VMH Magazine - March 2018

MAGAZINE

VMH ENHANCE YOUR LIFESTYLE

Marketing Strategies That Work For You!

ANDREA YOUNG MAKING HER DREAMS A REALITY Foundation for the Future: STEM & America’s Youth

PLUS: *Move More for a Healthier Heart *Home Upgrades for Spring

March 2018

Mobile Apps Are They Worth the Investments for Your Company?

Stylish Highlights:

NEW YORK FashionWeek

5 Tips for

Creating a Business Plan that Builds Your Company

learn more: www.vikkihankins.net

c o n t e n t s

06

Make Productivity A Priority

08

Build A Business Your Way

11

New York Fashion Week Highlights

14

Make Marketing Work For You

20

Feature: Visionary Andrea Young

22

Foundation For The Future: STEM

24

Gun Violence Cycle in America

28

8 Tips to Start Investing In Yourself

33

An Easy Excellent Easter

34

Move More For A Healthier Heart

VMH Magazine . 811 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles , Calif. 90017

Publisher Vikki Jones - VMH Media & Publishing

Editor-in-Chief Vikki Jones Journalist/Contributors Vikki Jones Zakesha McGee Garry Jones

NEW YORK Fashion Week Highlights

P. 11 Designer, Malan Breton Photography: Mark Gunter

Contributors (Visiting) Peter C. Diamond Jermaine Wright Family Features Carley Schumann Photography Vikki Jones Garry Jones Mark Gunter (visiting) Layout Vikki Jones

www.vmhmagazine.-

6

Get Focused Plan to Make Productivity a Priority (Family Feature) Although there are many reasons to feel stressed in the workplace, productivity is often at the root. After all, productive employees are often perceived as the most valuable employees and when productivity fails, it tends to put everyone on edge.

Concerns about productivity are broadly founded. They may be related to your self-assessment of your own performance, or it could be that a manager is demanding more. Or maybe you’re collaborating with a team of peers and are struggling to find your footing, and collectively productivity is down.

Productivity is not only good for business; it’s good for worker morale, too. A productive work day can produce a sense of accomplishment and pride, and may result in a less stressful work environment. You can take a proactive role in improving your own productivity with these ideas.

1. Face a challenge head on. Procrastination can be the ultimate roadblock to productivity. For many, that means saving the least desired task on your to-do lists for the end of the day. However, by the end of the day, it’s too easy to delay the task until tomorrow. Instead, start the day with your least desired task. This is when you’ll have the most energy and you’ll kick off your day feeling accomplished, ready to tackle whatever comes next.

2. Be intentional with your time. It may seem counterintuitive, but taking breaks can help you have a more productive day. When you feel your energy start to wane, give yourself a timeout. Take a 15-minute walk, run the stairs or spend some time drawing in your notebook. Over the course of a week, pay attention to your schedule and start to plan your meetings and tasks around breaks so you’re working during periods of the day when you’re the most energized.

3. Capture ideas when they come. Let’s face it: not every great idea arrives at the ideal moment. While it’s possible to key your ideas immediately into your smartphone, that can come with multiple obnoxious distractions. However,

trying to recreate that flash of inspiration at a more opportune time more often than not falls short with missing details.

An option like the Bamboo Slate smartpad allows you to write naturally with pen on any paper without the social media notifications and email alerts. With the push of a button, you can then convert your handwritten notes into “living” digital files. With Wacom Inkspace, you can organize, edit and share your notes and

sketches on your enabled smartphone, tablet or other devices. In case you’re not near your mobile device when inspiration strikes, you can store up to 100 pages on your smartpad and sync later. Learn more at bamboo.wacom.com. (cont. on pg. 32)

A

FAMILY FEATURES

fter a long winter cooped up indoors, spring is the perfect time to start re-imagining your home and making upgrades that create a fresh, welcoming vibe. These project ideas – some big, some small – can help breathe new life into your home so you’re ready to enjoy your favorite rooms to the fullest.

Air it out Months of closed windows and doors can make any room feel dusty and stale. As soon as temperatures allow, throw open the windows and skylights to let the fresh air chase away the remnants of winter. It’s a perfect time to launder window treatments and clean area rugs. After a few passes with a carpet cleaner, allow rugs to air-dry outdoors. If you’re considering an update to the overall decor, changing out these textiles is an easy and affordable way to create a new look. Just donate the used drapes and rugs after cleaning instead of bringing them back into the room.

Shift your outlook When contemplating changes to a room’s aesthetic, most people focus on the floor, walls and elements like furniture and accessories. As some homeowners are discovering, there’s a whole other space waiting to be discovered. The ceiling, a fifth wall of sorts, opens up endless creative design opportunities.

Whether you’re seeking more natural light, access to fresh air, a sense of spaciousness or a way to bring sophistication to a room, a skylight may be just the solution. For example, Velux room-darkening and light-filtering blinds can add a splash of color just where you least expect it, and they’re efficient in shielding your space from the sun, meaning the

blinds and installation are eligible for a 30 percent tax credit.

Learn more at whyskylights.com.

Paint to perfection Over time, once cheerful walls can grow dull. Create a livelier ambiance with a fresh coat of paint, either in the same shade or something completely new. If you’re not sure exactly where to start, tackle the project room by room.

To choose the right hue, select a favorite item in the room, such as an heirloom throw blanket or a piece of wall art, and consider color shades that complement the item well.

Make what’s old new again Sometimes a fresh perspective is as simple as rearranging a room to better fit your needs. Over time, the furnishings can become almost an afterthought because they’ve been in place so long. Try moving things around to create new conversation groupings or to highlight a piece that has been tucked away in the shadows. An updated arrangement may inspire to you add and embellish with some simple new accessories or accent pieces for a room that only looks brand new.

Get earth smart With all of the new growth and hues of green that abound during spring, it’s natural to be more mindful of the environment. Earth-friendly upgrades like switching out inefficient lighting or installing low-flow toilets and shower heads can make a sizable difference. Another option for energy conservation: Look for ways to maximize natural light for heat and to brighten rooms. Well-placed windows and skylights can harness energy naturally, so you can minimize your reliance on electricity for comfort and convenience.

5 Ways to Make the Most of Your 5th Wall 1. Start with a smooth canvas.

This means eliminating any details like popcorn ceilings or other texturing that may appear dated and dingy.

2. Add some color. Bring character to the room by adding color to the ceiling that complements the traditional walls for a cohesive look. If you have eaves, dormers or other architectural elements, consider painting some and leaving others white for variety and added dimension.

3. Introduce natural light. When it comes from above, natural light brightens a room in a whole new way. An option like a Velux skylight is a sensible solution because it offers plenty of ways to customize the skylight to your specific space and functional needs.

4. Enhance with accessories.

Both practical and attractive, blinds are a good idea for a skylight. They let you control the light, such as blocking out harsh rays during the heat of the day but letting the gentle evening light illuminate the room. In addition to choosing a style and color that complements the room decor, also look for features such as remote-control operation and room-darkening textiles.

5. Get creative. Treating your ceiling like a wall opens virtually endless possibilities.

Especially if you have some unique architectural features, you can highlight them by adding special touches such as built-in shelves for extra storage or new place to nurture lush house plants.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

BUILD A BUSINESS Your Way

C

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.

"Quality performance starts with a positive attitude."

!

-Jeffrey Gitomer

NEW YORK FASHION WEEK

From Kanye to Runway—Dertbag's Journey to the New York Fashion Week Runway

by Carley Schumann Photos by Mark Gunter via GC Images & @dertbagus

Having been worn by Kanye West, Pharrell, Tyler, The Creator and others, Dertbag made its way to the Style Fashion Week runway at Cipriani this New York Fashion Week. Headed by 21 year-old Philip Post, the emerging Connecticut brand has received much publicity over the past year. Dertbag appeared on the Style Fashion Week stage alongside Shay Kawaii, H33M, C h i c a g o Playground, Adriana Sahar, Emma Altman, Andre Emery and other emerging designers this past week.

While Style Fashion We e k h a s b e e n known for s u p p o r t i n g established, emerging and international

designers since their beginnings i n 2 0 11 — t h i s s e a s o n during New Yo r k F a s h i o n We e k , t h e y partnered with Papertrail Magazine in effort to support the increasingly p o p u l a r streetwear culture. These young brands and designers, often the inspiration behind luxury giants, rarely make their way to the New York Fashion Week r u n w a y — operating under t i g h t m a rg i n s without corporate budgets to produce major runway shows. Style Fashion Week helps to share the cost of these major productions —providing designers the platform to display their work on the same level as their luxury competitors. Style Fashion Week recognizes that these designers are a vital piece of the fashion community and will continue to work to support them.

Designer Malan Breton Photographer Mark Gunter

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Make Marketing Work for You Strategies to grow your small business FAMILY FEATURES

M

any small business owners see their grand opening as the culmination of a lifelong dream of owning their own business.

Indeed, it’s an important milestone, but it’s really just the beginning of a journey to build a brand that can attract and keep customers coming in the door.

Marketing is essential to the success of any business. It’s the way to tell people what products and services you offer, but more importantly, it’s an opportunity to tell your business’s story and convey why someone should choose to buy from you rather than a competitor.

Start with a plan Just as you likely used a business plan to get your company off the ground, you’ll need a marketing plan to guide you in promoting your business. A marketing plan should include an analysis of your business’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. It should also define your target audiences with as much detail as possible.

With this information, you can begin devising the strategies and tactics that will best answer the challenges and opportunities your business is likely to encounter. The scale of your plan will depend on the scope of your business and the resources you have available, but you should include a wide range of activities, from advertising and printed materials to events and social media. It’s also a good idea to build metrics into your plan, so you can assess how

your ideas perform and make adjustments over time. Also remember to include a timeline to hold yourself accountable for executing the plan.

Define perceptions Whether your business is brand new or you’re new to the idea of purposefully marketing your business, it’s important to know how you want people to perceive your brand and your company.

Some of that information may be spelled out in your business plan, but for the purposes of marketing, it may be necessary to take it a step or two further to really tell your brand’s story.

What do you want people to know? How should they feel when they interact with your company? Is there a reason your offering is superior to the alternatives? Ensure your marketing materials answer these types of questions clearly and concisely.

Make materials meaningful For many small businesses, printed materials are the first impression customers and prospects have of your business. Printed materials can be any number of items, including direct mailers, business cards, newsletters, flyers, banners, posters and more.

Having professional, well-designed print items sends an important message about your business and your commitment to quality.

Regardless of the format, all marketing materials should reflect your brand story. That is, the visual and linguistic ways you convey your brand.

Nearly all small business owners (90 percent) use printed materials in some aspect of their business, according to a survey conducted by The UPS Store.

While marketing is the most

common purpose, overall, small business owners use printed materials for a variety of other reasons such as internal documents, client documents and billing. Even those more functional pieces should consistently reflect your brand, the same as your external marketing materials.

Small business owners are often short on time and resources, but relying on a partner for print services can make things easier. For example, The UPS Store offers online ordering for print products and launched a "Print on Demand" program that enables customers to receive on-demand delivery service for everything printed from business cards and presentations to flyers and brochures. The print delivery service is the first of its kind and is available at more than 900 locations across the country. Learn more at upsstoreprint.com.

Marketing Solutions that Work Try exploring these six print strategies that can help tell your small business brand story: 1. Flyers

3. Brochures

5. Postcards

Every store should have a grand opening, and a flyer is a great way to tell the community your business is ready to launch. Once your business is underway, you can promote specials and create brand awareness using updated flyers in the same style.

When you need more space to tell your story, brochures offer a low-pressure method to make a long-form pitch to customers. Having a sales associate promote your capabilities can be intimidating. Conversely, brochures provide you with an opportunity to show customers what your brand offers in a low-pressure way with full color and detail in a format they can carry out and refer to later.

With so many digital ad options available, today’s consumers receive less traditional mail, and that’s an opportunity to make your brand stand out. Postcards are a compact and cost-efficient way to announce a new product, the opening of a new location, a holiday sale or another important notice. Even if the recipient doesn’t immediately take action on the promotional message, postcards are also a good way to keep your brand in front of consumers and remind them of the products or services you can offer.

2. Business cards Whether you are walking into a networking event or going about your daily routine, the right business card is a must to deliver a strong representation for your brand.

In fact, a survey conducted by The UPS Store found that 70 percent of small business owners use business cards to market their businesses. Contact information is essential, but so is a quality design that lends credibility to your business.

4. Promotional Products Promotional products can be fun, inexpensive ways to reach your customers. With branded items like T-shirts, bags, mugs or keychains, you can provide a functional product to your customer and raise brand awareness. Order online with the help of a trained printer by considering a partner such as The UPS Store.

6. Presentations A well-put together presentation can leave a lasting impression by adding impact and value to the information being shared. Presentations help reinforce your message and brand while keeping important information in one place for current and potential clients.

Dark Chocolate Souffle

Better, Healthier Baking O FAMILY FEATURES

live oil is a flavorful and versatile cooking oil that is often trusted in popular cooking methods such as sauteing, stir-frying, dressing, marinating and grilling. It can also earn your trust when it comes to baking.

With seven olive oil varieties to fit almost any need, each Filippo Berio olive oil has its own distinct color, aroma and flavor characteristics. Among those seven, the Extra Light Olive Oil offers a delicate aroma and subtle flavor that can complement your favorite baked goods.

Its high smoke point helps keep those goodies moist, and with strong flavors like chocolate, it also lets the sweetness come through.

Additionally, it provides high levels of monounsaturated fat (“good” fat) and low levels of saturated fat (“bad” fat), making it a more nutritional choice when compared to butter or margarine. Because you need less olive oil than butter in baking, you’ll save calories as well.

One easy way to incorporate olive oil in your baked goods is during the prep work: where recipes call for buttering or flouring pans, instead brush the pan with olive oil and dust with flour for the same effect as butter.

Explore more tips and recipes using olive oil at filippoberio.com.

Dark Chocolate Souffle

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 18 minutes Servings: 2 1/2 tablespoon Filippo Berio Extra Light Olive Oil, plus additional for coating pan 1/4 cup granulated sugar, plus additional for coating pan 4 ounces 70 percent cocoa dark chocolate 1 ounce 30 percent heavy cream 3 egg whites 2 egg yolks pinch of cream of tartar Heat oven to 375 F. Grease two 6-ounce ramekins with olive oil and dust with sugar.

In double boiler, melt chocolate, 1/2 tablespoon olive oil and cream; let cool. Using electric mixer, beat egg whites until soft peaks form.

Whisk egg yolks into cooled chocolate mixture; fold in egg whites, 1/4 cup sugar and cream of tartar. Pour into prepared ramekins; bake 15 minutes.

Tips: This recipe can be easily doubled. Garnish with fresh berries, if desired.

Double-Chocolate Olive Oil Cake with Salted Chocolate Caramel Icing Recipe courtesy of Chef Sharon Sanders Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 35 minutes Servings: 8-10 1/2 cup, plus 2 tablespoons, Filippo Berio Extra Light Olive Oil, divided, plus additional for coating pan 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup granulated sugar 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon table salt 1/2 cup half-and-half 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1 large egg, lightly beaten 1/4 cup, plus 1/3 cup, mini dark chocolate chips, divided 1 cup canned dulce de leche flaky sea salt (optional) Position rack in center of oven and heat to 350 F. Lightly coat 9-inch round cake pan with olive oil and line bottom with parchment paper. Lightly coat parchment with olive oil.

In large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Stir in halfand-half, 1/2 cup olive oil and vanilla. With electric mixer, beat in egg until well blended. Scrape batter into prepared cake pan and sprinkle top with 1/4 cup mini chips.

Bake cake 25-30 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Place cake on cooling rack 10 minutes then turn cake out onto rack and let cool completely.

In medium saucepan, heat dulce de leche over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened.

Add remaining olive oil and chocolate chips and stir until chocolate has melted and mixture is smooth. Remove pan from heat.

Transfer cake to serving plate. Pour icing over cooled cake, sprinkle with flaky salt, if desired, and serve.

Double-Chocolate Olive Oil Cake

Double-Chocolate Biscotti

Double-Chocolate Biscotti Prep time: 30 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes Servings: 40 3 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup cocoa powder 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup Filippo Berio Extra Light Olive Oil, plus 1 tablespoon for coating pans 1 cup packed light brown sugar 2 eggs, plus 1 egg yolk

1/3 cup milk 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 1 cup semisweet or bittersweet chocolate morsels On sheet of waxed paper, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, cinnamon and salt; set aside.

Using electric mixer, beat olive oil with sugar until smooth and light. Add eggs and egg yolk, one at a time, beating until smooth.

Add milk and vinegar; beat until smooth.

With mixer on low speed, gradually add flour mixture, beating until just combined. Stir in chocolate morsels with large spoon; cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least 4 hours.

Heat oven to 325 F. Grease two large baking sheets with 1/2 tablespoon olive oil each.

On lightly floured surface, divide dough into quarters. Roll each piece of dough into log, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place logs on baking sheets, leaving space in between. Bake about 30 minutes, or until golden and set.

Transfer to rack; let cool 10 minutes.

Reduce oven temperature to 300 F. On cutting board using serrated knife, cut each log into 3/4-inch-wide slices diagonally. Place slices, cut-side down, on baking sheets. Bake 15-18 minutes, or until toasted. Transfer to racks; let cool.

Avoid Olive Oil Enemies Maintain olive oil’s flavor and quality by avoiding exposure to heat, light and air.

Be sure to store olive oil in a cool, dark place and not over or near the oven.

MOBILE APPS GOOD FOR SMALL BUSINESS?

Written by Clutch

Fifty-five percent (55%) of millennial-owned businesses have a mobile app, compared to 13% of small businesses owned by baby boomers.

mobile app, and another 25% planned to build one by the end of the year. The 2018 survey reveals no change in the 42% of small businesses that currently have an app.

However, even as more small business owners of all generations recognize the value of mobile apps, small business app growth has stagnated, the survey finds. In 2017, Clutch found that 42% of small businesses had a

This finding does not surprise experts, given that building a well-crafted mobile app requires significant resources. “With less capital and smaller teams, I would expect these barriers to be even harder for smaller business to

overcome,” said Woody Zantzinger, vice president of business development at WillowTree, Inc., a mobile app development company.

Businesses Need to Consider Goals of Mobile App Small businesses should ensure they are building a mobile app for the right reasons, say experts.

Nearly 30% of small businesses surveyed say they primarily built a mobile app to attract new customers.

Experts say this objective is misguided, since most customers don’t browse for apps. Rather, they seek out apps for a particular purpose.

If and when a small business decides to build a mobile app, experts advise that the goals and target audience be clearly defined. “The more rigorously you assess whether to invest or not to invest in a mobile app, the better,” said Peter Mezyk, chief operating officer of Nomtek, a mobile application development agency in Poland.

Mobile Apps Build on Existing Client Relationships

Mezyk offered a reliable process for analyzing whether your small business truly needs an app: 1 Reflect on your customer journey and identify current touchpoints with your customers that can be enhanced by a mobile app. A touchpoint is any moment when you communicate and exchange information with your customers.

2 Assess whether a mobile app will truly impact your business. A successful mobile app must have clear goals, such as increasing sales, or building customer loyalty.

3 Set specific metrics related to your goals and determine what qualifies as success. How many customers will redeem a coupon after you send out a push notification? How many will sign up for your email newsletter via your app? Answering these questions will help you evaluate whether your app is effective.

4 Deploy the simplest and cheapest version of the app first.

5 If the simple version of the app is on track to meet your success criteria, continue developing it.

Mobile apps are best for enhancing communication with existing customers, say experts.

“When I think of a mobile app, companies with a lot of repeat customers benefit the most,” said Zantzinger. “If you’re going to have an app that lives ever-present on someone’s phone, that app provides businesses with new marketing opportunities to reach out to customers again and again.”

GROW YOUR BUSINESS

Mobile apps work well for businesses with loyalty programs. Mobile apps can keep track of rewards points, send push notifications on discounts and new products, and offer other functionalities that make existing customers even more invested in your small business.

Clutch’s 2018 Small Business Survey includes 351 small business owners and managers. The small businesses surveyed have between 1 and 500 employees, with 55% indicating that they have 10 or fewer employees. More than half (57%) reported annual revenue of less than $1 million. To read the full report and source the survey data, visit: clutch.co/app-developers/resources/smallbusiness-apps-survey-2018.

W/O INVESTORS I did it and you can too.

My new book teaches you how!

-Vikki Jones

Andrea Young Photography: Nathan Pearcy

MAKING DREAMS A REALITY At three years old, Andrea Young would perform for her family to the tunes of Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston. With stage performances that included church, talent shows and The Lion King on Broadway, Young feels her voice has the ability to change the world.

Here’s what she had to say, “At the age of three, my mother told me I picked up a hairbrush and

started to perform. I used to gather my family in the living room, turn on the tv and give a performance from songs by Michael Jackson or Whitney Houston ; at that age (three) I knew I wanted to be an artist/ performer.”

“My first on-stage performance started at my church in Brooklyn New York. My grandmother heard me sing for the first time, she immediately put me on stage; I felt

unstoppable. I can change the world with the voice God has blessed me with.”

After receiving a call from The Lion King on Broadway, 10 year old Young and her mother accepted the offer. This opportunity placed her in front of a stronger audience and encouraged her to continue with more opportunities. An optimistic thinker Young has yet to fulfill her dream of becoming a recording artist.

“I’ve never been in the studio/behind a studio mic. So all of that would be new to me. I’m the type of person

that whatever I set my mind to do I will accomplish it.

When the day comes, I want my fans to hear my story through my music, my pain that I went through, and the love that I give. I am working on my first single; I’m pretty excited about it.”

In addition to her vocal talent Andrea launched a specialized cookbook for children with Gtubes. After caring for her son, who relied upon a G-tube to eat, she found a way to help other parents.

“At the age of 21 taking care of a baby like that (G-Tube reliant) was very hard – it was the grace of GOD that kept me strong,” said Andrea.

Andrea’s son was not able to eat on his own and at six months doctors wanted to keep him on formula which Andrea objected to.

She was determined to feed her baby the organic way, and after seeking guidance to little avail, she went about finding the answers on her own using heavy research.

The everyday social and emotional issues that derive from having to care for a G-Tube fed child can be very taxing on parents much less single moms. But Young is on a mission to help families with G-Tube babies have a much easier life.

“My biggest challenge in the G-Tube feeding process was actually ensuring the food wasn’t too thick or too thin,” Andrea informed.

Studies have also shown that there is a high prevalence of malnutrition in children receiving longterm ENS (Enteral nutritional support) which keeps them at risk of developing secondary diseases which further compromises their quality of life and may lead to detrimental outcomes.

Therefore, a proper tube feeding plan and careful tube management are critical to providing the required amount of nutritional support needed for normal growth and development of G-Tube reliant kids. But it is not an easy thing to achieve.

“Coming up with a plan and guide was very difficult. I had to do a lot of research just to figure out the right ingredients and volume so he wasn’t over or underfed.

I eventually found calorie counts in different vegetables and fruits that were equivalent to what he needed on a daily basis,” Andrea added.

Initially, she had the idea to write the book just for her son’s benefit but after realizing how difficult it was she decided to publish it to help other mothers who will go through the same stressful experience.

Andrea’s cookbook and soon-to-release music can be found on her website at andreanyoung.com. You follow her on Instagram @brklynsteezbby

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Foundation for the Future STEM plays a vital role in youth education

M

FAMILY FEATURES

aking sure your kids are ready to take on the world as adults is arguably one of the most important roles of a parent. Now, more than ever, education is the foundation of that preparation.

As technology continues to evolve, it’s important that kids are learning, and also developing skills in highdemand areas, such as science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). A strong foundation of STEM

learning is an important tool for the future, no matter the career path.

The experts at the America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education program, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, are aiming to raise awareness of the benefits for today’s students, and partnering with farmers to award STEM grants that enhance programming at rural public school districts.

While nearly everyone has heard about STEM education in one way or another, some people don’t understand its true value in school and in the workplace.

24

It’s cutting edge. When it comes to innovation, there’s no disputing that STEM is progressing changes throughout society. STEM fields are at the forefront of nearly all of the exciting modern developments, from the latest digital gadgets enabled by technology to ground-breaking scientific research. Another benefit of this progressive environment is the financial and social impact on the community.

Skilled STEM workers are driving trends and innovations, which can create jobs and boost the economy. All of these attributes appeal to eager, young graduates looking to make their mark.

It’s where the jobs are.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics published a report on the 10 fastest-growing occupations through 2026.

In the report, 100 percent of the jobs fall into STEM categories, from the No. 1 growth career – solar photovoltaic installers – to a handful of medical field jobs to statisticians, software developers and mathematicians.

It’s a chance to make a real difference. STEM fields can drive true social change.

Researching and uncovering new treatments, or even the cure, for a debilitating disease is only possible with skills gained through STEM learning. However, science isn’t the only STEM field that brings opportunities to make a difference in others’ lives. A career in technology could mean helping a child hear or see for the first time using a specially constructed device, for example.

It’s a stepping stone to dozens of industries. While STEM learning lends itself well to a fairly large scope of career choices, that list is ever-expanding. In fact, most of today’s graduates find themselves hard-pressed to secure a position without some STEM training.

Support STEM Learning As a parent, there are many ways you can support STEM learning in your local school district. It’s little secret that school district budgets are continually shrinking, so an important way you can encourage STEM learning is by exploring funding opportunities that can bolster STEM programming.

Initiatives like America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education focus on bringing STEM education to rural school districts. Eligible farmers can nominate their local public school districts for the grants, which help enhance STEM education.

Schools then participate in an application process to compete for $10,000 and $25,000 grants.

One school district in Royal, Washington, is utilizing the program to raise academic achievement for students in the classroom and on state-mandated math tests. The America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education grant allows teachers to extend learning for students, especially those who are learning English as a second language, who need intervention but lack the technology at home.

An important learning barrier is being removed through the use of Chromebooks and Kajeet, a system that allows internet connectivity but also has a filter to ensure the technology is limited to academic use. Learn more about the program and nomination process at AmericasFarmers.com.

Consider a seemingly distant field such as fashion, for example, where digital technologies enable design sketching, mathematic skills factor into creating patterns and some engineering knowledge is necessary for designing a runway show. Beyond the less obvious career choices, STEM learning provides practical experience with methods of problem solving that can be applied to virtually any aspect of personal or professional life.

career paths that will be available in the future. However, it can also help with more general skills your child can use immediately. Students typically follow processes in STEM programming and training, such as the scientific method, that give them a chance to work with other students, test hypotheses and find solutions. These challenges can often help in developing teamwork, leadership and other collaborative life skills.

It's helpful in developing additional skills. The specific training involved in STEM education can help lead to certain

Learn more about the America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education program at GrowRuralEducation.com.

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Gun Violence Cycle in America WHY MASS SHOOTINGS PERSIST

Retired Lt. Garry Jones (FBOP), Police Officer Arthur Avant & New Zealand City Council Member, Martha Samasoni discuss the critical subject of gun violence.

Interview by Vikki Jones

Interview by Vikki Hankins |

It has become commonplace for everyday people to carry guns and other heavy artillery suited for combat. What has become of our world? Shopping malls, movie theaters, colleges, high schools and even elementary schools have become targets for slaughter. Is pain and mental instability the driving force behind the actions of the people that take the lives of innocence? How do we regain control of America and began showing neighborly love and respect for one another?!

A very profound question indeed – America is a land filled with hope and endless possibilities, where people from all over the world travel to pursue their dreams. “In New Zealand you would not need a gun on your person or in your house for protection, unless you were a gang member would you feel the need to have that mindset, but a majority of our community can co- exist without it and that’s something I hope will continue in NZ…”, says Samasoni of her community.!

Retired Lieutenant (FBOP) and Founder of Advocate 4 Justice, Garry L. Jones says of the widespread violence epidemic, “Even though a background check is done on people purchasing guns, it doesn't matter, because people without criminal backgrounds are killing people as well – with assault weapons. If you banned assault weapons people are going to obtain them illegally.”!

Police Officer Arthur Avant uses unique techniques to teach children to protect themselves as well as steer them away from drugs and bullies – through song, dance and reading.

In reflecting on the horror and his duty and a police officer, he had this to say:!

!

!

Granted, there will always be some form of disturbance, but when one sends their children off to school, the expectation is for them to return home safely or when one goes to see a movie the idea is to enjoy the film, not scramble to the floor for fear of being killed by a spree of bullets.!

!

According to news reports the guns used at Sandy Hook Elementary School in the Newtown, Connecticut were a Glock 9 mm handgun, a SIG Sauer handgun and a .233 Bushmaster semi-automatic assault rifle. Only months before this tragedy, in Denver (Auora), Colorado, at the premier of the movie ‘Dark Knight Rises’, the shooter had a AR-15 military-style assault rifle, a shotgun and 2 pistols that resulted in 71 people getting shot and a number of deaths. Is it fear of one’s neighbor that prompts people to purchase military type artillery? The Amendment gives Americans the right to bear arms, but it goes without saying that the right to bear arms does not extend to slaughtering children and innocent movie-goers.!

!

“Not only is this an issue of violence, but it goes back to our laws and the need for change; the need to change laws that have overloaded the prisons with non-violent offenders. Violence is rampant, yet Congress is set on focusing their attention on people that can be rehabilitated through treatments and programs versus long prison sentences. It’s backwards, in particular when you see gun violence spreading like a deadly disease, killing innocent lives,” says Jones.Various countries seem to not feeling the growing terror that America feels today. Martha Samasoni, a Representative on Pacific Advisory Group for Wellington, New Zealand City Council, has many friends in America and is quite concerned; she had this to say about the loss of innocent lives in such a tragic way, “It (the report of the shooting) came on our news here (New Zealand), but why have we created a fearful community? How has this happened in the land where dreams can come true?”!

!

! !

“We are sworn in to protect and serve and we also not only go through shoot or don't shoot training but also have first responder training. I don't know the statistics but it's to my belief as a D.A.R.E instructor and juvenile officer, that with an officer being in the schools such as SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS is a preventative measure and deterrent to anyone that plans or plots to come into a school and carry out such an act.”!

!

With sheer emotions, Officer Avant shares the impact Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting has had on him, “I have not stopped crying since this incident because (as an officer) I’m in and out of our schools with hopes that anyone who may think about entering our schools for violence won't be able to figure my routine.”!

!

“It’s a very heartbreaking situation and whenever someone decides to perform an act it’s hard to prevent because he or she knows their plan they can possibly know the schools routine for safety. Exactly how to prevent these actions will be very hard to figure out, but I think every school needs an officer there or several to make routines everyday in the hallways but change it every day.”!

!

Will banning guns be enough or will America have to examine more areas that trigger such horrific actions? “If people want to shoot, kill or hurt someone they will find a way. Case in point, a man was banned from a club during my years in college,” says Jones, “but he still found a way to not only get in the club, but he also brought a gun in the club and ended up shooting me with it. !

!

When a person intends to harm another even with stricter guns laws implemented – one way or another they will find a way.” “Though I feel assault weapons should be outlawed if someone wants to inflict harm on a group of people they are going to find a way to do this – that's the world we live in.”

REVIEW UNSHAKEABLE BOOK REVIEW

!by Vikki Jones !

By Vikki Hankins

In his new book entitled, UNSHAKEABLE, Tony Robbins provides reflective, well-rounded practical tips that are easily to set one on the road to financial security. He further expands on the various meanings of wealth.

!Below are a few pointers that I found to be helpful, regarding mindset and your money: ! "The single biggest threat to your financial well•

being is your old brain.”

• "...if you fail to master your own psychology, you may ultimately become the victim of a costly financial self-sabotage.

• In every area of life-whether it's dating, marriage, parenting the workplace, our health, our fitness, our finances, or anything else-we have a tendency to be our own worst enemy.”

!"The best investors are acutely aware of this need for

simple systems because they recognize that, despite their abundant talent, they can easily mess up in ways that could cause a world of pain! They understand that it's not enough to know what to do. You also need to do what you know.

!This is a very good book, my recommendation is that you purchase it, reflect and mediate on it. More importantly implement the advice that applies to you and your success.

!On another note, once wealth is obtained, it is my

belief that one shares his 'wealth' of knowledge with those earnestly seeking.

!After interviewing fifty of the world's greatest financial

minds, and penning the #1 New York Times best seller Money: Master the Game, Tony Robbins returns with UNSHAKEABLE: Your Financial Freedom Playbook, a step-by-step playbook, taking you on a journey to transform your financial life and accelerate your path to financial freedom. No matter your salary, your stage of life, or when you started investing, this book will provide the tools to help you achieve your financial goals.

!Robbins, the world's #1 life and business strategist, has

coached more than 50 million people from 100

countries through his books and audio programs, and 4 million people have attended his live events.

!He is a consistent voice of

reassurance and positivity in uncertain times. In this book, he teams up with Peter Mallouk, ranked the #1 financial advisor in the U.S. for three consecutive years by Barron's.

Together they reveal how to become unshakeable—someone who can not only maintain true peace of mind in a world of immense uncertainty, economic volatility, and unprecedented change, but who can profit from the fear that immobilizes so many.

!In these pages, through plain English and inspiring stories, you'll discover… ! • How to put together a simple, actionable plan •

•

•

•

•

that will deliver true financial freedom.

What your 401(k) provider doesn't want you to know, and how a few simple steps can add a decade or more of additional retirement income to your savings.

Strategies from the world's top investors on how to protect yourself and your family and maximize profit from the inevitable crashes and corrections to come.

The fastest way to put money back in your pocket by uncovering the hidden fees and halftruths of Wall Street—including how the biggest firms keep you overpaying for underperformance.

The core four principles that most of the world's greatest financial minds utilize so that you can maximize upside and minimize downside.

How to master the mindset of true wealth and experience the fulfillment you deserve today.

!UNSHAKEABLE will not only help you take advantage

of the opportunities, but keep you from making the mistakes that cause people to settle for a life of far less than they deserve.

!All of Tony Robbins' profits from this book will be donated to Feeding America, the nation's #1 hunger relief organization.

BUSINESS . LIFESTYLE . ENTERTAINMENT WWW.VMHMAGAZINE.COM

6 Tips to Start Investing in Yourself

By Peter C. Diamond|

It’s easy to forget that you are your own best asset because so much time is spent reacting to the wants and needs others. This is particularly true if you’re over 35.

With the omnipresent demands of career and family you find little time for yourself.!

!

By not investing in yourself and your betterment you are diminishing your personal value. Over time you will find yourself feeling depleted, bored and frustrated realizing you’ve done little to improve your wellbeing.

Worse yet, you will be left behind as others are advancing and enhancing their career and life. A tennis instructor once said, “Either you are on a quest to continually improve your tennis game or you are getting worse, there is no staying the same.” The same holds true for your career and life.!

!

As we ease into this new year, take a moment to pause, reflect and reset how you live in the present and what you want for yourself in the future. Creating a personal investment plan entails mindset, action and belief in what can be. Here are six tips to get you started:!

!

MINDSET! !

Appreciate and accept what you have! !

It’s easy to lose sight of accomplishments made and the good in your life. In today’s hyper-connected world people are constantly sharing their achievements and good fortune. Without a healthy dose of self-esteem you can under-appreciate your efforts. In comparison to others they may not seem as meaningful or grand. It’s not uncommon to shine the harshest light on yourself.

This unwittingly draws your attention to what you don’t have.!

!

Tip 1: Reflect on the past year and make note of what you are grateful for, your favorite experiences, memories, personal highlights and career successes.!

!

Amplify what matters most! !

You spend years gathering and holding on to wants and needs that you thought were critical to who you are,

such as; I want and need the next promotion, I want and need a bigger house, I want and need more stuff, etc.

During this dizzying pursuit, all too often you lose sight of what matters most including your own best attributes. They get pushed down or layered over by doing what you think is the right thing to do, act or be in order to gain success and acceptance.!

!

Tip 2: Get reacquainted with what’s best about you and make sure it’s front and center in your life and how you interact with others. This could be your playfulness, kindness toward others or sense of adventure. You owe it to yourself and those around you to let your best self shine bright.!

!

ACTION! !

Acquire a new skill! !

There is a prevailing sentiment that once past age forty, you’re too old for change or you can’t spare any time in an already over-scheduled day or there is no imminent business need to learn a new skill. With this mindset you are compromising your personal growth and perceived value as it relates to your colleagues and others in your industry.!

!

Tip 3: To enhance your personal value, identify a new skill to add to your repertoire. If this skill is within the context of your current job check to see if your company will pay for it especially if it will benefit your team or organization. Go one step farther and create a learning agenda for the next twelve months. Each month pick an interesting topic to investigate or skill to learn.!

!

Actively pursue your life! !

Investing in your health and physical well-being should be non-negotiable. Not surprisingly, this can be relegated to the sidelines. Without awareness, you can spend most of your day sitting in the car, at work and at home. Exercise has not only physical benefits but also mental. It can provide a welcome relief from daily stresses and serve as a distraction from negative

8

thoughts. Increased physical activity can lift your mood and improve sleep patterns.!

!

Tip 4: Be active. Be engaged. Get up and start doing. Put yourself into motion. What form of exercise do you like most? Dancing, walking, running, swimming, skiing, racquetball, boot camps, biking, spinning, etc. Add a healthy dose of exercise to your daily routine.!

!

BELIEF! !

Anticipate happiness! !

When dealing with day-to-day career and life challenges it’s easy to let unjustified fears drag you down. This could be apprehension about increased responsibilities, a new boss, your continued job performance or family. The unknown can create scenarios that play out over and over in your head usually ending in disaster. This is referred to as pre-worrying; thoughts that consume so much mental space that you aren’t focusing on the present thereby losing valuable time to positively influence your situation and those around you.!

!

Tip 5: Instead of being weighed down by the heaviness of worry, opt to be lifted up by the joy and prospect of happiness. The next time your mind is flooded with anxiety about a future event bring your attention back to the present and anticipate a positive outcome.!

!

Allow good things to happen! !

How much of your life is spent moving away from what you don’t want? You may not have thought about your life through this lens but for most people they make decisions in order to avoid what they don’t like or things that cause them angst, pain or discomfort.!

!

Tip 6: Open yourself up positive change. Move toward what you want by spending your time and energy in activities that your believe in and will enhance your personal growth.!

!

You owe it to yourself and those around you to invest time and energy in what will make you flourish and prosper.!

!

Peter C. Diamond, “The Amplify Guy”, is the author of Amplify Your Career and Life: 4 Steps to Evaluate, Assess and Move Forward. He is a professionally trained, certified coach. He works with hundreds of senior-level executives and others to guide them through change, ranging from navigating career shifts and creating better work-life fulfillment to greater career and leadership enlightenment, and renewed self-respect. His corporate clients include Leo Burnett, United Airlines, National Association of Realtors, Razorfish, mcgarrybowen, Fresenius Kabi, PVS Chemicals, Human Rights Watch and Intelligentsia Coffee. For more information, please visit www.petercdiamond.com and connect with him on Twitter, @petercdiamond.

digital

photography vikkihankins.net

TRICKED OUT with TECH

N

FAMILY FEATURES

o luxurious home upgrade is complete without the enhancements of modern technology. High-tech and intelligent devices lend ease to everyday activities and enrich your ability to enjoy the comforts of home. With new products joining this category at an exponential pace, there’s a way to boost the smart function of every room, even the bathroom.

Climate controls Environmental elements like lighting and temperature are among the first signals your brain processes when you enter a new space. Aligning those nuances with your comfort and preferences is the ultimate expression of personalization.

Bathroom features that take smart living to a whole new level

Motion or voice control sensors make it possible to bring lights to life with next to no effort, while a smart thermostat with differentiated climate zones can adjust to meet your needs throughout the day, perhaps kicking up a few degrees to prevent a chill when you emerge from a steamy shower.

Uncommon commodes There truly is no limit to the home features that can work harder, faster and smarter – even when it comes to the toilet. If the notion of an intelligent toilet seems extreme to your senses, you may not be alone.

“When Americans hear the word bidet, most have an outdated picture in their minds of a standalone fixture, but in fact, the functionality is now built into

a toilet or attachable seats, and they are simple to use. Once you try one, you won’t be able to live without it,” said Shane Allis, marketing director of Kohler Sanitary Products. “From intelligent toilets to cleansing seats that attach to existing toilets, modern day bidets are for consumers who are looking for an upgrade to their toilet routine.”

In fact, according to a recent survey conducted by Kohler, about two-thirds of Americans would choose a toilet that would give them a cleaner, fresher feeling, and 3 in 5 think washing with water would give them a cleaner feel than toilet paper alone.

An overall fresher feeling and features like a deodorizer, night light and heated seat have strong appeal, according to the same survey, and those features are all offered in options like the Kohler Veil, an ultimate,

one-piece intelligent toilet with integrated cleansing functionality that provides optimum hygiene and individual comfort. From personal cleansing to an LED nightlight to hands-free opening, closing and flushing – all of which are easy to control on a touchscreen LCD remote control – the toilet brings unexpected options to your bathroom.

Explore the available models and learn more about intelligent toilets at Kohler.com/ IntelligentToilets.

Shower with power Whether it’s a playlist that energizes you for the day or soothing sounds to center you before an important meeting, you can give new meaning to singing in the rain with a showerhead that includes a built-in wireless, removable speaker that you can sync to your smartphone music library.

When you take your shower digital, you can actually bring water, steam, music and light together into one sensory experience.

Beyond that, it’s even possible to configure your shower to cycle through spa programs that target different areas of your body with varied water sprays and temperatures.

Hydrotherapy haven A jetted tub is just the beginning when it comes to creating a spa-like atmosphere.

Today’s options let you trick out your tub with everything from bubbles and heat to sound and color. Advanced hydrotherapy options use air or sound to massage, soothe, invigorate or relax your body and your mind – all controlled at the touch of a button. Don’t forget the heated back to keep you warm even longer.

Perfect privacy If you’re blessed with a stunning view out the bathroom window or if you simply prefer the aura of natural light, you may be reluctant to hide behind heavy window treatments. Yet again, technology offers the solution. Shades you can power with a remote control and even film coverings that convert from transparent to opaque with the touch of a button can give you the freedom to embrace your privacy or celebrate the sun’s rays.

Tech-sessories The big features may deliver the wow factor, but little touches can add up for a big impact as well. Mirrors that recognize your face and voice to deliver customized media, such as news and music, can also be programmed to alter the temperature and lighting while you conduct your toiletry business. Other accessories to round out your high-tech renovation include devices such as smart scales that integrate with other devices to maximize your health and wellness routine.

With these tech upgrades and more, you can turn an ordinary bathroom into an entirely new, refreshing experience.

(cont. from pg. 6) 4. Identify areas for collaboration. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. The key is knowing yourself well enough to know when you need to ask for help to be more productive. Wasting time on tasks you don’t excel in can slow everyone down. Rather, find others whom you can collaborate with and learn from to help you improve your productivity over time.

5. Stay organized. When you’re working under continuous deadlines, things can really start to pile up – literally.

Digging through a mess to find the report containing the data you need or the invoice to cross reference is a waste of precious time. Allow the clutter to build during the work day if you must, but make it a goal to never leave the office without bringing some order to the day’s chaos. Coming in each morning to a desk that is de-cluttered and ready for the day ahead can be a big productivity booster.

Learn to Make Lists with Purpose List-making has long been revered as the classic time management tool, and technology makes it easier than ever to blend this analog task with your digital world by using smart notebooks like the Bamboo Slate to create an online to-do list.

Consider these three list styles to determine the approach that best fits your work style to put you on your way to more productive days: Categorized lists. Most people start with a daily to-do list, focusing just on the most urgent tasks for the day. Once you’ve mastered that approach, try looking ahead to the future to help you meet your goals. For this technique, you might consider an annual list or even a life list to help put the big picture in perspective and make it more manageable to accomplish your desires. Others go so far as to categorize their time to focus their attention on different types of tasks on different days.

To-do vs. done lists. Another option is to use lists to catalog both the items you need to do and those you’ve already completed. A “done list” can be a motivating factor in pushing forward with your to-do list by letting you see your accomplishments in writing.

Bullet journaling. The bullet journal approach is a four-step process designed to make the to-do list less of a chore and more efficient. A step-by-step guide shows you how to create more productive lists you can easily reference in the future.

learn to *Scale Your Business *Amplify Your Brand *Maximize Your Power

w/o investors

FAMILY FEATURES

A

mazing food is the centerpiece of most holiday gatherings.

This Easter, impress guests with your culinary talent by making simple dishes simply amazing.

With a little special attention, even the most basic foods can evolve into dishes worth sharing with loved ones.

Most chefs agree that spices and seasonings are essential elements of your kitchen arsenal. This Easter, give your spread a boost with spices and herbs of the highest quality, such as those from Spice Islands, which crafts and packages spices and herbs from around the world to deliver the most authentic and intense flavor possible.

Update your traditional ham with a spicy, honeyed glaze; give a side serving of carrots a tasty twist and end the affair on a sweet note with a rustic, utterly delicious dessert. Find more flavorful ideas to elevate your Easter menu at spiceislands.com.

Spiced Honey and Black Pepper-Glazed Ham Prep time: 10 minutes Total time: 30 minutes Servings: 12 8-10 pounds cooked shank-end ham water (optional) 1 tablespoon Spice Islands Cracked Black Pepper 1 tablespoon Spice Islands Ground Mustard 1 tablespoon Spice Islands Garlic Powder 1/2 cup honey 1 1/2 teaspoons Spice Islands Ground Saigon Cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon Spice Islands Ground Cloves Heat oven to 325 F. With sharp knife, score ham at 1-inch intervals; place in baking dish. If ham appears dry, moisten surface with water.

In small bowl, combine black pepper, mustard and garlic powder. Rub pepper mixture over surface of ham. Roast according to package directions.

Combine honey, cinnamon and cloves.

Drizzle over ham during last 30 minutes of roasting. Remove ham from oven and let rest 20 minutes before slicing.

Spiced Maple Carrots Prep time: 5 minutes Total time: 15 minutes Servings: 4 1 pound (4 cups) baby carrots 1/2 cup water 1 teaspoon Spice Islands Ground Saigon Cinnamon 3/4 teaspoon Spice Islands Ground Ginger

Anise, Pear and Almond Crostata Prep time: 45 minutes Total time: 2 hours, 30 minutes Servings: 6 Crostata Crust: 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 stick butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes and frozen 1/2 teaspoon Spice Islands Fine Mediterranean Sea Salt 1/4 cup ice water Anise Almond Filling: 1 cup blanched, slivered almonds 3/4 teaspoon Spice Islands Anise Seeds 1/3 cup sugar 1 large egg 1 teaspoon Spice Islands Vanilla Extract 1/4 teaspoon Spice Islands Fine Mediterranean Sea Salt 2 tablespoons butter, at room temperature 3 Fiorelle or small pears, sliced into thin wedges 2 tablespoons sugar, plus extra for sprinkling 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 large egg, beaten 2 tablespoons Polaner Apricot Preserves, heated cream or ice cream (optional)

To make crust: In food processor, combine flour, frozen butter and salt. Pulse until dough is size of large peas. Add 3 tablespoons ice water and pulse several times. Pinch dough to see if it is holding together; if not, add water a couple of teaspoons at a time, pulsing once or twice after each addition, until dough holds together. Form dough into disk, wrap in plastic wrap and chill 30 minutes.

Heat oven to 400 F. To make filling: In food processor, blend almonds, anise seeds, sugar, egg, vanilla and salt until paste forms. Add room temperature butter and blend again.

Set aside.

Toss sliced pears with 2 tablespoons sugar and lemon juice. Set aside.

On sheet of floured parchment paper, roll out dough into 13-inch circle; transfer on parchment to rimless cookie sheet.

Spread almond paste onto circle, leaving 2-inch border. Scatter pears on top, covering almond paste.

Fold dough up and over pears, overlapping dough as needed. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle crust generously with extra sugar.

Bake until pears are tender, 40-45 minutes. If crust starts to get too brown, lightly cover with foil. Remove tart from oven and brush pears with heated apricot preserves. Serve with cream or ice cream, if desired.

2 tablespoons Maple Grove Farms 100% Pure Maple Syrup 1 tablespoon butter sea salt, to taste In large skillet, combine carrots, water, cinnamon and ginger. Mix well. Cover and cook on high 6 minutes until almost tender.

Add maple syrup and butter. Mix well and continue to cook, uncovered, 2-3 minutes, until carrots are well-glazed. Season, to taste, with sea salt.

Sensational Cinnamon With its rich hue and warm aroma, cinnamon can bring spicy sweetness to all kinds of baked goods. However, all cinnamon is not the same. There are two main varieties of cinnamon, Indonesian and Vietnamese.

Vietnamese, which is used in the Spice Islands Saigon Cinnamon featured in these recipes, tends to have a brighter, spicy taste. The forests of Vietnam are known for their premium cinnamon.

High in volatile oils, the Vietnamese cinnamon trees produce a deep, reddish-brown cinnamon with an intense fragrance and sweet, red-hot-candy-like flavor.

move more for a healthier heart

While heart health and how to prevent heart disease are important topics, many people in the United States – African Americans, in particular – remain at risk.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, African Americans ages 18-49 are almost twice as likely as Caucasians to die from heart disease. Additionally, about 33 percent of African Americans ages 35-49 and 61 percent ages 50-64 have high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart disease.

However, there are many ways for you to lower your risk for heart disease, and one of the most important is by becoming physically active. National guidelines recommend at least 2 hours, 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week for adults, like brisk walking where your blood gets pumping and you are a little breathless. If you find yourself short of time, you can incorporate physical activity in small chunks, such as three 10-minute intervals per day, and still achieve some heart health benefits.

How Moving More Helps When done regularly, physical activity can give your entire body – not just your heart – a boost. Getting your heart rate up and breaking a sweat can: • Strengthen heart muscles • Improve blood flow • Lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels • Help control weight

• • • •

•

Walking around while you are on the phone or having walking meetings Being active with your children, including playing outdoors Planning a vacation that includes physical activities Playing basketball or taking a yoga class with friends instead of meeting up for drinks or a meal Putting on some music and dancing

Ways to Become More Active Every Day

Check with Your Doctor

In addition to working toward at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week, it’s important to avoid being sedentary, when possible. You can do that by making choices that build activity in your day. Some examples include:

Certain physical activities are safe for most people. However, if you have a chronic health condition such as heart disease, arthritis or diabetes, talk with your doctor about the type and amount of physical activity that is right for your health.

Taking the stairs Printing at the printer farthest from your desk at work.

Getting off the bus one stop early Parking in the farthest space from the door

Incorporating regular physical activity into your life can help your health in many ways, but it can be especially helpful for your heart.

Find more heart-healthy facts and tips from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute at nhlbi.nih.gov.

• • • •

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

GROW YOUR BUSINESS www.amazon.com/How-Did-Scaling-Business-Investors/dp/1947928074

W/O INVESTORS I did it and you can too.

My new book teaches you how!

-Vikki Jones

HIGH END photography WWW.VIKKIHANKINS.NET