Urban Lux Magazine Deconstructed Holiday DEC/JAN 2011 issue

d e c | jan 2011

deconstructed holiday

S T Y L E | CU L T U RE | C ON SC I E N C E

URBAN LUX MAGAZINE

URBAN LUX MAGAZINE Wishing you a happy holiday and a lux filled new year

| CONT E N T S |

| CONTENTS |

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contributors

urban lux approved

- shop: our stocking stuffer picks

STYLE

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CULTURE

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CONSCIENCE

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the lux team

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photo: ISH HOLMES

editor’s note

- handmade

- holiday state of mind

- 40 girls and some shoes deconstructed holiday the photography of ish holmes

focus

- effortless holiday entertaining - holiday travel tips - revitalize your personal and business life - fit solutions

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real raw advice

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on the lux scene

ON THE COVER photography: Ish Holmes model: Alasia Ballard hair: Tina Fuller mua: Makaila Parson & Corinne Fairley wardrobe: Coposhi Boutique jewelry: Chelle Ear Art - myspace.com/chelle_ear_ar

ShopHim.com

| EDI TOR’S NOTE |

| EDITOR’S NOTE | THE PLANNING OF THE D E C | J A N i s s u e o f U L M s t a r t e d o f f a s a vision of all things GLITZ, GLAM and LUX. As I got more into it and began my collaboration with our featured photographer, Ish Holmes, I had to take the same advice I had given him a couple months ago. I told him to not be afraid to take risk and do work that was outside of the norm. What we ended up with was a mesh of Urban Decay, Abandonment and the Holiday Season. In reality, this is indicative of the hardship that many families are facing today. So as we celebrate the season, let’s keep in mind the less fortunate and make it a point to lend a hand to someone in need.

Enjoy . . .

LENTHEUS CHANEY - Publisher / Editor URBAN LUX MAGAZINE | LentheusC@UrbanLuxMagazine.com | 888-446-1269

photo: Ish Holmes

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IN MEMORY OF William Kevin Bright

April 26, 1970 - November 16, 2010

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| THE LUX TEAM |

| THE LUX TEAM |

CONTRIBUTORS Zach Davis

Zach Davis is a father; husband, life coach, and author, whose passion to inform and help others led him to the pages of ULM to give you real relationship advice.

Along with his friend Okeeba Jubalo, they form Z & O Publishing, an urban publishing company.

Jacquee Minor

A compelling communicator with more than twenty years experience communicating key messages, in print and public forums, to various audiences. She seeks to enrich the human experience with thoughtful communication, utilizing her writing talents to create human connections.

She is the creative wordsmith behind J.Minorlogues.

Okeeba Jubalo

A true Renaissance Man & Visionary; Poet, Photographer, Fine Artist, Graphic Artist, Musician, Song Writer, Entrepreneur & Author. Read his raw wisdom in Sugar & Salt, the ULM relationship column.

OkeebaJubalo.com

Monica Compton

Compton is a business owner of Pinnacle Productions Inc., a full-service event planning agency.

She is an award-winning writer and trained journalist. Compton worked as a reporter for a Pulitzer Prizewinning newspaper and has been published in numerous industry magazines. She is currently writing a novel and a travel book.

LaToya Dockery

Pioneering entrepreneur and innovative small business owner, LaToya Dockery, has set up shop inspired by her passion for elevating others. With more than ten years of experience as an executive assistant, opening and running her own administrative support firm, Heavenly Assistants, LLC, was a venture suited for Mrs. Dockery’s capable hands.

Warren A. Huntley

Artist, Designer, Seasoned Party Planner, Writer, Commentator, Instructor, Stylemaker and twenty-five year veteran of the Entertainment & Special Events Industry, Warren A. Huntley, a Brooklyn, New York native who grew up in North Carolina knew early on that his destiny would be “creating lifestyles!”

Anita Regas

Anita is known to many as a “wellness connoisseur” because of her knowledge in fitness and nutrition. Her divine purpose is to educate and equip the world with how to live a healthy lifestyle. She is a certified group fitness instructor and founder of Simply Ladies Fitness.

Her mission is to coach 1000 women every month to achieving their fitness and weight loss goals.

Briian Dargon

Imagery, Details, Old and New School Cool and a fascination with birds led Founder and Designer of BSIXTEE6 Clothing Company/Photographer Briian Dargon to our pages AGAIN. Briian currently finishing up his first book “Broke(n) Genius”

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| SHOP |

| SHOP |

URBAN LUX APPROVED OUR STOCKING STUFFER PICKS Decorate your season with hopes and dreams. The Heart HSN 2010 Designer Ornament Collection includes over 70 exclusive ornaments designed by some of your favorite personalities in support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® $19.90 - $299.90 HSN.com keyword: St. Jude

Mary J. Blige

Martha Stewart

Sara Jessica Parker

Sean Combs

Capture the essence of Havana. Boticario de Havana In the 1940’s the world flocked to Havana; they came for the nightlife, but left with the secrets of the “boticarias” - the small apothecaries that dotted the side streets and specialized in natural skin care remedies made from local plant materials. Coffee bean, tobacco flower and pure essences and extracts of orange, sugar cane and sweet pineapple were used to promote beautiful, soft and healthy looking skin. $6.00 - $29.00 | Archipelago-usa.com

A stylish pooch is a happy pooch. Stuff your canine’s stocking with these fashionable silk collars guaranteed to get tails a wagging.

The Urban Silk Collection Collar - $40.00 Lead - $44.00 TheUrbanAnimalScientist.com

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URBAN LUX APPROVED

| SHOP |

| SHOP |

Function meets fashion as you express your style and individuality with this twist on the typical Bluetooth earpiece.

From sports teams to pop artists, Earloomz’ Bluetooth products feature over 400 different designs to choose from that are as unique as you are. $69.99 | EARLOOMZ.com

Design your own cereal from 60+ allnatural ingredients, name your creation, and upload a picture right to the label!

Cereal then arrives in a Cereal Capsule, designed for portability and keeping your mix fresh. A healthy stocking stuffer.

Design your own or order the Holiday Mix . $12.99 + $3.99 shipping MeAndGoji.com

Surprise him this holiday with a unique piece of wearable art. FREDDYE, the new men’s line from Mollye Jewelry Collection makes its debut on the pages of ULM. Bracelet 1, Three rows of leather with handwoven silk and hemitite and sterling silver stones (adjustable) Bracelet 2, Three rows of leather with handwoven silk and lava and sterling silver stones (adjustable) $180.00 | Mollye.net

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| STYLE

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HANDMADE BuyOlympia – This is one of the original handmade sites that have been around for about 10 years. It started in 1999 in Olympia, Washington to give local handmade artists a way to sell their goods online. They have a great selection of handmade goods, with the most popular being clothing and accessories. They also have handmade items for kids, as well as a variety of handmade paper goods.

BUYOLYMPIA.com Folksy – James Boardwell and Rob Lee started Floksy in the UK, to give craft and design talent a way to showcase their handmade goods and sell them online. The site has been around since 2002 and has a great selection of handmade goods. One of the more popular niches on the site is the handmade jewelry.

FOLKSY.com DaWanda – European based DaWanda has operations in the UK, France, and Germany. It is one of the most popular sites in Europe for those people looking to buy or sell handmade goods online.

DaWanda also sells a wide variety of handcrafting supplies for aspiring or seasoned handmade artists to buy.

EN.DAWANDA.com

THE RISE IN UNEMPLOYMENT and the current

state of the economy has many turning to crafting as a means of support. Those who once made handmade items just for fun and as giveaways to friends and family are now transforming their hobby into viable businesses. This shift is why buying and selling handmade goods online is on the rise both domestically and internationally and its increased popularity has sparked the creation of several online ecommerce sites that support this large community of crafters. Handmade ecommerce sites give the opportunity to find thousands of items such as clothing, art, furniture or a one of a kind handmade item that no one else will have.

1000 Markets – Seattle based 1000 Markets has created The Artisan Experience™, where you can buy and sell handcrafted goods.

There are over 90,000 unique products that you can browse through.

1000MARKETS.com ArtFire – Started in 2008 in Arizona, this small company is all about handmade goods and independent artists. It is truly a member driven community where they can influence the future of the site so that it continues to be a great forum to buy and sell handmade goods.

ARTFIRE.com

Etsy – IF you do not know about Etsy by now, then you probably do not spend much time shopping online. Etsy is one of the biggest online handmade marketplaces in the world, with buyers and sellers from over 150 countries. You can find almost any handmade good imaginable on Etsy, and if it is not there yet, it is likely one of the artBuying handmade is a great way to support artists all over the world ists could make it for you. All you have to do is ask. thus helping them make a living from their skills. I consider this ETSY.com a way of giving back to the community. Selling online is truly the best way for these artisans to succeed, as most cannot afford to PoppyTalk HandMade – This site is unique in that it does not let open up a retail store that only caters to locals. artists sell anything direct, but instead gives them a forum to showcase Handmade sites first became popular in the U.S. and have now their top handmade goods for others to browse. The artists can then become popular all over the world. Here are a few sites to get showcase their online presence so people can know where to go to you started with your h a n d m a d e e x p e r i ence browsing for buy their handmade goods.

POPPYTALKHANDMADE.com cool and unique finds.

Consider supporting local artisans this holiday season by buying handmade. It’s good business, good for the community and good for the economy.

by: LENTHEUS CHANEY

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HOLIDAY STATE OF MIND

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GROWING UP IN HARLEM in the 60’s and 70’s, Christmas

CULTURE

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to me meant the smell of homemade pies in the oven, splitting pea pods down the center, helping mash the potatoes and decorating the tree. Another tradition I remember was two weeks before Christmas, my nana would have me sit down and write old Santa Claus a letter explaining to him how good I had been. My letter would go on forever as I would try my best to explain why I deserved to have at least twenty of the forty items on my list.

By the way, I never got a response from Santa but I did receive a key chain from Oral Roberts.

Those were the days. It was a simpler time when gathering the family together to enjoy good food, good conversation and great laughter was the most important part of the holiday. What didn’t seem as important was how many gifts you would find under the tree with your name on them and less important was being concerned about how much they cost. I’m saddened by the loss of those simpler times.

Don’t get me wrong, commercialism has always played a part in the season of giving. Department stores such as Gimbels, Blumstein’s, Bamberger’s and Woolworth’s would send holiday circulars daily from November 25th until after Christmas. My Grandmother wasn’t a big believer in Christmas as it relates to buying gifts. She would always say “If I wanna buy Shirlene a coat, I’m not gonna wait until a piece of paper tells me this is the time of year to buy it”.

Another one of my favorite quotes of hers was, “You can’t get blood out of a turnip”, meaning if you had to choose between eating and buying a gift for someone, what would your choice be?

For most Americans, that question has been answered for them. In this economic tailspin that most are currently facing, it may seem almost vile to see someone other than yourself being able to afford items considered luxurious. I’m a firm believer in not creating stress during the holidays by worrying about what someone else is cooking in their kitchen.

Despite reports to the contrary, most Americans are not seeing the country rebound from what experts say is the worst recession since the Great Depression of 1929. Yet, even with the country being in a monetary famine, the National Retail Federation is projecting 2010 holiday sales to rise 2.3% from 2009. If NRF’s 2.3% estimate is correct, holiday sales this year would be $447.1 billion.

With the jobless rate at an all time high, who exactly is spending this money that we supposedly don’t have? We are that’s who! We work overtime hours, get second jobs, beg, borrow and sometimes steal to make sure the people we care about and sometimes those we don’t, have a gift on Christmas morning.

Understanding the true meaning of Christmas would most certainly alleviate the depression and stress that is usually associated with the American practice of gift giving. It’s important to realize that it’s not about how much money you spend but more about how much time you spend reconnecting on a mental and spiritual level with your loved ones. Combine that realization with being of service to those truly in need and you my friends have recaptured the holiday state of mind.

The practice of gift giving during the holidays will always be around but the thing to remember is that dolls break, sweaters get holes and tee shirts fade. Knowing that you have given and received genuine love is priceless and you’ll never be broke from that. by: BRIIAN DARGON

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40 GIRLS AND SOME SHOES

WHAT STARTED AS A MILESTONE celebration seven years ago set in motion a monumental shift that would chart a new course in Sylvia Webb’s journey and change thousands of lives.

Webb, along with four of her best friends, all turning 40 in the same year, got together to plan a joint celebration of their arrival into full womanhood. Some of them have known each other since daycare, others met in high school. Having experienced the joys and sorrows, triumphs and tragedies of each other’s lives over the years, they wanted this celebration to reflect their special bond. Out of the lifelong friendship, as well as a mutual love of shoes, a catchy name emerged. They coined the phrase “40 Girls and Some Shoes” as the theme for the celebration.

Milestone birthdays are oftentimes both a cause for celebration and for contemplation. Many of us begin to question why we’re here. Turning forty marked the time when Webb, always a generous giver, began the search in earnest for deeper meaning in her life. She couldn’t imagine the turn of events that would help her find it.

The news of a cousin’s sudden death came in 2005, dead of a heart attack without warning. More shocking was word that the cousin, with whom Webb had been close all of her life, had been living in a homeless shelter at the time, unbeknownst to any of the family. The defining moment came when she learned that among her cousin’s meager belongings the shelter returned were two pairs of shoes.

In the quest to understand the fate that had befallen her cousin, Webb found the purpose she had been searching for. She began frequenting homeless shelters, volunteering to help those who needed a helping hand. The image of two pairs of shoes in a bag continued to haunt her.

That’s when she decided her birthday celebration theme would be the perfect name for her life’s work. She started 40 Girls and Some Shoes charity to put shoes on homeless feet.

“I bring but a small gift to the homeless and poor, but they walk away with a big step towards a better future, and for that I am proud,” Webb says earnestly.

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She hosts an annual shoe-raiser, a glittering all-black attire festivity, at which she collects most of the shoes she gives away.

Donations pour in throughout the year, however, from people all around the country who spread the word about 40 Girls and Some Shoes. While she initially focused her attention on women and children, Webb’s collection now includes men’s shoes in response to the many requests from men who would ask for help, and from men who wanted to pitch in.

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Some of the shelters that have benefited from 40 Girls and Some Shoes include My Sisters House, Atlanta Day Shelter, Cascade Closet, Peachtree & Pine and Must Ministries of Smyrna.

Webb often gives away shoes in parks where homeless gather.

She recently hosted a shoe shopping spree for the students of Centennial Park Elementary School and their families, at which they distributed over 500 pairs of shoes. One volunteer literally gave away the shoes on her feet when a woman couldn’t find her size among the rows of shoes.

Founded in 2007 with the primary purpose of col lecting and distributing shoes to the homeless, the organization’s mission was expanded when the recession hit home. A friend who lost her job a couple of years ago and had not been able to find a new one made Webb aware that some people who had a roof over their heads could still not afford to buy shoes.

A career flight attendant whose travels have taken her all over the world, Webb and a cast of volunteers have distributed more than 4000 pairs of new and gently worn shoes, free of charge, to people in metro Atlanta who need them most. The small charity is getting noticed for the impact it is having on the local community. Atlanta City Councilman Kwanza Hall issued a proclamation naming May 31st as ‘40 Girls and Some Shoes Day’. With a $1K grant from Wells Fargo Bank, Webb plans to purchase shoes to give away to children during the holidays.

Webb, a bundle of boundless energy, has gained new power in this passion. When talking about living in purpose, she is even more animated. “I’m more grateful and gracious than ever,” Webb says. “It’s a great feeling.”

If you want to know more about the organization and how you can help, go to www.40girlsandsomeshoes.org, or email info@40girlsandsomeshoes.org, or call 678-457-8500. by: JACQUEE MINOR photography by: AVERI WASHINGTON

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deconstructed holiday |the photography of ish holmes|

hair: TINA FULLER & TAMALA SMITH mua: MAKAILA PARSON (creative ass’t.), CORINNE FAIRLEY & LONDYN JUWELZ’ photographers ass’t.: STEPHEN GRAHAM styling: LENTHEUS CHANEY jewelry(earings): CHELLE EAR ART set design: BEYOND YOUR IMAGINATION, BRANDON MINCEY, JESSIKA GILBERT

ishholmes.com

better to give Tailored suit. Royal Fit Collection - $1250.00 Leather Don Duffel - $900.00 (holiday special)

by Donnie Wellz Place orders by December 10th for New Years delivery - DonnieWellz.com | 678-910-4997 model: Mark Gelinas

the grench who stole BOTERI – white calf-skin leather accented with white, croc-print patent leather and silver hardware - $685.00 JENNA – gold matte calf-skin leather accented with a black patent leather bow and gold hardware - $435.00 AMBER – caramel, antique finish calf-skin leather accented with black, antique finish calf-skin leather and gold hardware - $365.00

by Mel Boteri Place custom orders by December 13th for Christmas delivery - MelBoteri.com | Melanie@MelBoteri.com | 404-259-9196 model: Desiree’ Young wardrobe: Oddity Stylelab

i saw mommy One of a kind custom Feathered Jeans - $160.00

by BSIXTEE6 Place orders by December 10th for Christmas delivery - briian@bsixtee6.com models: Crystal Luna & Jacob Allinson

EMPIRE FETICHE HOODIE model: Von Vincent hair & makeup: Billionaire styling: FAGNIDI Alain Michel photo: FAGNIDI Alain Michel

all these gifts The Presidential Hounds-Tooth Custom Suit by Gene Gimono - $399.00 Place orders by December 9th for Christmas delivery - GeneGimono.com model: Maple Baker

santa’s little Goddess Bracelet with chain to ring - $175.00 Bermuda Slice neckpiece - $145.00

by Enjeanious by Rean Place orders by December 21st for Christmas delivery - EnjeaniousByRean@gmail.com model: Ashley Smith

all that gliters One of a kind 20� teardrop shape black onyx necklace with 3mm onyx beads and 5mm crystals - $68.00

by Jewelry By Darcel Place orders by December 17th for Christmas delivery - JewelryByDarcel.com model: Canicka Cabarras

naughty

HIM Sexy Fine Fragrance - $55.00

by HIM Fine Fragrances Place orders by December 21st for Christmas delivery - ShopHim.com models: Chad Farley & Laila L’amour

unwrapped Alexandria Gown - $1500.00

by The Empress Collection Place orders by December 15th for Christmas delivery - PlushBoutique.net model: Rosalynn Wilson

on the 12th day DESIGUAL Sweater - $114.00 MAVI Jean - $98.00 COPOSHI BOUTIQUE - Coposhi.com model: Alasia Ballard

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HOLIDAY TIPS EFFORTLESS HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING ‘TIS THE SEASON and it’s certainly no secret that this is my Start by setting the date early. Schedules fill up fast between

favorite time of year! Even in the mist of countless parties and events, that I both produce for clients and attend, I gladly welcome the opportunity to open my home to celebrate and enjoy some much needed social time with friends and family.

You needn’t be a seasoned party planner or event specialist to effortlessly celebrate the season. It’s important to remember that organization is truly the secret to a successful party in addition to orchestrating the occasion so that it doesn’t stretch your resources.

To assist you to Effortlessly Entertain this holiday season, I offer you these few tips.

HOLIDAY TRAVEL

Thanksgiving and New Year’s, so reserve your date early. It’s hard to do something on Fridays or Saturdays in early December since people are booked with office parties and other obligations they can’t wiggle out of.

Set the vibe. Reflecting your own personal style and taste is key.

Add interest with shapes and textures in your place settings and food presentations. Even considering unusual food vessels from champagne saucers filled with nuts on the bar and marinated olives in martini glasses on a side table to gleaming tea lights in cocktail glasses in the stairwell and even tucking gift-wrapped boxes in unexpected places like around a bed table, a random bench or dining room sideboard. Even inexpensive glass ornaments in a tall cylinder or bowl adds texture and interest with the same wow factor as an expensive array of fresh florals.

Set the palette. Turn your food presentations into an interactive experience such as Chocolate Fondue Fountains or even build your own mini Pasta, Salad and Potato Bars. Guests are inevitably forced to mix, mingle and interact while experimenting with spectacular food and flavor combinations.

Your menu should reflect your celebration whether simple pick-ups for a cocktail party, a heavy spread for dinner or late evening and even simple desserts and sweets for a casual, afternoon affair.

Finally, set the mood and relax. Every time I entertain, I take a few moments to take in all my hard work ensuring that all candles are lit and that the perfect music is playing. I then pour myself a drink and relax anticipating the first arrival ensuring that my friends enjoy my home as much as I do.

by: WARREN A HUNTLEY

WHETHER YOU’RE AN entrepreneur on a solo vacation Many airlines have a flexible travel date option. By checking this

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or a family person toting two kids and a spouse to your in-laws, holiday travel does not have to break your budget. While booking in advance can garner the best rates, short-term travel planning can also be one of the best timeframes to find air deals.

option, you will be shown a calendar of low, medium and high rates depending on the date selected. Remember though, if you are staying in a hotel, the reduction in airfare due to arriving earlier should offset the cost of the hotel room for an extra night.

It used to be that booking your airfare 21 days in advance was the only way to get the best rates. But just as hotels need to “put heads in beds,” so do the airlines need to fill seats. Depending on the popularity of the destination, booking14 days in advance of your trip is usually the most lead time you need to get economy fares. Don’t worry as much about the Saturday night stay over to get the best rate, because for many airlines that requirement is also a thing of the past.

Some airlines give deals with a Monday return. Many business travelers need to return on a Sunday to be back in the office on a Monday. By changing your arrival or return by just one day, you could see substantial savings. Traveling on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day will show substantial savings than traveling the day after. To avoid over-the-phone customer service fees, book your trip online.

If you live in a city with multiple airports, always check the rates for each. The smaller airports will have fewer flights, but will also see fewer delays.

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Remember not to pack wrapped gifts and don’t take wrapped gifts through security. Security personnel may have to unwrap the packages. It’s best to bring wrapping and tape with you or buy at your destination.

TRAVEL TIP: Experiment with d i f f e r ent arrival and departure patterns to get the best rates. by: MONICA COMPTON

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REVITALIZE YOUR PERSONAL AND BUSINESS LIFE

AS HUMAN BEINGS when we grow in our life and careers we tend to become unorganized. Papers get stacked and compiled everywhere from the car to the bedroom. Tasks become mountains of sticky notes and multiplied words on whiteboards. Before we know it, we have missed out on enjoying life and have lost time we can never regain. Many studies show that a job, career, house or office more organized tended to remain more peaceful.

In the same studies, offices, jobs, and careers which incurred more clutter tended to have the polar opposite of peace--frustration. If the latter is you or if you just need to get things back on track; revitalization can help you attain the organization that is needed to refresh you. It is very important that we take back control of our lives so we can maintain our businesses, create a lasting legacy for our families and uplift the people around us.

Listed next are a few techniques you can use to revive your life in its entirety.

1. Make goals. Creating personal as well as business goals are great ways to revitalize your life. By creating goals you put a lasso around your dreams so they can become reality.

2. Overcome procrastination. Time is something that can always be lost but once it’s gone that time can never be replaced.

Procrastination is defined as putting off a task until a future date. At its’ worst it can be denoted as ‘doing something else when there are more important things to do.’

In order for us to overcome the business wrecker (procrastination) you must develop great time management skills and set them in place.

3. Establish a routine. A routine will help with your time management which is an important factor in the rebirth of your life.

Having a routine contributes to you getting familiar with achieving everyday necessities.

4. Get organized. Being organized saves you time, money and eliminates unnecessary stress. Don’t be afraid to donate old clothes, books and anything lying around that you haven’t used in more than 3 months. Think of it this way, your dream needs to breathe… so eliminate anything that will suffocate it.

5. Keep a positive attitude. As your attitude changes, the attitudes of your family and friends will also. Realize that you are a thermostat not a thermometer!

Thermometers take the temperature of what’s around it; thermostats change the temperature to what it wants. Don’t allow people to change you. Dismiss all negative people around you.

6. Volunteer. Volunteering not only allows you to help other people but also helps you to see life the way others see it. It also allows you to gain experience in other areas of your professional life as well as networking while meeting great people.

7. Read. Reading allows you to keep up with current events, what’s new in your industry and what’s going on around the world. Personal development and self-help books (Check out Discover a New You by Dr. Jamie Pleasant) are great for redefining or reestablishing yourself. It’s also a proven fact that while reading may not make you smarter it does make you more knowledgeable.

8. Take a vacation. Take a couple days away from life by yourself or with your significant other. No work, No phones, No computers…just relax. Your mental, emotional and spiritual health should be your top priority. Without your health, everything you are working toward means nothing. Taking a vacation allows you to release the stress of everyday life.

Benefits - By taking action with using the techniques listed above, your life will do a complete 180 going in the direction of success.

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RESOLVE & RENE W FIT SOLUTIONS

Parties, food, shopping, parties, food and shopping, if this sounds like your holiday schedule then the next logical thought is “lose those added holiday pounds starting in January”. With Thanksgiving already past us and Christmas steadily approaching, it is very easy to get out of the routine of working out and eating healthy. The good news is, this is acceptable, when you equip yourself with a few secrets to stay ahead of your New Year’s resolution to lose weight. You can keep yourself from gaining those unwanted five to seven pounds during the holiday festivities by practicing some simple steps.

Step one: Get moving! Include in your daily routine 30 minutes of cardio exercise. If you are pressed for time tr y high intensity inter val training which allows you to burn huge amounts of calories in a short period of time.

Step two: Eat a high fiber and protein breakfast everyday! Do not skip breakfast, if you are in a rush grab an apple and some skim milk to start the day. Try to stay away from high sugar packed cereals, waffles, pancakes, French toast instead have a boiled egg and yogurt.

Step three: Keep healthy snacks with you at all times. You should eat a small snack every two to three hours to keep your insulin levels balanced. Fruit, celery sticks and raw almonds are all great to consume and easy to tuck away in your bag.

Step four: Eat light meals on days you have a festivity planned. If you are going to a dinner party be sure to have a smaller breakfast and lunch but don’t skip these meals to save room for a big dinner. Skipping a meal will lead to overeating at your dinner party.

Step five: Drink plenty of water. You should be drinking at least half your weight in ounces per day. For example, if you are 160 pounds you should be drinking 80 ounces of water a day. This may seem like a lot but spread your consumption throughout the day. Often times we confuse dehydration for hunger. If you keep your body hydrated you are less likely to have sugar and salt cravings.

After the holiday season is behind you start the year off strong by maximizing your nutritional intake and exercise program. Take the first week in January to set realistic fitness or weight loss goals. Always remember that being healthy is a lifestyle that you must practice all year long.

by: LaTOYA DOCKERY

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by:ANITA REGAS

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sugar and salt RAW,REAL, RELATIONSHIP ADVICE FROM ZACH & OKEEBA

ZACH: Women can get complacent in relationships when it comes to sex but first you have to look at yourself and see if you are doing anything that could be the cause. If everything on your end is good then you might want to take a good look at her and make sure she’s not getting her fill somewhere else. If everything is good on both ends then you need to tell her that your needs aren’t being met and if she doesn’t respond, then her holding out may have to result in another woman holding on...to you!

OKEEBA: Honestly, that’s kind of ugly. There could be a number of reasons why your sex kitten doesn’t purr anymore. Have you cheated on her?

Has your or her looks turned to crap? Is she stressed about not having any children? You need to get to the core of the problem. If she is just being lazy, then you might want to let her smell another woman’s %!$$* on your mustache.

I am not saying that you go out and screw another woman, but you should remind your wife that you have options. Some women get too content when they’ve been married for some time. They can forget what it’s like to be single…out in DATING WORLD.

Yo, Z&O!, I’m married to a Daddy’s Girl and her daddy won’t stay out of my home. My wife is always going to him for advice and money. I can’t take it anymore. .- Fed Up. ZACH: As a man I can understand the situation and how its making you feel like less of a man. However as a father of a little girl, I can also understand how hard it is to let go. You have to make sure that you are taking care of his daughter as good as or even better than he did. Honestly you can try speaking to her about it, but it may not go anywhere if they are really close. After a while she may make the same moves and just won’t tell you. Try to speak to him and he should respect you for coming to him man to man.

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Z&O, I’ve been married with no kids for almost 7 years and my wife is losing interest in our sex life. When I want some, she is always too tired.

When I do get it; she is giving me some lazy sex that doesn’t do it for me.

We’ve talked, but nothing has changed. When we dated I would get it all the time, now she is throwing it at me like an old lady.- Daddy Blue B.

| RAW REAL ADVICE

| RAW REAL ADVICE |

OKEEBA: Look dawg, you need to sit your woman down and let her know that it’s not cool for her daddy to run YOUR HOUSE. If she is getting light bill money or mortgage money because you aren’t working then that is a different story. If she is just being spoiled and wants to go shopping then you need to get YOUR HOUSE in order. First get her in line and then if it continues then it’s time to step to her dad. MAN-UP…GRAB YOUIR BALLS.

Dear Zach and Okeeba, My husband hangs out like he is single. We are newly married (3 Years) and he still moves around like he is single. What should I do? - Home Alone.

ZACH: A man that’s always in the streets is one who’s missing something at home...bottom line. Now a woman’s definition of “always” at times differs from men, if it is once a week, then that’s not “always”, but if it’s several nights a week then he is looking for something that you can’t offer him. If you are 3 years into a marriage and he’s always done this, it may just be how he is. If this just started you might not have to worry about this much longer because he may be soon taking his show on the road permanently.

Please submit your RAW REAL questions to ZandO@urbanluxmagazine.com

OKEEBA: Try talking to him and see why he likes to hang out so much. Does he take you out too or is he running like he is single…for real? Steel sharpens steel…the next time he goes out you should get dressed and do the same. Put your “Catch Em” dress on and go out…stay out all night and don’t call him. Even if you have to stay at a girlfriend’s house, do it. Let him know how it feels when your words aren’t working. Speak German to a German!

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| ON THE LUX SCENE

| URBAN LUX MAGAZINES’S DESTINATION SOUTH AFRICA ISSUE RELEASE - OCTOBER 15, 2010 |

ON THE LUX SCENE

| URBAN LUX MAGAZINE released the DESTINATION SOUTH AFRICA issue at Gems Of Africa Fine Art Gallery.

Proceeds benefited The Diamond Empowerment Fund.

Get on “THE LUX SCENE”! Text the word LUX to 24587

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photography by: ISH HOLMES