Women Who Rock with Success

m ag azine OCT OBER 30, 2017 | I SSUE no 6

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Women Who Rock Wit h Success Ed i t o r s N o t e

Wh en st ar t in g you r bu sin ess: When starting that niche which you have thought about for so long ; the first things you want to consider are: what, who, when, where, why, research, how, and budget .Your customers want to know as much about you as you can give them.

The what is: What is your brand?

What is your purpose?

The Who is: Who are you seeking to offer your brand too?

The When: When is the time feasible to launch your business?

The Where: Where fo you want to pitch your brand?

The Why? Why do you want to launch your business?

Research: Do you homework about your niche and brand How & Budget: Make sure you are financially stable before launch

These important tools and tips are very essential to launch a lucrative business for success. Attend some networking event to become more acclimated with your local and national area.

How To St ay Fit f or t he Hol idays

by Sophia Br eene

Bet w een pies an d cr oss-cou n t r y t r avel, it can be pr et t y t ou gh t o st ay act ive du r in g t h e h oliday season . A cor n u copia of f am ily obligat ion s, w or k par t ies, an d last -m in u t e sh oppin g m ean s t h at h it t in g t h e gym of t en get s delayed or cr ossed of f t h e sch edu le alt oget h er . Not t h is year ! Th er e ar e 35 days bet w een Th an k sgivin g an d New Year s Day, an d w e?r e det er m in ed t o m ak e t h e m ost of t h em . We?ve com e u p w it h 15 sm ar t st r at egies, t ips, t r ick s, an d m ot ivat ion al t ech n iqu es t o m ak e f it n ess par t of t h e celebr at ion all h oliday season lon g. Read on t o lear n h ow t o k eep u p you r exer cise r ou t in e t h is w in t er , Ch r ist m as cook ies be dar n ed.

1. Get out there

3. Make it official

Snuggling under the blankets with a mug of hot chocolate is fine and dandy, but it probably won?t help you out in the fitness department.

Instead of baking cookies or playing board games, pass the time with an active pursuit like snows hoeing, hiking, or even building snowmen or igloos.

Sign up for a race, competition, or fitness-y vacation like a hiking or bike trip in January or February so you have a good reason (and plenty of motivation) to stay in shape over the holidays.

2. Set a challenge Each year, Runner ?s World magazine challenges readers to run every single day (logging at least one mile per day) between Thanksgiving and New Year ?s Day. Pounding the pavement not your style? Create your own challenge, whether it involves trying a new bodyweight exercise every day, testing different yoga poses, or experimenting with an unfamiliar running workout.

4. Try feet-first sightseeing If you?re traveling or going on vacation,explore a new city on foot or bike instead of in a car or by public transportation (weather permitting).

5. Find a workout buddy Rolling out of bed for a 6 a.m. gym sesh is much harder to skip when you?re one half of a dynamic workout duo.

Enlist a fitness-minded friend or family member (especially if you?re traveling) to be your holiday exercise buddy.

Encourage each other to lace up the sneakers for pre-dinner workouts and post-shopping trip runs.

6. Treat yourself No, not to that extra slice of pumpkin pie. If it?s within your budget, indulge in new workout clothing or fitness equipment before Thanksgiving to boost motivation throughout the holiday season.

7. Start a fitness tradition There are tons of family-friendly holiday-themed running events in most areas. Sign up the whole family (don?t forget the costumes) for a fun, goofy Turkey Trot or Jingle Jog. Before you know it, the annual race will become a family tradition.

11. Be a mall rat With a mile-long to-do list before the big holiday get-together, there?s just no time for exercise, right? Wrong-o: Simply lace up your sneakers and power-walk between errands. (This is especially doable at a mall or shopping center.)

12. Cut the rug Being the first person on the dance floor at the holiday party means you?re: A) the coolest person in the room and B) getting your rear in gear.

13. Do some DIY and work

Whether it?s raking leaves or shoveling snow,yard work is an Working out can often be a solitary unexpected way to get the heart rate up activity, which may explain why many and work out major muscle groups. people skip the gym when friends and family are in town. Make it a group activity 14. Watch TV by inviting visitors to join you at the gym or Yep, sometimes hanging out in front a favorite exercise class. of the tube can be good for you. If the 8. Include everyone

9. Find a promotion

weather outside is truly frightful, pop in a workout DVD (or for a cheaper version, pull up a YouTube fitness video) and get sweaty. Or, use TV time to work on mobility and recovery by foam rolling, icing, or stretching out with straps.

Many gyms and exercise studios offer deals and specials during the holidays. Do some snooping and sign up if you find a sweet deal. If you?ve recently joined a gym, take advantage of a free consultation with a personal trainer (most fitness facilities offer 15. Work towards a goal this perk) to learn some new moves.

Set a specific ,tangible goal to accomplish during the holiday season.

Childhood winter favorites like sledding, There are 35 days between snowball fights, and ice-skating get the Thanksgiving and New Year ?s Day, which heart pumping. Head outside for a sneaky is the perfect amount of time to really (and super fun) workout. nail that push-up form, learn to do Crow pose, or master an 8-minute mile. Or, you know, any other fitness goal that strikes your fancy.

10. Act like a kid

HRRESPONSIBILITIES

Speaking Point: Sexual Harassment - the key term is ?unwanted?.

Unwanted in visual, verbal, could be in writing or saying something to you or touching. It could be in terms of sexual favors to either keep your job or get a promotion.

Examples: Numerous requests by a coworker asking to go on a date despite each request being declined. At a certain point - the pervasiveness (numerous aspect) of the requests can create a hostile work environment.

M ich elle Lee Flor es, Labor an d Em ploym en t At t or n ey

Speaking Point: If no one has been designated, go to your supervisor (unless that is the person who acted inappropriately and you are not comfortable trying to deal with that person directly).

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SEXUAL HARASSMENT &

Inappropriate behavior in the workplace, even if it does not rise to the legal definition of sexual harassment, can be grounds for termination.

Speaking Point: Inappropriate behavior in the workplace, even if it does not rise to the legal definition of sexual harassment, can be grounds for termination.

Speaking Point: When dealing with a ?hugger ? the standard to determine if it created a hostile work environment is: Was the behavior so severely pervasive to alter the conditions of employment to create an abusive working environment.

A Hugger: Someone in the office that tends to give hugs to co-workers. It can be off putting at best and quite often can create a hostile work environment.

Click Her e t o List en

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Speaking Point: Sometimes, things can be taken out of context. One request by a supervisor to go on a date. When told no, the person respectfully understands and never asks again and does not treat the employee differently. Although this may not be a smart thing for a supervisor to do and it may be actions that the company would deem unacceptable conduct - the request alone would not rise to sexual harassment. Now if the supervisor said the date was in exchange for a raise or promotion, then it could rise to the legal definition of quid pro quo harassment.

Bat t l ing Sex ual har assment At wor k

by Janet Ruth Heller

Sexual harassment is a form of bullying.

Bullies often want power over other people, and many bullies torment targets frequently. Because such abuse thrives in secrecy, I advise any woman who gets targeted for sexual harassment to tell colleagues and managers about the problem immediately. The harassed individual may discover that her bully has also treated co-workers in similar ways. If a company or business has a sexual harassment policy, the harassed employees need to insist that the organization educates and punishes the bully in accordance with the policy. Many firms hesitate to fire a worker who sexually harasses other people. However, if all of the targets of the harasser band together and insist on serious consequences for abuse, managers will have a harder time sweeping the offenses under the rug.

Another strategy is to ask coworkers to go with you or sit next to you when you are in areas where you tend to get stalked or harassed. An abusive person is less likely to harass when other individuals can observe the misconduct.

You may want to consider asking to be transferred to another division of your firm where you will rarely encounter your harasser.

If you work for a college or university, there should be an Office of Institutional Equity that handles complaints about misconduct of employees. I found this office very helpful when I got sexually harassed.

Harassed workers can also go to their local courts to get restraining orders put on abusive colleagues. I found that showing managers this restraining order helped convince them to take my complaints more seriously.

If the harassment continues, women can consider taking their assailants to court for assault and battery. Any unwanted touching or pinching is assault, and shoving or slapping is battery.

I faced various problems getting my tormentor disciplined after I experienced and reported sexual harassment.

1) Even though women rarely lie about such assaults, many people do not believe accusations of sexual harassment.

2) Some people made the illogical argument that the harassment was my fault. I do not have a black belt in judo, but I did nothing to provoke my harasser.

3) Other women whom my bully had harassed refused to testify in my support to the leaders of the organization and also refused to testify in court. Many women consider such testimony embarrassing and fear confronting the disbelief and mindless blaming that individuals brave enough to go public about abuse experience.

4) My harasser kept telling people that he "had changed." In fact, he had harassed students, professors, and staff members at the university where he worked for four decades. Managers of the university's Office of Institutional Equity told me that they had dozens of complaints against my abuser. But many people believed the false claims of my assailant.

5) It is hard to convict a harasser unless you have eye witnesses who are willing to testify in court.

I found such witnesses hard to get.

Sexual H arassment Attorney at Law Cindy- Ann L. Thomas With a keen awareness of intercultural dynamics in the workplace, Cindy-Ann Thomas adeptly navigates clients through multiple diversity and inclusion challenges and opportunities. She brings more than 15 years of experience and high-level credentials to her role as both a strategic process diversity consultant and an employment attorney.

Company executives in a broad spectrum of industries, including government, health care, manufacturing, retail, higher education and professional services, look to her for diversity and inclusion services and counsel that emphasize talent development, engagement, productivity and retention.

W ith a keen awareness of inter-cultural dynamics in the workplace, Cindy-Ann Thomas adeptly navigates clients through multiple diversity and inclusion challenges and opportunities.

Among her these:

specialized services are

Facilitate executive orientation briefings geared toward assisting an organization?s key leaders in identifying current capabilities and next steps.

Cindy-Ann?s unique qualifications as a knowledgeable employment attorney and skillful facilitator are applied in training that extends from the executive ranks to the shop floor. She engages with clients in order to understand what they need. Specifically, and before any initiative is implemented, she gains deep insights into the client?s workplace by conducting cultural assessments. These assessments may be as informal as in-depth conversations with organizational leaders or they may extend to the development and deployment of a comprehensive ?culture scan? that captures the views of diversity and inclusion expressed by the client?s employees.

Prepare and guide dynamic group workshops that raise awareness of and increase capabilities in working through diversity dynamics, unconscious bias and cultural competence.

Licensed in Canada and the United States, Cindy Ann possesses a multifaceted perspective on the design and implementation of meaningful diversity and inclusion initiatives that are not only legally compliant but harness the potential of both stakeholders and individual contributors. She delivers her customized training programs to organizations that range in size from Fortune 500 companies to small local businesses

For her vibrant and engaging training sessions, Cindy Ann taps the resources of Littler Learning Group and its vast video library of contemporary diversity and inclusion scenarios. The videos? targeted vignettes depict real-life workday issues in a captivating and engaging way.

Develop client-specific, turn-key educational materials that allow companies to self-drive their internal equal employment opportunity (EEO) and diversity training programs.

Deliver comprehensive EEO ?train-the-trainer ? programs for in-house facilitators.

Lead one-on-one executive workshops that increase leaders? diversity aptitude and skill development.

Cindy-Ann completed the requirements for designation as a Roosevelt Thomas Consulting & Training Subject Matter Expert, and she is also a Qualified Administrator for the prestigious Intercultural Development Inventory. She is co-chair of Littler ?s EEO & Diversity Practice Group and regularly speaks before professional associations, human resource groups, universities and industry trade groups throughout the country.

Prior to her legal career, she was a human resources executive at an international business development corporation, where she addressed many of the organizational issues facing the companies she now advises and trains.

So many of us have grown up buying into the diet myth, which teaches us that we have to lose weight and get a ?perfect? body in order to have the life of our dreams. But for curve model, top beauty influencer, and makeup artist Lauren O?Leary, the exact opposite has been true!

YOU DON?THAVETOLOSE WEIGHTTOHAVEABODY ANDALIFEYOULOVE!

Rather than putting off living the life of her dreams until she felt she had the perfect body, she decided to learn how to accept the body she had. Lauren cultivated a more loving, positive mindset about herself and her body. This has proven to be jet fuel for her in achieving her career goals and creating a life that she loves!

PLUS SIZE M ODEL M EL PARRISH

In this episode, Lauren opens up her beautiful heart and shares about her eating disorder, her recovery and the ways that she healed herself, and her rise to success as a makeup artist, beauty influencer, and curve model. Lauren is such an amazing person, inside and out, with lots of insights and inspiration to offer us all! She's living proof that you don?t have to necessarily lose weight in order to have a body and a life that you love.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: How I met Lauren O?Leary, and some of the projects we?ve done together When Lauren first became uncomfortable in her body, as her eating disorder developed Lauren?s process of recovery from her eating disorder, and how she healed herself The one realization the really fueled Lauren?s rise to a healthier relationship with her body, as well as success in the beauty industry, and life in NYC Becoming a curve model with TRUE Model Management The amazing companies & celebrities that Lauren has gotten to work with The secret to staying grounded with all of the success Lauren is experiencing in her career

My Top 10 Foods That Heal Stephanie Dodier

Thisisnot your usual food recommendation from a typical nutritionist.. no wheat grasshere!

I?m alwaysbeing asked in my free and private community: ?What are the top foods I should introduce in my life to be healthier??

My answer isin my top 10 Real Foods. So, without any further delay, let?sget started.

1. Green Vegetables (always at the top of my list of foods that heal) Yes, that is my nutrition base food. I recommend eating 4 cups/day (minimum) to give you all the fiber you need for healthy bowel movements.

The chlorophyll, the molecule that gives green color to the green vegetables, is a super potent detoxifier. Along with all the phytonutrients found in greens, vegetables will keep your body clean and healthy.

2. Eggs The mother of all protein. If you think about it, an egg is the basis of life and contains all the nutrients needed to create life.

Pastured raised eggs are my favorite! They have twice as much Omega-3, 2-3 times more vitamins and including 3 times more Vitamin E than regular eggs.

I always have a dozen eggs in my fridge for quick and delicious meals.

3. Coconut Oil Coconut oil is always in my list of foods that heal because it has super healing and protective properties. It contains Lauric Acid which is anti-microbial, anti-viral and anti-fungal. Coconut oil is almost entirely made of MCT (medium chain triglycerides) fatty acid which is food for your liver and used as a quick source of fuel. The body doesn?t store MCT fatty acid in fat cells but is used as fuel right away by your liver. I use coconut well beyond the kitchen: skin, hair, feet, etc..

4. Sea Salt Himalayan Sea salt and Celtic Sea salt are the only 2 types of salt that I recommend as they have not been exposed to the terrible bleaching process like other salts. Himalayan Pink Salt and Celtic Sea Salt contain about 30% sodium, while the remaining contents are various trace minerals that our body needs to thrive. We need 1/2 tsp of salt daily to maintain healthy digestion and to provide our body with all minerals necessary for good health.

5. Bone Broth By far the most magnificent elixir I have in my list of foods that heal. This is not your typical broth bought in the store in a carton.

This is the broth your Grandmother used to make.

This broth contains nutrients such as collagen, calcium and magnesium ? all needed to keep your tissues and skin healthy. Check out my recipe here.

6. Fermented Foods Fermented foods have had a place in our ancestor 's diet for the longest period of time, but have been lost in last 75 years due to modernization. Foods such as sauerkraut or kimchi will provide you with natural probiotics and also Vitamin K2 which helps to mobilize calcium into the bones. I recommend 1/4 cup per day. If you want to learn how to make fermented vegetables, look for sauerkraut in the refrigerated section of your grocery store or you can learn to make your own here.

7. Avocados Avocados are a complete source of protein, fat and carbohydrates. The vast majority of the content is fat- with more than 77% being oleic acid which is the same kind of fat found in olives. It is known to help reduce inflammation. Avocados are silky, smooth and a real treat to have? almost daily.

8. Fresh Herbs This is how you make your home cooked meals go from average to delicious! Not only do fresh herbs enhance the flavor of your cooking, herbs have strong healing properties. Take sage for an example ? it helps reduce hot flashes during menopause. Every week, I buy 1-2 herbs that I will use in my cooking that week.

Then, on to the next herb the following week.

9. Grass-fed Butter Absolutely no margarine or regular butter, but grass-fed butter. This type of butter is made exclusively from milk by cows that have eaten grass/hay their whole life. This makes this butter very nutritious. It is strong in Vitamin K2 and butyrate acid which helps fight plaque in the arteries and inflammation of the heart. I know, I know? For years you have been told that butter is bad for you when in fact, it was good all along! Read more here on why butter is good for you.

10. Cacao You are not the only one? I love chocolate! This is because of a component in cacao called ?PEA? which is a building block for serotonin, the neurotransmitter responsible for your level of happiness.

Beyond inducing happiness (which is why sometimes we crave chocolate read more here),cacao is magnificent for its antioxidant levels and also its potency in magnesium (the mineral that helps you relax). Be mindful that I?m referring to 100% raw cacao, not your old fashion ?Caramilk ? chocolate bar but rather this type of raw cacao powder.

Next?

So there you have it? my top 10 foods that heal. If you want to know how to integrate these top 10 foods in your life, you can download a free excerpt from my book Keto-Connector.

This 30 day journey will show you the possibilities of how food can change your life, increase your energy and allow you to lose weight.

Take this top 10 real food list with you on your next grocery trip and see what you can try to incorporate in your daily diet. If you are already using these Top 10 foods, then try to incorporate even more into your diet.

Remember to have fun and enjoy the process! I?d like to hear from you. What are your top 10 foods? Do you think I forgot one? Send me your comments below and we'll chat.

Cobb Salad Recipe with Balsamic Vinaigrette Stephanie Dodier

Ingredients: 12 cups of leafy green 1/2 cup sprouts 1/2 carrot, sliced 3? english cucumber, sliced and cut in half 1/2 red pepper, sliced lengthwise 1/2 cup cubed cooked chicken 6 pecans, chopped Sea salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: 1. Place the leafy greens at the center of the plate and layer all other vegetables.

2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Add a 2 tbsp. of dressing of choice. In this case I chose Balsamic mustard dressing.

4. Enjoy!

BREAKFASTWRAP Stephanie Dodier

Ingredients: 1 egg per wrap

1/2 tbsp. grass fed butter 1 tbsp. full fat organic coconut milk Pinch of sea salt Pinch of pepper to taste

Filling Options: Sliced tomato Avocado Spinach or any leafy greens Zucchini Onion Cucumber, etc.

Instructions: 1. Whisk the egg, coconut milk, sea salt and pepper in a bowl until there are no lumps and you cannot see any separate egg yolk or white pieces.

2. Heat some grass-fed butter in a smaller frying pan.

3. Pour the egg mixture into the frying pan and rotate the pan to let the egg spread out into a thin layer. The thinner the better when using eggs as wraps.

4. Once cooked on one side, flip over and cook for only 30 seconds on the second side.

5. Remove each wrap as they cook and leave on a plate and allow to cool.

6. Repeat the entire recipe until you have made enough wraps.

7. Place your favorite filling inside and roll up.

Easy Ways to Increase Your Water Intake Esther Matus

Helping maintain balance of bodily fluids - The 60% of your body that is water serves to aid in digestion, absorption, circulation, creation of saliva, transportation of nutrients, and maintenance of normal body temperature. Lacking water will hinder your body's ability to do all of these tasks.

Helping energize muscles - Drinking water helps replace fluids lost through perspiration during exercise, helping to maintain performance. Muscles lacking a fluid balance will fatigue more easily than those with appropriately balanced levels.

Keeping skin looking good - Dehydration can cause skin to look dry and wrinkled, whereas proper hydration can help improve that. In addition, use of a moisturizer can help lock in moisture and keep skin looking healthy.

Helping kidneys function - Your kidneys serve to transport waste and toxins out of your body but they?re unable to do so if you don?t get enough fluids. In addition, low fluid consumption puts you at higher risk for painful kidney stones.

Maintaining Normal Bowel Function Everyone's favorite topic! When you?re adequately hydrated, things flow normally along your gastrointestinal tract and you have regular bowel movements. When you? re dehydrated, the colon has to take water from the stools to stay hydrated, which leaves you constipated! Hopefully you're convinced now of the importance of staying hydrated, but this may not change the fact that drinking lots of water can be boring.

Below are some ways to add a little zest to your water and make sure you?re keeping your body hydrated and fully functioning:

1) Add a few cucumber slices to your glass for a light, refreshing, summery spin.

2) Try carbonated water instead of normal. Be careful of ones with artificial sweeteners and opt for adding a lemon or lime wedge to a plain variety.

3) Add some fresh herbs to the mix.

Mint is especially delicious, especially on a hot day, but you could also try ginger, lemon grass, lavender, or rose hips.

4) If you're tired of the more traditional lemon water, try adding sliced berries, instead. You can use whatever is in season, such as watermelon, cherries, pineapple, and more.

5) Try freezing a little fruit juice into ice cubes to add a little bit of flavor that will get released slowly into your water.

Berries or sliced grapes are great to freeze in, but you can always drop some frozen berries in straight, as if they were ice cubes. As they melt, you'll get a hint of flavor.

6) Try combining a bunch of the options above, such as in a ginger, cucumber, lemon, mint combination that's sure to leave you delighted.

7) Lastly, my personal favorite: stick a few slices of watermelon in your blender until you have a puree. Serve it over ice and thank me later.

These tips should help you stay hydrated not only through the hot summer months, but throughout the entire year.

What if I told you how amazing you are?

by Su e Pl u m t r ee What if I told you, You are AMAZING! You are BRAVE! You are STRONG! Would you accept it as truth or would you cringe or argue with me?

When I was a young woman I used to have long fingernails and I used to paint them.

They looked really nice, even if I say so myself.

On that particular day, this woman looks at my nails and tells me what lovely nails I have.

I looked at them, trying to find something about them so I could say, ?Actually, they?re brittle and break easily? or, ?Well, I?m due to paint them again? or ?Yours are nicer than mine? or something that would enable me to reject the compliment but I couldn't think of anything because, actually, my nails really did look very nice.

Believe it or not, being unable to think of anything negative to say made me feel really uncomfortable.

Here's another example - a more hopeful one: About four years ago or so I belonged to a network community.

From the very beginning people kept giving me some extraordinary feedback - things like how I said something inspirational or how my smiling made them feel great and stuff like that.

If it had been one person saying these things, I could have dismissed them but it was all kinds of different people saying similar things.

I kept thinking, ?What on earth are they talking about!?, ?What are they seeing that I don?t??

I felt really distressed.

But here's the thing: Although it did take me a long time in the end I decided to believe them.

Choosing to believe the best version of yourself is an awesome experience.

Everything changes!

So, back to where we started: You are AMAZING! You are BRAVE! You are STRONG! What will you choose?

With love and gratitude, Sue P .S. My third book, ?Open Your Heart: The 7 Secrets Of Strong And Loving Relationships? will be launched on Thursday, 21 September 2017.

P .P .S. I enable women build strong and loving relationships, first with themselves and then with others. That?s because your relationship with yourself shapes all your other relationships.

If you?d like to find out how you can do that email me on sue@sueplumtree.com for a FREE one hour exploratory conversation.

M eet D irector Julie Wyatt Page M anage H oliday Stress in the Name of Beauty Before joining Wyatts, Julie worked as the National Compensation Officer for the Commonwealth Bank Officers?

Association for a number of years, representing the Union? s membership across Australia. She also represented the Union on various ACTU committees, working to ensure that many benefits were retained for workers around the nation. She was also heavily involved in the implementation of return-to-work programs for the Union? s members.

Julie began her legal career in 1981 and has been with Wyatts ever since it was founded. Over this period, she has acquired a vast amount of experience and has worked with people from all walks of life who have found themselves in difficult situations. Julie is a sympathetic and understanding lawyer who can assist clients whatever their circumstances.

Julie has recently completed a series of nearly 30 mediations against the Commonwealth of Australia. Her skills and knowledge make her just as comfortable dealing with government agencies and insurance companies as she is handling local cases relating to clients' daily lives.

As a leader of the Wyatts staff, Julie is committed to ensuring every client receives legal advice that is not only detailed and useful, but also considerate and thoughtful. Clients can trust Julie to work positively and strongly on their behalf, seeking the best results possible.

It?s supposed to be ?the most wonderful time of the year.? It?s a time when families come together to celebrate the holidays, give back to their communities, exchange gifts and prepare their favorite family meals.

It sounds simple enough, doesn?t it?

Unfortunately, this particular time also comes with stress and sleepless nights. There is so much to do and never enough time to do it.

Jam-packed parking lots and stores, endless holiday cards to send and searching for gifts for the ones you love can take a toll. And with all of the holiday parties we have to attend, looking our best can be a challenge.

It?s time to focus on a little R&R in the name of healthy looking skin. Can it be done? Absolutely. Do stress and lack of sleep really affect our appearance? You bet it does.

Unfortunately, when we?re feeling stressed or tired on the inside, it also shows on the outside. And trust me, it?s not a good look. A good night?s sleep and a bit of relaxation can truly affect your inner and outer beauty.

I know it seems impossible to relax during the hectic holiday season, but it?s a must in the name of beauty.

Stress can wreak havoc on both your appearance and your overall wellness, including your heart, digestion, weight, memory and sleep. When it comes to your skin, stress can bring on breakouts and cause dehydration, which can lead to fine lines and wrinkles. Stress can cause hormonal imbalances and affect your skin?s barrier function, which could potentially affect your immune system. And don?t get me started on the effects of stress on the hair.

If you aren?t interested in turning gray or experiencing hair loss over the holidays, then it?s time to unwind. To help you relax, it?s important to find a little ?me? time even during the busiest time of the year. If you can find just five minutes a day to do a little meditation, it will serve you and your appearance well. Just by entering into a relaxed, peaceful state you can release chemicals into your body that will help to counter the stress hormones you are creating. It?s so simple.

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Relax

Stress can cause hormonal imbalances and affect your skin?s barrier function, which could potentially affect your immune system.

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A Few Tips Find your ?happy place?. Look for a place that?s quiet and removed from the holiday chaos. A comfy little spot just for you will do.Close your eyes, sit up straight and tall, and place your hands in your lap.Slowly begin to breathe. Inhale through your nose until your lungs are filled, and then slowly exhale through your mouth.

Deep breathing will help to slow your heart rate and inspire a feeling of calm. It will also help to lower your blood pressure.If you can dedicate even more than five minutes, do it. A few extra minutes out of your crazy day will only help you to further alleviate your stress levels. Managing stress can be difficult. We need to take advantage of every opportunity to get our stress levels under wraps.

Here are Few of My Favorite Stress Reducers Soaking in a bubble bath. Practicing yoga to help train the mind and body to better deal with daily chaos.

Listening to music (preferably while soaking in the tub) shopping online, which is a huge time and stress reducer during the hectic holidays.Watching TV or a movie.Reading a book or the latest fashion magazine.Taking a brisk walk around the neighborhood.

Once you?ve mastered the art of relaxing, you?ll likely notice a change in your appearance, as well as your demeanor. In addition to relaxing, you also need to get a good night?s sleep or it?s all for nothing. Many people admit to losing sleep at night due to stress. And others admit to being even more stressed out because they?re too tired to deal with holiday activities. It?s a vicious cycle.

Get Some Sleep Remember, as crazy as it sounds, we call it ?beauty sleep? for a reason. I often say a good night?s sleep should be everyone?s number one, go-to beauty tip. There is nothing like that youthful, healthy-looking glow you get after a good sleep. Couple a good night?s sleep with your favorite nighttime skin care products and you?ll look fantastic and refreshed. During the holidays we tend to stay up later

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Here are a few ways to unwind during the holidays so you can look and feel your absolute best.

Remember, as crazy as it sounds, we call it ?beauty sleep? for a reason.

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celebrating, wrapping presents or putting the finishing touches on our favorite DIY holiday project. Whatever the case, this is not the time to skimp on sleep. When we don?t get enough sleep, our bodies release more cortisol than usual. Cortisol is a stress hormone, which in excess can have us looking tired and stressed out in no time. Our skin can become a bit inflamed and it can affect our collagen. Over time you?ll begin to notice less firmness in your skin and compromised elasticity. The result: fine lines, wrinkles and dry skin.

A restless night also shows under our eyes. There?s no amount of concealer that will cover those dark under-eye circles when we?re exhausted. When we don?t sleep, the blood vessels found directly under the skin around the eyes become dilated and we end up looking like a raccoon. When we?re sleeping, our body goes into repair mode. This is when the repairing and renewing of our cells occurs. This is vital for our entire body? but when it comes to our skin, it also helps to fend off early aging. Think of sleep as your most important beauty aid, and do your best to get a good eight hours every night. A good night?s sleep will make it easier to face the daily stresses this season. After all, we want to look our best during the holidays.

Created by a breast cancer survivor, Survivor Eyes is a Brow Style Kit that offers a simple and easy way to have perfect, long lasting stylish brows. Looking and feeling our best is important, and the driving force behind this great product is providing women with a boost of beauty and the self-confidence that it brings.

Besides the ?all day wear ? feature of Sorme cosmetics, the beautiful thing about Survivor Eyes is that every purchase supports charities that help women who struggle with hair loss. Endorsed by some of the biggest names in women?s health care, Survivor Eyes is a high-quality beauty product, that gives back!

Survivor Eyes is Beauty with a Purpose.

Tips for a Good Night?s Sleep During the Holidays Keep your bedroom cool, under 70 degrees if possible.Make sure your room is dark? black-out shades will definitely help.Turn off the TV, computer, phone, etc. before crawling into bed.Invest in a nice, comfy pair of PJ?s while doing your holiday shopping? a special treat to help you survive the season The holidays are what we make of them. This really is a wonderful time of year that we all should be able to enjoy to its fullest. It?s all about friends and family. And everyone wants to look their best, rested and relaxed. After all, we have a brand new year to look forward to. So, let?s look our best in the name of reduced stress.

Survivor Eyes Inc. has chosen to include Sorme cosmetic in their Brow Style kits because of its high quality and exceptional industry standards. http://www.survivoreyes.com

Business Ex per t .

Ment or . Speaker .

Heat h er ?s m ission is t o em pow er w om en t o r u n t h e w or ld by sh ow in g t h em h ot t o ow n t h eir ow n u n iqu e st r en gt h s t o ach ieve su ccess.

Heather Monahan is a multimedia force empowering women to use their unique attributes to achieve success in all aspects of their lives.

Her inspiring attitude, tireless passion and hard-won wisdom have enabled Heather to work her way up the corporate ladder, where she has gained the firsthand experience she now shares with others.

Heather has a distinct perspective as both employee and hiring manager. It?s this 360ยบ knowledge of the workplace that allows Heather to inform other women on how to best approach the job force; even more than that, Heather helps them understand how to holistically set themselves up for success.

As a single mother, Heather deeply empathizes with the multitude of demands that women must meet every day.

Transparency around her struggles as a single mom, her own life challenges and successes, allows her to connect with women, celebrate their atttributes and teach them to leverage these traits in their favor.

Heather inspires women to embrace their inner powerhouse so they, too, may be unstoppable.

A native of Worcester, MA, and graduate of Clark University with a liberal arts degree in Psychology, Heather has over 20 years of sales and marketing experience. She currently holds the title of Chief Revenue Officer for Beasley Media Group, Inc. In addition to serving as a board member of City Year Miami, a service organization that provides mentorship opportunities for at-risk youth, Heather was selected by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) as a member of the steering committee for the 2012 NAB/RAB Radio Show.

She lives in Miami, FL with her son Dylan, who calls her ?the person I admire most.?

From getting the first job, to getting ?the? job, the Monahan Method shines light on the steps women need to take to elevate themselves in business and life.

Women Who Rock with Success: What compelled you to empower women as a strategy?

Heather: My entire life has led me to where I am today. Having struggled with my own insecurities early on and not having a strong female mentor led me to the decision to empower others and give them the insight I was always searching for. I feel as though this path chose me. While working in corporate America and doing what I thought I was supposed to do, I stumbled upon what I was meant to do. It didn?t happen overnight it was more of an evolution over time. As I grew more confident in myself it became overwhelmingly clear what I needed to do. I needed to be the person that I needed when I was younger, I needed to shine my light so others could see.

Women Who Rock with Success: Give the readers a few tips on how to excel form the fear factor as an entrepreneur: Heather: Fear is an excellent motivator and no matter how successful someone becomes there is always an element of fear that drives them to be their best.

Fear is only a problem when it gets in the way of you taking action. A healthy sense of worry is a driver to push you beyond your comfort zone. If you are concerned that there may not be another job you are going to hustle that much more for the one in front of you.

I have always had some level of concern with work, when you don?t take it for granted you granted you do your best which creates opportunity for you and builds your reputation

As far as how fear affects you when you go out on your own, it can be overwhelming! Taking the chance to leave status quo and abandon your comfort zone can be terrifying! Every successful entrepreneur has taken this leap and anyone who has been unhappy at a company or in a certain career has made the terrifying jump into the unknown. When I initially found myself terminated from my corporate position, I panicked and immediately started thinking about going back to the same industry and a similar job.

After that first week, I began to think more creatively and with a bit more courage. Deciding to chase what I wanted to do instead of what I always had done appealed to me. This did not happen without fear. Fear has been front and center for me through this entire process. As long as we use fear as a tool to drive us to action, fear can be extremely helpful. Moving forward when you don?t see the steps in front of you, overcoming your fear of the unknown will build your confidence muscle like nothing else.

Women Who Rock with Success: How do you empower women to strive to meet their goals while working as a single parent?

Heather: After divorce, the new reality where you no longer have another parent in the house with you can be very challenging. Figuring out schedules, finding help when traveling and trying to balance a personal life seemed impossible at the time. Like anything with practice things get better. Some of the keys I found to help a challenging work life balance was learning to ask for help and rely on others. When you are able to surround yourself with people that truly want to help you and then lean on them in times of need, you will both benefit. It is also key to work for someone that understands your own unique personal challenges and the importance of parenting. Working for someone that allows you to put your family first is critical in managing it all. There are companies out there that provide this flexibility it is up to you to find them.

Women Who Rock with Success: How do you support women who struggle with sexual harassment in the workplace?

Heather: Having been sexually harassed myself, I have some very strong feelings about this situation.

First and foremost, it is critical that you document exactly what is happening while you are being harassed.

It is also necessary that you go to someone in a management position and go on record are to stand up for myself after having complained of the harassment I was enduring at work, I decided to quit my job and leave the company to escape the harasser. While I still believe this is a better option vs staying in a toxic environment, I wish that I had fought so that other women wouldn?t have to deal with similar behavior. What I did do was I brought my journal documentation of the harassment to the owner of the company and gave it to him. I wanted him to know what I had been dealing with and I wanted him to take action and fire the offender. That did not happen but I did remove myself from the situation and I flourished professionally. Ultimately, two years later the man was fired.

Women Who Rock with Success: What sort of proof do women need to prove their allegations?Heather: This really is a question about the company you work for not a subjective question for those outside of the company. There are some companies that have very clear policies and do not tolerate any harassment in the workplace, where others are very lenient. If someone is intimidating you and making you feel uncomfortable you need to let a supervisor know. If the company will not help you, you need to start looking for another job where you will be supported.

Women Who Rock with Success: What is the next chapter for Heather Monahan?

Heather: Great question! Having jumped into the world of uncertainty and exploration I do not have my standard road-map of next steps that I have had during my time in corporate America. Working for yourself provides a much different opportunity, each day I am presented with new connections and meetings that take me in a slightly different direction. Initially, I thought I wanted to speak and speak to universities primarily about how to position yourself for success and while I have done that and did enjoy it I was then given the opportunity to write a book about building confidence and this has been a huge pivot moment for me.

I have been approached recently by a clothing line, jewelry line and a doctor to collaborate on products. I am taking a look at all opportunities and what makes the most sense for me and my family and still allows me to empower others.

I have also considered consulting in media as well.

I have faith that I will know the right moves to make at the right time and until then I just keep taking action and making things happen each day. Every day that I am a little scared means that I am exactly where I should be, out of my comfort zone

Women Who Rock with Success: What last piece of advice would you like to leave with the readers:.

Heather: The best piece of advice I have ever been given is Fear is a Liar. Realizing that fear is not real means digging into what is really holding you back and often that is our own self-limiting insecurities.

The anecdote for overcoming self-doubt is taking action and developing your confidence muscle. There are so many ways you can boost your confidence and get yourself to take action and move through fear.

Who you surround yourself with is everything - fire negative people in your life and watch yourself take off. How you see yourself is how others will see you speak kindly to yourself, make yourself a priority, love yourself the same way you would a baby - this takes practice but it will become a habit. Journal to see how far you have come and keep track of all of your small wins. Turn scarcity into abundance by writing down three things a day that you can be grateful for. Moving into your fear and realizing that you are okay will give you strength for your next challenge, while backing away does the opposite.

Removing the mask and being your true self, the more you can speak your real thoughts and be the authentic you the stronger you will feel. Speak up in meetings, speak up for yourself and speak your truth..

Becoming your number one cheerleader instead of your biggest saboteur will change your life. The moment you accept that this life is what you have created and not what you have been given you take ownership and empower yourself to create change.

Go for it!

Life After Retirement w i th ex p er t

Gloria D unn I?ve been fortunate to work at what I love to do to help people have their best life possible. I?m presently in my third career as a professional speaker, and workshop leader focused on helping pre- and present retirees plan a meaningful and fulfilling second half of life.

I also advise corporations and business services on how to prepare their employees and clients with meaningful advice about retirement and aging; and give employees pre-retirement workshops about how to plan and activate having a great life after full-time work is no longer a focus.

For 25 years I provided services in training, coaching, and consulting in the field of Organizational Development and Behavior, and was a professional speaker. During the preceding 10 years, I enjoyed my work as an award-winning public relations professional. I?ve written two books: Revivement: Having a Life After Making a Living, which came out in March 2017, and Wiser Ways to Work: From Making a Living to Having a Life. I?ve also written many articles for newspapers and magazines, and hosted a Cable talk show with business professionals. I?m an active member of my community and the Rotary Club of Novato.

Celebrity Legal Attorney Jill Stanley

PROOF with Jill Stanley gives you the celebrity legal news you crave in a way you haven?t encountered before. That?s because PROOF is not a gossip site; rather it?s a site for lovers of the law and those interested in understanding how celebrities move through the justice system. It?s for people who want more than half-truths and conjecture.

Jill Stanley was an Assistant District Attorney in New York, worked as a criminal defense lawyer in Washington, DC, a correspondent on America?s Most Wanted, and founded one of the nation?s top civil litigation law firms. She is also a guest lecturer at George Washington University Law School and Pepperdine University School of Law. Jill also provides legal commentary on various media platforms in addition to PROOF, including CNN/HLN, NBC, CBS, Inside Edition, USAToday, Refinery29, LAW360, and Glamour magazine just to name a few. It is her years of experience combined with her straightforward style that makes her uniquely capable of providing legal analysis about the hottest celebrity and pro athlete legal matters. Jill Stanley?s no-nonsense, direct speech cuts through all the fluff and gives you exactly what you want in your celebrity legal news.

We invite you to spend some time on PROOF, share your thoughts and opinions with Jill Stanley, ask her questions. We promise you your curiosity in the law and celebrities is matched only by Jill Stanley?s.PROOF with Jill Stanley, the only place to go for insightful, clear celebrity legal analysis.

DRAFTING SEASON IS NOT OVER YET

This year ?s fall feels like a bipolar date. One day it?s hot and humid, next day it?s chilly. The weather is in a funk, which is why Drafting Season is not over yet.

Drafting Season means you get serious about finding that someone to share Cuffing season. You?re literally Drafting people to date before it gets dark and cold on these mean streets. Men and women get lazy to go out and meet people IRL when the temperature hits below 30? degrees.

You probably already participated in Drafting Season when you got serious about your online dating apps so that you can take that special someone to your holiday events.

The best trick to Drafting Season is to have a pair and a spare. If one, or two falls through (not courting you properly), you still have one person left. It allows you to see through the contenders vs the pretenders. It prevents you from feeling thirsty AF. Also, it keeps you away from letting yourself too loose after a heavy make out session.

There?s a downside with Drafting Season as with any new dating trend, some people break up before, or after Valentine?s Day. That is, if you have not made a meaningful connection.

So next time you are out ordering that Pumpkin Spice Latte look around to see if anyone is Draft worthy.

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