BEAUTIFUL. RESOURCEFUL. INTELLIGENT. THOUGHTFUL. EMOTIONAL.
WINTER 2012
SMART EATING IN 2012 FALLING FOR A FAD
Are you a victim of these quick-fix diet schemes?
45 HEALTHY RECIPE SUBSTITUTIONS
Make your favorite foods healthier without sacrificing flavor
NOT FINDING A JOB?
3 SOLID TIPS TO GET YOU IN THE DOOR
VALENTINE’S DAY APHRODISIAC
DO OYSTERS REALLY MAKE YOU LOVE AND LIVE LONGER?
LOSE 20 POUNDS IN 30 DAYS
AT PHYSICIANS WEIGHT LOSS CENTER
Best Buy is getting you in shape for 2012! Must Have Gadgets for a Beach Body in 2012
Best Buy offers an array of gadgets that provide support in tracking calories burned, heart rate, sleep patterns as well as fitness equipment, high tech scales, exercise videos, and a direct link from BestBuy.com to Everyday Health.
Must Have Gadgets for Business and Balance in 2012 Tablets such as the iPad and Kindle Fire allow us to have a virtual library at our fingertips, from movies, music, podcast, to books on the bestseller’s list.
physically.
Suggestions: iHealth Blood Pressure Monitor and the Fitbit Wireless Personal Trainer.
emotionally.
Suggestions: After spending the day on your iPad or Kindle Fire, turn to the Zeo Sleep Manager that is designed to help us with our emotional fitness by monitoring our sleep patterns to ensure our batteries get recharged from a restful slumber.
Must Have Gadgets for Financial Fitness in 2012
Getting financially fit can be one of the most challenging goals of all. Best Buy for Business is a crucial tool in managing small to large purchases for your company, by connecting you to your very own Business Consultant, helping you to create great business solutions. Visit our Altamonte Store: 597 W State Road 436 Altamonte Springs, FL 32714 Phone: 407-865-9977
financially.
Suggestions: For those of you working from home or that require teleconferencing, you may be interested in the UMI Webcam System by Cisco that takes the SKYPE technology to the next level.
TESTIMONIALS Why I love Brite Magazine … It DELIVERS! Brite Magazine has its fingers on the pulse of Central Florida! From the latest trends in Fashion, Food and Fun to solid business and personal advice it helps us connect body, mind and spirit to our personal and professional lives. These are the things that readers are looking for in todays market . When the readers are happy the advertisers get RESULTS! As a contributing writer I can attest to the buzz Brite has created for my services and new book which have resulted in numerous speaking engagements and an abundance of new clients. Thanks you Brite Magazine! I look forward to a long relationship. Trish McCabe Feng Shui-Expert-AuthorSpeaker Author of Instant Feng Shui:108 Ways To Change Your Live Today
Brite Magazine has consistently provided great networking opportunities in print and in person. Brite is about real women helping each other, sharing professional advice, and connecting in a type of “business sisterhood.” Our frame shop and gallery loves to hand out the magazine to everyone who comes into our shop! Jill Vianello Owner, Let Us Frame It
Brite Magazine doesn’t seem to target just one age group, so even though I am a student, I still felt I could relate to the more career/ business oriented pieces. All in all, a great magazine, and I can’t wait to see what the editors have for the readers in the future!” Adriane Hill UCF graduate
CONTENTS
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WINTER 2012 | VOL 2 | NO 4
4
WELCOME
6
BEAUTIFUL
10
RESOURCEFUL
12
INTELLIGENT
20
THOUGHTFUL
21
EMOTIONAL
22
ADVICE
24
VALENTINE’S DAY
26
BRIDAL
28
BUSINESS
SMART EATING IN 2012 Watch your mind and body go from woodshed to temple in no time by following our smart eating expert advice.
What is a B.R.I.T.E. Girl? “B.R.I.T.E.” is an acronym: Beautiful, Resourceful, Intelligent, Thoughtful and Emotionally-connected. Our mission is to promote a healthy mind, body and business by enriching the five “Brite” aspects in women’s lives. Our magazine layout is focused on each Brite aspect providing you with the best tools as well as expert resources for positive growth.
BRITEGIRL.COM | WINTER 2012
3
WELCOME
The most sacred vessel
we have is our body and we are often reminded to treat it like a temple. So why is that every New Year mine feels more like a woodshed? Instead of a pristine, newly waxed marble floor surrounded by fresh flowers and singing goddesses, I house more of a stockpiled tool shed with a squeaky door and chipped paint (I will seek vengeance on you evil Christmas brownies and wine!). So here I am again humbly surrendering myself to “project temple cleanup.” I invite you on this project with me. With the mind and body working together in a healthy place, you’ll be able to go wherever you want to go, with the power, strength and energy you will need to get there. It just takes a little cleanup time first! And of course, we want to help you get a jumpstart on this project with all the helpful hints and tips in this issue. So get out the broom and a new can of paint and start reading!
PHOTO BY WILLIAM JONES
First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.” —Epictetus, Greek sage and Stoic philosopher (who also probably had killer abs)
Need a part-time job? Brite Magazine is looking for part-time salespeople. Must have sales experience. Email us at mail@britegirl.com for inquiries. Sara Batterson FOUNDER, EDITOR IN CHIEF
Jason Farmand DESIGN DIRECTOR
Lisa Buck
MAGAZINE
™
vol. 2, issue 4 • WINTER 2012
www.britegirl.com www.facebook.com/britegirls @britegirl
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WINTER 2012 | BRITEGIRL.COM
AD DESIGN
C O N T R I BU T O R S Ro Martinez Janell Borrero-Pena Trish McCabe Travis Hollifield Susan Yakima Shatzer Carol Cottrill, CNC Lanette Jarvis Elizabeth Allen Sherri Cappabianca Chuck Jaloski Patti Manzo Dedra Curtis Cheryl McDuffie James
To Advertise If you would like information about how you can partner with Brite Magazine and promote your products or services, please send and inquiry to mail@britegirl.com. Our distribution list is located on our website under the About Us section. Be sure to check out our events Brite Magazine sponsors under our Event section of our website. ©2011 Brite LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photography or illustration only with written permission of the publisher. All letters, text and photo material received become property of Brite LLC. For more information, visit us online at www.britegirl.com.
SUBSCRIBE TO BRITE MAGAZINE Get the latest expert advice, trends and everything ‘Brite’ for each season!
To subscribe, visit www.britegirl.com or email us at mail@britegirl.com.
BEAUTIFUL
DOUBLE DUTY ACCESSORIES FOR 2012
Keeping up with trends does not have to break the bank; you just need a few key pieces. BY RO MARTINEZ
Photos By George Salmon (www.georgesalmonphotography.com); Makeup By OlgaOlga Bartolomeo (716-472-4871); Models Provided By www.voxmodels.com Every year, catwalks around the world offer tempting creations to update your look. Incorporating trendy pieces into your wardrobe adds style and gives you an edge in business. Replacing worn, ill-fitting or outdated clothing helps you feel renewed. Winter is a time of layering for looks and warmth. This year’s winter trends are versatile and simple to add your existing wardrobe. Most body types can wear them with ease. Fabrics are soft with plenty of texture to make you feel cozy. Faux fur is found on everything from boots to hats to collars. Big and roomy is the silhouette of outerwear
worn over fitted pieces. Skinny jeans, tights and leggings are tucked into boots. Short boots as well as over-the-knee boots are popular for day or evening looks. Some of this year’s winter trends to follow: • Floor Length and Knee Length Coats • Jackets, Capes and Wraps • Animal Prints • Hats, Beanies, Fedoras • Over-the-Knee (OTK) Boots
Ro Martinez, author, model and modeling coach, has been in the business for 25 years. Her multimedia exposure includes TV, film, and commercials. She has appeared in catalogs, newspapers and on magazine covers, and even on the Internet and on billboards! Ro holds modeling and acting workshops for people of all ages, sizes and ethnic groups, and guides them toward successfully entering the exciting and glamorous field of modeling. Her book, Modeling at Any Age is a step-by-step, comprehensive, easy-to-read guide for modeling and how to flourish in the industry. For information on becoming a model or actress, visit www.modelingatanyage.net or email Ro at romartinezmodel@hotmail.com.
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BEAUTIFUL
• Faux Fur Of all the trends this winter, four stand out: hats, boots, scarves, and wraps.
Hats
This year’s trends in hats include caps, beanies, fedoras, big hats, berets, and fur. Many of the styles come below the ears, providing additional warmth and protection. Hats are an inexpensive way to add a splash of color -- try one in red, pumpkin or yellow. My favorites are the multi-colored, multitextured knit styles.
Boots
Boots are the most versatile of all the trends and will do double duty by making a fashion statement while keeping you warm on those chilly evenings. Lindsay Nici, our Fashionista shared; “Knee high boots and a winter coat is a big fashion trend we will be seeing this winter. Everyone and anyone who is into ‘what is fashionable’ will be trying out this look. The nice thing with knee-high boots is that you can wear them with just about anything. Wear them over a pair of jeans, over leggings, or with a skirt.”
Scarves
Scarves are a must-have in your closet. A lightweight silk scarf worn under a business jacket adds color and polish to an otherwise boring suit, finishing your look with style. Faux fur or heavier scarves provide warmth around the neck and ears on blustery mornings.
Wraps
For a one-size-fits-all fashion boost, invest in a wrap. Keep one in your car for those times when the restaurant or movie theater is cooler than expected and one in the office to cover chilly shoulders or legs. Wraps can be worn over tank tops, turtle necks and even coats. Pashminas are popular wraps that come in a multitude of colors. A fun, colorful hat punches up last year’s dark coat. Tall boots worn with thick colorful tights under a sweater dress is an office look that says “now.” An animal print faux fur scarf can be layered over a plain sweater or the popular jacket. Keeping up with trends does not have to break the bank. All you need is a few key pieces. For ideas on how to coordinate these pieces, look to our photographed models for inspiration. As well as being stylish, you will be nice and warm when you face the elements this winter season.
Head to Toe Mini-Makeover
On a beauty time constraint? We’ve created a list of websites that will keep you styling from head to toe in no time! HAIR: www.folica.com. On Folica.com you will find a flat iron and curling iron that heats up 400 - 475 degrees in 15 - 30 seconds made by John Frieda. Folica.com also provides hair tips and advice for those who are in need of little direction. FACE: www.spalook.com. Red lips are coming back and you can find the best colors on www.spalook.com. They have a variety of choices including lipstick, lip gloss, and lip butter. DRESS: www.pantone.com. As stated on www.pantone.com, some of the 2012 fashion colors are orange, yellow, rosy-red, yellow-green, light pinkpurple, purple, blue-green, grey-beige, and khaki. Yes, it is a lot of colors to remember but it doesn’t mean spending so much money to replace your old clothes. Platos Closet in
Waterford Lakes, Chic Boutique near Baldwin Park and the French Quarter near Lake Mary are three great consignment boutiques where you can sell your old clothing and get the $$$ you need to get all the colors for the new 2012 Spring Collection. ADDITIONS: www.sendthetrend. com. Get the perfect accessory from your very own style advisor. How it works? Take their quick survey. Based on your answers the Send the Trend team picks out fab accessories just for you. Buy what you love. Everything is $29.95 and includes free shipping. Not loving your selections? No problem! Just skip the month between the 1st and 5th and you won’t be charged. SHOES: www.justfab.com. We can’t forget about shoes and purses, which can be found on www.justfab.com. With a fashion expert at your service, you don’t worry about having to keep up with the latest trends. It is as simple as answering a few questions and getting them shipped. —Janell Borrero-Peña
RESOURCEFUL
How to get ahead
BY DOING NOTHING BY TRISH McCABE
razy idea, right? Yet, “Doing Nothing” is often the “missing piece” to success. I know it sounds counter-intuitive and with good reason. Our society has trained us, almost from birth, to be competitive, tireless, and obsessed with the frenetic activity we call “work”. This type of “noseto-the-grindstone” life leads to stress-induced health challenges such as allergies, ulcers, depression, digestive issues and heart problems to name a few. Even worse, it causes us to feel trapped, exhausted and robs us of our true potential for creativity and joy. So what, then is the answer? Be resourceful! Yes, only you really know what you need to relax and recharge. It may take some experimenting with new options to find what works best for you and that is exactly what being resourceful is all about… being open to change, looking for options and incorporating them into your life. “Doing Nothing” is a very healing practice and one we all need in our lives on a daily basis. Just 15 to 20 minutes a day can change your life. Feel like you don’t have 15 to 20 minutes? Just 5 minutes a day of quiet time dedicated to “you” will be a great benefit. Below are a few ideas that I use with clients that help them create calm and renew their energy and capacity for joy. These are suggestions for a starting place. Find what resonates with you and you will experience better health, increased creativity, more prosperity, rewarding relationships plus other benefits too numerous to list in one article. 1. Give yourself the gift of calm and quite. Check in with
yourself on a regular basis. It is far too easy to take on the desires of others. Everyone has his or her own agenda and opinion. This is not necessarily a bad thing; you just want to march to your own drummer not someone else’s. Know yourself and trust your own intuition. Here is a little insight and inspiration. I love this quote by Steve Jobs, “Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your voice”.
The following are suggestions for listening to “you”: Take some “you” time with a hot cup of tea in a relaxing setting. Get a massage and let your thoughts center on you, who you are and what you want. Immerse your-
Trish McCabe is a recognized expert in the field of Feng Shui and owner of Feng Shui By Design; a Central Florida based full-service Feng Shui consulting company with a 12+ year history of providing excellent results. Its services include: Feng Shui consulting for individuals, homes, small businesses and corporations, Feng Shui art consulting, custom programs and event speeches. A frequent guest on national television and radio programs, Trish is published worldwide in newspapers, magazines, and on the web. Recently she has published “Instant Feng Shui: 108 Ways To Change Your Life Today,” the first in a series of “Instant Feng Shui” books. A gifted lecturer and advisor, her client base includes local, national and international individuals and businesses from all walks of life.
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RESOURCEFUL
BRITE GUY
5 Resolutions He Wishes YOU made The New Year Resolution: a staple for most of us guys. We like to set goals that will transform our weaknesses from the previous year into strengths for the future. But enough about us, what should our lovely counterparts resolve to do? Be resourceful with your surroundings and take advantage of them to get you in a healthy and happy spot. Because when you’re happy… we’re happy! 1. Eat better and sleep more. Everything starts here.
Doing one and not the other will lead to failure but doing both of them together lays the foundation for success.
self in a long luxurious bubble bath with incense and candles burning. Take a long walk in nature. Sit by a lake and watch grass grow. Do whatever works for you, whatever takes you away from the voices of others and connects you to your inner voice. It’s the only one that really counts. 2. Re-connect with who you really are. Meditation is an excellent choice for re-
connecting with your authentic self. This is what Deepak Chopra says about Meditation, “Meditation is not a way of making your mind quiet. It is a way of entering into the quiet that is already there” and in that quiet you will find the answers you seek. Set the intention to re-connect prior to your meditation and see what comes up. Yoga is another very good choice as long as you are doing one of the slower paced types such as Hatha Yoga. You can set the same intention here prior to your session. Yoga and Meditation not your “thing” quite yet? Try sitting quietly in a park, garden or at the beach. Go back in time to when you were 10 to 14 years old. What excited you
then? Who were you then? What did you want to be in life then? You are still that person today. Say “Hi” and re-connect. 3. Let your creativity flow. We are all
creators it is what we do. This thought has never been put more succinctly than by Robert Anthony, “We were placed on this earth to create not compete”. We run into problems when we find ourselves separated from the creativity that is our birthright. To get your creativity flowing, allow yourself the creative freedom of a child; sing and dance with abandon, be unafraid, jump in full of wonder and excitement for life. Try something you have never done before; learn a musical instrument, paint, write poetry, try photography, enroll in a cooking class or visit an art gallery. Take a chance, relax into your natural creativity and see where it leads you. The rewards are great and you will surprise yourself. Give value to your creativity and give your competitive-edge a much-needed vacation. You may even find a new way of living.
2. Train harder. Whether you are training for a 5k or taking a Zumba class, you can choose to simply “go through the motions” or you can choose to give every ounce of your being to push yourself to new fitness heights. It’s your choice. 3. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Seriously, why waste
the energy. It adds to stress and stress is bad.
4. Think before you spend.
In these crazy economic times, spending on a whim is sooo last decade. Be cool and buy what you need, not what some marketing genius tells you to buy. 5. Do more yoga. It helps to center the mind and strengthen the body. Byproducts include meditation and flexibility. Both of which help to deter the effect of stress and can help in the bedroom.
BRITEGIRL.COM | WINTER 2012
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INTELLIGENT
Ask the Expert:
LEGAL ADVICE
The following Q&A will help you better understand your rights as a working woman. B Y T R AV I S R . H O L L I F I E L D
ccording to a study conducted by the American Bar Foundation which looked at federal employment discrimination lawsuits in the United States from 1987 to 2003, only 6 percent of such cases ever go to trial. These cases include sexual harassment and gender and pregnancy discrimination claims which either exclusively or disproportionately affect working women. Of the cases that do make it to trial, only onethird of plaintiffs (2 percent) are successful. The vast majority of filed discrimination cases — 58 percent — result in a pre-trial settlement. The remaining percentage of cases — 36 percent — result in dismissals or summary judgments in favor of the sued employers. Therefore, statistically speaking, an employee suing in federal court alleging employment discrimination has a 60 percent chance of recovering some level of compensation from their employers with the vast majority resulting from a settlement. An often asked question by plaintiffs who are provided with these statistics by employment attorneys is: “What is my case worth?” The answer is multi-faceted and often depends on information not readily available to the attorney being asked the question. One variable that provides some guidance can be found in the statute that will serve as the basis for a lawsuit. Many common employment discrimination statutes including the federal Title VII and state Florida Civil Right Act permit a recovery -- if liability is established — based upon lost wages and other objectively measurable economic losses. The more subjective inquiry concerns emotional distress damages. In other words, the laws described here do permit an award of compensation for a plaintiff’s emotional distress. But how does one evaluate the cash value of emotional distress? The answer always depends on the specific circumstances of the employment action being examined and the affected employee’s reaction. Importantly, the value of emo-
Travis R. Hollifield is the founder of Hollifield Legal Centre in Winter Park which focuses on working women’s legal rights including FMLA, sexual harassment, and pregnancy discrimination claims. The article above is intended only for general information and you should not act upon it without retaining professional legal counsel. If you would like to learn more, please contact Hollifield Legal Centre at (407) 599-9590 or visit the firm’s website at www.trhlaw.com.
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INTELLIGENT
tional distress is not measured by what the aggrieved employee personally feels. Instead, when evaluating possible outcomes of a particular case, it is imperative that a plaintiff and her attorney consider what a potential jury might conclude. There is often a significant disparity between what an experienced employment attorney and her client predict that a jury could find regarding the value of emotional distress. Clients are apt to value their emotional distress at a much higher level than their own attorney does. Many clients believe (or simply hope) that if they are among the two percent of plaintiffs that get all the way to trial and are successful that they will be awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in emotional distress damages in addition to any lost wages or other more objectively measurable economic losses they suffered. The simple reality is that this rarely occurs. Certainly there are cases with egregious circumstances that will motivate a jury to award large sums for emotional distress. However, as research indicates, such results are an anomaly. Therefore, employment plaintiffs should be prepared to soberly evaluate the potential damages available to them if they are one of the very few who are successful at trial or, as is far more common, at the time they are considering a settlement with their employers.
Reader questions
I was sexually harassed by my supervisor at work. He constantly asked me out even though I am married and made it clear I was not interested in him. He then became very hostile to me and called me many very demeaning names over several weeks and then fired me for no apparent reason. What is my case worth?
In addition to lost wages and the value of other employment benefits, you may be entitled to an award of emotional distress damages for suffering the indignity of being called demeaning names and being fired for refusing the manager’s advances. There is no objectively verifiable mathematical way to ascertain what a jury might award you for emotional distress if you were one of the few to be successful at trial. One way to consider the value of your claim is to compare your situation with the one described in the next reader question. I was sexually harassed by my supervisor at work. He constantly asked me out even though I am married and made it clear I was not interested in him. He then on several occasions groped me in my private areas without my consent and over my objections.
What is my case worth?
A claim with alleged inappropriate touching may sometimes be valued at a higher rate from an emotional distress damages perspective than one without such egregious behavior by the supervisor. Particularly, if you have witnesses to the improper touching, your claim may have more “jury appeal.” However, there is still no objectively verifiable evaluation model that could predict exactly what a jury might award. All of the details and circumstances of the situation would have to be considered including the employer’s defenses to the claim.
INTELLIGENT
How do you
MAKE UP YOUR MIND? B Y S u san Y a k ima S h atzer
egin by making every choice for 10 seconds only. This really takes the pressure off of trying to make “the right choice.” If your whole universe feels like it collapses after you announce your intention to make a choice, with the 10-second rule you can choose again. Making each choice for only 10 seconds takes this pressure of judgment off your shoulders. The trick is to just choose, without any judgment at all. “Choice creates awareness, awareness does not create choice,” says Gary Douglas, founder of Access Consciousness. However, how many of us have been acting like the opposite were true? A major drawback of the one-choice-forever approach is that it puts tremendous pressure on the decider to make the right choice, which some find paralyzing. And once you have made “the right choice,” how much freedom do you have to change it if it’s not working as you’d like? Not much! This determination to hang onto past choices hoping we’ll someday either be right, or at least not wrong, is responsible for many marriages, business relationships, and other arrangements that we hang onto long past their “sell by” date. Furthermore, when you have to make “the right choice,” how much judgment do you have to use? And how much do you have to judge yourself about the choice that you’re making? Judgment is one of the major obstacles to our awareness, says Douglas. That very judging to determine what is the right choice blocks our awareness of all choices that do not agree with our judgments. Is it possible that awareness of the choices available and what they might create exactly is the information you need to make a choice that will bring you what you’re looking for? The choices that our judgment prevents us from seeing could be the very choices that will bring us what we’re looking for. A further advantage of the 10-second choice is that it is not a life-
time commitment. Just making the choice can bring awareness of whether that choice will expand or contract your life; another beauty of this approach is that you are not committed to following through. If the choice makes your stomach turn to concrete and the lump in your throat impassable, then could it be that that’s awareness that the course you’ve chosen might not be bringing you what you hoped it will, or what will ultimately expand your life? Absolutely! What if using this tool allowed you to begin to trust your awareness more easily? What are the infinite possibilities?
Susan Yakima Shatzer has been a facilitator of success since 2003. She established Susan Shapes Success as an online resource of valuable success stories and social feedback. Susan actively contributes to the development of beneficial, life-changing habits. She participates in Access ConsciousnessT during live conferences and private session workshops. Shatzer operates a successful coaching practice in Orlando, Fl, promotes result-oriented lifestyle changes, and has the experienced hands of a trained Access ConsciousnessT facilitator.
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S mart E ating in 2 0 1 2
From Woodshed to Temple If you’re like most of us, by this time of year you’re body is feeling and looking more like a woodshed rather than a temple. Those shiny marble floors are there somewhere and we’ve got the right tools to get it looking like new again! You’ll start seeing that temple sparkle in no time by following our smart eating expert advice.
BRITEGIRL.COM | WINTER 2012
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Falling for a Fad By Carol Cottrill , CNC
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Lose weight quickly and gain it all back—plus some!—and you’ve
got the latest fad diet, and there have been plenty of them over the years. Even though deep down we know diets don’t work in the long run, we tend to repeatedly fall for quick-fix schemes. We hear the hype about a magical food combination or some other notion and hope this diet is the one we’ve been searching for—at last, a miracle weight-loss solution. Americans have been buying into fad diets since the early 1800s. We’re even silly enough even repeat some of these outlandish schemes. Which leads me to…
The Tapeworm Diet
In ads that date back to the late 1800s, a woman promotes easy-toswallow, sanitized tapeworms for losing weight without diet or exercise. The dieter ingests the tapeworm, which grows inside the digestive tract, absorbing calories; the result is weight loss of one to two pounds a week. Once the target weight is lost, an oral antibiotic kills the tapeworm. Can you guess what happens next? The weight comes back—if the diet doesn’t kill you first. Believe it or not, this diet has resurfaced in recent years.
body. It rules out solid food and instead calls for drinking a concoction based on lemonade and maple syrup for 10 days. But it doesn’t provide enough protein, fat, carbohydrates, minerals, or vitamins for your body to function normally. Besides, it’s unnecessary: the liver is an unfaltering detoxifying machine.
Juice Fasts
Short-term juice fasting doesn’t lead to permanent weight loss. Your body’s metabolism slows during a fast, negating the effects of the calorie restriction and causing you, once it’s over, to quickly regain any weight you’ve lost.
Vegetarian Diet
In terms of promoting health, vegetarianism is wholesome but not perfect. Don’t expect rapid weight loss, and the health benefits exist only for those who select high-quality, healthy foods, not for those who simply eliminate meat.
Vegan Diet
With this diet, you eat meals of pureed food, primarily fruits and vegetables—up to 15 jars a day. As calorie restriction goes, this plan isn’t particularly harmful since baby food is generally free of added sugars and fats, unlike many processed adult foods. But eating baby food all day is not enjoyable, so most adults aren’t able to stick with it.
A vegan lifestyle is highly restrictive, and responsible veganism is the key to success. Nutritional coaching is necessary to ensure that one gets all the nutrients required for a healthy body. Despite the protections veganism confers against diabetes and heart disease and its proven ability to produce weight loss, this way of eating takes a genuine commitment that many individuals find difficult to maintain in the long term.
The Atkins Diet
Mediterranean Diet
The Baby Food Diet
This popular low-carb approach leaves much to be desired as a healthy diet that most people can stay on. Although a protein-dominant regimen does result in short-term weight loss, most of us can stomach chicken breasts for only so long until we cluck, “Give me a grain of corn!” This diet rates a zero on most measures, including long-term weight loss, nutrition, and heart health. Plus it gives you bad breath and leaves you constipated.
The Twinkie Diet
Nutrition professor Mark Haub lost weight on an experimental diet that counts calories and controls portions—of Twinkies, donuts, and Doritos. On this convenience-store fare Haub lost 27 pounds in two months. The Twinkie Diet obviously is lacking in several areas—protein, fruits, vegetables—but it proves a valuable point: there’s more to a healthy diet than weight loss alone.
The Master Cleanse Diet
This diet originated in the 1940s as a way to eliminate toxins from the
Far from a fad, the “Mediterranean” way of eating has been around for centuries in the cuisines of France, Italy, Greece, and the Middle East. With its emphasis on fruits and vegetables, olive oil, fish, and other healthy food, this diet is ideal for weight management and more. Its added benefits include cardiovascular health and a reduced incidence of cancer and cancer mortality.
The Bottom Line
Fads are okay when it comes to fashion, but not so great when it comes to selecting a healthy eating plan. And one size does not fit all. When you choose an eating plan, the most important consideration is to match your eating with your lifestyle and preferences. The right diet for you is pleasurable and sustainable; it contains the foods you prefer in their freshest and most authentic form, and you eat moderate portions that satisfy you. Weight loss is slow and steady, and meanwhile you enjoy a variety of healthy food options and even the occasional indulgence. Dieting is out and delicious, real foods are in. Now that’s a trend worth following!
Carol Cottrill is a Certified Nutritional Consultant with a bachelor’s degree in holistic nutrition from the Clayton College of Natural Health. She runs her nutrition practice out of her Midtown Manhattan and Winter Park, FL offices. She is a frequent contributor to Dr. Mehmet Oz’s ShareCare website, as well as The Body Checklist, a site recently launched by the nationally syndicated Daily Buzz show. Carol will also soon be a published author, as her book, The French Twist, is nearing production with a NYC publishing house. For more information please visit www.carolcottrill.com.
BRITEGIRL.COM | WINTER 2012
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45 Healthy Recipe Substitutions suggested by www.greatist.com
Baking 1. Black beans for flour Substituting a can of back beans (drained and rinsed) for flour in cookies or brownies is a great way to cut gluten while getting in an extra dose of protein. 2. Unsweetened applesauce for sugar One cup of unsweetened applesauce contains only about 100 calories; a cup of sugar can pack more than 770. 3. Avocado puree for butter They’re both fats and have nearly the same consistency at room temperature but avocado is a much better choice. 4. Brown rice cereal and flax meal for Rice Crispies Same texture but half the calories! Plus the flax adds extra fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and phytochemicals to the mix without changing the flavor. 5. Vanilla for sugar Cutting sugar in half and adding 1-2 teaspoons of vanilla as a replacement can give just as much flavor with significantly fewer calories. 6. Mashed ripe bananas for fats The creamy, thickening-power of mashed banana is a great substitute. The consistency is ideal, and the bananas add nutrients like potassium, fiber, and vitamin B6. 7. Coconut flour for flour High in fiber and low in carbohydrates, coconut flour is a great partial substitute for wheat flour in baking recipes. Be careful, though— more than 1/4-1/2 cup, and the flour’s bitterness can take over. 8. Graham crackers for cookies (in pie crusts) Reduced-fat graham cracker pack about half the calories of the more conventional options. 9. Evaporated skim milk for cream It’s the same consistency with a fraction of the fat. 10. Stevia for sugar Natural sweetener stevia is lower in calories and up to 300 times sweeter than sugar.
Stovetop 11. Brown rice for white rice When white rice is processed, the “brown” bran layer gets stripped away, cutting out essential nutrients. 12. Quinoa for couscous While couscous is made from processed wheat flour, quinoa is a whole-grain superfood packed with protein and nutrients. 13. Zucchini ribbons for pasta
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Thin strips or ribbons of zucchini are a great stand in for carb-packed pastas. 14. Mashed cauliflower for mashed potatoes Mashed cauliflower has only a fraction of the calories of potatoes and it’s nearly impossible to taste the difference. 15. Rolled oats for breadcrumbs While breadcrumbs can pack extra sodium, using rolled oats seasoned with herbs is a great way to sneak another whole grain into any meal. 16. Dry beans for canned beans The dried beans have less sodium and are even cheaper! It may take a little more work but this switch is still worth it. 17. Prosciutto or pancetta for bacon While bacon has about 70 calories and 6 grams of fat per 2 slices, prosciutto (where 1 slice equals about 2 slices of bacon, size wise) has just 30 calories and 4 grams of fat per slice. 18. 2 egg whites for 1 whole egg One egg yolk holds more than half the recommended daily cholesterol for the average adult. Trading out the yolk for a second white will cut out the cholesterol while doubling the protein. 19. Whole wheat pasta for regular pasta Whole wheat pasta beats regular with a higher fiber content and about 50 fewer calories per serving (depending on the brand). 20. Crushed flax or fiber cereal for bread crumbs Crushing a fiber-rich cereal and mixing it with some herbs makes a lower-sodium substitution for traditional breadcrumbs. 21. White meat skinless poultry for dark meat poultry White meat vs. dark meat? The white meat wins with it lower in calories and fat, higher in protein and iron. 22. Olive oil spray for olive oil from the bottle Using a spray bottle is a great way to cut down on oil while still getting the non-stick benefits. A little mist is all that’s needed! 23. Bison for beef Higher in B vitamins and lower in fat bison is a great substitute for the ol’ beefy standard (when available, of course). 24. Ground Turkey for ground beef Ground turkey (or chicken) is a great substitute for ground beef to cut down on saturated fat and calories. Sometimes ground poultry often ends up drier than beef, but a few tablespoons of chicken stock can solve the problem.
Make your favorite foods healthier without sacrificing flavor. Below are our 45 top picks, guaranteed to make that next meal a delicious, healthier hit.
25. Coconut milk for cream Coconut milk is a great substitute for heavy cream in soups and stews. And just because it is ‘coconut’ it doesn’t mean it tastes like the sweetened shredded kind! 26. Spaghetti squash for pasta Roasted and pulled apart with a fork, spaghetti squash is a great low-carb and lower-calorie substitute for pasta.
Sandwiches and Meals 27. Greek yogurt for sour cream and mayo Half the fat and calories, yet the taste and texture are virtually identical. Plus, nonfat Greek yogurt offers an extra dose of lean protein. 28. Plain Yogurt with Fresh Fruit for flavored yogurt Pre-flavored yogurts often come packed with extra sugar. Opt for plain yogurt or plain Greek yogurt and add fresh fruit and honey or agave for a hint of sweetness. 29. Nutritional yeast for cheese The taste and texture are a little bit different, but the creamy gooiness is pretty comparable. 30. Lettuce leaves for tortilla wraps It’s not a perfect swap, but forgoing the carbs for fresh lettuce is a fun (and easy) switch that can lighten up any wrap or taco dish. 31. Corn tortilla for flour tortilla Half the calories and fat. ‘Nuff said. 32. Nuts for croutons (in salads) Every salad needs that extra crunch. But rather than getting the extra carbs (and often fat and sodium) that come with croutons, try some lightly toasted slivered almonds, pecans, or walnuts. 33. Whole wheat bread for white bread We’ve heard it all before. Whole grain wheat beats out processed white for a more complete nutrition profile as well as better flavor and texture. 34. Avocado mash for mayo Half a mashed avocado is a great substitute for mayo on any sandwich. Both give some moisture, but avocado packs a big dose of vitamin E and cholesterol-checking monosaturated fat. And while a typical 2-tablespoon serving of mayonnaise has about 206 calories and 24 grams of fat, half an avocado has only 114 calories and 10.5 grams of fat.
Snacks 35. Veggies for pita (as a dipping tool) Forget the pita. Fresh veggies work as killer dippers with hummus and contain both
fewer carbs and more vitamins. 36. Cauliflower puree for egg yolks (in deviled eggs) For that devilish Southern favorite— deviled eggs— try replacing half the yolks in the filling with cauliflower puree. The taste remains the same, as does the texture, but without the extra dose of cholesterol. 37. Quinoa for oatmeal Cooked with milk (or almond or coconut milk) and some cinnamon, quinoa makes a great, protein-packed hot breakfast. 38. Edamame hummus for regular hummus While hummus might look innocent from the sidelines, it’s packed with more than 50 calories per 2 tablespoons. That’s why switching to an edamame-based hummus can help reduce the danger while still providing a delicious dip. 39. Kale chips for potato chips Who would’ve guessed that a leafy green could make such delicious chips? When lightly tossed in olive oil and seasoning (salt and pepper, paprika, or chili powder work well) and baked, these curly greens turn into a delightfully delicate crunchy snack with less fat than the classic fried potato chip. 40. Banana ice cream for ice cream No milk, no cream, no sugar… but the same, delicious consistency. It’s simple: freeze bananas, then puree. 41. Sweet potato fries for French fries Opting for sweet potatoes rather than the traditional white adds an extra dose of fiber, and vitamins A, C, and B6. Plus, it cuts out roughly 20 grams of carbohydrates per 1-cup serving. Just don’t overdo it!
Alcohol 42. Red wine for white wine While white wine is usually lower in calories, red offers health benefits unmatched by the white stuff, including cancer-fighting compounds and natural cholesterol checks. 43. Soda water for juice (as a mixer) Rum and coke. Cranberry and vodka. Sure, these sugary mixers take care of the inner sweet tooth. But try mixing liquor with soda water and a slice of fruit (or even just a splash of juice) and down goes the sugar (and calorie) count. 44. Soda water for tonic water Tonic water is actually full of sugar. With 32 grams less sugar per 12 ounces, opt for soda water instead 45. Light beer for regular beer Duh!
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THOUGHTFUL
PEARLS OF WISDOM B Y L anette J ar v is CO-FOUNDER/CEO, PEARLS FOR WOMEN
t’s that time of the year when everyone is working on keeping their New Year’s resolutions. Typically these promises are all about health; they involve the body whether it is to lose weight, exercise more, or eat better. Everyone has been taught that to have a quality life you must have a balanced mind and body. When you have a healthy mind, you want to eat right and exercise, which will result in losing weight. So in order to help, you achieve your New Year’s resolution, concentrate on having better mental health and the healthy body will come naturally. One of the reasons for an unhealthy mind is stress. Stress occurs when you worry about actions that need to be taken. It might be a serious talk that you need to have, a project at work, or it may be as simple as cleaning out the garage. The only way to alleviate the stress of doing this is to get it done. Often in order to accomplish these tasks, you need help. People seldom ask others to help when they need it most. One of the missions of Pearls for Women is to teach women how to ask for help. Women feel like if they do not complete their task alone, the world will judge them as weak. The only judge that matters is you. Do you really think that asking for help is a sign of weakness? Remember, when you ask for help your tasks will get completed in a faster time, allowing you to spend precious moments with your loved ones. The best medicine for a healthy mind is being with your family and friends as much as possible. You can enjoy having dinner together, sitting on the couch watching a funny movie, having family game night or whatever your family enjoys. So how do you effectively ask for help? It’s simple, just remember the following: • Make a list of your needs • Beside the task, note who you think can help
• Ask for help. • Be specific in what you need and how you need them to accomplish the task. Another mission of Pearls for Women is to teach women how to help when asked. Nurturing is innate in all women. Sometimes our maternal instincts get in the way. A woman will see a problem and want to solve it, but if the recipient of this support is not ready or caught off guard, you will cause them more stress. Although difficult, it is best to wait for this person to ask you for help. In rare occasions, you can be successful by offering your assistance but you must remember the following: • Identify what you think the person needs • Make a list of the ways you can lend a hand • Offer the person your support, explaining how you will assist • Help in the manner that you both agree would work • Don’t take it personally if they decline The Pearl of Wisdom… Life’s precious moments don’t have value, unless they are shared. Sharing your need for help or your effective help for someone who asks allows time for life’s precious moments. Happy New Year from Pearls for Women.
Pearls for Women is a service organization designed to help women, one woman at a time. Pearls’ mission is to educate, connect, inspire and put women in touch with resources beneficial to enhancing their lives, businesses, careers, and community connections. Pearls for Women successfully achieve their mission through several outlets, such as Motivational and Educational Workshops called the University of You, Fundraising, Event Consulting, Community Partnering, and Business Mentoring. www.pearlsforwomen.com, 407.772.1426.
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EMOTIONAL
AM I RESPONSIBLE? BY ELIZABETH ALLEN
They all say it. Louise Hay, The Secret, Khalil Gibran, and even my husband — we are responsible for everything that happens in our lives. It’s easy to be the victim; that’s the path of least resistance and the one most traveled. Most of our parents were victims therefore we learned by example. “It’s not my fault. I wouldn’t intentionally choose to go through this! You are making me feel this way!” and so on. But just try saying “I brought this on myself and I can recognize exactly how I did it and I am responsible.” Does that feel weird? Does it make you feel weak or more powerful? Can you even say it and believe it? I have attracted a lot of interesting experiences and in hindsight, I can see precisely what I did and what I was thinking that drew them to me. I have had some wonderful, spectacular things occur, as well as some extremely unpleasant challenges. The good stuff kind of makes you go “aha!” and you revel in your newfound power while the painful stuff makes you say “CRAP! That sucks. Don’t want to do that again!” The key to growing and recognizing the value in the “crap” is to grow through it. Sounds messy, and maybe a little disgusting, but you get my point. If you learn nothing from the difficult episodes and stay stuck—feeling the victim, defeated and hopeless—how can you grow and evolve into “the who” you are supposed to be? I promise you — no one is supposed to be a victim. But it is our choice. Pay attention to what you think about most or all the time. That’s what you attract. Try it for a week and let me know what happens. Or if you don’t know what to think about, here are some suggestions: JOY. LOVE. SUCCESS. HEALTH. PROSPERITY. FUN. FLAT BELLY (oh sorry, that’s mine). HAPPINESS.
Elizabeth Allen found her literary voice at age 49 when she penned her first book Who Got Liz Gardner, which was published in 2009 and has received worldwide acclaim. Elizabeth lives in Longwood, Florida with her husband, daughter and Catahoula Leopard dog. She can be contacted at eallen99@juno .com or www.elizabeth-allen.com.
ADVICE
From jobseekers to budgeting moms, we’ve got some great advice to set you up for success in 2012… Advice for Jobseekers
Not Finding A Job?
3 solid tips to get you in the door
If your process of finding a job is solely through the Internet and passing your resume onto friends, then you need to re-assess your plan. Did you know that the number of people who find jobs online is between 2 percent and 5 percent at most? The numbers don’t stack in your favor when 69 percent of people only do two things when they go to look for a job; they either call their friends or look on the Internet. Stop confusing activity with productivity! It’s not about just sending out your resume, it’s about a strategic action-planned process. Below are three tips to get your resume to the top of the pile and get you in the door: 1. Your current title is salesperson. Because you are unemployed, you need to sell yourself. What makes a great salesperson? The follow-up. Sending your résumé is a waste of time without picking up the phone and calling people. After you send your résumé, you need to pick up the phone, and call and introduce yourself to a supervisor. If you apply to Allstate Insurance, you call every office in your area. You call the owner, franchise manager, etc. Ninety-eight percent of companies in the U.S. have fewer than 100 people working for them. Calling one of those managers is not that hard to do. If you are afraid of cold calling,
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get over it. That one call could pay your bills and then some. 2. Update your skills. If you are applying for an administrative
job but are still faxing your resume to companies, then you need to get yourself to Winter Park Tech ASAP. Administrative work requires that you know everything it takes to run an office… in this century. You need to update all your skills on your resume from Microsoft Suite to Quickbooks. This goes for those of you who aren’t looking for admin jobs too. A lot of companies are merging positions and they need someone who is flexible and can handle several tasks. So if you are in marketing but can’t get that marketing job you want, highlight your admin skills. Have a specific section for software you’ve worked with: Microsoft Word, Adobe Suite, Outlook calendar, Quickbooks, etc. You now have a better chance to get in to the company as an office administrator first then move up from there. 3. Do whatever it takes to earn money now. Don’t be above anything. The more you are out there, whether it is waiting tables or doing temporary work through a staffing service (www.ultimatestaffing. com), the more contacts you’ll be in front of. It is a numbers game. Remember that the job you get today is not the job you will have forever. It’s a do-what-you-have-to-do-for-now. No one said it is easy; the world doesn’t owe you a living. You have to go to work and work hard. This mentality is what will make you stand out, progress and be successful.
ADVICE
Advice for career goal setters Southwest Orlando resident and Rosen Shingle Creek employee Precious G. Ndebele, a Rosen College senior majoring in Hospitality Management, was recently honored by Florida Gov. Rick Scott. Ndebele received an Iris D. Larson Award at the 44th Annual Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism at the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa in Hollywood. Created by Bob and Iris Larson, owners of a small motel in Kissimmee, the Iris D. Larson Awards were created to recognize hospitality/tourism industry professionals and students who exemplify the qualities of selfless spirit of service and leadership in their work experience. Her advice for goal-setters in the hospitality industry and beyond is to be a “true ambassador of service excellence!” Her favorite quote that reinforces the relevance of “service excellence” and servant leadership even for the bottom line is by Jerry Fritz: “You will never have a product or price advantage. They can be easily duplicated, but a strong customer service culture cannot be copied.”
Advice for MOMS
Advice for DOG OWNERS My dog has been scratching like crazy recently. Are there any natural options for her? Yes there are! First though, rule out diet. Feeding your dog a wholesome, healthy, grain-free diet will help. Next, reduce or eliminate exposure to environmental causes — harsh cleansers and lawn chemicals. What can you do on your own to relieve the itch? A number of things! Here are just a few suggestions. • Consider supplementing your dog’s diet with oils rich in essential acids, such as fish oil. It will work from the inside to enhance your dog’s immunity, helping to keep her skin and coat healthy and shiny. • Don’t shampoo your dog too often. Over-shampooing rids your dog of the oils needed to maintain healthy skin. Also read the ingredient list to make sure there are no harmful chemicals in the shampoo. • Add old-fashioned breakfast oatmeal to the bath water when you bathe your dog. It will help to fight the allergic reasons for your dog’s itchy skin. • Mix apple cider vinegar with water and apply to the affected area. This will help soothe the itch. Hopefully these ideas will help soothe your dog’s itchy skin. As always if you suspect anything may be wrong, consult with your veterinarian.
Have a Canine Question? Ask Sherri Cappabianca, canine wellness practitioner, author, and co-owner of Rocky’s Retreat Canine Health & Fitness Center located in Orlando (www.rockysretreat.com)
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VALENTINE’S DAY
DO OYSTERS REALLY MAKE YOU LOVE AND LIVE LONGER? Executive Chef Chuck Jaloski of Stonewood Grill & Tavern says, “Yes they do!”
ccording to some legends, oysters have been linked to love in one way or another. When Aphrodite, the Greek Goddess of love and beauty, rose out from the sea on an oyster shell and promptly gave birth to Eros, the word “aphrodisiac” was born. Casanova, the infamous lover, would start each feast with 12 dozen oysters. Finally, the Romans loved oysters so much that they actually paid for them with their weight in gold. Moreover, oysters are a healthy culinary option – offering important minerals, such as zinc which has been credited with increasing testosterone levels and stimulating the libido. They also have calcium, copper, are rich in iodine and low in cholesterol. They have been a seasonal staple on steak house menus across America for decades. That is why it’s no coincidence that the new Executive Chef at Stonewood Grill & Tavern, Chef Chuck Jaloski has chosen oysters to create one of his new chef features; CHAR GRILLED OYSTERS — Five oysters, oak-grilled with butter, garlic, fresh herbs & parmesan cheese. The new Chef’s Menu also features CEDAR PLANK SALMON Salmon roasted on a cedar plank & topped with an apricot mustard glaze, MIXED GRILL — A trio of oak grilled filet, chicken & shrimp and a COWBOY RIBEYE — A thick, char-grilled bone-in ribeye. Nothing says love like a couple flutes of bubbly. Champagne’s sparkling personality paired with a starter of Chef’s Char Grilled Oysters will be a good start to the night dedicated to celebrating love. Valentine’s Day is around the corner, make your reservation at Stonewood Grill & Tavern and see for yourself if the legend is true; that after eating oysters ... you will love and live longer. Stonewood will be celebrating Valentine’s Day with special culinary additions from Chef Jaloski. Why Wait? Contact your local Stonewood Grill for a reservation. For location information, please visit STONEWOODGRILL.com.
You’re invited! Special invitation to a complimentary Champagne and Char Grilled Oyster Tasting Meet Stonewood’s Executive Vice President of Culinary, C h e f C h u c k Ja los k i Enjoy complimentary passed hor d’oeuvres and Champagne • Door Prizes and Great Networking • • Special Chef’s Menu for Brite followers •
January 26, 2012 • 5:30 – 7:30pm Receive an exclusive VIP invitation by signing up for our newsletter online at www.britegirl.com Limited space available! RSVP to sara@britegirl.com
Stonewood Grill & Tavern Stonewood is a warm, comfortable, inviting place where guests are provided an exceptional dining experience. The flavor of hand-cut steaks, market fresh seafood cooked over an oak burning grill further enhances the dining experience. Stonewood currently has 16 locations throughout Florida with three in the Orlando area to choose from – Dr. Phillips, Heathrow and Winter Springs.
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WINTER 2012 | BRITEGIRL.COM
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BRIDAL 411: GET ME TO THE ALTAR
WEDDING TRENDS FOR 2012 B Y PAT T I M A N ZO
Wedding Colors
This year has a lot of vibrant beautiful colors for weddings, especially on the pastel end of the spectrum. Looking for beautiful, out-of-the-ordinary colors instead? Check out Tangerine Tango, Solar Power, Bellflower, Cabaret and Sodalite Blue. You can find all the latest colors to make your wedding day beautiful by going to the Pantone website and viewing these 2012 wedding colors.
Wedding Dresses
All kinds of wedding dress colors were featured at the recent New York 2012 Spring Bridal Fashion Week. From the typical ivory and white wedding dresses, to wedding dress colors such as Dusty Rose, Pale Nude, Sea Foam Green, Blossom Colored and Icy Blue Shade all graced the runway. Even Vera Wang showed dresses in Shades of Stone this year. This year’s trend focuses on Victorian Style, with long full skirts, corset bodices, chokers, and high necklines. The dresses will have lots of lace and even long sleeves. Victorian-style booties will trend with the dress style as well in 2012.
Bouquets
WEDDING BY GET ME TO THE ALTAR
In 2012, there will be a lot of ultra-romantic bouquets with soft colors such as ivory and pale pink. There will be plush blooms like peonies and a lot of the bouquets will be adorned with pearls.
Food
Full dessert tables are all the rage this year. You will see a lot of pies, cupcakes, home made treats and of course your traditional wedding cake.
Wedding Themes
The most interesting themes to watch for in 2012: “Wine Lovers” — cork and bottle décor with even wine tastings; “Seaside” — with shell decor and seafood dinner; “Old Hollywood Glamour “ – this will include a lot of black and reds and Oscar type items accompanied with glitzy silver and golds.
Wedding Hairstyles
The hairstyles featured for this upcoming wedding year are amazing! Popular hairstyles with braids can be used in a variety of ways. The side ponytail and curly updo are gracing the runways. Half up and down hairstyles are also popular as well. The focus that stands out among the rest is embellishments incorporated into the hairstyles this year. From a crown of flowers and tiaras to diamonds and small crystals, this is a must added detail for 2012.
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Find out more of the latest Bridal trends as well as the industries greatest tips and advice! Check out www. GetMeToTheAltar.com or contact Patti Manzo, owner of Get Me to the Altar Wedding and Event Planning, 407.625.8087. “Where elegance and style are combined with extreme attention to detail and sophistication for all your event needs.”
BRIDAL 411: GET ME TO THE ALTAR
Wedding Tip for Spring One of the things that I have noticed over the years of doing wedding planning is that the bride and groom have a great deal of stress when it comes to doing a seating chart for the reception. The question begins with “do we do a head table or a sweetheart table?” Some couples have had a head table that included the bridal party as well as other large tables next to them that seat their significant others. By trying to do it this way, the couple has a hard time fitting this setup in the area allotted for the reception room. Why do the bride and groom want to do it this way sometimes? Because they feel that if the bridal party is sitting with them then they should keep their significant others close so they won’t feel awkward and uncomfortable being at tables with unfamiliar people. Regardless, it makes for a big bottleneck and cramped space. The best way to handle this setup is to just do a sweetheart table for bride and groom. Then put the bridal party at a table close to the bride and groom. This will allow the bridal party to be with their significant others and everybody ends up happy. As far as guests go when it comes to seating arrangements, save yourself the time and stress and just do open seating. For the bridal party table and parents’ tables, simply put a reserved sign on them. If you want to do a seating chart, that is fine but realize that some guests will not like the seating chart. Just remember that you can’t please everybody. This is truly your day and guests should realize you have done the best job possible. The guests have to remember they are there for the bride and groom and their beautiful wedding day. They are not there based on where they are being seated. This is truly something that the Bride and Groom do not need to be stressed about. Keep it simple!
BRITEGIRL.COM | WINTER 2012
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BUSINESS
It’s my property and
I’LL CRY IF I WANT TO B Y D E D R A CU R T I S
re deed restrictions ruining your estate planning party? You want to protect your property but several restrictions might be getting in your way. You can’t sell without permission. You have to pay gift taxes. A lien could potentially be placed on the property. Tired of all these restrictions? Cut out these partypoopers! Instead, have your cake and eat it too with the Lady Bird Deed. The Lady Bird Deed, or enhanced life estate deed, is a viable option for transferring property to your heirs, while at the same time holding onto your ownership in the property (a life estate) thereby keeping your right to sell property during your lifetime. Assuming you will own the property until you die, and if during your lifetime you want to sell the property, you will not need to notify (or get the permission to sell) from your beneficiaries. Upon your death, the property automatically transfers to your heirs named on the deed, without having to go through probate. There has been a lot of interest in my office surrounding deeds, in particular the “Lady Bird Deed”, as an extension to their estate planning. Everyone’s situation is different and we strongly encourage persons to consult with an attorney or real estate professional, before preparing any type of deed on your own. Check out the following information to give you an example of the advantages of the Lady Bird Deed versus the Life Estate Deed and Quit Claim Deed:
The Benefits of the Lady Bird Deed
Avoid probate: Unlike a Will that requires to be probated, a lady
bird deed helps in conveying title How did the Lady without any probate at the time of the Bird Deed get its grantor’s death. name? Protect from creditors: It President Lyndon B. protects the property from the benefiJohnson once used this ciaries’ creditors during the grantor’s deed to transfer proplifetime. The creditors cannot place a erty to his wife, “Lady lien on the property because the benBird” Johnson. From eficiaries have no interest during the that point on, this deed grantor’s lifetime. got recognized by her No capital gains tax: The benefiname. ciaries inherit property at a “steppedup” basis, which is the value of the property on the day when the grantor passes away. If the beneficiary sells home, obviously there will be no capital gains and hence the grantee does not have to pay capital gains tax. Flexible rights: The grantor is legally entitled to sell or transfer property as a gift any time he wishes to do so. He may also take out a mortgage on the property or cancel the remainder interest.
Lady Bird Deed vs. A Life Estate Deed
There are 2 ways in which an enhanced life estate (Lady Bird Deed) differs from a regular “Life Estate” deed: Property sale: Unlike a Lady Bird Deed that allows a grantor to sell property during his lifetime without the beneficiaries’ consent, a regular life estate deed is one that doesn’t allow you to sell without permission. Gift tax implications: A regular life estate allows the grantor to keep a life estate and transfer a remainder interest (estate that
Since 2005, founder Dedra Curtis has set out to change the face of Legal Services, by assisting the public, attorneys, and law firms with highly qualified paralegal services. Her motto: “Everyone needs a really great Paralegal.” Since 1995, she has taken her education, experience, and entrepreneurial spirit to set a new standard in the Paralegal profession and developed the concept to “just think one”… LegalOne. Legal One has in-house attorney who is available to our clients at no charge to answer our client’s legal questions; in addition to several other attorneys of counsel that we may refer to for our client’s legal questions. We are not attorneys, we cannot give legal advice. However, we are a resource to the public for form assistance and referrals to attorneys and their law firms for cost effective, high quality, and confidential paralegal outsourcing. Visit www.thinklegalone.com or call 407-601-3966 to contact Dedra.
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remains after grantor’s death) to one who will inherit property. The current owner has the right to occupy and use property. He is entitled to get all the money that can come from his property. But as per IRS rules, the grantor may have to pay gift taxes for transferring the remainder interest. However, the grantor need not pay gift taxes if he uses a ladybird or enhanced life estate deed. This is so because the grantor has the unilateral right to cancel the remainder interest conveyed to the beneficiary. In a regular Life Estate Deed, the owner of the property holds a life estate and continues to use the property during her lifetime. But she cannot sell or mortgage the property without the agreement and cooperation of the named beneficiaries. Whereas in Lady Bird Deed the owner keeps her sole right of selling (or mortgaging) the property, transferring it to any other person, or change the title without requiring consent or cooperation from the beneficiaries.
Lady Bird Deed vs. Quit Claim Deed
Unlike Lady Bird Deeds, a Quit Claim Deed with life estate language does not allow the grantor (owner) to sell, mortgage or transfer property without the consent and cooperation of the beneficiaries. The beneficiaries’ creditors can easily place a lien on the property and the beneficiaries cannot claim the home as their homestead property. Moreover, if any beneficiary passes away or goes through divorce, her spouse can claim a share of interest in property. In some states, the Quit Claim or a Life Estate can even affect the validity of your homestead protection. Using Lady Bird Deeds make sense if you wish to convey property to your heirs directly without the need for probate. In most cases, it may also not affect your Medicaid eligibility. This deed offers maximum benefit to your beneficiaries when they take over your property. Scenario: My mother is a widow and wants to
By making the deed:
know if a Lady Bird Deed would protect her home from being sold to pay for a nursing home. Your mother can protect her house being sold off by using the Lady Bird Deed. This type of deed helps the grantor (your mother) hold ownership of property throughout her lifetime with the right to sell it whenever she desires. The grantee (beneficiary) can only sell the property after the grantor’s death, without going through probate.
• Ownership remains with the grantors, • The grantors retains the right to revoke the deed at any time and • If the property is not sold during the lifetime of the grantors, then it passes on to the named grantees without the need for a probate after the death of the last grantor. There are many types of deeds to be used for many uses. There are many ways to protect your assets. A Lady Bird Deed may be just the option for you.
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The Illusion of Authentic Leadership:
WHERE DID THE MORALS AND TRUST GO? B Y CH E R Y L M CDU F F I E J A M E S
ixty-two years of perfecting his craft, 409 wins, two national championships, and three major Big Ten wins. For many, Joe Paterno, represents a legend and hero, for others he has taught us a valuable lesson on when “Authentic Leadership” loses it way. Isn’t it funny how one can be perceived to have excellent technical/professional skills and given that our award system is primarily performance based, these skills usually serve as the first step on the ladder to “hero” status. Why is it that our culture has evolved into a place where people who deliver results, do good deeds, or hold positions of power suddenly become our “idols”? We are quick to put them on a pedestal, give them “celebrity” status, or “superhuman” powers. There was a time when these acts were recognized as “doing your job”, “doing what was expected”, or just plain “results of hard work”. Where did we lose our way? This brings me to the question, “What is Authentic Leadership”? “Authentic Leaders know who they are, what they value and believe in, as well as act on these values and beliefs in an open and sincere way”. Authentic Leaders understand that ethics and trust are the values that set them apart from the pack. So you may be thinking, “How do ethics and trust set leaders apart”? Ask Mark Hurd, ex-CEO of HP, Jeff Skilling, ex-CEO of Enron, or Barry Bonds, seven-time MVP and former Major League Baseball outfielder better yet, what happens when everyone follows the “rules” or adheres to the “policies and procedures” and violations still occur? What does an Authentic Leader do? Authentic Leaders act from a different place. They recognize that the rules, policies and procedures don’t always ensure success. These are systemic measures that attempt to ensure optimal outcomes, but they aren’t fool proof. Authentic leaders are driven by an inter-voice, an instinct, an innate need to follow and act upon what they value and believe. It is a combination of the aforemen-
tioned that leads the Authentic Leader to incorporate their ethics and morals into their decision making process. They realize that those who follow them have come to trust them to “do the right thing” based on the values and belief system that has convicted them thus far. To do anything less than that would compromise the trust of those who follow them. Authentic Leaders step up and accept responsibility for what happens under their watch. They are willing to take risks despite how those risks may affect them personally or professionally. They realize that if they choose to look the other way, sweep it under the rug, or ignore issues that these acts jeopardize the trust they have developed with their followers. When the systems breakdown, Authentic Leaders step up and take the necessary action to ensure that they preserve the integrity and trust that has served them and their followers well. They persist until the job is done! We all are called to a greater calling. Status, fame, a “realitybased media” culture seems to be leading us to an “illusion” of authenticity. We either bring our true selves to the table or some version of what we want others to believe. At the end of the day, the illusions that we create will be revealed for the “hoax” that they are. Our followers will lose trust in us and all of our past accomplishments will be overshadowed by the lack of authenticity we displayed. In the end, it will be those who bring their authentic self, with a foundation built on ethics, morals, and trust that provide the sustainability our followers are seeking and we value. It is this foundation that will lay the groundwork for our legacy. This legacy will encompass our experiences, risks, visions, and follow-up that differentiates Authentic Leaders from the pack. If you choose to lead, lead with purpose, lead with a value system that supersedes our cultural norms, be worthy of the trust that your followers have instilled in you, don’t let your personal agenda keep you from honoring and acting on what you value and believe to be true. Will the real “Authentic Leaders” stand up!
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ADV E RTI S E ME N T
Hollifield Legal Centre Our vision is to champion the legal, social, and economic rights of women by providing professional legal representation in all Florida state and federal courts of law. Hollifield Legal Centre was created by attorney Travis Hollifield to benefit and empower women facing difficulties with employers. We are dedicated to protecting women from harassment, discrimination, and retaliation in the workplace. We offer zealous representation designed to meet each client’s individual needs. Our services include providing legal advice in the following areas:
• Sexual Harassment • Pregnancy Discrimination • Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) • Retaliation • Unpaid Wages and Overtime • Severance Agreements
If you are a victim of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation in the workplace, you have the right to protect yourself. Please contact us for a confidential and free initial consultation so that we may assist you in determining your rights. Please review our website at www.trhlaw.com for more information about Hollifield Legal Centre or call us at 407 599 9590. We are conveniently located in downtown Winter Park near the corner of Park Avenue and East Lyman Avenue. CONTACT INFORMATION: Hollifield Legal Centre 147 E. Lyman Ave., Suite C Winter Park, FL 32789 Phone: 407 599 9590 Website: www.trhlaw.com
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