Summer 2017: The Renew Issue | Chispa Magazine

Chispa!

magazine

th ey're

Li ppy l egs t o n No. 11

s g e l T A F V i l l y Wang,

Summer Fash i on, Gl ori a Wi l l i ams, Get Ov er Compl ai ni ng

&

more

I N THI S I SSUE Editor's Letter 06 Your St rat egy Professional 08 Mompreneur 12 Windy Artist 16 SENIORita 20

32 52

Rel at ionships Countering Complaints 24 Conversat ions The Cost of Beauty 28 She's Got Chispa Villy Wang 32

Feat ures The Footnanny 40 Seven Ways Reading Improves Your Life 44 Pursue God In Tough Times 48 Get Brain Balance 50

Cover St ory Living With Lipedema 52

110

A Bet t er You Fashion + Style 62 Health + Beauty 90 Smart + Homey 96 Travel + Culture 108 Through The Lens 110 Bookworm 137 Must Haves 140 Last Word 145

Chispa! magazine

Edit or-in-Chief Mavian Arocha-Rowe

Lif est yl e Direct or Romina Nabhen

Execut ive Edit or Mia Guerra

Managing Edit ors Paola Ramirez and Milo SenallĂŠ

Associat e Edit or Lucia Rodriguez

Social Media Manager Lauri Bonilla

Creat ive Direct or Christian Ruben

Direct or of Sal es Scott Rowe

Writ ers Cynthia L. Simmons Stacey Centurelli Meredith Myers Sonia Tita Puopolo Dr. Sanam Hafeez Sally Allen Dr. Robert Melillo Daniel Henderson Chris McMahan Joshua Minter Maggie Sabatier-Smith Lizzy Smith Marnie Oursler Kurt Kazanowski MS, RN, CHE Kellie Sironi Grace Kearney

Advisory Board

Advisory Board

Johnny Arocha Pam Black Mario Luis

Paola Ramirez Vivian Reina Maggie Sabatier-Smith

For information on advertising and/ or subscriptions, call 404.793.7743 or email sales@chispamagazine.com.

Editorial questions, submissions, and/ or pitches, email editor@chispamagazine.com.

Vol. 3, Issue 1 Š Chispa Magazine. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use, without permission of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited. Photo credits are not given to improperly identified photos.

Chispa Magazine

EDITOR'S LETTER

e g a r u o Enc e Tho s y L e gs Li pp

How dare I put a fat girl on the cover? And no, it?s not Fat Amy from Pitch Perfect although Stacy Ann Gross surely knows how to make a lasting impression, too. Yes, our cover girl is no renowned celebrity to the world, but she is to her home and those who surround her.

And yes, again, at Chispa Magazine we love bubble butts and want to encourage women of all shapes and sizes to ?Not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.?

By placing our heavy-set cover girl with lippy legs, front and center, are we endorsing unhealthy eating habits and no exercise? No. Actually, as Cure Lipedema and Dr. Maulik Shah state, ?Lipedemic fat cannot be exercised or even starved away.? To maintain the ?current large? size that many lipedema patients are living in, they exercise a minimum of 30 mins in an aquatic setting, per day. That means, aqua running, aqua aerobics, or even swimming. In fact, another lipedema warrior we have become close to, swims two hours per day, just to stay at her normal-large size. Have you tried that recently? Did you know resistance in the pool can range from four to 42 times greater than air, ensuring the body?s muscles get a rigid workout?

So, lippy ladies actually workout as beasts, and instead of reaping the benefits of comradery, our culture praises the thin, the controversial, and those with the most social likes. This summer, rather than just having mercy for the bald woman who perhaps is undergoing chemo, our hope is that you can empathize with fat disorders, too. Let?s all look beyond outward appearances. For my fellow Lippy Ladies and heavy-set super heroes, we need to learn from our cover girl Stacy Ann Gross and Allison Kimmey, the 30-year-old self-help author and speaker who roars about this issue. ?My daughter called me fat today,? she wrote in an Instagram caption of a photograph of herself and her four-year-old daughter in bathing suits. ?She was upset I made them get out of the pool and she told her brother that mama is fat.? Instead of getting upset, this Florida mom asked her daughter to meet her upstairs for a little talk. She then explained

Chispa Magazine

that "fat" is something everyone has, in order to protect their muscles and bones, plus "fat" gives bodies their energy. And yes, some people have more fat than others, but no one is better or worse because of it, she explained. Kimmey also wrote, ?Fat is not a bad word in our house. If I shame my children for saying it then I am proving that it is an insulting word and I continue the stigma that being fat is unworthy, gross, comical and undesirable.?

Some like myself, don?t have fat-binding properties in their metabolism, so we can?t turn fat into energy, hence, leading fat to float within the body.

Overtime they become painful fat tumors on the thighs, which gives birth to lipedema. And, once again, these fat tumors can?t be starved or exercised away.

So, did we place a fat girl on the cover?

No, we graced our summer issue with Stacy Ann Gross, a hero to many, including myself. C

Mavi an

Editor's Letter 7

Chispa Magazine

Th e Sev en M i stak es Th at M ak e Your Boss Cri nge + Wh at To Do I nstead Your Strategy | Professional 9

You may not realize it but some of the things you?re saying and doing at work can annoy your boss to no end. Ready to dive into what you may be doing wrong and what you should be doing instead?

Mil l ennial Moment No. 1: ?This pl ace sucks!?

Instead of complaining about a problem or inefficiency you?ve noticed at your office, take the initiative to fix it. If it?s not something you have the power to change, set up a meeting with your boss to pitch the solution you?ve created. Brownie points!

Mil l ennial Moment No. 2: ?Why shoul d I care, t his isn?t my dream job.? Care because it?s the right thing to do for your career. And remember, your dream job will call your non-dream job for references. Find little ways to enjoy your work and you?ll be amazed at how much better your days will become.

Mil l ennial Moment No. 3: ?Why don?t ot hers see what I?m capabl e of ?? Here?s the reality, your boss doesn?t care about your dreams and aspirations, they just want you to get the job done. Talk is cheap, show your boss what you?re made of by producing bold and efficient solutions.

Mil l ennial Moment No. 4: ?I don?t know how t o do t hat .? Being exposed to so much

technology can make anyone a passive thinker. Don?t allow yourself to become lazy in your thinking by working on your problem solving skills. When you don?t know how to do something, figure out a few possible solutions and then present them to your boss for advice.

Mil l ennial Moment No. 5: ?Why wasn?t I sel ect ed?? If you?re wondering why you weren?t picked for something, do some digging in the self-awareness department.

Remember, not getting what you want teaches humility and perhaps you need to improve on something now which will make a tremendous difference later on.

Mil l ennial Moment No. 6: ?What ?s in it f or me?? Some of the things on your to-do list are not going to be intrinsically motivating, but they still need to get done. Learn how to take satisfaction in completing the mundane without needing a pat on the back.

Mil l ennial Moment No. 7: ?My boss is an idiot !? Someday, when you finally get to sit at the helm, you?ll realize there?s a heckuva lot more going on than you realize. Until you wear the title, you have no idea what it actually means to be responsible for everything. Until that day comes, try to give your boss the benefit of the doubt. C Text by Tracey C. Jones, M.B.A Photos by Tamara Bellis

Chispa Magazine

Your Strategy | Professional 11

Business 101: W hat You N eed to K now Before Becom ing a

Mompreneur

Chispa Magazine

Whether you?re looking to rejoin the workforce after years as a stay-at-home mom or just seeking a new, fresh career path, ?mompreneurship? can be a self-empowering, highly rewarding experience. While visions of startups or franchise concepts may be dancing in your head, it?s crucial to fully understand what you?re getting yourself into as a new business owner. As mompreneurs ourselves, we wanted to share some insight into what you can expect in the early stages of business ownership and the first steps to take in order to make the transition from mom to mompreneur as smooth as possible.

Det ermine if you?l l need a business part ner.

Juggling a new business and staying in tune with your family?s lives can be exhausting and overwhelming, which is why choosing a business partner that will make you stronger can be a crucial step in setting your new venture up for success. If co-owning a business is in your best interest, begin bouncing ideas off of friends, family and other colleagues to see whose vision matches yours. If the stars align (that is, if you both possess similar expectations, beliefs and values), you?ll know that you?re making a step in the right direction!

A friend is a wonderful person to invest in a business with. This person will not only care about the health of the business, but will

equally care about your personal wellbeing. A friend will make things work by offering to help outside of work just as much as they help with the day-to-day aspects of the business, such as by helping you cover hours so that you can make family and friend obligations and commitments. A business partner that is willing to help take on extra responsibilities to give you much needed flexibility, and vice versa, can be the key ingredient to creating a manageable work-life balance.

Invest wisel y. Your money, time and happiness are all far too important to throw at a business that simply looks good on paper.

Therefore, it?s critical to be diligent in your research and exploration of various concepts and industries. If you?re organically opening up your own concept, make sure you understand what regulations, licenses and taxes you will need to follow, obtain and pay for your new business. Read up as much as you can and set immediate, short-team and long-term goals to help get your business up and running on the right foot. If you decide to invest in a franchise, research the company?s history and success rate, including how many locations they currently have, how many have opened and closed over the past year, etc.

When we first sat down to brainstorm business concepts, our first step was to lay

Your Strategy | Mompreneur 13

out how we were going to combine our passions with our expertise. Lucky for us, they were one in the same! After setting our sights on a business with a focus on child care and education, we began playing around with various names for the business until we came across one that clicked? Romp n?Roll. After some brief research of the name, we learned that it was already the name of an existing child-focused franchise, and we knew that we had stumbled across the perfect fit. Not only was the concept spot-on for what we had been searching for, but we knew that investing in a franchise with infrastructure already in place would be highly beneficial for two busy moms. Romp n?Roll offered the perfect package for parents looking to own their own business? flexible hours, a strong franchise support system and the ability to bring a playful form of early education services to our neighborhood.

When you decide to invest in a business, you?re not only investing in the industry and your community, but you?re investing in yourself. Find a concept that is suited for your lifestyle, do your research and be diligent in finding the right fit for you!

Keep your priorit ies st raight . While the process of opening up your business can be daunting, you?re already equipped with the world?s best support system? your friends

Chispa Magazine

and family. If you?re strategic about your goal setting and time management, you?ll be able to keep your priorities (and your sanity!) in line.

Having a solid support system (whether it?s your spouse, family, friends, etc.) is vital to being a successful mompreneur. You can?t be in two places at once, so surrounding yourself with people who are equally invested in seeing you succeed is extremely important to help balance work and family? especially a family with kids involved in lots of sports and activities. Although the early stages of opening a business can be time consuming and stress inducing, it?s crucial to your personal wellbeing, as well as your family?s wellbeing, to always carve out time in your day to disconnect from work. As a business owner, you are always on call with staffing and owner issues, it?s so important to give your family time for your undivided attention.

Lastly, and most importantly, don?t try and do it all (especially in the beginning!) It?s okay to ask for help? you aren?t a superhero, but you?re as close as its gets! C Text by Stacey Centurelli + Meredith Myers Photos by Tim Gouw + Tanja Heffner

Your Strategy | Mompreneur 15

o f a PRIORITY

PLEA SU RA BLE PU RITY

Chispa Magazine

Years ago, while working as Associate Pastor and Personal Assistant to Dr. John MacArthur, I was tasked with coordinating the yearly donor cruises sponsored by John?s radio ministry, Grace to You. At one of the ports-of-call, I took advantage of an excursion to enjoy some deep sea diving in the pristine waters of St. Thomas. Accompanied by a few buddies, I descended under the watchful eye of our instructor. After learning the mechanics I found myself enthralled with the crystal clear luminosity of the blue Caribbean paradise. The brilliant colors of the tropical fish, the varieties of shells, and the clarity of it all left me in awe. It was like discovering a whole new world of dazzling brilliance with an awakened set of eyes.

Contrast that amazement to a snorkeling attempt I pursued in high school in the lake where our family lived in southern New Mexico. The lake was fed by the muddy Rio Grande River. Swimming near the inlet, I made numerous attempts to see something other than my hand right in front of my face.

Post haste, I conceded the effort, realizing that the water was simply too dirty to enjoy any kind of aquatic sightseeing. Just as navigating in a body of water is more enjoyable in pristine and unobstructed surroundings, so should it be with life. Yet, this ideal has been lost in today?s culture.

Sel ect ive Pursuit s of Purit y We still love purity, at least selectively.

Americans are obsessed with pure water, evidenced by the astonishing sales of bottled H2O and in-home filtering systems. We know that impure water can result in intestinal sickness short-term and endangered health long-term.

The major nations of the world convene to address the dangers of polluted air.

Contaminated food can tank a food-supply company or restaurant almost overnight when E-coli or some other food-borne illnesses are discovered. Yes, we value purity when it comes to the health of our bodies.

But, when it comes to the health of our souls and relationships, purity seems a passĂŠ and discarded commodity. Our culture has pursued values and behaviors that have polluted and corrupted our relationships. As a result, marriages, families, friendships, and churches have suffered. God?s ideal for us includes pure, clean, clear, harmonious, and ultimately enjoyable relationships. Sadly, we have muddied the waters with all sorts of foolery based on the lesser and life-robbing values of this world.

Pure Wisdom So, it is no surprise that the writer James begins to unpack his inspired description of New Testament wisdom by saying, ?The

Your Strategy | Windy Artist 17

wisdom from above is first pure? (James 3:16). Wisdom is pure and purity is wise.

The purity of wisdom is listed first for good reason. Purity is preeminent in a wise life.

The word pure (hagnos in Greek) refers to innocence and moral blamelessness. This word refers to something free of contamination or defilement (just like we want our water, air, and food). In the New Testament hagnos is most often translated holy.

Purity is the fundamental essence of all Gospel wisdom and must be at the core of the other virtues, like those listed by James in the following verses (3:17-18). Remember, this wisdom is from above. God, who reigns above, is first holy. As you are reading this page something truly awesome is concurrently happening ?above? that must capture our hearts. The heavenly creatures are surrounding the throne of God in the midst of ?flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder? (Revelation 4:5). ?Day and night they never cease to say, ?Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!?? (Revelation 4:8) In this imagery we see both the priority and power of purity. In the apocryphal book, The Wisdom of Solomon, it says that wisdom is ?the breath of the power of God, and a pure influence flowing from the glory of the

Chispa Magazine

Almighty? (7:25) and, ?O send her from thy holy heavens from the throne of thy glory?

(9:4). Jewish writers agreed that true wisdom came from above, specifically from the glorious throne of a holy God. Hol y Heal ing Back on Earth, we grovel along in this sin-sick and relationally broken world. How can we possibly experience and exhibit that kind of wisdom? So pure. So holy. Throughout human history mankind has recognized the gulf between sinful man and pure deity. Even among the Greeks this was illustrated. The mythical god, Aesculapius, was the god of healing. Inscribed at the temple dedicated to him in the 4 th century BC in the city of Epidaurus, these words appeared: ?He who would enter the divine temple must be pure; and purity is to have a mind which thinks holy thoughts.? [i] Holiness preceded healing.

The true holiness leading to healing has became our reality in Christ. First Peter 2:24 says of Christ, ?He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.? Hebrews 10:10 underscores this, ?And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all? (NIV). A few verses later the writer of Hebrews says, ?For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those

who are being made holy? (10:14). The Apostle Paul also writes, ?For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God? (2 Corinthians 5:21). Pure. Holy. Right before God. Healed. All because of the work of Jesus on the cross.

A Core Response In his letter James contrasts this purity with the fruits of earthly wisdom that are anything but holy. He says, ?If you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.? He then says worldly wisdom produces ?disorder and every vile practice? (3:14 & 16). Since we are bombarded every day with this evil ?wisdom? via the media and by unregenerate people in every segment of society, how should we respond?

Possibl e, Promised Purit y For those who have been transformed by the Gospel, the reality of a pure life before God is possible. The reality of a pure God manifested in our life is promised. First Corinthians 1:30 assures us, ?And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption.? Notice the life of Jesus?wisdom in combination with His righteousness, sanctification, and redemption? all ours in the fullest? as He lives through us. We could say that Christ?s pure life in us is the source of a truly wise and winsome life where the waters are clear and the journey is truly rewarding. C Text by Daniel Henderson Photo by Julian Svoboda

James admonishes, ?do not boast? (take pride in) this way of living. Rather we should repent before God and humbly acknowledge our sin and His holiness. James also instructs us, ?do not be false to the truth.? We must embrace the truth of God?s word in our minds, our emotions, and the depths of our souls so that we will not be conformed to the corrupt wisdom of the day, but transformed by the transforming word and wisdom of God (Romans 12:1-2).

Your Strategy | Windy Artist 19

T h e

gr een chair

Chispa Magazine

r Your Strategy | SENIORita 21

Chronic exhaustion led me to the purchase of my comfy Green Chair. It took on a life of its own as it soon became my refuge, my healing place. My husband soon learned that ?My Green Chair is calling,? was my way of acknowledging it was my time to rest. A busy entrepreneur and someone very active in volunteer ministry, it was a big deal for me to STOP and accept that my body just couldn't do what it used to do. Hashimoto's disease? a condition in which your immune system attacks your thyroid. Complete with a number of debilitating symptoms, I soon learned that rest was often the only medicine my body seemed to respond to.

Are you still there Lord? As a woman of faith, one who lived intentionally with a sense of calling, I often asked God if He had forgotten me. How was I to live out my purpose from my green chair? Each time I questioned, each time I wondered, the following would come to mind: ?My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness? which is found in 2 Corinthians 12:9. For me, it meant God wasn?t absent; for me, it mean I had to hang in there, so I did.

Over time, what started out at as my healing place suddenly turned into my personal lock-down. I became restless and uncomfortable. It was almost as if my green chair was trying to kick me out. My time in my

Chispa Magazine

chair became one of punishment. ?What was that about? You still there Lord?? ...silence.

While the right balance of nutritional changes, daily supplements, and thyroid medications brought much needed relief, I had developed a sick mindset. Intimately familiar with all the symptoms? I would expect them to show up, and they did. My prayers for healing were few and far between.

My eyes were focused on what I couldn't do. I had lost sight of hope and just didn't "see" the answered prayers. ?You still there Lord?? ...silence.

One day I received an unexpected phone call from a friend. She had been asked to fill a contractual teaching position at the County Jail. It was a pilot program and was perfect for this job. With over 15 years of experience teaching, coaching and as a mentor in state and federal prisons, this was my ministry playground. I often referred to behind-the-razor-wire as my "Happy Place," where I was most fulfilled. Is this you Lord? Is it time to leave My Green Chair? ...silence.

My prayer: Close the door if it's not for me; open it wide so I can see if this is from You. Months later, after I had forgotten the plea, the prayer? the call for the interview came.

Within days I was rapidly escorted through the contractual process and I found myself walking through the County Jail. Logically I

considered this a wellness test. It required a Monday to Friday all day commitment for each four-week class. My mind said this is ridiculous. ?I can hardly spend time away from My Green Chair and now I am planning to work full-time? After all, other women my age are retired, is this really you Lord??

Everything pointed to "yes" yet still I asked.

My first day on the job... it was all I could do to function and I did. I reunited with My Green Chair that evening and was asleep within minutes. This routine continued for the first two weeks. The dust bunnies in my home were taking on a personality of their own. I felt like a teenager rummaging daily through my unfolded laundry trying to find something to wear. A woman of my word, I knew I would at least finish this first four-week commitment. As I walked into that facility each day, I would recognize that this was not my Happy Place. I was totally out of my comfort zone and felt I was working outside my skill set. ?Seriously Lord, is this you?? ...silence On the Monday of the third week? what was that I was feeling? Joy, energy, enthusiasm? I was looking forward to my day. As I reflected on these first two weeks I noticed that I had been spending less time in My Green Chair and more time in my office planning for my class. My mind was actively engaged in

creativity and my heart was overwhelmed with a sense of purpose. I mattered. My contribution to this program mattered. The lives of these inmates would never be the same because I chose to trust my heart... trust the ?silence? and walk through this unexpected assignment.

My first class graduated? now they have some new tools to take with them upon their release. The choice to succeed is theirs. Each of us has that same choice. We can sink into our own version of My Green Chair and focus on what we don?t have or we can explore new possibilities without regard to our current limitations. Change happens in our mind first.

A healthy mindset believes for the seemingly impossible, explores opportunities and asks ?why not??

I doubted and kept asking... ?You still there Lord?? At some point I?m guessing God must have exhaled in frustration saying ?What part of I am don?t you understand?? By faith I believe it was His power that showed up through my weakness? just as He promised. I continue to walk through this ?senior? leg of my journey trusting that I have a purpose that matters. C ?Someone is waiting for you to show up in the fullness of your calling.? ? Coach Maggie Text + Photo by Maggie Sabatier-Smith

Your Strategy | SENIORita 23

Chispa Magazine

counteri ng compl ai nts

Relationships 25

One of the recurring themes of the Bible is the tendency of the human heart to complain, either to others or to God. One is unacceptable; the other can be helpful. Let?s explore the nature of complaining; when it?s acceptable, when it is not.

The Descript ions of Compl aining Complaining is defined as ?the expression of a grievance or displeasure, usually against the actions and attitudes of others, including God himself.?[1] Complaint appears too often in the Bible to document it all here. Some more notable instances would include Moses complaining to the Lord about the plight of the Israelites under Pharaoh, then later about the burden of leading the people in the wilderness. We find instances of the Israelites complaining against Moses and Aaron [and God in the wilderness when they doubted or disliked God?s provision for them. Jeremiah complained to the Lord about his miserable calling and the treatment he received from the people. Martha complained about her sister Mary?s failure to help in the kitchen.

Yet, the New Testament is clear: ?Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world? [Philippians 2:14-15].

The Source of Compl aining?

Chispa Magazine

Disappoint ment . A disappointed heart frequently manifests in a complaining tongue.

Disappointment has several facets: With God, because He did not perform according to our often-flawed understanding of His ways; with others, because they did not meet the expectations we established for them in serving our needs; with circumstances, because a situation has not fulfilled some self-determined desire for our life; with ourselves, because we did not measure up to some subjective standard we had established.

Comparison. Not all comparison is bad.

Sometimes we can see the difficulty of another and feel humbled because our life is blessed by undeserved grace. Too often, pride drives comparison.

Ingrat it ude. When we doubt or disregard the goodness, faithfulness, and provision of God, our hearts become ungrateful. Flowing from the reality of that heart condition, complaint eventually surfaces. Discontent, dissatisfaction, and a disagreeable outlook are inevitable.

The Resul t s of Compl aining?

Ot hers are inf ect ed. Complaining can beget more complaining. It can be a communicable spiritual disease. It slowly drains the peace and gratitude from a situation or relationship.

Test imony is damaged. A complaining

lifestyle is the evidence of attitudes and ambitions that are not under the control of the Holy Spirit. Few things can damage a godly testimony before one?s family, friends, work associates, and unsaved acquaintances more effectively than complaining.

Ot hers are repul sed. No one who is seeking to cultivate joy, gratitude, and positive progress in life enjoys being around a complainer.

The Ant idot e f or Compl aining?

Turn t o t he Lord. Let?s be honest. We are all bombarded with challenging circumstances.

Disappointments can undermine our joy.

Comparison can leave us feeling defeated.

Ingratitude can rise up in any heart. But the answer is not to ?spew? against others or onto innocent bystanders. We must turn to God in honest confession of our feelings and surrender of our troubled heart. Only He can give us a transformational attitude adjustment.

Take it t o t he Lord. When we unmask our complaints before God we are less prone to unload our complaints on others. Many of the biblical figures poured out the negative content of their hearts to God. The Lord already knows the complaints of your heart and only He can help you sort them out. In Psalms we find instances of ?lament? as the writers expressed despair, anger, protest, or

doubt in response to difficult situations.

Trust in t he Lord. As happens in almost all of the Psalms of lament, the writer?s solution is to embrace fresh trust in the Lord. We, too, must renew our mind, will, and emotions in the truths of God?s goodness, providence, power, grace, mercy, compassion, lovingkindness, and faithfulness. We can trust the truth of who He is with all our hearts and not lean on our own understanding [Proverbs 3:5-6]. This must be a daily and even moment-by-moment resolve.

From Compl aint t o Conquest ? One of the most notable and raw biblical examples of turning complaint into trust is found in Lamentations 3. The prophet is unhinged in expressing his complaints and consternation before God. As a result, he admits, ?My soul is bowed down within me? [v. 20]. Then, after surrendering his gut-wrenching complaint, he chooses to trust the Lord.

If you struggle this season with a complaining spirit, make this your daily resolve.

Complaining will subside. Hope will abound.

Joy will return. Relationships will improve.

Christ will be honored. C Text by Daniel Henderson Photo by Igor Cancarevic

Your Strategy | Relationships 27

The

Chispa Magazine

y t u a e B f o t Co$

y

Latin America?s leading e-Commerce platform, Linio.com, brought our summer?s heat index to another level when they released the 2017 Beauty Price Index. What does this mean? They actually compared the cost of several in-demand beauty products and services across 50 countries. The list was ranked by the sum of three categories? Beauty Services, Cosmetic Procedures, and Products? with the top-scoring country representing where products and services are most affordable overall. Linio strategically undertook the research to better understand global economic trends in the multi-billion beauty industry, and give us more reason to converse about the cost of beauty.

Clustered at the top of the Index were several Asian and Latin American countries, with Vietnam as the overall most-affordable country for beauty products and services. At the other end of the scale were regions with high costs of living, including Northern Europe, Australia, and the US. Venezuela was found as the most expensive country overall, due to the country?s inflation crisis and the conversion from the Venezuelan bolĂ­var to the US dollar. Ironically, around 10 years ago, Caracas, contained the highest number of beauty parlors per capita in the world. ?At Linio, we place a high value on

transparency with our customers, and we hope that our index helps people more confidently interpret variations in costs associated with beauty around the world,?

Andreas Mjelde Linio?s CEO says. ?Increasingly, the average citizen is a global one, and with a better understanding of global markets comes empowerment to travel, shop, and live smarter.?

A Gl impse Int o Beaut y Services.

Colombia offers the least expensive Mani-Pedi (US$4.00), whilst Denmark offers the second most expensive ($80.35).

Venezuela offers the most expensive at $160.85.

Egypt offers the least expensive Eyebrow Wax ($1.93), whilst Denmark offers the second most expensive ($23.32). Venezuela offers the most expensive at $30.12.

Egypt offers the least expensive Brazilian Wax ($5.81), whilst Denmark offers the second most expensive ($86.60). Venezuela offers the most expensive at $159.34.

Egypt offers the least expensive Women?s Haircut ($5.25), whilst Norway offers the second most expensive ($95.04). Venezuela offers the most expensive at $123.96.

Egypt offers the least expensive Men?s Haircut ($2.49), whilst Switzerland offers the second most expensive ($43.00). Venezuela

Conversations | 29

offers the most expensive at $53.20.

A Gl impse Int o Cosmet ic Procedures, Vietnam offers the least expensive Botox (per unit) ($5.00), whilst Japan and Venezuela offer the most expensive (tied at $17.50).

The Czech Republic offers the least expensive Rhinoplasty ($776), whilst Switzerland offers the most expensive ($7,845).

Thailand offers the least expensive Mascara ($4.32), whilst Peru offers the second most expensive ($29.08). Venezuela offers the most expensive at $1,629.

The USA offers the least expensive Perfume ($48.55), whilst Kuwait offers the second most expensive ($113.58). Venezuela offers the most expensive at $13,988.

India offers the least expensive Breast Augmentation ($1,650), whilst Switzerland offers the most expensive ($10,434).

The UAE offers the least expensive Eye Shadow ($2.45), whilst Malaysia offers the second most expensive ($30.66). Venezuela offers the most expensive at $989.33.

A Gl impse Int o Product s.

India offers the least expensive Lipstick ($14.36), whilst Peru offers the second most expensive ($58.78). Venezuela offers the most expensive at $1,110.

The UAE offers the least expensive Nail Polish ($4.63), whilst South Korea offers the second most expensive ($32.46). Venezuela offers the most expensive at $912.51.

Vietnam offers the least expensive Foundation ($15.42), whilst Russia offers the second most expensive ($57.83). Venezuela offers the most expensive at $12,531.

South Africa offers the least expensive Anti-Aging Cream ($22.81), whilst Peru offers the second most expensive ($90.60).

Venezuela offers the most expensive at $13,609.

Turkey offers the least expensive Hair Dye ($4.30), whilst Mexico offers the second most expensive ($21.37). Venezuela offers the most expensive at $909.

Chispa Magazine

Met hodol ogy? The results were calculated by researching the average retail cost, including tax, of several in-demand beauty services, cosmetic procedures, and popular beauty products in 50 countries. Product prices were collected from local shops and online retailers, using at least six brands for each product. Beauty service prices were collected using up to five major cities for each country and ten waxing and nail studios or salons per city. Cosmetic procedure prices were collected from at least three clinics per major city in each country. The prices collected represent the full retail prices, not including shipping, from country-wide outlets. C

Text by Mia Guerra Photos by Hulda Marie Gudmundsso + Isabell Winter

Conversations | 31

t e e M

v il l y g n Wa

Chispa Magazine

Raised by an immigrant single mother in the sweatshops of New York City, Villy Wang had a crazy dream? to create a new kind of social enterprise that helps kids, who like her grew up in the projects. She did just that and has celebrated more than 10 years as founder and CEO of Baycat, a new model of nonprofit business tackling the lack of diversity in tech and digital media by providing access, education, and employment for low-income youth, youth of color, and young women.

And recently, Wang received a Jefferson Award, America?s Nobel Prize for public service, and gave a TED talk titled ?A business Against Racism.?

Why BAYCAT? Why a nonprof it ? My first career was working in the sweatshops of NYC as a young girl, working side by side with my Mom, who immigrated from China in the early 60s. Her journey, her story, her resilience and the challenges we faced as an immigrant family has profoundly inspired and influenced who I am, and what I have become.

Every moment from our past leads to the current, and it is through my Mom?s story that I feel privileged to find my calling. I know I was born to do this work. When I talk about the birthing of BAYCAT, her story is interwoven into the main guide posts of BAYCAT, which is centered around education, entrepreneurship, and media. Education was a driver for my Mom, in spite of being a

She's Got Chispa | Villy Wang 33

woman raised in Japanese-occupied, and then Communist-dominated China. She broke traditions and the expectations of her parents through her determination to be educated.

Even when she came to America, not speaking the language, and ultimately, as a single Mom, she put herself through night school to discover her talents toward building a career to raise her family. Graduating with a fashion degree from Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC, and a certificate for starting a small business from Pace College, she opened up her own factory in NYC. An artist and entrepreneur, it is Mom?s ?passion for fashion? and business smarts that allowed me to have a new beginning, moving us out of the projects and out of welfare.

Media is power. It shapes perception.

However, when growing up, no one looked like me nor my family on TV. There were no positive role models or stories that mirrored our lives that came from media or in fact, very few from real life. My mother never believed her story mattered, even despite her hard work, sacrifices and successes. Upon reflection, I came to realize how my Mom?s and my own self-confidence and lack of empowerment came from the outside - in.

The lack of representation in the media, and the stereotypes projected at us tricked us into believing that our stories didn?t matter; therefore, we didn?t matter. We felt invisible.

Chispa Magazine

Today, the power of creating media and stories has become somewhat democratized through new technology and digital tools; however, not enough to combat generational long-lasting effects of negative stereotypes that are amplified by systemic social, racial and economic injustices. When I look at today?s families and under-resourced communities like the one I grew up in, technology has narrowed the gap for those with access, but widened the gap for the have-nots. The divide is even more magnified because of the lack of diversity and inclusion in the workforce, especially in the industries that support the creation and distribution of media and these negative messages. I believe it is our responsibility to find solutions to bridge these divides, especially here in the Bay Area, the birthing place of so much new technology, innovation and media.

BAYCAT is a business that I started to help end racism, social and economic inequities, one story at a time. As a nonprofit social enterprise, it is an organization with a heart, a purpose, and it?s also an expandable sustainable business that redefines how our cities, corporations, and citizens can be part of the solution. I believe it starts with changing who the storytellers are and creating a pathway for these storytellers to be employed in some of the most competitive and powerfully influential fields: tech, media

She's Got Chispa | Villy Wang 35

and the creative industries. By changing how my Mom?s story and those stories from our youth are told, and amplifying positive authentically told stories, we can chip away at the racial, social and economic inequities that bind each of us and prevent us from reaching our full potentials.

What is your vision t o rewrit e st ereot ypes and how are you making it a real it y?

Rewriting stereotypes starts with the individual, and at BAYCAT that means empowering young people as early as age 11-17 to explore who they are, what they are passionate about, and why their story matters. We invite young people of color, young women and youth who are growing up in historically under resourced communities to apply to our FREE digital media arts classes. The majority of young people we work with actively see themselves as consumers of media, and BAYCAT teaches them to literally rewrite their stereotypes by becoming creators.

Our youth create their own short films, animations, sound tracks, music videos and tell their stories, whether it?s something around the latest trend in pop culture or a challenge they face in their lives, in the streets, or in their communities. During every world premiere, guaranteed, there is at least one story that makes me cry because of the

Chispa Magazine

courage of our youth. Each youth defies negative stereotypes, and the stories they tell bring humanity and empathy to these labels.

After 13 years of BAYCAT and educating over 4,000 youth, and their work appearing in 44 film festivals, they are rewriting stereotypes one story at a time. Rewriting stereotypes is also critical in the business sector. Increasing the pipeline of diverse talent into these white- and male-dominated industries has also part of our strategy to shift the paradigm.

We?ve employed 200 young people, ages 18-25, from our programs and have launched their careers into the tech, media and creative industries. With 80 percent of our graduates placed into media-related careers with partners like Lucasfilm, Pixar, SF Giants Productions, Golden State Warriors, HBO, Netflix, Autodesk, Wired and Sephora, we are changing not only the stories that get told, but the storytellers who get to tell them, by tackling the lack of diversity in media, tech and the creative industries. BAYCAT intern graduates are 78 percent young creatives of color (4x industry standards), and 55 percent are women (2x industry standards).

Last but not least, our Studio creates stories for corporate and community clients. We love to tell stories about the great work corporate philanthropy and nonprofits are doing to support those whose stories need to be shared most. For example, in 2016, for the

biggest sporting event in the world, Super Bowl 50, in just 50 weeks, we were able to tell 50 stories of 50 playmakers and their nonprofits who do the hard work on the ground every day to support youth and adults from low-income and marginalized communities throughout the Bay Area.

Although we?ve supported over 200 nonprofits and philanthropic organizations, there?s so many stories of champions in the community who are breaking stereotypes every day that still need to be told.

Congrat ul at ions on your recent Jef f erson Award, America?s Nobel Prize f or publ ic service, pl us your TED t al k. Just wondering: Are you pl anning or al ready t raining your ?young peopl e? t o aim t oward a Nobel or pit ch a TED t al k? It really takes a village. Truly we accept these awards on behalf of 1000s of people behind-the-scenes, the entire team and board, our partners and of course, our young storytellers who truly deserve the recognition and applause. We certainly train our young people to dream big and to learn to speak publicly, and I always tell them to remember us when they someday pick up their first Oscar, Emmy, or Jefferson Award.

The reality is that our youth and our team always inspire and teach me every day to strive to do my best. Alex Sorto, one of our youth graduates is a young man that I?ve had

the pleasure to watch grow up through one of our in-schools program at SF International High School. Immigrating from Honduras, and though English is his second language, Alex is a young dynamic entrepreneur, an incredible filmmaker, rapper, graphic artist, and his signature on his email says, ?Future CEO.?

Once when we were talking and dreaming about doing a TED Talk, he showed me his draft of what his would look like. Seeing his fearlessness to tell his story, he inspired me to pitch his story and then mine. I wouldn?t have been invited to do a TED Talk if it wasn?t for him.

Learning to express yourself, to give and receive constructive feedback, and to present yourself publicly are essential skills that we teach at BAYCAT. Now more than ever is the time for our youth to stand up for themselves, and to share their stories responsibly and fearlessly, be it on the TED stage, on social media and with the world.

Are you pl anning t o expand f rom your current l ocat ion? We?ve certainly thought about expanding from our current location especially since space can be an issue. What really keeps me up at night is knowing that we had to turn away over 200 youth applications last year, and that wasn?t just because of space. We can?t raise money fast enough to keep up with demand, so

She's Got Chispa | Villy Wang 37

Chispa Magazine

strategically, the first thing we want to do is to make sure our model is as strong as possible in the space that we are in. For the next five years, we?re certainly planning on how we can share the best practices of our model to others, and to continue to strategically partner with like-minded organizations and affiliates here in the Bay Area and beyond. Of course, these days it?s also interesting to see how other organizations have developed their models in the digital space online, and not just physically. For us, it is the one-on-one connections, the network of alumni, and or hands-on storytelling experience that makes a difference to the lives of our young people.

What are your social goal s? Last year, BAYCAT was visited by 100s of visitors from the Bay Area, nationally, internationally to learn from our social enterprise model. There are many similar programs around STEM, integrating technology into education, or corporate internship programs, but no one connects the dots from education to employment like we do. We weave these needs together by using digital media and the power of storytelling to combat racial and economic inequity. One story at a time. Over the years we?ve shared our unique hybrid model in London, Italy, Ethiopia, Japan, South Korea and China. We?re excited to get more attention on the stages of TED@IBM, SXSWedu, and NAB, but it's online

with readers like those at Chispa and cross-sector in media, film, entertainment, tech, advertising/ PR and the creative industries, banks, foundations and other cities that we hope to inspire and ignite action.

The movement to change the way people perceive historically and currently marginalized people is to start sharing stories that change those negative perceptions into empowerment. Those are the kinds of stories BAYCAT youth, young adults and our Studio create. Watch them. Share them. Be part of the movement to end racism, social and economic inequities through storytelling.

Who is Vil l y t he woman versus t he prof essional ? No freakin?idea! I spent my whole life checking off individual boxes: woman, Chinese, low-income, first to go to college, etc. I believe in the whole, and not sure I see a ?versus,? especially since BAYCAT grew from my personal story. That said, it is so important to find balance, to stay curious, to keep learning and discovering. My professional community has become my family, and every day, I feel privileged and blessed to go to work each day with people that I love, whom I respect and together, we?re creating stories that make a difference.

For me, you can add wife, photographer, knitter, hiker, writer, and hopefully, the list will keep growing. C Interview by Mavian Arocha-Rowe Photos by Katie Cruz + Liz Salinas

She's Got Chispa | Villy Wang 39

Th e Footnanny Chispa Magazine

Gloria William otherwise known as ?The Footnanny? was originally just Oprah Winfrey?s best kept secret, but now with her own beauty line selling on HSN, new products in production, and with her winning attitude plus all of her hard work, this one and only Footnanny is making her dreams come true and healing feet everywhere, one foot at a time. Her mottos are, ?I always wait 24 hours before making a decision. Go with your gut feeling. Know your brand. Look at your business every six months to keep your focus.

Make sure to get everything right. And, dream BIG.? And as it relates to her relationship with HSN and her target market, she says, ?They are identical, so we work well together. HSN also opened Footnanny.com to a broad national audience.?

During our interview, I was inspired to learn that her parents played an important role in her own life and in fact, her mother inspires her, ?It made me realize that my childhood played a big role in where I am today due to the influence of my mother,? she smiles. ?I never thought that following her around giving ?Old Fashioned Rub Downs? would create the exact person I am today.? The fact is, her mother inspired her to create and nurture her own ability to help others feel better. Gloria lives in gratitude of her encouragement to nurture her own healing art and ability to craft wonderful skincare for the feet. From scrubs, creams and products that help heal feet and cure the problem of tired toesies, her healing art provides tender loving care for women and men.

Yet, Oprah Winfrey also inspired Williams to take the necessary steps for her to become the business woman she is today. She shares her gift with people of all ages, not just celebrities and VIPs, albeit there is definitely

a VIP Special that William makes specifically customized as per the client?s needs. With the gift of wisdom she gained from her mom at an early age, along with the nurture provided by Winfrey, this provided the perfect blend of success. However, when asked, whether Winfrey has been her greatest mentor and inspiration, Williams graciously responds with, ?Yes she has and I am grateful daily.? Gloria, adds, ?I care and love my customers?happiness and brand. My journey has made me what I am today and I know why I was put here on earth.?

Williams who recently expanded her brand to include foot soaking salts with therapeutic properties of essential oils of rose and lime combined with a blend of four salts: Himalayan, Dead Sea, Foaming Sea Salt, and Epsom is constantly creating and promoting health and wellness for feet. This is her mission.

Where were you born? Dixmoor, Illinois; a very small town.

What ?s your f avorit e st yl e of cl ot hing, homes, cars, peopl e? Jumpsuits, condos, BMWs, Americans.

What inspires you? Waking up to California?s sunshine.

Are you a spirit ual or rel igious person? Both.

What is your f avorit e col or? Black [it is very slimming].

What is t he most import ant t hing in t he worl d t o you? Peace.

Who is your f avorit e f ashion designer? RL; Ralph Lauren.

What is your f avorit e f ood? Healthy soul food.

Features 41

If you coul d have l unch wit h anyone in t he worl d, who woul d it be? Warren Buffet What is your f avorit e music? Favorit e song?

R & B? No favorite; love it all.

Who inspires you? What inspires you? The memory of my parents and hard work.

Do you t hink humanit y is l iving in a peacef ul t ime? What woul d you do t o bring more peace? Yes and no; I would ask others to do five kind things per day.

What is your one-year goal ? To open my first Footnanny Relaxation Lounge.

What is your f ive-year goal ? To have Footnanny Relaxation Lounge franchises available.

What is t he most import ant message you want t o communicat e t o Chispa readers?

Foot care is very important and take just one day out of your week to soak your feet and relax.

What is t he great est accompl ishment in your l if e? Creating a powerful brand name.

Where is your f avorit e pl ace in t he worl d?

Maui.

Tel l me about your product s? Footnanny is a yummy line of foot care products that relate to my childhood.

What mot ivat es you t he most ? Each scent tells a story and makes your feet feel nurtured plus answering questions about foot care.

Has Oprah been your great est ment or and inspirat ion? Yes,she has, and I am very grateful, daily.

How has working wit h a l iving l egend af f ect ed your l if e? Having worked with Oprah makes me work harder.

Chispa Magazine

What is your f avorit e part about sharing your product s on HSN? Shopping is easy with HSN. Footnanny products are available across all of HSN?s platforms, including HSN.com or by calling 800.284.3100.

HSN is also a great match for my brand because we both provide great customer service. I am also proud to be able to touch people with my products in the United States through HSN. They reach approximately 94 million homes (24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year).

What is your most special memory about your journey of creat ing your brand, and who you are t oday? The Footnanny brand?s popularity was the result of a tweet sent by Oprah Winfrey that went viral. Making the O Magazine?s List for an unprecedented third year in a row has been phenomenal and humbling. C Interview by Sonia Tita Puopolo

Features 43

seven Reading Impr oves Your Life

Chispa Magazine

w ays

Readers know the pleasure of sinking into a great book. Our immediate surroundings melt away, the words on the page fueling our imaginations to transport us to other worlds, where we meet new people and face new challenges. So many pages later, we emerge feeling inspired and invigorated.

before bed can help those who struggle with sleep. In this case, how we read is as important as the act itself: Light-emitting screens can signal the brain that it?s time to wake up. Experts recommend keeping lighting low and avoiding blue screens, which can interfere with brain patterns.

While the pleasure of reading may provide enough motivation to establish a reading habit, research demonstrates we have more to gain that enjoyment alone. Reading has measurable benefits to our physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

Increased l ongevit y. With reduced stress and better sleep, it?s not surprising that reading can lead to a longer life. According to a 2016 study published in Social Science & Medicine, reading an average of 30 minutes per day can add two years to your life. As expressed in the study, ?the benefits of reading books include a longer life in which to read them.? Readers around the world have interpreted this as an invitation to lengthen their reading lists accordingly.

Reduces ef f ect s of st ress. Reading requires concentration, focusing our attention on the events unfolding within a story. It turns out this can function as an effective distraction from stressful environments. A 2009 study out of the University of Sussex found reading reduces stress at a higher rate than other popular methods for soothing frazzled nerves? going for a walk, listening to music, or drinking tea. Reading also works faster to ease muscle tension and steady the heart rate than other stress-busting methods. Subjects in the study only needed to read silently for six minutes to reap the physical benefits.

Improves Sl eep. To combat sleep problems, the Mayo Clinic recommends creating a relaxing bedtime ritual. Given reading?s effectiveness for stress reduction, doing it

Rewires t he brain. One of the most popular questions put to readers may well be some version of, ?What books have changed your life?? Most of us can probably name a title or two that impacted how we see the world.

Inspired by this, a group of researchers from Emory University studied reading?s effects on brain activity. Using fMRI scans over a 19-day period, they discovered reading heightens connectivity in the part of the brain associated with language receptivity and visualization. Neural changes related to embodied cognition? what we might call

Features 45

Chispa Magazine

muscle memory? persisted even when participants in the study weren?t reading.

May hel p sl ow t he onset of Al zheimer?s and dement ia. Stimulating the brain and heightening connectivity can help strengthen memory. One study found that engaging in cognitively challenging activities, including reading, may defend the elderly against dementia. Similarly, a study in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests those who engage in mentally stimulating activities are 2.5 times less likely to have Alzheimer?s Disease.

Improves vocabul ary. If you?ve heard reading makes us smarter, it may be due to a study published in the Journal of Direct Instruction.

The study found children who read avidly build their vocabularies and cognitive structures. Early success with reading is important because it creates ?an interlocking positive feedback? loop. Significantly, though, researchers found all stand to benefit from developing a reading habit.

Promot es empat hy. Identifying with fictional characters?emotional experiences can open readers?hearts and minds to how others feel, what psychologists call ?Theory of Mind.? This has been shown with literary fiction in particular but not exclusively. In a 2013 New School for Social Research study, readers of literary fiction scored higher on Theory of

Mind tests than non readers. A separate study conducted by Italian researchers on three age groups? elementary, high school, and college students in Italy and the U.K.? discovered students who read Harry Potter, specifically passages related to prejudice against muggles and magical creatures, demonstrated increased empathy for marginalized groups in their society.

Frank Hakemulder of Utrecht University explored how reading can help us work through complex ethical and emotional issues in his book ?The Moral Laboratory.? The title speaks to what we do when we read fiction: test how we feel about issues and people, without having experienced them ourselves.

Similarly, University of Toronto cognitive psychology professor emeritus Keith Oatley, who is also an award-winning novelist, describes fiction as a ?flight simulator?: ?A work of fiction is a piece of consciousness that can pass from one mind to another and that reader can make it their own.? From less stress, better sleep, and increased longevity to improved memory, vocabulary, and empathy, reading really can change your life.

Ancient Greeks inscribed ?medicine for the soul? over library entrances. Now we might add ?and the body? as well. C Text by Sally Allen Photos by Thought Catalog

Features 47

Pur sue God in Tough Times.

Chispa Magazine

Have you ever experienced frustration while trying to obeying God? You aren?t alone.

Several years ago, I co-taught a Sunday school class with a friend. She would teach several weeks and then hand off to me. Whenever it came my time to present the lesson, I experienced an invasion of dark thoughts, often accusatory or degrading. The words echoing in my head discouraged me. Later, when I began writing, my husband contracted encephalitis, an infection of the brain. Very serious. His illness horrified me because I knew the illness could take his life or cause disabilities. Those are two examples of spiritual warfare. Ephesians chapter six offers us guidance, ?For we do not wrestle against

flesh and blood, but against the? spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.? Satan will oppose every spiritual effort we attempt.

How can we face combat? Just imagining battle makes me want to cower, but I know I must pursue God instead. Our father?s power surpasses the evil spirits so we must have courage.

First, we 'take every thought captive?rather than letting lies simmer inside us. For example, when the enemy proclaimed me worthless, it hurt. I had to refuse the pain Satan inflicted and remind myself Jesus loved me enough to die for me. Almost every Sunday morning I taught, Satan would tell me I had nothing valuable to say. God taught me to ignore the evil one's message and confidently teach. Plus, I have learned not to marinate anger or selfishness even when that seems normal. Those attitudes leave an opening for the enemy because the battle begins in the mind.

was cry, ?Help.? Today my husband has very few lingering effects and ranks in the upper three percent of those who suffer that illness.

Praying for fellow believers ministers to them and keeps our mind off ourselves. Plus, if I keep my heart in a pray full attitude all day, I handle the tough times better.

Third, God outlined spiritual armor in Ephesians six. The helmet of salvation, the belt of truth, and the breast plate of righteousness protect us so we can stand under fire. I needed truth on my side when evil spirits told me I could not teach, otherwise I would have been paralyzed. We can attack the enemy just like Jesus did with God's word, the Sword of the Spirit. I clung to the shield of faith when Satan fired numerous doubts my way about God's goodness. He?d tempt me to doubt God?s provision while my husband was sick, but the prayers of my friends kept me from falling.

To summarize, we will come under attack, but in the midst of heated conflict we have powerful weapons God prepared for us. I assure you the enemy will crumble if you maintain pure thoughts, pray faithfully, and use the armor of God. Pursue God with all your heart and win. C

Second, we can approach the throne for help and guidance. Ephesians says, ?Keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,? and First Thessalonians commands us to pray without ceasing. During those dark days when my husband lay semi-conscious in an intermediate intensive care, people all over the world prayed for us.

Text by Cynthia L. Simmons I'm so thankful for that because all I could do Photo by Cristian Escobar

Features 49

#GetBrai nBa Chispa Magazine

al ance

No. 1 SCREEN-FREE ACADEMICS Many parents turn to "educational" apps to feel better about screen time, but a screen is still a screen. To encourage traditional childhood learning, present your kids with an array of books or academic workbooks, or take them to museums.

No. 2 SUMMER CAMP Try enrolling your child in a summer camp, but be sure the camp is strictly screen-free.

There are many creative camps that include arts and crafts, musical theatre, and dancing, or a sports-oriented program that encourages outdoor activities like swimming and soccer.

No. 3 ALTERNATIVE INDOOR ACTIVITIES Screens can be used as an easy tactic to calm a difficult child. If your child tends to lack focus, they might also get bored while playing games. You may find yourself giving in and allowing them to watch more TV or iPad shows than you would normally approve of.

Outdoor activities are an alternative way to pique their interest.

Since the right side regulates impulsivity, attention, and socially appropriate behavior, a child with decreased right brain activity may be hyperactive, oppositional, disruptive, and often distracted. C Text by Dr. Robert Melillo Photo by Maxime Bhm

Features 51

L

iving w it h

Lipedema Inter view by M avian Ar ocha-Row e

After receiving the diagnosis of Lipedema, all heads turn to the Internet for the glory answers of what, how, and the why. And of course, who else? You view minimal reporting from doctors and remind yourself, ?That?s probably why my family doctor thought I had painful cellulite.? Yes, you are shocked, and agree to never return to a doctor who

Chispa Magazine

believes in such falseness. By the way, we did our research and indeed, there is no such thing as painful cellulite.

Back to your online searches. You soon discover, you?re not alone. There are multiple support groups on Facebook? from Canada, the UK, Australia, and the proud USA. You come to the reality that you are in dire need

Cover Story 53

of a sisterhood, as your dear husband truly doesn?t understand, yet wants to help. You first encounter Lipedema Sisters USA, and that?s when you see pictures of Stacy Ann Gross from Lily, Kentucky with head held high, baring her legs, and you crumble. You?re half her size, yet you can?t stand wearing summer short-shorts and despise the thought of a sleeveless dress, even though Hotlanta is sparking up its record for the hottest, stickiest-summer since your arrival from Miami. Who is this Stacy Ann Gross and what took place in her life that makes her so bold, so carefree? We had to dig in, and indeed we dug deep. We didn?t met a fat girl with a wonderful personality. We met a woman full of grace, encouragement, and beauty. In a book-like setting, here?s her story.

If I cleared my plate fast enough then I must need seconds, and I never turned them down.

She was a wonderful cook. She always made me feel pretty and special. My dad was never around so Mammal had to be my second parent. My mom briefly remarried, but decided that being a single parent was what was best for us. When she was married we still lived within walking distance to Mammal?s house. After dinner at home I would walk over to Mammal?s where I would typically have a second dinner and other yummy treats. I remember clear conversations about how I doubled my weight the first year mom was married. I remember not having many cute clothing options for my larger size. I always had a bubble butt, but now, things had changed.

?I realized early, my family was not like most others. My earliest conversation with my mother, regarding my father, was her telling me that he hit her while she was pregnant with me. And then, she left him. She left the state to move back to a small town in South East Kentucky to live with her mom, my Mammal. I was my mom?s third and last child, but I was Mammal?s favorite. I was her little shadow and ate up all the attention she would give, and all the food she would cook. I was a good eater. She bragged and so I ate more, and she bragged even more.

Even after I gained weight I felt pretty. My Mammal was so loving. Mom always joked that I was so conceded, I would only use the chair at the end of kitchen table so I could watch myself eat in the reflection of the china cabinet. When Mammal died soon after I turned 11, things started to change for me. I went from the kid who felt cute, in spite of being chubby, to the middle-school-girl heading into puberty. Before starting the 6th grade, we went clothing shopping; I wore size 16 jeans. That is when I started feeling self-conscious of my size. It was the age where kids started worrying more about

Chispa Magazine

fashion and name-brand clothing. I knew I would never fit into Abercrombie & Fitch. I tried dieting a few times and never did well. I started wearing looser tops and jackets that covered my butt.

In the 9th grade, in pure summer heat, I was at an after-school program. And yes, I didn't have my jacket on. We were all laying on the floor, doing out homework, and remember this moment clear as a bell: A girl I knew walked past me and said, ?Oh my gosh, Stacy!

I didn't realize you have such a big butt!? I looked at her shocked and expected this to be an insult. She realized I was offended and quickly snapped back with, ?That is so hot!

You have a great _ _ _!?

I don't think I ever wore that coat again... unless I needed it. That one single conversation literally was the pivotal point where my body image changed. Sure, there were times when I cringed at comments, like when I changed schools my junior year of high school. I was wearing Capri bottoms and was asked why my calves where so huge. The girl went on and on for a few minutes about how she had never seen someone with legs like mine, yet my top was so tiny. But, it didn?t shake me. I still wore skirts just above knee-length and was a happy person, and felt attractive.

Thought s of t he f ut ure? I think most people can relate to expecting your diet to work. Day one is always optimistic. I am going to get back down to this particular size and I will never gain it back. But then you lose weight, throw in the towel, and are back to your pre-diet weight in no time. I have never had the unrealistic expectation of being thin. I shaped up in high school and was more active. I graduated high school wearing a size 16, the same size I wore entering middle school. When I dieted I just wanted to be in a 16. Is that too much to ask? I honestly never envisioned myself, ever, being a size 14.

After I turned 16, I wanted my own money, so I got a job. I worked until I graduated high school. I was working at a local steakhouse, as a hostess, my senior year. My now-husband came in to eat with a big group of friends. I was single, and he was cute. So I asked the waitress to go talk to him for me. I couldn't leave my spot. Even though I had only recently turned 18, I still lived at home and I had one rule: I couldn?t date anyone old enough to buy alcohol.

Lucky for me, he had just celebrated his 20th birthday. Best of all, he too was single. We spoke for about two months before we started officially dating. I had high standards and did want to waste my time with someone I could not see a future with. I wanted to know

Cover Story 55

him well and we told each other everything.

He was a former high school football star and still had a trophies wall at home. Even though he was thick, he still had great arms and was toned. I was fluffy, but was full of personality and self-confidence. As much as I tried to put on an outgoing front, I still had a tiny little pebble of doubt deep inside of me. After all, I was a chubby girl dating the hottest guy I had ever dated.

One day, after a few months of dating, he told me he had been contacted by his former high school girlfriend. They had to break up because her family moved out of state. But, here she was, had moved back, and wanted to know if he was single. For a split second I thought he was about to break up with me. I had seen pictures of her. She was so cute and thin! Trying to not act as though it was a big deal, I asked, ?Well, how did that conversation go?? In a duh-like voice he answered, ?I told her, I am with you.? He never spoke with her again. At that point, I knew that my size was not an issue and it made me fall deeper in love with him.

By the time we got married, I had gained about 65 pounds and he was about 100 pounds heavier. After having my oldest child I hit my highest weight, 340 pounds. I was feeling quit miserable and planned yet another diet. This time I decided to measure a

Chispa Magazine

few parts of my body. I put that piece of paper on a book shelf, and forgot about it. I lost 25 pounds and six months later I became pregnant. Dieting stopped, yet I continued to slowly lose weight.

By the time my daughter was one, I was diagnosed with Graves?disease. I had been so ill, I lost weight and was down to 260 pounds.

One day while clearing off the book shelf, I found that piece of paper with my measurements from 80 pounds heavier that I had written about two years prior. I worked my way from top to bottom re-measuring. I had great loss in my bust and waist, yes, I super impressed that I had lost 16 inches off my waist. Whoo-hoo! Then I measured my legs. Holy cow! How was this right? One inch!?

How in the word had I only lost one inch off my legs? So off to Google I went. Darn, the answer was right there. How did I not know this? How had no doctor not diagnosed me?

I joined a Facebook group. In spite of never feeling ugly, I never felt I looked typical. Here I am, with a ton of ladies whom I fit ?in? with. I saw my primary doctor and a second family-care doctor and asked them about my legs. Both of them said that Lipedema is just a word for fat and suggested a diet and a workout routine. Interestingly enough, while at my endocrinologist office [being seen for Graves?disease] a doctor talked to me about

lipedema. They asked if I could show them my legs and asked me questions. I told them I strongly suspect that I have lipedema, but my family doctor refused to talk about it, and brushed me off. She agreed, and said, she knew I had it as soon as she walked into the room? and was shocked that my doctor was uneducated on the matter. It is crazy how my family doctor refused to acknowledge the condition, but my endocrinologist put off talking about the ?real? reason for my visit and instead, began to talk about my legs.

Although I never felt ugly, it was freeing to know why my legs looked odd. I became more kind to myself. I lost the urge to diet, because I realized that a simple low-calorie diet was not going to change my body. Actually, losing the 80 pounds cleared that up for me. My legs were not going anywhere. As a matter of fact, they were growing.

After being treated for Graves?disease I started gaining and got back up to just over 300 pounds. Again, I looked up those measurements. I had gained back half of my inches in my bust and waist. I took a deep breath and wrapped the measuring tape around my thigh to see, not only did I gain the one inch that I had lost, but I had gained six inches. In spite of these growing numbers I still live life. I have a daughter who will look to me to set an example. Sadly, eating disorders

have roots in how children are raised to view body image. I don't want her to think fat is ugly. The way I talk about myself will become her inner voice. I verbalize when I feel pretty.

Her father compliments me in front of our children. We tell her she is pretty. She tells me, all the time that I am pretty because fat is not something we talk about. Knowing I have lipedema only improved my self-love. My 105 pound, 14-year-old step daughter picked out my swimsuit this year; a two piece pink polka dot bikini. Even she knows that my body is not an issue and was proud to go swimming with her 300 pound step mom, who happens to have huge legs, wearing a bikini that exposes everything.

Genes? My family always joked that no one in my family had a butt, however I have enough to share with everyone. When I look back, my mom certainly has lipedema in her arms and legs. Honestly, I got hit with all the bad genes.

My mother has two autoimmune diseases, as did her father. As a result, I acquired one, and then, you look at my brother and sister and both are thin and healthy. I find comfort in knowing this is genetic. Sometimes society shames people into feeling less than because of excess fat. Knowing it was just a bad roll of the dice brings me peace. My daughter is at bad odds. I already know she is at a 50/ 50 chance of acquiring an autoimmune disease.

Cover Story 57

She got a pretty bad bruise on her thigh recently, which leads me to think that lipedema is going to be part of her future. She is four years of age and of average size. Only time will truly tell, but I fully expect her to take after me.

Medical care? Sadly my experience has led me to think that medical staff are certainly lacking in basic lipedema knowledge. I never expected confirmation about my ?suspected diagnosis of lipedema? at an appointment for my thyroid. I know there are doctors all over the country who specialize in this disease, but it is not within my ability to travel long distances to see any one of them. If more doctors knew how to adequately recognize and treat lipedema, then more people could get the care they need and deserve; and perhaps even change the mentality of painful fat versus lazy women.

Sel f -care? I have always taken cues from my body. When my legs hurt, I sat down. Now, I am a little faster to listen and not push myself as much to keep going when I know I shouldn't. I prop my feet up more. Some ladies, who have local providers do specialized treatments. I have not personally done any due to lack of professional care in my area.

As a stay-at-home mother of three young children, I feel my days are not much different

Chispa Magazine

than other parents with a similar family structure. It is hard to keep my children active when it is difficult for me to stay on my feet long. When we go to the park, I generally take turns with my husband staying with my littlest baby. About five minutes is my limit.

When we go shopping for groceries my ankles hurt, it is exhausting to shop. By the time I get to the car, I don't want to stand back up. I know it will not be much longer until shopping defeats me and I will need to use a wheel chair. My husband and I went on several dates every week, we enjoyed going to the movies and out to eat. Now we spend a good chunk of time video gaming together. I have always enjoyed crafting and continue to make quilts and other sewing projects.

Lif e? Life is beautiful. Sadly I frequently see a lot of people with lipedema extremely unhappy about the way they look. I truly feel that beauty comes from within. While mobility will become difficult, I am thankful for the good days. It is easy for me to be thankful for what I have because I know people with more severe issues. Why should I complain that it hurts to talk? At least my legs work. They may not be beautiful, but they work.

I am lucky to have a wonderful husband; he makes me feel attractive and we have a strong marriage. I didn't want to settle and I

don't feel like I have. While we may have a few disagreements, I have been told by friends, they wish their ?big arguments? were as small as ours. Apparently our big disagreements are for some, daily annoyances. We agree on the big things that really matter, especially our parenting choices. We teach our children that everyone is beautiful and try to craft the way we speak about them, ourselves and others to reflect that. We want our children to be accepting because they too should want to be accepted.

Regarding fashion, buying clothes is super difficult for both my husband and I. He has a long torso and well, I have lipedema. This does make being fashionable slightly more difficult. But, I also know I am great with my sewing machine and can make corrections when needed. And, I am finding a new love for skirts. Most people like to hide their large arms, but in the summer I would rather show them off than try to find clothes that are uncomfortable. I recently purchased a dress online, which is typical a ?huge no-no? when your body is not of average build. I literally could not get the sleeves past my elbows?

So, I removed them! I don?t allow this body to limit me because a needle and thread can fix anything to make it fit. Chairs are a different story. I avoid seats with armrests because my hips have gotten stuck.

Because ?peopl e? don?t know or see t he biol ogy of your body, you coul d get t he ?you're f at cause you're l azy? st are versus if you were hairl ess, you may get t he ?I f eel sorry f or her cause she has cancer? l ook. How does t hat make you f eel ? I live in own bubble.

I can't waste my time paying attention to others. It is not important to me. One day, while shopping with a friend, I breast fed without a cover. My friend asked me how I handled everyone giving me looks. Honestly, I had not even noticed. She said, she had seen at least five people giving me strange looks. If people give me a shameful look because I am fat then I don't notice because I honestly do not care. I don?t allow room in my life for that type of negativity. If people feel they need to waste their time expressing their disapproval of me, then that is on them.

Our worl d's view on "f at " peopl e? I think it depends on where you live. Generally speaking, thin is the standard of beauty. But that is slowly changing. Not fully changing, but changing none the less. I love the new products by Barbie. I like that my daughter will have the choice of having a more voluptuous doll with more reasonable proportions. She will likely never have a fat doll, but at least she is not as limited. I am glad to see body positive features in reality shows.

Cover Story 59

I don't think being morbidly obese will ever be accepted. That is okay with me. I don?t personally need someone to tell me that it is okay for me to be me. I feel is it my responsibility to change the way people view fat people. I am not going to sit on the side lines and watch others have fun because of my size. I am going to put on a swim suit and enjoy myself. People will generally treat you the way ?you? show them ?you? should be treated. People can read body language. If it is clear that you are not happy with yourself, people will not walk up to you and tell you, ?Hey, you look great.? If you are ?rocking it? then you will attract positive attention. I don't ask for pity and I don?t feel as if I have get it.

But then again, I put myself in a bubble and don?t care what is outside of it.

St rengt h? I believe living a life that empowers you to be secure in who you are and feel loved, acceptance comes from surrounding yourself with people who care and do not drag you down. As a parent it is my primary goal to raise my children to be people who care for others and live by the golden rule: Treat others as they expect to be treated.

It is powerful to have the influence on three young people. I think everyone goes through seasons of life. Right now I am the leader in my family. My children look up to me to provide for them. I am my family's housekeeper, chef, cutter of hair, and kisser of

Chispa Magazine

boo-boos. One day my nest will be empty and my body will be more tired? I do worry for that day to come. The day that walking will be more of a struggle, I will need to accept help.

The day will come where I will not be needed the way I am now. Everyone experiences this on some level as their children move on in life. One day, I will be on the other side of this. One day, I will need a housekeeper and standing to cook may not be within my abilities. I hope I can pass on all my skills to my children so that one day I can call on them.

My hope is to raise well-rounded children. I encourage them to be loving and I pass on my love for everything. I hope that the impression I leave on people provides encouragement for them to also shine a light for others. I strongly feel that tiny pebbles of kindness leave ripples through communities. I hope to spread love and show people how to gain acceptance for themselves and others. People are more than their outward appearance. C

?Lipedema is a poorly understood disease in the United States; statistics show it is markedly under-diagnosed in this country.

Lipedema is a painful fat disorder that, if untreated, can cause multiple health problems leading to mobility issues. The quality of life, emotionally and physically, for a Lipedema patient often suffers because the disease is typically dismissed as simple obesity.

Lipedema is a disorder of adipose tissue that occurs almost exclusively in women; it has also been called painful fat syndrome.

Typically there is abnormal bilateral and symmetrical swelling of the legs and hips that extends down toward the ankles where the fat forms a ring just above the ankle. This swelling is due to accumulations of fat and fluid in the tissues under the skin. This disorder can be inherited; most cases gradually develop during puberty, although it may develop or worsen due to trauma, such as surgery, peri-menopause or pregnancy. Lipedema has been seen in morbidly obese people and in anorexic individuals. Lipedemic fat cannot be exercised or even starved away. There are estimates that put the incidence of lipedema as high as 11 percent of the adult female population. We are talking millions of women here.? ? CureLipedema.org

Cover Story 61

ar t TECA

las artistas Chispa Magazine

Founded by two sisters, artTECA was created as a way to incorporate art into everyday style. From joggers and tanks to blouses and scarves, this mighty duo partners with new and upcoming artists, then handpick the looks and curate limited-edition pieces. The result?

Beautiful, bold ready-to-wear designs. P.S. Using 100 percent silk, they are made in the US. C

A Better You | Fashion + Style 63

Chispa Magazine

A Better You | Fashion + Style 65

Chispa Magazine

A Better You | Fashion + Style 67

Chispa Magazine

A Better You | Fashion + Style 69

Chispa Magazine

W

h at i s YYI GA L? An architecturally-influenced, limited-edition line that embodies the sophisticated and feminine spirit of the YYigal Azrouel. From signature tops and blouses, to intricate dresses and a statement jumpsuit. YYigal represents effortless style, cool confidence, and modern sophistication. ?YYigal Azrouel is an iconic New York designer known for his impeccable attention to detail and designs that make women look and feel amazing,? said Cassandra Jones, senior vice president of Macy?s Fashion. ?He is a master at drawing inspiration from his various interests in travel, architecture, and of course, New York City, and creating breathtaking clothing that speaks to the modern woman. We?re bringing this seasoned, fashion-first practical approach to every day dressing to the Macy?s customer in a new way through this collection, and she?s going to love it.? Available at macys.com. C A Better You | Fashion + Style 71

Chispa Magazine

A Better You | Fashion + Style 73

Chispa Magazine

A Better You | Fashion + Style 75

Chispa Magazine

A Better You | Fashion + Style 77

Chispa Magazine

A Better You | Fashion + Style 79

Sl eek + Co mf y + Ch ic

Chispa Magazine

Co n s t r uc t ed f r o m h ig h -q ua l it y l ea t h er a n d us in g t h e f in es t ma t er ia l s , Nic o l e is des ig n ed t o ma k e l if e a n d f a s h io n ea s ier by ev o l v in g w it h t h e t r en ds a n d o f f er in g v er s a t il e s t yl es t hat ar e r ea dy-t o -w ea r , pl us c h ic . Mo s t impo r t a n t l y, c r ea t ed f o r t h e mul t i-t a s k in g w o ma n w it h a n a c t iv e l if es t yl e, t h e br a n d?s l ea t h er -c us h io n ed f o o t -bed a l l o w s t h e s h o es t o be w o r n c o mf o r t a bl y f r o m da y t o n ig h t .

A Better You | Fashion + Style 81

Chispa Magazine

A Better You | Fashion + Style 83

Chispa Magazine

A Better You | Fashion + Style 85

Chispa Magazine

A Better You | Fashion + Style 87

Chispa Magazine

Simplic Mixed With Opulen

city

nce

Carole Shashona, author, designer, and celebrity stylist whose unique east meets west aesthetic ignites the girl desire in all of us. For this season, she brings us tales of gold, mother-of-pearl, along with the Park Avenue glitz. Her collection is a favorite among celebrities such as Melissa McCarthy, Julie Chen, Beverly Johnson, and many others. Available at Barney?s New York and caroleshashona.com. C A Better You | Fashion + Style 89

Cur at ed Wit h l ove

Chispa Magazine

Summer is heating up with the newest 100 percent toxin-free + cruelty-free lifestyle and beauty essentials from luxury vegan subscription box and ecommerce shop, LOVE GOODLY. Set to debut its eco-luxury summer box, they feature Kat Von D Beauty?s highly coveted + newly reformulated nontoxic Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in the perfect summer matte hue; ?Big 5 Free? vibrant summer polish from Faby; a custom-designed dual purpose hairband x bracelet from Gemtye to take you from yoga to cocktails; a15-day supply of plant-sourced superfood biotin to nourish the hair, skin and nails; and more. The Summer Box costs $29.95 with a retail value of $89, and benefits Farm Sanctuary, America?s leading farm animal protection organization. Available at LOVEGOODLY.COM. Want a look inside?

Kat Von D Beaut y: Everl ast ing Liquid Lipst ick in Lovecraf t [value $20]. A guest curated pick

by Los Angeles vegan influencer Skully Smith, Everlasting Liquid Lipstick is a life-proof lipstick in stunning Lovecraft -from the vegan, cruelty-free beauty line by Kat Von Dthat will not wear off! Newly reformulated with safer, nontoxic ingredients, this creamy formula glides over lips like a gloss and sets to a true matte finish. Along with 24-hour

wear and high-pigment color, it's packed with natural moisturizers, including Vitamin E and Sunflower Seed Wax. Its Values? Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Nontoxic Beauty, Charity.

Faby: Nail pol ish in assort ed summer col ors [value $12]. Big-5 Free professional grade nail polish in 10 surprise summer colors, one in every box? from nautical blue to summer brights and white. Big-5 Free means no DBP, Toluene, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, Camphor, TPHP, Paraben, or Xylene. We love the long-lasting, high-shine results. Its Values? Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Nontoxic Beauty.

Gemt ye: Cust om designed Heart Bracel et [value $28]. Beautifully bridging the gap between a comfortable hair tie and a unique piece of jewelry, this custom-designed, dual-purpose style from Gemtye x Love Goodly features either a bold black or ocean turquoise enamel heart charm on a black cord. Wear alone or stacked with your other favorite wrap or bead bracelets. For those of us with longer locks, it's the perfect hair accessory during hot yoga classes. Its Values?

Fair Trade, Vegan, Charity.

Fred + Far: Tril l ion Pin [value $12]. The future is bright, and so are you! Join the self-love movement and wear this pin on your jacket or bag as a reminder to choose yourself on a daily basis. The diamond shaped signature ?Trillion?pin signifies self-love. Fred + Far has

A Better You | Health + Beauty 91

Chispa Magazine

created a sisterhood with a powerful message of loving yourself. Its Values? Made In USA, Vegan, Charity.

New Chapt er: Perf ect Hair, Skin + Nail s [value $17]. Certified organic and gluten free, New Chapter?s Perfect Hair, Skin & Nails contains Biotin to support healthy hair and nail growth; and plant-sourced Astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant, to improve skin elasticity and smooth away fine lines and wrinkles. Other ingredients include a mixture of superfood botanical blends with fermented herbs. 15 day supply. Its Values? Vegan, ICS Organic certified, Non-GMO Project Verified, Made in USA. C

Features 77 A Better You | Health + Beauty 93

Too Hot To Handle Keeping t he Elder ly [and Ever yone] Safe In t he Hot Summer Heat Chispa Magazine

St ay Hydrat ed Dehydration is one of the main causes of most health problems, not just heat related.

To keep everything running efficiently in the body, and keep it cool, water is a must.

Encourage them to continually drink water throughout the day even if they aren?t thirsty.

Your body needs water way before it tells you through the sensation of thirst. Keep an eye on the consumption of caffeine and alcohol as their intake dries out the body.

Not ice t he Time of Day If you have an activity planned, especially one with heavy sun exposure, schedule it accordingly. The hottest times of the summer day are between 12pm and 4pm. Aim for morning or evening when thinking about having a family outing in the summer. Most importantly keep the time limited. There is only so long people of any age can benefit from being in direct sunlight.

summer. Sometimes turning your activity plans into two-parts is the most successful. If you are inviting your older family members, consider their limitations. Maybe have one part of the family do the hike and meet your parents for lunch after with everyone. That way it is still a social activity but without the stress for them.

High heat coupled with high humidity impairs the bodies sweat glands. Therefore, it can?t cool itself properly. The heat index takes the moisture and heat measurements into account. It then reports the temperature ?it feels like?outside with multiple variables in mind. There are apps and various websites where you can check the heat index easily.

Know t he Signs of Heat Il l nesses Keep an eye out for any signs that seem off or out of the ordinary. Sudden redness in the face, dizziness or nausea are red flags. Sit them down in a cool place with a glass of ice water and take a breath. Any chest pain, erratic breathing, rapid heartbeat or sudden headaches should all be taken seriously. Seek medical attention if it gets worse. C

Ut il ize AC Air conditioning is a wonderful asset for Dress Appropriat el y and Seek Shade people of every age, especially those in hot Older individual?s skin is particularly climates. If seniors do not have AC in their sensitive. Encourage them to use sunscreen homes, they can take advantage of public and bug sprays when necessary. Utilize places. Libraries, movie theatres, coffee shops shade during your summer fun when possible. and shopping centers all have AC. Taking a They can also wear light breathable layers cool bath or shower is a good option as well. and sun hats to avoid sun exposure if shade is Other easy options involve cool cloths and ice not an option. packs. Make sure these are handy at their home for a quick grab when needed.

Wat ch t he Index

Take it Easy Plan your activities with all family members and their needs in mind. Strenuous activities outdoors are overwhelming to many in the

Text by Kurt Kazanowski MS, RN, CHE Photo by Christopher

A Better You | Health + Beauty 95

going

Coastal

Beach homes have an unmistakable vibe - light, airy, casual, yet tailored, and always warm and welcoming. It?s this very aura that first attracted me to beach living, and it?s the starting point for every home I design and build for my clients. But not everyone lives on or near the beach. In fact, according to the NOAA, in 2010, only 39 percent of the U.S. population lived in counties directly on the shoreline. But that doesn?t mean that the remaining 61 percent that don?t live at the shore can?t get that same beach feeling in their home. Coastal interiors are about so much more than seashells and boat decor? and yes, you can capture the essence of the beach in your home, wherever your home may be.

Chispa Magazine

A Whit e Pal et t e. White is the color of airiness, breeziness, and casualness. It?s the color of seagulls and ocean foam and fluffy summer clouds. White is also the perfect backdrop for peace and tranquility. It?s no wonder, then, that it?s perhaps the first thing that comes to mind when you think of beach home interiors. Take a cue from the coast and try your hand at an all-white space. Just remember to incorporate different shades and plenty of texture to keep it from looking sterile. Creamy whites with yellow or red undertones, paired with brass and copper, create a warm feeling. For a cooler space, whites with blue or purple undertones and accents of silver and chrome work best.

A Better You | Smart + Homey 97

Nat ural Text ures. Texture is important in any room, but in the light, often all-white palettes of the coast, texture takes on a much more significant role. Here at the beach, natural textures take the form of driftwood, rope, seagrass, linen, and rattan, to name a few. To bring natural texture to your home, try classics like weathered wood, jute, and wicker, or find inspiration in the landscape where you live.

Chispa Magazine

Col ors Of Mot her Nat ure. American Coastal style homes are often accented with the colors of sea and sky? mostly blues, but also lighter colors, like the pastels of an ocean sunrise. This helps tie what?s inside to what?s outside. Think about the colors where you live. If you?re surrounded by forest, incorporate deep greens and earthy browns. If you live in the desert, try clay reds, burnt oranges, and dusty pinks. Mother Nature creates her own palettes, and they never disappoint!

A Better You | Smart + Homey 99

Tail ored Yet Casual Furnit ure. Life at the beach? with all that sand and water? can get messy, which is why slipcovered furniture is a coastal home staple. The result is a casual, yet tailored vibe that creates an inviting space that still feels buttoned up. Slipcovers are especially great for anyone who lives with kids or pets. If slipcovers aren't your thing, create the same feeling by choosing comfortable furniture with clean, simple lines in unfussy textiles.

Chispa Magazine

Wal l Panel ing + Mol ding. Anyone who has seen a Marnie Custom Homes build knows that I love wall paneling and molding (my love started with my maternal grandfather, who was, among other things, a master carpenter). But I?m not alone? these elements are beach house go-tos and for good reason: they add visual interest, texture, and a feeling of customization to any space. And the best part? These details go in just about any home style in any location. Some of my favorites are beadboard, shiplap, and crown molding over doors and windows. If you want to test the waters, start with something small, like a chair rail in a powder room. It?s a simple DIY that will have a major impact on your space.

A Better You | Smart + Homey 101

Thought f ul Light ing, Hardware + Fixt ures. Here at the shore, we tend to opt for maritime-inspired lighting and hardware, like lantern sconces and boat cleats as cabinet pulls. These little, thoughtful details give our homes a sense of place, without whacking you over the head with it. Think about what makes sense for where you live, and incorporate fixtures, lighting, and hardware that are a nod to whatever that pastime or geographical feature may be. For example, a cabin in the woods would be a perfect place for an antler- or twig-inspired chandelier, or a city apartment could incorporate industrial faucets and lighting.

Chispa Magazine

Abundant Light. Coastal interiors are all about light, bright spaces, and embracing natural light wherever possible. That?s why we have windows, skylights, and glass doors everywhere, including hallways, stairwells, and showers. Natural light is flattering in any space, and can even improve your mood. If adding natural light isn?t an option for you, use artificial lighting to create a similar effect. Make sure each room has the three types of lighting: ambient (or general), task, and accent (or mood). Install dimmers so you can adjust brightness as needed.

A Better You | Smart + Homey 103

Pit ched Ceil ings. Remember way back at the beginning of this post when I said coastal homes are all about airy spaces? One of the most surefire ways to create that feeling is with pitched (also called vaulted or cathedral) ceilings. Not only does this architectural feature literally create more space in your home, but it also draws the eye up, making the room look as large as it feels. When I build pitched ceilings, I like to dress them up with beams, exposed trusses, shiplap, or other details. Get this same feeling where you live by opening up your ceilings. Older homes often have beautiful beams that can be exposed, or you might be able to open a top floor to the rafters to create a sense of grandeur. Just make sure your home is still properly insulated.

Chispa Magazine

Open + Uncl ut t ered Spaces. Building a home from the ground up means I can design the layout, and at the beach, the number one request is an open floor plan. Homes here are built for entertaining and enjoying family and friends, and open concept spaces are the most conducive to doing so. If you can remove some non-load bearing walls, go for it! If that?s not an option, or if you prefer separate spaces, get a similar feeling by decluttering.

The beach vibe is all about light and breezy, and there?s nothing light or breezy about a space full of unnecessary objects.

A Better You | Smart + Homey 105

Easy Care Fl oors. The same reasons that beach people love their slipcovers also apply to our floors? all that time spent in the sand and surf, entertaining loved ones, and just living in our spaces can wreak havoc on the floors. That?s why we opt for easy-to-clean and low-maintenance flooring like hardwood and tile in high-traffic living areas. Bring this same laid back vibe to your home by selecting flooring that doesn?t require you to walk around on eggshells. After all, it?s not just sand and water that destroy flooring? it?s children, pets, and just life in general! Want the best of both worlds? Install wood-look tile for the feeling of wood with the easy care of tile.

Chispa Magazine

Indoor-Out door Living. Coastal dwellers live where they do because they love the ocean, and they want to enjoy it as much as possible. That?s why homes here have tricked out backyards, multiple decks, and porches galore to create true indoor-outdoor living. But the ocean isn?t the only outdoor scenery worth savoring. Whether you have mountains, lakes, deserts, fields, or the urban jungle outside your door, create your own space where you can appreciate it. From a poolside paradise to a tiny city fire escape, there are few problems that can?t be alleviated with a breath of fresh air. C Text by Marnie Oursler

A Better You | Smart + Homey 107

THEofTA STE JUNI PER on th e WA TER

When you?r e i n t he mood f or some f r esh r oast ed gol den beet s, t oast ed qui noa, spr i nkl ed wi t h t ar r agon must ar d vi nai gr et t e, you choose a Bur r at a Sal ad. Or , when you want t o di ve i nt o some f i nger l i ng pot at o conf i t , gr i l l ed pi ne appl e chut ney, basked wi t h yuzu soy but t er sauce, ar ugul a sal ad, and sher r y vi nai gr et t e, scr eam f or some Whol e Br anzi no. The t r ut h i s, you have t o be i n t he mood f or a t i ngl i ng spr ead t i ngl i ng t o vi si t Juni per on t he Beach.

St ar t i ng wi t h i t s coast al dĂŠcor and r ai si ng t he bar wi t h t hei r i nnovat i ve cul i nar y ar t , t hi s r est aur ant bui l ds a l ast i ng memor y f or al l who vi si t . For mor e i nf or mat i on vi si t , j uni per ont hewat er . com. C

Chispa Magazine

Review by Romina Nabhen

A Better You | Travel + Culture 109

GETA QUOTE OFTHIS Photos and Text by Grace Kearney

Chispa Magazine

?

Although I just began taking pictures, it's important for me to capture images and qualities that others are unable to see with their own eyes? [sounds clichĂŠ I know]. More than that, because others aren't physically seeing what I see in my viewfinder, I am able to portray and bring to life? art. When taking pictures, I really like to think, ?What gift or quality has Jesus given them that I can share with others to show His glory and their heart??

Whether it?s a physical quality or a joyful spirit, it makes me joyful to capture the essence of their existence, that much more! If it?s an object, my thoughts are, ?How can this reflect Christ, me, my personality, etc.?? That?s when I lean toward bright, colorful, focused, pictures with a purpose.

Through the Lens | Get A Quote Of This 111

Chispa Magazine

Through the Lens | Get A Quote Of This 113

Chispa Magazine

Through the Lens | Get A Quote Of This 115

Chispa Magazine

Through the Lens | Get A Quote Of This 117

?

Photos by Allie Lehman | Text by Kellie Sironi

Chispa Magazine

?

OUT of th e expected

As young people, we are encouraged to dream big. But for many of us, despite our dreaming, life takes a turn we never expected. A retiree is so excited to finally ?start life,? and then her husband is diagnosed with terminal cancer. A young couple has always expected to be parents, but is now anguished by infertility. A man is turning 40, and never dreamt he would still be single. All of these share a common theme: my life is not what I thought it would be. Did God lie to me?

Did He forget me? Where is He? The reality is that God?s Word and plan of redemption is full of encouragement, guidance, and real stories that apply to our situation and help us make sense of this specific kind of loss.

Through the Lens | Out Of The Expected 119

Chispa Magazine

Through the Lens | Out Of The Expected 121

Chispa Magazine

Through the Lens | Out Of The Expected 123

Chispa Magazine

Through the Lens | Out Of The Expected 125

Chispa Magazine

Through the Lens | Out Of The Expected 127

I t ?s Bal l oon Ar t .

Si mpl y st at ed, i t i s one of t he gr eat est and most i mpact f ul t hi ngs God has al l owed me t o do wi t h my l i f e t hus f ar . I t i s maki ng a pengui n or a monkey on a pal m t r ee. I t i s f eel i ng t he st ar es of st r anger s on your back when you acci dent al l y pop a bal l oon. I t i s f un. I t i s t al ki ng. I t i s a bl essi ng. Why do I do i t ? I l ove bal l oons and I l ove peopl e, but most of al l , I l ove Jesus and what He di d on t he cr oss f or me. Each t i me I wal k up t o a t abl e now, I don' t t r y t o gauge whet her or not someone needs a bal l oon, I don' t t r y and gauge t hei r backgr ound, I don' t shy away f r om a gr oup of al l adul t s, i nst ead, I want t o be a bl essi ng. Why? Jesus l oved us i n our si n and i n our shame, and He wal ks i nt o our l i ves t o bl ess us and cal l us Hi s own? So, si nce Hi s Spi r i t l i ves i n me, I shoul d t r y and be t hat bl essi ng t o ever yone I meet as wel l . Each t i me I hand over t hat bal l oon, ever y t i me I make t hat t r easur e whi ch i s speci al f or each per son who desi r es i t ? t he l ook on t hei r f aces i s pr i cel ess. Pur e j oy. I magi nat i on bl ossoms t o l i f e. That si mpl e bal l oon went f r om somet hi ng or di nar y to ext r aor di nar y whi ch speaks vol umes t o me about t he Gospel ? we wer e or di nar y, made ext r aor di nar y

by Hi m. We wer e l ost and now we ar e f ound. Why do I make bal l oons? To be a bl essi ng and t o l ove ot her s as He l oved me f i r st . Fi nd encour agement i n t he f act t hat , no mat t er wher e you ar e or what you do, you can f i nd a way t o be Chr i st t o t hose you meet ? and Hi s Ki ngdom wi l l be gl or i f i ed because of i t . Thi nk Col ossi ans 3: 23.

Phot os and Text by Joshua Mi nt er

Chispa Magazine

Through the Lens | It's Balloon Art 129

Chispa Magazine

Through the Lens | It's Balloon Art 131

Chispa Magazine

Through the Lens | It's Balloon Art 133

Chispa Magazine

Through the Lens | It's Balloon Art 135

You

too w in

will

Sharing personal experiences about how she overcame, ?the power of the Kingdom of darkness,? author Edith U. Okoroafor launched The Battle with the Enemy: I Won! You Will Win!, and was published by WestBow Press).

Okoroafor was watching the Trinity Broadcasting Network many years ago and heard that a born-again Christian committed suicide. She explains that the Lord told her to go tell his people in a particular church her personal encounter with the kingdom of darkness. ?Suicides and murder are influenced by the same force

Chispa Magazine

of darkness which the Almighty God has given His people the power to overcome through the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,? she says.

The Battle with the Enemy is an account of what Okoroafor shared with God?s people in that church. ?God did not keep His people here to live under the dictates of the evil one,? she says, ?It is a powerful book of faith and love for God. Though life can be difficult, God carries us through if we believe and trust in Him.?

An excerpt from The Battle with the Enemy: ?If I write about my life and the things I have gone through, it will make a library of books.

I have gone through trials and temptations. I have gone through thick and thin, hell and high waters. Have gone through storms that came with rain, wind, thunder and lightning.

All hail had broken loose in my life until I had nothing to hold unto, except to look up, trusting the one who made me. Trusting the one who said to me let us go over to the other side. I will never leave you nor forsake you. Who said fear not for I am with thee, be not dismayed for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea I will help thee. Look unto me and be ye saved all the earth.?

In Love Incorporated, author Jennifer Noel Taylor reveals four powerful insights into successfully pursuing your true calling in life.

Love Incorporated promises to help you

connect with your innate wisdom and transform your life into an expression of your authentic heart-centered purpose. Taylor describes her journey of transformation from feeling depressed and unfulfilled at her job to discovering and following her true life mission. She quit her secure, high paying job as a software developer and took a leap of faith to pursue her true calling. The journey was not always easy. She encountered many challenges, including heartbreaking losses, financial woes, debt, naysayers, questionable decisions, and extreme self-doubt. Years of frustration, trial and error, and self-reflection kept leading her back to the same core lessons over and over again. In her book, Taylor reveals four powerful yet simple insights which were instrumental in helping her overcome significant challenges and create a joyful life doing what she loves.

Love Incorporated is a guide to connecting with your innate wisdom and creating a truly fulfilling life. ?You don?t need to sacrifice your passion, joy, values, or integrity to have an abundant life,? she says. ?Doing what you love is actually instrumental in creating true success.?

Bookworm | SharifBookworm K. Rasheed137 99

We Dream O f Business

For anybody who has ever dreamed of starting their own business but thinks they lack what it takes, Adventures Of Women Entrepreneurs: Stories That Inspire by Robin Behrstock provides inspirational examples of women (and one man) who overcame both personal and professional setbacks to turn their dreams into reality. Behrstock, who built an e-commerce company from scratch, has dedicated herself to sharing her story and those of others who have fought against the odds, sometimes enduring repeated failures, to realize their life?s calling: Lori Ames [book publ icit y]: ?Sometimes circumstances require you to change and go down a path entirely new to you and perhaps not one you?ve ever contemplated.?

St acey Bl ume [apparel ]: ?Ideas for a business or product can happen at any time in any place. You must keep your mind open to see them and then explore which ones work and which do not. Stacey?s journey exemplifies this and what the rewards can be.?

Jenny Dorsey [prof essional chef ]: ?One of the hardest things to deal with and overcome is the disapproval of others. We tend to measure ourselves by what others think, but that is not good for us. Jenny discovered that you need to determine your value based on how you feel about yourself, about what

Robin Behrstock Chispa Magazine

you?re doing today, and what you plan to do in the future.?

Carrie Hammer [f ashion]: ?What can be tougher to overcome than an industry-wide, virtually indelibly ingrained in our social psyche and consciousness, standard convention about who is beautiful and who is not. Her, ?No, I?m not going to keep doing it their way? ?has turned Carrie?s business into a powerful engine helping to drive a compelling social movement.?

Jody Harris [invent or]: ?Jody?s climb to where she is now, a successful professional, inventor, and business owner, proves that when things are bleak? even life-threatening? you can make decisions to change those circumstances.?

Cynt hia Jamin [f ashion]: ?Just because you?ve experienced something tragic does not mean you can?t have a wonderful life and build a successful business? ?

Erin Jankl ow [ESL t raining f or immigrant s]: ?You must be authentic, true to who you really are if you expect to be focused enough to have a good life.?

Ericka Michel l e Lassair [prof essional chef ]: ?In truth, every person who has achieved some measure of success has failed before.

Sometimes many times. Like Ericka, they were willing to learn from experience and

rebuild? to start again in a different way.?

Irina Skoeries [nat ionwide meal del ivery service]: ?Some things are beyond our control, but we can determine what happens next by how we react and respond to the problem. Irina took the devastating news that her health problems would not get better and found a way to heal herself through food. Her story is a testimonial to making what happens... what you want.?

Meredit h Sorensen [organic wast e management consul t ant ]: ?Every step we take makes us who we are... who we become.

Over time we evolve and get better at what we do. Use what you learn on the journey to help you. Meredith?s journey has led to a vocation and advocacy for recycling to help conserve our precious resources.?

St ephanie Winans [onl ine pregnancy and parent ing advice]: ?Again, a lesson on how you can change things to form what works best for you. That often means taking some level of risk? a step into the unknown.

Inspiration is all around us.?

Dan Cal dwel l [onl ine appare]: ?Dan grew up poor, in a violent neighborhood, full of self-doubts. He moved forward with faith that he would make it if he kept trying. Making that decision and taking the first steps made all the difference between where he was then and now.? C

Bookworm | SharifBookworm K. Rasheed139 99

M UST HA V ES, ETC.

Sense + Simpl icit y f or t he Home.

Lampe Berger Paris, a leader in home fragrance, recently launched a new brand, Parfum Berger, offering us even more ways to fragrance our homes, offices, and now vehicles. The new products are exquisitely designed and packaged? making them a great gift to share with friends and family. Available at lampeberger.us.

Chispa Magazine

Shew Fl y! Georgia-based BugBand addresses bug bites head-on and naturally. BugBand, a line of naturally derived, DEET-free insect repellents, including wristbands, pump spray, towelettes, bead bags, and portable diffusers uses geraniol, a natural essential oil derived from geraniums, to actively and effectively repel mosquitoes, flies, gnats, fleas, no-see-ums, and ticks. Pretty amazing: BugBand towelettes and spray lotion can repel ticks that carry Lyme disease. Available at bugband.net.

M UST HA V ES, ETC. Yum-Yum t o t he Tum-Tum. Now you can enjoy healthy, delicious, and allergen-free cookies, delivered right to your doorstep! Molly's Bakeovers are "makeovers" of the traditional cookie to make them tastier, more nutritious, and free of gluten, dairy, peanuts, egg, and soy. Their subscription service offers good-for-you treats that you and your family can feel good about indulging in, without worry of food allergies. Four yummy flavors are available, including Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Raisin, Apple Pie, and Blueberry. Available at Bakeovers.com.

Must Haves 141

M UST HA V ES, ETC.

No More Pew. Let?s be honest here? it can be close to impossible to survive summer without applying and sometimes re-applying deodorant. One of our favorite things about Native is, it stays smelling fresh all day long, even in the crucial summer heat? with no need to re-apply And, in perfect timing, they just released new limited edition Brunch Scents: Mimosa, Rose, and our favorite, Sangria Many consumers have started making the switch to a natural deodorant after finding out that that aluminum and parabens have been found in antiperspirants. Aluminum is a toxin that has been linked to breast cancer and Alzheimers; parabens mimic estrogen and disrupt the hormonal balance.

Native is made without aluminum and parabens, and contains simple ingredients such as beeswax, baking soda, coconut oil and shea butter that naturally fight odors instead of masking them with unnecessary and suspect chemicals. Native is also the first deodorant manufacturer to offer a subscription service with free shipping, no commitment, and custom delivery options. Available at at nativecos.com.

Chispa Magazine

Exf ol iat e Al l . Looking for an easy and affordable way to improve your skin this year? Dew Puff is a must-have for everyone who wants healthy, fresh and blemish-free skin. This one simple skincare tool cleans, exfoliates, and refreshes, leaving your face feeling like a baby's butt! Treat yourself this summer to this skincare must-have item. The Dew Puff is: all natural, chemical and preservative free, reusable, able to be used with any cleanser or soap, or even without, and best of all, perfect for every skin type. Available at dewpuff.com.

M UST HA V ES, ETC.

Let It Breat he. Oxygenetix Oxygenating Foundation addresses a wide range of skin problems, and can be applied immediately following C02 laser resurfacing, microneedling, chemical peels, injectables, IPL, laser hair removal, and other procedures to conceal any redness, scarring or bruising. Oxygenating Foundation also shortens or eliminates the social downtime that would otherwise follow surgical procedures and aesthetic treatments. This mighty foundation is oxygen-permeable and allows skin to breathe even when enjoying full coverage. Plus, it supports collagen production, as well as new connective tissue and skin cell growth. Available at oxygenetix.com. C Must Haves 143

?

In the past I've struggled with accepting the fact that I am dearly and truly loved. I am beautiful, good enough, and beloved.

Being able to live like I was loved wasn't an overnight thing though; it took time and effort. It took years for me to actually accept that there is someone who loves me far greater than anyone on this earth. It took me years to accept that Jesus, the son of God, died on the cross for me? not because He had to, but because He wanted to. He loved me enough to die for me. I've only recently come to accept this? to accept that I am so deeply loved; I am beloved. This love that I have come to experience in the past year has truly changed my life. It's changed how I see myself, how I see others, and the world? you see? it's not just me who?s loved, but every single person to ever live. Jesus didn't die on the cross for me and me alone, but for each person as an individual. By being able to accept this fact I don't feel unloved or unworthy anymore. I can be confident in who I am and who God has made me to be. I don't have to worry about other people's thoughts and feelings toward me. Instead, I focus on God?s thoughts and feelings toward. Last Word: Do you live for people or for God?

LA ST WORD

Text by Lizzy Smith | Photo by Mayson Cambron

Last Word 145