Chev Magazine is a refreshing publication with fun, upbeat, encouraging, and positive articles and features to help the ordinary woman do/be/ look extraordinary.
Spring Into Fashion
Exclusive Interview with John Drury Boundaries– Keeping yourself happy while loving others
Editor-In-Chief Rachelle Chevrin Final Copy Editor Iman Ford
Spring Make Up Tips Smartphone Addicts: Is your Phone Your Idol? Top 10 ways to use your income tax refund Lindz Picks Your must have items this month Chev Mag/Big Johns Dance Fitness Weight Loss Challenge Photo Credit: Denny Clark Photography
Creative Consultant/Liaison Lindz Dillinger Director/Consultant/Graphics Michael Forbes Stylist Doris T. Artistry Writers Michael Forbes Doris Torres Judy “Ladi In Blue” Murcia Rachelle Chevrin Contributor Linda Vecchiarelli Cover designed by Designsby21k@gmail.com
Spring into Beauty 2013 Fashion, makeup & Hair Trends
Your Spring Fashions Spring Clean your closest and make room for the 2013 Spring fashion trends ladies! We will see lots of black and white, plaid, ruffles on tops and hemlines, floral prints, maxi dresses, mini dresses, Easter colors. sheer, split fabrics, leather pieces, sari inspired clothes from the Middle East, India and Russia, blazers, and sporty dresses to name a few.
HairTastic Spring 2013 Hair Trends
Many of you ask me, "What will we see this Spring in hair trends?" well we got your answer! Every year we see old fads brought back into revamped refreshed fashion trends. This Spring we will see a lot of 90's trends in hair with a flair of new ones. This past Winter, braids were a craze, and that craze doesn't seem to be fading.
Tie the knot...literally! knots will be pretty big this season
The Wet hair is back...
Those rocker waves are back as well...
Loose Ponytail...
Step into SPRING Take a step in the right direction
Spring Make up tips By Doris Torres With all the talk about spring fashion, we must get with the trends with makeup. There's a few old trends revised with little twists, and don't put your fall looks away just yet! They will be in the mix with spring. You will see red lips still rocked in every shade of red. Worn with the white and black fashion trend like the runway shows. Dramatic eyeliner with long lashes, bold blue shadows, oranges, and all those Easter egg colors. Pink pouty lips are back with a matte finish, and colorful eyeliners are back too. Giving us a lot of room to play with mix and matching with fashion. Here's some great ideas:
Smart Phone Addicts: Is Your Phone an Idol? Written by Linda Vecchiarelli Hub pages: Simple Gifts of Love
In my heart, I don't believe every next gadget developed is what America needs. I can barely have a conversation with anyone before it's somehow interrupted by a technical difficulty related to technology. In the past, that was what they announced when a TV or radio program was interrupted. Today, it occupies every aspect of life. Technology is essential to business and communication, yet it doesn't necessarily transmit truth about it's pitfalls, now does it? Let's face it, most technology takes more time than it saves. Just being real, who can escape the maze? I am subjected to false guilt over being technologically challenge. I am ridiculed for being simple. I am simply not part of the crowd. I'm tired. I don't want to be a slave to email, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, or even Google. I want to make my own decisions about what I do during the day, instead of feeling compelled to answer so I don't offend your silly "forwards" that I don't have the least interest in viewing or ready. Everything's cute, don't miss this, must read or "amazing video." I say, "not so much". I want my life back. The one where I can push a child on a swing, knit a blanket, cook a satisfying meal, or just sit outside and watch life happening. Or take a leisurely walk and think about life, what I like and what I would like to change. I like that life, and I intend to continue to stop letting everything else but my own thoughts drive me to unproductive busyness for no reason. No, I don't have to allow technology to make a robot out of me. I choose to put a phone down for dinner, a movie, and/ or conversations with people we care about. My phone is a boundary, I can choose to not answer it if I don't want to. Some use theirs to avoid real-time conversations they don't want to have, while others to demonstrate their pre-eminence in a lonely world. It is a pseudoconnectedness, a cheap substitute, a poor replacement for real family interaction. Individually, sorry, but who's that important? We are so self-centered. Electronic gadgets give us the virtual power to feel important by being reachable and textable at every second of the day. I turn mine off regularly to face the reality that
life is made to be lived, not just recorded. Sometimes I do it for the sheer humor of making others work to maintain a relationship with me. If they don't, I know my value to them and look elsewhere. Technology once designed to enhance is now isolating us from reality and each other in a true emotional sense. We can use and control it when we are more in a hurry than ever to go no where. Think about it just for a minute.....where are we really in such a hurry to get? We are mad in our behavior, demanding that we get more, better, and then best. As you age, you will realize much of what you have to communicate is really not that original or important. In some cases, It also doesn't have to cost you your life or take the life of someone else's' if you are one of the incessant car texters. Now that might hurt your ego, but if it makes us think, then it was worth saying. As for me, I am learning to LOVE the moments of silence and contemplation! I think the obvious solution is to prohibit driver texting in cars altogether. The only problem then will be what other activity will we find to do while we are driving? Shaving, putting on make-up, eating and taking pictures run a close second. Sometimes, in my fearful moments, I think about setting a video cam up in the back window of my car just to record the faces of inattentive drivers hitting their brakes at the last minute because they weren't paying attention, thereby rearranging their entire cars' contents. Then I find myself full of tension of thinking about the impact they might have on me if they don't stop. Here's hoping someone finds this offensive enough to comment. Sometimes, shocking us into reality is a good thing.
6 Invest in your home Top 10 Ways to use you Tax Refund Wisely 1 Pay
off your credit card Debts
Paying off your balances, you can afford to close the cards and eliminate high interest fees.
2 Stock up your savings account We all know you had to dip into your savings funds last year, this is the perfect time to restock. We advise saving enough to be able to pay your bills for at least 3 months if you were to become unemployed.
3 Pay off your car note Paying off your car note or paying your car insurance for the year will completely eliminate a recurring monthly bill, leaving you more money to play with throughout the year.
Your home is your castle. And even simple changes like a new couch, new wall paint, or even new kitchen appliances will make you love your home even more then you already do. Great suggestion? Get a new bedroom set, sheets, pillow cases, the works. And with the income tax return, you can now afford the good sheets!
7 Donate to a charity Alot of times throughout the year, we just don't have extra money to share with those in need. Income tax is a great opportunity to reach out to others. Best part about this plan? You can claim your donation on your next tax return!
8 Invest in Real Estate If you don't already own your own home, a great use of your income tax can be towards reaching that goal. Contact a bank or work with an agent and take advantage of the low housing prices. No rush, if your income tax is not enough for a down payment, hide the funds in a savings account and add the money saved to your next income tax refund.
4 Take a vacation
9 Pay off a utility bill for the year
Let’s face it, we all want to take a vacation but most of us aren't able to afford one with our monthly salaries minus the bills. Your income tax return is the perfect opportunity to splurge on a vacay. Whether it’s a simple weekend trip to visit family or a 7 day cruise to the Bahamas, knock yourself out.
Wouldn’t it be nice to not have to sweat your electric bill or water bill for the year? Most utilities companies have budget billings and may allow prepayment of services. Contact your utilities provider to confirm that plan would work.
5 Start a college fund for your kids If you already have one, replenish it. Adding little by little to this account every year will sure add up to a great amount once your kids become of age to enjoy it. College is expensive and student loans follow you longer then a criminal record (haha), a college fund/savings account will ensure your kids never have to experience high student loans.
10 Spruce up your wardrobe Most of us live paycheck to paycheck and aren't able to revamp our closet at will. Income tax refund is a great opportunity to spoil yourself and get that pencil skirt, and that Michael Kors purse you’ve been eyeing for a couple of months
Lindz’ Picks -CHEV’s Creative Director/Consultant gives you a checklist for must haves this month. Pay attention, Class is in session. iPhone 5 knuckle cases also available for iPhone 4/S www.tachatrendz.com
The Body Suite ( Natural Nail services)
For Hair (towel glove)
located in Ft. Myers, FL
www.glamour.com/beauty
www.Bodysuiteftmyers.com $10.00 Mani Mondays
UV/SPF hair products m.folica.com/hair-care
Hair chalking... The alternative to hair dye http://thebeautydepartment.com
Hair care products for all hair types http://itsa10haircare.com/hairsite/
Furla Candy bags http://www.furla.com/us/ candy_evolution/
Rules
Contest starts March 5th and ends April 5th.Entry is open to all.
Contestants must submit a before picture (Picture must show date and time taken– You can use a cell phone for this)
Contestants must follow the contest routine provided by Chev Mag/Big John’s Dance Fitness.
At the end of the contest, Contestant must submit an “After” Picture, (following the same rules as the before pic) along with your 30day journal.
Chev Mag/Big Johns Dance Fitness 30-Day Weight Loss Challenge This is the Chev Mag Big Johns Dance Fitness 30 day weight loss challenge: For 30 days you will follow Chevmag.com and Big Johns Dance Fitness YouTube channel for weight loss, health and dance fitness video tips and instructions. You will also follow the guidelines provided for weight loss success. Take one day at a time and watch the fats melt away as you sweat and burn thousands of calories with Big John and stay motivated and inspired with Chevmag.com.
Are You In It To Win It? NO EXCUSES! Routine to weight loss success:
Healthy breakfast/Portion Control/Log in Journal/A protein shake will help with hunger through out the day
For more info or to enter, please contact: Hi@chevmag.com
Small meal/Snack fruit vegetables and Water
Lunch/Portion control/Count Calories/Log in journal
Win this EXCLUSIVE custom tshirt along with a feature in CHEVMAG to report your amazing victory! Best win of all, is actually a loss….A WEIGHT LOSS!!
Healthy snack/Water
Dinner/Portion control/Count Calories/Low calorie beverage/Log in journal
45 minutes of Big Johns Dance Fitness. YouTube channel: The Drury 1150
Snack/low calorie treat or more fruit and vegetables/More water
NO Excuses! Let’s Dance!!
NO LATE NIGHT EATING REMEMBER: Write everything you eat down on paper. Use portion control. Drink plenty of water. Stay around 1,500-2,000 calories a day. Last but not least give it everything you have dancing with Big John. Get a good sweat going. Push yourself. NO EXCUSES!
Exclusive Interview With John Drury
and How He Danced Off A 100lbs. In life we don't always know the outcome of every decision we make until it lives it's course. So when a opportunity of a challenge arise it's up to us. Motivation comes in different shapes and sizes. In our latest success story we interview John Drury and learn his journey of losing 100lbs by dancing.
“This is my calling, I’m meant to do this.”
At 42, John remembers well what it was like for himself during those times. He’s always been into sports and extra curricular activities. But he also knew that sometimes in life “you settle down and get married”. To provide for his family, John later became a truck driver. And becoming a truck driver had its pros and cons. The lifestyle consisted of John constantly being on the road, which affected his eating habits. He’d eat at fastfood restaurants or diners at the rest stops while traveling on the road. This later weighed in on him as with so many hours of work during the week and family dedication, working out was difficult to fit into his routine. Thinking better also means doing better, so when the opportunity for came to accept a weight loss challenge, John did not hesitate. He enlisted into a weight loss competition organized by a local radio station in his home town of Cincinnati, Ohio. It was a “Biggest Loser” contest. During the competition John was able to work closely with a personal trainer of his own. It wasn’t long before he found himself counting calories and reporting to a nutritionist. This competition re-ignited a spark of dance and music that’s been in him since High School. With high hopes and a competitive spirit, John had lost the target amount, and continued to strive for weight loss through dancing.
“No Excuses”
“It’s not about me, Big Johns Dance Fitness is about those who want to lose weight and enjoy fitness”
At 6 foot 7 inches, he knew he was up against more than the usual odds. “I’m 290 with tattoos. I stepped out of the box.” Though it wasn’t easy, John kept a strong mind set on his goals, which had grew to new aspirations. Thriving on the excitement and motivation of his recent accomplishments that year, Big John wanted more out of his passion for dancing. He wanted to share with others who can relate to his experience being overweight . To make the most of what he loved, he made the investment into becoming a dance instructor and later launching his own dance program, Big Johns Dance Fitness. In a recent phone interview with us, John shared his goals and words of inspiration. During the interview John was like an open book of information on dance fitness and health nutrition. He mentioned what creating Big Johns Dance Fitness means to him: ”It’s not about me, it’s about those who want to lose weight and enjoy fitness”. John shares how the passion of dance and music has
always been a part of him. He feel he’ll be consistent in providing to those who can share his experience firsthand. With gaining exposure in his local area and online, John feels the effects of his hard work and enjoys the journey. “I’m Blessed. I’m meant to this, I feel like this is my calling.” John still drives his truck and imagines a day where he instructs full time with DVDs. Thank You for reading this success story, and for others who may be need a boost in effort, you can adopt Big Johns Food for Thought: “No Excuses”
Be sure to check Big John online: Twitter.com/Dancer1150 Facebook.com/John.Drury.5473 Youtube.com/TheDrury1150 Written by Michael Forbes @IknowMrForbes (Twitter, FB, IG) www.IknowMrForbes.com
Keeping Yourself Healthy While Loving Others Written by Linda Vecchiarelli Hub pages: Simple Gifts of Love
Learning Healthy Limits I attended a Boundaries support group at the invitation of a friend. This particular group was made up of women only, which is exactly what I needed. When I showed up I was a little skeptical, since I don't like being in large groups of women complaining about everything wrong with their lives. I was pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere of the group, particularly the focus on finding solutions for ourselves. It was quite informative, defining the necessity of best practices with boundaries for not losing yourself within a relationship. I recognized that I am considerably deficient because I take on responsibility for things that I can't change, and that would be other people's habits. We heard about good boundaries that keep you healthy and bad boundaries that are too rigid or strict to allow others into your world. I learned that boundary makers need a lot of practice in keeping their own boundaries when stronger people threaten them. I am by nature a very fearful person at times, and most of my issues stem from allowing people to get away with stuff others never would. I learned that I have been lax in keeping my boundaries when overpowering people declare they are not going to respect them. I have gone so far as to walk away with nothing after a court battle even when I was awarded half because giving it away was easier than dealing with a person who already demonstrated abusive behavior. To tell the truth, I haven't really cared much about what I have lost through the years, with the exception of my daughter's stuffed animals that I should never have encouraged her to give away. I am not a material girl, I have always valued people over things. I don't like confrontation, so boundaries are actually necessary. If my boundaries are in place, then I can feel safe to some degree. Others may choose not to honor the boundaries I establish, when it happens, I don't have to ignore that. Boundaries are made to keep me in and others that are not healthy out of my daily experience, or maybe permanently.
I also learned that there are some people who are boundary invaders. They are usually narcissistic or sociopaths. They have rarely been challenged, they continue stomping across boundaries of every kind until someone brave puts a stop to it. One of the assignments is to think about what we learn deeply and find ways to execute the truths in our daily living. I might add, that this is not as easy as I thought it would be. I took a few of them to focus on just for the next week, and I think I bit off more than I could chew. I am convinced that practice makes progress, so I tried not to be too discouraged by the lack of solid results. My husband was resistant, as our established pattern has served him well over the past 12 years. My friends have no idea I am doing this, but I did practice distancing myself when it was appropriate. My father superimposed himself over me and I pushed back redefining who I am and what I believe. I back pedaled slightly in practicing my boundaries in some of these instances, but the difference today is that I recognized it more quickly. I didn't jump to try and be part of the group that I realized has little interest in including me. I continued talking to the person I was conversing with when they approached me after a meeting which they usually leave in a group, rather than trying to fit in. When one of them left me a phone call afterwards, even though I felt a twinge of curiosity about where they had gone (I didn't ask), I called back and pretended everything was fine. What I should have done instead was tell them the truth that I have been hurt by their neglect in my time of need. I didn't have the courage at the time. I have surrendered my need to be a part of their clique. With my father, I let him say his piece and give his feedback before I realized what was happening. Once I did, I found myself defending (as always) that I am not the same person as I was before, I am making changes whether he is able to see them or not. He didn't like that and accused me of being unteachable. I recognized that as belittling to control rather than constructive.
These were painful experiences at the time, but I did it anyway. I realized that when people come up against my boundaries, I get to define who I am and live with it or cave in to the pressure exerted whether imagined or real. God knows my heart. I also don't have to be perfect in the process, it is next to impossible to do this perfectly every time. I can see things realistically afterwards and make the necessary adjustments, which may include forgiveness and reinforcing what I have already declared for respect.
missed out on something valuable for me overall well-being. I have to work on doing this more.
5. I have a right to be angry at someone I love when they do something to me that is wrong. I hate this one, but it is necessary to maintain when things are not as they could be. Last summer I practice this for a few months, and it was so uncomfortable I thought my heart would break. Finally it came full circle, but it was a difficult time for me. I like people to like me.
Here is a list of seven takeaways from the 1st class:
6. I can be healthier than those around me. I don't have to indulge in unhealthy patterns of eating or drinking just because those around me who are partaking offer them. I can also choose to be mature when others are not, and stay strong when others are falling apart. I do not have be an emotional mirror of others pain, and become depressed over their issues, but I can empathize while offering solutions if they ask for them.
1. I have numerous choices in my life beyond just surviving (existing). To me, that includes the right to make decisions of what I can live with and what I can't, and to say so. I do not have to be silent about what is good and bad for me in my environment, marriage and friendships.
7. I have the right to grieve over actual or threatened losses. This includes friendships, marriage, security, safety and life itself. If I am sick or hurting, I can say so and if others are uncomfortable, they can choose to be elsewhere. I can be real about pain I feel whether emotional, physical or spiritual.
2. I have a right to follow my own values and standards (they are vital to who I am). This of course, will usually bump up against some people, who may try to convince me to follow practices that violate my conscience. I must stand for what I believe at any cost or I will not respect myself. This is what I call a non-negotiable boundary for me.
I am determined to make progress in this endeavor towards emotional freedom. I was patterned this way as a child, but I am an adult now, and I can take responsibility for me. It may have taken me a long time and a lot of hard knocks to get here, but I am on my way.
It was a lesson to me that perhaps right now in my life, these are not healthy people for me to be around, and that is my choice. I am however, choosing new friendships that are more mutual, and I learned from the process that in some ways, they are not healthy for me because they don't really support me.
3. I have the right to terminate conversations with people who put me down and try to humiliate me for expressing what I believe or who I am. This means I have to work at not defending myself from the comments of small people who have a need to ridicule in order to dominate. This too, is not negotiable, although I engage far too often to please people. 4. I have a right to determine and honor my own priorities. This is a difficult one for me at times, but I have found when I do this, I am healthier and have more to offer when I am in the company of others. When I don't do this, I resent the exchange, and usually feel that I
In addition to all these facts, I am not a quitter. Stay tuned for more insights, and it's quite possible something might rub off on you. If not, my adventures might give you a good laugh!
If you want to read more on this subject, I highly recommend the book "Boundaries" by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend. I know them personally, and they have a very practical and balanced approach to this subject.