My style... like FIRE! By Wendy M. Reynolds, MS/P BCF Senior Managing Editor
Wendym.wordpress.com http://twitter.com/Wendymreynolds Wow! We are into the second half of the year. I'm so excited! You might ask, "Why on earth are you so excited? Don't you watch "Breaking News?"
The tragic South Carolina church killings, the
threats of terror, the tragic death of Sandra Bland, Greece's economic meltdown, the growing divisions and fights over the confederate flag, racial tension and the legalizing of same sex marriage, police brutality, senseless violence, racial tension, marches, Cecil the lion...?" Yes, I hear it everyday. I am very well aware of it. It is heartbreaking and I grieve with those who grieve. And yes, I get angry- at times confused and hurt. However, as much as I want to run and hide from the problems of the world or as much as I want to give some folks a "piece of my mind" sometimes, I understand that I can't fall apart when it seems like the world is having a nervous breakdown. I don't get to act unseemly. That's not my style. I don't get to be a part of the problem. I don't get to ignore the fire within me that compels me to stand up in the midst of theses times and make a difference- be part of the solution- in the world around me. Trust me, I have tried. However, I understand that I was created for this time. I have been given this life because I am strong enough to live it, fierce enough to make an impact and fabulous enough to stand tall, shoulders squared, head up, feet planted, beliefs uncompromised! Yeah, now that's my style! Globally, our world seems to be in a dark place but we can't afford to be afraid of the dark or distracted by its presence. Those who have something positive to offer- those who can bring light- those who have that burning fire within that just won't go away, must emerge. Your fire, your flame is needed. While fire is known to be destructive, it can also be quite helpful when it is contained and used correctly. It brings light. It brings heat. Its presence is undeniable and cannot be hidden. Its flames and heat can be seen and felt for miles. It is never mistaken for anything other than what it is. It ignites whatever it touches. It stands unapologetically. It knows it is fire. It knows its power. It knows its purpose. You are a fire! You are a burning flame! You are full of purpose and power. You can be destructive as well as selfdestructive if you so choose, by letting circumstances and events reduce you to rage, hate... or you can make a positive impact. I challenge you this month to fan your flame by connecting with your passion, your purpose and with people who challenge and excite you. I dare you to be who you are! I dare you to do what you are called to do! Stir up your gifts and talents by lending them to causes that are important to you. Do not underestimate your voice, your presence, or you impact. Do not be shocked by what is going on in the world and do not be overcome by its evil. Instead recognize the amazing opportunity you have to let your presence be felt. In tragic or difficult times- or at any time, be the noticeable good. Stand like the twinkling star in the dark sky. Shine. Be the one who provokes others to good works. Harness your fire. Use your power, your presence, your actions and your words to build and ignite others. We may be called to affect different areas but together, as our flames connect, our noticeable presence will be seen and felt all over the world. Are you ready? Let's go!
Where is your Moral Compass? By Mike Bundrant
There is no shortage of organizations and people in this world that will tell you how you should be living your life. It's easy enough to follow someone else's moral compass if you are so inclined. The most ethical teachers throughout history, however, have instructed us to learn to trust our own inner compass, that internal "sense" of what is right and wrong, or the most appropriate course of action in every situation. (Natural News) Your inner moral compass is by far the most sophisticated and valuable guide you could possibly have. From navigating the complexities of a complicated moral dilemma to knowing how to treat your spouse or partner, your moral compass dictates the best course of action and prompts you to respond in kind. This isn't a new or complicated concept. Understanding morality is as simple as knowing what you'd do if a small child standing next to you were about to step into oncoming traffic. We all have an inner sense of how we ought to respond to other human beings. This is morality in its purest form. Granted, it gets much more complicated when responding to someone who has wronged or mistreated you over the course of time. Add to that the mixed messages and hypocrisy of family and community life. Then throw in a plethora of distorted messages from Hollywood and the mass media, coupled with a culture of outright pride, greed, immaturity and deception from government and business, and soon your deepest sense of human morality gets mixed into a serious can of worms. Carl Jung seemed to understand that our inner voice tends to get smothered when he said: Through pride we are ever deceiving ourselves. But deep down below the surface of the average conscience a still, small voice says to us, something is out of tune. In NLP we learn to ask precision questions that get to the heart of the matter. So, to unearth the sensitive inner self that is more concerned with what you think is right, I invite you to ask yourself the following questions that I learned from my colleague Jake Eagle, a long-time NLP trainer and co-founder of Green Psychology. Warning: These questions involve the world "should." Some people fear this word or consider it to be a source of coercion and angst. Please understand that how I use this word implies heartfelt obligation
toward something that you personally believe - independently of outside sources. This is you according to you. Question #1: What are you doing that you know you should not be doing? Even though you are a good person with good intentions, is there something you're doing in your life that is harmful to yourself or others? I'm not talking about trivial things and pet peeves, but behaviors or attitudes that cause real distress or that compromise your overall health. What are you doing that you know you should not be doing? Question #2: What should you be doing in your life that you are NOT doing? This is the flip side of question #1. What significant positive actions or habits are you lacking? What direction in life do you believe you should be pursuing? Where do you believe should you be putting your energy and are you, in fact, doing it? Question #3: What is it that you do NOT want to know about yourself? This is a sophisticated question that presupposes you are capable of knowing what you don't want to know. Essentially, if you ask yourself this question, you are acknowledging that you may know more about yourself than you are comfortable facing. Asking this question must be done with no judgment or blame and often requires the help of a coach. Confronting what you are avoiding or hiding is not for the faint of heart! Why do this? Maybe you are a bigot. Perhaps you are dishonest in your business dealings or neglect your parenting responsibilities. Maybe you don't want to face the fact that you are addicted to something harmful. Denying to yourself what is probably obvious to others in your life is an age old tactic people use to save themselves from fear, trouble or embarrassment. Hiding the truth is, essentially, a form of deception. If you are brave enough to honestly answer these questions, then you are ahead of most of the population. Getting to honest answers will plant your feet squarely on "personal ethical" ground, effectively resetting your moral compass. Based on your answers, you can know your heartfelt obligations and best self-improvement goals. Honesty in this department, regardless of your acknowledged flaws, will probably deliver a huge sigh of relief and a healthy measure of self-respect as well. When you arrive at the point in life where you aren't doing what you believe you shouldn't, doing everything you believe you should and remain unafraid to know everything there is to know about yourself, you will have arrived at a state of personal power that few have ever experienced.
5 Reasons To Hire a Personal Trainer By Rich & Karla Walker www.richandkarlawalker.com Connect on Facebook Are you tired of going through the motions at the gym and not getting the results you want? You are not alone. There are others that feel the same way you do. Frankly, you are busy with other things and have not studied the ins and outs of how to transform your body. However, there are many people across the world, just like you, who have taken action to solve this common problem. They hired a personal trainer. Don’t worry, if you are unfamiliar with what a personal trainer can do for you. Many of the people that currently have their own personal trainer were also unfamiliar with how personal trainers could help them. Yet, now, these same individuals are experiencing results they never thought possible. Carefully read over the following list. It will share 5 Reasons You Should Consider Hiring a Personal Trainer: •Accountability. It is easy to set a fitness goal and fall short of accomplishing it. In order to achieve a fitness goal it takes enormous determination and commitment. And, one thing that many people that are fitness success stories have in common is that they are accountable to someone. For example, they have someone aware of what they are supposed to be doing with their fitness program and that person puts pressure on them to do it. Having accountability is one of the secrets of those that succeed at reaching their fitness goals, and a personal trainer can provide you with quality accountability to help you also succeed. •Safety. Safety is one of the most important aspects of a successful fitness program. This is because serious injury is always a possibility when working out. It is definitely better to be too safe when embarking upon an exercise and nutrition program than not safe enough. A personal trainer can design a safe fitness program that lowers your chance of a serious injury to your body.
•Motivation. Motivation may be one of the most underrated necessities in life. Why? Motivation is the force inside us that moves us to action. Without motivation, we may know we need to work out but we won’t do it. This goes for anything that we want to accomplish. Unfortunately, it is common for well-meaning people not to have motivation to exercise and stick to a healthy nutritional regimen. Your personal trainer will be your personal-motivator that helps you gain the fitness results you desire. •Save Time. Time is the most valuable commodity you possess. When you lose your time you can’t get it back. Your personal trainer will save you time by helping you to avoid the common mistakes that the average person makes when starting a fitness program. •Expertise. When you hire your personal trainer, you are hiring him/her not just for their time, but you are hiring them for their experience and knowledge. Imagine… when you hire your experienced and knowledgeable personal trainer, you will be able to reach your fitness goals faster and more effectively. Investing in yourself is a smart thing to do. Therefore, consider hiring a personal trainer today.
How To Protect Your Dream & Build A Power Team By Marshawn Evans As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. —Proverbs 27:17
As you prepare to give birth to your dream and for God’s calling in your life to come to pass, what you share with others—and who you share with—is so important to your journey. I really do believe that teamwork makes the dream work. We need others to help us stay sharp, accountable and in balance as we pursue our purpose. I also believe that Christ intends for us to operate in community with others. After all, Jesus had his disciples… the first dream team! And, oh, what a mission they were able to be a part of. Today, I want you to take a close look at how you build the best support team around you. But, here’s the thing: a team is defined as ‘a number of persons associated in JOINT action.” By sharing your dream, you’re inviting people into your space, your plans and inner circle. The question is… who are you essentially “joining” with by sharing your dream and vision? Some people (mistakenly & inadvertently) end up inviting everyone to their “team” —sharing their ideas and brilliance with anyone who will listen, seeking the advice and counsel of too many people or allowing themselves to be deterred by the words of doubters, worriers, nay-sayers, or jealous bystanders. Listen, if you want to go fast go alone. If you want to go far go together. Here are four best practices to ensure you move forward with the right people so your dream does not become a nightmare.
1. Be selective & inclusive. When sharing your dream, tell the people who need to know. (And, all your Facebook friends do not need to know… Trust me on this one.) Part of creating conditions for profitable success is that the people who are connected to you, depend upon you, and rely upon you know where you’re going. So have a conversation with your significant other, your spouse, your kids. Make sure they understand how your dream will affect them and what it means to their lives. 2. Share with trusted advisers. Tell colleagues and advisers that you trust—people with wisdom, experience or expertise who can support you and will support you. Remember, not all of those who can, will. Make sure that you’re only speaking with people who have expressed a sincere desire to support you in your journey… even if that means hiring them to be a mentor and coach. 3. Create a circle of accountability. When you tell others your dream, ask them to remind you of what you’re focused on and ask them to support you. Your trusted team can pour back into you and help you get where you’re going. And you can do the same for them. As Proverbs 11:25 states, “He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” This was a big step for me because I’m a solo “do-er” and don’t traditionally ask for a lot of support. But when I’ve made up my mind, I don’t ask for approval. I tell people, “This is where I am going, this is the legacy I’m building and these are the people I’m serving.” Then I say that when times get hard I’m going to need them as part of my support system to remind me why I’m doing what it is that I am doing. 4. Don’t wait for approval. While others are helpful, they aren’t always essential. Seeking support is completely different from seeking approval. When you are clear on what you want, you need only give yourself permission to pursue your dream without apology and the need for outside approval. Everyone won’t be able to support or understand your calling, your mission, your vision… YOUR dream. That’s why it is Y-O-U-R-S! You never need to ask for permission to do something that God has already commissioned you to do. Protecting your dream is key. People are an integral part of that process. Just use discretion, discernment (and common sense!) as you do so. I know the best is within you… it’s time for it to manifest through you. Marshawn Evans is a Global Mentor and Catalyst for Women looking to Launch Their Dreams and Live Their Purpose. She equips others to AMPLIFY their lives, their leadership and their legacy by teaching the principles of influence, branding, and divine purpose. Her weekly eZine goes out to thousands of subscribers. Are you ready to unleash your brilliance and align with your REAL destiny? Sign up for a FREE subscription at http://marshawnevans.com.
Relearning the Art of Asking a Question by Tom Pohlmann and Neethi Mary Thomas Proper questioning has become a lost art. The curious four-year-old asks a lot of questions — incessant streams of “Why?” and “Why not?” might sound familiar — but as we grow older, our questioning decreases. In a recent poll of more than 200 of our clients, we found that those with children estimated that 70-80% of their kids’ dialogues with others were comprised of questions. But those same clients said that only 15-25% of their own interactions consisted of questions. Why the drop off? Think back to your time growing up and in school. Chances are you received the most recognition or reward when you got the correct answers. Later in life, that incentive continues. At work, we often reward those who answer questions, not those who ask them. Questioning conventional wisdom can even lead to being sidelined, isolated, or considered a threat. Because expectations for decision-making have gone from “get it done soon” to “get it done now” to “it should have been done yesterday,” we tend to jump to conclusions instead of asking more questions. And the unfortunate side effect of not asking enough questions is poor decision-making. That’s why it’s imperative that we slow down and take the time to ask more — and better — questions. At best, we’ll arrive at better conclusions. At worst, we’ll avoid a lot of rework later on. Aside from not speaking up enough, many professionals don’t think about how different types of questions can lead to different outcomes. You should steer a conversation by asking the right kinds of questions, based on the problem you’re trying to solve. In some cases, you’ll want to expand your view of the problem, rather than keeping it narrowly focused. In others, you may want to challenge basic assumptions or affirm your understanding in order to feel more confident in your conclusions. Consider these four types of questions — Clarifying, Adjoining, Funneling, and Elevating — each aimed at achieving a different goal:
Clarifying questions help us better understand what has been said. In many conversations, people speak past one another. Asking clarifying questions can help uncover the real intent behind what is said. These help us understand each other better and lead us toward relevant follow-up questions. “Can you tell me more?” and “Why do you say so?” both fall into this category. People often don’t ask these questions, because they tend to make assumptions and complete any missing parts themselves. Adjoining questions are used to explore related aspects of the problem that are ignored in the conversation. Questions such as, “How would this concept apply in a different context?” or “What are the related uses of this technology?” fall into this category. For example, asking “How would these insights apply in Canada?” during a discussion on customer life-time value in the U.S. can open a useful discussion on behavioral differences between customers in the U.S. and Canada. Our laser-like focus on immediate tasks often inhibits our asking more of these exploratory questions, but taking time to ask them can help us gain a broader understanding of something. Funneling questions are used to dive deeper. We ask these to understand how an answer was derived, to challenge assumptions, and to understand the root causes of problems. Examples include: “How did you do the analysis?” and “Why did you not include this step?” Funneling can naturally follow the design of an organization and its offerings, such as, “Can we take this analysis of outdoor products and drive it down to a certain brand of lawn furniture?” Most analytical teams – especially those embedded in business operations – do an excellent job of using these questions. Elevating questions raise broader issues and highlight the bigger picture. They help you zoom out. Being too immersed in an immediate problem makes it harder to see the overall context behind it. So you can ask, “Taking a step back, what are the larger issues?” or “Are we even addressing the right question?” For example, a discussion on issues like margin decline and decreasing customer satisfaction could turn into a broader discussion of corporate strategy with an elevating question: “Instead of talking about these issues separately, what are the larger trends we should be concerned about? How do they all tie together?” These questions take us to a higher playing field where we can better see connections between individual problems. In today’s “always on” world, there’s a rush to answer. Ubiquitous access to data and volatile business demands are accelerating this sense of urgency. But we must slow down and understand each other better in order to avoid poor decisions and succeed in this environment. Because asking questions requires a certain amount of vulnerability, corporate cultures must shift to promote this behavior. Leaders should encourage people to ask more questions, based on the goals they’re trying to achieve, instead of having them rush to deliver answers. In order to make the right decisions, people need to start asking the questions that really matter.
Is It True Love? By Dawson McAllister “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” —I Corinthians 13:4-8a (NIV) This verse describes the characteristics of true love. These qualities can certainly be found in the person of Jesus Christ, and they can be found in all truly loving relationships. The problem with trying to “find” love in our dating lives, is that too often we don't look for these characteristics. Rather we look at physical appearance, popularity, or wealth. These are not the qualities that God looks at and neither should we. But the LORD said to Samuel, “…The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” —I Samuel 16:7b (NIV) Love is best seen as devotion and action, not an emotion. Love is not exclusively based on how we feel. Certainly our emotions are involved, but they cannot be our only criteria for love. True devotion will always lead to action—true love. Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with ACTIONS and in truth. I John 3:18 (NIV) Christ was devoted to us enough to give his own life for us (Romans 5:8), even when he didn't feel like it (Matthew 26:39). Sex is not love! Our culture has taught us that sex and love are one in the same. This is a lie. Sex is a beautiful God-given activity that is wonderful when practiced within the boundaries of a Biblical marriage. Sex is the completion of the binding of two people within Biblical marriage; it is a God-given gift.
Pre-marital sex Because premarital sex is not love, it only leads to pain and disappointment for those who are seeking that love. The Bible says that when two people are married, they become one flesh (Ephesians 5:31). Sex is consummation of that union. When two people break off their relationship after having sex, it is like ripping apart flesh. This is why two teenagers will struggle so much and become so dependent on those they give their bodies to. In light of I Corinthians 13:4-8 (above), it is easy to see that premarital sex is not patient, it is not kind, it does not protect, it is self-seeking. It is not love!
Identifying true love We can only identify true love and know when we have found it, based on the Word of God. When we match our relationships up to what the Bible says that love is—and we are honestly prepared to make a life-long commitment to that person—then we can say that we are truly “in love.” The three keys to that statement are: We have to… 1. …look at the Word of God 2. …be completely honest with ourselves 3. …understand the level of commitment that comes with true love Copyright © 1997, Dawson McAllister Live!, All Rights Reserved
How to Organize Your Home By Jill Nystul Four Methods:Getting Rid of Unnecessary ItemsSeparating Items by Room and FunctionUsing Storage SolutionsDeveloping Good Habits
Is clutter driving you crazy? An organized lifestyle can mean efficiency in your day and a more relaxing time while at home. Your home will look cleaner and you will find that you have more space which is easier to use byand enjoy. Follow the tips below to begin organizing your home.
Method 1 of 4: Getting Rid of Unnecessary Items 1. Sort your items. Go through every room in your home and sort items by what you will do with them: keep, donate, or throw away. Keep items should be things you need and cannot part with, throw away items should be those which are completely useless to everyone, and donate items are those which you can’t use but someone else would benefit from.
2. Think critically about ‘keep’ items. Sometimes we feel like we need something but we really don’t. These are the types of items which usually make homes cluttered and leave little space for the things we do need. Once you’re done with the initial keep-donatetrash sweep, make a second sweep through your keep items and think about the last time you used them and if you actually need them.
3. Find good uses for non-keep items. For the items that you will trash or donate, consider the best uses for those items. Certain types of donated items will do the most good if donated to particular organizations (old furniture to Goodwill, toys to the Salvation Army, clothes to refugee organizations, etc). Make sure that items you designate trash really are trash. Tattered clothing should not be
donated but low-quality though functional and intact kitchen equipment could really help someone out.
Method 2 of 4: Separating Items by Room and Function 1. Sort items by function. Go through all of your keep items and decide what their primary function is. Like items should be grouped together so that you can decide how best to store them. They may be able to nest inside each other or otherwise be stored together efficiently. If they don’t really have a function, you may want to consider putting them in the donate pile.
2. Sort items by room and location. Once your items are sorted by function, separate and organize them by what room is appropriate for them to go in. Think about their function and locate them where they can be efficiently reached and used. Though items may share a similar function, they may need to be split up if one serves its purpose better elsewhere.
For example, kitchen supplies should be kept in the area of the kitchen where they can be easily accessed when necessary. Items which are not used often can be stored up and out of the way, like infrequently used appliances (such as ice cream makers) or fancy or overly large dishes.
3.Consider multiple purpose items. Consider items which serve multiple purposes and find a place to store them where both can be served without hindering the other. In some cases, you have multiples of that item, you can split them up between locations but this may not always be possible.
An example of such an item may be small towels, which may be necessary to both the bathroom and the kitchen.
Method 3 of 4: Using Storage Solutions 1. Have a home for every item. Items left lying around will make your home look cluttered and unorganized so be sure to have a home set aside for every item. A good practice is to stand in a room and pick up every visible item and ask yourself if that is where that item should be at all times. If it’s not, find a place for it to go.
You will especially want a set home for items like your keys, phone and wallet. Keep a set spot for them near the door and develop a habit of always putting them in that spot. Doing this will keep you from constantly misplacing your items.
2. Store items efficiently. Store items in a way which minimizes the amount of space they take while maximising how much use you can get out of them. With items organized efficiently, your home will have more space and look less cluttered.[1]
Small items in a ‘junk’ drawer can be sorted into labeled used Altoids tins, for example (to keep them from getting mixed up and wandering everywhere).
Tension rods can be placed in a tupperware drawer to hold back and separate lids.
Place metal sheets on the inside of cupboards so that you can use that space to store recipe clippings, instead of attaching them to your fridge.
Organize necklaces on coat hooks, earrings in ice cube trays, and purses on hangers.
Put stock cooking ingredients (like sugar and flour) into tins or mason jars, to make them stackable and easier to store. Put spices into metal spice tins and store them on the side of your fridge.
Use a filing cabinet to store laundry supplies and a shoe organizer on the inside of cabinet doors to store kitchen cleaning supplies.
3. Create storage systems. For items of which you have multiples or large numbers, you will want to instigate a system of organization to help you find the individual items when needed. This will also help you use less space to store them to begin with, allowing for more storage space.
Get a filing cabinet or filing boxes for files and papers. This is especially important for crucial documents like tax papers, birth certificates, and other sensitive information which you may need to find in a hurry or do not want to get lost.
Have a set system for your clothes. You will have to devise a system which works best for you, but be sure you have a clear way of organizing both clean and dirty clothes. Dirty clothes can be separated by color into different baskets. Clean clothes should be hung neatly when needed and otherwise stored in drawers or baskets. Take a cue from frequent fliers and roll your clothes when storing them in drawers to minimize wrinkles and maximize storage space. 4. Think about using wasted space. Think about spaces which go unused and how they may be turned into good storage space. Finding ways to use the
extra space in your home will maximize your organizational options.
A cubby space between a fridge and a wall could be home to a pull-out shelving unit for small items like cans and jars.
An awkward spot in a hallway could be home to a small bookshelf and used for various items.
The space under your bed can be used to store off-season bedding and large coats and sweaters (using boxes, bags, or roll-out storage).
Method 4 of 4: Developing Good Habits 1. Consider each new item you buy. Staying organized is about developing better habits. One good habit to develop is analyzing each new item you buy or otherwise acquire. Don’t build up a whole bunch of things you don’t need. This will make your home cluttered and disorganized all over again. Remember for that each item you acquire, you will have to find a home for it.
2. Put things where they go. Get in the habit of always putting things away when you are done using them. Don’t tell yourself you’ll get it later or that maybe someone else will need to use it: just put it away. This habit will go the furthest in ensuring that your home stays organized.
3.
Make ‘giving away’ a regular habit. Always have a bag or box in your house which is a designated ‘donate’ location. Put items in there that you find you don’t use anymore and try to put one or two items in every time you acquire a new item.
Tips
When choosing which area of your living space to begin organizing, try starting with the area that you use the most, such as your study area, if you are a student, or the kitchen. Find ways to reuse your existing organizers. For example, if you have a candle holder but no candles, you can use it to hold pencils instead. A good way to store infrequently-used items is to invest in good quality organizers, such as CD holders, bookcases, and under-the-bed containers. If you have a birthday coming up or Christmas is around the corner, try asking relatives for gift certificates to the Container Store, Bed, Bath & Beyond, IKEA, or Target.
Think about whether you really need to keep things.. Most people nowadays have an iPod, MP3 or a computer which you can download CD's onto. Allocate a day to transfer your CD's to the computer where you can put them on and take them off your iPod or MP3 whenever you wish. Once that's done why not either store them in the loft or better still sell them and earn some extra cash! American culture is avid about organizing. Therefore, you can usually find organizers that are trendy and fashionable, so you won't have to worry about hiding items away that you store. Add some style to your room! Take an old scarf, and transform it into a new curtain! Be careful when moving furniture. Lift with your legs, not your back, and ask a friend to help you. Keep in mind fire hazards while you are organizing. Some safety hazards include overloading a wall outlet with extension cords, storing huge stacks of newspapers, or not putting away shoes and other articles that block your exit path in an emergency.
Next Month from BEAUTY COME FORTH Online Magazine
10 Things to leave at home when Traveling Abroad By Erin Gifford Traveling abroad isn't as simple as buying a ticket and hopping on a plane. Safety should be a key consideration no matter where you travel, and part of staying safe in an unfamiliar place is dressing to blend in -- or, at least, not dressing to stand out. Beyond avoiding matching T-shirts, baseball hats and white sneakers, not to mention "I Love NY" sweatshirts, keep in mind local customs and attitudes, as well as religious beliefs, when choosing your attire. "My adventures have taken me, as a solo female traveler, through primarily Muslim countries as well as primarily Christian countries," says frequent traveler Lisa Munniksma. "I've always been modest in my appearance, but after traveling and meeting so many travelers and locals from various cultures, the importance of respecting traditions in dress has been driven home." Before you get out your suitcase, here are 10 things to leave in your closet as you pack for your next trip abroad. Religiously Immodest Clothing It's wise to dress conservatively in any country holding deeply religious views, such as those in the Middle East (if you're not sure, your travel agent or guidebook can offer advice on local religious customs). Women in particular should avoid miniskirts, tank tops, bra tops, short-sleeved shirts, shorts and sometimes even capri pants. Revealing dresses and cleavage-bearing necklines are also huge no-nos. Men should avoid shorts and sleeveless tops in many Middle Eastern countries or when entering a church or other holy place. Pants and long skirts are a safe bet, and women should carry a shawl in their bag or purse just in case. As a general rule, travelers should cover their shoulders and knees when entering any church or holy site to avoid unwanted stares or being denied entry. It's also wise to keep your feet and ankles covered. When in doubt, stick to long sleeves, and men, keep that chest hair concealed. Sneakers and Open-Toe Shoes In Europe, in particular, sneakers are for sporting activities only. White tennis shoes, Crocs and Birkenstocks are notably frowned upon by Spaniards and Italians. Instead, wear comfortable leather walking shoes in the city, and keep them polished and in good shape. White, lace-up tennis shoes are the calling card of American tourists (and don't even think about Velcro sneakers). It's also wise to stick with closed-toe shoes, which can help prevent insect bites or cuts on your toes from gravelly surfaces. "It is not sanitary to wear flip-flops and other open-toe shoes when traveling to some areas because you can
get infections," notes Talia Salem, a communications specialist at PlanetWildlife. Shorts Yes, we Americans do love our shorts, but most other cultures don't wear them for everyday walking around, no matter the season or how close they are to the Equator. Leave the khaki shorts for beaches, parks, tennis clubs and hiking trails. Our habit of dressing down to be comfortable is puzzling to most people overseas. Rarely will you see locals wearing shorts unless they're off to play soccer. Flashy Jewelry Never wear expensive, flashy jewelry abroad, unless you want your diamond rings, pearls and pricey watches to be tagged for someone else's collection. Since there's probably no need to impress anyone that much on your trip abroad, leave the valuables at home. Religious Imagery, Curse Words or National Flags Avoid clothing sporting religious or military symbols, swear words, national flags and any words or symbols written in a language you cannot translate. There's no need to unintentionally spark an emotional debate while on vacation. It's also not a bad idea to leave religious jewelry, even cross necklaces, at home. If you must, wear them under your clothes so they're not visible to anyone. Bright Colors Stay away from bold colors, loud patterns, plaids -- you get the picture. Stick with conservative hues like navy, blue, tan and grey. Look put together, opting for classic, well-fitting clothing. You want to blend in, not draw unwanted attention to yourself (and nothing does that better than a neon green tank top). Inappropriate Colors In the Western world, we may wear black to wakes and funerals, but in parts of Asia, white is the funereal color -- good to keep in mind on the off chance you may be mourning someone's passing while on holiday. Meanwhile, stay away from wearing black or blue in central Africa, the favorite colors of large, biting tsetse flies. Jeans If a visit to a factory, rural area or even a touristy spot where the locals wear jeans is on your agenda, then, of course, jeans are acceptable. However, jeans should fit well and be wrinkle-free. It's even better if you opt for black or dark blue jeans. Baggy, ripped, even skinny jeans are generally frowned upon outside the United States. Backpacks Planning to spend the summer backpacking across Europe? Then a large backpack is practical and probably a better bet than a rollaboard suitcase for lugging onto trains and traveling between destinations. But bring a secondary bag, like a small fabric tote bag, for everyday touring around cities. Any kind of backpack, big or small, will mark you as a tourist. Cameras Snap a photo, then put your camera away. Nothing screams tourist like a camera permanently hanging from your neck. Not only do you stand out, but you may get targeted by thieves. Carry a good camera that you can fit into your small bag.
Introducing THE CRAVATE from designers Myra Wallace: The first official neck tie designed specifically for women. This evolution in the Women's Contemporary Apparel industry has every tastemaker and style setting woman spinning on her heels to get her hands on not one, but as many pairs as Myra can manufacture. Not only are women spinning but the media has also caught on to the modernization of men's classic accessory for women! Endless highend fabrications, numerous designs that compliment that perfect outfit. Wear one over a simple V-neck t-shirt and watch what happens. It's the iconic piece that every woman will own in her wardrobe! To order your SheeTie go to: www.theCravate.com
FABSTYLE Interview with Celebrity Stylist “ Karicean” of The Posh Studio In years past when the subject of fashion and beauty came up, stylist were rarely in the forefront of our conversations. In fact the designer’s name or the top model has always been the highlight of the fashion spread or red carpet event. Yet in recent years the tables have turned as many producers, directors, entertainers and magazine publishers have come to realize it is the “Stylist” that brings the vision full circle. This month BCF would like to give credence to our very own, the amazing Celebrity Stylist, Karicean. Celebrity Stylist- Karicean
Karicean, a southern California native, knew from a early start that she had a desire and drive that set her apart from many in her field. With a strong background as a hair and wardrobe stylist, coupled with a communications degree, she founded The Posh Studio. Now sitting at the helm of this creative empire as the renown celebrity stylist, Karicean brings together some of LA’s hottest hair, make-up and wardrobe stylist. The Posh Studio provides a world class complete beauty experience for celebrity clientele and non-celebrity clientele alike. The idea is "to create a relaxing, pampering and luxurious atmosphere while at the same time providing superb craftsmanship with a strong emphasis on making our clients look their best, rather than a canvas for stylist creativity." Karicean, as the Karen, was not satisfied with the status quo, hair stylist, thus begging her quest for the fashion and entertainment industries. That mission proved to be the turning point of her career. Karicean’s extensive wardrobe and hair styling background, coupled with communications experience made for a smooth entrance through the door to the fashion industry as a publicist' assistant at a men's design studio in Los Angeles; there she learned the methods of design and fashion creation, from sketch board to department store. Actress-Tamara Taylor
She worked her way from PR assistant to Sales & Marketing Manager, in the course of three years. Through branding and crafty promotional campaigns, her creative guidance helped catapult the company in tripling their revenues in three seasons. By applying promotional techniques to the art direction of catalogues and eye catching fashion ads, Karicean was able to define herself early on as an image choreographer. Fully equipped with a rounded knowledge of fashion, Karicean returned to the hair industry, studying and working under various international hair organizations including, Vidal Sassoon, Matrix, and Tony & Guy. Recognized for her creative use of extensions, cutting techniques, and thermal styling, she quickly earned a reputation amongst her high profile clientele as a Rock Star stylist. This trailblazer was quickly recognized as an innovator in the African American market, noted for bringing new techniques that would increase bottom line. It was at this juncture that Karicean was invited by various manufactures to be a stylist instructor for their product, including Wella/Sebastian. Proving herself as a trailblazer, Karicean became a magnet to the world of runway fashion. She wowed her audience with cutting edge images which were featured in Apparel News, Ebony Man, and Honey Magazine. It was through these events and her ability to magnify the craftsmanship of designer collections that quickly placed her in position as creative director. Karicean and her staff produced electrifying images for runway presentations for some of the world’s most famous designers such as, Donna Karan, Betsy Johnson, Richard Tyler, and Kevin Hall. Not long after, she was appointed image coordinator for the Absolute Vodka Tour, extending her portfolio for some of America’s top super models. Entertainer-Axl Rose
Besides the U.S.; Karicean’s creative talents received global attention when she was asked to teach the art of hair & fashion in Tokyo. As the years progressed, she was offered the opportunity to use these same talents in the world of entertainment, when appointed personal stylist to Axil Rose of Guns & Roses, during his Chinese Democracy Tour. Upon her return to the U.S., Karicean landed the position of personal stylist for actress Nia Long. She has been called upon to create images for R&B projects for the likes of, T.I., Nelly, Snoop Dogg, and Trey Songz. Others she has styled for would include Paula Abdul, Nikki Reed, Selma Blaire, Denise Richards, Stacey Dash, and is the personal stylist for KTLA Morning News anchor Michaela Pereira. Recently, Karicean has been appointed by Jamie Foxx as lead stylist for his production company. She is in high demand in the world of “Celebrity Image Makers”, creating a niche market for herself amongst those who style and design for elite clientele such as, Oprah Winfrey, Beyonce’, Mariah Carey, Jay-Z, and Rhianna as well as publications such as, Elle and Vogue. These high profile designers and stylists, come to Karicean when in need of their own Red Carpet Image. In addition, she is also called upon to design images for the first ladies of some of the Mega Churches in Los Angeles. Sam Rubin, Jessica Holmes (KTLA)
Karicean was nominated by LA Business Journal in 2009 and’10,” Women who make a difference” in the category of Rising Star. Over the years, Ms. Karicean is definitely the light behind the shine! She has left her mark on every project she has taken on, leaving a lasting impression that clearly states; ...”the best is yet to come”! There is obviously much on the horizon for Karicean and we at Beauty Come Forth are very proud to say she was one of the founding figures of this magazine and has always had her hand in some part of the beauty and creativity you’ve experienced every issue we’ve published. Karicean was our founding Beauty and Style Editor for BCF Magazine and continues to keep us Stylish today. Mark my words, this is not the last you shall hear of Ms Karicean and The Posh Studio. Actress-Carrie Ann Moss
Q. & A with Celebrity Stylist Karicean It was an honor to take some personal time with Karicean to chat about all the wonderful things she has had her hands on. between films and photo shoots her calendar has been booked full since the beginning of the year! After a challenging week of little to no sleep, I was able to lock her down to ask her a few questions that I believe will give everyone an inside peak to the industry that has us all intrigued. Take a look! It appears that you have found your nitch in the styling game as you are both a hair stylist & wardrobe stylist, correct? Karicean: Yes, I operate as both a hair stylist and wardrobe stylist. Actor- Cuba Goodings, Jr
What inspires your creative style? Karicean: In my travels and when I
am in the company of other people from other places and experiencing other
cultures, it inspirers me.
When did you get your first break into the Hollywood circuit? Karicean: Around the age of 19 years old I was working on the
project "The black panther movie" now called "Panther" directed by Mario Van Peeples in 1995. Ted Long, gave me my shot, and I just kept going from there. I remember being escorted off set but came back again and someone saw my photo album, not portfolio, my photo album, and said ok, come tomorrow. And that was the beginning of it all.
Did you have a mentor in the industry? Karicean: In my beginning days there was
a woman named, "Eddie M Barron" who was so mean to me, taught me EVERYTHING, taught me to be fast, taught me to be tough, taught me to complete what I started, just taught me everything." She said I was slow and she said that God told her "Take her and show her the way" and she did and that's why I do it the way I do today.
Who has been your most interesting client?
Karicean: I think they are all interesting in their own way, not one holds more significance than the other, honestly, they are all different. They all pull different things out of me. I have been afforded to be sharpened by them all. They are all interesting and all offered me something different. SO I can't really simply answer that.
Who would you say is a challenge to style & why? Karicean: The most challenging for me is a person
who doesn't see themselves. They can’t see their own shine because maybe they don’t like themselves. So if I had to answer that question with a person, I would say that use to be me! I didn't see myself as a head turner and so I ended up using my gift to make others shine.
Erica Tazel
What triggered your career as a wardrobe & hair stylist? Karicean: Styling hair has always been a part of me. It is my gift.
Once I realized that I pleased others when doing their hair, I saw that everyone does not know how to do hair and so I want to keep doing it. I started at 11 years old and said 'hey I can do this for other people because it makes them happy, it makes them feel good, and I liked making others feel good. Back then my starting fee was $2.00. MKO Man (a Big & Tall men’s apparel line founded by BCF Publisher, Myra Wallace) was the other source, it was my validation for wardrobe styling. I didn't even know that there was a title for this thing, until doing merchandising and sales for a company. Although I didn’t design or sew, I knew how to put things together that would attract and sell. I put stories together and those stories attracted the buyer and that was my goal. Myra kept saying, "you are a stylist," I didn't even know what that meant. Then my mother showed me some awards I had received for merchandising, while working at a retail fashion store during my high school years. She said I would constantly sell more than the others due to my presentations. So there it was. I just like clothes; I didn't know it was a thing. People liked it, I discovered it by accident. Who knew?"
What would you say is a stylist job or place? Karicean: A stylist job is hard work, for long hours.
But it’s also a life of service, helping someone else to obtain a goal. Whether to sell something or create a character, we help reach that goal, a role or a job, red carpet or a magazine, my job is to bring their image or imagination to life. That's a gift and I am blessed to think I walk with that gift, but it's not a position of or about YOU, it's actually very humbling, a job of service. We are in the background, to create the forefront. Many times, we are NOT even mentioned and the thing mentioned is their style or hair. I am grateful by the person shining, helping them shine, job well done. The results are my thanks. Got to love to be able to navigate through with or without feeling short changed. It's not about you, it’s a partnership, and we don't look for praise. It only works with all the elements working together, like the moon, the sky and the sun. Without one of them, it doesn't work. One doesn't work for the other and none gets more shine than the other. But none seeks shine, it just is.
Tell us about The Posh Studio? Karicean: I always felt like POSH was an outward expression of what you were- a perfect blend of all the amazing abstract of one’s concept of style, a fusion of culture and influences that engages all your senses.
How did you come up with the name? Karicean: The name itself actually means the power to organically stimulate harmony How does a person convey their style in their clothes? Karicean: You don't convey style. What you are playing
that day dictates what you want to convey that day- the character you play that day. We play characters for the day. If you feel like a rock star, a rapper, a regal person, you want to wear something that says that. That's your rendition of what your interpretation of it is for you.
What would you say your style is? Karicean: I don't have a particular style, a certain style. It really depends on how I feel, how I want to be perceived for the day. What do I want to give off? Do I have to go to court today, how I want a jury or judge to see me, etc. I am abstract random in both my personality and my style.
What’s your advice to someone looking to break into your industry? Karicean: I would say start by evaluating your heart, see if it's for you, and do your homework.
Are you a person of service? Are you a team player? What are your intentions? You might not want this, if you are doing it for the shine. All the arts work collectively together to bring forth the vision, not one’s singular effort or praise. A servant’s heart is the way to succeed in this industry. Otherwise, this is NOT for you.
Do you take on interns or have any kind of mentoring program through the Posh Studio? Karicean: Absolutely yes I take interns, but they better be ready to work or they are out. That's the criteria; they need to want to do this by all means necessary.
In closing, what is your definition of Beauty? Karicean: My definition of Beauty is having Harmony with yourself. Contact info for Karicean: www.theposhstudio.com Email: Karicean@theposhstudio.com, Phone: 310-803-0779
Intagram: theposhstudio,
Facebook: Karicean Michelle
Beauty Come Forth Webzine--- the New Beauty Paradigm….
VISION This BCF Online Magazine is a monthly magazine featuring articles that address the lifestyle of women in transition to greatness.
MISSION The mission of BCF Online magazine is to Inspire, Motivate and Transform women’s Beauty through; fashion, finance, fitness, food, health, environment, entertainment, relationship, charity and spirituality.
PURPOSE To “Cultivate inner beauty, the gentle, gracious kind that God delights in”
BCF COPYRIGHT 2015