Tribute Magazine Holiday Issue

Featuring

Editor’s Note This issue we are helping you to FOCUS! Focus on your goals, your life, your business and your dreams! You are the author of your story. So, you get to choose! You set the pace. You make the decisions! You set the tone. You take all the chances!

So, take time today, and let’s FOCUS on what you want.

Do you know?

Do you have any idea?

Are you on the right path?

Are you headed in the right direction?

Are you living your purpose?

Are you following your heart?

Are you doing what makes you happy?

Or just what pays the bills?

Once you answer these questions and answer them honestly. You will be able to set goals, make plans, and start on your journey! Your life is up to you! Where you go and What you leave as a legacy is your decision! But you must learn to make the right decisions, to take action, and to move in the direction of your dreams and your desires!

Choose to live your life on your terms! To make it your legacy. To own your truth and your choices! But remember you will also be responsible for the consequences! So choose carefully!

But choose! Don’t let someone else dictate your life, your destiny and your dreams! You be the author of your life!

Teresa Hawley-Howard CEO of WOM Enterprises Publisher, Author and Coach

Teresa Hawley Howard is a best-selling author, blogger, empowerment coach, and radio host. She lives in Murchison Texas with her husband Rickey.

She is a mom and a Mimi. www.WOMEnterprises.com

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Coming late 2017 and 2018

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Good morning, Good afternoon or Good evening, What's happening in your world?

Thankful….

We are All Thankful!! AND will be Thankfully FULL in a couple of weeks.

Actually I think the Month of November is the kick off to eat all day and every day!! And comfy clothes are a requirement!! Well they are for me!!

So as we get ready to prepare these meals for family and friends find it in your heart to be a blessing for someone other than your family… Reach out to a coworker or even a friend that doesn’t have family or cannot get to their family.

Invite your child class/dorm mate over and spend the holidays with you and yours!

Allow others to help you in the kitchen, as much control we tend to have in the kitchen allow yourself for the moment to pass the torch.. We live in a society where traditions are really hard to come by, so share and create a communication over food!! Teach the little bitties how to cook, you pick the item to teach them and you will see who is more interested and you never know, they may be the next family crust , dressing, pie, cake or fudge maker!

For this Holiday Season I want to share a Creamy and Cheesy and MOIST Mac N Cheese with a lot of cheese and a simple but yummy cobbler. I use peach but you can substitute it with Apples!!!

The Mac N Cheese I got from a food blogger friend name Creole Contessa and I have made it so much I have added my own twist to it to make it my own but I have to always give credit when its due and without her I would NOT have REALLY good Mac N Cheese in my food memory bank!!

The Cobbler is a Peach cobbler my mom makes for us all the time and I have made it my own as well and tried it with Apples for a friend and OH my Goodness!!!!

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Creamy Macaroni and Cheese Servings: 4 Ingredients: 3 cups large elbow macaroni pasta 2 cups milk 1/2 cup heavy cream 2 cups cheddar cheese, grated or packaged 1 1/2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, grated or packaged 1 cup Havarti Cheese grated, or packaged 1 cup Gouda Cheese grated 1 Can Campbells cheddar cheese 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoon oil, Canola, Vegetable or Olive.

1 tablespoon flour 1 tablespoon cornstarch 2 teaspoons black pepper 2 teaspoons garlic powder 2 teaspoons onion powder Directions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Mix seasonings and set aside. Mix flour and cornstarch together and set aside.

Reserve 1 cup of grated cheese to top dish prior to baking.

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta 1 minute less than package directions state.

Drain, rinse well in warm water, drain again, coat in a little olive oil to prevent sticking. while pasta boils prepare the sauce. Add butter and olive oil to a sauce pan over medium heat, whisk in flour/cornstarch mixture.

Add milk and cream and whisk well. Add seasonings and whisk well. Add cheeses and cheese sauce by the handful, whisking well after each addition.

Fold pasta into the cream sauce, transfer to a greased casserole dish, sprinkle remaining cheese on top and bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes.

OR You can let that pasta cook a minute longer and keep it as a stove top Mac N Cheese!

This recipe can be doubled easily!!

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Apple Cobbler!

20 oz Sliced or Fried Apples with Cinnamon.

2 Sticks Unsalted Butter 2- 2ct Pillsbury™ Refrigerated Pie Crusts 1 Tbsp Cinnamon 1 Tsp Nutmeg ½ Cup Brown Sugar ½ Cup White Sugar Unroll one of the pie crusts on to a baking sheet, place in oven and bake until golden brown on 350 for 10-15 minutes. Once you start to smell the baking check it, it’s almost done if not done. You want it to be a light golden brown.

In a saucepan combine the can of apples, slice up a stick of butter, combine the sugar(s) nutmeg and cinnamon all in the pan. Bring to a happy boil then turn off. By this time the pie crusts in the oven should be ready to come out. Once cooled to touch break up the pie crust and place it in the apple mix in the saucepan.

Take a couple of slices of butter from the 2nd stick and grease the pan all sides. Place apple mixture in a square baking pan or a 9x13 if you feel it’s going to overlap. Once you poured the apple mixture in the bottom of the buttered pan let that sit while you slice the 2nd pie crust. Lay the crust flat on a dry surface you are comfortable with.. USE a pizza cutter if you have one if not a sharp knife will suffice. Cut in long strips about ½ inch no more than 1 inch strips. Once you cut the crust start in the middle and lay the uncooked pie crust on the cobbler mixture. You will create a lattice style topping.

Now, if you feel you’re running out you can open the other sleeve of pie crust. Lay the long ones down first then follow up with the shorter ones and cut or stretch to fit. Once you have created your pie crust cube the remainder of the butter and place sporadically on the crusts so the butter can get in the cracks of the cobble this will assist in the buttery crust once it comes out of the oven. Place in a 350 degree oven to bake until the pie crust is golden brown and bubbly!

Remove from oven and Try your refrain from sampling!! Let cool and then enjoy!

This desert is NOT a healthy treat this desert is all about the buttery goodness of fruit and crusts.

You can substitute the apples with Heavy Syrup Peaches… and VANILLA ICE CREAM as a topper!!! OHHH if you have Caramel you can drizzle caramel on top of the cobbler and ice cream!! Yumm!!

Anyways, I really hope you enjoy my two thanksgiving meal options. we spend so much time trying to create the next new thing when all we need to do is bring out what established who we are as a family!!

Hope you guys Enjoy!

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Thanks Be to God for His Inexpressible Gift!

2 Corinthians 9:15 As I reflect over my life, I find that there is so much to be thankful for. I used to often ask God why? Why do bad things happen? Why do I feel like it always happens to me? During my prayer time or moments when I was silent, I heard God say to me, “bad things, as I called them, should never be looked at as being bad, but as His Inexpressible gift”. Wow! I never looked at my trials and tribulations as a gift from God. However, these past few months, God has shown me how my past journey has been live-saving moments of His blessings to help me grow in the areas I needed the most.

I continued to hear God’s voice as I kept reflecting on my past: “I have always been in your life. Protecting you from unpleasant situations that could have happened, had you blocked me from your life. Remember when your mother (God rest her soul) was scheduled for minor surgery and the Doctors concern was that she had open heart surgery at 16 and with every surgery, there are risks”? I had no clue what was going on with my Mother, but I remembered what happened. I remembered this day. I felt like I was watching a television movie. My family and I were in the waiting room anxiously waiting to hear how the surgery was going and out of nowhere, we hear the words “CODE BLUE” over and over.

We immediately knew it was my mother. Time passed and the surgeon finally approached us with the news that the Code Blue was for my mother and that they did lose her but was able to bring her back to life.

Now, what I just said didn’t have a profound effect on me until I hear God’s voice again.

He said: “let me explain this more to you my dear Cheryl. I love you so much. I always have and I always will. I am the one who controls life and yes, your mother did leave this earth”. During this time of silence and no answers, I believe God was thinking: If I allow Cheryl’s mom to pass on, what will happen to her? He contemplated the options available. He knew that my father wasn’t in my life and wouldn’t want me. He knew that my step-father would be out of the question because he is not next to kin. He knew that it wouldn’t be my grandmother because He is all knowing. It wouldn’t have been a bad thing but He knew that my grandmother would not have been able to take care of me. She couldn’t afford to take care for me. My grandmother was retired and had no other income coming in and she also lived with my aunt. Taking care of me meant that she would have to provide clothing, food, medical benefits, dental benefits, signing me up for school and all the other parental responsibilities. God still contemplating: It would be too much for her. She has purpose and a destiny and I could easily allow her mother to pass on but where would that leave my dear Chery? God also considered what the loss of my mom would be like at the age of 10 and how it would affect me. He realized that I would have not been able to survive this. Now, God whispers: “I allowed the Doctors to bring her back”. www.TributeMagazine.net

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When God shared this experience with me; I cried! I said I never knew You, God has been here with me all along. You are my creation. You are my child and You are so loved. I am so very thankful to God that He has always been there for me even when I thought He had turned His back on me. I now have a better understanding of how God uses the things that we think are bad to use it our good. It could have been a lot worse but God wanted me to know that He was providing me Inexpressible Gifts! He wanted to teach me, grow me, protect me and love me. God wanted me to know that bad things are not meant hurt or harm me.

Cheryl Peavy is Founder of She Is You. She works with young girls and women from diverse backgrounds faced with life traumatic situations are nurtured and supported resulting in personal abundant growth and transformation. Cheryl also helps women find their inner beauty through God. She gives inspiring messages of strength and courage. Cheryl says her greatest accomplishment is her son. Born on September 11th 2011, the day the twin towers went down. He challenges her daily and has given her the strength to go one after the loss of her mom and grandmother in 2012.

Cheryl is a best seller co-author of “Fabulous New Life Volume II” Aprille Franks-Hunt, Saba Tekle’s “20 Most Beautiful Women.” Sharon Blake “ I Am Beautiful The Evolution of Beauty.” Nakia P Evans “The Woman Behind The Mask” And Teresa Hawley Howard “His Grace Is Sufficient.” Cheryl is also the author of an eBook, “Take All the Time You Need” that shares her personal experience with grief, and the five stages of grief. Cheryl is a speaker and Certified Inner Life Coach Specialist.

Cheryl is a member of National Council of Negro Women. She is a contributing writer for Huffington Post, Thrive Global Magazine and Authentically You Magazine. When she is not serving in her many capacities, Cheryl loves to read, cook and write.

To contact Cheryl, visit her website at www.cherylpeavy.com

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Available on

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Insight to Making Healthy Decisions

By Author Ms Chardae, LLC This article not to condemn anybody but to inform. Everybody make mistakes. When you know better. You do better. You are wonderfully made. You are GOD creation. You define you.

Don’t let other people’s perspective of you define who you are. You are GOD creation. GOD didn’t make any junk. I don’t care where you come from or what you been thru. The only person that didn’t make any mistakes, that walked this earth is Jesus Christ.

Nowadays, some people have a strong need to be better than someone else. Don’t and if you are stop asking people for directions to places they haven’t been for themselves. That is how Bad Karma comes into your life. That person wasn’t meant to be in your life in the first place. S/he doesn’t have or can’t get it for themselves. How do you expect them to show you the way?

Always know, check and keep your inner circle close. Just because people smile, speak, talk to you and hang around you. Doesn’t make them your friends. Just because they say they are your friend. That doesn’t mean they are sincere towards you. Just because they don’t laugh and talk with you. Doesn’t mean they don’t like you. They may be the one that stands up to defend you when no one else does. Pick your friends and your battles wisely.

Some people are in your life for a season. They are not to be grouped with true friends. Don’t get confused. They are the people that you know of. They are not the people, you go out with or bring home to meet your family or any type of connection outside their purpose. For example, the people I work with or previously worked with. I am not going to work to form friendships/ relationships. That is not good business. There are too many activities outside of work that I can participate in.

There are some people who don’t know how to have a healthy relationship. Then there are some people who you don’t want a relationship with, for whatever reason. There are also people who don’t want a relationship with you, for whatever reason. Know the difference. Respect the other person’s decision and leave them alone. Everybody cannot be your friend. Due to different values, background, interest and experiences.

If that person doesn’t value you. You are wasting your time. It doesn’t make any sense, to ask them why they don’t like you. Because they probably not going to be truthful with you. But you can ask them, if you have offended them in anyway. Whatever their response is, apologize and leave them alone without the drama. Do not try to retaliate against them. Because you are validating to that person, that s/he was right about rejecting you. There are 50 million people on this planet, there is somebody that will like you for you. Also, others will see you as being insecure and desperate for love. That is not what you want. Life is too short for this.

Some will pretend to be your friend. So, they can destroy you. People can pretend well. Also, some will be true to you, as long as, it is beneficial to them. But, when you stop being beneficial to them, so will your friendship with them. It is better to be by yourself, than with someone who cares nothing about you. Don’t try or stop trying to change their mind about you. By offering gifts, favors or trying to create situations, such as, “you need me” for you to be included in their life. www.TributeMagazine.net

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That comes across as you are desperate for relationship. You will probably be setting yourself up to be used. Again, abuse can go either way, by the one who does the offering or the one who is receiving.

If a person is constantly degrading, humiliating, and disrespectful of you. Don’t keep trying to control or change their behavior towards you. Take and receive the message that they are giving you, is to leave them alone. It doesn’t matter what their reason is. Nothing is more important than your well being. Now if you constantly keep pursuing people who mistreat or disrespectful of you. The problem is not them it is you. Even if they apologize to you. They are playing with your emotions. That is not healthy; therefore, they are not safe for you to be around.

When you know better. You will do better. Again, you are GOD’s creation. Respect yourself.

You have to love yourself first before anybody else can love you. Take care of you first. You have a right to keep yourself safe from people who don’t value you. You are in charge of your own happiness.

Author Ms. Chardae, LLC I was born and raised on the south side of Chicago. I was raised by my Mother, her sister and their parents. I was my parents’ only child. We lived with my Grandparents. I attended and finished from Chicago Public School. Where I had to stand my ground with the other kids at school, a lot due to my light complexion. When I got to the age where a girl needed her mother. My mother wasn’t available to me. A lot of things I had to find out the not so easy way. There has been some people that have told me, throughout my life, that I will never amount to anything.

I went away to school for two years, but finished at DeVry, Chicago. I obtained my Bachelor degree in Computer Information Systems. I got a job, working downtown Chicago, for a company. I was able to obtain my own first apartment within 6 months of employment. Then after a year and half working there, my company filed Chapter 13. I was one of the majority employees that was laid off. I didn’t want to move back in my Mother’s house. So, I decided to join the Navy Reserves.

I didn’t know at that time, that I would travel all over the world. That I would spend considerable time living overseas. I am a recipient of Iraq Freedom Medal. I spent 14 years in the US Navy Reserves. After my last deployment to Kuwait/Iraq, I decided to relocate to Marietta, Georgia. I was tired of living in Chicago and the cold weather.

I have gone from wearing combat boots in the sandbox to wearing heals in Corporate America. It wasn’t an easy road. But I made it. Some people have disliked me due to my complexion, abrasive and that I am a female veteran. People can be cruel. So, I took all the lemons that were throw at me and made lemonade out of it. I have participated in various 5k walk/run in the Atlanta area, such as, March for Babies, Diabetes, Devine Nine, Cancer to raise money for their causes. I found the GOD of my understanding, Jesus Christ. I joined and serve at church faithfully. I went back to school and got certified in my field. I am in the process of publishing my 1st book in month. I have written 3 articles for 3 different magazines.

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Raychelle Meyers Spotlight Raychelle is Married, two adult kids and two grand kids. I am CEO of Apples & Oranges Corp a 501 c 3 charitable organization that provide nutritional services to children less fortunate. I'm Founder/CEO of Raychelle Productions, LLC a company that inspires and mentors women from all over the world. She is also a Movie Producer, Author, and Speaker. Her hobbies include photography, watching football, camping, traveling, swimming, and relaxing by the water. I love family and helping women and kids less fortunate.

She is inspired to empower women to accomplish their goals and dreams in spite of hardship, oppositions, stumbling blocks, setbacks, or barriers. Raychelle said, “l get excited when mentoring women and giving them the tools needed to build and/or enhance their career or business.�

When Asked about her Accomplishments I'm a Movie Producer on the documentary film The Soul of Success: The Jack Canfield Story....working with DNA Films a 5-Time Emmy Award Winning Film Company. I'm the author of bestselling books, Confined Minds: Break Free from Imprisoned Thoughts and my second book Boss Girls in the Boardroom: How Strategy Can Boost Your Empire.

I am currently working on my third book, Thugs in Skirts. Upcoming projects include Producing a Short Film in New Orleans at the beginning of the year 2018. I will also start working on an inspirational documentary film about my own life. I will soon be touring major cities beginning January 2018 with the Stiletto Camp for Success Tour. I will speak to inspire women from all walks of life, giving them the tools needed to be successful while standing fearless in their stilettos. www.TributeMagazine.net

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I want to build positive business partnerships with School Districts and hire more mentors within my agency.

I have overcome poverty, rejection of business loans, and the struggle of building successful businesses.

Her Advice to Women Entrepreneurs Always remember being an entrepreneur is not about you, it's about your customers and providing a unique service that's different and stands out among your competitors. Remember to be a team player and not a solo player. Be professional and provide the best service or product within your power.

Readers can reach me via my website www.raychellemeyers.com or Social media: Raychelle Meyers on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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Rodan+Fields Just in time for the year-end frenzy of burning candles at both ends, Rodan + Fields has released three revolutionary antiaging items to rave results from beauty bloggers and even its independent test facility for clinical trials.

During testing of Intensive Renewing Serum with the patented #RETINAL exclusive to the Proactiv-founding, Stanford-degreed Drs. Rodan and Fields billionaires released in October, the testing facility called R+F headquarters in San Francisco to say: “We don't normally do this, but we HAD to tell you that everyone is wanting to know WHAT IS THIS? WHO MAKES IT? WHEN IS IT COMING OUT?�

Here are the highlights about the huge advance in the skincare industry which Intensive Renewing Serum, together with the r e-engineered, high-precision AMP MD 2.0 MicroExfoliating Roller ar e making: *Miracle-Worker for Anyone Aging *Stronger (20 X more potent than Retinol) *Faster (4 weeks vs. 8 weeks results) *Smarter (delivers to skin at perfect place) *Closest to prescription-strength Vitamin A without harsh side effects, making it safe for all skin types After 8 weeks of using the Redefine regimen, A MP MD Roller and Intensive Renewing Serum, 91% of study participants saw visible firmness, diminished appearance of lines and wrinkles plus an evenlooking skin tone. Skin texture appearance improved for 83% of those in the trial period. (see Photo)

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“RetinAl is as close as you can get to what we prescribe in our offices—but gentle enough for use every day," says Dr. Kathy Fields and Dr. Katie Rodan, whose second billion-dollar brand reached #1 in North American sales last year—from just Canada and the US. It opened for business in Australia earlier this year.

If you simply can’t resist staying up late to wrap presents or watch Christmas classics, there’s Active Hydration Serum’s Bright Eye Complex. In clinical tr ials for the hydr ation serum, Rodan + Fields scientists noted its reducing effect on under-eye bruises and puffiness.

That led to the creation of a topical under-eye serum to brighten and lift the eye area. RF’s proprietary invention, the 3D3P Molecule matrix keeps under-eye skin hydrated. Eyes look luminous no matter how busy life gets during the frenetic holiday season--or any other time of year!

With Bright Eye, consultants and study participants saw visible results in just hours, or one week. Optimum results occur with consistent use over 4-8 weeks.

The inaugural Gift Special of Bright Eye with a wristlet sold out about four weeks after it became available, but sells stand-alone for $70 retail. The Lash Boost-Bright Eye Launch

Special with Lash Boost, a sparkly eyelash curler and the Complex Serum is available for $220 retail from your R+F consultant.

For more information or to order as a Preferred Customer with free shipping and discounts, contact Karen K. Martin, 214.632.3949 or shop online, 24-7 @ karenkmartin.myrandf.com.

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Karen Kernodle Martin applies a donor-focused, marketing philosophy as advisor to philanthr opists and char ities. Her niche is designing infrastructure advancing 501c3s—from start-up social service agencies to higher education. Martin launched annual, major & planned gifts programs and improved fiscal controls as CEO. She met a $55 million campaign goal for Texas Woman’s University-T. Boone Pickens Institute of Health Sciences-Dallas with unpr ecedented His & Hers endowed chairs in nursing.

A Rodan + Fields skincare consultant, her passion is Leaving People, Places and Profits Better than Found by building business teams worldwide. Photographic recall, enthusiasm and organizing are gifts. Colleagues say “You KNOW everybody!” Board/staff development and strategic planning ar e led in ballr ooms and boar dr ooms. She was Texas PTA’s Chief Architect of the Gover nance & Leader ship Model r estr uctur e adopted by 2012 Conven-

tion delegates. It became the blueprint for 49 state PTA associations.

Her ‘Pedagogue’ (ENFJ) style inspired lifelong speaking and faculty experience in the areas of leadership, marketing, career and business development. Skills honed as Executive Director translate to executive search and interim roles. Credentials include Certified Fund Raising Executive, Competent Toastmaster and Fir st Class GOLD Girl Scout. Mar tin holds Public Relations and MBA degrees from Baylor, where she was Student Foundation VP and the University’s 2nd female development professional.

The Wynne, AR native married Karl D. Martin in 1984. They have 2 adult children, Kameron and Kamille, and granddaughter Kyler. Karen’s a grateful 16-year breast cancer survivor. A lifelong Baylor FANatic, she follows the Baylor Bears and fishing trends—for funding and fish!

KAREN K. MARTIN, MBA, CFRE #PhilanthropicArchitect @KMartinCEO Leaving People, Places and Profits Better than Found https://karenkmartinmyrandf.com

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Tribute Magazine had the opportunity to interview some of the co -authors of the upcoming book called; Diary of A People Pleaser.

Overcoming The Need to Conform to Others. Compiled by Cheryl Peavy. 14 amazing women are sharing something so personal, in order to break the cycle of pleasing others. What is a people pleaser? A people pleaser is a person who decides to become what others want them to became and do whatever it is to makes others happy. They put other’s people’s happiness before their own. The cost is losing their identity and happiness.

TM: What made you decide to be a part of this book collaboration?

Celeste Pickney: I chose to be part of the book collaboration to reveal how for many years of people pleasing adversely affected my life until I started the journey of self-love.

Marsha Cochrane: Something in my spirit leapt when I read the title of the book collaboration. I believe this is so because I was having a personal struggle at the time with pleasing my daughter or doing what I wanted to do. This opened up a can of worms and different instances of people pleasing came crawling out.

Sintrel Dass: The topic and description resonated with my spirit. Once I read the description, I realized that it spoke to who I used to be and wanted to share so that others could realize and understand they can be free! Say yes to YOU! Marcella D Moore: I know that I have a voice and I ask God for ways to release my voice. I deal with many women who believe this is a way to dispel that thought process.

TM: Give me one point why it is important to not live your life pleasing others?

Andrea Merriman: It is important to set boundaries and not be a pleasure because you need to understand your own worth.

Tolerance Roundtree: You will never reach your full potential if you walk in someone else’s idea of who you should be. God created each of us to be our own person. If we spend our lives pleasing others we cannot fulfill the purpose God has for our lives.

Lyvonne Copeland: People pleasing is a form of slavery. It keeps you ensnared mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. As long as you are hostage you are are not walking fully in your ordained purpose.

Jacqueline Thompson: The one aspect is that is most important to me is saying “Yes” to living your best life minus the approval of others.

TM: Who are you at your core?

Tosha Dearbone: Caring woman of God

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Andrea Merriman: I am spiritual, emotional thinker with an empathetic attitude. I now know that doesn’t equal a doormat.

Celseste Pickney: I am spiritual, life, love and now #freetobeme Marsha Cochrane: I am bold, bright, beautiful and becoming the woman each day the woman God designed me to be.

Tolerance Roundtree: I am a very confident and driven woman.

Sintrel Dass: I am purpose driven and passion led! God has equipped me to motivate, inspire, challenge, transform and encourage others to move beyond mediocrity and limitations.

Lyvonne Copeland: At the core I’m that young girl whom voice was stolen but has now found strength to fight. She is loud, proud and powerful.

Jacqueline Thompson: At the core, I’m a Christian, Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Friend and value my commitment of making them a big deal in my life. The core of who I am recognizes that I’m not perfect by no means but understands that my strengths overshadows my weaknesses. I’m passionate about people and am not shy when it comes to expressing my love and appreciation for them.

I get excited when I’m making a difference in the lives of others and I give and serve joyfully. I’m a born leader, very creative and love helping others see the greatness that’s already in them. The core of who I am is beautiful and wonderfully made with a blend of qualities combined in a unique and exceptional way!

Marcella D Moore: I am a life-giver, a daughter destined for purpose and a servant leader which in turns help me to be a better mother, sister, auntie, employee and leader.

TM: Do you think it’s important that your story be heard? Why does your voice matter?

Andrea Merriman: My voice matters because, I matter. God has given me a story to share that may help someone else.

Celeste Pickney: People Pleasing is an addiction of the suffered in silence that is a constant fight with highs and lows and through my voice I want to reach out to others to let them know they are not alone.

To show them they have a voice.

Marcella D Moore: My voice matters because it’s the voice God has given me. My voice matters because my overcome represents the power of God when we trust Him and not man. My voice matters because it’s the voice God has given me. When I stay true to my process, shortfalls and all the outcome provides an understanding and turns my volume up another level.

Jacqueline Thompson: If I didn’t share my story, I’m missing the opportunity of reaching someone who can relate to the experiences I encountered and learn from my journey. It mattes because it’s liberating to be free from wearing a mask of a person I didn’t love. My voice is authentic and speaks to others with truth, confidence, and with a brave heart.

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TM: What advice would you give to young girls, so they will not become a people pleaser?

Tosha Dearbone: Identify yourself and know that if others can’t accept you as you are, then don’t you change for them.

Andrea Merriman: Own who you are and learn self-validation.

Celeste Pickney: God first! Love Yourself! Have your own voice!

Marsha Cochrane: Young women should seek to first forge a very personal relationship with God. Then seek after knowing the reason they were created. This will create for them a road map of their journey through life. Stay the course and maintain the relationship with God. Tolerance Roundtree: You can spend your whole life trying to please someone else. However, you will never reach your full potential trying to please others. Break out and be the individual God created you to be.

Lyvonne Copeland: You are worthy of a crown so walk in your Queendom.

It was great interviewing some of the co-authors. This subject is hardly spoken on. At some point everyone has tried to please someone. It is okay to be you! Everyone is not going to like and love you. All that matters is that you like and love yourself. This anthology is set to be released early 2018.

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Thankfulness Cultivating a spirit of thankfulness honors God and strengthens our faith. It also strengthens our relationships with other people. We can’t be in a right relationship with God or with anyone without a spirit of thankfulness.

Cultivating a spirit of thankfulness is more than a good idea; it’s a direct command from God. In the Old Testament, God laid down specific guidelines for the Israelites to bring offerings of thanks. In the New Testament, believers are instructed to be thankful in all circumstances.

When we’re struggling with trials and difficulties, this sounds like a strange command, especially since we live in a culture that encourages us to act on the basis of how we feel in the moment; but God knows that when we focus on our blessings instead, it’s easier to keep our problems and concerns in the right perspective.

Being thankful also improves our physical and emotional health. Holding on to feelings of thankfulness boosts our immune system and increases blood supply to our heart. Daily guided affirmations or the habit of keeping a weekly gratitude journal can increase our alertness, enthusiasm, and energy, and improve our sleep. People who describe themselves as feeling grateful tend to suffer less stress and depression than the rest of the population.

Reminding yourself what you have to be thankful for and recording your thankfulness each day helps to cement how thankful you are. It doesn’t matter how difficult your life is at the moment, there is always something to be thankful for. Finding that will help you deal with the other parts of life. Record 3-5 things you’re thankful for at the end of every day. When you’re having a particularly difficult time, it can be beneficial to go back to what you’ve written previously.

Each day as you read the Bible ask yourself, what can I give thanks to God for? There will be many things: for who God is, what he’s life, what he’s done for us in Christ, blessings of friends/family/church. Keep on mulling over/meditating on these things throughout the day, rejoicing and giving thanks to God for them.

This attitude of thankfulness will see you through all the trials and tribulations of life.

I will give thanks to you with all my heart, O Lord my God. I will honor you forever because your mercy toward me is great. Psalms 86:12-13 Ask yourself today: How often do I express gratitude to God or to other people?

Sharon Gulley of Beautiful Expectations of Faith

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Sharon Gulley – of Beautiful Expectations of Faith Sharon Gulley is an Author, Co-Author, Editor, and Creative Writer, Article Writer, Spiritual Healer & Coach, Motivational Speaker, Domestic Violence Survivor and Advocate. Sharon Gulley spiritually counsels Women whose lives have been touched by Domestic Violence to help them to move on from the past in a healthy and productive way. She has also had a secret love for the field of Ancient Medicine; so she is studying in the fields of: Medicine vs. Science, Metaphysical Healing, Ancient Medicine and Spiritualism. She wants to bring back to the world, the Traditional but Ancient ways of healing for those who have been told they are terminally ill.

Sharon’s Books & Co-Authored Books: From Fear to Freedom, Echo’s in the Darkness, Sisterhood of Stories, The Beauty of Color-Poetry & Prose, I am Beautiful, Resilient, and The Butterfly Flutters By - Poetry. Books can be found on Amazon.com

Connect with Sharon Gulley at: Facebook.com – Sharon Gulley Sharongulley.weebly.com – website Twitter- @greenilygulley Linkendin.com – Sharon Gulley Amazon.com – Sharon Gulley Poetrysoup.com – Sharon Gulley

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LaTonya Knox Style Strategist www.latonyaknox.com Follow Me: FB: @imageandstylebylatonya Instagram: @latonya.knox

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Rhyme and Reason As I stared at this blank page for what seemed an eternity, I thought what can I contribute to this publication that I haven’t already written about? What can I possibly submit this time that would hopefully resonate with someone who reads my article? (I hope people read my articles!).

I contemplate what I will write about, what I have written in the past and wonder if I have run out of ideas for future publications. My mind reaches out searching for inspiration and guidance. Most times I come up with more questions than answers - this is where my creativity really goes into overdrive. Overdrive - ‘tis the season of overdrive, overindulge and wow, where has all the time gone this year.

I close my eyes; I picture myself sitting at my desk and typing away on my IPad. I still see a blank page - I start to feel that I am not going to make my deadline. I’ve always made all of my deadlines. I just start brain dumping and typing as fast as I possibly can. (Brain dumping can be therapeutic.)

My love of wellness through fitness and nutrition has and always will be my passion. There is always something passionate to write about when it comes fitness and nutrition. What do I therefore have to add to an already crowded field?

What I have to say about my blank page truly comes from the heart. The rhyme and reason of the Christmas season is that the best Christmas gift I could ever give to all of my readers is that you can have a healthier tomorrow. Your healthier tomorrow starts with you. The best gift you can give to yourself is taking care of your health. This is also the best gift you can give to your loved ones!

We are in the season of perpetual hope and overindulgence. Some may think it’s okay to have a little of this and a little of that. The trouble is a little of this and a little of that type of thinking can add to a lot more stress on our bodies - physically and emotionally not to mention the added pounds - ugh, the extra pounds. (Yes, I have been there!).

We are running around so much that we often eat on the go on fast food that may be convenient but is not good for us at all. This ultimately makes us cranky and irritable (no, not me!) Our sleep patterns are also disrupted from the demands and feelings of keeping up with everything.

How can we calmly and collectively get enough rest and stick with a sensible Nutrition plan that doesn’t add any extra weight? Planning ahead as much as possible. (Okay, years ago I would say to myself is that I need some concrete evidence on how to go about this - I clearly remember reading an article about this very issue.) My previous article on ‘Say NO to the Seasonal Seven’ and my holiday plan of PHRM is for keeping it as simple and sustainable as possible: Pack, Hydration, Rest and Movement.

Pack your lunch each day with protein and veggies (water soluble veggies such as celery and cucumbers are great to pack. They are great to eat on the go in your car or at the office and also help in hydrating your body.). If you know you are going to be out and about especially after work, pack your dinner as well. (Do not skip any meals - this will put your body into fat storing mode.)

Hydration - drink water or seltzer as much as possible! If you buy your water and seltzer on the go, choose ones that do not add any sugar - anything that has an “ose” in its’ name is sugar.

Rest - try to stick with going to bed at the same time each evening. This includes time to wind-down.

Movement - set some time aside each day and if not every day, a minimum of 3 times per week to exercise. This will certainly assist your body and soul with the stresses of the holiday season.

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Keep in mind that eating and drinking unhealthy this time of year or anytime of year for that matter leads to bad habits which are unhealthy and typically hard to break on New Year's Day. The best gift you can give yourself is creating a healthy investment plan that works for you and your family.

You can enjoy the holidays - don’t deny yourself but don’t assume that overindulging will only last for a short time. Weight can come on easy but can be extremely hard to take off. I know from personal experience - I created my rhyme and reason and I am here to assist you to do the same.

Interested in a new investment plan? Your return can be amazing!

Janis Melillo lives in North Haven, Connecticut with her husband, Gary. She is a Transformation/Wellness Coach who works with women on their transformation path towards wellness through fitness and nutrition by implementing small changes leading to a healthier lifestyle overall. She is a certified health coach having received her training through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. She is a former licensed massage therapist and certified personal trainer and brings a different perspective on living a nutritious life.

Janis brings her love of wellness to reach as many people as possible on social media. She is the host of a few Facebook groups: Circle of Hope, FitnessByDesign-411, GlutenFreeByDesign-411, and Busy Entrepreneurs Wellness Hub with Janis Melillo. She is the owner of her health coaching business WellnessByDesign. Her Facebook business account is: @WellnessByDesign411. You can also find Janis on Twitter: www.twitter.com/MelilloJanis Instagram: www.Instagram.com/MelilloJanis.

Along with fitness and nutrition, Janis is an International Best Selling Co-Author and has copublished 6 books so far this year! She obviously loves to write and five of the books she co-authored hit the International Best Seller List - 2 claimed the #1 spot! Her other co-authored book recently hit #1 Amazon Best Seller in its category. She has also written a couple of articles for different on-line publications and will now be a featured monthly contributor with Tribute Magazine.

If you are in need of Janis' assistance and are ready to embark on your wellness journey, you may contact Janis through her website at: WellnessByDesign.liveeditaurora.com, (386) 717-0914 or email: Janis@janismelillo.com.

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Spotlight- Miasha Gilliam-El “How Your Life Begins Is Not How Your Life Has To End. If You Change Your Thoughts, You Can Change Your Life.”

Miasha “MIMI” Gilliam-El is a wife, mother of six, 2x Best-Selling Author, Poet, Elder, Advocate against domestic violence / childhood molestation, former co-host on “The Challenge to the Community-WHAP 1340 Am Radio with Mr. Sherman Cross, and the CEO and Founder of Herbal Delitz Cupcakes. Mrs. Gilliam-El participated in an anthology called ‘Shift On’ with Ms. Nikki Woods where she shares her testimony of how she survived domestic violence, childhood molestation, and how she was given a second chance at life after having her heart stop for 16 minutes in Feb. 2012 due to Pregnancy Induced Cardiomyopathy.

Mrs. Gilliam-El now shares with individuals the power of changing your thoughts and perceptions in order to obtain a positive outcome.

As an advocate she believes sharing her story will help to break the chain of silence. Mrs. Gilliam-El's intent to let others know there is hope for a better future. She is making survivors aware that how their life begins, is not how their story has to end. Mrs. Gilliam-El's mission is to help survivors realize that they have the power to make changes in our communities as well as in the world.

We are spotlighting Miasha Gilliam-El’s and her Books, ‘Transition Your Life Inspirational Guidance Through Uplifting Quotes’ This is book is a short read that will edify, encourage and uplift you through any situation. It includes powerful quotes and applications you can utilize to retaliate against negativity.

Miracles of Life: How I Survived The Slent Killer This is her story of faith, hope, and perseverance. It is an eye-opening true account that took place in 2012 in which she realized she was about to go through an experience that only God could bring her through. Misha’s death experience allowed her to see that miracles do still happen today.

Herbal Delitz Cupcakes, Herbal Delitz Cupcakes was started by a Miasha Gilliam-El; A Registered Nurse in 2012 after experiencing a health crisis. It started with a vision of health and wellness.

Miasha wanted to utilize her knowledge to assist others by allowing them to enjoy delicious treats without unwanted consequences. Her custom cupcakes are made with some of the finest ingredients such as lavender and Agave Nectar. These delicious cupcakes will tempt your palate and have you desiring more.

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Miasha also overcome Domestic Violence, Childhood Molestation, and Pregnancy Induced Cardiomyopathy in 2012 where her heart stopped for 16 minutes. I was able to survive and become a Registered Nurse, Author and Entreprenuer.

You can find Miasha at: Face book: www.facebook.com/miashagilliam-el Instagram: www.instagram.com/iamMGE Twitter: www.twitter.com/iamMGE Periscope: www.periscope.com/myasia35 website: www.herbaldelitzcupcakes.wix.com/mgilliam-el www.herbaldelitzcupcakes.wix.com/all-natural

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