VMH Magazine - Issue 32

PROACTIVE HEALTH TIPS TO HELP NAVIGATE YEAR 2 OF THE PANDEMIC

ISSUE 3

‘Get unstuck and script a new future.’ Dr. Cindy Trimm

TESSA WHITE The Job Doctor

Small Business Tips & Essential Items for Branding

Helps You Reclaim Job Security “A (career) pivot can be done by anyone at anytime in their career. .’

Quick Clicks

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How to Shop Online Like a Pro

Tessa White, The Job Doctor

REAL. CONVERSATIONS. WITH VIKKI JONES

Style .

Versatility.

Unique.

VIKKIJONES.COM

ing can sav smart about ca.com/more Photo courtesy of Getty Images

FAMILY FEATURES

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ver the past year, online shopping has become the norm for all kinds of purchases, from groceries and household essentials to gifts and clothing.

Shopping for clothes and other items from the comfort of your home has multiple advantages, including the convenience to shop on your own schedule and the ability to do more thorough research to get the best prices before you buy. However, if you’re not used to doing it, shopping online for items you typically purchase at brick and mortar stores can be daunting.

To make your online shopping experiences more efficient and successful, consider these tips from Kellie Brown, fashion influencer and author of the “And I Get Dressed” blog.

Look Around for Good Deals

If you have your eye on a particular item, shop around on multiple sites for it. Prices can vary from one website to another, and you could be missing out on big savings by not doing your research.

When you’re comparing items, be sure to pay attention to details.

Verify model or style numbers, colors and other specifics to ensure you’re comparing apples to apples.

Ultimately, you may find the same item with a slight difference that you’re willing to accept for a better price. Be sure you’re checking diligently so you have all the data you need to make a well-informed decision.

Doing research online may also help you locate discount codes that can help bring down the price if you buy from a specific online retailer.

Know Your Measurements Clothing is one category that shoppers either love or hate to buy online.

Brown sees one distinct advantage: skipping the fitting room.

“Shopping for clothes online can seem daunting, but one of the biggest perks is being able to avoid the dreaded dressing room experience,” Brown said. “I hate the process of waiting in line, the overhead lighting, wonky mirrors and having to evaluate clothing in a flash.”

Buying online lets you ditch the fitting room in favor of the comfort of your own home, where you can take time to consider your new garments in private.

Brown cautions that the first rule of shopping for clothes online is recognizing sizing isn’t always universal. For example, a size

18 from one store may fit completely different at another store.

If you know your measurements, you can compare those with the listed size chart. That way, you can select the best size for specific brands or products.

Use the Right Credit Card

Joining a store’s loyalty program can be advantageous if you are a frequent shopper at a specific brand or retailer. Also, it’s important to realize not all credit cards are the same, and some offer rewards for online shopping, including cash back.

“The most versatile option is a card that adapts with your spending, such as the Bank of America® Cash Rewards credit card that lets you earn 3% cash back in a category of your choice,” Brown said. “Hint: Online shopping is one of those categories. The rewards don’t expire, and if you are a Preferred Rewards member, you could boost your rewards by 25-75%, which means you could earn up to 5.25% cash back on your transactions. These rewards can be redeemed into your savings account as money for future shopping.”

Double Check Return and Exchange Policies

Make sure you know the return policy of the retailer you’re shopping with to ensure your return or exchange will be accepted, if necessary. Being an avid online shopper, Brown offers a few important tips for dealing with items that may need returned.

Many stores won’t accept open packages or clothing with tags removed, so be sure you know the guidelines before tearing into your packages when they arrive.

You should also check whether you can return items to a local store, if there’s one available, or if you’ll have to ship a return, and find out who is responsible for return shipping costs.

It’s also important to be conscious of timing since most retailers have specific rules about how long you have to return an item. Some use the order date as the starting point while others use the delivery date. Especially with shipping delays that may occur, be clear on dates before you order. Many stores offer extended returns windows, but it’s still smart to know the expectations up front.

Online shopping can save you valuable time and money, especially when you’re smart about your purchases. Find more information at bankofamerica.com/morerewarding.

Kellie Brown, a paid spokesperson for Bank of America. All opinions are her own.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

FAMILY FEATURES

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To make your online shopping experiences more efficient and successful, consider these tips from Kellie Brown, fashion influencer and author of the “And I Get Dressed” blog.

Online shopping offers plenty of benefits but being cautious with your credit card information and banking information can help you avoid certain risks. Consider these tips from Better Money Habits, Bank of America’s free financial education platform, to help you protect your finances while shopping online.

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Use the Right Credit Card

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Brown cautions that the first rule of shopping for clothes online is recognizing sizing isn’t always universal. For example, a size

when you’re smart about your purchases. Find more information at bankofamerica.com/morerewarding.

Kellie Brown, a paid spokesperson for Bank of America. All opinions are her own.

Kellie Brown, a paid spokesperson for Bank of America. All opinions are her own.

Online shopping offers plenty of benefits but being cautious with your credit card information and banking information can help

a little more complex that would be hard for others to guess or hack. Use a distinct password for each online account so you

to look for the little lock icon in the browser before you enter any payment information.

on an open network. If you're using a shared computer, be sure to clear all your personal

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provides a handsfree cleaning experience, complete with the time-saving benefits of an allin-one robot vacuum and floor mop, along with TrueDetect technology to avoid tangling in small objects.

Easily controlled via an app, just set it to clean before bed and wake up to a tidy workspace.

4 Tips for a Productive 202 his year has taught many workers a thing or two about being productive when offices and homes blend into one. As the calendar turns to 2021, consider these key products and processes to stay productive next year.

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Find a system (and stick to it): Creating an organizing system is an easy way to ensure your athome workspace is ready for optimal productivity.

Designate space to house all your work items – a drawer, LG cabinet or box – and keep work items organized by type (pens, papers, computer gear, etc.)

At the end of each day, transitioning to “offline hours” can be easier when you have a place to stow your work items.

Start your day clean: Studies have shown cleanliness has a direct impact on productivity. Yet, many people struggle to find the time and energy to clean, especially at the end of a busy day at home.

An option like The DEEBOT T8 from Ecovacs

Break up your day: With so many hours at home in front of a computer, workdays can get a little monotonous. Break up the day to make working from home feel as “normal” as possible – shower in the morning, take a walk or drive to coffee then make time for at least two breaks throughout the day. Some people have found success with the Pomodoro Technique, which is breaking your day up into 25minute chunks of work, with 5-minute rest periods. If you continue to work until you feel like taking a break, odds are you’ll overwork yourself until it’s too late to take the “big break” you had in mind.

Bookend your days with mindfulness: At the beginning and end of each workday, do a 3-5-minute mindfulness meditation. Before signing on to work for the day, allow your mind to fully focus on the day’s tasks at-hand. Signoff by doing another mediation to end the day and let go of any worries or stresses you might have. Incorporating this tactic into your daily routine can help create a natural boundary from work and home while also restoring peace of mind.

Find more solutions to help maintain productivity at Ecovacs.com.

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4 Tips For Creating A Healthier Home People are spending more time at home, where their living spaces have become classrooms, gyms, offices, restaurants and more. The additional time at home provides a unique opportunity to make changes to create healthier living environments.

In fact, a majority of Americans (54%) report being more concerned about having a healthy home since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a recent online survey of 2,000 adults conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Carrier Global Corporation, a leading global provider of healthy, safe and sustainable building and cold chain solutions.

If you’re looking to improve your living space, consider these tips for making your home the healthiest it can be: Create an ideal sleep environment. Most people sleep most comfortably when the air is slightly cool, so target a room temperature between 65-70 F. If this is cooler than you keep the home during the day, consider using a programmable thermostatLGthat automatically lowers the temperature at bedtime. Also, remove distractions that may keep you awake and, if necessary, use a white noise device for uninterrupted sleep.

Improve indoor air quality. Maintaining heating and air conditioning filters is a concern many homeowners reported.

According to the survey, 49% of respondents are concerned about reducing dust, pollen and other indoor pollutants as part of their filter maintenance.

In addition to changing air filters on a frequent basis, air purifiers and humidifiers can help make the air inside homes fresher, cleaner and more comfortable. For example, thirdparty testing has shown the Carrier Infinity Whole Home Air

Purifier inactivates 99% of select viruses and bacteria trapped on the filter, such as those that cause common colds, streptococcus pyogenes and human influenza. The purifier was also tested by a third party against the murine coronavirus, which is similar to the human coronavirus SARSCoV-2 that causes COVID-19. In that testing, the purifier inactivated 99% of coronavirus trapped on the filter.

Update fire protection. Since the pandemic began, people are also more concerned about fire safety precautions in their homes, such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.

Smoke alarms should be installed on each level of your house and inside each bedroom. Test smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries as needed. In addition, install a fire extinguisher on each level and consider one for the kitchen, as well. Make sure to check extinguishers routinely and replace every 10-12 years.

Install carbon monoxide alarms. Another cause for concern amid COVID-19 is the potential for dangerous levels of carbon monoxide (CO) in homes. CO alarms should be installed on each level of the home and outside sleeping areas, and it’s important to test them monthly. Consider installing alarms with a 10-year battery, such as the Kidde Wire-Free Interconnect 10-Year Battery Combination Smoke & CO Alarm for less hassle. It offers wire-free interconnect capability, a voice warning feature that accompanies the loud alarm tone and verbal announcements such as “replace alarm” at the end of the alarm’s life.

To learn more about creating a safer, healthier home, visit carrier.com/healthyhomes.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

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VMH TABLE OF CONTENTS

10 ADVENTURES IN TOHOKU Two cities nestled into a bend on the blue Caribbean, swamped in glorious gothic and Art Noveau Splendor.

12 FOODIE JOURNEY: INDIA Indian restaurants and myriad international dining options in the Indian capital are abundantly scattered throughout the city.

16 DESTINATION FOR DESIGNERS Jesse Williams takes you on a tour around New York and every style point in between the fab capitals of fashion and graphic design.

20 WHAT'S NEW IN KOREA? Cultural festivals, performing arts, luxury hotels, food, and technology centers spark an already hot destination.

34 TOP SPOTS TO CHILL We give you a list of places in the metro to have a break from a stressful day at the office. Find the perfect spot to dine and fun.

VIKKIJONES.COM VMH MAGAZINE ISSUE NO. 27 JANUARY - MARCH 2020

Publisher VMH Publishing Editor-in-Chief Vikki Jones Journalist/Contributors Vikki Jones Chris Jordan Family Features

Contributors (Visiting) Jermaine Wright Family Features

Photography Cover Photo Provided by Hannah Matthew PR

www.vikkijones.com

www.vmhmagazine.com

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Tech Gifts Can Make Resolutions a Reality

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FAMILY FEATURES

hile many people who make New Year’s resolutions drop them within a couple weeks or months, pulling those newly received tech device gifts out of the packaging and putting them to good use may be just the help you need to keep your resolutions on track.

Learn how to get the most out of your tech with these tips from the experts at Amazon.

Prioritize Personal Goals The most common resolutions are centered around getting

healthy or simply living life to its fullest. If you need help staying motivated and keeping your health goals on track, you may be able to rely on Echo, Fire TV or Kindle devices and a voice service like Alexa as partners in your personal health journey: n Inspire you in the kitchen. Get some extra help or healthy recipe inspiration in the kitchen – just ask for “healthy recipes” – or catch on-demand episodes of food and cooking TV shows, and when you see a recipe you like, just ask to save it. You can also access live and on-demand cooking classes, get stepby-step cooking instructions and more. n Create a bedtime routine. A good night’s sleep is key to physical and mental help, and you can set up a nighttime routine with your smart home devices with options like a reminder to meditate, dimming the lights and turning on one of dozens of different soothing sounds to help lullHilton you into restful sleep Beverly inaBeverly Hills, CA that can be activated just by saying “good night.” n Prioritize some “me” time. Ask for daily affirmations to start on a positive note or ask for a guided meditation to take a break from a Photos courtesy of Getty Images

busy day. An e-reader like the single-purpose Kindle can be another companion for taking a moment to unwind from the hustle and bustle without the potential for interruptions from emails or texts. You can select from millions of books, newspapers and audiobooks, and adjustable lighting lets you read comfortably whether you’re indoors or out, day or night.

Get Organized You may be surprised by how a voice service like Alexa can bring some muchneeded organization and peace of mind to your home. n Set up routines. If you need to know the weather, traffic and headlines before you head out the door for work or want your coffee pot to start brewing as soon as your alarm goes off, you can create a custom routine with your smart devices.

3 Keys to Success It’s not always easy staying organized. Life is busy, chaotic and fast-moving. Although it can be easy to get discouraged at times, there are ways to enhance organization and attitude through the peaks and pits life throws at you.

Carol Lavin Bernick, former executive chairman of beauty conglomerate Alberto Culver, published “Gather As You Go: Lessons Learned Along the Way,” a book sharing insights she’s learned through her many roles as a corporate leader, working mother, philanthropist and founder of the nonpro t organization Enchanted Backpack. Bernick offers these tips to be ready for the good times and dif cult situations, highlighting the importance of loving what you are doing in both business and life.

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Attitude is Key

n Create reminders. If it seems as if you are always forgetting to turn on the dishwasher or need an extra push to clean out the garage, set a reminder on your device to provide you with the audible motivation you need to get tasks done. Or, if you struggle to find time to get to the gym for a daily workout, set a reminder to launch a fitness app on your smart TV or streaming media player to get some exercise at home. n Manage your shopping list. Missing an ingredient while cooking or forgetting the office potluck can be problems of the past. Maintain a list to help you remember groups of information, even if you’re busy doing something else: Just say: “Alexa, add (item) to my shopping list.” You can also view your shopping list in the app and check items off your list while at the store.

Find more tips for making the most of your tech gifts in the new year at amazon.com.

A person who is passionately committed to the success of his or her business – who has an “I-can-do-it” attitude – is more likely to succeed. One person can make a difference, and it’s up to you to demonstrate you are one of those people.

If You Never Fail, You Will Never Grow If it’s always comfortable and easy, you can’t know the big win.

When challenged and stretched, you may have a greater chance to learn. Reach out, get involved and take a risk.

Oftentimes, the best talent has multiple experiences to share and on which to re ect.

Credibility is Everything Some of the most important career-saving words are “I don’t know.” Never fake it. If you’re wrong, admit it and correct it. If you’ve made a mistake, x it and learn from it. If it’s going to take some time to nd an answer, set a timetable and stick to it.

CES2020

Tessa White The Job Doctor Expands Offerings in Order to Help People Reclaim Job Security Her advice she to graduates, the unemployed and/or new career seekers that find it hard to find work or reinvent. “By expanding

our health and tness technology expertise beyond and tness bands to “Turn the problem on it's smartwatches head. include immersive treadmills and Many people stay in familiar earbuds, constraints with their thinking and Amaz t is presenting a vision of the future of tness in the coming don't expand into industries or roles decade where the transferrable skills couldand demonstrating how health and technology can come together in open up entirely new possibilities.

2020 and beyond.” Wang Huang, Look first into thriving and not Founder, CEO Huami

dying industries: supply chain, artificial intelligence, digital marketing, solar energy just to name a few. Then treat getting a job like a serious homework assignment. Do research on the best companies with the best opportunities. Study the job descriptions and your experience to find the vein of gold you have to offer. Get clear on your value proposition. And then build the right resume and interview to solidly convey the value proposition you bring. You may need to augment with some new skills, certifications, or even a class or two, but a pivot can be done by anyone at anytime in their

Photo courtesy of Hannah Matthews PR

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NEMPLOYMENT

ELIMINATE UNEMPLOYMENT

aimed Career Expert Helps

Acclaimed Career Expert Helps essa White, known as The Job Doctor on social media, is an acclaimed career expert, author and speaker who is on a quest to help the unemployed find stability again. She offers a Rent-My-Brain program which has already helped thousands of Americans adopt effective strategies to secure better jobs and meaningful careers.

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Starting on March 2, she is expanding her offerings to include an Ultimate Job Seekers bundle which gives someone all the training and tools they need to secure their next job. Included in this bundle is a masterclass on interviewing, an interview prep workbook, a resume review, and a private coaching session to refine a job search strategy and pay negotiation techniques. All of this is offered at an affordable price point to allow people to obtain senior level expertise at a fraction of the cost of a dedicated coach.

Her free advice is found on TikTok (@jobdoctortessa) and career related questions can be asked on her website. She also offers Rent-My-Brain private sessions to help people get jobs, negotiate pay, overcome work conflict, and get careers “unstuck.”

“The world has not been a friendly place over the past 12 months and many people find themselves mired in career uncertainty. The global pandemic has hit people hard, and the resulting unemployment rates and small business fallout has left millions without work,” said Tessa White.

“That’s why it is important to offer as much help and guidance as possible, especially to those needing to make difficult career pivots.”

With more than 13M views in 2020 alone across various platforms, and having worked closely with some of the leading companies in the world, Tessa is recognized nationwide as a media expert on people strategy and career navigation. She has been published in Forbes, Entrepreneur, Apple News, Wall Street Journal, INC, and more. Her advice is designed to help people navigate out of a bleak future of unemployment, help people refine their interview, get the job, negotiate solid pay packages, and increase their overall promotability.

Within 72 hours of her first posts, her content had hit over a million views. Within 60 days, she had over 100,000 followers. Her posts on combined social media outlets have garnered over 13 million views in 90 days. This, she says, is proof that her “straight talk on the workforce” is striking a chord with people who are seeking to re-energize their careers.

The Job Doctor is a lifeline that can help people set in place an effective job search strategy during uncertain economic times and ultimately craft successful pivots into new roles or industries for people.

Tessa White is convinced that career navigation is a service that is here to stay. “When the dust settles after all of this, people are going to find that life has changed in a big way. And we are all going to need to have a plan for how our lives are going to unfold in the new business economy that emerges.” Having career direction helps so much with this, and this is something that makes Tessa White essential for career and business needs.

For more information, visit: www.doctortessawhite.com orr https://thejobdoctor.com/ultimate-job-seekers-bundle/.

TURN THE PROBLEM ON IT'S HEAD."

TURN THE PROBLEM ON IT'S HEAD."

Consider Time When Planting

7 Simple Ways to Add Color, Excitement to Your Yard ith all the beauty Mother Nature has to offer, a few pops of color or other simple embellishments can help make your yard look superb from the curb.

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Whether you’re looking to enhance your front yard, backyard, porch or patio space, consider these easy and affordable ways to spruce up your outdoor oasis:

Just as they do indoors, mirrors can open up small patio spaces and make areas feel larger. Use mirrors made with resin or other waterproof materials so they won&rsquo;t be compromised when exposed to the elements.</p> Make Bold Statements Plant your favorite flowers in a giant, bright red or yellow pot or hang a bright colored swing from a tree. Just a little dab of color can make a statement and brighten the whole space.

Place hanging baskets around the porch to bring punches of color to your outdoor sanctuary. With the freedom to pick and choose your favorite plants and flowers, these baskets have the added benefit of easy maintenance.

Add a Birdbath These garden favorites come in a variety of styles and colors to fit your unique tastes and budget. Birds of all kinds can find an oasis in their new bath and provide you with a beautiful view.

Throw Some Pillows Outdoor pillows are often available in the same fun designs of their indoor counterparts. Add some throw pillows to your

outdoor furniture for a chic yet comfortable update.

Hang It Up

Tie Up a Hammock Make a relaxing retreat in the comfort of your own yard by hanging a hammock from trees or between posts on your deck.

Add Mirrors

If you wish to add color to your landscape, consider the time of day you normally spend in your outdoor space. Early risers may appreciate vibrantly colored foliage that perks with the morning sun. Those who spend time outdoors in the evening hours can incorporate white or lightly colored plants that take on a silvery sheen in the moonlight.

These subtle changes can help beautify your outdoor spaces and cause onlookers to do a double-take; for the right reasons. Find more ideas at www.elivingtoday.com/ eLivingtoday.com

Purposeful Ways to Style a Multi-Purpose Room FAMILY FEATURES

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hether you call it a laundry room, mudroom or something else entirely, that multi-purpose space is likely a hub of activity in your home.

For homeowners creating this utility space from scratch, the sky is the limit, but even if you’re updating an existing room, there are plenty of ways to add purposeful style and function.

Homeowners are often looking for ways to use the rooms in their homes in multiple ways. With some thoughtful planning and the right materials, even a modest utility area can become a multifunctional space for the entire family.

Take a utilitarian approach. When planning your space, put function front and center. There are plenty of clever ways to enhance the aesthetics, so focus first on how you want to use the space. It may be hard to conceive at first, but it’s possible to create a space that serves not only your basic laundry essentials, but also provides space for you to care for four-legged friends or enjoy a hobby.

For example, you might add pet washing and grooming features, along with an oversized sink that doubles as a gardening and potting area.

In a multi-use room, it’s also important to be conscious of details like lighting and cabinetry insertsFEATURES that can help bring organization and order to FAMILY the space. lighting are andall LED illuminate tressPuck and anxiety toostrips familiar to many Americans, select this areasyear while dividers, and sliding and especially, theshelves added pressure of the holiday customseason pull-out cabinets ensure are may provide a newyour set items of challenges.

Practicing selfstoredcare out of sight but within reach. and nurturing youreasy mental health can help you navigate these potentially isolating times, especially if you’re tackling this Be color conscious. In a high-traffic space that season sees a single. fair share of dirt and grime, color is an With so way manytoother demands in life, care of yourself, attractive cleverly disguise whattaking lurks in including your emotional between cleanings.

Gray and tonesmental are at well-being, the core of may not always bemany at the top of your list.

However, putting contemporary interior schemes, and amore mid-emphasis on yourself and yourpalette needsiscan be to achieved small, tone gray color ideal hide dirtinand hairmeasurable ways may nota only boost foundation your spiritsfor buta can affect your whileand providing crisphelp and clean approach to dating, too. cohesive look. For example, Wellborn Cabinet’s “We believe happy and healthy relationships start with happy Shaker-style Hanover door offers clean, fuss-free and healthy individuals,” said Stefan Harvalias, head of global lines idealfor forPlenty a utilitarian space.

Choose mapleglobal online marketing of Fish, one of the largest and finish the cabinetry with Ash stain, a trending dating companies. mid-tone thatout emphasizes detail of of ways the you can alleviate Harvaliasgray points there are athe number woodand grain. stress anxiety. While there’s no one magic formula that fits all, You can also bring additional character and many people find coping easier with activities like these. personality to the space with accent color. For Listen to music. havethat demonstrated the benefits example, earthy Numerous green wallsstudies and tiling comofplements music inthe managing health. mellow music can paint andmental cabinetry offerSlow, a subtle help the mind shift into a lower gear and has even been shown blend of colors that enhance the overarching tocontemporary influence thefeel. body’s physical state such as reducing blood pressure, pulse and heart rates. For someone with anxiety, music Focus ergonomics.

A utility room a place for thoughts can be aon welcome distraction from theistroublesome working, so want make accommodations occupying theyou’ll mind.

Fortoothers, music is simply to a way to escape makereality those moments enjoyable. enjoyable.

For example, from and focusmore on something a raised large basin tile sink offers a spine-friendly Talk with friends andover family.

Although COVID-19 alternative to bending or squatting while wash- may be creating distance, there’s onedog wayyou it can ing a petphysical or potting plants. For a larger can’tbring people together: by acknowledging your shared stress to one another. heft into a sink, you might consider a washing station While the impacts of the pandemic vary greatly, everyone has with tiled steps, a frameless glass enclosure and lowbeen navigating uncertainty and change that comes with such mounted, hand-held showerhead. a widespread event. A weekly check-in call or video chat with Find more ideas anmembers inspiration creating friends and family canfor help you feel less alone with a multi-purpose that fits Topics your lifestyle your feelings androom experiences. like mental health and at wellborn.com. mindfulness have risen to the surface of everyday discussions, removing a lot of the stigma they once had.

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Photos courtesy of Getty Images

Seek out tools to help you unwind. If you’ve never given much thought to managing your mental health, you may not know where to begin practicing better self-care, and that’s OK. That’s where you can benefit from resources like those available through Plenty of Fish. Knowing the toll the pandemic is taking on singles, the dating app partnered with Shine, a leading self-care app, to create two free dating-related meditations developed to help singles better manage anxiety and improve mental health and wellness.

Navigating dating, work and your personal life can feel like an intense juggling act. To help find balance and feel less pressure, consider listening to the “Balance Dating While Busy” guided meditation and reflect on your energy and priorities so you can make space for dating in your life.

Although dating may look and feel different right now, it’s still doable. Shift your mindset and reflect on ways to adapt with an option like the “Navigate Dating During COVID” guided meditation.

Pampered Pets With a pet-friendly multi-purpose room, you can make the less glamorous tasks of pet ownership more enjoyable while you shower your pooch with special attention.

Built-in kennel: Using cabinetry, along with sturdy chicken wire mesh in place of panels on the door frames, you can build a stylish kennel right into the room. A simple drip tray protects the wood surface and makes cleanup easy.

Recognize the role of physical wellness. The mind and body are intrinsically connected, and how you take care of your body can have an impact on your mental state. This includes eating well to ensure you’re getting proper nutrition, which can positively impact your mood. Additionally, exercise releases feel-good hormones, so a quick walk around the block or a 10-minute exercise video can benefit you both physically and mentally.

Toe-kick feeder: Maximize every inch of space with clever solutions like a feeder that hides away under the cabinets. With built-in wells for food and water dishes, this convenient unit appears with a gentle nudge then easily slides back under the cabinet to make the space clean and neat again.

Give yourself permission to disconnect. When life feels uncertain, being closely tied to an information source like your smartphone can give you a sense of security, but it can also add to your everyday stress. If you’re working from home, you may find you never fully shift out of work mode. However, it’s easy to become addicted to refreshing your newsfeed, allowing your devices to cut into time you could spend more productively. Limit your screen time to force yourself to focus on the present and activities that bring you pleasure while allowing your brain to rest, like spending time with loved ones or enjoying a good book or movie.

Pet feeding center: Organizing your pet supplies keeps the area extra tidy, so make use of hidden storage with a pullout cabinet that holds pet food and other accessories out of sight.

Find more resources to support your mental health and dating experiences this holiday season at blog.pof.com.

Keep COVID from Crushing Your Dating Game As if single life and dating didn’t bring enough uncertainty on their own, a global health crisis has only heightened the anxiety many singles feel. Dating pressures and anxiety tied to COVID19 were the subjects of a study by Plenty of Fish, which showed just how challenging dating has been for singles this year.

According to the survey of singles: n n n

60% have experienced feelings of anxiety before going on a date 29% have canceled a date due to anxiety 44% are anxious about their date not wearing a mask

When it comes to the benefits of self-care, a majority of surveyed singles reported: n n n n n

66% practice self-care regularly 87% said self-care activities reduce stress 78% said they feel less stressed after a self-care routine 50% meditate Alone time, exercise and pampering were listed as the top self-care activities

“Prioritizing your mental health matters more than ever,” Harvalias said. “Self-care and wellness mean something different to everyone – all that matters is that you find an outlet to disconnect and do what makes you happy.”

17

by Vikki Jone

It's critical that some take the time to examine and align with their natural talent(s); skills that have been pushed aside or ignored for years.

The impact of the pandemic on the economy has been widespread, with gripping e ects for the global community. But, there is something individuals can do while waiting for bipartisan Covid 19 relief. Simply stated, turn to self.

"COVID19's impact on employment reminds me of a time in my life where circumstances were beyond my control. I had to tap into areas of myself, in order to survive. The job market was too uncertain; I needed stability. So, I took a chance on me," says Vikki Jones, CEO of VMH Publishing.

Unemployment o ces are overwhelmed leaving many people waiting for unemployment payments or the federal government's stimulus check. It may not feel like it, but this could be a time to start a road to a new career, or if nothing more opportunity to discover. This could very well be your chance to exercise your talent, pursue your dream, and use hidden skills. The idea is to align with your talent, with the direction your life is heading. Even in the middle of a pandemic, and with the internet as a primary tool for day-to-day living, you can still ourish, restore passion, and even start a business.

Starting a small business during a bad economy boils down to feeling the need of consumers.

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According to the data, some small businesses thrive in a di cult economy. Vikki Jones, Founder of VMH Publishing started her company during the 2008 nancial crisis. With a layo from a personal injury rm, Jones tapped into creativity and started a full-service book publishing house. Fast forward 10 years, she is a four-time award-winning book publisher, providing employment for English Majors

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Now More Than Ever It's Important to Tap Into Your Talent

and other creatives.

Covid-19 has presented a signi cant amount of time to ponder, interact more in the home. You can nally draft a business plan, paint a portrait, or better yet write the book. Writing is one of the most e ective ways to express how you feel, a d d r e s s traumatic events, discover a hidden talent, or just simply play around and get out all that creativity. It has also been proven to be quite therapeutic and lucrative. Why not give it a try? You never know what might come of it.

But how does one get started? To help with the writing, publishing process, Jones published a writing and book publishing guide that actually helps authors sell through mainstream mediums with mainstream appeal, just like with the New York Times Best Sellers. Her book, entitled Words Unleashed, guides writers from start to nish. The book provides easy-to-use tools for writing, publishing, and selling books and shares insightful, innovative marketing tips that have proved to work for a number of authors.

“Don’t overthink the process of writing.

There’s no right or wrong way to write. All that matters is your voice—your thoughts, how you feel, and what you want the world to know. It’s as natural as talking, so open your mouth and speak to your audience,” shares Jones. Books remain an integral part of our lives, reading being the favorite leisure activity for many individuals.

AMERICA’S SMALL BUSINESS NORM No Longer Business As Usual Written by Vikki Jones

Edited by Sara Prescott

Ed Gordon Award Winning Television Journalist

14

AN INTERVIEW WITH

ED GORDON

BY CHRIS JORDAN

Ed Gordon is known for his communications with newsmakers from the world, award-winning television journalist Ed Gordon was named to 50 Most Beautiful People in the World list (People).

Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Gordon on Power, Politics and Leadership.

CHRIS J: Hello everyone, and welcome back. My name is Chris Jay and this is VMH Magazine. Today I have with me Emmy Award-winning journalist and broadcaster Ed Gordon. How are you doing today, Ed?

ED GORDON: I'm good, Chris; how are you man?

CHRIS J.: I'm excellent. Thank you for joining me.

CHRIS J.: Today, we are discussing power, politics, and leadership, which happens to be the subtitle of your new book entitled Conversations in Black. Can you talk to us a little bit about that?

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ED GORDON: Yeah, we dropped it the rst of the year. It's a narrative, and it reads as if I was in a conversation with the 40 plus leaders and in uencers that I interviewed for the book. And none of us were in the same room. In fact, none of us were talking at the same time. I interviewed all of them and then I wrote it as if we were all together in one room. And so it really speaks to where we are. I was in the midst of starting the book tour when the pandemic hit and literally got shut down. And then a month later, Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor... all of that happened. Much of what is in the

book is what America is talking about now, so it's interesting to see the dynamic of all that's happened. The book was my want to get our community to start thinking about new narratives and new ways of moving forward and trying to nd equality.

CHRIS J.: Perfect! Now, what led you to begin writing this particular book?

ED GORDON: I had the idea years ago, and it started out with me doing interviews with people about eight years ago. I considered all the people I'd interviewed over my career. Some of the most interesting conversations happened, you know, before the camera went on or after it turned o .

People tend to be a little bit more open. And I thought to myself, man, it'd be great if I could get all of these people in one room. So I started the process of interviewing. I had already done interviews with Maya Angelou. She was still with us at the time; and then I did one with Bill Cosby and many others as well. It just shows how di erent eight years can be. I had gotten a television project which made me sideline the book and its idea. And then maybe about two years ago now, I said, “I'm going to resurrect this idea.” And we found a publisher and I started new interviews. And that was the beginnings of what became the book.

CHRIS J.: And your timing couldn't be any better.

Now, your time with broadcasting and journalism goes back quite a bit, right?

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ED GORDON: Yeah. Three decades now, man.

CHRIS J.: So you've had some association with a few networks as far as BET, NBC, CBS just to name a few. How have things changed from the time you began broadcasting to now?

ED GORDON: I think broadcasting is certainly di erent in terms of the news, because when I started, you know, anchors and reporters weren't supposed to be part of the news. You didn't give your opinion. You just gave what was a story. I never believed that you could be unbiased. You know, you always bring your biases to something, but what you could do is try to work against those biases and you certainly wouldn't have put them in the story.

Well, today, that's not the case. I mean, if you watch cable news in primetime, all you get are anchors' opinions for an hour. And so that's di erent. I think that the whole idea of making sure facts are right, you know, and all the things that I learned in journalism school and was kind of what I call ‘old school journalism’, aren't quite as important as they used to be. And while I appreciate that you have so many more outlets now that open it up to people, you know that you're not getting opinion only from six or seven people that networks deem important. I think that's a better sense of, you know, giving realistic views in terms of diverse numbers. I think the issue is that you have just anybody talking now and so, you know, you can possibly spew facts that aren't true. We see that from the White House, but we also see it on social media every day. And people, unfortunately, just assume if it's on social media, it must be true. And we know better than that. Networks now run with the idea that they don't need to second source anything, and if it's out there, they will try to cover themselves to say that they have independently veri ed it. Well, then why are you putting it on? So, you know, that's part of the issue.

CHRIS J.: Okay, so now how do the networks you've worked for di er in that regard where there’s a lot of politics, when it came to the types of stories that you could read?

ED GORDON: Well, that's always a problem, right? I try to remind people, unless you have a certain title,

even if you're hosting a show, that you don't make the determination of what gets on that show and what you can talk about. So I was always very careful after a certain number of years in the business where I had established myself to always try to get a managing editor title because that gave you some editorial control. But when I worked at MS or when I worked at CBS, I could o er up things that I thought we should cover. But I couldn’t just say, “we're covering this.” And, you know, you've got to answer to a lot more people. And not that you shouldn't have other eyes on your work, but I think particularly for African-Americans, it's sometimes di cult to try to convey an authentic story. The way our eyes see it, when you have to take it to, you know, a white executive producer or you're being pitched something by a 22-year-old white girl whose only experience with black people is that they bought a Beyonce CD, it becomes hard. And so at some level, we've got to start to control our own narrative. And social media has allowed for that in some ways. But again, as I mentioned before, that can be dangerous because you're not doing it with the same kind of care and accuracy the journalists would.

CHRIS J.: Ok, Mr. Gordon, what would you say to people who believe that we have not, as a people, been better o since Obama? What's your take on that?

ED GORDON: It depends on how we're de ning ‘better o .’ You know, no presidency is going to be a cure-all. I remember interviewing Nelson Mandela when he had taken over the presidency in South Africa. And I asked him what he’d make sure to do and he said, “look, I got to tell black South Africans that their life isn’t going to change immediately just because I'm president, and I've got to tell white South Africans that I'm not going to do to them what they did to us.” And so I think that we have to realize that even with Obama's eight years in o ce, it wasn't going to cure all the ills of black America. I think he could have done more for black voters. And I put that in quotes because there's no monolith.

But I do think he could have done more. But had black America turned out his rst midterm election, things would have been easier for him to push (cont. on page 35)

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Improve Your Mental Health with Better Sleep

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FAMILY FEATURES

or some, the holidays may be the happiest season of all, but for others the hectic pace and endless to-do lists can take a real toll on their mental health. This year, the impact is heightened by a global health pandemic.

According to a survey from Mattress Firm, more than 60 million Americans say COVID-19 has worsened their quality of their sleep, and those losing sleep are often seeing their mental well-being and healthy habits worsen. Nearly half of respondents said COVID-19 has increased their worries and prevented them from falling or staying asleep at night, with 41% reported their poor sleep has a negative impact on their daily lives.

“It’s no surprise that when our minds are full or our hearts are heavy, our mental health tends to suffer,” said Dr. Sujay Kansagra, a sleep health expert for Mattress Firm. “What many people don’t realize is that mental health struggles also affect sleep, and adequate rest is a key component of maintaining and improving your mental health.”

If stress and worry are preventing you from getting a good night of sleep, try these ideas from Kansagra to help improve your mental state and ease your body into rest.

Think positively. Every night before going to bed, list three good things from your day. They don’t have to be amazing things, just three positive aspects of your day. For example, acknowledge you had a good virtual catch-up with a colleague or enjoyed a new recipe or workout class.

Listing your positive experiences at night can help you maintain a positive frame of mind as you unwind for the day.

Create a to-do list. This technique is for those who mentally work through their list of pending responsibilities before bed. In a fast-paced world, sometimes lying in bed is the first time you have to actually think about what’s on your list. By creating a list of tasks (or even writing down your worries), you can prevent yourself from thinking about them excessively before bed and throughout the night.

Try progressive relaxation. This involves taking slow, deep breaths and slowly tensing the muscles in your body for a few seconds then relaxing them. Start at your feet and work your way up the body. This technique can help you relax and decompress after a long day.

Give yourself a break. Especially if you’re working from home or tackling a lot of seasonal tasks, it’s easy to keep yourself busy up until the minute you fall into bed. However, your mind may still be whirling from all that activity. Build in a few minutes before bed each night to let your mind rest, whether it’s spending a few minutes with a good book, practicing meditation or sipping on a cup of sleepy-time tea.

Appeal to your senses. Being mindful of how your senses react to various stimuli can play a role in your ability to drift off to sleep. Some people need silence; others benefit from ambient sound. Certain scents can be soothing and make good choices for essential oil diffusers, such as lavender oil. Also be conscious of the touches that affect your sleep, like the support from your mattress, the softness of your sheets or the temperature of the room.

Whether it’s your family, your health or general stress that’s keeping you up, find time in your day to give yourself some grace. Your mental health is extremely important and should not be overlooked, so if you’re feeling a little worn down, ensure you’re getting the quality sleep you need to tackle the day and week ahead.

Find more tips for better sleep at MattressFirm.com.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

What’s Keeping You Awake?

If you’re like many Americans, outside influences and worries may affect your sleep. Pinpointing what’s keeping you awake, such as these common sleep disruptors reported in a Mattress Firm survey, can help you address your concerns so you can rest more easily.

1. Money or Paying Bills (49%) 2. My or My Family’s Health (48%) 3. State of Country and the Economy (39%) 4. My Kids and Their Health or Education (32%) 5. Missing Social Interaction (31%)

VIKKI JONES creating a new version of yourself

QUALITATIVE EXCELLENCE IN BOOK PUBLISHING WHO WE ARE?

WHAT WE DO?

VMH Publishing is an innovative internet-based book publishing company.

Using professional editors, marketing and distribution to publish quality books

PUBLISHING Books sold at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Walmart.com

PRINTING Volume quality book printing.

MARKETING A service specialized for your book's message.

PUBLISH YOUR MESSAGE www.vmhpublishing.com

ome improvement projects aren't limited to indoors. In fact, not only can upgrades to areas outside the house expand your livable space, they can also increase your home's value.

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Outdoor living projects account for almost one-third of renovation projects, according to a survey conducted by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. The ndings echo trends reported by the National Kitchen and Bath Association, which found 43% of respondents said they designed outdoor kitchens in the past year and 41% expected an increase in outdoor projects in the coming year.

"Our clients are asking for entertaining areas, which can be anything from a fully engineered cabana or a new paver patio with a pergola," said Dave Garcia, owner of DPG Pavers and Design. "We love being creative with materials in our designs and installations. One of my personal favorites is an outdoor kitchen we wrapped in hardwood with a granite countertop. It has clean lines and a unique custom look."

Custom-built and prefabricated kitchens are also in high demand, Garcia said, along with recreation features like putting greens, bocce ball and basketball courts.

Hardscape features that add function and ambiance top many homeowners' lists, as well. Examples include re pits and re tables, as well as water features like fountains, waterfalls, basalt columns and bubbling urns.

Understanding Landscaping Elements Creating the ideal outdoor living space requires thoughtful planning and a holistic approach to landscaping. Typically, when people consider landscaping, they think of plants and owers. However, landscaping includes a wide range of elements in an outdoor design that can generally be grouped into two main categories: hardscape and softscape.

Understanding the components and options within each category can help you create a cohesive design for maximum enjoyment.

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The hardscape encompasses the man-made elements that bring function and aesthetic appeal to the design.

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Upgrade Your Outdoor Living Spac

Examples include concrete pavers, natural stone features, seating and retaining walls, wood and composite decks, pergolas, fencing and synthetic lawns.

Softscape elements are the living components that add beauty and character to your outdoor space. These include the grass, shrubs, trees, owers and plants. Your softscape may also include enhancements like mulch and an irrigation system to help care for the vegetation.

Although the hardscape and softscape elements are distinct, an effective landscape design integrates both to create the look and feel you want for your outdoor living space.

Getting Started Once you’ve considered the landscaping features necessary to bring your vision to life, it's time to get your project in motion. Set a budget and consider whether you will need professional support to make your design ideas a reality. A remodeling expert can guide you on how to achieve the look you desire with your home's unique characteristics in mind, while helping manage your timeline and expenses.

Find more remodeling advice and contractors in your community at remodelingdoneright.com.

Content courtesy of DPG Pavers and Design

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

BUILD A BUSINESS Your Way

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FAMILY FEATURES

reating a business from the ground up is no small endeavor. From planning to financing to putting standard business services in place, there’s a lot to tackle. All of that is in addition to operating the day-today business.

To overcome these obstacles, franchising is an ideal solution for many aspiring business owners. It provides the advantages of business ownership, but with the added support of a recognized brand and an established method of doing business. Partnering with a franchise like The UPS Store offers numerous benefits.

Flexibility. Opening a franchise allows you to enjoy the freedom and flexibility of making your own business decisions and being your own boss, while working toward your goals of personal and financial independence at your own pace.

Start-up resources. Getting a new business off the ground

requires a wide range of activity, from site selection and lease negotiation to hiring and training staff. A franchise can help you navigate these early decisions and needs with a deep pool of experience and knowledge to help overcome the hurdles you may encounter.

Training. Even a well-educated business owner has room to learn. With a franchise, you have the opportunity to receive in-depth training in areas such as business operations, technical systems, human resources, marketing and financial management.

Networking opportunities. Connecting with other franchisees at area meetings, regional conferences and national conventions helps you stay informed of industry trends, discover new tools and resources, and develop lasting relationships with fellow franchisees.

The result is a peer group that has intimate knowledge of your business model that can serve as a valuable resource as your business grows.

Product development. Part of developing your business is understanding your customers’ needs and introducing new products and solutions. As a franchise owner, you can contribute insight to the process but focus on running your business while development experts dedicate themselves to researching and innovating new products and services that can help you better serve your customers.

Marketing support. Many franchises conduct national advertising campaigns to build brand awareness, while regional efforts and local store marketing can build excitement in your market. A layered marketing plan extends the reach of your marketing budget and lends credibility to your business.

Financing assistance. Funding your franchise according to your unique goals and background can help eliminate many of the financial pitfalls that those without experience or industry expertise may encounter.

Learn more about franchising and the options available to aspiring small business owners at TheUPSStoreFranchise.com.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

A Milestone Accomplishment

5 Tips for Creating a Business Plan Once you’ve settled on a business model that meets your needs, developing a business plan is an essential next step. These five tips can help you get started: n Think

A focus on small business is driving big results for one national retailer. The nation’s largest franchise system of retail shipping, print and business service centers, The UPS Store, Inc., is now 5,000 locations strong.

“The UPS Store network is made up of dedicated individuals and families who are committed to serving small business owners, customers and their communities,” said Chris Adkins, vice president of franchise development for The UPS Store. “We look forward to welcoming more franchisees into our network as we continue to challenge ourselves to find new ways we can bring convenience and value to our customers.”

Over the years, the retail concept has expanded to include a range of solutions for small business owners, creating a one-stop shop for small-business support.

Small business owners can find resources such as notary services, shredding, mailbox and locker rental, and, in some cases, even inventory management solutions, as well as the packing and shipping services that business and non-business customers alike can utilize.

long-term. A solid business plan should account for your start-up, of course, but also the longer range future of your operations.

Consider how you want your business to look five years down the road. Create goals and build in milestones to chart your progress on that longterm path. n Write it yourself. No one can embrace your vision as completely as you can and developing the plan yourself gives you a deep understanding of every aspect of the business, which is essential for good management. Even if you hand over certain responsibilities down the road, being aware of each aspect of your business can make you a stronger, more successful leader. n Review the plan over time. Know that time brings change. The business climate and other variables that influenced your original plan will likely shift over the course of your ownership. That’s why it’s important to revisit your plan at least annually to ensure your original roadmap is still on the right track strategically. n Share your plan with others. Inviting input from an adviser or experienced friend or colleague is a great way to spur new ideas and identify potential problem areas. Be sure you’re prepared to accept constructive criticism to help shape the best possible business plan. n Stick to it. After all the sweat equity you invest in creating your business plan, the worst thing you can do is allow it to collect dust on a shelf. Use the plan to guide you in launching and growing your business. When business is booming and you’re too busy to think strategically, you’ll be grateful to have a well-conceived plan to rely upon.

#StopTheSpread Proper hygiene stops the spread of the virus.

01

Wet your hands before applying soap.

Handwashing 101

REAL. 02 CONVERSATIONS. Bring your palms together and rub soap all over the palms and backs of your hands, including between the fingers.

WITH VIKKI JONES

Source: World Health Organization

03

Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.

04

Wipe your hands with a clean towel or paper towel and avoid rubbing too vigourously.

Make Your Weight Loss Goals a Reality What is OEA? Oleoylethanolamide (OEA) is a metabolite of oleic acid, a naturally produced substance that interacts with appetite-controlling receptors in the small intestine to signal the brain you are full. It also helps boost metabolism. However, as a result of food choices and excess body fat, naturally produced OEA may require supplementation to achieve the desired effect on appetite or body fat.

Created to mimic this naturally occurring metabolite, RiduZone is the only weight management supplement that contains OEA as an ingredient. Its production has been reviewed and is accepted as safe by the Food and Drug Administration.

Less fat A clinical study published in the “Journal of Lipid Research” shows higher blood levels of OEA, which is derived from oleic acidrich olive oil, correlate to lower amounts of body fat. This means weight loss results may be more visible.

Fewer calories A prominent research study published in the journal “Food & Function” shows higher circulating levels of OEA can result in a significant reduction in calorie intake. Over time, OEA users become satisfied with smaller, healthier-sized portions.

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

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FAMILY FEATURES

osing weight is a highly personal journey as a wide range of factors can affect a person’s ability to do so. There’s no one approach to weight loss; rather, the best approach is the one that fits your life and body best.

Get motivated to reach your weight loss goals with these expert tips.

Set realistic goals. Most experts agree you shouldn’t lose more than 1-2 pounds per week. More rapid loss may shock your system, and chances are you’re depriving your body of important nutrients. More aggressive loss is also less likely to be permanent or sustainable; long-term results generally come with steady loss over a period of time.

patented supplement that gives your body more of a substance it already creates called Oleoylethanolamide (OEA). In essence, OEA tells your brain you are full and it’s time to stop eating. Developed and endorsed by Dr. Jay Yepuri, a boardcertified gastroenterologist, the supplement is a non-stimulant that may help you feel full faster to reduce caloric intake and boost metabolism to burn stored fat.

Get active. Creating a calorie deficit is necessary to lose weight, and increasing your physical activity helps ensure you’re burning calories. However, getting active isn’t just about playing the numbers game. Physical activity also promotes overall wellness with numerous physical and mental health benefits, including improving circulation and stimulating feel-good endorphins.

Eat well. Regardless what eating plan you choose, recognize the importance of nutrition in your weight loss program. Weight loss occurs when you burn more calories than you consume, so build your menu around nutrient-rich foods that fill you up. Strive for a well-balanced diet that encompasses all the food groups and, if necessary, discuss your goals with a doctor or nutritionist who can help you identify the best foods to enjoy and those to avoid.

Stay committed. It’s easy to fall off your weight loss plan when unexpected circumstances arise. Give yourself a little grace and permission for occasional misses so you stay motivated to get back to your program. That may mean waiting for a cold to pass and doing less strenuous workouts at home or making extra healthy choices at mealtime in advance of an indulgent event. To help make keeping your commitments easier, consider an option like RiduZone to boost your body’s natural appetite-curbing power.

Consider a supplement. If managing cravings or your appetite hinders your weight loss, a supplement may be a good solution. For example, RiduZone is a

Find more information to help jump-start your weight management program at TryRiduZone.com.

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Proactive Health Tips to Help Navigate Year 2 of the Pandemi After months of unfamiliar restrictions and guidelines, pandemic fatigue is affecting how some Americans protect their health.

H o w e v e r, e x p e r t s w a r n t h a t diligence is still extremely important because new mutations and variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 are being discovered. The typical cold and flu season also brings added threats to people’s health and wellness.

sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol can substitute for hand washing, if necessary.

“Staying diligent is one of the most important things we can do as we navigate through cold and flu season as well as the COVID pandemic,” said family medicine physician Dr. Jennifer Caudle.

Though you may still be spending more time at home, it’s important to take proactive steps to maintain your health. Caudle offers these practical tips to help protect your health while you’re waiting for vaccination eligibility amid the pandemic this cold and flu season.

Avoid Exposure As COVID-19 continues to impact communities from coast to coast, there’s no better time to avoid getting sick. Even if you catch a less serious illness like a cold or the flu, health care professionals in many areas are stretched thin. What’s more, getting sick could compromise your immune system, making you more susceptible to a more serious infection.

Minimizing your risk of exposure means limiting close contact with others outside your household, wearing a mask and washing your hands regularly with soap for at least 20 seconds. An alcohol-based

Always avoid touching your face when out and about, and when possible, avoid high-touch surfaces like door handles and light switches. If you’re prone to allergies, be conscious of what triggers allergic reactions and manage your allergies so you’re able to easily identify any new symptoms that may not be allergy related.

Practice Self-Care Staying healthy isn’t just about avoiding germs.

Managing your physical health means keeping your body in top condition by eating right, exercising, getting enough sleep and ditching habits that can negatively impact your body, like smoking and excess drinking. It’s also important to monitor your mental health since factors like stress and depression can take a physical toll that impacts your body’s immune response.

Pinpoint Symptoms If you get sick, it’s important to pay close attention to your symptoms. However, this cold and flu season brings a unique variable with the possibility that your symptoms may actually stem from a mild case of

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COVID-19. Weather may also fuel stronger than usual allergy responses, so distinguishing between cold, flu, COVID-19 and allergy symptoms can be especially tricky. Testing may be necessary to get the proper diagnosis and ensure you’re taking the right precautions to prevent the spread of any infection. If you have questions or concerns about your symptoms or about COVID-19, consult your health care professional.

Treat Symptoms Depending on your diagnosis, a health care professional may suggest medication to help treat symptoms until your illness runs its course. There are a variety of products available over the counter that are commonly used to treat symptoms of respiratory viral infections. Many provide relief from multiple symptoms in a single dose. For example, an option like Mucinex DM lasts 12 hours when used as directed and contains dextromethorphan, which helps to control cough, and guaifenesin to help thin and loosen mucus.

You can identify the right formula to provide relief based on symptoms you are experiencing by using the online tool at Mucinex.com, where you can also find more information regarding self-care remedies.

Control a Pesky Cough How long a cough lasts depends on its cause, but you may be able to tame the symptoms until it’s gone.

Eat Right • Produce is packed with vitamin C, a nutrient that helps support your immune system.

• Menthol may be a soothing natural remedy.

It’s one of the compounds that gives mint its flavor, so brew a cup of strong mint tea and put it to the test.

Steam and Hydration • Both steam and water help thin your mucus, which may help clear chest congestion. Try a warm, steamy shower or a soak in a hot tub

and drink plenty of fluids to keep your body hydrated.

Around the House • If you’re struggling with a parched throat from your cough, try gargling salt water to soothe discomfort.

• Lozenges increase your saliva production to help soothe a parched throat and get you feeling better as your cough subsides.

• Exposure to particulates in the air, like pollutants and irritants, may be linked to nighttime dry coughing. A high-efficiency particulate air filter can help remove them.

• Wipe down surfaces. Cleaning removes settled dust and pollen while disinfection can help remove lingering cold and flu germs.

• If you’re smoking, stop. Smoking is a leading cause of chronic cough. Also avoid secondhand smoke as much as possible.

• Rest recharges your immune system, and getting enough sleep may help you cope with an illness that is the cause of a lingering cough. An option like Mucinex Fast-Max AllIn-One Cold & Flu relieves nine symptoms including cough, stuffy nose, sore throat, fever and headache so you can get on with your day.

• Rely on a cough medication that contains dextromethorphan, which works on the cough center of your brain to help suppress coughing.

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

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Cristina Sicard Helping Children Through Reading ‘Harmony’ solation — a word that may be squashing your mind these days. Harmony the llama knows that pain, feeling isolated in Ohio from his family in Peru. Cristina S i c a r d ’s c h i l d r e n ’s book, Harmony, follows a llama named Harmony who feels stuck with his life. Now more than ever, you may also feel stuck mentally and physically, but Harmony is here to remind you to re

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mindsets in order to ‘transition’ into greater chapters of your life.

Trimm further provides an innovative approach to ‘faith.

“Faith is a spiritual technology that we can use to lean into our future, while we defy anything that threatens to undermine future success, future progress and prosperity.”

To learn more about Dr. Trimm, her work or to purchase her new release visit: www.cindytrimmbooks.com www.cindytrimmministries.org Sample Reads From ‘Goodbye Yesterday’ ‘It’s one thing to have faith in God, but it is another thing to have faith in who God has made you to be.

You are awesome. Stop putting yourself down. Stop belittling who you are.’

Photo: Courtesy Dr. Cindy Trimm

et unstuck and script a new future….start over do something new.” Says Dr. Cindy Trimm. ‘Do not let others cheapen, depreciate, or devalue you—and never devalue yourself! Stop trying to t in by lowering your standards and expectations.’

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‘You have standout qualities that other people need to admire and desire, including your unique value and perspective in the marketplace and your execution of gifts and talents. You are the type of person other people should get to know. You have assets others would love to have, so put them on display. Your outlook, thoughts, and ideas, including your unique way of seeing things, really do make a difference.’

Dr. Cindy Trimm has dedicated her life to serving God and humanity. A best-selling author, Trimm is a revolutionary thinker, and transformational leader. Her latest book, Activating 12 days of ‘Boundary Defying Faith, Goodbye Yesterday,’ is a mandatory read for transitioning your life. You may be at a place where old practices must be left behind. With the challenge of next levels, creating a new future, you may wonder where to begin and how. ‘Goodbye Yesterday’ guides the reader to ‘that’ place of empowerment.

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Says, Trimm, “Get unstuck and script a new future….start over do something new.” Goodbye Yesterday, applies to every rule of thumb for those aspiring to be better, grow and obtain greater success.

With practical tools, Dr. Cindy Trimm gives thoughtprovoking insights that require deep re ection and digesting. Change begins with thoughts, adjusting

You have standout qualities that other people need to admire and desire, including your unique value and perspective in the marketplace and your execution of gifts and talents. You are the type of person other people should get to know.

You have assets others would love to have, so put them on display. Your outlook, thoughts, and ideas, including your unique way of seeing things, really do make a difference.

You are worth more than anyone could ever compensate you for because of the unique blessing you bring to the world. But you must be faithful to protect and cultivate it.

Continually grow, courageously face challenges, and always give your best. By doing so, you help make this world a better place. And by the way, your best should never be compared to someone else’s best. Your best is your best. The world needs you to develop your unique potential.

Unleash Your Inner Home Chef FAMILY FEATURES

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ith many Americans staying home, the pressure is on to maintain fun and variety in the kitchen, so family meals don’t get boring. However, cranking out three meals a day can be a burden.

In fact, the average American can only prepare five meals without a recipe, according to a OnePoll survey.

Consider these fun tips to add a little diversity to your family’s daily menu. n

Build a taco bar. This is an easy way to use leftovers from the week. Pull out tortillas or make rice, add any leftover proteins and sides then mix in taco seasonings.

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Make a family classic. Think back to your childhood and the one or two dishes that became family favorites. Bust out those family cookbooks and Courtesy of Apple recreate classics by having thePhoto kids help with ageappropriate tasks.

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Try a microwave-friendly meal. For those nights when no one can decide what to eat, or when you’re simply tired of cooking, turn to the microwave. One healthy option is Aqua Star’s MicroSteam Seafood Meals, which combine sustainable seafood, including salmon, shrimp, tilapia and cod, with on-trend ingredients like mafalda pasta, sriracha, red quinoa and yellow carrots. In the microwave, the film expands and locks in steam to cook food evenly in just 6 minutes without a “fishy” smell.

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Pull out the slow cooker. Being at home all day makes it even easier to prepare a good meal.

Choose a recipe, throw it in the slow cooker in the morning and enjoy the delicious aromas as you wait for a meal that’s ready just in time for dinner.

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Try a meal kit. Meal kits are a fun way to switch up your regular repertoire. They’re tasty, easy to make with kids and many of them come frozen so you can stock up. Take, for example, Aqua Star’s Cutting Board meal kits, which come with all the ingredients required to prepare and clean up a high-quality and nutritious meal in 30 minutes or less. With flavors such as Cuban-style wild rockfish, crispy fish street tacos and sweet & spicy BBQ chicken flatbread, there’s plenty of options for family dinners.

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Order takeout or delivery. Many restaurants offer takeout options, and with all the delivery services that exist, eating favorite restaurant meals from the comfort of home is easy to do.

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Have breakfast for dinner. Seemingly always a kid-friendly favorite, scramble some eggs, cook some bacon and get creative with pancakes, French toast or waffles by adding fruit, spices or chocolate chips.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Busting Common Cooking Myths n

Myth No. 1: Frozen is not as good as fresh. When it comes to nutritional value, frozen foods are packed and frozen at the food’s peak freshness, meaning they're still full of nutrients.

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Myth No. 2: Cooking seafood is hard. Seafood is a healthy source of protein that can be steamed, baked, grilled or fried. Start with one technique and master it. An easy way to start is to saute shrimp or fish fillets in a bit of oil. Use the same technique as when you fry an egg and don’t overcook it.

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Myth No. 3: Fish should never be microwaved.

Microwaving seafood can actually help preserve nutrients that are typically broken down when heated using other cooking methods. The key is to use steam: Place the fish in a microwaveable bag or choose one of the many ready-to-microwave selections in your grocer’s freezer section. Steaming fish in the microwave cooks fish evenly and preserves texture and taste.

Storage

Space A primary consideration is the available footprint to create your new bath. This is often a concern as children reach their teen years and also with expanding families. If there aren’t enough bathrooms in the house, you may want to add another, or it may be that you simply need to improve the layout and features to make better use of the existing space. For example, if the bath

will be shared by multiple members of the family, a separation of the sinks from the rest of the room may be helpful.

Adding additional bathroom space to your home or renovating an outdated lavatory can improve your home’s usability and increase its value, too. To get the most practical benefits and value out of your new space, there are several factors to consider.Before you get started, take into account these considerations about the design and function of your new bathroom from the remodeling experts at the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

If you learn new cooking methods, develop a larger menu and add some new dishes, eating at home can be fun and adventurous. Find more solutions at aquastar.com.

Features Determining how you will use your bathroom dictates the features you’ll want to include. A guest or hall bath is likely to have far fewer features than a master bath but may share some similarities with a kids’ bathroom. First, you’ll need to make decisions about basics like lighting, the number of sinks and amount of counter space you’ll need.

If you like baths, you’ll need to decide between a tub and shower combination unit or separate facilities. With a separate tub, the style you prefer may guide your overall design. The aesthetic for a bathroom with a focal point like a claw-foot tub is likely different from a jetted tub.

Storage is one of the biggest concerns in any design, particularly in rooms as small as typical bathrooms. Carefully consider this aspect of the room during your pre-planning phase. To help determine how much space you need, make a list of all the items you need to store in the bathroom, including cleaning agents, toiletries, linens, first aid items and medications. (cont. on pg 28)

Market Your Business for Long-Term Success FAMILY FEATURES

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apid growth and long-term success are the dreams virtually every entrepreneur pursues.

The fire pushes you to ascend to the mountaintop quickly and stay there as long as possible.

Adopting some clever marketing strategies can bring those dreams within reach, especially if you’re willing to take some notes from experts who have successfully navigated the path. For example, entrepreneur Russell Brunson started his first online company while he was in college.

Today, he is the co-founder of ClickFunnels, a successful software company that helps entrepreneurs get their message out to the marketplace quickly and efficiently. Brunson is also the author of a series of books, including “Traffic Secrets,” which is filled with tips for using classic and foundational direct marketing techniques to help future customers discover an entrepreneur’s product or service and drive demand.

Learn the art of successful business marketing with Brunson’s advice, adapted from “Traffic Secrets,” the third installment in his bestselling trilogy.

Work behind the scenes to connect with your target audience. With a little research, you can identify the places your target customers tend to congregate.

Places like Facebook groups, YouTube channels, podcasts, blogs and other platforms serve as trusted sources of information, and these are the places where they’re more apt to listen to what you have to say. Make a list of 100 of these hangouts and reach out to the people behind the scenes.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

!"#$%&"'(")*+,-".*$/+0"(1"2(0+$3"4-5+$ These strategies from “Traffic Secrets” can help drive traffic using these major platforms: Google: Search the keyword you’d like to rank for. Scan results, looking for sites that have ads, banners, affiliate links to products or subscription boxes. Contact the owners of those pages and ask about advertising options to buy your way in and build your list.

YouTube: Create a 15-second intro with a catchy hook followed by a short 4-second branded message then tell your viewer why he or she should listen. Create a connection with personal commentary and share valuable content for the next 7-12 minutes. Close with a call to action.

Facebook: Think of your cover photo as your billboard and the intro section as your business card where you can place links to funnels. When posting, share stories that can open conversations, and remember to engage readers in the comments.

Instagram: Decide whether you want to inspire, educate or entertain then create a caption. Three effective options: tell a story, ask a question or make a list.

Podcasting: In addition to working the podcast circuit and delivering a call to action at the end of each show, you can leverage influencers in other ways. Buy ads on their podcasts and arrange guest appearances that let you ask their listeners to check out your own podcast.

Creating a Budget Track Spending

Listen, learn, pitch collaborative opportunities and pay for ads if that’s what it takes to get in front of your audience.

Don’t just post on social media; understand it. Social media is a powerful tool for marketers and entrepreneurs. Depending on your business, you may be able to leverage both your personal profile and a business account to connect with your audience. Another key is customizing your strategy for each platform. Know which channels your target audience members use and focus your energy there. Understand the platform’s algorithm and post content it wants to share with its users.

Pay for email ads. A wide variety of online news sites, newsletters, online communities and influencers have large email lists. Approach those with audiences that would be interested in your product or service and request an email endorsement. Having third-party endorsers announce your offer to their email lists lets you go around the competition to talk directly to your target audience.

“If you are selling anything online, or trying to generate leads online, no matter what industry you’re in, these 20 traffic secrets can help attract more eyeballs,” Brunson said. “I’d like to help you fill your website and funnels with your dream customers, so I’m going to give you my new book for free.

Just visit grabtrafficsecrets.com.”

and going out of your bank account each month can help you make better spending decisions. A budget doesn’t have to be complicated; it can be as simple as a spreadsheet that lists your monthly income and expenses. Be sure to consider long-term debt, like student loans, and treat your savings account as a payee you owe each month.

There’s more to managing your money than paying your Track your spending. In a similar vein, it’s a good idea bills and successfully avoiding overdraft charges to see where your non-bill-related spending goes. For (although those are definitely steps in the right example, you may stop by the grocery store more direction). Effectively managing your money takes time Type to enter text frequently than you realize, and each of those trips is and planning, but the payoff may be a stronger financial likely going to cost you more than if you limited it to future. just once or twice a week. Many banks and credit institutions offer charts and graphs that break down your Create a budget. Some people avoid making a monthly spending so you can see exactly where your money is budget because they think they don’t need one. going and use that information to make adjustments.

However, having a clear idea of the money coming in

Invite the Outdoors In children are mitigated by views of and interactions with nature in a host of different ways. Worker productivity, how people feel about espite the comfort and convenience it affords, modern

by Vikki the work they do and the level of engagement, improves with a view society is contributing to a vanishing relationship withJones the of nature.” natural environment. However, there are plenty of ways

by Vikki Jones Despite ample research demonstrating the benefits, the study to bring nature indoors to reap the benefits of an earthy revealed a common theme, with 85% of participants believing they connection inside your home. spent more time in nature as children than children do today. That’s According to a survey commissioned by the Velux Group, a gap is growing between the time Americans spend outdoors and the time a trend that translates into adult habits, too.

“With work and family responsibilities, we can’t always they’d like to spend in nature. fit spending time outside into our busy schedules, effectively In the United States, 63% of survey participants said they average making us the indoor generation,” said Peter Foldbjerg, head one hour or less a week in nature, but 88% agreed they would like of Daylight, Energy and Indoor Climate for The Velux Group. to spend more time. In addition, the majority of respondents said “One thing we can do is improve how our homes connect to they believe nature, daylight and fresh air have a positive impact nature: From houseplants and nature-inspired art to skylights on stress levels, and most also agreed those factors have a positive and screened porches, there are a wide variety of options for impact on mental well-being. creating nature connections in the place we spend most of our “Exposure to nature such as trees, plants and views of open spaces has been found to improve the cognitive ability to focus time – our homes.” and read social cues,” said Arie Greenleaf, associate professor Learn how to bring more nature into your home with these of counseling at Seattle University. “Even ADHD symptoms in decorating and design ideas:

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FAMILY FEATURES

Houseplants Living plants not only add a touch of the outdoors, but they also help clean the air inside your home. In smaller spaces, even a few pots of herbs can add a refreshing touch of nature. If flat surfaces and floor space are at a premium, get creative with your wall space and incorporate shelving and wall-mounted planters.

Sunshine and fresh air Whether it’s from windows or skylights, bringing natural light and fresh air inside can keep your space fresh and inviting.

There are scientifically proven correlations between natural light exposure and mood, as well as your body’s ability to maintain its circadian rhythm. Refreshing the air in your home can help eliminate volatile organic compounds, pet dander and microparticles from cooking and cleaning.

If your home is lacking in natural light, a skylight may be easier to add than a window, and skylights bring in twice as much light as vertical windows; their angle allows more of the sun’s rays to reach farther into the room. Some skylights, including many offered by Velux, also offer venting options that can contribute to cleaner air.

Nature-inspired art Studies have shown that simply viewing photos or paintings of nature scenes has mental and physical benefits. You can also use decorative mirrors to reflect natural light and make a space feel larger and brighter.

Botanically inspired patterns Look to pillows, area rugs and wallpaper to incorporate patterns inspired by flowers, foliage or landscapes outside. These decorative elements can boost your spirits and create a welcoming environment indoors by reflecting the outdoor world.

Natural materials Sisal rugs and baskets, wood planking and stone countertops or side tables can add texture and a touch of the natural world to your interiors. These materials let you incorporate nature into your design aesthetic with natural textures that not only look stylish but feel great, too.

Find more ideas for integrating the outdoors into your home design at whyskylights.com/outside-in.

Connect with Nature at Work If you work outside your home, at least a third of your day may have you stuck inside an office. Make your work environment more appealing with these ideas that let you embrace nature even while you’re on the clock. n

Incorporate natural life with a desk plant. You may feel more refreshed by that touch of green, and it helps clean the air around you, too.

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Find the sunlight. Today’s offices actively promote free-range working, so find a sofa near a window and get your best work done there. Or spend a few hours working outside each day. If your office design is behind the times, take a daily walk outside during your lunch break.

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Surround yourself with natural materials. Transform your desk-scape with a bamboo monitor stand, stone smartphone holder or woven seagrass inbox.

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Trick the senses with natural soundscapes. Earbuds are a must in today’s open-plan offices. Instead of playing music, escape with nature-inspired tunes like rain, wind in the trees or forest birds.

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Select art influenced by Mother Nature. Decorate with nature-inspired art, whether it’s photos of landscapes or a sunflower print.

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CHRIS J.: Now, one last question before we go, do black lives really matter beyond the hashtag?

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ED GORDON: Well, again, you know, de nition. I mean, it's foolish to think that black lives are as valued as white lives in America. We haven’t yet reached that level of equality, as some might suggest. We've got to confront these things. We've got to determine what the message of Black Lives Matter is. You know, there's the entity of the protest group that arose and the hashtag that has become synonymous with ghting police brutality and the like. But there's so much more to the idea of black lives mattering. You can put steelwork on a T-shirt but not vote. And then you have to ask yourself, what does this mean to me? You can argue that your vote doesn't count, but it damn sure won't count if you don't vote and do nothing. So I tell people at the end of the day, that if you're not sure whether it counts or not, it's no harm, no foul if you vote, and if you're wrong and it does count, then you've helped out! And I tell people more speci cally that too often we think that voting on Election Day is the last thing you should do. But really Election Day should be the rst thing you do and then you should be engaged after the election, particularly if your candidate wins.

The work just doesn’t stop there.

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(cont. from pg. 18) through because he would have lost the seats in the House and the Senate that they did. And once that turned over, it really made it very di cult for him to do anything. So that again reiterates the importance of voting. And we have to understand that if you make one hundred thousand dollars, two hundred thousand dollars, half a million dollars, or three million dollars and you're black, your concerns are probably di erent than, you know, a brother or sister who's surviving on twenty- ve to thirty thousand dollars. So we don't all look for the same things when we talk about the singular black vote of black people in general. But what I do know is it doesn't matter how much money you make or where you live; if you've got poor policing in your area or where you travel, that a ects all of us. So we all better be vigilant. Just go round.

SMALL BUSINESS TIPS &