we must see it. If they do have footage to prove it, couples should go to http://www.wetv.com/shows/i-do-over and share the story of their disaster for consideration.

8. Where can we expect to see Mrs. Diann Valentine next?

I am currently working on developing a line of textiles that I hope to bring to market sometime in 2012. I am also working with Evelyn Lozada and Chad Ochocinco to plan their upcoming wedding celebration that will be held sometime in the summer of 2012. I hope to be shooting Season II of I Do Over very soon. But most importantly, I will be continuing to use my gifts to assist and empower women to own their personal styles and decide to interpret their love stories on their own terms. Leading the charge to change the game in our industry one bride at a time for women that believe as I do – every day is reason enough to be fabulous!

For more information on Diann Valentine, please go to www.diannvalentine.com

Be sure to check out “I Do Over” Sunday’s at 10pm on WETv

Fashion

Shades best dresses of the Season We’ve loosely organized our favorites, but as always, we recommend trying on the dress you could never imagine wearing. Sometimes it’s the perfect fit.

Vera Wang

Monique Lhuillier

Badgley Mischka

Vera Wang

Vera Wang

Vera Wang

Monique Lhuillier

Monique Lhuillier

Monique Lhuillier

Badgley Mischka

Badgley Mischka

Badgley Mischka

Amsale

Amsale

Kenneth Pool

Kenneth Pool

Edgardo Bonilla

Edgardo Bonilla

Kenneth Pool

Edgardo Bonilla

Amsale

Kenneth Pool

Edgardo Bonilla

Vendor Specs Ceremony and Reception Site: Don Shula’s Hotel, Miami Lakes, FL Planner: Malasia Events

www.malasiaevents.com

and

Designs

Gown: Brides of America Bridesmaids Dresses: Brides of America Formal Wear: Mens broke Pines, FL

warehouse

Flowers: Maria’s Designs

Pem-

Geraldine & Jean Miami Lakes, FL * August 20

Photography by A.J. Shorter Photography Don Shula Hotel

Stacy & Matt Miami, FL * May 22

Photography by Serendipity Studios The Palms Hotel & Spa

Vendor Specs Venue: Palms Hotel Cake: Elegant Temptations Hair: Palm Hotel Spa Makeup: Mac Cosmetics Flowers: Fleurish Design

Magdalia & Marty Miami Beach, FL * March 12 Photography by UDS Studios Fontainebleau Hotel

Vendor Specs Venue: Fontainebleau Miami Beach Planning: Tiffany Nieves-Cook of Dream Design Weddings lighting lounge and decor:

Tiffany Nieves-Cook of Dream Design Weddings Linens: Nuage

Menus seating chart and table numbers: Tiffany Couture by Natural Impressions Flowers: Petunia Flowers

Designing weddings that dreams are made of

ream D D

esign

W

eddings

&

E

vents

63

Wedding Planning

Event Design

Coordination

Custom Decor

MIAMI - PALM BEACH - ATLANTA - DC Destination Weddings Worldwide 888-478-6534

As seen on

www.munaluchibridal.com

R R

FALL.WINTER 2011

Tiffany Couture

By Tiffany Cook and Natural Impressions

As a wedding planner & designer I have always had my hands in every aspect of wedding design for my clients. So it's no surprise that I would also be intricately involved in custom invitation design for my clients. After all, the invite is a sneak peek of what's to come for the guests.

For years I have been customizing existing invite lines and working with custom design houses for my clients. However, there wasn't one place that could service my spectrum of design ideas. It wasn't until my own wedding that I truly felt the void in the market place. For my wedding to John Cook earlier this year we wanted a luxury yet unusual invitation and the save the date.

From the materials used, down to the packaging that they were mailed in had to be completely out of the norm. It had to be over the top and something people hadn't seen before. It was through the creation of our stunning save the date and a spectacular wedding invitation with a local invitation manufacturer Natural Impressions that gave me the flexibility to create my off the wall designs and manufacture them in house. It was amazing and they understood my "nothing is impossible" approach to design. From

here "Tiffany Couture" by Natural Impressions was born. A luxury invitation line that offers the spectrum of pre designed never been seen before options. From carved wood, printed and engraved metal, plexi, 3 dimensional total bling, to a bed of roses. Each invitation can be completely customized, and for the bride that doesn't find what she wants I will personally work directly with the bride to custom design her a one of a kind invitation just for her wedding.

We launched the "Tiffany Couture" by Natural Impressions line earlier this year and have already done custom designs for NFL WR Marty Booker and his wife Magdalia, NFL CB Jonathan Joseph and his wife Delaina, R&B singer Ameriie, former NFL QB Kordell Stewart, and his wife Porsha.

Our line is sold through luxury invitation stores through out the US, we offer invitations as well as the entire wedding suite place cards, menu cards, table numbers.

For more information please visit Tiffanycoutureinvitations.com

Peek-a-Boo

Makeup: Fahima Muhammad Hair: Momoxie Design Dress and Accessories: J Del Olmo Bridal Photography: Antonio Martez Photography Model: Romondra

Makeup: Fahima Muhammad Hair: Momoxie Design Dress and Accessories: J Del Olmo Bridal Photography: Antonio Martez Photography Model: Romondra

Makeup: Fahima Muhammad Hair: Momoxie Design Dress and Accessories: J Del Olmo Bridal Photography: Antonio Martez Photography Model: Alecia Rodriguez

Gentlemen

From his Heart

MahoganyBooks 3 Must Have Books for Black Boys (and Men) How to Tie a Tie and Other Lessons for Succeeding in Life ANTWONE FISHER ALWAYS ADMIRED his foster father’s crisp sartorial style. It wasn’t until Fisher was a navy recruit that he realized this smartly dressed man had never taken the time to teach him how to be well-groomed to reflect on the outside the man he was becoming on the inside. “A boy ought to know how to tie a tie,” he thought angrily, as he struggled to master the navy’s required half-Windsor knot.

Filled with inspiring stories, wisdom, and practical know-how, A Boy Should Know How to Tie a Tie teaches: Basics of personal style and hygiene: why cleaning, trimming, and polishing are essential daily habits Key components of self-improvement: how to develop a routine for success and organize your personal space The importance of identity: why reinventing oneself is a necessary part of growing up With additional information about healthy eating, making smart financial decisions, and finding role models, Antwone Fisher offers a book filled with accessible life lessons.

Fail Up Failure. It’s something we hear a lot about these days. From governments to Wall Street, from television stars to job reports, the possibility and consequences of failure appear to be all around us, becoming part of our everyday lives.

But as award-winning broadcaster and bestselling author Tavis Smiley reminds us in his new book, FAIL UP: 20 Lessons on Building Success from Failure, failure is often the first step in a truly great success story. Reflecting on his 20-year anniversary in broadcasting, Smiley shows us—through stories and reflections on his own life—how opportunity is often hiding just beneath the surface of disappointment, despair, or disgrace.

At a time when much of the conversation is focused on what’s wrong, FAIL UP helps us remember what’s right. As human beings, we cannot help but fail; it is how we choose to respond to failure that determines what sort of people we will become. Every day that you wake up, you get another chance to get it right, to bounce back from failures big and small—to failup.

Bereolaesque: The Contemporary Gentleman & Etiquette Book for the Urban Sophisticate

The old-fashioned, repressed, bland man has been banished to the Himalayas and a new breed is taking center stage. He is a man of style, sophistication, and security, just as strong and confident as his predecessor, but far more diverse in his interests, his tastes, and, most importantly, his self-image. He may be seen at an NBA game one night and an art gallery opening the next.

Bereolaesque is that much needed fusion between being a gentleman and being sexy. This savoir-faire man’s guide walks every man through the stages of ordinary to excellence in just two hundred pages.

Perfect for that coffee table discussion, Bereolaesque lends quality information to everyday people and celebrities alike. Beyond the book’s mysteriously eye capturing cover are innovative and appealing ways to maneuver through life’s crazes, while keeping cool and maintaining manners.

For more on all the information listed above please visit www. mahoganybooks.com

What Men want...

Best drugstore products for men

1

2

6 3

4

5

1. Suave Styling pomade ($2.69) 2. Gillette Fusion ProGlide manual razor ($9.99) 3. Vaseline Men Body & Face Lotion ($5.79) 4. Garnier Anti-Dandruff Clear Control Shampoo ($4.79) 5. Dove Men Clean Comfort antiperspirant ($3.99) 6. Neutrogena Active Protect Face Lotion with SPF 50+ ($8.99) 7. Axe Excite shower gel ($3.99)

7

Lifestyle

e c n

a n i F

It is not news that disagreements over finances is one of the main reasons couples end up in divorce court. Financial advice is readily available, but married couples are still fighting over money. Why? For a variety of reasons, couples appear to not want to hear the financial advice.

Here is financial advice that married couples often ignore.

1) Create Separate Accounts and One Joint Account: To mingle or not to mingle your money is one of the most important decisions the two of you need to make regarding your finances.

Having your own money that you can spend however you want can lessen arguments about money.

3) Set Your Financial Priorities Together: Know what is important to each of you. One of you may want to buy a house while the other thinks saving for your retirement is more important. Seeking the help of a financial planner can help you set your priorities and still spend money on some fun things like a vacation now and then.

4) Discuss Finances Together on a Regular Basis: Sure, talking about money isn’t easy because money can symbolize different things to each partner. One may view money as security and the other as power. If the topic of debt, bills, savings, and goals makes one or both of you uncomfortable or defensive, seek the help of a financial counselor or planner. It is important that both of you know where you stand financially and have common financial goals.

6) Handle Debt as a Couple: Make a plan to pay off existing debt. Drawing a line in the sand and saying that your spouse’s debt isn’t your problem is not going to work because even if the debt existed before you married, your credit rating can be negatively impacted as well as the bottom line of how much money the two of you are paying monthly in interest charges.

8) Don’t Keep Big Financial Secrets: Not being honest about the cost of large financial purchases or keeping debts hidden is considered financial infidelity by many people.

Such secrets can destroy your marriage.

9) You May Have to Face Tough Times Financially: No matter how much you plan and talk about money, no matter how much you save, no matter how frugal the two of you are, there still could be tough times and unemployment in your financial future.

Recipes Start Christmas morning with your significant other with a traditional holiday breads or a rich breakfast casserole There is nothing sweeter than starting Christmas morning with a breakfast family. Here is one of our favorite Christmas breakfast recipe. Try it and maybe you can start a new family tradition!

Pumpkin Pancakes Ingredients 1 1/2 cups milk 1 cup pumpkin puree 1 egg 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vinegar 2 cups all-purpose flour 3 tablespoons brown sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon ground allspice 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon salt Directions 1. In a bowl, mix together the milk, pumpkin, egg, oil and vinegar. Combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, allspice, cinnamon, ginger and salt in a separate bowl.

Stir into the pumpkin mixture just enough to combine.

2. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot.

Mocha Eggnog Ingredients 3 cups chocolate milk 2-1/3 cups and 1 tablespoon eggnog* 1/2 cup and 1 tablespoon and 2 teaspoons whipping cream, divided 1 tablespoon and 1/2 teaspoon instant coffee granules 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon rum extract Directions: In a large saucepan, combine the milk, eggnog, 1/2 cup cream and coffee granules; heat through. Remove from the heat; stir in extracts. In a small mixing bowl, beat remaining cream until stiff peaks form. Dollop over eggnog.

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Travel Winter Wonderlands!!

Where to Start Your Happily Ever After

“The Ice Hotel”

Located in Sweden, this hotel is built from zero every year.

That means new beds and clean walls. It’s called the Ice Hotel for a reason — it’s made completely out of ice! The Ice Hotel is on the shores of the Torne River in an old village of Sweden. Ten thousand tons of crystal clear ice from the river and 30,000 tons of pure snow are used to build the Ice Hotel every year. There’s even an ice theater, an ice art gallery and an ice bar. Each room is different. You sleep in a warm sleeping bag on top of a bed made from snow and ice, and covered with reindeer skins. In the morning, you’ll find hot juice by your bed.

The white snow reflects a heavenly light show – glittering stars, a full moon and the magical mystical Northern Lights. What more can you ask for? The ICEHOTEL is the perfect Winter Wonderland for your honeymoon.

Inside the ICEHOTEL, temperature is never colder than -5 °C to -8 °C, regardless of how cold it may be outside. Dress in warm thermal underwear, put on a hat and slip into the cozy sleeping bag. Breakfast buffet, morning sauna and towels are included in your stay.

The Restaurant has a modern Scandinavian style their restaurant offers a gastronomic adventure and a high-end a la carte menu in a bright and modern atmosphere. The cuisine has been featured in gourmet magazines around the world and has been awarded the prestigious Werner Vögeli Statuette. In October 2007. The dress code at the restaurant is casual but welldressed.

In ABSOLUTE ICEBAR you can mingle with the other guests while sipping on colorful ice cocktails. There are also warmer options available. In the dressing room, a warm building connected to ICEHOTEL you could sit down and take a break. Next to the crackling fire, perhaps?

Think there’s nothing to do? Think again here is a list of activities you and your husband can take part in. An Ultimate Husky Sledge Tour, Cross-country Skiing, Ice Sculpting, Moose Safari by Snowmobile, Northern Lights tour on horseback, Saab Ice Driving or a Starlit Dinner at the Wilderness Camp.

What ever activity you choose this will definitely be a honeymoon you’ll never forget.

Happy Medium Now days most families are blended. His, her, and ours.... Is it ok for your SPOUSE to discipline their stepchild?

Drea, 33: My spouse can discipline my child ... as long as it is with the same love and the same understanding he would disciple his or our children. ... but if my baby daddy’s wife put her hands on my kid i will go off!!! ... it is a double standard for me.

Joya, 34: @reginald bryant, its not how the parent that is married to them feels, its the way that parent that is no longer a part of your spouses life that will 9 times out of ten have the probelm with someone else displining thier child.

Reginald, 31: Why marry someone you don’t feel comfortable disciplining your children?

Damien, 34: I’m going to say yes because I have a daughter.

Kerry, 39: I believe the term spouse entitles you to discipline without restriction as long as it’s in the best interest of the child, and we’re dealing with a responsible adult which is infered considering the person has been chosen as a life partner. Correction for protection. Setting boundaries for children is neither wrong or counter productive and the presence of either a man or woman in the immediate family can be instrumental to that child. Implementing limitations on fatherhood which is assumed is not just a disservice to the man, but also the child. This transition is tough for both sides so parameters should be discussed in terms of the person’s expectation on how the child should be guided but no restrictions on the man or woman.

Happy Medium: Blending a family can be very difficult; especially when it comes to the subject of discipline. Discipline is made up of two sides: love and limits. Both the biological parent and the stepparent should begin with an open and candid discussion about the fears and expectations regarding the relationship with the children. Each should know what the other expects concerning the stepparent’s involvement in guiding, supervising and disciplining the children. Communication is KEY! THIS, should help you all reach a Happy Medium.

Planning

Wedding Timeline 12 months ahead

• Select the date for your wedding

• Consult with your fiance & all parents to

determine the financial support available to you

& set a budget

• Determine with your fiance the type of

wedding you want (Formal, informal, Small, Large)

• Determine the number of guest you will have

• Select and reserve Ceremony site

• Select an officiant for the ceremony

• Select & reserve Reception site

10-12 months ahead

• Arrange for families to meet (if they haven’t already)

• Begin shopping for gown & Accessories

• Order Gown

• Start preparing the guest list

• Choose wedding party attendants

• Select and order wedding attendants wedding attire

• Research review & select your photographer

• Research review & select your videographer

• Send save the date cards

• Get your engagement photo taken 8-10 months ahead

• Select & reserve the caterer

• Select & reserve the decorator

• Select & reserve the florist

• Select & reserve the party rental equipment

• Determine wedding cake design; select & re

serve a baker or bakery

• Select & reserve musician for ceremony

• Select & reserve music/entertainment for the reception

• Select & reserve transportation for the wedding party

• Plan the details of the reception

• Begin shopping for wedding rings

• Discuss honeymoon plans with fiance & begin arrangements

6-8 months ahead

• Order invitations, announcements, informal

Stationary & thank you notes

• Register for wedding gifts at one to three stores

• Reserve accommodations for out-of-town guests

• Reserve transportation for out-of-town guests

to travel to/from the ceremony & reception

• Finalize honeymoon plans with fiance

(Finalize arrangements, check passports/visas) 4-6 months ahead

• Select & order men’s formal wear

• Reserve accommodations for wedding night

• Select stylist or salon for bridal party hair, nails

& make-up

• Meet with florist to plan details

• Select & purchase wedding guest favors

• Select and Hire calligrapher if needed

• Begin dance lessons with fiance

• Find & reserve your rehearsal dinner location

• Finalize guest list 2-4 months ahead

• Confirm delivery dates for bridal gown &

bridesmaids’ dresses

• Meet with caterer to discuss menu

• Meet with officiant to discuss ceremony

• Select ceremony music, reading & vows

• Schedule ceremony rehearsal & notify partici pants

• Buy & Wrap gifts for wedding party

• Address wedding invitations

• Buy wedding accessories & order engraving 1-2 months ahead

• Schedule final fitting for your gown

• Remind bridesmaids to schedule final fittings

• Get your marriage license

• Mail invitations

• Prepare printed program for ceremony

• Start seating plan and place cards for reception

• Plan pre-wedding luncheon for bridesmaids

• Confirm ceremony & reception details

• Assign wedding day task to friends

• Confirm request lists with photographer, musi

cians/DJ & Videographer

• Purchase wedding Accessories (guest book &

pen, toasting glasses, unity candle, cake knife &

server, and flower/ring bearer accessories)

• Pick up wedding rings & check engraving

• Record gifts received & write thank you notes promptly

• Schedule prewedding manicure/pedicure,

massage & Spa treatments 2-4 weeks ahead

•Arrange for cleaning & preservation of wedding

gown after wedding

•Arrange for bridal bouquet preservation after wedding

•Confirm honeymoon arrangements

•Confirm arrangements for attire & accessories of

all Wedding party members

•Assist Fiance with writing toasts for rehearsal din

ner & wedding reception

•Follow up with guests who didn’t respond to the

invite & finish seating chart/place cards

•Confirm final guest count to caterer & reception facility 1 week ahead

• Make final contact with baker, caterer, florist, mu

sician DJ, Photographer, Videographer

• Make final preparations for honeymoon

• Confirm wedding-day assignments with family & friends

• Confirm time/location for rehearsal dinner

& Wedding with wedding party participants

• Confirm pick-up times/locations with

transportation Providers

• Put fees due on the wedding day in envelopes

• Host bridesmaids luncheon Day of the wedding

• Rings & marriage license

• Bride’s wedding attire

• Grooms wedding Attire

• Ring Bearer pillow/flower girl basket

• Wedding programs

• Cake knife & server, toasting flutes

• Favors

• Guest book & pen • Unity candle • Pay officiant & vendors • Assign person to collect/transport gifts

After the wedding

• Return rental attire

• Have wedding gown cleaned & preserved

• Have bridal bouquet preserved

• Freeze the top layer of your cake to enjoy on

your One-year anniversary

• Record gifts received & write thank you notes

promptly within 2 months

• Develop photos from disposable cameras Notes:

Bridal Nook Photographers Unique Design Studios 305-668-7171 www.udsphotocom Serendipidy Studios 888-350-4458 www.beyondordinary.net CeCe Espeut Photography 954-478-5109 www.ceceespeut.com Jonathan Fernandez Photography 786-277-0776 www.wix.com/photographyjf/umn A.J. Shorter Photography 850-321-5384 www.ajshorter.com Imagery Concepts 954-701-5281 www.imageryconcept.net Videography Halo Media Entertainment www.halomediaentertainment.com 954-934-5300 Bridal Shops J. Del Olmo 305-448-3599 www.jdelolmobridal.com Casablanca Bridal Boutique 954-565-0132 Music and Entertainment Party Time Djs 954-236-9000 www.partytimedjs.com Lady of Harp 786-390-8214 www.ladyofharp.com

Cake Designs Elegant Temptations 305-556-6111 www.etcakes.com Elite Cake Creations 954.450.2685 www.elitecake.com Event Planner Malasia Weddings and Events 305-303-5110 www.malasiaevents.com Dream Design Weddings 888-478-6534 www.dreamdesignweddings.com Makeup Artist Designs by Alli T. (Allison Tolle) 205-910-2110 www.DesignByAlliT.com

Frosted Images (Tia Frost) 754-422-0356 Momoxie Design (Saasha Wheeler) 954-914-9167 momoxiedesign@gmail.​com Invitations Natural Impressions 305.261.8331 www.natural-impressions.com Misc Myamme’s Hair spa 305.705.3316 www.myammeeshairspa.com Christmas Palace 305-558-5352 www.christmaspalace.com